Multimodality imaging assessment of the Biatrial remodeling of the burden of atrial high-rate episodes in patients with cardiac implanted electronic devices.

Aims: The underlying mechanisms of atrial remodeling in cardiac implanted electronic device(CIED)-detected atrial high-rate episodes(AHRE) remains to be elucidated.

Methods: A cardiac computed tomography and a strain echocardiography were performed to delineate the structural and functional characteristics of both atria. Biatrial volumes, emptying fraction(EF) and peak atrial longitudinal/contractile strain(PALS/PACS) were evaluated.

Distinct atrial remodeling in patients with subclinical atrial fibrillation: Lessons from computed tomographic images.

Aims: Cardiac implanted electronic devices (CIEDs) can detect atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) and challenge current management of subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods: To characterize the anatomic and functional remodeling of cardiac structures between patients with subclinical AF (SCAF) and clinical AF. The predictors for AHREs ≥6 min were also investigated.

Wave reflections, arterial stiffness, and orthostatic hypotension.

Background: The effect of wave reflections on blood pressure change associated with posture remains unclear. We therefore applied a wave separation technique to investigate the relations of the backward pressure wave amplitude with orthostatic pressure changes and orthostatic hypotension (OH).

Methods: We analyzed data from 613 subjects who had participated in our hemodynamic studies.

Hip fracture and risk of acute myocardial infarction: a nationwide study.

Osteoporotic fractures are associated with increased mortality risk. However, little data are available on the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after hip fracture. Therefore, we investigated whether hip fracture increased the risk of AMI in a large, nationwide cohort study.

The association of tooth scaling and decreased cardiovascular disease: a nationwide population-based study.

Objective: Poor oral hygiene has been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. However, the association between preventive dentistry and cardiovascular risk reduction has remained undetermined. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between tooth scaling and the risk of cardiovascular events by using a nationwide, population-based study and a prospective cohort design.

Decreased circulating endothelial progenitor cell levels and function in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with advanced atherosclerosis and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Increasing evidence suggests that injured endothelial monolayer is regenerated by circulating bone marrow derived-endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and levels of circulating EPCs reflect vascular repair capacity. However, the relation between NAFLD and EPC remains unclear.