Effect of atorvastatin on dynamic parameters of myocardial repolarization in healthy subjects.

Background: Antiarrhythmic properties of statins were suggested as a part of their pleiotropic effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of atorvastatin on myocardial repolarization as manifested on surface electrocardiograms (ECGs) in healthy subjects.

Methods And Results: Forty young healthy volunteers (20 men, 20 women) underwent a single-dose double-blind 3-way crossover study of 20 and 80 mg of atorvastatin and placebo.

Clinical characteristics of 30 Czech families with long QT syndrome and KCNQ1 and KCNH2 gene mutations: importance of exercise testing.

Background: Classic symptoms of long QT syndrome (LQTS) include prolongation of QT interval on electrocardiograph, syncope, and cardiac arrest due to a distinctive form of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, known as Torsade de Pointes. We assessed occurrence of LQTS signs in individuals from 30 Czech families with mutations in KCNQ1 and KCNH2 genes.

Methods And Results: One hundred five individuals from 30 Czech families with LQTS were genotyped for KCNQ1 and KCNH2.

Clinical characteristics and mutational analysis of the RyR2 gene in seven Czech families with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

Background: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare hereditary arrhythmia. The onset of clinical symptoms usually occurs during childhood, and is typically related to exercise. The aim of our study was to describe the clinical characteristics of seven Czech families with CPVT and the results of mutational analysis of the RyR2 gene in these families.

[Repolarization homogeneity in patients after acute myocardial infarction assessed from long-term 12-lead electrocardiographic recordings].

Background: Abnormal heterogeneity of myocardial electrophysiologic processes increases the risk of malignant arrhythmias. The aim of the studywas to assess changes ofrepolarization homogeneity in patients after acute myocardial infarction (MI) using morphological parameters obtained from long-term 12-lead electrocardiographic recordings.

Methods: In the group of 200 patients (45 females, 155 males) a long-term (10 minutes supine) 12-lead electrocardiographic recording (SEER MC, GE Medical) was performed 48-72 hours after acute myocardial infarction.