Longitudinal strain curves in the RV free wall differ in morphology in patients with pulmonary hypertension compared to controls.

Background: Previous studies using speckle tracking-derived strain for quantification of right ventricular (RV) function in pulmonary hypertension (PHT) have focused on the magnitude of global and regional peak longitudinal systolic strains (PLSS) and systolic strain-related indices of dyssynchrony. The aim of our study was to investigate the pattern of RV contraction and relaxation with the use of the contour and timing of strain and velocity curves in PHT.

Methods: The study population consisted of thirty-seven patients with PHT (45 ± 18 years, 16 women) and thirty-seven controls.

The prevalence of glucose metabolism abnormalities in Greek women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The prevalence of glucose metabolism abnormalities in PCOS women worldwide varies between 10 and 40% but there are no data in Greek PCOS women. In this retrospective study the prevalence of glucose abnormalities and the indices of insulin resistance (IR) and whole-body insulin sensitivity were estimated in a Greek population with PCOS. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (t2DM) were calculated.

ST segment "hump" during exercise testing and the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Background: The appearance of a discrete upward deflection of the ST segment termed "the ST hump sign" (STHS) during exercise testing has been associated with resting hypertension and exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise.

Objective: We investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of this sign in a population of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methods: Eighty-one patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing were followed in a retrospective cohort study for a mean period of 5.

Usefulness of dobutamine stress echocardiography with Tissue Doppler imaging for the evaluation and follow-up of patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot.

Background: The longstanding pulmonary regurgitation in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (RTOF) results in right ventricular (RV) failure. The estimation of RV function and reserve in these patients is of great importance, especially for the determination of the proper timing of pulmonary valve replacement. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of the tricuspid annulus has been proved a valuable tool in the evaluation of these patients.

Short-term effects of atmospheric temperature and humidity on morbidity from acute coronary syndromes in free of air pollution rural Greece.

Study Objective: An evaluation of the effect of ambient temperature on morbidity from acute coronary syndromes (ACS) while avoiding confounding by air pollution.

Design: An ecological study in rural Greece.

Methods: Daily admissions to hospital because of ACS were recorded for 1 year and analysed versus daily temperature and humidity.