[The importance of lipoprotein(a) in pathogenesis of the high risk unstable angina].

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels in patients with low and high risk unstable angina pectoris, which is defined according to the cardiac troponin-I (Tn-I) levels and to investigate their relation with myocardial damage.

Methods: From patients with chest pain; venous blood samples were collected for measuring serum Lp(a) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels on admission and serum cTn-I levels 12 and 24 hours after admission. Fifty-nine patients with serum cTn-I levels <1.

Combined use of propagation velocity and intraventricular dispersion of E wave velocity for the evaluation of diastolic functions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate diastolic functions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by propagation velocity and intraventricular dispersion of E wave velocity.

Methods: Thirty-four patients fulfilling American Rheumatism Association (ARA) criteria for the diagnosis of RA without evidence of cardiac disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction were enrolled in this study. Echocardiographic examinations were performed for the evaluation of diastolic dysfunction in all patients.