Efficacy and safety of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants one year after electrical cardioversion

Alberts Berzins, Evija Knoka, Viesturs Nevzorovs, Oskars Kalejs, Aivars Lejnieks

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):6-10 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.063  

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the world, affecting around 33 million people. Warfarin has been the anticoagulant of choice for the prevention of ischemic stroke in AF patients for a long time. Several large studies have shown that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) offer numerous advantages regarding safety and effectiveness, such as fixed dose and more predictable pharmacokinetics. Methods: The study was conducted at Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Latvian Centre of Cardiology. The study took place from October 2015 to June 2017. A total of 356 patients who had undergone electrical...

Prognostic value of time dependent voltage abatement during remote magnetic navigation guided ablation in idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract arrhythmias

Raluca Sirbu Prisecaru, Leila Riahi, Bruno Schwagten

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):11-14 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.114  

Backgrounds: We set out to evaluate if time related voltage abatement (dV/dt) of ventricular electrograms (EGM) during catheter ablation of idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) arrhythmias using the Stereotaxis Niobe II system is an efficient marker of long-term procedural success. Methods: Twenty-six consecutive patients with acute success of RVOT ablation for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and/or ventricular tachycardia (VT) suggestive of RVOT origin were included. Late success was defined as freedom of ventricular ectopies originating from the RVOT after 3 months of follow-up without antiarrhythmic drugs (AAD). Results: After...

Inventory of heart failure in Morocco: about a series of 120 patients

Soulaymane Diakite^*, Fatima Zohra Radi^*, Hajar El Ouartassi, Zouhair Lakhal, Maha Raissouni, Ali Chaib, Abdelmajid Bouzerda, Atif Benyass

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):15-19 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.066  

Objective: The aim of this study is to make an inventory of the quality of care regarding HF, in comparison with current recommendations, at the Cardiology Department of Mohammed V Military Hospital in Rabat. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study performed in consecutive patients admitted for heart failure documented by echocardiography, from January 2017 to March 2018, at the Cardiology Department of Mohammed V Military Hospital of Rabat. Data analysis is done by SPSS 19.0 software. Results: One hundred and twenty patients with a mean age of 66.42±10.78 years were included. The main risk factor observed in our series was hypertension...

Measures of chronic heart failure as the markers of cognitive dysfunction in patients with coronary heart disease complicated by circulatory failure

Natalya S. Akimova, Oksana V. Bugaeva, Larisa E. Konshina, Yury G. Shvarts

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):20-24 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.097  

Objective: To study the relationship between the cerebral morpho-functional changes and left ventricular ejection fraction and functional class of chronic heart failure. Materials and methods: The cognitive tests, echocardiography, and brain nuclear magnetic resonance imag- ing were performed in 54 patients with class II-IV chronic heart failure of ischemic origin. Results: While the functional class of chronic heart failure is increased, lower Wechsler V and VII cognitive scores, thinner parietal gray matter, smaller hippocampal volume, lower diffusion coefficient of the water molecules in the parietal and occipital white matter, and lower middle...

(The effect of cryostimulation and sauna bath on 24-hour blood pressure levels in healthy individuals)

Klaudia Michalčinová, Alena Havelková, Yvona Angerová

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):25-31 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2021.021  

Aim: To assess the effect of sauna bath and cryostimulation on blood pressure and heart rate, comparing the values measured before and immediately after the procedures. Methods: A seven-day long 24-hour ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate was performed. A total of twenty volunteers were included into the study (10 men and 10 women, mean age 24.60±1.93 years). Their mean body weight was 70.45±9.90 kg; the mean height 1.74±7.71 m; mean body mass index was 23.07±1.66 kg/m². All volunteers were non-smokers. Every volunteer took part in two cycles of sauna bath within one day and then a single cryochamber...

Prognostic Value of High Sensitive Troponin T in Patients with Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Halil Aktaş, Onur Kaypakli, Caglar Ozmen, Murat Gul, Oguz Yildirim, Sinan Inci, Ali Deniz, Mustafa Demirtas

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):32-39 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.082  

Objective: Several studies have investigated different cardiac biomarkers as predictors of the prognosis after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease; nevertheless, the results of these studies are conflicting. High sensitive troponin T (Hs-TnT) measurement is a novel and sensitive method. The aim of this study was to investigate if Hs-TnT levels are a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the first year after a successful elective PCI in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP). Material and methods: 100 patients who presented with SAP and underwent successfully elective PCI...

(The expiratory muscle training in patients with chronic heart failure)

Filip Dosbaba

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):41-47 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.095  

Introduction: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is accompanied by dyspnea of various etiologies, one of which is respiratory muscle myopathy. Aim: To objectify the effect of home expiratory muscle training with the expiratory trainer on occlusive oral pressures, chest expansion, dyspnea and fatigue in patients with CHF. Materials and methods: 26 consecutive patients with stable CHF (NYHA II-III, left ventricular ejection frac- tion ≤45%) were prospectively included in the study. Patients were divided into an intervention group - 13 patients who performed expiratory muscle training with 5-20% of maximum expiratory occlusive pressure, 13 patients represented...

(Retrospective analysis of interventions of the Prague Emergency Medical Services in patients with acute coronary syndrome)

David Peřan, David Doubek, Roman Sýkora, Jaroslav Pekara, Petr Kolouch

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):49-52 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.106  

Aim: The primary aim of the study is to compare the time parameters of cases of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), resp. acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the secondary objective is to evaluate the therapy provided using different teams of emergency medical services (EMS). Methodology: Retrospective analysis of data of medical records for patients with a primary or secondary diagnosis belonging to the group of ACS for the period from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019, the observed subgroup is the diagnosis of AMI. The calls were divided into three groups according to the EMS team: paramedics' team (RZP), RZP team and physician in the rendezvous system...

Percutaneous coronary interventions in children with structurally normal hearts. Is there any place for stenting?

Jaouadi Abdelaziz, Jamel Ahmad, Abdallah Maroua, Messaoudi Yosra, Ibn Ezzine Bilel, Ben Halima Nejeh

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):53-57 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.029  

Introduction: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are far more common in adulthood than in childhood, congenitally related coronary insufficiency occupies a convenient part (especially after surgical repair, i.e. TGA arterial switch) but ACS in structurally normal hearts are more common related to systemic disorders and/or loco-regional epicardial coronary anomalies. Although, percutaneous coronary angioplasty (PCA) is paramount in adults who have had an acute coronary syndrome especially with stent implantation reducing the consequent mortality, it's not a common option in children and extremely rare in infants considering the complications that can be...

The role of vitamin D in statin treated patients complaining of myalagia

Noha Hassanin, Yasser Baghdady, Mohamed Shehata, Ashgan Wagdi

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):58-65 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.021  

Background: There is a multitude of evidence supporting the benefit of statin use in cardiovascular disease; however, statin-induced myopathy is a major reason for statin discontinuation and non-adherence. Vitamin D deficiency has been independently associated with muscle weakness and severe myopathy, and may be a confounder for statin-induced myopathies. Objectives: To determine whether low serum vitamin D is associated with the occurrence of myalgia in statin treated patients. Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 60 statin-treated patients. Patients were divided into two groups each was formed of 30 patients. Group 1 enrolled...

Cardiac Device Therapy in Heart Failure: Between Guidelines and Current Practice. Where Are We?

Zainab A. Dakhil, Hasan A. Farhan, Sami M. Mishlish

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):66-71 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.113  

Background: Over last few decades, treatment of heart failure witnessed a leap especially regarding device therapy which decreases heart failure burden and mortality, however; in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction introduction of device therapy should be considered after maximizing guideline directed medical therapy. There is limited data from emerging countries regarding adherence to guidelines in heart failure management. Accordingly, this study sought to investigate adherence of cardiologists to optimization of guideline directed medical therapy prior to device implantation in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction....

(Cardiac allograft vasculopathy nowadays)

Tomáš Eckhardt, Michal Pazderník

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):73-78 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.105  

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is the main cause of late morbidity and mortality in heart transplant patients and significantly shortens their long-term survival. It is characterized by a diffuse concentric intimal hyperplasia, which manifests itself in the form of early stenotic coronary artery disease. The diagnosis should be made on the basis of a combination of findings from non-invasive and invasive examinations. Treatment options are limited, hence prevention of its development is crucial. This article discusses the epidemiology, symptoms, pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

(Cardiovascular telerehabilitation: remotely monitored physical exercise)

Ladislav Baťalík

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):79-85 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.083  

Cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) is a useful comprehensive approach in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and heart failure through programs based on specialized hospital centers. Comprehensive CR reduces morbidity and mortality and increases the quality of life of cardiac patients. Despite the benefits it brings, patient participation in rehabilitation programs is low. In addition to the low utilization rate and completion of the CR program, the goals of secondary prevention in a large proportion of heart patients are not achieved. This condition seems to be an opportunity for improvement. Cardiovascular...

(What are the benefits of vaccination for the patients with cardiovascular diseases?)

Petra Macounová, Rastislav Maďar

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):86-89 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.104  

Vaccination against some infectious diseases provides protection not only against themselves, but has also been shown to have cardioprotective effects, both in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease and in healthy individuals. The article discusses the importance of vaccination against influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster and their effect on cardiovascular disease, or their effect in the prevention of cardiovascular events.

(Remote monitoring of cardiac implanted electronic devices: legal requirements and ethical principles - ESC Regulatory Affairs Committee/EHRA joint task force report. Translation of the document prepared by the Czech Society of Cardiology)

Miloš Táborský, Josef Kautzner, Hanka Wünschová, Lucie Nečasová, Marián Fedorco, Pavel Bradáč, Antonín Hlavinka, Petr Šustek

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):95-110 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2021.019  

The European Union (EU) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes legal responsibilities concerning the collection and processing of personal information from individuals who live in the EU. It has particular implications for the remote monitoring of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). This report from a joint Task Force of the European Heart Rhythm Association and the Regulatory Affairs Committee of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends a common legal interpretation of the GDPR. Manufacturers and hospitals should be designated as joint controllers of the data collected by remote monitoring (depending upon the system...

Diagnostic Challenge in a Patient with Prosthetic Mitral Valve: Surgical Remnant or Artifact

Murat Gul, Sinan İnci

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):92-94 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.092  

Incidental echocardiographic findings in asymptomatic patients could be challenging in clinical decision-making. Mitral regurgitation is a common valvular heart disease, which is the leading cause of congestive heart failure and death. Although there is a variety of treatment options, mitral valve repair remains the preferred treatment when the anatomy is suitable. Transapical mitral valve repair with artificial neochordae implantation is a novel and minimally invasive technique for patients with degenerative mitral valve dis- ease. It has been shown that this procedure is safe, effective and has excellent long-term results. Although this technique...

Seven-year survival after transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation for intermediate and high surgical risk or inoperable patients

Michal Hulman, Martin Beňa, Ivo Gasparovič, Vladan Hudec, Branislav Bezák, Panagiotis Artemiou

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):90-91 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2020.085  

Požadavky na výcvik kardiologů v endovaskulární léčbě akutních ischemických iktů

Petr Widimský

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):122-123  

Po stopách Stanislava Mentla z Malé Losenice do vinohradské nemocnice

Pavel Čech

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):124-128  

On the occasion of last-year graduation centennial as well as the 50th retirement anniversary of Stanislav Mentl (1894–1981) after a half-century activity in the fi elds of cardiology, biotypology, anthropology, and balneology, his peasant roots and the fi rst half of his life are remembered here including the study years in Prague, the work at the Cardiology Department of the University Outpatient Clinic as well as the involve-ment in the founding of the Czechoslovak Society of Cardiology and the Czechoslovak Biotypological Society and the direction of our fi rst inpatient cardiological ward up to the participation as the Minister...

Jana Šeblová, Jiří Knor a kolektiv: Urgentní medicína v klinické praxi lékaře

Prof. MUDr. Jan Petrášek, DrSc.

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):128  

Prof. MUDr. Jan Černý, CSc., se dožívá 80 let

Petr Němec, Michael Aschermann

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):112-113  

Prof. MUDr.  Jiří Vítovec, CSc., FESC, má jubileum

prof. MUDr. Jindřich Špinar, CSc., FESC, prof. MUDr. Lenka Špinarová, Ph.D., FESC, Michael Aschermann

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):114-115  

MUDr. Jiří Humhal sedmdesátníkem

Michael Aschermann

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):116  

Doc. MUDr. Eva Mandysová, CSc., a MUDr. Pavel Formánek v letošním roce oslavují svoje významné životní jubileum a oba ve stejný den

Petr Neužil

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):117-118  

Třicet let Centra kardiovaskulární a transplantační chirurgie v Brně

Petr Němec, Jan Černý

Cor Vasa 2021, 63(1):119-121