Factors influencing immediate and long-term outcome of electrical cardioversion of persistent atrial fibrillation and flutter.

Background: To investigate which factors influence the immediate and long-term outcome of elective electrical cardioversion for persistent (>48h) atrial fibrillation or flutter.

Methods: In 255 patients, 435 electrical cardioversions were performed. Relevant clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic factors were registered at each cardioversion.

Automated ultrasonic measurement of human arteries for the determination of endothelial function.

Aim: Brachial artery ultrasonography is used to measure flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) as a marker of endothelial function in patients at risk for atherosclerosis. Major disadvantages are the time-consuming manual readings and the high within- and between-observer variability. The authors hypothesize that the ultrasound-based determination of endothelial function can be simplified and refined by an automated analysis system.