Publications (30)67.59 Total impact
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Article: Radiofrequency ablation of idiopathic ventricular arrhythmia originating from the tricuspid annulus.
International journal of cardiology 05/2013; · 7.08 Impact Factor -
Article: An invasive but simple and accurate method for ascending aorta-femoral artery pulse wave velocity measurement.
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ABSTRACT: Introduction. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an emerging predictor in the assessment of cardiovascular risk in diseased and healthy populations. We suggest a novel method for the accurate measurement of PWV. Method. PWV is calculated from pulse transit time using two separate pulse recordings over a known distance. 8F sheaths were placed in the right femoral arteries and routine coronary angiographies were performed with 5F diagnostic catheters. Ascending aorta pressures were measured with right diagnostic catheter tip in the ascending aorta and synchronous femoral artery pressures were measured with the sheath in the femoral artery. The distance between the two pressure sites was calculated as follows: total length of the right diagnostic catheter-length of the catheter outside the sheath-Sheath length. Results. We evaluated the PWV measured using the catheter method in 24 subjects. PWV correlated positively and independently with age (p = 0.004), coronary artery disease (p = 0.04), ascending aorta systolic pressure (p = 0.006), femoral artery systolic pressure (p = 0.008), ascending aorta pulse pressure (p = 0.003) and femoral artery pulse pressure (p = 0.04). In coronary artery disease patients, the mean PWV value was significantly higher than in patients with normal coronary arteries (12.61 ± 6.31 m/s vs 7.58 ± 2.26 m/s p = 0.04). Conclusion. We describe a novel and accurate but invasive method for measurement of PWV. Our results may serve as a reference for non-invasive assessment of aorta-femoral artery PWV.Blood pressure 07/2012; · 1.26 Impact Factor -
Article: Ambulatory blood pressure variability is associated with restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention in normotensive patients.
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ABSTRACT: Previous studies have showed that BP variability is associated with cardiovascular events. However, no data were available regarding binary restenosis as an end-point after percutenous coronary intervention (PCI). This multicenter study included 100 consecutive normotensive patients with stable coronary artery disease who were planned for PCI. Before the index procedure, office BP and 24-h ambulatory BP measurements were performed. BP variability indices including systolic and diastolic 24-h average, the day and the night values of standard deviation (SD) and variation coefficient (VC) were measured and calculated. All patients underwent repeat coronary angiography at 6-month. According to angiographic results, 2 groups were formed; a restenosis group (n=30) with binary restenosis of the stented segment and a control group (n=70) with a stenosis diameter of <50% in stented segment. Systolic SD and VC values for 24-h average (14.0±2.8mmHg vs. 9.5±1.6mmHg, p<0.001 and 16%±3 vs. 11%±2, p<0.001, respectively), the day (15.2±3.9mmHg vs. 10.6±1.7mmHg, p<0.001 and 17%±4 vs. 12%±2, p<0.001, respectively), and the night (12.8±4.1mmHg vs. 8.4±2.4mmHg, p<0.001 and 14%±5 vs. 11%±3, p=0.004, respectively) values were significantly higher in restenosis group compared to control group. Similarly, diastolic SD and VC values for 24-h average (10.6±2.5mmHg vs. 8.1±1.5mmHg, p<0.001 and 12%±3 vs. 9%±2, p=0.001, respectively), the day (11.1±2.9mmHg vs. 9.0±1.8mmHg, p=0.003 and 12%±3 vs. 10%±2, p=0.006, respectively), and the night (10.0±3.6mmHg vs. 7.2±2.0mmHg, p=0.001 and 11%±5 vs. 9%±3, p=0.059, respectively) values were significantly higher in restenosis group compared to no restenosis group except for diastolic VC night. All systolic and diastolic BP variability indices except diastolic VC night were found to be independent predictors of risk of restenosis in multivariate analysis. In addition, the cut-off values of 11.4mmHg and 13% for 24-h systolic SD and VC, respectively, were found to be highly sensitive (93% for both) and specific (94% and 91%, respectively) for predicting binary restenosis at 6-month after PCI. BP variability indices are significantly and independently associated with binary restenosis and higher values can predict restenosis after PCI sensitively and specifically.Atherosclerosis 12/2011; 219(2):951-7. · 3.79 Impact Factor -
Article: Safety of clopidogrel in older patients: a nonrandomized, parallel-group, controlled, two-centre study.
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ABSTRACT: The safety and efficacy of clopidogrel therapy in patients with stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have been demonstrated. To evaluate the safety (primary outcome, defined as any bleeding complication or thrombocytopenia) and adverse outcomes (secondary outcomes, defined as death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction or stroke) of clopidogrel therapy in patients aged ≥75 years with stable or unstable coronary artery disease undergoing PCI, and to compare these outcomes with those in younger controls. Patients with both stable coronary heart disease and acute coronary syndromes undergoing PCI were included in the study. Two groups were formed according to age at the time of admission. Patients aged ≥75 years (the study group, n = 149) formed one group; the other group included patients aged <75 years (the control group, n = 298). During an ad hoc PCI procedure, a 600 mg loading and 75 mg/day maintenance dose of clopidogrel in addition to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) therapy (300 mg/day) were administrated to both treatment groups. In-hospital outcomes were investigated during a mean ± SD follow-up period of 5.3 ± 3.9 days. The first safety (primary) outcome of any bleeding event occurred in 16.1% of the patients in the study (older) group and 6.0% of the patients in the control (younger) group (odds ratio [OR] 2.987; 95% CI 1.565, 5.701; p = 0.001). The second safety outcome of TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) major bleeding occurred in 4.0% of the patients in the study group and 0.7% of the patients in the control group (OR 6.210; 95% CI 1.238, 31.151; p = 0.012). Other safety outcomes of TIMI minor/minimal bleeding and thrombocytopenia were not different between the two groups. The rate of the first adverse (secondary) outcome of the composite of death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction or stroke was higher in older patients (12.1% vs 5.4%) [OR 2.422; 95% CI 1.197, 4.899; p = 0.012], primarily driven by stroke events (2.0% vs 0%; p = 0.014). Any bleeding and TIMI major bleeding complications increase in patients aged ≥75 years treated with clopidogrel in addition to aspirin.Drugs & Aging 02/2011; 28(2):119-29. · 2.67 Impact Factor -
Article: Association between plasma asymmetrical dimethylarginine activity and severity of aortic valve stenosis.
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ABSTRACT: Aortic valve stenosis is the most common valvular heart disease in the Western world. The most common cause of aortic valve stenosis in adults is calcification of a normal trileaflet or congenital bicuspid valve. Calcific aortic valve stenosis is an active disease process characterized by mechanical stress, endothelial damage, lipid accumulation, inflammation, synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, and calcification, reminiscent of atherosclerosis in many aspects. Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase which reduces the bioavailability of nitric oxide and begets endothelial dysfunction. The goal of this study was to examine the association between ADMA activity and severity of aortic valve stenosis. One hundred and nine patients were included in this study. Patients were grouped as those with mild aortic stenosis (42 patients, group 1), moderate aortic stenosis (36 patients, group 2), and severe aortic stenosis (31 patients, group 3). ADMA activity was measured by ELISA kit. Mean ADMA activity in group 3 was significantly higher than that in groups 1 and 2 (1.94 ± 0.45 vs. 0.87 ± 0.37 micromol/l, P < 0.001 and 1.94 ± 0.45 vs. 1.34 ± 0.52 micromol/l, P < 0.001, respectively). Serum ADMA activity was positively correlated with mean aortic gradient and maximum aortic gradient and negatively correlated with aortic valve area. Our results showed that serum ADMA activity is higher in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis. ADMA activity is positively correlated with aortic valve stenosis severity. Serum ADMA level may be used as a precious marker to evaluate and follow up the severity of aortic valve stenosis.Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine 02/2011; 12(2):96-101. · 1.51 Impact Factor -
Article: Heart rate profile during exercise in patients with early repolarization.
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ABSTRACT: Both early repolarization and altered heart rate profile are associated with sudden death. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate an association between early repolarization and heart rate profile during exercise. A total of 84 subjects were included in the study. Comparable 44 subjects with early repolarization and 40 subjects with normal electrocardiogram underwent exercise stress testing. Resting heart rate, maximum heart rate, heart rate increment and decrement were analyzed. Both groups were comparable for baseline characteristics including resting heart rate. Maximum heart rate, heart rate increment and heart rate decrement of the subjects in early repolarization group had significantly decreased maximum heart rate, heart rate increment and heart rate decrement compared to control group (all P < 0.05). The lower heart rate increment (< 106 beats/min) and heart rate decrement (< 95 beats/min) were significantly associated with the presence of early repolarization. After adjustment for age and sex, the multiple-adjusted OR of the risk of presence of early repolarization was 2.98 (95%CI 1.21-7.34) (P = 0.018) and 7.73 (95%CI 2.84-21.03) (P < 0.001) for the lower heart rate increment and heart rate decrement compared to higher levels, respectively. Subjects with early repolarization have altered heart rate profile during exercise compared to control subjects. This can be related to sudden death.Chinese medical journal 09/2010; 123(17):2305-9. · 0.86 Impact Factor -
Article: Paraoxonase activity might be predictive of the severity of aortic valve stenosis.
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ABSTRACT: Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular heart disease in the western world, and in adults is invariably caused by the calcification of a normal tricuspid or congenital bicuspid valve. Calcific AS, as an active disease process, is characterized by lipid accumulation, inflammation and calcification that mimic atherosclerosis. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-bound enzyme that exerts antiatherogenic properties by protecting low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol from oxidative modification. The study aim was to examine the association between PON-1 activity and AS. A total of 93 patients with angiographically normal coronary arteries was enrolled into the study. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to diagnose and grade the AS before the patients underwent selective coronary angiography. The patients were allocated to three groups of mild AS (n = 34), moderate AS (n = 31) and severe AS (n = 28). Paraoxonase activity was measured using a spectrophotometric technique. The mean PON-1 activity in patients with severe AS (64.4 +/- 29.8 U/l) was significantly lower than that in patients with mild and moderate AS (97.1 +/- 72.6 and 146.8 +/- 133.9 U/l; p = 0.03 and p = 0.002, respectively). Typically, PON-1 activity tended to be lower in moderate AS than in mild AS (p = 0.07). The serum PON-1 activity correlated positively with the aortic valve area, but negatively with the aortic mean and maximum gradients. The study results showed that PON-1 activity is lower in patients with calcific AS. In addition, PON-1 activity was inversely correlated with the severity of AS.The Journal of heart valve disease 07/2010; 19(4):453-8. · 0.81 Impact Factor -
Article: Prevention of peri-procedural myocardial injury using a single high loading dose of rosuvastatin.
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ABSTRACT: Extensively used lipid-lowering statins have also non-lipid-lowering, pleiotropic effects. Previous studies have demonstrated that a pre-procedural single dose of atorvastatin is associated with reduced peri-procedural myocardial injury. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effect of a single high loading dose (40 mg) of rosuvastatin on peri-procedural myocardial injury. Two hundred ninety nine statin-naive patients with stable angina and de novo lesions eligible for PCI were randomized to a rosuvastatin-treatment (n = 153) and to a no-treatment (n = 146) group. A 40 mg loading dose of rosuvastatin was administrated 24 h before the PCI. CK-MB and cTnI levels were measured before and 12 h after the procedure. Baseline characteristics were fairly similar between the two arms. The incidence of a CK-MB and cTnI elevation >3x ULN in the rosuvastatin group was significantly lower compared to the control group (0.7% vs. 11.0%, p < 0.001 and 10.5% vs. 39.0%, p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, the incidence of any CK-MB and cTnI elevation > ULN in the rosuvastatin group was significantly lower compared to the control group (10.5% vs. 34.2%, p < 0.001 and 20.9% vs. 61.6%, p < 0.001, respectively). In addition, CK-MB and cTnI values 12 h after the PCI were significantly lower in the rosuvastatin group compared to the control group (20.13 +/- 7.24 U/L vs. 27.02 +/- 18.64 U/L, p < 0.001 and 0.14 +/- 0.34 ng/ml vs. 0.35 +/- 0.40 ng/ml, p < 0.001, respectively). A single high loading dose of rosuvastatin reduces the incidence of peri-procedural myocardial necrosis and infarction effectively.Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy 03/2010; 24(1):41-7. · 3.13 Impact Factor -
Article: Effect of reperfusion therapy on index of myocardial performance in acute myocardial infarction: thrombolytics versus primary angioplasty.
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ABSTRACT: It is known that primary angioplasty is more effective than thrombolytic therapy for the treatment of ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the present study is to compare the effects of the two strategies on the left ventricular functions using the Tei index (a combined myocardial performance index). Of 81 patients (11 female, mean age 52.7 +/- 11.9 years, and 70 male, mean age 54.8 +/- 11.5 years) matching the selection criteria, 41 patients were treated by primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and stenting (group A, 41 patients) and 40 patients were treated by thrombolytic agents (streptokinase) (group B, 40 patients). All patients underwent a complete two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic and Doppler study in the left lateral decubitus position from multiple windows. There was no significant difference between the two groups in isovolumetric contraction time and ejection time. Isovolumetric relaxation time was 95.2 +/- 18.4 in group A and 116.2 +/- 28.1 in group B (P = 0.001) and the Tei index was 0.51 +/- 0.12 in group A and 0.59 +/- 0.16 in group B (P = 0.019). Isovolumetric relaxation time and Tei index were significantly higher in group B. Primary angioplasty is superior to thrombolytic therapy as assessed by the Tei index even in the first 3 h, with no apparent change in systolic function.Heart and Vessels 03/2010; 25(2):87-91. · 2.05 Impact Factor -
Article: Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and its receptors in patients with mitral stenosis and sinus rhythm undergoing percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty.
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ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine whether plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and soluble TNF receptor (sTNF-R) increases in rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) patients with sinus rhythm and to examine the effect of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) on these parameters. Twenty-six patients with MS and sinus rhythm (study group, 20 female, mean age 33 +/- 8 years), who were scheduled for PMBV, and a well-matched control group consisting of 21 healthy volunteers (15 female, mean age 35 +/- 6 years) were enrolled in the study. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and sTNF-R levels were compared between study patients and controls, and between peripheral and left atrium (LA) blood. Changes in TNF alpha and sTNF-R levels 24 h and 4 weeks after PMBV were analyzed. Significantly higher baseline TNF-alpha and sTNF-R levels were noted in the study group. In the study group, TNF-alpha and its receptors were also found to be higher in LA blood than in baseline peripheral blood. After PMBV, mitral valve area (MVA) increased and transmitral pressure gradient decreased significantly. At the 24th hour after PMBV, the TNF-alpha level decreased from 29.61 +/- 12.22 pg/ml to 22.42 +/- 8.81 pg/ml (P < 0.0001) and at the 4th week, from 22.42 +/- 8.81 pg/ml to 18.92 +/- 7.37 pg/ml (P < 0.0001). Similar reductions were observed in the sTNF-R level. Regression analysis between the difference in sTNF-R level measured 24 h after and before PMBV and the difference in MVA measured 24 h after and before PMBV showed a significant direct relationship between these variables. This study suggests that isolated rheumatic MS without atrial fibrillation is accompanied by increased TNF-alpha and sTNF-R level. The successful PMBV establishes a significant reduction in TNF-alpha and its receptors, probably due to improved postprocedural hemodynamic parameters.Heart and Vessels 03/2010; 25(2):131-7. · 2.05 Impact Factor -
Article: Ascending aortic pressure-derived indices are associated with the presence and severity of aortic stenosis.
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ABSTRACT: Almost the same pathophysiological mechanism has been suggested for both atherosclerosis and calcific aortic stenosis (AS). In this study, we examined any association between ascending aortic pressure-derived indices and hemodynamic characteristics of calcific AS. A total of 90 patients were studied (26 males, 64 females; mean age: 64.4 +/- 11.3 years). The study population consisted of two groups: AS and a control group. Both groups were well matched. Ascending aortic pressure-derived indices were obtained from all patients via catheterization. Two groups were well matched according to demographic characteristics. Aortic pulse/FPPs (fractional pulse pressure = aortic pulse pressure/ aortic mean pressure), and PI (pulsatility index = aortic pulse pressure/aortic diastolic pressure) were significantly higher in patients with AS than in those without. Mean aortic mean gradient had significant positive correlation with aortic diastolic pressure, FPP and PI. The multiple-adjusted odds ratios of the risk of AS was 4.51 (95% CI 1.63-12.48) and 4.34 (95% CI 1.59-11.88) for the higher aortic FPP and PI levels compared with lower levels, respectively. Ascending aortic pressure-derived indices were significantly and independently associated with the presence and severity of calcific AS. This confirms the participation of blood pressure in the pathogenesis of AS.Blood pressure 02/2010; 19(1):48-53. · 1.26 Impact Factor -
Article: Asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in patients with coronary artery ectasia.
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ABSTRACT: Endothelial dysfunction might be one of the pathophysiological mechanisms in the development of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) although the exact mechanisms have not yet been demonstrated. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, is also related to endothelial and structural dysfunction. To asses the relationship between CAE and ADMA plasma concentrations. Thirty patients with CAE in a mean age of 55.5 +/- 3.6 years and 40 patients with normal coronary arteries in a mean age of 53.3 +/- 11.6 years were studied. The ADMA levels of all patients were analysed by ELISA method. The mean ADMA level in the CAE group was found to be significantly higher than the mean ADMA level in the normal coronary artery group (2.26 +/- 0.47 vs. 1.43 +/- 0.40 micromol/l, p < 0.001). The elevated ADMA level (> 1.80 micromol/l) was present in 83.0% of patients from the CAE group and 25.0% of patients from the normal coronary artery group (p < 0.001). Having an increased ADMA level enhanced the risk of CAE 15-fold. The multiple-adjusted OR of the risk of CAE was 18.71 (95% CI 4.95-70.68) for the higher ADMA level compared to the lower level. Asymmetric dimethylarginine level is significantly associated with the presence of coronary artery ectasia. These findings suggest that increased ADMA level may be associated with endothelial dysfunction leading to the development of coronary artery ectasia.Kardiologia polska 12/2009; 67(12):1362-8. · 0.51 Impact Factor -
Article: Association between plasma asymmetrical dimethylarginine activity and saphenous vein graft disease in patients with coronary bypass.
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ABSTRACT: Coronary vein graft disease is an important contributor to the morbidity after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Graft occlusion is a serious complication, which limits the use of the saphenous vein as a coronary bypass conduit. Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase and it reduces the bioavailability of nitric oxide and begets endothelial dysfunction. The goal of this study was to examine the association between plasma ADMA activity and saphenous vein graft disease. One hundred and three patients were enrolled in this study. Group 1 consisted of 42 patients (13 female, 29 male) who had diseased saphenous vein grafts and group 2 consisted of 61 patients (10 female, 51 male) with nondiseased saphenous vein grafts. ADMA activity was measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Mean ADMA activity in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (2.0+/-0.6 vs. 1.1+/-0.5 micromol/l, P<0.001, respectively). Mean platelet volume was also significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (8.7+/-1.5 vs. 8.2+/-0.6 fl, P=0.03, respectively). In a multivariate linear regression analysis, ADMA activity (beta=2.902, P<0.001) and mean platelet volume (beta=0.595, P=0.03) were found to be independent predictors of saphenous vein graft disease. Our results showed that ADMA activity was higher in patients with saphenous vein graft disease. Increased ADMA activity might lead to the acceleration of saphenous vein graft disease. ADMA may be a precious marker for detecting late saphenous vein graft patency.Coronary artery disease 12/2009; 21(1):20-5. · 1.56 Impact Factor -
Article: Association between paraoxonase activity and late saphenous vein graft occlusion in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting.
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ABSTRACT: Coronary vein graft disease is an important contributor to the morbidity after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Late occlusion of the graft is a serious complication that limits the use of the saphenous vein as a coronary bypass conduit. It is frequently encountered in old, degenerated vein grafts with advanced atherosclerotic plaque formation. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is an HDL-bound enzyme which has anti-atherogenic properties and protects LDL cholesterol from oxidative modification. Aim: To examine the association between PON-1 activity and late saphenous vein graft occlusion. Thirty-eight patients who had at least one occluded saphenous vein graft (group 1; 12 females, 26 males) and 41 patients who had a patent saphenous vein graft (group 2; 7 females, 34 males) were enrolled in this study. Paraoxonase activity was measured spectrophotometrically. The mean PON-1 activity in group 1 was significantly lower than in group 2 (74.1 +/- 52.1 vs. 114.4 +/- 90.9 U/l, p = 0.02). The mean platelet volume was significantly higher in group 1 than group 2 (8.8 +/- 1.6 vs. 8.2 +/- 1.1 fl, p = 0.04). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only PON-1 activity (beta = 0.011, p = 0.042) was an independent predictor of late occlusion of a saphenous vein graft. Our results show that PON-1 activity is lower in patients with late saphenous vein graft occlusion. Reduced PON-1 activity may lead to acceleration of saphenous vein graft occlusion.Kardiologia polska 10/2009; 67(10):1063-8. · 0.51 Impact Factor -
Article: Impaired aortic elasticity in patients with psoriasis.
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ABSTRACT: Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease involving 1-3% of the human population worldwide. Many systemic diseases including cardiovascular disturbances have been described in psoriatic patients. The effect of psoriasis on aortic elasticity parameters has not been well-defined previously. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was any change in aortic elasticity in psoriasis. Twenty-seven psoriatic patients without cardiovascular involvement and 22 healthy subjects were enrolled into the study. The severity of the disease was evaluated by the "Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)". Aortic strain, distensibility and stiffness index were calculated from aortic diameters measured by echocardiography and blood pressures simultaneously measured by sphygmomanometry. The aortic strain and distensibility in the psoriasis group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The aortic stiffness index in the psoriasis group was higher than that in the control group. There was a positive correlation between aortic stiffness index and PASI and longevity of psoriasis disease, whereas a negative correlation between aortic strain and PASI and longevity of psoriasis disease was found. We found that in psoriatic patients without cardiac involvement, aortic elasticity was decreased and this decrease was correlated with the duration and the severity of the disease.Acta cardiologica 10/2009; 64(5):597-602. · 0.61 Impact Factor -
Article: Influence of heavy cigarette smoking on heart rate variability and heart rate turbulence parameters.
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ABSTRACT: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular events related with several mechanisms. The most suggested mechanism is increased activity of sympathetic nervous system. Heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT) has been shown to be independent and powerful predictors of mortality in a specific group of cardiac patients. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of heavy cigarette smoking on cardiac autonomic function using HRV and HRT analyses. Heavy cigarette smoking was defined as more than 20 cigarettes smoked per day. Heavy cigarette smokers, 69 subjects and nonsmokers 74 subjects (control group) were enrolled in this study. HRV and HRT analyses [turbulence onset (TO) and turbulence slope (TS)] were assessed from 24-hour Holter recordings. The values of TO were significantly higher in heavy cigarette smokers than control group (-1.150 +/- 4.007 vs -2.454 +/- 2.796, P = 0.025, respectively), but values of TS were not statistically different between two groups (10.352 +/- 7.670 vs 9.613 +/- 7.245, P = 0.555, respectively). Also, the number of patients who had abnormal TO was significantly higher in heavy cigarette smokers than control group (23 vs 10, P = 0.006). TO was correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked per day (r = 0.235, P = 0.004). While LF and LF/HF ratio were significantly higher, standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN), standard deviation of the 5-minute mean RR intervals (SDANN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), and high-frequency (HF) values were significantly lower in heavy smokers. While, there was significant correlation between TO and SDNN, SDANN, RMSSD, LF, and high frequency (HF), only HF was correlated with TS. Heavy cigarette smoking has negative effect on autonomic function. HRT is an appropriate noninvasive method to evaluate the effect of cigarette on autonomic function. Simultaneous abnormal HRT and HRV values may explain increased cardiovascular event risk in heavy cigarette smokers.Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology 10/2009; 14(4):327-32. · 1.10 Impact Factor -
Article: Resolution of late sirolimus-eluting stent thrombosis after tirofiban treatment.
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ABSTRACT: A 40-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with acute chest pain. A sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) had been deployed to the circumflex artery (Cx) 3 years before. Now, inferior ST-segment elevations were observed and coronary angiography revealed stent thrombosis with distal TIMI 3 grade flow in the Cx. Tirofiban infusion was administered and the control angiography 2 days later revealed complete resolution of the thrombus. Stent thrombosis is a rare but usually poor prognostic event, frequently associated with large myocardial infarction (MI) or death. Very late drug-eluting stent (DES) thrombosis remains a major problem of interventional cardiology due to its high morbidity and mortality. We conclude that tirofiban may be an interesting candidate drug for treatment of very late stent thrombosis.Heart and Vessels 09/2009; 24(5):388-90. · 2.05 Impact Factor -
Article: The impact of obesity on late patency of left internal mammary artery grafts.
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ABSTRACT: Arterial conduits having long-term patency rates have been increasingly used for bypass of coronary arteries although some risk factors for their occlusion such as recipient vessel size, older age, and hyperlipidaemia have been described. Obesity, on the other hand, has been well established as a coronary risk factor. However, the effects of obesity on patency of arterial conduits, especially the internal mammary artery, have not been studied previously. To assess the long-term effects of obesity on left internal mammary artery (LIMA) patency. Methods: Angiograms of all patients with a LIMA conduit only were analysed. Two groups were formed according to the LIMA patency: group 1 - patients with occluded LIMA (n = 59), and group 2 - patients with patent LIMA (n = 68). Baseline demographic, haemodynamic, and laboratory characteristics of patients in both groups were compared. Obesity was defined as body mass index > or = 30 kg/m2. The mean BMI value in group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (30.4 +/- 3.1 vs. 28.7 +/- 4.7, p = 0.025). The two groups differed in time from surgery, drug use, and HDL cholesterol level. In addition, patients in both groups were categorised by BMI, and obese and non-obese groups were formed. Higher BMI was significantly associated with LIMA occlusion such that 71% of patients in group 1 had increased BMI, compared with 25% of patients in group 2 (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that multiple adjusted OR of the risk of LIMA occlusion was 7.41 (95% CI 3.38-16.28) for patients with increased BMI. Obesity (> or = 30 kg/m2) has a significant and independent negative effect on the patency of the LIMA graft.Kardiologia polska 05/2009; 67(4):398-403. · 0.51 Impact Factor -
Article: Brucella endocarditis - a registry study.
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ABSTRACT: A zoonotic infection caused by Brucella spp., brucellosis, is endemic in some areas of the world, like in our country. One of the most devastating conditions related to this infection is endocarditis, although it is rare. Unfortunately, adequate studies on the characteristics of Brucella endocarditis have not been performed. In addition, there was no consensus on optimal type and duration of medical and interventional therapies. To answer the following questions: what are the clinical characteristics of Brucella endocarditis, which type of therapy should be performed, and can an alternative antibiotic regimen be applied? Patients with the diagnosis of Brucella endocarditis were included in the study during a 6-year period. A total of 10 patients were interrogated for their signs, symptoms, drug use, and clinical conditions. In addition, baseline clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients were evaluated. All patients in the study were male with a mean age of 55.9 +/- 12.7 years. Hospitalisation and total follow-up periods were 52.6 +/- 11.2 and 80.6 +/- 29.0 days, respectively. The most frequently presenting symptom was fever (60%). Dyspnoea and fatigue were the other frequent symptoms in descending order. Valve pathology was present in 70% of the study population. The aortic valve was affected more than the mitral valve. Affected mitral valves had rheumatic disease whereas only 57% of the aortic valves had underlying pathology. Isolation of Brucella spp. was possible in 20% of the patients. Mortality rate was 30% in our study; 20% of the patients were on medical follow-up without disease progression and with clinical stability, 60% of patients were on a combination therapy with a tetracycline group, a rifampicin, and a third-generation cephalosporin. Patients who took this combination and underwent aortic valve replacement had good clinical results with a mortality rate of 20%. The 30% of patients were on a combination therapy with a tetracycline group, rifampicin, and an aminoglycoside group. Mortality rate with this combination was 33%, although the success rate was 67%. Brucella endocarditis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with vegetations on the cardiac valves, especially in endemic areas. Optimal therapy seems to be a combination of antibiotics and surgery, although medical therapy can be an alternative, especially in stable patients. Addition of a third-generation cephalosporin instead of aminoglycoside to the combination therapy is an alternative.Kardiologia polska 04/2009; 67(3):274-80. · 0.51 Impact Factor -
Article: Multisided cardiac hemangiomas mimicking biatrial thrombus: atypically located cardiac hemangiomas of left atrial appendage and right atrium.
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ABSTRACT: Hemangiomas are rare benign tumors of the heart. Clinical presentation is highly variable according to the location, size, and extension of the tumor. Hemangiomas have been described in all cardiac chambers, but most occur on the right side of the heart and in the left atrium. Although diagnosis is typically made by echocardiography, the definite diagnosis can be made with certainty only from a very careful histopathologic examination. The authors report a case of atypically located hemangiomas originating from the left atrial appendage and right atrium in a 71-year-old woman who presented with ischemic stroke. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated an elongated left atrial mass originating in the atrial appendage and extending well into the left atrium to the mitral orifice, as well as a right atrial mass and intense biatrial spontaneous echo contrast. It was unclear whether the masses represented thrombus or an unusually located atrial tumor. Immunohistologic examinations revealed a biatrial cavernous hemangioma with no signs of malignancy.Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography: official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography 03/2009; 22(4):434.e7-9. · 2.98 Impact Factor
Top co-authors
Top Journals
Institutions
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2011
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Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Training and Research Hospital
Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
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2008–2009
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T.C. Sağlık Bakanlığı Ankara Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi
Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
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2007
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Yüksek İhtisas Hastanesi, Ankara
Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
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