bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Argentina
Authors: Salazar Martin R , Garcia Vazquez Fortunato , Espeche Walter G , Marquez Diego , Becerra Pedro , Martinez Marissi Evangelina , Sorasio Viviana B , Staffieri Gustavo J , Kalbermatter Arnoldo , De Cerchio Alejandro E , Beaney Thomas , Partington Giles , Poulter Neil R , Marín Marcos J , Ennis Irene L 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The Argentinean Society of Hypertension, in agreement with the May Measurement Month (MMM) initiative of the International Society of Hypertension, implemented for the third consecutive year a hypertension screening campaign. A volunteer cross-sectional survey was carried out in public spaces and health centres during the month of May 2019 across 33 cities in Argentina. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg based on the mean of the second and third BP measurements, or in those on treatment for high BP. A total of 94 523 individuals (53.9 ± 17.8 years old, 55 231women and 39 292 men), were evaluated. The age and sex standardized mean BP was 124.7/77.2 mmHg. Among participants, 34.7% were overweight (25-29.9 m/kg2) and 28.7% had obesity (≥30 m/kg2). Individuals identified as being overweight had BP 3/2 mmHg higher and individuals with obesity 6/4 mmHg higher than those with normal weight. The prevalence of hypertension was 52.5%. Although 81.1% were aware and 77.7% were on antihypertensive treatment, only 46.0% of all individuals with hypertension had their BP controlled. Moreover, 19.8% of those not on any antihypertensive medication were found with raised BP. The low level of control of hypertension generates the critical need for the development of community-based prevention strategies reinforcing strategies to increase the awareness and control of hypertension.
May Measurement Month 2019: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Malaysia
Authors: Chia Yook Chin , Devaraj Navin Kumar , Chook Jack Bee , Chew Ming Tsuey , Ooi Pei Boon , Mohamed Mohazmi , Draman Nani , Ng Wei Leik , Gani Abdul Hafiz Mohamad , Thiagarajan Nagammai , Zulghaffar Zafferina , Beaney Thomas , Day Emily , Poulter Neil R , Ching Siew Mooi 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Despite hypertension remaining the leading cause of death worldwide, awareness of hypertension and its control rate is still suboptimal in Malaysia. This study aims to determine the proportion of both diagnosed and undiagnosed hypertension, awareness and its control rate during the yearly May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign that has been coordinated by the International Society of Hypertension. Participants aged ≥18 years were recruited at various screening sites namely universities, health facilities, shopping malls, and other sites. Participant’s socio-demographic, environmental, and lifestyle data were captured using a questionnaire. Three blood pressure (BP) readings as well as anthropometric measurements were obtained from all participants. The mean of the second and third BP readings was used in analyses. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive medication. A total of 3062 participants were recruited. The proportion with hypertension in our study was 18.7% (n = 572). The proportion who were aware of their BP status was 63.2%. More than half (57.2%) of the hypertensives were on antihypertensive medication and 70.3% of those treated were controlled. In conclusion, in this BP screening campaign, one in five were hypertensive with almost two thirds aware of their hypertensive status. BP control among those who are taking medications was high at 70% but under 60% of hypertensives were on treatment. Hypertension screening programmes are important to promote awareness and control of hypertension as well as to reduce the devastating complications associated with this disorder.
Correlation of electrocardiographic criteria for left bundle branch block with intraventricular synchrony
Authors: Ventura A , Viola L 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

INTRODUCTION
About 30% of patients are nonresponders to cardiac resynchronization therapy. One of the reasons proposed is that these patients do not present a true left bundle branch block (LBBB) and for that reason they do not develop dyssynchrony in the left ventricle. New electrocardiographic criteria have been published to define a true LBBB. Synchromax is a non-invasive, simple and practical method that has been shown to have a high predictive value for detecting electrical dyssynchrony and a very good correlation with mechanical dyssynchrony.

OBJECTIVE
Correlate the electrocardiographic criteria of LBBB individually or grouped, with the presence of dyssynchrony.

METHODOLOGY
Patients with LBBB (Minnesota Code) were prospectively collected. Those with pacemakers were excluded. The following electrocardiographic criteria were analyzed individually and in association: a) QS image in V1; b) QRS duration: 120-149 ms, ≥150 ms; c) Monophasic complexes with Notching or Slurring in D1 and / or V6 (Notch / S); d) QRS axis in the frontal plane deviated to the left (≥ -30º). Synchromax curves and values were taken from all patients and classified according to the indices as Synchronous (&lt;0.4), Intermediate (0.4-0.7) or Asynchronous (&gt; 0.7).

RESULTS
Were included 46p; age 34-89 years; 27 men. Heart rhythm was sinus in 40p and atrial fibrillation in 6p. The underlying heart disease was: Ischemic: 20p, Dilated Cardiomyopathy: 4p, Valvular: 3p, Chagas: 1p, Hypertensive heart disease: 18p. The results can be seen in table 1.

CONCLUSION
Of the LBBB electrocardiographic criteria analyzed in this study, QRS duration ≥150 ms and left axis deviation were the best predictors of dyssynchrony individually and in association. Table 1: ResultsQRS120/149QRS ≥150QSV1Notch/SLeftAxisQSV1+≥150Notch/S+≥150LeftAxis+≥150Nº Patients2917272625131110Synchronous5(17%)2(16%)3(11%)5(19%)1 (4%)2(15%)1(9%)0Intermediate6(20%)1(8%)4(15%)2(7%)2(8%)1(8%)1(9%)0Asynchronous18(63%)14(82%)20(74%)19(74%)22(88%)10(77%)9(82%)10(100%)Abstract Figure. synchronous and asynchronous LBBB
Correlation between body mass index and electrocardiogram parameters in healthy adults
Authors: Ben Mrad I , Azzabi H , Mzoughi K , Kamoun S , Ben Moussa F , Fennira S , Zairi I , Kraiem S 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a tool to evaluate cardiac function. Its interpretation depends on age, sex and race.

Aims
to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) and electrocardiogram parameters in healthy adults.

Methods
We conducted a prospective study that included apparently healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 65 years. Body mass index was calculated and standard 12-lead ECG was recorded for all participants. Subjects were classified into four groups according to BMI: underweight (&lt;18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between ECG variables and BMI.

Results
One hundred seventy-four apparently healthy volunteers (99 women and 75 men; age ranged from 18 to 65 years) were included in this study. The mean BMI was 26,36 ± 6,04 kg/m² with a minimum of 14,53 and a maximum of 49,27. Twenty-two (12,6%) subjects were in the underweight range; 53 (30,5%) in the normal weight range, 54 (31%) in the overweight range and 45 (25,9%) were obese. The results of our study showed a significant positive correlation between the ECG variables studied and the BMI except for HR and Sokolow index (table 1).

Conclusion
We concluded that BMI caused a significant modification in several ECG parameters in healthy adults. Increased BMI leads to lengthening of conduction times and ventricular repolarization. Largest investigation on the use of BMI-specific ECG norms is warranted. Table 1 ECG parameters BMI R-value P value HR -0,041 0,590 P wave duration 0,222 0,003 PR Interval 0,200 0,008 QRS duration 0,235 0,002 QT Interval 0,152 0,045 QTcorrected (QTc) 0,150 0,049 Sokolow index 0,102 0,182 Pearson correlation coefficients of various ECG parameters with BMI in the study population (n = 174)
Technical and electrophysiological aspects of multisite cardiac stimulation through the access of the middle cardiac vein
Authors: Rosa Filho A , Rosa AAM , Rosa AW , Souza Neto JC , Cavalcanti LB , Gomes LHA , Suque HB , Silva LA , Silva JF , Moura D , Santiago G , Barreto V , Russo M , Xavier Junior EF 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None. Main funding source(s): Alfredo Aurélio Marinho Rosa and Alfredo Aurélio Marinho Rosa Filho

Background
Heart failure (HF) is a serious, progressive disease, caused by ventricular dysfunction, leading to a worsening in quality and a reduction in life expectancy. Cardiac resynchronization therapy through multisite stimulation has become an important tool in the treatment of advanced HF, however, due to anatomical variations and even the absence of appropriate veins for the insertion of the left ventricular electrode, the access of the middle cardiac vein can be an option for biventricular cardiac stimulation. Objective: To present the technique used to access the middle cardiac vein (MCV) for the implantation of the left ventricular electrode and the results of this multisite stimulation. Material and Method: Between March 2006 and May 2016, 388 patients (PT) underwent biventricular stimulation (BIV) at our service. 276 PT (71.1%), were associated with the cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), 226 PT (58.2%) were male and their age ranged from 28 to 84 years with an average of 64 years. In this group, in 63 PT (16.2%) the left ventricular electrode was implanted through CMV. The technique initially consists of introducing a deflectable catheter for marking the coronary sinus (SC) via the femoral approach, then the SC approach is performed by puncturing the left subclavian vein, introducing an 8F sheath up to the proximal 1/3, where the VCM venogram is performed by introducing a 0.014 "guide wire and the 5 F bipolar or quadripolar electrode, then defining the best electrode position from the smallest stimulated QRS. Results: In this group of 63 PT, 52 PT (82.5%) responded to cardiac resynchronization therapy. The most frequent cardiopathies involved were ischemic (38%), chagasic (25%), hypertensive (12%) and others (25%). The thresholds varied from 3.5 to 0.5 V, impedance from 600 to 1200 ohms and sensitivity between 10 and 20 mV. There were no complications in the trans or post implant and in 5 PT (7.9%), there was phrenic stimulation. The procedure time varied from 50 to 180 minutes. Conclusion: Multisite stimulation through the access of the middle cardiac vein proved to be a possible alternative, easy to perform and with a high PT index responsive to cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Electrocardiographic characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) related pneumonia at first presentation
Authors: Nguyen U , Strik M , Abu-Arib S , Bruekers A , Nguyen T , Massud A , Willems R , Dekker S , Spaetgens B , Engels E , Crijns HGJM , Koopmans R , Henry R , Stehouwer CDA 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Purpose
To evaluate electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics at first presentation in patients with possible coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia.

Methods and results
356 patients presenting at the emergency room with possible COVID-19 pneumonia based on clinical presentation and computed tomography findings were included and subdivided into a COVID-19 positive group ([COVID-19-positive], n = 231, 65%) and a COVID-19 negative group ([COVID-19-negative], n = 125, 35%) based on polymerase chain reaction tests.
The study population was predominantly middle aged-elderly (67 ± 14 year; n = 235, 66% male). Mortality rate was 24% after 1-month follow-up. There were no significant (NS) differences in sex, age, and mortality between the COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative group.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) was common (9%), though its prevalence was NS (regression analyses adjusted for age and sex) different in the COVID-19-positive vs. the COVID-19-negative group. ECG characteristics reflecting atrial enlargement and repolarization abnormalities were frequently present (&lt;38% and 14% respectively). No significant differences were found between the COVID-19-positive vs. the COVID-19-negative group for the majority of morphological ECG characteristics (Figure 1 for more detailed data).

Conclusion
AF and ECG characteristics reflecting atrial enlargement and repolarization abnormalities are commonly present in COVID-19 patients. The prevalence of these ECG characteristics however do NS differ from their COVID-19-negative counterparts. Abstract Figure.
Result of electrophysiological study in patients with undocumented suspected paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: the BELIEVE-SVT registry
Authors: Ramos Jimenez J , Marco Del Castillo A , Lozano Granero VC , Ramos Fernandez P , Jimenez Sanchez D , Gunturiz Beltran C , Alonso Fernandez P , Ayala HD , Dallaglio P , Salgado R , Lazaro Rivera C , Rodriguez Manero M , Borrego Bernabe L , Arribas Ynsaurriaga F , Rodriguez Munoz DA 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias (PSVT) are common arrhythmias and catheter ablation is considered its first-line treatment. However, the duration of the episodes frequently precludes ECG documentation. Thus, patients may not be referred for ablation until the tachycardia is documented, leading to recurrences, emergency room visits and often unnecessary tests or treatments. Our objective was to evaluate the results of electrophysiological study (EPS) followed or not by ablation in patients with suspected but not documented PSVT.

Methods
Multicenter, retrospective, observational registry of consecutive patients undergoing EPS due to clinical suspicion of PSVT, but with no prior ECG documentation. Collection of clinical and EPS data, along with data regarding ablation, when performed.

Results
427 patients of 12 centers were included. Mean age was 46.3 ±16.1 and 297 (69.6%) were females. Most frequent symptoms consisted on sudden onset (n = 360; 84.9%) and abrupt end (n = 304; 72.0%), with median episode duration of 10 minutes (interquartile range 5-20 min).
Sustained arrhythmias were induced in most patients (n = 255; 59.7%). Specific types are summarized in Table 1. Ablation was performed in 274 (64.2%) patients. A total of 10 complications (2.3% of procedures) were reported: 3 transient AV block, 2 PR interval prolongation, 2 puncture-related hematoma, 2 painful site of puncture and 1 catheter entrapment in mitral chordae.
Conclusions
Electrophysiological study in patients with palpitations highly suggestive of PSVT is an effective and safe diagnostic and therapeutic tool that may be considered as a first-choice even in the absence of documented tachycardia. Results of EP study Results of electrophysiological study Typical AVNRT 183 (42.9%) Orthodromic AVRT 38 (8.9%) Dual AV nodal physiology 30 (7.0%) 1 nodal echo beat 21 (4.9%) Atrial tachycardia 19 (4.5%) &gt;1 nodal echo beat 17 (4.0%) Atrial fibrillation 7 (1.6%) Atypical AVNRT 7 (1.6%) Atrial flutter 1 (0.2%) No abnormal findings 104 (24.4%) AVNRT atrioventricular nodal reentran tachycardia AVRT atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia
Recurrence of palpitations following electrophysiological study and ablation in suspected but undocumented paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias: follow-up results of the BELIEVE-SVT registry
Authors: Marco Del Castillo A , Ramos Jimenez J , Lozano Granero VC , Rodriguez Manero M , Ramos Fernandez P , Lazaro Rivera C , Jimenez Sanchez D , Ayala HD , Dallaglio P , Alonso Fernandez P , Salgado R , Gunturiz Beltran C , Fontenla Cerezuela AR , Arribas Ynsaurriaga F , Rodriguez Munoz DA 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
ECG documentation of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias (PSVT) may be challenging due to their short duration and usually abrupt end. As ablation represents first-line treatment of this pathologies, it is not uncommon that physicians refer patients to electrophysiological study (EPS) when symptoms are suggestive of PSVT even though no ECG documentation has been obtained. Our objective was to evaluate the results of ablation performed in patients with induced arrhythmias in EPS but no previous ECG documentation.

Methods
Retrospective and observational multicenter registry of consecutive patients undergoing EPS, followed or not by ablation, referred because of undocumented clinical suspicion of PSVT. We collected clinical, EPS and clinical follow-up data, along with data regarding ablation, when performed. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out using Stata.

Results
427 patients of 12 centers were included. Mean age was 46.3 ± 16.1 and 297 (69.6%) were females. Sustained arrhythmias were induced in most patients (n = 255; 59.7%) and ablation was performed in 274 (64.2%). 10 complications (2.3% of procedures) were reported: 3 transient AV block, 2 PR interval prolongation, 2 puncture-related hematoma, 2 painful sites of puncture and 1 catheter entrapment in mitral chordae.
During a mean follow-up of 3.1 ± 2.0 years, 111 patients experienced recurrence of palpitations, mostly (n = 77; 69.4%) without ECG documentation. Clinical recurrence was more frequent in subjects who had not been ablated (41.8% vs 17.2% in ablated patients; risk ratio 2.44 (CI 95% 1.77-3.36); p &lt; 0.001). Table 1 shows types of clinical recurrences.

Conclusions
EPS in patients with high clinical suspicion of PSVT, followed by ablation when tachycardia is induced is effective in preventing future recurrences of palpitations. Early referral for EPS can, therefore, reduce visits to the emergency room, admissions and healthcare burden due to other low-yield, unnecessary tests. Type of recurrence ECG documentation 34(8.0%) ·Sinus rhythm 12(2.8%) ·Atrial tachycardia 6(1.4%) ·Typical atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia 5(1.2%) ·Atrial fibrillation 5(1.2%) ·Premature ventricular beats 3(0.7%) ·Orthodromic atriventricular tachycardia 2(0.5%) Non documented recurrence 77(18.0%)
Management and perinatal outcomes of cardiac arrhythmias in pregnancy
Authors: Abdrakhmanov A , Ainabekova B , Nuralinov O , Bakytzhanuly A , Smagulova A 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Arrhythmias in pregnancy are common and can cause significant complications. The decision to use drug therapy or invasive treatment in pregnancy must have absolutely reasons. Data on perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with arrhythmias is limited.

Objective
The aim of our study is to observe the characteristics and prognosis of cardiac arrhythmias in pregnant women.

Methods
72 pregnant women with arrhythmias have been included (single-center, prospectively study). Mean age of patients: 28,34 ± 5,25years, mean gestation age 22,37 ± 6,77 weeks. Clinical characteristics of patients, obstetric and neonatal outcomes were documented.

Results
The most common reported arrhythmias were supraventricular tachycardia (n = 32; 44%). This was followed by premature contractions (n = 29; 40%). Advanced heart block (n = 7; 10%) and ventricular tachycardia (n = 4; 6%) were exceedingly rare during pregnancy. Arrhythmias was benign in 12 patients (17%) and did not require drug therapy. Administration of antiarrhythmic treatment was justified when symptoms were very frequent and cause haemodynamic instability (n = 52; 65,7%). In patients with drug refractory and dangerous rhythm disturbances (n = 22; 31%) were performed catheter ablation by using 3D navigation system without fluoroscopy. Permanent pacemaker was implanted in 7 cases (10%) of third-degree atrioventricular block. Interventions were effective in all cases without adverse outcome. In the majority of cases were spontaneus vaginal (n = 48; 66,7%) or vaginal-assisted (n = 6; 8,3%) delivery. Eighteen pregnancies (25%) were delivered by cesarean section. Intrapartum hemorrhage was 350,4 ± 238,2 ml. Maternal cardiac events and obstetric complications were none declared. There were 72 live births (in all pregnancies). Fetal birth weight was 3407,39 ± 785,61 grams, 5 minute Apgar was 8,47 ± 1,6. There were no maternal and fetal mortality.

Conclusions
supraventricular tachycardia and premature beats are common in pregnancy. Spontaneous vaginal delivery is more likely in this patients. Major maternal and fetal adverse outcomes are infrequent in pregnant women with arrhythmias.
Voltage bridge mapping in atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia ablation in adult population: results from a multicenter registry
Authors: Costa A , Rauhe W , Martignani C , Igniatiuk B , Sabbatani P , Nangah R , Marinelli A , Molon G 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The presence of Low Voltage Bridge (LVB) in Atrioventricular Nodal Reentry Tachycardia (AVNRT) ablation has been described in children populations. Slow pathway ablations visualizing and targeting the LVB has been described to be safe and effective. However, the incidence of LVB in AVNRT ablation has not been widely explored in adult population.

Purpose
We aim to investigate the presence of LVB in adult patients (pts) undergoing AVNRT ablation, and the relationship between the LVB and the successful ablation site. We have also investigated the correlations between the Koch’s triangle (KT) anatomy and biophysical pts data.

Methods
The observational registry prospectively collected data of 165 pts. undergoing AVNRT ablation guided by 3D electroanatomical mapping system (EnSite - Abott, St Paul, MN) in 6 EP centers. Gender: 90F – 75M (55% - 45%) - Age: 57 ± 17 ys (min 15 – max 87) - Weight: 73 ± 15 kgs (min 42 - max 150) Prior of ablation a voltage map of KT was created using diagnostic and ablation catheters.
We define as Type I LVB a clear, long area of low voltage within the KT between the CS ostium and the AV node with the base on the edge of the tricuspid annulus and Type II LVB a narrow low voltage channel between normal-voltage regions with the base on the edge of the tricuspid annulus.
The relationship between LVB and successful site was evaluated at the end of the procedure. KT anatomical data were correlated to gender, age and weight.

Results
The LVB was identified in 134 pts (81%) with a prevalence of type I (91 - 68%) over type II (33 - 25%). In 10 pts (7%) the LVB did not match type I nor type II. When an LVB was identified, the correspondence between the LVB and the successful ablation site was verified in 117 pts (87%). In addition, a shorter RF time was applied when an LVB was found (396s vs 298s; p = 0.03). Strong correlations between KT anatomy and biophysical pts data were not identified. The distance between His electrograms and the successful ablation site weakly correlated (ρ = -0.24, p &lt; 0.01) with pts age suggesting a shortening in the distance with age progression.

Conclusion
The visualization of the Low Voltage Bridge may be a helpful tool to guide AVNRT ablation in a large cohort of pts; furthermore it is associated with reduced RF applications time. The KT characteristics are difficult to be predicted a priori according to patient gender, age or weight.