QRS analysis using wavelet transformation for the prediction of response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: a prospective pilot study.

Background: Wider QRS and left bundle branch block morphology are related to response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). A novel time-frequency analysis of the QRS complex may provide additional information in predicting response to CRT.

Methods: Signal-averaged electrocardiograms were prospectively recorded, before CRT, in orthogonal leads and QRS decomposition in three frequency bands was performed using the Morlet wavelet transformation.

Ibutilide for the Cardioversion of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation during Radiofrequency Ablation of Supraventricular Tachycardias.

Direct current electrical cardioversion (DC-ECV) is the preferred treatment for the termination of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) that occurs during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of supraventricular tachycardias (SVT). Intravenous Ibutilide may be an alternative option in this setting. Thirty-four out of 386 patients who underwent SVT-RFA presented paroxysmal AF during the procedure and were randomized into receiving ibutilide or DC-ECV.

Practice patterns of cardiologists, general practitioners, and internists for managing supraventricular tachycardias in Greece.

Objectives: Supraventricular tachycardias (SVT) often lead to emergency room and primary care visits. Not only cardiologists, but also general practitioners (GPs) and internists are involved to an increasing extent in the acute and long-term management of SVT. We aimed to explore the differences between practice patterns of cardiologists and noncardiologists with regard to SVT management in Greece.

Novel non-invasive P wave analysis for the prediction of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation recurrences in patients without structural heart disease: a prospective pilot study.

Objectives: The pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for the initiation and recurrence of PAF are not fully elucidated and vary among individuals. We evaluated the ability of a novel non-invasive approach based on P wave wavelet analysis to predict symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) recurrences in individuals without structural heart disease.

Methods: We studied 50 patients (24 males, mean age 54.

Differences in management of atrial fibrillation between cardiologists and non-cardiologists in Greece.

Introduction: We aimed to assess trends in the management of atrial fibrillation (AF) at various levels of medical care in Greece and to compare the treatment practices of cardiologists to those of non-cardiologists.

Methods: From January to May 2007, 500 questionnaires were mailed to cardiologists, internists and general practitioners, randomly selected from regional medical associations. Questions assessed management practices for paroxysmal, persistent and permanent AF.

Indications for permanent pacing and pacing mode prescription from 1989 to 2006. Experience of a single academic centre in Northern Greece.

Introduction: Indications for pacing and pacing mode prescription have changed in the past decades following advances in pacemaker technology. The aim of the present study was to evaluate changes in indications for pacing and pacing modes during the years 1989-2006 in a single academic pacemaker centre in Northern Greece.

Methods: Archives of permanent pacemaker implantation procedures were studied retrospectively and data from all implants, first or replacements, were retrieved.

Ceruloplasmin is a better predictor of the long-term prognosis compared with fibrinogen, CRP, and IL-6 in patients with severe unstable angina.

Background: We investigated the time course and prognostic value of fibrinogen (Fib), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and ceruloplasmin (CP) in patients with severe unstable angina.

Methods: All 4 substances were measured on admission and after 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, and after 7 days and 6 months in 40 patients with Braunwald's classification class IIIB unstable angina.

Results: All recorded substances increased significantly; 15 patients had cardiovascular events during hospitalization and 11 patients during follow-up.

Clinical significance of N-terminal-probrain natriuretic peptide in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

N-Terminal-probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) plasma levels are elevated in patients with congestive heart failure. Published data concerning the utility of NT-proBNP in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical significance of NT-proBNP in patients with HCM.

Can P wave wavelet analysis predict atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting?

The purpose of this study was the evaluation of Morlet wavelet analysis of the P wave as a means of predicting the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The P wave was analyzed using the Morlet wavelet in 50 patients who underwent successful CABG. Group A consisted of 17 patients, 12 men and 5 women, of mean age 66.