Incidence, electrophysiological characteristics, and long-term follow-up of perimitral atrial flutter in patients with previously confirmed mitral isthmus block.

Introduction: After mitral isthmus (ΜΙ) catheter ablation, perimitral atrial flutter (PMF) circuits can be maintained due to the preservation of residual myocardial connections, even if conventional pacing criteria for complete MI block are apparently met (MI pseudo-block). We aimed to study the incidence, the electrophysiological characteristics, and the long-term outcome of these patients.

Methods: Seventy-two consecutive patients (mean age 62.

Monocyte-platelets aggregates as cellular biomarker of endothelium-dependent coronary vasomotor dysfunction in patients with coronary artery disease.

Monocyte-platelet aggregates (MPA) are increased in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We investigated whether MPA are associated with the presence of functionally significant coronary stenoses or with coronary arterial endothelial dysfunction. One hundred forty five patients undergoing elective coronary angiography were prospectively enrolled.

Acute effects of different alcoholic beverages on vascular endothelium, inflammatory markers and thrombosis fibrinolysis system.

Background & Aim: Mild alcohol consumption has been associated with decreased cardiovascular risk, although the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We compared the acute effects of several alcoholic beverages on endothelial function, inflammatory process and thrombosis/fibrinolysis system in young adults.

Methods: In this randomized intervention trial, healthy young individuals with no risk factor for atherosclerosis were randomized into 5 equally sized groups and received an equal amount of alcohol (30 g), as red wine (264 ml), white wine (264 ml), beer (633 ml), whisky (79 ml) or water (250 ml).

Effects of lipid profile on forearm hyperemic response in young subjects.

Introduction: The role of lipids in atherogenesis is now well established. However, the exact mechanisms by which different lipoproteins affect endothelial function and induce atherogenesis are still not well understood. In the present study we examined the effect of lipid profile on forearm vasodilatory response to reactive hyperemia, an index of endothelial function, in a cohort of young, low-risk adults.

Combined effects of smoking and hypercholesterolemia on inflammatory process, thrombosis/fibrinolysis system, and forearm hyperemic response.

The combined effects of smoking and hypercholesterolemia on the inflammatory process, the thrombosis/fibrinolysis system, and forearm hyperemic response were investigated. It was shown that smokers with hypercholesterolemia (n = 25) had a reduced and delayed forearm hyperemic response compared with healthy smokers (n = 24), patients with hypercholesterolemia (n = 26), and healthy controls (n = 75; p <0.01 for all).