Carvedilol improves left atrial and left ventricular function and reserve in dilated cardiomyopathy after 1 year of treatment.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of carvedilol therapy on left atrial (LA) function in patients with heart failure from nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods And Results: Thirty-five patients (42.4 +/- 13.

Prediction of successful cardioversion and maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with lone atrial fibrillation.

Objective: We aimed to prospectively investigate the predictive value of echocardiographic parameters for the prediction of successful cardioversion and long-term sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance in patients who have experienced a lone episode of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Measurements And Results: Clinical and echocardiographic data, including mean left atrial appendage (LAA) peak flow velocity and mitral annulus motion, were analyzed in 78 consecutive patients (mean [+/- SD] age, 59.3 +/- 9.

Effects of dobutamine on left ventricular shape and geometry: an easy way to detect the functional status of chronic heart failure in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Objective: Changes in left ventricular geometry and shape are prominent characteristics of cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was to investigate left ventricular geometry and shape changes after inotropic stimulation in patients with chronic nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods: A low infusion rate echocardiography-dobutamine study was performed in 35 consecutive patients (age: 50 +/- 8 years) with known dilated cardiomyopathy.

Left atrial functional reserve in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy: an echocardiographic dobutamine study.

Objective: To evaluate left atrial functional reserve in patients with chronic heart failure and nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Background: Left ventricular functional status has been investigated using echocardiographic dobutamine.

Methods: In 35 consecutive patients (29 men and 6 women; mean +/- SD age, 42.