Increased Transforming Growth Factor-β Levels Associated With Cardiac Adverse Events in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common genetic heart disease characterized by ventricular hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, and impaired ventricular relaxation. The exact mechanisms by which fibrosis is caused remain unknown.

Hypothesis: Circulating TGF-β is related to poor prognosis in HCM.

The effect of atorvastatin on P wave dispersion in hyperlipidemic patients.

Aim: P wave dispersion (PWD) has been shown to be a noninvasive predictor for the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Atorvastatin is a 3 hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMGCoA) reductase inhibitor that lowers blood cholesterol levels. The beneficial effect of atorvastatin on atrial arrhythmias is controversial.