PRKAG3 polymorphisms associated with sporadic Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome among a Taiwanese population.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate whether mutation in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) subunit genes (PRKAG3-230) is associated with sporadic, isolated Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome.

Methods: This study consisted of 87 patients with symptomatic WPW syndrome and 93 healthy controls. PRKAG3-230 genotypes were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction assay.

Long-Term Prognosis in Recipients of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators for Secondary Preventions in Taiwan - A Multicenter Registry Study.

Background: The use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) has a proven capacity to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD), and can also improve survival duration in well-selected patients. The goal of the present study was to investigate the long-term prognosis and predictors of mortalities among ICD recipients in Taiwan.

Methods: From 1998 to 2009, 238 consecutive patients who experienced SCDs or life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias without correctable causes and received ICD implantations in 3 medical centers (Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital) were enrolled in this study.

The Effect of Intensified Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Reduction on Recurrent Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Mortality.

Background: Lipid-lowering therapy plays an important role in preventing the recurrence of cardiovascular events in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study aimed to assess the effect of intensified low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction on recurrent myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality in patients after AMI.

Method: The 562 enrolled AMI patients (84.

Recurrent syncope due to carotid sinus hypersensitivity and sick sinus syndrome.

Syncope is a sudden and brief loss of consciousness with postural tone. Its recovery is usually spontaneous. There are various causes of syncope including cardiac, vascular, neurologic, metabolic and miscellaneous origins.

Assessing culprit lesions and active complex lesions in patients with early acute myocardial infarction by multidetector computed tomography.

Background: Accurate, non-invasive characterization of culprit lesions in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains challenging. In this prospective study, multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) is used to assess culprit and active complex lesions in patients early after AMI.

Methods And Results: We enrolled 103 patients with first non ST-elevation AMI who underwent 64-slices MDCT and conventional coronary angiography (CCAG).

Role of shortened QTc dispersion in in-hospital cardiac events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome.

Background: QT dispersion (QTD) refers to the difference between maximal and minimal QT values on the electrocardiogram (ECG). QTD values are calculated and corrected with Bazett's formula (corrected QTD = QTcD = QTD/square root of RR). QTcD increases in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Acute effects of dual-chamber pacing on the left ventricular systolic function and relaxation in patients with advanced AV block and sick sinus syndrome.

Background: Abnormal activation of the ventricles via right ventricular apical pacing deteriorates cardiac function, which may explain the increased mortality of patients with congestive heart failure receiving permanent pacemakers. We hypothesized that pacing at alternative sites may cause less detrimental effects on the cardiac function.

Methods: Five symptomatic patients with either advanced AV block (n = 4) or sick sinus syndrome with normal left ventricular (LV) function (n = 1) were studied.