The predictive value of galectin-3 levels on left atrial low voltage areas assessed by high-density mapping in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Aims: Galectin-3 is an inflammation biomarker that is associated with atrial fibrosis and plays a role in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). Low voltage areas (LVAs) identified using an electroanatomical mapping system represent the presence of fibrotic tissue. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between coronary sinus (CS) serum sampling of galectin-3 levels and the presence and extent of LVA in patients with paroxysmal AF.

Olfactory dysfunction in passive vs active smoking.

Background: The aim of this study is to assess the olfactory functions of passive smokers compared to active smokers and nonsmokers.

Methods: This prospective case-control study included 30 nonsmokers, 30 passive smokers, and 30 active smoker participants. All groups were matched for gender and age.

Effect of ranolazine on Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QTc, and P-wave dispersion in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Introduction: Ranolazine is an antianginal drug and also exhibits antiarrhythmic effect by affecting action potential time, refractory period, and repolarization reserve. We evaluated the effect of ranolazine therapy on myocardial repolarization parameters (Tp-e, QT, QTc intervals, Tp-e/QT, and Tp-e/QTc ratios), index of cardiac electrophysiological balance (iCEB) (QT/QRS, QTc/QRS) and P-wave dispersion (PWD) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: This study included 175 patients, aged between 35 and 90 years who were followed with stable CAD for at least 3 months.

Effect of dialysis and transplantation on myocardial repolarization parameters and P-wave dispersion in chronic kidney disease.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at higher risk for cardiac arrhythmias. The risk of arrhythmia may change with different treatment modalities. We proposed to compare the effects of varied therapy methods on myocardial repolarization parameters (Tp-e, QT, QTc intervals, Tp-e/QT, Tp-e/QTc ratios) and P-wave dispersion (PWD) in patients with CKD.

Evaluation of ivabradine in left ventricular dyssynchrony and reverse remodeling in patients with chronic heart failure.

Objectives: Ivabradine is a pharmacological agent used in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm. Its only known pharmacological effect is to slow the heart rate. In this study, we investigated the impact of ivabradine on dyssynchrony parameters in heart failure patients.