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Purpose A new antihypertensive drug that selectively blocks angiotensin II receptor type 1, fimasartan, has a potent and rapidly acting antihypertensive effect. We investigated the antihypertensive effects of fimasartan 60 and 120 mg and its safety in comparison to 8 mg of candesartan. Methods This clinical trial is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active comparator, and parallel group study. Three hundred sixty-two individuals were screened, and 290 patients aged 19 to 75 years with mild to moderate hypertension (diastolic blood pressure [DBP], 90–110 mm Hg) were randomly assigned to 60 to 120 mg/d of fimasartan or 8 mg/d of candesartan after a 2-week placebo run-in period. Treatments were administered for 12 weeks without dosage adjustment. The primary end point was the differences in DBP changes at week 12. Findings After 12 weeks of treatment, DBP and systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased significantly in all 3 groups. The decrease in DBP at week 12 was larger but not statistically significant in the fimasartan 60 mg compared with the candesartan 8 mg group with a mean (SD) difference of 1.72 (8.32) mm Hg (95% CI, −0.71 to 4.15 mm Hg; P = 0.17). The lower margin of the CI (−0.71 mm Hg) exceeded the noninferiority margin (−3.5 mm Hg). The DBP-lowering effect of fimasartan 120 mg was also nonsignificantly larger than candesartan 8 mg (difference, 1.58 [8.27] mm Hg; P = 0.20). The decrease in SBP was also nonsignificantly larger in the fimasartan 60 mg group compared with the candesartan 8 mg group (difference, 3.50 [12.63] mm Hg; P = .06). The SBP-lowering effect of fimasartan 120 mg was statistically larger than candesartan 8 mg (difference, 4.98 [13.99] mm Hg; P = .02). Response rate (DBP <90 mm Hg or DBP lowering >10 mm Hg at week 12) was also nonsignificantly greater in both fimasartan groups (Fimasartan 60 mg, 81%; fimasartan 120 mg, 72%; candesartan 8 mg, 71%). The safety profile of the fimasartan 60 mg and 120 mg was similar to candesartan 8 mg, with a slightly higher, but statistically not significant, incidence of hepatic enzyme elevation in fimasartan 120 mg. Implications The antihypertensive effect of fimasartan, a newly available angiotensin II receptor type 1 blocker, is comparable, although not superior, to candesartan with a good safety profile. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01135212. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: We investigated the association between meteorological parameters and hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a temperate and continental climate, Korea. Methods: From the Korean AMI Registry, 2136 Koreans admitted for AMI in four university hospitals in Daegu city from November 2005 to October 2007 were included in this study. We calculated the incidences of AMI per season, per month, and per day-of-week. The meteorological parameters, including air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, sunshine duration, and a thermo-hydrological index, were provided by the database of the Korea Meteorological Administration. Generalized additive Poisson models were used. Results: Seasonal variations were noted for AMI, characterized by winter peak and summer trough (p <0.001). Monthly occurrence rate of AMI was highest in January and lowest in October (p <0.001). There were significant associations between hospital admissions and meteorological parameters including air temperature, relative humidity, and sunshine duration after controlling for effects of day-of-week, season, and holidays (p <0.05). These associations were stronger in females and the younger age (<65 years) (p <0.01). Conclusions: The incidence of AMI shows seasonal and monthly variations. Meteorological parameters have a significant influence on the occurrence of AMI, particularly in females and the younger age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations by hospital and region in the selection of an early invasive strategy (EIS) after non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in patients with high-risk criteria are unknown. We evaluated the data of 7037 patients with NSTEMI from 20 hospitals of 3 regions from the Korean Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry–National Institute of Health database. We used hierarchical generalized linear mixed-models to estimate region- and hospital-level variation in the selection of an EIS after adjusting for patient-level high-risk criteria. We explored the variation using the median rate ratio (MRR), which estimates the relative difference in the risk ratios of two hypothetically identical patients at two different sites. An EIS was selected in 84.4% of patients. At the hospital level, the median selection rate was 80.4%. At the region level, the median selection rate was 74.9% in the east region, 81.3% in the north region, and 83.9% in the west region, respectively. After adjusting for patient-level covariates, we found significant hospital- (MRR 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74–3.03) and region-level (MRR 1.88, 95%CI: 1.26–5.44) variation in the selection of an EIS. Among patient-level factors, male sex, ongoing chest pain, history of coronary artery disease or acute heart failure, and GRACE risk score > 140 were independently associated with the selection of an EIS. We observed significant hospital- and region-level variation in the selection of an EIS after NSTEMI in high-risk patients. Quality improvement efforts are required to standardize decision making and to improve clinical outcomes. • There is significant hospital- and region-level variation in early invasive strategy selection. • An early conservative strategy is often chosen when an early invasive strategy would provide more benefit. • Site-level variation reflects that there is significant undertreatment for high-risk patients that could worsen clinical outcome. • Quality improvement efforts are required to standardize decision making and improve clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the value of a new Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) that includes consideration of QRS fragmentation (fQRS) as a predictor of cardiac events in patients undergoing noncardiac vascular surgery. Four hundred sixty-seven consecutive patients admitted for noncardiac vascular surgery were studied. Patients were allocated to RCRI 0, 1, 2, or ≥3 groups according to the sum of diabetes, renal insufficiency, and histories of ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, and cerebrovascular disease. They were then reallocated to fragmented RCRI (fRCRI) 0, 1, 2, or 3 groups after including a score of 1 or 0 corresponding to the presence or absence of fQRS. A major adverse cardiac event (MACE) was defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and percutaneous coronary intervention before noncardiac vascular surgery. During index hospitalization, MACE developed in 38 patients (8.1%). fQRS was present in 169 (36.2%), and it was significantly greater in patients with MACE than in those without MACE (63.2% vs 34.3%, p <0.001). The proportions of RCRI 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 46.9% (n [ 219), 35.3% (n [ 165), 12.4% (n [ 58), and 5.4% (n [ 25), respectively. When fRCRI data were included, 28 patients (48.3%) in RCRI 2 were reclassified as fRCRI ≥3. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, fRCRI (odds ratio 1.529, 95% confidence interval 1.035 to 2.258, p [ 0.033) and a left ventricular ejection fraction <50% independently predicted in-hospital MACE. In conclusion, fRCRI is an independent predictor of in-hospital MACE in patients undergoing noncardiac vascular surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The recanalization success rate of blunt and vague stump (stumpless) CTO lesions, especially those with a side branch arising from the occlusion, has been significantly lower than that of tapered stump CTO lesions. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) may be useful to identify the occlusion point and may facilitate the passage of guide-wires. We evaluated the clinical feasibility of the IVUS-guided wiring technique for stumpless CTO lesions. Methods: Thirty-one consecutive patients (7 women; mean age: 61.0±8.9years) with 32 lesions were enrolled. The IVUS catheter was introduced into the side branch and it was withdrawn from the side branch to find the entry point of the occlusion, trying to engage another stiffer guide-wire on the occlusion point with the help of real-time IVUS imaging. Results: The left anterior descending artery was the most common target-lesion location (22 lesions [69%]). CTO lesions were successfully reopened in 26 lesions (81%). IVUS guidance allowed confident navigation of the stiff guide-wires. The entry point could not be identified in one, and full guide-wire passage was impossible in 4 with the IVUS guidance; TIMI 3 flow could not be achieved even after stent deployment in 1. Although procedure-related complications developed in 8 lesions (25%), no events were serious. Emergent operation was not needed and death or fatal myocardial infarction did not develop during or after the procedures. Conclusions: The IVUS-guided wiring technique is useful and safe for the recanalization of stumpless CTO lesions and might be a valuable tool for the recanalization of complex CTO lesions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Little is known about risk factors for 6-month major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in 30-day survivors after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We investigated predictors of 6-month MACE in 30-day survivors after MI from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR). From November 2005 to January 2008, 9,706 patients (6,983 men, mean age 64.0 ± 12.4 years) who survived >30 days after AMI were analyzed. The primary end point was 6-month MACEs including death, MI, and revascularization. During 6-month follow-up, 317 patients (3.2%) had MACEs including 66 (0.6%) deaths, 23 (0.2%) recurrent MIs, and 218 (2.2%) revascularizations. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors reflecting demographics (body mass index), severity of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (Killip class >I, in-hospital cardiogenic shock, use of intra-aortic balloon pump), residual myocardial ischemia (previous coronary heart disease, multivessel disease), and electrical instability (ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation on admission) were independent predictors of 6-month MACEs after adjustment for clinical, angiographic, and procedural data. Plasma level of N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide provided an additional prognostic value predicting 6-month MACEs. In conclusion, this study provides useful prognostic information for clinicians to advise patients who have survived the acute phase of MI. More intensive management is needed in survivors after MI with these high-risk features. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: The clinical manifestations of the Korean patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) are not well known. Methods: The clinical data of Korean patients who met the Task Force Criteria for ARVC were analyzed. Results: Thirty-seven patients (41.2±14.8 years old, 19 males) were diagnosed with ARVC. The commonest presenting symptoms were palpitations (30%), syncope/presyncope (30%) and no symptoms (30%). Four patients had a family history of premature sudden death or ARVC. Most patients with no symptoms were evaluated due to ECG abnormalities or asymptomatic ventricular arrhythmias. Ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation and frequent premature ventricular contractions only were observed in 35%, 5% and 24%, respectively. Wall motion abnormalities of the right and left ventricles were detected in 92% and 41%, respectively. Fatty or fibrofatty infiltration was observed in 26 of the 32 (81%) patients who underwent an endomyocardial biopsy. Two patients had signs of heart failure. Two patients with syncope/presyncope were diagnosed with vasovagal syncope and another was due to side effects from a medication. Most of the patients with ventricular arrhythmias were treated with β-blockers and/or amiodarone. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) were implanted in 3 patients. During a mean follow-up of 27.4±26.5 months no syncope or sudden death developed except for in one patient with an ICD who suffered from recurrent shocks due to ventricular fibrillation. Conclusions: ARVC may be an important cause of syncope, ventricular arrhythmias, and ECG and wall motion abnormalities of the ventricles in Koreans. The Korean patients with ARVC exhibited various clinical manifestations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Brief exposure to cobalt chloride augmented vascular contractility. We hypothesized that endothelial dysfunction plays a role in the augmentation of aortic contractility, after brief exposure to cobalt chloride. Rat aortic ring preparations were mounted in organ baths, exposed to cobalt chloride (0.3–300μmol/L) for 30min, and then subjected to contractile agents or relaxants 1 and 5h after the end of exposure. Presence of cobalt chloride did not affect the contractile response to phenylephrine. Brief exposure to cobalt chloride, however, even at 5h after the end of exposure, not only augmented contractile responses to KCl or phenylephrine but also attenuated the relaxant response to acetylcholine. The mechanical denudation of endothelium or inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase with 100μmol/L N ω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester abolished the augmentation of contractile responses. Pre-treatment with 150units/mL of superoxide dismutase also abrogated the augmented contractile responses. Brief exposure to cobalt chloride did not affect the contractile response to phorbol dibutyrate in the presence or absence of calcium, or the expression of HSP70. In conclusion, endothelial dysfunction plays an important role in the augmentation of aortic contractility, after brief exposure to cobalt chloride. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A twenty-year old male presented with diffuse limb muscle weakness and exertional dyspnea since childhood. The diagnosis of nemaline myopathy was given based on the muscle pathology findings that revealed nemaline rods on light and electron microscopy and discovery of a novel mutation, E239K, in ACTA1. Incidentally, the patient had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) as shown by echocardiography. In nemaline myopathy, a few cases of HCM have been reported, albeit rarely and always fatal, but only one patient had ACTA1 mutation. This present report describes an infantile onset of nemaline myopathy with a milder clinical course and non-fatal HCM as compared with previous cases, showing clinical diversity in skeletal and cardiac manifestations of conditions associated with ACTA1 mutations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]