This paper shows the results of a preliminary study on the performance of new methods based on ultrasonic images parametrization, to estimate the arterial wall movements used for the evaluation of arterial stiffness, considered to be a predictor of cardiovascular events. The well-known technique of motion tracking in ultrasound image sequences was applied on cine loops scanned from subjects with different risks of suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD). The motion of arterial walls was traced using displacement signals: Diameter, intima-media thickness (IMT) and longitudinal intima-media (IM) complex movement. The new methods used for the parametrization of the displacement signals were the average value (AV), effective or root mean square (RMS) value, and peak-to-peak motion amplitude estimate. A total of 79 subjects were analyzed in the study with 30 considered at low risk and 49 included in a preventive program for monitoring high CVD risk subjects. The results show a statistically significant difference between healthy volunteers and at-risk patients according to the AV of IMT, RMS values of longitudinal and radial motions and peak-to-peak amplitude of radial motion.
Ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) is an established adverse prognostic factor after myocardial infarction (MI). Functional ischemic mitral regurgitation in acute phase of MI remains under‐investigated due to its often transient and dynamic nature. We aimed to assess left ventricular (LV) mechanics by speckle‐tracking echocardiography in acute inferoposterior MI and ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR).MethodsSixty‐nine patients with no structural cardiac valve abnormalities and first acute inferoposterior MI were prospectively enrolled into the study. Two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography for regional myocardial function and valve assessment was performed within 48 hours of presentation after reperfusion therapy (percutaneous coronary intervention). Based on degree of MR, patients were divided into no significant MR (NMR) group (N = 34, with no or mild (grade 0–I) MR) and ischemic MR (IMR) group (N = 35, with grade ≥2 MR). Thirty‐five age‐ and gender‐matched healthy individuals served as a normal reference group. Offline 2D speckle tracking analysis was performed with GE EchoPAC software.ResultsLV ejection fraction and longitudinal myocardial deformation parameters were significantly better in healthy subjects, but did not differ between both study groups. All circumferential myocardial deformation parameters were significantly worse in IMR group compared to healthy subjects and NMR group. Global, basal, and mid‐ventricular radial strain was significantly lower in IMR group compared to both—healthy subjects and NMR group.ConclusionIschemic mitral regurgitation in acute inferoposterior MI is associated with worse radial and circumferential LV deformation parameters assessed by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography.
The effectiveness of an individual six-month-long physical exercise program in improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is unclear. There is some evidence that an individual exercise program can be effective for this aim. The goal of this study was to compare an individual six-month-long physical exercise program for patients with PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease) with a traditional exercise program and find the effect of these programs on HRQOL and PAD risk factors. The study included patients who underwent femoral–popliteal artery bypass grafting surgery. Patients were divided into three groups: patients participating in an individual six-month-long physical exercise program (group I), in the standard physical activity program (group II), and in a control group (group III), with no subjects participating in rehabilitation II. Results: group I patients had a significantly (p < 0.001) higher HRQOL at 6 months after their surgery compared with groups II and III. The HRQOL scores were significantly (p < 0.05) lower after surgery among older (≥ 65), overweight participants, as well as among patients with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases when comparing study results with patients without these risk factors.
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