The association between CHADS-VASc score and aortic valve sclerosis.

Background: Antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation is generally managed with the CHADS-VASc score. Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) is a focal thickening of the aortic valve without a restriction of motion. AVS is related to several cardiovascular risk factors.

Association between the visceral adiposity index and the coronary artery calcification score and atherosclerotic plaque morphology.

Background: The relationship between the visceral adipose index (VAI), a surrogate marker of visceral adipose tissue dysfunction, and coronary atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) morphology remains unclear.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the VAI and the coronary artery calcification (CAC) score and CAP morphology in asymptomatic patients.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed 782 patients between January 2012 and January 2020.

Prognostic role of the left ventricular global function index in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome patients.

This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of the left ventricular (LV) global function index (LVGFI) in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome after long-term follow-up. This retrospective study included 718 patients with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 781 patients with non-ST-elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The LVGFI was calculated on echocardiography with the following formula: (LV stroke volume/[LV cavity volume + LV myocardial volume]) × 100.

Selvester score predicts implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks in patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Background: The implantable cardiac defibrillator is the cornerstone of prevention of sudden cardiac death in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. The Selvester score, which is frequently investigated in ischemic cardiomyopathy, has not been investigated in the field of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Selvester score for determining appropriate implantable cardiac defibrillator shocks in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients.

Appraisal of transthoracic echocardiography for opportunistic screening of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a life threatening disease. Most of the patients diagnosed incidentally because of the asymptomatic nature of this disease. This study aimed to determine the frequency of abdominal aortic aneurysm and evaluate the value of opportunistic screening during transthoracic echocardiography.

Clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of acute decompensated heart failure patients with and without atrial fibrillation.

Objective: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) are common cardiovascular diseases. The impact of AF on in-hospital outcomes in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is controversial. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of AF among hospitalized patients with ADHF and describe the clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of these patients with and without AF.

The association between the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio and coronary artery disease severity in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Objective: Fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) is an inexpensive and easily measurable novel inflammatory index that has been found to be associated with atherosclerosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between the FAR and coronary artery disease (CAD) severity in patients with stable CAD.

Methods: In total, 356 consecutive patients with CAD were classified into three groups, those with a low Synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention and the Taxus and Cardiac Surgery Study (SYNTAX) score (≤22), those with an intermediate SYNTAX score (23≥ SYNTAX score ≤32) and those with a high SYNTAX score (>32).

Blood Group Types O and Non-O Are Associated With Coronary Collateral Circulation Development.

Blood group types are associated with coronary artery disease. However, data are scarce about the impact of blood group types on coronary collateral circulation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the blood group types and coronary collateral circulation.

The Usefulness of Admission Plasma NT-pro BNP Level to Predict Left Ventricular Aneurysm Formation after Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Background: Left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) is an important complication of acute myocardial infarction. In this study, we investigated the role of N- Terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide level to predict the LVA development after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 1519 consecutive patients with STEMI.

A Rare Cause of Multiple Pseudoaneurysms of Radial Artery After Coronary Angiography: Behcet's Disease.

Patients with Behçet's disease are at risk for iatrogenic aneurysms after interventions. Presently described is the case of a 55-year-old male with multiple pseudoaneurysms occurring in the late period after a coronary angiography procedure performed via the radial artery. There was no previous diagnosis of vasculitis.

The association of estimated whole blood viscosity with hemodynamic parameters and prognosis in patients with heart failure.

Aim: We aimed to investigate the association of estimated whole blood viscosity (WBV) with hemodynamic parameters and prognosis in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Materials & Methods: Total of 542 patients were included and followed-up for median 13 months.

Results: The WBV parameters had negative relationship with right atrium pressure and positive correlation with cardiac index.

The association between left ventricular mass index and coronary collateral circulation in patients with chronic total occlusion.

Objective: Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy predisposes the myocardium to ischemia through several mechanisms. The LV mass index (LVMI) is used as a readily available and reliable measurement of LV hypertrophy. The LVMI can also be used to evaluate LV remodeling.