Michał Zabojszcz

Electrocardiographic landmarks of hypothermia

We present the cases of two patients with hypothermia, with a detailed description of electrocardiographic changes associated with hypothermia. In both cases, J wave was initially misdiagnosed as left bundle branch block (LBBB). We discuss the differentiation of J wave from LBBB.

Rilmenidine – its antihypertensive efficacy, safety and impact on quality of life in perimenopausal women with mild to moderate essential hypertension

Objectives. A prospective, open‐labeled study to assess the antihypertensive effect of monotherapy with rilmenidine and its impact on quality of life (QoL), as well as on biochemical parameters in perimenopausal women with essential hypertension. Design and methods. Fifty‐five perimenopausal women with mild to moderate essential hypertension (mean age 51.4±2.4 years) were enrolled. At baseline and after 12‐week monotherapy with rilmenidine, we assessed: systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), fasting glucose, serum creatinine and total cholesterol levels. QoL was also assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks by two standardized questionnaires: the Short Form – 36 (SF‐36) and the Subjective Symptoms Assessment Profile (SSAP). Statistical analysis was performed using Students t‐test to compare changes in BP, QoL and biochemical parameters during therapy with rilmenidine. Results. After 12 weeks of therapy, there was a significant decrease in BP and HR. Normalization of BP was observed in 46 (84%) women. Rilmenidine did not influence serum creatinine, fasting glucose and lipid profile. Treatment was very well tolerated by the patients and no side‐effects were noted. Both the SF‐36 and the SSAP demonstrated improvement in general QoL. We observed a significant improvement in all SF‐36 subscales. In the SSAP, a similar significant improvement was found, except dizziness subscale. Improvement in QoL was not related to reduction of BP. Conclusions. Monotherapy with rilmenidine is safe and effective in BP treatment and significantly improves QoL in perimenopausal women with essential hypertension.

Treatment of coronary chronic total occlusion by transradial approach: Current trends and expert recommendations

The aim of this review is to highlight the technical details and the scientific data on percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in chronic total occlusion (CTO) performed by transradial approach (TRA). Transfemoral approach (TFA) is commonly regarded as the standard for CTO PCI, but there is a growing number of CTO recanalization procedures performed by TRA. We discuss the relevant technical details to approach a CTO by transradial access, especially the compatibility of various CTO recanalization techniques with specific guiding catheter sizes. Randomized prospective trials in this field are lacking and only data from observational studies are available. We can conclude that transradial access for CTO PCI is feasible and could be very useful in selected patients. In our opinion, transradial access in CTO PCIs should be limited to operators and centers highly experienced in CTO recanaliza¬tion and in TRA.