Pharmacologic inhibition of the mitochondrial Na/Ca exchanger protects against ventricular arrhythmias in a porcine model of ischemia-reperfusion.

Background: The mitochondrial Na/Ca exchanger (mNCX) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of arrhythmogenicity and myocardial reperfusion injury, rendering its inhibition a potential therapeutic strategy. We examined the effects of CGP-37157, a selective mNCX inhibitor, on arrhythmogenesis, infarct size (IS), and no reflow area (NRA) in a porcine model of ischemia-reperfusion.

Methods: Forty pigs underwent myocardial ischemia for 60 minutes, followed by 2 hours of reperfusion.

High furosemide dose has detrimental effects on survival of patients with stable heart failure.

Introduction: High doses of furosemide for heart failure (HF) have been correlated with an increased mortality, though whether they are a marker of disease severity or an independent predictor is unknown. We hypothesized that, in patients presenting with stable HF, the likelihood of long-term major adverse clinical events is increased by higher furosemide doses.

Methods: We retrospectively recorded the doses of furosemide prescribed to 173 consecutive, clinically stable patients during a first ambulatory HF department visit.

Cardiosphere-derived progenitor cells for myocardial repair following myocardial infarction.

In the recent years, the existence of cardiac regeneration in mammalian models and even humans has been confirmed in several, carefully designed and executed studies. However, the intrinsic rate of cardiomyocyte renewal is not sufficient to replenish the large number of cells lost after a major injury in the heart, such as myocardial infarction. Therefore, exogenously administered cells with progenitor properties have been used in order to augment this process.

Elevated left ventricular filling pressures can be estimated with accuracy by a new mathematical model.

Background: Although the clinical assessment of jugular venous pressure (JVP) provides accurate estimate of right atrial pressure (RAP), there is no reliable non-invasive method for assessing pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). Our objective was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity for detecting elevated left ventricular filling pressures using a model for PCWP estimation, based on the clinical assessment of RAP and association between RAP and PCWP, which is unique for each patient, identified in a recent right heart catheterization (RHC).

Methods: The study included 377 patients (age, 54.