RESUMEN
Viral heart disease comprises of two cardiovascular entities being evoked by viral infection: acute viral myocarditis and viral cardiomyopathy. Viral myocarditis may completely resolve leaving no traceable sign or cause ongoing inflammation with subsequent development of hypokinetic dilated/non-dilated cardiomyopathy. The exact epidemiology of viral myocarditis remains unknown due to its sometimes asymptomatic course, but according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, the prevalence of myocarditis in young adults is estimated to range between 6.1 per 100,000 in men and 4.4 per 100,000 in women, with the most common viral etiology. According to the literature viral genome can be found in considerable percentage (up to 67,4%) of endomyocardial biopsy specimens obtained from patients with idiopathic left ventricular dysfunction- suggesting viral etiology of the cardiomyopathy. In this review we would like to enlighten most common types of arrhythmias and conduction disorders as well as their prevalence in patients with viral heart disease. Moreover, our paper depicts probable pathological mechanisms in which viruses induce arrhythmias and cardiac conduction system disease in both, acute viral infection and chronic viral disease. We would also like to highlight unresolved problem of sudden death protection in the course of acute myocarditis.
RESUMEN
Coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be a foremost contributor to global mortality, and the quest for modifiable risk factors could improve prophylactic strategies. Recent studies suggest a significant role of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) deficiency in atheromatous plaque formation. Furthermore, hair was previously described as a valuable source of information on elemental burden during the 6-8 week period before sampling. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of correlation between the extent of CAD evaluated with the SYNergy Between PCI With TAXUS and the Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score with Cu and Zn content in hair samples, as well as with the Cu/Zn ratio in a cohort of 130 patients. Our findings describe a statistically significant inverse correlation between Cu content and the Cu/Zn ratio in hair samples and the extent of CAD. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between Zn content and the extent of CAD. Considering the scarcity of existing data on the subject, the analysis of hair samples could yield a novel insight into elemental deficiencies and their potential influence on CAD extent.
RESUMEN
AIMS: Bradyarrhythmias are potentially life-threatening medical conditions. The most widespread treatment for slow rhythms is artificial ventricular pacing. From the inception of the idea of artificial pacing, ventricular leads were located in the apex of the right ventricle. Right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP) was thought to have a deteriorating effect on left ventricular systolic function. The aim of this study was to systematically assess results of randomized controlled trials to determine the effects of right ventricular apical pacing on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS: we systematically searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and EMBASE databases for studies evaluating the influence of RVAP on LVEF. Pooled mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using a random effect model. RESULTS: 14 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 885 patients were included. In our meta-analysis, RVAP was associated with statistically significant left ventricular systolic function impairment as measured by LVEF. The mean difference between LVEF at baseline and after intervention amounted to 3.35% (95% CI: 1.80-4.91). CONCLUSION: our meta-analysis confirms that right ventricular apical pacing is associated with progressive deterioration of left ventricular systolic function.
RESUMEN
(1) Background: AliveCor KardiaMobile (KM) is a portable electrocardiography recorder for detection of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of the study was to define the group of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who can use the KM device and assess the diagnostic test accuracy. (2) Methods: the AIS patients were recruited to the study. Thirty-second single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) usages were recorded on demand for three days using KM portable device. Each KM ECG record was verified by a cardiologist. The feasibility was evaluated using operationalization criteria. (3) Results: the recruitment rate among AIS patients was 26.3%. The withdrawal rate before the start of the intervention was 26%. The withdrawal rate after the start of the intervention was 6%. KM device detected AF in 2.8% of AIS patients and in 2.2% of ECG records. Cardiologist confirmed the AF in 0.3% AIS patients. Sensitivity and specificity of KM for AF was 100% and 98.3%, respectively. (4) Conclusions: the results of this study suggest that it is feasible to use KM device to detect AF in the selected AIS patients (younger and in better neurological condition). KM detected AF in the selected AIS patients with high specificity and sensitivity.