Myocardial Blush Grade Predicts Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation following Mitral Valve Replacement: A Novel Perspective.

: Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains the most common arrhythmia following mitral valve surgery. Although numerous clinical and laboratory indicators and possible mechanisms of postoperative AF (PoAF) have been described, the role of microvascular dysfunction in pathogenesis has not been assessed. We aimed to evaluate the association between microvascular dysfunction and PoAF in patients undergoing isolated mitral valve replacement.

Effect of candesartan treatment on echocardiographic indices of cardiac remodeling in post-myocardial infarction patients.

Objective: Myocardial infarction has unfavorable effect on structural and functional properties of the myocardium, referred to as cardiac remodeling. Left ventricular mass, left ventricular mass index, and relative wall thickness are important predictors of cardiac remodeling. In this study, we investigated the effect of candesartan treatment in comparison with zofenopril treatment on echocardiographic indices of cardiac remodeling in post myocardial infarction patients.

Assessment of arterial stiffness and epicardial adipose tissue thickness in predicting the subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Objective: Atherosclerosis is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disease. Recognition of subclinical atherosclerotic vascular changes before clinical manifestation in an asymptomatic population is important for risk stratification and optimal management, which finally leads to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to determine the risk of premature subclinical atherosclerosis by evaluating epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and arterial stiffness parameters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Serum galectin-3 level predicts early recurrence following successful direct-current cardioversion in persistent atrial fibrillation patients.

Objective: Atrial structural remodeling has been suggested to contribute to atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence following direct-current cardioversion (DCCV). The role of several inflammatory and extracellular matrix turnover markers in AF recurrence following DCCV has been investigated. However, data on the impact of galectin-3, which is known to play a role in various fibrotic conditions, including cardiac fibrosis are lacking.

The association between serum angiogenin and osteopontin levels and coronary collateral circulation in patients with chronic total occlusion.

Objective: A well-developed coronary collateral circulation lowers both in-hospital and long-term morbidity and mortality limiting the infarct. Angiogenin (AGN) and osteopontin (OPN) are known to be potent inducers of angiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between serum ANG and OPN levels and collateral filling grade in subjects with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD).

Long-term outcomes of pulmonary vein isolation using second-generation cryoballoon during atrial fibrillation ablation.

Background: Currently available second-generation cryoballoon (CB2) is accepted as an effective and safe tool for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Although much more data exist about 1-year outcomes of CB2 ablation, data on long-term outcomes are scarce.

Objective: We aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of PVI using CB2 in a large-scale symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) population at our tertiary referral center.

Impact of anatomical features of the left atrial appendage on outcomes after cryoablation for atrial fibrillation.

Aims: Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using cryoballoon has been accepted as a safe and effective method for treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Despite advances in catheter-based technologies, some patients still experience AF recurrence. In this study, we aimed to compare left atrial appendage (LAA) morphology in AF patients and subjects with sinus rhythm and also investigate the association between LAA morphology and success of PVI using cryoballoon in subjects with AF.

Pulmonary vein orientation is independently associated with outcomes following cryoballoon-based atrial fibrillation ablation.

Aims: Several studies have investigated the influence of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy on outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between PV orientation and AF-free survival following cryoablation.

Methods: 160 patients scheduled for cryoablation between September 2012-March 2014 were included.

Platelet Toll-like receptor and its ligand HMGB-1 expression is increased in the left atrium of atrial fibrillation patients.

Background: Atrial fibrillation(AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. Its most feared sequelae are stroke and peripheral thromboembolism due to atrial thrombi formation. Mechanisms underlying the relationship between platelet activation and left atrial thrombi have not been clearly elucidated yet.

Does Septoplasty Improve Heart Functions of Patients With Septum Deviation in Terms of Echocardiography Findings?

Objective: The authors aimed to determine pulmonary artery pressure and right heart functions in patients with nasal septum deviation (NSD) with echocardiography (EchoCG) and compare the postoperative changes of EchoCG parameters with preoperative findings.

Methods: Seventy-six patients who underwent septoplasty composed the study group. Average age of patients was 23.

Management of Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Volume Overload.

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a global health problem. Like most chronic diseases, HF also courses with acute exacerbations, which have been found to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. A substantial proportion of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) patients clinically present with volume overload.

Anti-Hyperglycemic Agents for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Role in Cardioprotection During the Last Decade.

Type 2 diabetic patients are known to have a tendency to develop cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD), and related unfavourable outcomes such as heart failure, myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular events (e.g. stroke), and related mortality.

Serum galectin-3 level as a marker of thrombogenicity in atrial fibrillation.

Background: Left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV) and presence of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) have been reported to be predictors of thromboembolism in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. Galectin-3 is a biomarker reflecting pro-inflammatory status, whose role in AF has recently drawn attention, particularly in persistent AF population.

Aim: In this study we aimed to investigate the association between serum galectin-3 levels and echocardiographic predictors of thromboembolism in persistent AF patients.

Pulmonary vein anatomy and its variations in a Turkish atrial fibrillation cohort undergoing cryoballoon-based catheter ablation.

Objective: Pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy has drawn attention since assumption that atrial fibrillation (AF) may originate from PVs and that electrical isolation of PVs may be beneficial in eliminating these triggers. The present study aims to investigate PV anatomy and its variations in a sample of Turkish patients undergoing PV isolation (PVI) for AF.

Methods: 250 patients underwent multidetector computed tomography before cryoballoon-based PVI for AF.

Association of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with the Severity and Morphology of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques Detected by Multidetector Computerized Tomography.

Background: Studies have demonstrated a consistent relationship between white blood cell (WBC) counts and coronary artery disease (CAD). The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been considered as a potential marker for identifying individuals under risk of CAD and associated events. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether NLR was associated with the severity and morphology of coronary atherosclerotic plaques shown by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Traditional and Alternative Therapies for Refractory Angina.

Refractory angina (RFA) is an unfavourable condition that is characterized with persistent angina due to reversible myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease that remains uncontrollable despite an optimal combination of pharmacological agents and revascularization. Despite significant advances in revascularization techniques and agents used in pharmacological therapy, there is still a significant population suffering from RFA and the global prevalence is even increasing. Anti- anginal treatment and secondary risk-factor modification are the traditional approaches for this group of patients.

Monocyte Toll-Like Receptor Expression in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia. Inflammation has been suggested to play a vital role in the pathogenesis. Previous studies have investigated expression of inflammatory markers in AF.

Increased left atrial pressure predicts recurrence following successful cryoablation for atrial fibrillation with second-generation cryoballoon.

Purpose: Several studies have demonstrated that left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and left atrial pressure (LAP), as a surrogate marker of LVDD, were associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence following radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for AF. In this study, we aimed to investigate the individual impact of several left ventricular diastolic function parameters on outcomes of cryoablation for paroxysmal AF using second-generation cryoballoon.

Methods: One hundred seventy patients who were scheduled for cryoablation with second-generation cryoballoon were included in this prospective study.

Role of Micronutrients on Subclinical Atherosclerosis Micronutrients in Subclinical Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) leading to coronary heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world. Nutrition is one of the key factors in the etiology of atherosclerosis. Micronutrient supplements are widely used to prevent many chronic diseases including atherosclerosis.

Enhanced Platelet Toll-like Receptor 2 and 4 Expression in Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stable Angina Pectoris.

Evidence is accumulating that toll-like receptors (TLR) are involved in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease. Enhanced expression of these receptors on monocytes has been shown in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, expression on platelets in this group of patients has not been evaluated yet.

Periatrial epicardial adipose tissue thickness is an independent predictor of atrial fibrillation recurrence after cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation.

Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active fat depot. Studies have investigated the effect of EAT thickness on outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, data on the relationship between EAT thickness and outcome of cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) are lacking.

Predictors of left atrial volume index reduction following cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation.

Aims: Ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) has been suggested to be associated with 'reverse left atrial remodelling'. Reduction in left atrial volume index (LAVIR) is regarded as a determinant of reverse remodelling following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, there is paucity on data about the predictors for LAVIR after PVI.

Cardiac Autoantibody Levels Predict Recurrence Following Cryoballoon-Based Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients.

Introduction: Recent evidence has suggested that autoantibodies may play an important role in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). The predictive value of preprocedural autoantibodies against beta-1 adrenergic receptor (anti-β1-R) and M2-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (anti-M2-R) for AF recurrence following cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is still unclear. We aimed to determine the predictive value of preprocedural anti-β1-R and anti-M2-R levels for AF recurrence.