Effects of ACEI/ARB or CCB use on atrial fibrillation in hypertensive patients following permanent pacemaker implantation.

Aims: Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) combined with hypertension leads to a higher risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) for patients. Hence, it is essential to study how to reduce this risk. Currently, the effects of the two common anti-hypertensive drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) and calcium channel blockers (CCB), on the risk of NOAF for such patients remain unknown.

Wellens' Syndrome with a proximal left anterior descending artery occlusion.

The case is a 52-year-old male admitted to cardiology department with chest tightness. Admission ECG showed nontypical T-wave changes in V2-V4 leads in pain peroids, and increasing severe narrowing of proximal LAD. Cardiac enzymes were abnormal.

Effects of low-level autonomic stimulation on prevention of atrial fibrillation induced by acute electrical remodeling.

Background: Rapid atrial pacing (RAP) can induce electrical and autonomic remodeling and facilitate atrial fibrillation (AF). Recent reports showed that low-level vagosympathetic nerve stimulation (LLVNS) can suppress AF, as an antiarrhythmic effect. We hypothesized that LLVNS can reverse substrate heterogeneity induced by RAP.

Mechanism of and therapeutic strategy for atrial fibrillation associated with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most important risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) and is a predictor of stroke and thromboembolism. DM may increase the incidence of AF, and when it is combined with other risk factors, the incidence of stroke and thromboembolism may also be higher; furthermore, hospitalization due to heart failure appears to increase. Maintenance of well-controlled blood glucose and low levels of HbA1c in accordance with guidelines may decrease the incidence of AF.