Periodontal disease is an independent predictor of intracardiac calcification.

Background: Periodontitis is the most common chronic inflammatory condition worldwide and is associated with incident coronary disease.

Hypothesis: We hypothesized that periodontal disease would also be associated with cardiac calcification, a condition which shares many risk factors with atherosclerosis and is considered a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods: Cross-sectional study at two sites (USA and Japan) involving subjects with both clinical echocardiograms and detailed dental examinations.

Dyssynchrony in obese subjects without a history of cardiac disease using velocity vector imaging.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the occurrence of intra-left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony in obese versus nonobese subjects without known cardiac disease using Velocity Vector Imaging (VVI).

Methods: One hundred ninety consecutive subjects with no known cardiac disease had their echocardiograms analyzed using VVI after excluding subjects with QRS durations>120 msec or LV ejection fractions<55%. Study subjects were divided into two groups on the basis of body mass index: obese (>30 kg/m2) and nonobese (<30 kg/m2).

Improvement in left ventricular systolic and diastolic performance during ranolazine treatment in patients with stable angina.

Purpose: Ranolazine is a novel antianginal medication that acts by ameliorating disturbed sodium and calcium homeostasis. By preventing myocyte sodium and calcium overload, ranolazine also have potential beneficial effects on myocardial function. Experimental models support this concept, as do 2 small studies in human participants receiving ranolazine intravenously.