Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. The Saudi Atrial Fibrillation Survey registry was designed to provide epidemiological and clinical data on patients with AF. The registry included 400 consecutive patients who met the eligibility criteria. Control of AF at the time of the initial visit was achieved by 211 (52.75%) patients. Cardiovascular risk profile of the patients with AF was smoking 92 (23.5%), hypertension 253 (63.25%), diabetes 192 (48%), and dyslipidemia 173 (44%). Rate control was the most frequent management strategy (in 265 patients, 66.2%) whereas rhythm control was chosen in 48 (12%) patients. Both strategies were attempted in 5 (1.2%) patients. This is the first nationwide registry of patients with AF in Saudi Arabia. Compared to developed countries, our patients with AF are relatively young and have higher rates of diabetes and rheumatic heart disease. Rate control is the main strategy currently used for managing AF.
Percutaneous mitral valve edge-to-edge repair with MitraClip (Abbott, Abbott Park, Illinois) has emerged as an effective and safe treatment for symptomatic mitral regurgitation in suitable patients. The safety of the MitraClip procedure is well established, and the rate of major complications is 4.35%. We present 4 cases of mitral regurgitation in patients who had complications following the MitraClip procedure. (
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.
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Coronary artery aneurysms in patients with Behç et's disease are rare and associated with fatal complications. Covered stents have been used in the management of coronary aneurysms but not in patients with Behç et's disease. We are reporting a rare case of Behç et's disease, admitted with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, whose coronary angiogram revealed huge aneurysm involving proximal left anterior descending artery followed by severe stenosis. The stenosis was treated by drug-eluting stent and the aneurysm was successfully sealed with a covered stent. He remained asymptomatic at 3-month follow-up and repeat angiogram showed patent stents.
Background: Heart failure drains significant financial resources with morbidity and mortality higher than cancer. Social support is defined as the care provided by the family members, friends and health care workers to the patients. Absence of social support and poor perceived social support will create stress, anxiety, depression and anger which further deteriorate the underlying disease and worsen quality of life. Discussion in group creates better understanding of the disease which helps the patients improving their skills in managing their condition. Objective: To evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary team supervised social support program on components of psychosocial distress and knowledge about heart failure among heart failure patients. Methods: Adult patients with heart failure attending King Fahad Medical City as inpatient or outpatient were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Patients were given questionnaire to assess their perception of social support they have at their disposal, quality of life, knowledge regarding heart failure and self-care behavior. They then had interactive education in groups supervised by multidisciplinary team members about the pathogenesis of their disease with management strategies, dietary restriction, importance of exercise and healthy life style pattern. Patients shared their experiences in the group and had opportunity to learn from each other. Patients were assessed regarding their perceived social support, quality of life, knowledge regarding heart failure and self-care behavior immediately after the session and at 1 month interval. Results: There were total 500 patients participated in the study. Among the study participants 62% were male and majority was living with the family. Components of psychosocial distress were present in up to 40% of study participants and only 36% considered knowledgeable regarding heart failure. After the interactive social support group meeting components of psychosocial distress were significantly reduced with significant improvement in knowledge about heart failure. At 1 month follow up participants reported persistent improvement in quality of life, improvement in self-care behavior, perceived social support and wanted to continue in social group program. Conclusion: Social support program supervised by multidisciplinary team providing education and social support improved knowledge, self-care behavior, perceived social support and quality of life among heart failure patients.
Background:The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is effective in the prevention of sudden cardiac death in high-risk patients. Little is known about ICD use in the Arabian Gulf. We designed a study to describe the characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving ICDs in the Arab Gulf region.Methods:Gulf ICD is a prospective, multi-center, multinational, and observational study. All adult patients 18 years or older, receiving a de novo ICD implant and willing to sign a consent form will be eligible. Data on baseline characteristics, ICD indication, procedure and programing, in-hospital, and 1-year outcomes will be collected. Target enrollment is 1500 patients, which will provide adequate precision across a wide range of expected event rates.Results:Fifteen centers in six countries are enrolling patients (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar). Two-thirds of the centers have dedicated electrophysiology laboratories, and in almost all centers ICDs are implanted exclusively by electrophysiologists. Nearly three-quarters of the centers reported annual ICD implant volumes of ≤150 devices, and pulse generator replacements constitute <30% of implants in the majority of centers. Enrollment started in December 2013, and accrual rate increased as more centers entered the study reaching an average of 98 patients per month.Conclusions:Gulf ICD is the first prospective, observational, multi-center, and multinational study of the characteristics and, the outcomes of patients receiving ICDs in the Arab Gulf region. The study will provide valuable insights into the utilization of and outcomes related to ICD therapy in the Gulf region.
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