Objective: The present study was an investigation of the relationship between fragmented QRS (fQRS) and left ventricular apical thrombus (LVAT) in patients presenting with first acute anterior myocardial infarction (MI).
Methods: Consecutive 148 patients (mean age: 60.1±10.1 years; male: 75.6%) with first acute anterior MI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included. Study population was divided into 2 groups based on presence of LVAT. fQRS was defined as presence of various RSR’ patterns, which included additional R wave or notching of R wave or S wave, and presence of more than 1 R in 2 contiguous leads corresponding to major coronary artery territory on 12-lead electrocardiogram. Patients with bundle branch block were excluded from the study.
Results: Of these, 32 (21.6%) had LVAT. Patients with LVAT had higher prevalence of fQRS (53.1% vs. 22.4%; p<0.001) and lower rate of successful PCI (75% vs. 94%; p=0.002) compared with patients without LVAT. More patients in LVAT group had left ventricular ejection fraction of <30% (87.5% vs 65.5%; p=0.010). Groups were similar with respect to other baseline characteristics (p>0.05 for all). Presence of fQRS was independent predictor of LVAT (odds ratio [OR], 2.795; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.058–7.396) in multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion: Presence of fQRS in leads V4-V6 is independently associated with LVAT in patients presenting with first acute anterior MI.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to share our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of patients who presented at our clinic with syncope, pre-syncope, dizziness, and palpitations.
Study design: Patients who were treated at pediatric cardiology clinic for complaints of syncope, dizziness, and palpitations between 2014 and 2016 were enrolled in the study. Detailed history of the patients, physical examination findings, laboratory and electrocardiogram results were recorded. Tilt table test, 24-hour Holter rhythm monitoring, and exercise test were performed, as required. Patients were diagnosed as vasovagal syncope, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), or inappropriate sinus tachycardia based on these findings. Treatment of the patients was evaluated.
Results: Thirty patients were diagnosed as vasovagal syncope, 7 patients as POTS, and 2 as inappropriate sinus tachycardia. POTS accompanied Raynaud’s phenomenon in 1 patient, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 1 patient, and homocystinuria in another patient. Complaints of patients with vasovagal syncope improved with non-medical therapy. Medical treatment was administered to the patients with diagnosis of POTS and inappropriate sinus tachycardia.

Conclusion: In patients with complaints of syncope, pre-syncope, dizziness, and palpitations without structural heart disease or non-rhythm problems, cardiovascular autonomic disorders, such as POTS and inappropriate sinus tachycardia should be kept in mind, as well as vasovagal syncope.

Objective: Oxidative stress is increased in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Statins reduce oxidative stress independent of their effect in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on oxidative status by investigating serum paraoxonase, serum arylesterase, total oxidant status, total antioxidant status (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) in patients with AMI.
Methods: Seventy patients with AMI were randomized into 2 groups; total of 55 patients (19 females, 36 males) aged 32 to 86 years completed the study and were included in the analysis. Patients were treated with 80 mg atorvastatin or 40 mg rosuvastatin for 4 weeks. Lipid parameters and parameters of oxidative status were measured at admission and after 4-week statin treatment.
Results: After 4-week treatment, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin were associated with significant reduction in TAS, OSI, total cholesterol, and LDL-C levels. Serum paraoxonase level was significantly increased in both groups, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was significantly reduced in atorvastatin group. No statistically significant differences were found between atorvastatin and rosuvastatin in terms of actual difference in oxidative stress parameters.
Conclusion: Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin have similar effects on oxidative status in patients with AMI. Rosuvastatin affected HDL-C level more favorably than atorvastatin.

Objective: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is a complex developmental anomaly caused by abnormal aortic leaflet formation during valvulogenesis. The present study is an assessment of the effects of BAV disease on the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery (PA), and an evaluation of the consequences for systolic and diastolic functioning of the left and right ventricles.

Methods: Total of 66 patients were eligible for inclusion. Pulmonary artery maximum diameter (PAD) was obtained 1 cm distal to the pulmonary annulus. Using pulsed-wave tissue Doppler imaging, left ventricular (LV) early diastolic velocity (E′) measurement was obtained at the annulus with placement of sample volume. Right ventricle (RV) peak global strain rate during systole (RV-SRS), early diastole (RV-SRE), and late diastole (RV-SRA) were calculated.

Results: In this study, 40.9% (n=27) of patients were female and average age was 35±11years. RV-SRS values (β=-.781, t=-2.723; p=0.010) and log-LV tissue Doppler imaging E’ (β=-2.996, t=-5.405; p=<0.001) were negatively correlated, and log-PAD (β=4.861, t=3.052; p=0.005) was positively and independently correlated with ascending aortic diameter.

Conclusion: Ascending aorta diameter is positively correlated with PA diameter in BAV patients, and RV strain rate and LV diastolic parameters are affected before development of the valve disease.

Objective: Despite recent advances in medical support and interventions, only 5% to 10% of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survive to discharge. In this study, factors related to neurologically favorable survival in patients with OHCA were analyzed.
Methods: A total of 129 patients who were admitted to hospital with OHCA were retrospectively enrolled.
Results: Sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (ROSC lasting >20 min) was achieved in 29 (22.4%) patients. Percentage of cardiac arrests with ischemic etiology was significantly higher in successful ROSC group (p<0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, cardiac arrest with ischemic etiology (p=0.004) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) duration (p=0.013) were found to be independent predictors for ROSC. One-minute increment in CPR duration was associated with 1.202-fold increase in failure to achieve ROSC. Among patients with ROSC, 7 (5.4%) survived to hospital discharge, and 1-minute increment in CPR duration was associated with a 1.123-fold decrease in neurologically favorable survival (p=0.005).
Conclusion: In patients with OHCA, ischemic etiology is associated with better ROSC rate compared to other reasons for cardiac arrest, and patients with prolonged CPR are less likely to survive.

Objective: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disease characterized by extremely high levels of cholesterol, leading to premature atherosclerosis. Although many countries have already addressed the burden of FH by means of national registries, Turkey has no national FH registry or national screening program to detect FH. Creation of a series of FH registries is planned as part of Turkish FH Initiative endorsed by the Turkish Society of Cardiology to meet this need. This article provides detailed information on the rationale and design of the first 2 FH registries (A-HIT1 and A-HIT2).
Methods: A-HIT1 is a nationwide survey of adult homozygous FH (HoFH) patients undergoing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis (LA) in Turkey. A-HIT1 will provide insight into the clinical status of HoFH patients undergoing LA. Primary objective of this cross-sectional study is to identify how HoFH patients on LA are managed. Inclusion criteria are age >12 years, diagnosis of HoFH, and regular LA treatment. All available apheresis centers were electronically invited to participate in the study. The principal physicians of each center will respond to a questionnaire regarding their attitude toward LA. For each patient, another questionnaire will be used to collect data on clinical status, medication use, and disease data. In addition, patients will be asked to complete self-report questionnaires that provide information on quality of life, disease-related anxiety, and depression. A-HIT2 is a registry of adult FH patients presenting at outpatient clinics. At least 1000 FH patients will be recruited from 30 outpatient clinics representing the 12 statistical regions in Turkey based on the EU NUTS classification. Sites specializing in cardiology, internal medicine, and endocrinology were invited to participate. The primary objective of this cross-sectional study is to determine clinical status and management of patients in Turkey diagnosed with FH. Eligibility for screening was defined as having LDL-cholesterol level >160 mg/dL. Inclusion criteria are age >18 years and diagnosis as possible FH (total score of >2 according to Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria). In addition to measuring clinical status of patients, a short survey to assess patient level of disease awareness will also be administered.
Conclusion: A-HIT1 and A-HIT2 are the first nationwide FH registries in Turkey and will provide important information on the management of Turkish FH patients. In addition, it is planned that they will guide establishment of a national policy for the diagnosis and treatment of FH in Turkey.

Cutaneous hyperpigmentation is a common and well-defined side effect of many drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, and tetracyclines, but to the best of our knowledge there is no case of skin discoloration related to nebivolol in the literature. Presently described is lichenoid type cutaneous hyperpigmentation in a 46-year-old female patient. Hyperpigmentation emerged 3 months after initiating use of nebivolol and resolved after cessation of drug use. It was concluded that effect emerged as result of therapeutic doses of nebivolol.

A 52-year-old man complaining of persistent recurring chest pain at night underwent coronary angiogram at another institution. Normal coronaries were observed and he was discharged with muscle spasmolytic prescription. Since symptoms had continued, 24-hour Holter monitoring was ordered at our facility and results revealed huge ST elevation and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Cold pressor test performed in catheterization laboratory also resulted in ventricular tachycardia. Nifedipine was prescribed and follow-up Holter monitoring revealed no further vasospastic episodes. Utility of 24-hour Holter rhythm monitoring and cold pressor test in patients with recurrent chest pain at night is demonstrated in this report.

Hyperthyroidism often causes tachyarrhythmia. Reversible atrioventricular block caused by hyperthyroidism is rare occurrence. Presently described is a case of atrioventricular block due to hyperthyroidism and recovery after antithyroid treatment.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction, also known as cardiac syndrome X, is a clinical syndrome presenting with typical angina and evidence of myocardial ischemia in the absence of flow-limiting stenosis on coronary angiography. Of patients undergoing coronary angiography due to suspected myocardial ischemia, 50% are found to have normal or near-normal coronary arteries. Described in this case report is a patient who developed hypotension and ST segment depressions during treadmill exercise test. Left main coronary artery or multivessel disease was suspected. Coronary angiography was normal, but coronary flow reserve measurement revealed severe microvascular dysfunction.

We presented a case of subclavian steal syndrome which has been evaluated and treated quantitatively by using fractional flow reserve technique. Treatment strategy to resolve symptoms of angina in patients with steal syndrome is controversial. Quantitative evaluation should direct choice of treatment strategy.

A 61-year-old man underwent successful percutaneous revascularization of both lower limbs with multiple stent implantations. Paralysis of right lower limb was noticed after completion of procedure when transferring the patient from angiography table. Since hematoma compressing lumbosacral neural plexus could be a fatal complication, computed tomography (CT) image was taken. CT showed bulge of distended bladder compressing stent struts. Following placement of Foley catheter, condition improved and he was subsequently discharged uneventfully.

The role of gut bacteria in the pathogenesis and treatment of various diseases has been a focus of attention in the last 10 years. Prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases continues to increase, in spite of technological developments and treatment alternatives. Microbial dysbiosis, described as the decrease of useful bacteria and the increase of harmful bacteria, has been associated with diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome. In microbial dysbiosis, increase of harmful metabolites and changes to composition of bile acids occur via carbohydrate and protein fermentation. As a result, insulin resistance pathways are activated, which initiate the processes of obesity, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Healthy diet recommendations, including prebiotic and probiotic foods and the use of probiotic agents, look promising for future treatment of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases.