Dariusz Kałka

Effects of amiodarone on the P-wave triggered signal-averaged electrocardiogram in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease

The effects of a 6-week treatment with amiodarone on the P-wave triggered signal-averaged electrocardiogram in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease have been studied. Amiodarone favorably influences P-wave triggered signal-averaged electrocardiographic parameters, predominantly in patients in whom amiodarone is effective in preventing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Association between physical exercise and quality of erection in men with ischaemic heart disease and erectile dysfunction subjected to physical training

BACKGROUND In addition to a beneficial effect on exercise tolerance and an associated reduction of global cardiovascular risk, modification of physical activity has a positive effect on the quality of life, reducing, among other things, the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED). AIM The specific nature of sexual activity, which combines the need to maintain appropriate exercise tolerance and good erection quality, prompted us to evaluate the association between exercise tolerance and severity of ED in an intervention group of subjects with ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and ED in the context of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). METHODS A total of 138 men treated invasively for IHD (including 99 treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and 39 treated with coronary artery bypass grafting) who scored 21 or less in the initial IIEF-5 test were investigated. Subjects were randomised into two groups. The study group included 103 subjects (mean age 62.07 ± 8.59 years) who were subjected to a CR cycle. The control group included 35 subjects (mean age 61.43 ± 8.81 years) who were not subjected to any CR. All subjects filled out an initial and final IIEF-5 questionnaire and were evaluated twice with a treadmill exercise test. The CR cycle was carried out for a period of 6 months and included interval endurance training on a cycle ergometer (three times a week) and general fitness exercises and resistance training (twice a week). RESULTS The CR cycle in the study group resulted in a statistically significant increase in exercise tolerance (7.15 ± 1.69 vs. 9.16 ± 1.84 METs,p < 0.05) and an increase in erection quality (12.51 ± 5.98 vs. 14.39 ± 6.82, p < 0.05) which was not observed in the control group. A significant effect of age on a progressive decrease in exercise tolerance and erection quality was found in the study group. Exercise tolerance and erection quality were also negatively affected by hypertension and smoking. A significant correlation between exercise tolerance and erection quality prior to the rehabilitation cycle indicates better erection quality in patients with better effort tolerance. The improvement in exercise tolerance did not correlate significantly with initial exercise tolerance or age of the subjects. In contrast, a significantly higher increase in erection quality was observed in younger subjects with the lowest baseline severity of ED.The relative increase in exercise tolerance in the group subjected to CR was significantly higher than the relative increase in erection quality but these two effects were not significantly correlated with each other. CONCLUSIONS 1. In subjects with IHD and ED, erection quality is significantly correlated with exercise tolerance. 2. Exercise training had a positive effect on both exercise tolerance and erection quality but the size of these two effects was different and they ran independently of each other.

Electrocardiographic evaluation in patients with systemic scleroderma and without clinically evident heart disease.

Background: In patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc), clinically evident cardiac involvement is recognized to be a poor prognostic factor. The aim of the study was to evaluate electrocardiographic changes, parameters of heart rate variability (HRV), and heart rate turbulence (HRT) in patients with SSc without evident symptoms of heart disease.

Effect of Endurance Cardiovascular Training Intensity on Erectile Dysfunction Severity in Men With Ischemic Heart Disease.

The protective effect of physical activity on arteries is not limited to coronary vessels, but extends to the whole arterial system, including arteries, in which endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerotic changes are one of the key factors affecting erectile dysfunction development. The objective of this study was to report whether the endurance training intensity and training-induced chronotropic response are linked with a change in erectile dysfunction intensity in men with ischemic heart disease. A total of 150 men treated for ischemic heart disease, who suffered from erectile dysfunction, were analyzed. The study group consisted of 115 patients who were subjected to a cardiac rehabilitation program. The control group consisted of 35 patients who were not subjected to any cardiac rehabilitation. An IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function) questionnaire was used for determining erectile dysfunction before and after cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac training intensity was objectified by parameters describing work of endurance training. The mean initial intensity of erectile dysfunction in the study group was 12.46 ± 6.01 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.35-13.57). Final erectile dysfunction intensity (EDI) assessed after the cardiac rehabilitation program in the study group was 14.35 ± 6.88 (95% CI = 13.08-15.62), and it was statistically significantly greater from initial EDI. Mean final training work was statistically significantly greater than mean initial training work. From among the parameters describing training work, none were related significantly to reduction of EDI. In conclusion, cardiac rehabilitation program–induced improvement in erection severity is not correlated with endurance training intensity. Chronotropic response during exercise may be used for initial assessment of change in cardiac rehabilitation program–induced erection severity.

Usefulness of body surface potential mapping for early identification of the intraventricular conduction disorders in young patients with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular complications are considered a significant problem in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Body surface potential mapping (BSPM) is a noninvasive method that is useful in detecting early changes involving the heart. The aim of the study was to evaluate possible abnormalities within the cardiac intraventricular conduction system in young patients with CKD using the BSPM method. METHODS Based on the BSPM registrations, the QRS-T isointegral maps were created in 42 young patients with CKD (on hemodialysis, subgroup Ia; on peritoneal dialysis, subgroup Ib; on conservative treatment, group II) and in 26 healthy subjects. Serum levels of electrolytes, urea, and creatinine were also assessed in the entire study population. RESULTS In the healthy subjects, the maximums of the group mean QRS-T isointegral map were located in the left lower anterior part of the thorax, whereas in the Ia patients, the maximums were focused at the medial sternum line. The QRS-T maps, both for Ib and II groups, showed the positive integrals covering the left part of the anterior thorax. In all the patients with CKD, standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography findings were within the reference range. CONCLUSIONS In the hemodialyzed patients with CKD, the group-mean QRS-T isointegral map distribution suggested a significant delay of excitation propagation in the left bundle branch, although no abnormalities were found with standard ECG. In the patients with CKD treated with peritoneal dialysis or conservatively, the group-mean QRS-T isointegral maps were characteristic for the early phase of conduction disturbances within the left bundle branch, which again was not observed on the standard ECG recordings.

Sexual health of male cardiac patients – present status and expectations of patients with coronary heart disease

Introduction Due to the pathogenetic association between erectile disorders and cardiovascular diseases, cardiologists consult many patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The aim of the study was to evaluate sexual function in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and the use of sexual knowledge in cardiology practice, both current use and that expected by patients. Material and methods One thousand one hundred and thirty-six patients (average age: 60.73 ±9.20) underwent a dedicated survey which encompassed demographic data and the presence of modifiable ED risk factors. The presence of ED was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) Questionnaire. Results Sexual problems were discussed by cardiologists with 45 (3.96%) patients. The frequency of initiating the topic was significantly associated with the respondents’ education level (p = 0.0031); however, it was not associated with the patients’ age, duration of CHD, presence of ED, or modifiable risk factors. Four hundred and sixteen (36.62%) respondents indicated that they expect their cardiologist to take an interest in their ED. Nine hundred and twenty-six (81.51%) patients claimed good sexual function to be important or very important to them. Attitude to sexual function was significantly associated with age (p < 0.0001), duration of CHD (p = 0.0018), education (p = 0.0011), presence of ED (p = 0.0041), diabetes (p = 0.0283) and hyperlipidaemia (p = 0.0014). Conclusions The low frequency with which cardiologists initiate the topic of ED is in contrast to the expectations of patients with CHD. The majority of these patients regard good sexual maintenance as an important part of their life.

The influence of endurance training intensity on dynamics of post-exertional heart rate recovery adaptation in patients with ischemic heart disease

PURPOSE The intensity of post-exertion heart rate recovery, evaluated in the first minute of the recovery period (HRR₆₀), is considered to be a strong predictor of risk for cardiac death. Intensification of physical activity performed as part of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) increases the HRR₆₀ value in ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients. In this context, the impact of endurance training intensity (ETI) on change in HRR₆₀ intensity seems to be an interesting issue. MATERIAL/METHODS The study group consisted of 251 patients who were subjected to a CR cycle. 45 patients of this group participated in CR twice. The control group consisted of 35 patients who were not subjected to any CR. ETI was estimated by the training work. In all patients an exertion test on a treadmill was performed twice within six months, analyzing the initial and final HRR₆₀ value and ΔHRR₆₀. RESULTS After a six-month observation, there was a statistically significant increase in the HRR₆₀ value (17.98±8.33/min vs. 22.72±7.72/min, p<0.01) in the test group, which was not observed in the control group. Mean ΔHRR₆₀ value in the test group was statistically significantly greater than in the control group. In the subgroup subjected to the two CR cycles, only the first cycle led to a statistically significant increase in the mean HRR₆₀ value. CONCLUSIONS A six-month CR cycle significantly increased the HRR₆₀ value, while cardiac training intensity did not affect the exertion-evoked change in its intensity. Continuation of the CR cycle beyond 6 months no longer significantly affected the change in the HRR₆₀ value.

Low-energy Shock Wave Therapy—A Novel Treatment Option for Erectile Dysfunction in Men With Cardiovascular Disease

Patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are prone to developing erectile dysfunction (ED) owing to the common risk factors and pathogenesis underlying ED and CVD. As a result, ED affects nearly 80% of male patients with CVD. The efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, vacuum erection devices, or intracavernosal injection of vasodilating agents is well established in the treatment of ED; however, their use is limited. Low-energy shock wave therapy is a novel modality that may become a causative treatment for ED. This review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of low-energy shock wave therapy in the treatment of ED in men with CVD.

Should information about sexual health be included in education directed toward men with cardiovascular diseases

Abstract Background: Modifiable risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and erectile dysfunction (ED). We aimed to compare the knowledge about the contribution of modifiable risk factors to the pathogenesis of CVD and ED. The impact of patients’ having modifiable risk factors on the awareness of their negative influence on the development of CVD and ED was examined. Methods: To this multicenter cohort study, we included 417 patients with CHD who had been hospitalized in the cardiology or cardiac surgery department during the previous six weeks and underwent cardiac rehabilitation in one of the five centers. Knowledge about modifiable risk factors was collected. ED was assessed by an abridged IIEF-5 questionnaire. Comparisons between groups were conducted using the Student’s t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis test. Relationships were analyzed with Spearmans rank correlation coefficient. Results: The mean number of correctly identified risk factors for CVD was significantly higher than those for ED (3.71 ± 1.87 vs. 2.00 ± 1.94; p < .0001). Smoking was the most recognized risk factor both for CVD and ED. Dyslipidemia was least frequently identified as a risk factor for CVD. Sedentary lifestyle was the only risk factor whose incidence did not affect the level of patient knowledge. Conclusions: Cardiac patients with ED know more about risk factors for CVD than ED. It is necessary to include information about the negative impact of modifiable risk factors on sexual health into education programs promoting healthy lifestyles in men with cardiovascular diseases.

Re: History of erectile dysfunction as a predictor of poor physical performance after an acute myocardial infarction

To the Editor, We have read the article entitled ‘History of erectile dysfunction as a predictor of poor physical performance after an acute myocardial infarction’ by Compostella et al. recently published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology with great interest. The study aimed to assess whether a history of erectile dysfunction (ED) may serve as a predictor of poor tolerance of effort in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) following an episode of acute myocardial infarction (MI). The topic of the work is very relevant and we are glad that the authors have undertaken such an analysis. Based on our studies and reports from literature, we would like to address the relationship between ED and the tolerance of effort in cardiac patients. Due to a common pathogenesis rooted in a dysfunctional vascular endothelium, ED develops in a considerable percentage of patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The presence of ED is associated with a higher degree of CAD or subclinical CVD. Despite the availability of easy to use and reliable diagnostic questionnaires such as the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction with an abridged five-item version (IIEF-5), the use of these questionnaires among patients with CVD remains insufficient. Kalka et al. assessed the relationship between IIEF-5 questionnaire results, the intensity of ED, and tolerance of effort in patients with CHD out of which 70% had an MI. IIEF-5 score was correlated with baseline tolerance of effort assessed by a cycle ergometer and was significantly associated with the change in tolerance of effort exerted by a sixmonth cycle of cardiac rehabilitation. Compostella et al. analysed a difficult high-risk group of patients with complicated acute MI. Clinical characteristics indicated the presence of post-MI damage to the heart muscle along with moderately reduced left ventricle ejection fraction. An important element of the study was to confirm the relationship between IIEF-5 score and tolerance of effort measured by the two widely used cardiac rehabilitation tests: the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and the symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). A significant correlation was found between IIEF-5 score and both peak oxygen uptake in the CPET and distance walked in the 6MWT. Low tolerance of effort in post-MI patients indicates an increased risk for future cardiac events and total mortality as well as lack of knowledge about the possibilities of returning to sexual activity and treating ED after MI. The management model presented by Compostella et al. enables to select patients already at risk of low tolerance of effort before starting a cardiac rehabilitation, which should improve the care of these patients both during and after cardiac rehabilitation. One of the aspects that should be clarified in the Compostella et al. study is patient allocation to study arms. According to the authors, 15 (11%) of the subjects reported no sexual activity six months pre-MI, but were allocated to the group of patients with ED. The use of data from those particular patients with an IIEF-5 score below five could possibly affect the result of a comparative analysis between men with and without ED. In conclusion, the study by Compostella et al. provides a basis for the introduction of the IIEF-5 questionnaire for the clinical assessment of patients with complicated acute MI qualified for cardiac rehabilitation.