Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction The fibrosis of the LA, which is characteristic of AF, causes mechanical dysfunction of the LA and may also be present in patients without LA enlargement. LA strain represents a surrogate marker of this mechanical dysfunction. Early detection of LA dysfunction may be crucial in identifying patients who are more likely to experience AF recurrence following cardioversion and ablation. Before cardioversion and ablation, the probability of AF recurrence might be predicted, which could lead to better patient selection, an individualized therapeutic strategy with reduced risk and focused follow-up. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the additional predictive value of LA function assessed by using strain echocardiography for early AF recurrence after cardioversion and ablation. Methods 94 patients diagnosed with symptomatic persistent atrial fibrillation (EHRA symptom score ≥3 (mean age 59.4 ± 12.2 years, 58% male, 42%female), preserved LV ejection fraction were prospectively analyzed. In 39 (41,5%) patients pharmacological cardioversion was done after saturation with antiarhythmic drugs,in 27 (28,7%) patients planed electrical cardioversion was done after medical saturation with antiarrhythmic drugs and failure of pharmacological cardioversion, and in 28 (29,8%) patients planed RF ablation was performed. Complete echocardiography evaluation including strain and volume index LA was performed before cardioversion and ablation. The rhythm evaluation was done in the first month after cardioversion and RF ablation (35±5 days). The primary endpoint was persistent AF recurrence. Results 29 (30,8%) patients had AF recurrence in the overall study population, independently of duration of AF or method of rhythm control. Peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) ≤15% had the highest incremental predictive value for AF recurrence (HR =8.42, 95% CI: 3.17–25.12, p < 0.001). In patients with non-dilated LA, PALS≤15% remained an independent predictor of AF recurrence (HR = 5.32, 95% CI: 1.77–17.42, p = 0.005). Conclusion This study shown that, in addition to LA dilatation, LA function as determined by PALS can provide a prognostic value for early AF recurrence after cardioversion or ablation. PALS also predicted AF recurrence in patients with nondilated LA. These findings highlight the additional prognostic usefulness of LA strain and recommend its implementation in the systematic assessment of AF patients prior to the choice of rhythm/rate control.

Background: Heart failure remains one of the most prevalent clinical syndromes associated with significant morbidity and mortality. According to current guidelines, the prescription of a MRA is recommended to reduce the risk of HF hospitalization and death in all patients with symptomatic heart failure and no contraindications for this therapy. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the efficacy of eplerenone vs. spironolactone on left ventricular systolic function by measuring left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with chronic heart failure, especially their effect on preventing hospitalization, reducing mortality, and improving clinical status among patients with chronic HF. Methods: From June 2021 to June 2022, the study was a randomized, prospective clinical trial single blind study. A total of 142 patients of chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction were selected by random sampling. Each patient was randomly allocated into either of the two groups and was continued receiving treatment with either spironolactone (Spiron-HF group) or eplerenone (Epler-HF group). Patients in Epler-HF group were compared with an arm of the same size and matched by age and gender patients in Spiron-HF group for management of chronic HFrEF. Each patient was evaluated clinically, biochemically, and echocardiographically at the beginning of treatment (baseline) after 6 months and at the end of 12th month. Echocardiography was performed to find out change in left ventricular systolic function. Results: After 12 months of treatment, significant improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction was observed in eplerenone treated arm (37.9 ± 3.8 ± 4.6 in Spiron-HF group versus 40.1 ± 5.7 in Epler-HF group; P < 0.05). A significant reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume (6.3 ± 2.5ml in Spiron-HF versus 17.8± 4.4ml in Epler-HF group; P < 0.05) and left ventricular systolic diameter volume (2.7 ± 0.5ml in Spiron-HF versus 6.7 ± 0.2ml in Epler-HF group; P < 0.05), occurred after 12 months of treatment. Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) was significantly improved in Epler-HF group compared with Spiron-HF group (0.6 ± 0.4 versus 3.4 ± 0.9; P < 0.05). There were no significant differences observed in reduction of left ventricular end-diastolic volume (2.2 ± 0.5 ml versus 4.7 ± 1.1ml; P =0.103) and left ventricular diastolic diameter (1.2 ± 0.6 versus 1.7 ± 0.3; P=0.082) in both arms. The effects of both MRA agents spironolactone and eplerenone on the primary composite outcome, each of the individual mortality and hospital admission outcomes are shown in Figure 1 and 2. Patients of the Epler-HF group showed statistically significant lower cardiovascular mortality (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.34–0.82; p= 0.007) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.44–0.93; p= 0.022) than patients of the Spiron-HF group. The statistical analysis did not show a statistically significant difference between Epler -HF and Spiron-HF study groups regarding the risk of the primary composite outcome; cardiovascular death or hospitalization due to HF (Hazard Ratio (HR) eplerenone vs. spironolactone = 0.95; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.73– 1.27; p= 0.675). Conclusion: Our study has demonstrated favorable effects of eplerenone on cardiac remodeling parameters and reduction of cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality compared with spironolactone in the treatment of HFrEF. The ability of eplerenone to effectively block the mineralocorticoid receptor while minimizing side effects and a significant reduction in the risk of hospitalization and cardiovascular death confirms its key role in the treatment of patients with chronic HFrEF.

Background: Cerebrovascular accidents (CVI) are considered the second most serious complication in cardiac surgery patients with a frequency of 10%. By preventing complications of surgical treatment, using a Color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) device, in the population of cardiac surgery patients, the unplanned costs of prolonged postoperative treatment would be reduced. Objective: To prove that the acquisition and use of the newly developed CDU device “Affinit 30” is completely economical, profitable and medically justified. Methods: Numerical parameters of the treatment of cardiovascular patients were analyzed (number of procedures, number of days in the intensive care unit, cost of additional consultative services of the clinic for radiology and neurology), and the calculated economic value of the potential investment, as well as the cost of preventing surgical complications, by purchasing and installing a new modern CDU device. Results: The profitability of the investment was assessed using the economic parameters Net Present Value (NPV) of the investment, Internal rate of return (IRR) and Profitability Index (PI). A mathematical calculation with the given parameters yields NPV = 948,850 KM and IRR of 273% when applied to the given parameters. The PI value is 12.6, which matches the previously calculated NPV and IRR values. Conclusion: The acquisition and use of the newly developed CDU device “Affinit 30” is economically profitable and medically justified. This is shown by the calculated values of the economic parameters Net Present Value of the investment (NPV), Internal rate of return (IRR) and the Profitability Index (PI).

Background: Heart attack, or cardiac arrest, became a leading cause of death after the turn of the century. Defibrillation is one of the most important medical advances of the twentieth century. Defibrillation is a critical step in the treatment of cardiac arrest as it can be the only way to restore a normal heart rhythm and save the life of the individual. However, it is important to note that defibrillation is only effective if it is performed quickly and in conjunction with other life-saving measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The history of cardiac defibrillation therapy is long and fascinating, spanning several centuries, many countries and continents. Objective: The aim of this article was to provide historical information about technical and scientific advances in cardiac devices and the development of today defibrillators. Methods: Review of the available literature, historical data, personal contacts, others and personal experience in this field. Discussion: In 1947, Beck published the first paper describing open chest defibrillation of the human heart. Ten years later, Kouwenhoven demonstrated that the heart could be defibrillated through a closed chest. The first external defibrillator weighed 120 kg and delivered 500 v of alternating current (AC) potential. The mere size of the defibrillator restricted its use to surgical suites or other areas hospital locations. In many cases, cardiac arrhythmias recurred. This was thought to be related to the amount of energy used to defibrillate the heart which it was believed caused myocardial damage. These factors limited the practical application of defibrillators. By 1956, a unit was built that could be wheeled into the emergency room, plugged into a wall outlet, and deliver 1000 volts. By 1962, Lown realized that AC current resulted in a high frequency of cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac damage. A direct current (DC) defibrillator, consisting of a battery, a capacitor to store energy, and a transformer was developed. The therapy spread from operating rooms to coronary care units and emergency departments and in the late 1960s left the hospital and started appearing on mobile intensive care units. The first portable EMS defibrillators (used by paramedics) emerged in the early 1970s. In 1980 the automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was invented. Automated external defibrillators began appearing in the late 1980s allowing the therapy to be delivered by EMTs and lay people. The ‘father’ of the modern automated external defibrillator (AED), Professor James Francis (1916-2004) was a physician and cardiologist from Northern Ireland who transformed emergency medicine and paramedic services with the invention of the portable defibrillator. Conclusion: Defibrillators are critical resuscitation devices. The use of reliable defibrillators has led to more effective treatments and improved patient safety through better control and management of complications during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The 75th anniversary of the world’s first successful human cardiac defibrillation represents the landmark event that defined the future of cardiovascular medicine and ushered in a new era of advanced cardiac life support.

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Background: Two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) Simpson methods is the most frequently used imaging modality to assess Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). LVEF is an important predictor of morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients and clinical scenarios. Despite its importance in prognosis and clinical decision making, most echocardiography laboratories currently determine EF primarily by visual estimation, which is highly experience-dependent and sensitive to intra- and inter-observer variability and suboptimal accuracy and repeatability. Over the last decade, 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) has become increasingly implemented in clinical practice. The automated 3D HeartModelA.I. tracks every frame over the cardiac cycle using 3D speckle technology. HeartModelA.I. is a fully automated program that simultaneously detects LA and LV endocardial surfaces using an adaptive analytics algorithm that consists of knowledge-based identification of initial global shape and orientation followed by patient-specific adaptation. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the automated 3D HeartModelA.I echocardiography and 2D Simpson methods echocardiography in evaluation of the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular volumes in patients with left heart dysfunction. Methods: The study prospectively enrolled 165 patients with symptoms of LV dysfunction (ischemic or nonischemic) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I-III, referred for an echocardiographic study to evaluate the LV volumes and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) during the period from March 2020 to March 2022. Echocardiographic images were acquired by experienced echocardiographers using a commercially available Philips EPIQ machine (Koninklijke Philips Ultrasound, USA) equipped with X5-1 Matrix probe for 2DE and DHM 3DE acquisitions, respectively. Results: 2D Simpson methods echocardiography results for estimated LVEF were 38.43 ± 1.70 in patients with NYHA class I-II, 30.53 ± 1.60 in patients with NYHA class III. Using 3D Heart Model, LVEF were 38.23 ± 1.71 in patients with NYHA class I-II and 30.27 ± 1.50 in patients with NYHA class III. The results of 2D Simpson methods echocardiography for estimated LVEDVi in NYHA class I-II and NYHA class III were 99.06 ± 6.36 ml/m2, 121.96 ± 2.93 ml/m2 respectively, LVESVi were 60.91 ± 3.91 ml/m2, 84.74 ± 2.70 ml/m2 respectively, for 3D Heart Model, LVEDVi in NYHA class I-II and NYHA class III were 100.07 ± 6.72, 121.38 ± 3.01 ml/m2 respectively, LVESVi were 61.75 ± 3.94 ml/m2, 84.73 ± 2.33 ml/m2 respectively. 2DE measurement of LV volumes and EF was completed in 6.1 ± 0.8 min. per patient. 3DE HeartModelA.I acquisition and analysis in most patients was completed in <3.2 min., an average time of 2.9 ± 1.3 min. per patient. The result of our study shows that the 3D HeartModelA.I. is a reliable and robust method for LVEF and LV volume analysis, which has similar results to 2D echocardiography performed by experienced sonographers. In this study, we found that 3DE DHM fully automated tool is also significantly faster than 2DE analysis and thus can help overcome the time-consuming nature and its present a strong argument for its incorporation into the clinical workflow. In this study, we found that 3DE DHM fully automated tool is also significantly faster than 2DE analysis and thus can help overcome the time-consuming nature and its present a strong argument for its incorporation into the clinical workflow. Conclusion: 3D DHM provides fast and accurate LV volumes and LVEF quantitation, as it avoids geometric assumptions and left ventricular foreshortening, has better reproducibility and has incremental value to predict adverse outcomes in comparison with conventional 2DE. In the future major benefit of AI in echocardiography is expected from improvements in automated analysis and interpretation to reduce workload and improve clinical outcome.

Aim The aim of this study was to link the values of D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP), with the occurrence of pericardial effusion in patients who had coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and have preserved systolic function of the left ventricle (LV). Methods This was a prospective study and included 146 patients who underwent echocardiographic examination 30 days after the acute phase of COVID-19. Patients who were placed on mechanical ventilation, patients who had pulmonary thromboembolism or acute coronary syndrome during the acute period of the disease, patients who had an ejection fraction of the LV <50%, patients who were diagnosed with pericarditis during acute illness or clinical signs of heart failure (or had elevated N-terminal-pro hormone B-type natriuretic peptide value), with verified renal or hepatic dysfunction were excluded from the study, including patients with diabetes mellitus Type 1, patients with cancer, connective tissue disease, or pregnant women. The existence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus Type 2, and hyperlipidemia), the presence of previous ischemic heart disease, maximum values of D-dimer, and CRP (during the first 15 days of the disease) was taken into the analysis. Results Effusion was verified around the right atrium (RA) in 104 patients (3.85 ± 1.75 mm), in 135 patients next to the free wall of the right ventricle (RV) (5.24 ± 2.29 mm), in front of the apex of the LV in 27 patients (2.44 ± 0.97 mm), next to the lateral wall of LV in 35 patients (4.43 ± 3.21 mm), and behind the posterior wall of LV in 30 patients (2.83 ± 1.62 mm). Mean CRP values during the acute phase of the disease were 43.0 mg/L (8.6–76.2 mg/L), whereas D-dimer mean value was 880.00 μg/L (467.00 –2000.00 μg/L). CRP values correlated with effusion next to the free wall of RV (rho = 0.202; P = 0.018). The D dimer correlated with effusion around RA (rho = 0.308; P = 0.0001). Conclusion The clinical picture of the post-COVID patients could be explained by the appearance of pericardial effusion. D-dimer value correlates with the occurrence of effusion around RA, whereas CRP value correlates with effusion next to the free wall of RV.

Background: Hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Blood pressure control rates are as low as 17% to 31% in patients diagnosed with hypertension in high-income countries; control rates are likely poorer in low- to middle- and low-income countries. Blood pressure control rates are as low as 17% to 31% in patients diagnosed with hypertension in high-income countries; control rates are likely poorer in low- to middle- and low- income countries. Overall, 43% to 66% of patients fail to adhere to their prescribed antihypertensive medications, and after 1 year, ≈40% of patients with hypertension may stop their initial drug treatment. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of single pill combination antihypertensive drugs on the adherence to treatment, blood pressure control and cardiovascular events vs. free-combination therapy. Methods: We enrolled 192 adult hypertensive patients not older than 79 years, with untreated or uncontrolled hypertension despite previously receiving free combination antihypertensive therapy, between November 2020 and March 2022. Patients treated with single pill combination (SPC) were compared with an arm of the same size (n = 96) and matched by age and gender who received a standard free combination (FC) antihypertensive therapy. Results: There were significant reductions from baseline to month 6 of follow-up in office SBP in the SPC group vs. reduction in FC group (21.9 vs. 13.1 mmHg; p < 0.0001). There were significant reductions from baseline to month 6 of follow-up in office DBP in the SPC group vs. group with free-combination therapy (13.7 vs. 8.0 mmHg; p < 0.0001). At 6 months, 94 participants (98%) were still prescribed the SPC therapy. At the final 6-month study visit, 84.2% of patients in the SPC therapy group were adherent to the prescribed antihypertensive therapy vs. 52% of patients in the FC group. Target BP values (mean 24h ambulatory systolic/diastolic BP < 130/80 mmHg) were reached by more recipients of SPC than free-combination therapy (78.2% vs. 46.3%, p < 0.05) at month 6 of follow-up. Conclusion: Treatment with single pill combinations (SPC), is the emerging best practice for safe, effective, rapid, and convenient hypertension control. It improves the affordability, adherence and control of arterial hypertension.