Background:In some patients with chest pain, selective coronary angiography reveals slow contrast agent passage through the epicardial coronary arteries in the absence of stenosis. This phenomenon has been designated the slow coronary flow (SCF) phenomenon.Objectives:In this study, we aimed to describe the demographic and clinical findings and presence of common atherosclerosis risk factors in patients with the SCF phenomenon.Patients and Methods:Between October 2014 and March 2015, demographic data, clinical histories, atherosclerosis risk factors, and laboratory and angiographic findings were recorded for all consecutive patients scheduled for coronary angiography and diagnosed with the SCF phenomenon, as well as a control group (patients with normal epicardial coronary arteries; NECA). SCF was diagnosed based on the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (TFC). A TFC > 27 indicated a diagnosis of SCF phenomenon.Results:Among the 3600 patients scheduled for selective coronary angiography, 75 (2%) met the SCF criteria. SCF and NECA patients did not exhibit statistically significant differences in traditional risk factors except for hypertension, which was more prevalent in SCF than NECA patients (52% versus 31%, P = 0.008). A multivariable analysis indicated a low body mass index, presence of hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) level, and high hemoglobin level as independent predictors of the SCF phenomenon; of these, hypertension was the strongest predictor (odds ratio = 6.3, 95% confidence interval: 2.2 - 17.9, P = 0.001).Conclusions:The SCF phenomenon is relatively frequent, particularly among patients with acute coronary syndrome who are scheduled for coronary angiography. Hypertension, a low HDL-c level, and high hemoglobin level can be considered independent predictors of this phenomenon.

Considering the haemodynamic effects at mid-term follow-up, left ventricular dysfunction is rare in patients with RV apical pacing and normal baseline left ventricular function. Right ventricular apical pacing is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence and severity of TR and MR.

The results suggest that dry garlic powder tablet is superior to placebo in prevention of CIMT progression in patients with CAD and may be considered as an adjunct treatment for atherosclerosis.

BackgroundValvular heart diseases and mainly rheumatic heart diseases complicate about 1% of pregnancies. During pregnancy physiological hemodynamic changes of the circulation are the main cause of mitral stenosis (MS) decompensation. Prior to introduction of percutaneous mitral balloon commissuroplasty (PTMC), surgical comissurotomy was the preferred method of treatment in patients with refractory symptoms. PTMC is an established non-surgical treatment of rheumatic mitral stenosis. The study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of PTMC in pregnant women with severs mitral stenosis.Material and MethodThirty three consecutive patients undergoing PTMC during pregnancy enrolled in this prospective study. Mitral valve area (MVA), transmitral valve gradient (MVG), and severity of mitral regurgitation (MR) were assessed before and 24 hour after the procedure by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography. Mitral valve morphology was evaluated before the procedure using Wilkin’s criteria. Patient followed for one month and neonates monitored for weight and height and adverse effect of radiation.ResultMitral valve area increased from 0.83 ± 0.13 cm2 to 1.38 ± 0.29 cm2 (P = 0.007). Mean gradient of mitral valve decreased from 15.5 ± 7.4 mmHg to 2.3 ± 2.3 mmHg (P = <0.001). Pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 65.24 ± 17.9 to 50.45 ± 15.33 (P = 0.012). No maternal death, abortion, intrauterine growth restriction was observed and only one stillbirth occurred.ConclusionPTMC in pregnant women has favorable outcome and no harmful effect on children noted.