The opinion of Turkish cardiologists on current malpractice system and an alternative patient compensation system proposal: PCS study group.

Objective: Cardiologists participate in the diagnosis and interventional treatment of numerous high-risk patients. The goal of this study was to investigate how the current malpractice system in Turkey influences cardiologists' diagnostic and interventional behavior and to obtain their opinions about an alternative patient compensation system.

Methods: The present cross-sectional study assessed the practice of defensive medicine among cardiologists who are actively working in various types of workplace within the Turkish healthcare system.

Safety of once- or twice-daily dosing of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: A NOAC-TR study.

Once-daily dosing of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) may increase patient adherence to treatment but may also be associated with a higher risk of bleeding. In this study, we investigated the adherence to once- or twice-daily dosing of NOACs and the risk of bleeding in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. This multicenter cross-sectional study, conducted between 1 September 2015 and 28 February 2016, included 2214 patients receiving NOACs for at least 3 months, due to NVAF.

Effect of Atrial Fibrillation on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Development in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

We investigated the relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF) and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI); 1045 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions were enrolled. Risk factors for CIN were investigated. Baseline characteristics, except oral anticoagulant use, were similar between patients with and without AF.

Post-discharge heart failure monitoring program in Turkey: Hit-PoinT.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and feasibility of an enhanced heart failure (HF) education with a 6-month telephone follow- up program in post-discharge ambulatory HF patients.

Methods: The Hit-Point trial was a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of enhanced HF education with a 6-month telephone follow-up program (EHFP) vs routine care (RC) in patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction. A total of 248 patients from 10 centers in various geographical areas were randomized: 125 to EHFP and 123 to RC.

Decline in mean platelet volume in patients with patent foramen ovale undergoing percutaneous closure.

Introduction: The presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is considered a possible cause for cryptogenic stroke. The mechanism underlying the ischaemic neurological events in the presence of PFO has not been firmly established. The purpose of this study was to compare: (1) the mean platelet volume levels in PFO patients with and without a cryptogenic stroke, and (2) pre- and post-procedural mean platelet volumes (MPV) in patients undergoing percutaneous PFO closure.

Parameters of heart rate variability can predict prolonged asystole before head-up tilt table test.

Background: We aimed to evaluate whether heart rate variability (HRV) could predict prolonged asystole before head-up tilt table test (HUTT) by comparing time domain HRV parameters of patients with type 2B vasovagal syncope (VVS) and patients with other types of VVS.

Methods: Ninety-eight patients who examined with 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram monitoring before HUTT and diagnosed with VVS were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups in accordance with their VVS type as group 1 (n = 43) consisting of patients with type 2B VVS and group 2 (n = 57) consisting of patients with other types of VVS.

Quality of life of patients with atrial septal defect following percutaneous closure.

Introduction: Quality of life has become an important outcome measure in addition to mortality and morbidity in patients with congenital heart disease. Atrial septal defect is a common congenital heart disease, and transcatheter atrial septal defect closure has become an accepted treatment modality. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of life of patients with atrial septal defect who underwent percutaneous closure.

[Retrospective analysis of 1650 permanent pacemaker implantations experience over two different consecutive time periods in a single cardiology clinic].

Objective: Indications for pacing, pacing modes, and demographics of patients who underwent pacemaker implantation between two different time periods were compared in this study.

Methods: Pacemaker registry of our cardiology department was used to evaluate these changes from 1986 to 2007 (First period: 1986-1996, second period: 1997-2007) retrospectively.

Results: Registry revealed 776 implantations in the first and 874 implantations in the second period.

[The efficiency and safety of balloon valvuloplasty in patients with mitral stenosis and a high echo score: mid- and short-term clinical and echocardiographic results].

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the success and safety of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) and its mid-term clinical and echocardiographic results in patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis, including those having a high echo score (9 to 11).

Study Design: This prospective study included 57 consecutive patients (9 men, 48 women; mean age 41+/-9 years) who underwent PMBV with the Inoue technique for symptomatic (NYHA class II-IV) mitral stenosis (valve area <1.5 cm2).