Oxidative stress markers predict early left ventricular systolic dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Background: Despite successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), some patients develop left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and acute heart failure (HF). Identifying patients with an increased risk of developing LVSD by means of biomarkers may help select patients requiring more aggressive therapy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the levels of oxidative stress markers and development of LVSD and acute HF early after STEMI.

The long-term risk of stroke in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with new-onset atrial fibrillation.

Background: The long-term risk of stroke after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated with new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term risk of AF and stroke in patients with AMI complicated with new-onset AF.

Methods: Patients with AMI complicated with new-onset AF (n = 260) and those without new-onset AF (n = 292) were followed for a mean of 7 years.

Randomized active-controlled study comparing effects of treatment with carvedilol versus metoprolol in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Carvedilol has previously been demonstrated to be beneficial in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, metoprolol has not to date been randomly evaluated in the same patient population. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of treatment with carvedilol versus metoprolol in patients with LV dysfunction after AMI.

Outcome of patients in relation to duration of new-onset atrial fibrillation following acute myocardial infarction.

Aim: The duration of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) following the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was evaluated as well as its relation to in-hospital and 7-year mortality.

Methods And Results: A total of 320 consecutive patients with AF following AMI were examined and patients with AF <7 h (n = 141) were compared to those with AF > or =7 h in duration (n = 179). Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis was performed to identify the most useful AF duration cut-off level for the prediction of poor outcome.

Adenosine cardioprotection study in clinical setting of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia.

PSVT attack of >20min and frequency >160 is well-recognized model of myocardial dysfunction. We measured 6-keto-PGF1alpha and TXB(2) before and after adenosine administration to assess its cardioprotective potential. A total of 64 patients were randomly assigned as having acute episode of PSVT to adenosine or verapamil group.

Significance of recurrences of new atrial fibrillation in acute myocardial infarction.

Background: Although new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently recurs following the acute myocardial infarction, the significance of AF recurrences is unknown.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical predictors and prognostic significance of AF recurrences following the acute myocardial infarction.

Methods And Results: A total of 320 consecutive patients with AF following the acute myocardial infarction were evaluated and the patients with AF recurrences were compared to those with single episodes of AF in whom AF did not recur after restoration of sinus rhythm.

Prognostic significance of new atrial fibrillation and its relation to heart failure following acute myocardial infarction.

Background: New-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) frequently occurs in association with postinfarction complications, particularly with heart failure (HF).

Aims: To evaluate whether postinfarction HF is associated with the subsequent development of AF and whether AF independently predicts poorer prognosis.

Methods And Results: We examined 650 patients with AMI and compared patients with AF (n=320) to those without (n=330).