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Aim: to compare two anticoagulant therapy (ACT) regimens in the treatment of venous thrombosis (VT) in patients after catheter interventions - electrophysiological studies (EFIs) and ablations: enoxaparin followed by warfarin, and rivaroxaban monotherapy. Materials and methods. The study included patients from 18 years and older with heart rhythm disorders and planned catheter ablation. When parietal venous thrombosis (VT) were detected at the femoral vein puncture site, all patients were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. In group I enoxaparin 1 mg/kg was prescribed every 12 hours with switching to warfarin after 7 days with maintenance of the target INR values (2.0-3.0). In group II rivaroxaban therapy was started at a dose of 15 mg twise/day for 21 days with a further transition to a dose of 20 mg/day. The total period of observation and treatment of patients was at least 3 months. Results. 408 patients were observed, 42 (10.3%) patients with parietal VT were divided into two treatment groups. In group I (n=16) complete lysis of VT was noted by the 7th day of treatment in 7 (58.3%) patients, however this scheme was associated with a greater risk of complications (р=0.003) at the puncture site in the form of arteriovenous fistulae (n=1; 8.3%) and intermuscular hematomas (n=4; 25%). In group II (n=26), no complications were noted, the lysis time of VT was on average 21 days (n=18; 69.2%). Complete lysis of VT was noted in both groups at the time of the control observation point (3rd month). Conclusion. The efficiency of the two VT treatment regimens was comparable. Enoxaparin therapy is associated with a high risk of local complications, namely intermuscular hematomas (n=4; 25%) and arteriovenous fistulas (n=1; 8.3%). Rivaroxaban monotherapy is safer (p=0.003); in Group II none of the patients had any complications.

Objective. To evaluate the effect of antihypertensive therapy (AHT) and CPAP therapy on inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers levels in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome in association with arterial hypertension (AH). Materials and methods. The study included 43 male patients with severe OSA syndrome (Apnea-Hypopnea Index 52.4 [46.1; 58.6]) and AH (systolic blood pressure 144.0 [142.0; 156.0] mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure 90.9 [88.3; 93.5] mm Hg). Treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium antagonists, and thiazide-like diuretics was performed till target BP level measured with Korotkoff method was achieved. The patients who had reached target BP level (BP≤140/90 mm Hg) were randomized into two groups: group 1 included 23 patients who continued taking the AHT, group 2 included 22 patients who continued taking the AHT to which CPAP therapy was added. Peripheral blood lymphocyte immunophenotyping, cytokine panel test (IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor a, IL-2Ra, sCD40L), adhesion molecule analysis (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), thromboxane B2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1a), and endothelin-1 levels in blood serum were evaluated at admission, after target BP level achievement (2nd visit) and after 3 months of AHT or AHT+CPAP therapy (3rd visit). Flow-mediated dilation of brachial artery was assessed using reactive hyperemia test by D.Celermajer. Results. Against the background of combined AHT the target BP level was achieved by 95% of patients. After target BP level achievement a significant decrease of IL-1β -0.16 [-0.5; 0], p=0.000 level and number of CD50+ cells (lymphocytes with inter-cellular adhesion molecule ICAM-3) from 2158.5 [1884.7; 2432.3] to 1949.6 [1740.9; 2158.3], p=0.050 were observed in patients with severe OSA associated with AH. There were no significant changes in vascular endothelial function observed in patients taking only AHT. Significant decrease of fibrinogen (-0.3 [-0.4; -0.1], p=0.002) and homocystein (-2.03 [-3.8; -0.2], p=0.03) levels was observed in patients taking both AHT and CPAP therapy. Conclusion. The combination of AHT and CPAP therapy in patients with severe OSA and AH not only allows reaching the target BP level but also leads to inflammatory and endothelial dysfunction markers levels decrease.

Aim: To study the local elastic properties of the arterial wall at the site of atherosclerotic plaque and adjacent areas «healthy» wall of the common carotid artery in patients with arterial hypertension (AH).Materials and methods. The study included 25 patients (3 men, 22 women) with AH 1-2 grad in combination with moderate carotid atherosclerosis and lipid metabolism disorders. All patients underwent conventional ultrasound duplex scanning of the carotid arteries to determine the severity of atherosclerotic carotid arteries and the structure of atherosclerotic plaque. Determination of parameters of the local rigidity - the elasticity of the arterial wall and the atherosclerotic plaque, was carried out on the ultrasound system ALOKA a7. Was scanned and the surroundingarea atherosclerotic plaque sections of the arterial wall in the B/M mode using echo-tracking method.Results. A significant increase in the hardness of the arterial wall in atherosclerotic plaque as in the adventitia and its surface, as compared with the adjacent «healthy» wall of the carotid artery. Atherosclerotic plaque base has significantly greater rigidity and less flexibility than its surface. Conclusion. The formation of atheroma by the action of arterial pulse pressure develops heterogeneity elastic properties carotid wall not only along the artery, but in the atherosclerotic plaque (between its base and the surface). This indicates of different mobility plots artery and plaque and can lead to the formation of the mechanical instability of atherosclerotic plaque in patients with hypertension.

In the last years several studies demonstrated the important role of aldosterone not only in the development of arterial hypertension bur also in the development of cardiovascular complications. Growing investigations have recognized the important role of aldosterone in the development of left ventricular hypertrophy, the myocardial fibrosis and changes in the wall of the carotid arteries. This article provides a clinical case of hypertensive patient with primary hyperaldosteronism. The dynamics of blood pressure, the state of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System, left ventricular myocardium and carotid arteries were analized in the preoperative period, and in one year follow-up after the successful removal of the aldosteroma

Despite the global trend towards a decrease in the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), this disease remains one of the sudden death causes in the elderly. This necessitates the need to conduct screening studies, the effectiveness and feasibility of which has been proven in large studies, including population-based ones, and meta-analyses. The traditional and most optimal screening method is ultrasound examination. According to the guidelines of different countries, the indications for abdominal aorta ultrasound vary. Today in Russia there is no accurate data on the prevalence of AAA, while the target group for screening has not been defined, and therefore the country needs to conduct large population studies to study its prevalence and risk factors, as well as to calculate indicators of the clinical and economic effectiveness of implementation AAA screening programs.

Aim. To assess plaque burden according to peripheral artery ultrasound examination in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with low and moderate disease activity in comparison with the coronary artery condition.Material and methods. The study included 64 patients, of which 43 patients with an established diagnosis of RA and 21 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) without RA (comparison group). All patients underwent a clinical and paraclinical examination to verify myocardial ischemia and/or CAD according to the 2020 national guidelines, as well as a carotid and femoral artery ultrasound (the latter, only for patients with RA) with determination of plaque burden.Results. In patients with RA in combination with CAD, plaque burden is higher than in patients with RA without coronary artery disease regarding the carotid plaque number 4,0 [4,0; 5,0]/2,0 [1,0; 3,5], proportion of maximum stenosis 35,0 [35,0; 45,0]/30,0 [25,0; 35,0] and the proportion of total stenosis 120,0 [110,0; 152,5]/85,0 [40,0; 110,0]. Three or more carotid plaques determine significant coronary atherosclerosis in RA. In RA patients with CAD, the combination of caro­tid and femoral plaques is associated with significant coronary atherosclerosis in 75% of cases. In a comparative analysis of patients with RA CAD+/RA CAD-, no significant differences were found in the main cardiovascular risk factors, lipid, and inflammatory parameters. When comparing the plaque burden indicators, the severity of coronary atherosclerosis was not revealed between RA patients with CAD+ and the comparison group.Conclusion. Determining the peripheral plaque burden parameters increases the clinical significance of ultrasound as a stage of non-invasive CAD diagnosis in RA.

Aim. To comparatively analyze the following parameters of the subclinical manifestations of atherosclerosis: carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), the presence and number of carotid atherosclerotic plaques (ASP), ankle brachial pulse wave velocity (ABPWV) in patients from 2 (active and conventional observation) groups at low and moderate risks according to the SCORE scale in two-year outpatient practice. Subjects and methods. A screening could select 600 able-bodied persons (445 women and 155 men) aged 30 to 65 years at low and moderate risks (according to the SCORE scale without atherosclerosis-associated diseases who were divided into 2 groups: A) active observation (n=400) and B) conventional medical management tactics (n=200). Five hundred and seven (85%) persons (339 in Group A and 168 in Group B) completed the study following 2 years. Carotid duplex scanning, computed sphygmography, and biochemical tests for blood lipid composition were performed. The delta index (%) calculated by the special formula, by subtracting the results during the first visit from those obtained 2 years later, was used to statistically analyze the time course of changes in the parameters under study. Results. Delta IMT (%) statistically significantly increased in Group B men as compared to that in Group A men (p=0.042). The delta parameter of total carotid stenosis, which reflected the percentage of the latter, proved to be high in both Group B women and men (p=0.0001) and the persons with a larger number of ASP were statistically significantly more in Group B (p=0.035). Delta ABPWV (%) was also greater in Group B (p=0.001). Conclusion. Just after 2 years, the active medical observation tactics in patients at low and moderate risks (according to the SCORE scale) can result in a reduction in the rate of subclinical atherosclerosis progression in the carotid artery.

Aim. To study relationships between nonspecific inflammation (NI) of the arterial wall and its structural changes in Stages I-II hypertensive disease (HD) males at moderate and high risks of cardiovascular events (CVE). Subjects and methods. Sixty hypertensive males aged 30 to 65 years (mean age 44±2 years), including 35 patients with grade 1 arterial hypertension (AH) and 25 with grade 2 AH at moderate and high risks of CVE, were examined. The concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and methylglyoxal (MG) were measured. Pulse wave propagation velocity (PWPV) and ankle brachial index (ABI) were studied. Normal PWPV values were calculated in terms of gender and age features. Results. The examined HD group showed a positive correlation of PWPV with systolic blood pressure over 24 hours (r=0.39; p

Aim. To study effects of thrombin-activated fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) on efficacy and safety of long-term anti-coagulant treatment in patients with venous thromboembolic complications (VTEC). Material and methods. A total of 111 patients with a history of an episode of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary artery thromboembolism (PATE) entered the study. All the patients received unfractionated or low-molecular heparin for at least 5 days than switch on warfarin (target values of INR 2,0-3,0). Baseline blood levels of TAFI were measured. The patients were followed up for 18 months. Recurrent (DVT/TAFI and hemorrhagic complications (HC) were end points. Also, frequency of complete lysis of deep vein thrombi was assessed after 12 months of treatment. Results. A TAFI level varied from 50 to 217% (median 106%, interquartile rage 90-133%). TAFI concentration positively correlated with fibrinogen and thromb size. The patients were divided into two groups depending on TAFI content: group 1 patients had low TAFI (under 25th percentile; < 90%); patients of group 2 had high TAFI (above 25th percentile; > 90%). Group 1 patients were characterized by less stable anticoagulation. This association did not depend on genetic characteristics which determine sensitivity to warfarin (CYP2C9 and VKORC1). Low TAFI was associated with reduced risk of DVT for 18 months and higher probability of complete lysis of the thrombi after 12 months of anticoagulant therapy compared to VTEC patients with high TAFI. No differences were found by TAFI level in patients with HC and without HC, but in HC patients low TAFI was associated with spontaneous hemorrhages and bleeding in therapeutic INR values. Conclusion. The results of this pilot study evidence that a TAFI level can be one of the factors influencing efficacy and safety of long-term anticoagulant therapy in patients with VTEC on warfarin treatment.

Aim. To show relations between a concentration of lipoprotein-associated secretory phospholipase A2 (LPPLa2) and markers of subclinical atherosclerotic lesion of the arterial wall in patients with low and moderate risk by the SCORE scale. Material and methods. A total of 378 individuals with low and moderate risk of atherosclerotic lesion of the arterial wall (285 females, 93 males) were divided into groups by 1) age and sex, 2) number of atherosclerotic plaques (ASP) in the carotid arteries: 0ASP (n = 158), ASP (n = 61), more than one ASP (n = 159); 3) plaque characteristics: homogeneous (n = 31), heterogenous (n = 189), 4) the presence of ASP in CA and level of LPPLa2 in the blood (with high content - n = 137, with normal content - n = 83). Duplex CA scanning was made to estimate intima-media thickness (IMT), to detect AP in the CA. Computer sphygmography estimated velocity of the pulse wave (PWV) from the carotid to femoral artery. Normal values of IMT and PWV were estimated individually with reference to gender and age. LPPLa2 was measured immunoturbodimetrically using diagnostic kits (PLAC Test Elisa Kit, diaDexus, USA), shreshold value < 200 ng/ml. Results. LPPLa2 content medians in different age groups in males and females differed insignificantly. LPPLa2 concentration in the groups of patients regarding ASP in CA was elevated in relation to the threshold value (200 ng/ml) in all the groups but did not significantly differ: 216 (179-257) ng/ml in the group 0ASP, 226 (190-274) ng/ml - in the group of patients 1ASP and 212 (174-254) ng/ml - in the group of patients more than one ASP (p > 0.05). In the groups with homogeneous and heterogenous ASP significant differencies were neither between the medians nor between frequency of deviation from normal (p = 0.28). 25.5% patients from the group with an elevated level of LPPLa2 had ASP with a hypoechogenic component. Conclusion. No significant correlation was revealed between concentration of LPPLa2, IMT PWV, number of ASP and carotid stenosis.

Aim. To compare effects of prolongation of the treatment with therapeutic doses of enoxaparin to 1 month on recanalization of occlusively thrombosed deep veins (OTDV) of the limbs with results of standard therapy with unfractionated heparin (UFH). Both treatments were followed by warfarin administration. Material and methods. Thirty patients were selected from 111 patients with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary artery embolism according to the following criteria: the presence of occlusive thrombosis of one deep vein minimum; the absence of DVT for 12 months of follow-up. Patients of group 1 (n = 15) received standard therapy (UFH for at least 5 days) with switch to warfarin. Patients of group 2 (n = 15) received therapeutic doses of enoxaparin (1 mg/kg each 12 hours) for 30 days minimum with switch to warfarin. Follow-up was 12 months. Ultrasonic duplex angioscanning of the limbs was made at baseline, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment start. Results. After follow-up month 1, 3 and 6 number of patients with occlusive DVT was significantly less in group 2. All the patients given enoxaparin achieved recanalization of OTDV within 3 months of treatment. OTDV recanalization was not achieved in 20% patients of group 1 even 12 months after treatment start. Conclusion. Prolongation of enoxaparin treatment to 1 month followed by warfarin treatment is superior to standard UFH treatment followed by warfarin in providing recanalization of OTDV within 3 months of treatment. Moreover, this treatment predicts persistence of recanalization within 12 months of anticoagulant therapy.

Aim. To compare efficacy and safety of warfarin and enoxaparin used in the first month of treatment of patients with an episode of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary artery thromboembolism (PATE). Material and methods. Sixty patients (34 males, 26 females, age 18-76 years) after the DVT/PATE episode were divided into two groups. Patients of group 1 received standard therapy (non-fractionated heparin -NFH followed by warfarin), patients of group 2 instead of NFH received enoxaparin (1 mg/ kg each 12 hours for at least 30 days). Ultrasonic scanning of the limbs and determination of D-dimer were conducted before and after 1 month of treatment. End points were the following: recurrent DVT/ PATE, death due to PATE, hemorrhagic complications. Results. Improvement of deep vein patency after 1 month of anticoagulant treatment was observed in both the groups. Enoxaparin proved more effective in relation to reduction of the number of venous occlusions (9 and 50, respectively, after 1 month treatment (p < 0.001). Hemorrhagic complications were seen in both the groups with equal frequency (13.4%). These hemorrhagic episodes did not require discontinuation of the drugs. Baseline D-dimer was significantly higher in the enoxaparin group - 1.51 (0.73-2.44) mcg/ml vs 0.93 (0.42-1.33) mcg/ml (p = 0.019). After treatment D-dimer level and number of patients with high D-dimer diminished in both groups. Conclusion. Enoxaparin proved more effective than warfarin in the first treatment month. In the same safety and prophylactic effect enoxaparin is more effective in recanalization of occusions in the deep veins.

Aim. To study damage to the heart, kidneys and vessels in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) of different severity with and without metabolic syndrome. Material and methods. The trial enrolled 303 patients with AH of the first-third degree aged 25-70 years (mean age 52 ± 18 years), 110 males and 193 females. The patients were matched by sex and age. All the patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (n = 151) without metabolic syndrome (MS) and group 2 (n = 152) with MS. The following parameters were studied: lipid spectrum, blood glucose, glomerular filtration rate, MAU, data of 24-h blood pressure monitoring, echocardiography, Doppler ultrasonography of the brachiocephalic arteries. Results. Early AH was accompanied with diastolic LV myocardial dysfunction, subnormal glomerular filtration rate and the presence of MAU. In AH of the second degree there was LV remodeling. In AH of the third degree left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMM) and thickness of intima-medial complex (TIM) were increased. Close correlations were found between the disturbance of diastolic function and MAU, thickness of interventricular septum and thickness of the inferior wall and LVMM index with MAU. Less manifest correlation existed between diastolic dysfunction and TIM, thickness of the interventricular septum and thickness of the inferior wall and TIM. Conclusion. The presence of metabolic syndrome contributes to earlier and more serious damage of the target organs in patients with arterial hypertension.

Aim. To evaluate efficacy of 3 month therapy with warfarin in patients after an episode of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary artery thromboembolism (PATE), safety of the treatment. Material and methods. 26patients after DVT/PATE aged 18-74 were treated in the hospital with non-fractionated heparin for 10-14 days followed by warfarin. The dose was selected under the control of INR up to target values 2.0-3.0. Ultrasound angioscanning of the limbs was conducted at hospitalization, on discharge, 1 and 3 months after the discharge. D-dimer was measured at discharge, 1 and 3 months after the discharge. The patients were followed up for 3 months. The following end points were considered: recurrences of deep or surface vein thrombosis, PATE recurrence, death due to PATE, hemorrhagic complications. Results. By ultrasound angioscanning significant positive results were not achieved. The level of D-dimer upon discharge was elevated in 18 (69.2%) patients (0.94, 0.41-1.69 mcg/ml). 3 month therapy with warfarin resulted in complete solution of all floting thrombs, achievement of recanalization of occlusive thrombosed deep vein in 20 (80%) patients, thrombosed vein number reduced from 4.0 to 3.0, p = 0.004. Deep vein thrombs disappeared only in 3 (11.5%) patients in 3 months. Warfarin lowered D-dimer content to 0.23 mcg/ml (p < 0.001) in 1 month and to 0.12 mcg/ml (p < 0.001) in 3 months after the discharge. 23 patients reached target 2.0-3.0 values and maintained them in therapeutic ranges. In DVT recurrence no PATE and PATE-related deaths were registered. Hemorrhagic complications arose in 5 patients, but they did not lead to warfarin discontinuation. Conclusion. Warfarin is effective for secondary prophylaxis of DVT/PAT, but this therapy failed to solve thrombs in the deep veins in many patients.

Aim. To assess asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis in patients with moderate cardiovascular risk over a 7-year prospective follow-up using non-invasive ultrasound markers.Material and methods. Eighty patients (47 men and 33 women) aged 53,1±5,9 years with moderate Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) level, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 2,7-4,8 mmol/l and asymptomatic hemodynamically insignificant (stenosis

Introduction. Thrombotic complications (TC) in different vascular systems dictate the fate of high-risk patients. In cardiological practice, patients with advanced atherosclerotic vascular disease (MFA) represent the most vulnerable group. Malignant neoplasm (MN) is one of the most significant risk factors for developing TCs, especially in the context of antineoplastic therapy. The presence of significant differences in the mechanisms of thrombogenesis in malignant neoplasms and atherosclerosis determines the appropriateness of a comparative study of markers of coagulation activation and endothelial damage in order to identify common features and differences specific to each pathology. Aim. To examine markers of coagulation activation and growth factors in active cancer and advanced atherosclerotic vascular disease, to identify their common features and differences specific to each pathology. Materials and methods. A total of 22 patients with MN (Group 1) and 58 patients with MFA (Group 2) were enrolled in the study. The assessed biomarkers included: von Willebrand factor (VWF), D-dimer, growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). Results. Patients with MN had an increased likelihood of disease progression within 6 months at D-dimer level > 1121 ng/mL (OR = 10.5; 95% CI 1.4–81.0, p = 0.014) or VWF > 189% (OR 10.5, 95% CI 1.36–81.0, p = 0.014); the likelihood of death within two years of follow-up at D-dimer level > 1121 ng/mL (OR = 7.0; 95% CI 0.97–50.57, p = 0.04), or VWF > 203% (OR = 10, 5, 95% CI 1.36–81.06, p = 0.014). In patients with MFA, the likelihood of prognosis determining events within one-year of follow-up was determined by increased levels of VWF > 157% (OR = 9.2, 95% CI 1.02–82.8, p = 0.048) and GDF-15 > 1548 pg/ml (OR = 5.7; 95% CI 1.09–29.5, p = 0.04). Conclusions. Endothelial damage and coagulation activation are more pronounced in patients with MN than in patients with MFA. In patients with malignant neoplasms, the outcomes were associated with D-dimer and VWF levels, and in patients with MFA – with VWF and GDF-15 levels.

Russian Society of Cardiology, National Society of Preventive Cardiology

The Russian Society of Cardiology (RKO)With the participation of: The National Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis (NOA), the Russian Association of Endocrinologists (RAE), the Russian Society of Cardiosomatic Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention (RosOKR), the Russian Scientific Medical Society of Therapists (RNMOT), the Eurasian Association of Cardiologists, the Eurasian Association of Therapists (EAT), the Russian Association of Gerontologists and Geriatricians

The guidelines have been developed for internists, general practitioners, emergency physicians, and paramedics. The guidelines are based on expert consensus papers, accumulated clinical and scientific experience. The methodology for organizing and conducting ultrasound-assisted examinations is described in detail. Algorithms for diagnosing the main syndromes in internal medicine practice are presented to help the practitioner. Particular attention is paid to the methodology of ultrasoundassisted examinations. These guidelines will be of interest to doctors, heads of medical facilities, as well as students of medical universities.

Background. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe pathology that often leads a patient to death or disability. Recently, the development of PH associated with activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) has been of interest. Some results obtained in an acute experiment on rats showed that activation of the carotid bodies of one external carotid artery is a sufficient stimulus to increase the tone of pulmonary arteries. Obviously, this effect is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. However, the long-term effects of unilateral hypoxia of the carotid bodies on the morphofunctional state of the pulmonary arteries are not described in the literature. Aim. Effect assessment of common carotid artery bifurcation region ischemia due to the atherosclerotic process on the pulmonary arteries in patients. Materials and methods. The retrospective study was conducted in the Burdenko Neurosurgical Center and in the National Medical Research Center for Cardiology. A total of 60 case histories were analyzed in detail. All patients underwent Duplex scanning of the brachiocephalic arteries, as well as transthoracic echocardiography. The study included patients with atherosclerotic plaque in the area of the common carotid artery bifurcation on either one side or both. Exclusion criteria consisted of diseases that lead to the development of PH. The relationship between the presence of hemodynamically significant atheroma and the development of PH was evaluated. Results. Patients were divided into two groups those with hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic plaque in the common carotid artery bifurcation region at least on one side (more than 75% of the vascular obstruction) and hemodynamically insignificant atheromas in the common carotid artery bifurcation region on one or both sides (less than 45%). Among patients from the first group, 52.8% of the patients had signs of PH. Among patients from the second group, only 16.7% of the patients had signs of PH. The difference in the frequency of PH occurrence between the two selected groups is statistically significant (p=0.005). There were no differences in red blood cells number, platelets number, glucose concentration and lipid composition of blood plasma. Conclusion. Activation of SNS due to hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic plaque in the area of the bifurcation of the common carotid artery may be an independent mechanism for the development of PH. Key words: pulmonary hypertension, carotid bodies, atherosclerotic plaque, sympathectomy of pulmonary arteries.

Disclaimer РThe EAC/RNAS Guidelines represent the views of the EAC and RNAS, and were produced after careful consideration of the scientific and medical knowledge, and the evidence available at the time of their publication. The EAC and RNAS is not responsible in the event of any contradiction, discrepancy, and/or ambiguity between the EAC/RNAS Guidelines and any other official recommendations or guidelines issued by the relevant public health authorities, in particular in relation to good use of healthcare or therapeutic strategies. Health professionals are encouraged to take the EAC/RNAS Guidelines fully into account when exercising their clinical judgment, as well as in the determination and the implementation of preventive, diagnostic, or therapeutic medical strategies; however, the EAC/RNAS Guidelines do not override, in any way whatsoever, the individual responsibility of health professionals to make appropriate and accurate decisions in consideration of each patient’s health condition and in consultation with that patient and, where appropriate and/or necessary, the patient’s caregiver. Nor do the EAC/RNAS Guidelines exempt health professionals from taking into full and careful consideration the relevant official updated recommendations or guidelines issued by the competent public health authorities, in order to manage each patient’s case in light of the scientifically accepted data pursuant to their respective ethical and professional obligations. It is also the health professional’s responsibility to verify the applicable rules and regulations relating to drugs and medical devices at the time of prescription.Members of the Working Group confirmed the lack of financial support / conflict of interest. In the event of a conflict of interest being reported, the member (s) of the Working Group was (were) excluded from the discussion of sections related to the area of conflict of interest.

Rationale: Thrombosis of the puncture site in the femoral veins is one of the potentially dangerous complications of intracardial catheter interventions associated with thromboembolic risk related to its proximal location. According to the literature, the incidence of symptomatic venous thrombosis (VT) is 1–3%. No special studies on the assessment of risk factors for this complication, its diagnosis and treatment have been conducted.Aim: To study the incidence, risk factors and special aspects of VT diagnosis in patients undergoing intracardial electrophysiological studies (EFI) and/or catheter ablation.Materials and methods: This prospective study included 408 patients (194 men and 214 women, with median age of 51±10.1 years), who were admitted to the hospital with various cardiac rhythm disorders for intracardial EFIs and/or catheter ablations from 2016 to 2018. Before the interventions, in addition to common laboratory and instrumental work-up, all the patients underwent ultrasound duplex scanning (USDS) of the iliac-femoral segment; in 269 patients the level of D-dimer was measured. Latest at 24 hours after the intervention, all patients underwent a control ultrasound scan of the femoral vein puncture site. In case of VT occurrence anticoagulant therapy was started in all patients and they were followed up till complete VT resolution and at least for 3 months (the study endpoint). The VT incidence and its risk factors including the prognostic value of D-dimer levels were evaluated.Results: The VT incidence after catheter interventions was 11.7% (n=48). There was a significant correlation between VT occurrence and such risk factors as diabetes mellitus (p=0.001) and obesity (p500 ng/mL) and subsequent VT development was found (p>0.05). The quartile analysis revealed an association between baseline D-dimer levels exceeding 434 ng/mL (which corresponds to the range of 75 to 100%) and the presence of the following risk factors: age over 65 years (p

These guidelines represent all current aspects of etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the clinical and statistical group of familial hypercholesterolemia in both adults and children in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Health of Russia.

Atherosclerosis and it’s clinical implications (myocardial infarction, stroke, intermittent lameness) is a serious medico-social problem in Russia. Statins (or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are the first-choice agents to prevent cardiovascular disease events. The paper presents the results of early regression studies and modern regression studies using MRI imaging concerning the regression or stabilization atherosclerosis and rationale and baseline characteristics of russian regression study “FREGAT”.

Цель. Гиперхолестеринемия - хорошо известный фактор риска развития сердечно-сосудистых заболеваний, при этом влияние холестерина на эластические свойства артериальной стенки остается недостаточно изученным. Мы изучили одновременно аортальную жесткость, измеренную с помощью «золотого стандарта» оценки артериальной жесткости (определение каротидно-феморальной скорости пульсовой волны - СПВкф) и локальную жесткость каротидных артерий, измеренную с помощью метода высокого разрешения эхо-треккинга у ранее не получавших гиполипидемическую терапию больных семейной гиперхолестеринемией (СГХС) и их родственников первой степени родства, в том числе в различных возрастных диапазонах (10-17, 18-29, 30-49, 50-69 лет).Материалы и методы. В исследование были включены 66 больных СГХС (10-66 лет), ранее не получавших статины, и 57 их родственников первой степени родства без диагностированной СГХС (11-61 год). СПВкф оценивалась с помощью прибора SphygmoCor (AtCor, Сидней, Австралия). Показатели локальной жесткости каротидных артерий оценивались при дуплексном сканировании методом эхо-треккинг (Aloka Prosound Alpha7, Токио, Япония); измерения проводились в 1 см от бифуркации обеих общих сонных артерий и вычислялись средние значения параметра жесткости (b), модуля упругости Петерсона (Ер) и скорости распространения пульсовой волны в области локации датчика (PWVb). Статистический анализ проводился с помощью критерия Манна-Уитни, данные представлены в виде медианы (25-75 процентиль).Результаты. Группы сравнения статистически не отличались по возрасту, полу, уровню систолического артериального давления. СПВкф достоверно не различалась между группами: 6,76 (6,0-7,92) и 6,48 (6,16-7,12) м/с соответственно в группе больных и их родственников, р =0,138. b, Ep и PWVb были достоверно выше в группе больных: b [6,2 (4,7-8,5) и 5,1 (4,1-6,2) в группе больных и их родственников соответственно, р =0,005]; Ep [75 (53 113) и 58 (48-76) кПа, р =0,006]; PWVb [6,76 (6,0-7,92) и 6,48 (6,16-7,12) м/с, р =0,005].СПВкф достоверно не отличалась у больных СГХС и их родственников в различных возрастных диапазонах. b, Ер и PWVb были достоверно выше в группе больных в возрастном диапазоне 30-49 лет [b: 6,9 (5,9-8,2) и 5,9 (5,0-6,9) в группе больных и их родственников соответственно, p =0,037; Ep: 82 (68-111) и 70 (60-83) кПа, p =0,027; PWVb: 5,6 (5,2-6,4) и 5,1 (4,7-5,6) м/с, p =0,015] и достоверно неотличались в возрастных диапазонах 17-29 и 50-69 лет. Мы получили, что у больных СГХС СПФкф и PWVb достоверно увеличиваются с возрастом. Мы оценили прирост СПВкф и PWVb в группе больных относительно результатов, полученных в контрольной группе, в различных возрастных диапазонах, и получили, что с 30 лет жесткость каротидных артерий растет быстрее, чем жесткость аорты.Выводы. У ранее не леченных больных СГХС по сравнению с их родственниками без диагностированной СГХС достоверно выше показатели локальной жесткости каротидных артерий, в то время как для показателя региональной жесткости различия не получены. У больных СГХС жесткость и аорты, и каротидных артерий увеличивается с возрастом, но возрастная динамика жесткости аорты и каротидных артерий различается: с 30 лет жесткость каротидных артерий растет быстрее, чем жесткость аорты.