Can thromboembolic risk be associated with erectile dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients?

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is highly prevalent in patients with diseases of cardiovascular system, including patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Reasons for this high co-prevalence include endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative and emotional stress associated with AF. Association of AF-induced prothrombotic state and possible microthrombi in penile arteries with ED remains unclear. The present study aims to assess if probability of AF-associated risk of peripheral thromboembolism may be associated with ED in AF patients. Methods: Probability of thromboembolic complications was assessed with two commonly used risk scores CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc in a group of continuous AF patients. All patients were also asked to fill an IIEF-5 questionnaire designed for screening for ED. Results: Mean CHADS2 score in the whole study group was 1.1 ± 1.0 points and CHA2DS2- -VASc was 1.5 ± 1.4 points. ED was present in 57.4% of the 129-person study population. In patients with ED, both CHADS2 (0.9 ± 1.0 vs. 1.3 ± 1.1; p = 0.03) and CHA2DS2-VASc (1.2 ± 1.1 vs. 1.8 ± 1.5; p = 0.03) scores were significantly higher than in the group without dysfunction. After dividing the patients according to age into groups younger than 65 years vs. ≥ 65 years, observed correlation was no longer significant in the younger group (p > 0.05). In patients ≥ 65 years, in whom the risk scores are routinely used, dysfunction both CHADS2 (1.1 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 0.9; p = 0.02) and CHA2DS2-VASc (2.3 ± 1.1 vs. 3.4 ± 1.3; p = 0.04) scores were higher in the group with ED. Conclusions: Erectile dysfunctions in AF patients are associated with elevated cardioembolic risk. We postulate that the diagnosis of ED should be considered an additional marker of prothrombotic state, and may be useful in clinical decision-making, especially in patients ≥ 65 years old.

Przewidywanie nagłego zgonu sercowego na podstawie 12-odprowadzeniowego zapisu EKG

Sudden cardiac death (SCD), which is often the first manifestation of cardiovascular disease, is defined as a non-traumatic, unexpected fatal event occurring within one hour of the onset of symptoms in an apparently healthy subject. According to the current guidelines, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy is recommended for the primary prevention of SCD among patients with a reduced (i.e. less than 75/min, prolonged QTc interval (> 450 ms for men, > 460 ms for women), QRS-T angle > 90 degrees, delayed QRS transition zone (> V4), prolonged Tpeak-to-Tend (TpTe) > 89 ms and left ventri­cular hypertrophy (according to Sokolow-Lyon or Cornell criteria). This novel ECG risk score could be particularly effective for patients with left ventricular ejection fraction > 35% where risk stratification is currently unavailable.Nagły zgon sercowy (SCD), będący niejednokrotnie pierwszą manifestacją choroby układu sercowo-naczyniowego, definiuje się jako niespodziewany, śmiertelny incydent niezwiązany z urazem, powodujący zgon w ciągu godziny od początku objawów u pozornie zdrowej osoby. W aktualnych wytycznych w prewencji pierwotnej SCD zaleca się implantację układu kardiowertera-defibrylatora w grupie pacjentów z obniżoną (< 35%) frakcją wyrzutową lewej komory (LVEF). Autorzy Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study zaproponowali nowy, elektrokardiograficzny model oceny ryzyka SCD uwzględniający: spoczynkową czynność serca powyżej 75/min, wydłużony odstęp QTc (> 450 ms u mężczyzn, > 460 ms u kobiet), kąt QRS-T ponad 90 stopni, opóźnioną strefę przejściową zespołu QRS (> V4), wydłużony czas mierzony od szczytu załamka T do jego końca (TpTe, Tpeak-to-Tend) ponad 89 ms oraz elektrokardiograficzne cechy przerostu mięśnia lewej komory (wskaźnik Sokołowa-Lyona lub Cornella). Omawiany model może mieć szczególne znaczenie u pacjentów z LVEF przekraczającą 35% — grupy, dla której nie opracowano zwalidowanej skali ryzyka wystąpienia SCD

Does obstructive sleep apnoea influence BNP concentrations in atrial fibrillation patients?

Background B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker commonly used in diagnosing and assessing prognosis in heart failure patients. Its concentration can be elevated in various conditions associated with excessive heart wall stretch including atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The aim of the study was to assess if BNP levels in atrial fibrillation patients are associated with the value of apnoea-hypopnea index (AHI). Material and methods Study population were consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation, who underwent overnight sleep study, and had blood taken for BNP concentration assessment. Subsequently, patients were divided into group according to AHI: Group I (< 5/h), Group II (5–15/h), and Group III (> 15/h). Results Analysis covered 158 patients (males, 64.6%; mean age, 58.3 ± 9.2 years). 83 (52.5%) patients had AHI < 5/h, Group II consisted of 44 (27.9%), and Group III of 31 (19.6%) patients. Mean BMI and neck circumference rose with AHI value severity. BMI was as follows 28.7 ± 4.3, 30.7 ± 4.7, and 31.8 ± 5.2 kg/m2 (p for trend < 0.01), while neck circumference was 39.2 ± 3.5, 41.5 ± 3.9, and 41.2 ± 3.2 cm, (p for trend = 0.001) for Group I, II, and III respectively. BNP concentration was the lowest in Group I (53.0 ± 57.0 pg/mL), in middle ranges in Group II (69.2 ± 89.9 pg/mL), and the highest in patients with AHI > 15 (104.0 ± 150.8 pg/mL; p for trend = 0.03). Conclusions Majority of patients with atrial fibrillation have AHI < 5/h and these generally have lower BMI, and neck circumference. Patients who have AHI exceeding ≥ 5/h BNP levels tend to be elevated, and its values rise along with AHI

Nowy paradygmat leczenia przeciwzakrzepowego chorób miażdżycowych. Stanowisko grupy ekspertów wsparte przez Sekcję Farmakoterapii Sercowo-Naczyniowej Polskiego Towarzystwa Kardiologicznego dotyczące miejsca riwaroksabanu w terapii stabilnej choroby wieńcowej lub objawowej choroby tętnic obwodowych

The need to improve the efficacy of anticoagulant therapy in secondary prevention is indicated by the fact that intensive antiplatelet therapy only partially reduces cardiovascular risk. The results of the COMPASS study provide evidence that additional blocking of coagulation cascade may significantly affect the further prevention of major cardiovascular events in a selected population of patients. The following document is the opinion of an expert group summarising the latest knowledge regarding anticoagulant therapy in stable coronary disease and peripheral artery disease. Na konieczność poprawy skuteczności terapii przeciwzakrzepowej w prewencji wtórnej wskazuje fakt, że intensywne leczenie przeciwpłytkowe tylko częściowo obniża ryzyko sercowo-naczyniowe. Wyniki badania COMPASS dostarczają dowodów na to, że dodatkowe zablokowanie wybranych pięter kaskady krzepnięcia może istotnie wpłynąć na dalszą prewencję poważnych zdarzeń sercowo-naczyniowych w wybranej populacji chorych. Niniejszy dokument stanowi opinię grupy ekspertów będącą podsumowaniem najnowszej wiedzy dotyczącej leczenia przeciwzakrzepowego w stabilnej chorobie wieńcowej i chorobie tętnic obwodowych

Attitudes of Polish physicians towards new antihypertensive agents — a final report from the ALMONDS survey

Introduction. Arterial hypertension is the most frequent modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature mortality globally. Availability of novel antihypertensive agents with unique pharmacological characteristics improves the efficacy and safety of antihypertensive therapy. The aim of the ALMONDS survey was to identify the attitude of Polish medical professionals towards novel pharmacological agents used in the therapy of hypertension. In particular, we sought to investigate the views regarding the “class effect” for antihypertensive agents. Material and methods. The study was conducted using a standardized survey, which was filled in by 784 specialists or trainees in cardiology, internal medicine, family medicine, and diabetology. The letter form and anonymity of the survey allowed to maximize the reliability of the collected data. Results. The majority of the study group were females 46-60 years of age. A substantial proportion of the physicians specialized in internal medicine and had more than 20 years of professional experience. The management was mostly guided by the Polish Society of Hypertension (PTNT) guidelines or the European Society of Hypertension (ESH)/European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. In patients with hypertension and coronary artery disease, the most commonly chosen drug treatment included a beta-blocker and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an ACE inhibitor and a vasodilating beta-blocker. The latter combination was also selected most frequently in patients with hypertension and heart failure. In women in reproductive age, a vasodilating beta-blocker and a calcium antagonist were selected most frequently, while a combination of nebivolol and zofenopril was indicated as the best in young men with hyperkinetic circulation. In patients with resistant hypertension, the most frequently chosen regimen included furosemide, amlodipine, zofenopril, and nebivolol. Another popular combination included torasemide, lercanidipine, telmisartan, and carvedilol. Conclusions. The results of our study indicate that Polish medical professionals have clear preferences regarding specific pharmacological agents within drug classes. Vasodilating agents are preferred among beta blockers, newer agents among ACE inhibitors, dihydropyridines among calcium antagonists, and loop diuretics among diuretics. This attitude is generally consistent with the 2015 PTNT guidelines

Stanowisko grupy ekspertów wsparte przez Sekcję Farmakoterapii Sercowo-Naczyniowej Polskiego Towarzystwa Kardiologicznego dotyczące miejsca standaryzowanej kompozycji polifenoli z bergamoty w terapii dyslipidemii oraz jej innego potencjalnego zastosowania w praktyce klinicznej

Bergamot juice has a particularly high content and a unique composition of flavonoids. It is particularly rich in flavanones and flavones. Stan-dardized bergamot polyphenolic fraction has the same polyphenol profile as in the juice, but flavonoids are over 200 times more concentrated. Many data show its brilliant performance in hyperlipidaemia and moderate hyperglycaemia. In addition, it has other beneficial pleiotropic properties. The following document contains the opinion of an expert group summarizing current knowledge on bergamot flavonoids and their possible use in selected populations of patients.Sok bergamotowy charakteryzuje się unikatowym profilem flawonoidów. Jest szczególnie bogaty we flawanony i flawony. Standaryzowana kompozycja polifenoli z bergamoty zawiera takie flawonoidy jak sok bergamotowy, jednak ponad 200 razy bardziej skoncentrowane. Liczne dane wskazują na jej znakomite działanie w hiperlipidemii i umiarkowanej hiperglikemii. Ponadto wykazuje ona inne korzystne właściwości plejotropowe. Poniższy dokument stanowi opinię grupy ekspertów będącą podsumowaniem aktualnej wiedzy na temat flawonoidów bergamoty i ich możliwego zastosowania w wybranych populacjach chorych

Stanowisko grupy ekspertów wsparte przez Sekcję Farmakoterapii Sercowo-Naczyniowej Polskiego Towarzystwa Kardiologicznego dotyczące miejsca standaryzowanej kompozycji polifenoli z bergamoty w terapii dyslipidemii oraz jej innego potencjalnego zastosowania

Bergamot juice has a particularly high content and a unique composition of flavonoids. It is particularly rich in flavanones and flavones. Standardized bergamot polyphenolic fraction has the same polyphenol profile as in the juice, but flavonoids are over 200 times more concentrated. Many data show its brilliant performance in hyperlipidaemia and moderate hyperglycaemia. In addition, it has other beneficial pleiotropic properties. The following document contains the opinion of an expert group summarizing current knowledge on bergamot flavonoids and their possible use in selected populations of patients.Sok bergamotowy charakteryzuje się unikatowym profilem flawonoidów. Jest szczególnie bogaty we flawanony i flawony. Standaryzowana kompozycja polifenoli z bergamoty zawiera takie flawonoidy jak sok bergamotowy, jednak ponad 200 razy bardziej skoncentrowane. Liczne dane wskazują na jej znakomite działanie w hiperlipidemii i umiarkowanej hiperglikemii. Ponadto wykazuje ona inne korzystne właściwości plejotropowe. Poniższy dokument stanowi opinię grupy ekspertów będącą podsumowaniem aktualnej wiedzy na temat flawonoidów bergamoty i ich możliwego zastosowania w wybranych populacjach chorych