In our small patient sample with normal aortic valves, we showed the LVOT shape is usually not round and frequently, elliptical. Incorrectly assuming a round LVOT underestimated the ALVOT-3Dplan and consequently the AVA by 15%. Investigating the LVOT in aortic stenosis is warranted to evaluate whether RT3DE may improve measurement of AVA.

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The association of ECG abnormalities with cardiovascular disease and risk factors has been extensively studied in Whites and African Americans. Comparable data have not been reported in Hispanics/Latinos. The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) is a multicenter community based prospective cohort study of men and women of diverse backgrounds ages 18 to 74 years who self-identified as Hispanic/Latinos. Participants (N=16,415), enrolled between March 2008 and June 2011. We describe the prevalence of minor and major ECG abnormalities and examine their cross-sectional associations with cardiovascular disease and risk factors. The Minnesota code criteria were used to define minor and major abnormalities of the ECG. Prior cardiovascular disease and risk factors were based on data obtained at baseline examination. Significant differences in prevalent ECG findings were found between men and women. Major ECG abnormalities were present in 9.2 %( 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.3–10.1) of men and 6.6% (95% CI, 5.8–7.3) of women (P<.0001). The odds of having major ECG abnormalities significantly increased with age, presence of 3 or more cardiovascular risk factors and prevalent cardiovascular disease, in both men and women. Significant differences in major ECG abnormalities were found among the varying groups; Puerto Ricans and Dominicans had more major abnormalities compared to Mexican men and women. In conclusion, a large cohort of Hispanic/Latino men and women, prevalence of major abnormalities were low yet strong associations of major ECG abnormalities with cardiovascular disease and risk factors were observed in both men and women.

Our study demonstrates that patients with OSA have less severe cardiac injury during an acute non-fatal MI when compared to patients without OSA. This may suggest a cardioprotective role of sleep apnea during acute MI via ischemic preconditioning.

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Using MDCT, the LVOT was shown to be elliptical in most patients. Applying the CE which assumes roundness of the LVOT consistently underestimated the LVOT area which may affect estimated AVA. Planimetry of the LVOT utilizing three-dimensional imaging modalities such as 3-D echocardiography, MRI, or MDCT may render a more precise AVA.