Left atrial function in patients with a high C-reactive protein level and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Objective: We evaluated left atrial dimensions and function in high C-reactive protein (CRP) patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Background: In patients with increased plasma levels of CRP left atrial dysfunction may enhance the occurrence of arrhythmias.

Methods: Two-dimensional and pulsed Doppler echocardiography, were performed in 20 consecutive patients with high CRP levels and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (group CRf) and in 20 patients with high CRP levels without this arrhythmia (group CR).

Effects of C-reactive protein and the third and fourth components of complement (C3 and C4) on incidence of atrial fibrillation.

Although C-reactive protein (CRP) is a major cardiovascular risk factor, its association with atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial. This study explored whether the CRP-related incidence of AF is modified by serum markers of inflammation in a population-based cohort with follow-up data. Serum CRP and 2 components of the complement system (C3 and C4) were determined in 1,011 healthy patients (25 to 64 years old).

Effect of C-reactive protein reduction on paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) lowering is associated with a reduction in recurrent and permanent atrial fibrillation. This study sought to determine whether CRP lowering also results in a reduction of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) during daily life.

Methods And Results: We enrolled 80 patients with proven PAF, CRP between 0.

Effects of levosimendan on restrictive left ventricular filling in severe heart failure: a combined hemodynamic and Doppler echocardiographic study.

Background: A restrictive pattern of left ventricular filling is often present in patients with severe heart failure. Although the hemodynamic effects of levosimendan have been studied, the effects of levosimendan on LV filling pattern have not been investigated.

Methods: Pulsed-wave Doppler mitral (transthoracic) and pulmonary venous flow (transesophageal) velocity curves were recorded in 30 patients with a restrictive pattern of left ventricular filling with New York Heart Association class III or IV heart failure who had a documented left ventricular ejection fraction < 30% by echocardiography and received a 0.

Aortic stiffness is an independent predictor of progression to hypertension in nonhypertensive subjects.

Aortic stiffness may predict progression to hypertension beyond classic risk factors. In a longitudinal study, we assessed the predictive value of aortic stiffness on future hypertension in nonhypertensive subjects with blood pressure (BP) <140/90. Aortic stiffness was determined by echocardiography at baseline in 2512 subjects.

Assessment of left atrial input impedance in normal subjects and in hypertensive patients.

Background: To assess left atrial (LA) input impedance in patients with signs and/or symptoms of heart failure and normal left ventricular ejection fraction, transesophageal Doppler pulmonary venous (PV) flow velocity and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were studied in 20 patients and compared to 20 matched normal controls.

Methods: LA impedance was calculated as the ratio of harmonic terms of the PCWP (measured by right heart catheterization) to the corresponding harmonic terms of PV flow (measured by transesophageal Doppler echocardiography). Eight harmonics were analyzed.

Relationship between C-reactive protein concentrations during glucocorticoid therapy and recurrent atrial fibrillation.

Background: Little direct information is available on the effect of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) lowering on the reduction of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods And Results: We compared low-dose glucocorticoid therapy (16 mg methylprednisolone for 4 weeks tapered to 4 mg for 4 months) and placebo in 104 patients who had experienced persistent AF with a median concentration of CRP 1.14 mg/dL (min=0.

Effects of thyroid replacement therapy on arterial blood pressure in patients with hypertension and hypothyroidism.

Background: Hypothyroidism is frequently accompanied by cardiac dysfunction, increased vascular resistance, and a greater prevalence of hypertension. Treatment of hypothyroidism may lead to normalization of blood pressure, although some patients may exhibit sustained hypertension. The mechanism of this condition may be the alterations in aortic stiffness.