Safety of Amiodarone in Ventricular Arrhythmia in Patients Admitted in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University

Background: Amiodarone is the most effective antiarrhythmic medications available today for the treatment of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. It is an iodinated benzofuran derivative with demonstrated efficacy against a range of cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Objective: To evaluation the status of amiodarone with therapeutic dose in Bangladeshi population. Materials and Methods: The quasi experimental study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbagh, Dhaka during April, 2019 to March, 2020 Patients got admitted in the Department of Cardiology, BSMMU, consecutive patients who had been treated with amiodarone for arrhythmia were included in this study. Patients without an amiodarone prescription were assumed and patients who will not give informed written consent were excluded in this study. Results: The most common adverse event was bradycardia or conduction disturbance (9.0%) followed by 4(2.2%) thyroid toxicity, 3(1.7%) hepatic toxicity, 2(1.1%) eye toxicity and 1(0.6%) pulmonary toxicity. In multi variable logistic regression, bradycardia or conduction disturbance, amiodarone daily dose (≥300 mg) and duration of amiodarone (>4 month) was found to be significantly (p<0.05) associated with adverse effects of amiodarone. Conclusion: The most common adverse event was bradycardia or conduction disturbance followed by thyroid toxicity, hepatic toxicity, eye toxicity and pulmonary toxicity. Bradycardia or conduction disturbance, amiodarone daily dose (≥300 mg) and duration of amiodarone (>4 month) was found to be significantly associated with adverse effects of amiodarone. University Heart Journal Vol. 17, No. 2, Jul 2021; 118-121

Association of P wave Dispersion with Angiographic Severity in Patients with Chronic Stable Angina

Background:Stable angina forms a significant proportion of coronary artery disease. Newer non-invasive modalities with good predictive values like CT coronary angiography and myocardial perfusion imaging are available, they are not feasible for widespread use. In this scenario, we can use the ECG parameter (P wave dispersion) as a non-invasive, efficient and cost-effective tool for diagnosing coronary artery stenosis in chronic stable angina. Objective: To find out the association between P wave dispersion in electrocardiogram and angiographic findings by coronary angiogram in patients with chronic stable angina. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka from July 2018 to June 2019.Patients with chronic stable angina who were undergoing invasive coronary angiography was included in this study. A total of 45 patients were included in the study. Immediately after admission, standard 12 lead ECG was recorded at a 50 mm/s paper speed and a gain of 10 mm/mV. P wave dispersion are calculated from the standard ECG during sinus rhythm in any of the 12 ECG leads. Finally, all the enrolled patients underwent invasive evaluation by coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was assessed by Gensini score. Results:The mean PD was 23.3±8.1 millisecond in patients without CAD, 37.1±7.6 millisecond in single vessel disease, 45.3±9.1 millisecond in double vessel disease and 45.9±9.4 millisecond in triple vessel disease, which were statistically significant (p<0.05) among four groups.There was a significant correlation of PD (P wave dispersion) with Gensini score (r=0.631; p=0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there is a significant association of PD (P wave dispersion) with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with chronic stable angina. University Heart Journal Vol. 17, No. 2, Jul 2021; 81-85

Comparison of anti-thrombotic strategies using Bivalirudin, Heparin plus Eptifibatide, and Unfractionated Heparin Monotherapy for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): A single-center observational stu

Objective: To determine and compare the incidence of in-hospital and 30-day hemorrhagic complication and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) as evidence of safety and efficacy using three different anti- thrombotic strategies using Bivalirudin, Heparin plus Eptifibatide (GPI: GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor), and Unfractionated Heparin (UFH) monotherapy in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a tertiary care cardiac hospital. Background: UFH or Heparin plus Eptifibatide or Bivalirudin is the most commonly used antithrombotic regimen to improve peri and post-PCI clinical outcomes in a patient undergoing PCI for ACS. Among them, the most effective and optimal antithrombotic regimen for preventing ischemic complications while limiting bleeding risk in ACS patients undergoing PCI is still far from being clear. Methods: 324 ACS patients ( age >18 years and ≤75 years) who underwent PCI from May 2018 to May 2019 at UCC, BSMMU, Dhaka were consecutively enrolled in the study and were divided into three groups according to antithrombotic. The choice of Anti-thrombotic strategy was at the discretion of the operator(s) and the patient’s affordability. Group-A: 107 patients received Bivalirudin as intravenous (I/V) bolus of 0.75 mg/ kg, followed by an infusion of 1.75 mg/kg/hr up to 4 hours. Group-B: 111 patients received UFH as an I/ V bolus of 70-100 U/kg (targeted ACT: 250-300 s). Group-C: 106 patients were administered UFH plus Eptifibatide as per the standard hospital guidelines. Dual antiplatelet (DAPT) loading as Aspirin 300 mg plus P2Y12 inhibitors ( Clopidogrel 600 mg or Prasugrel 60 mg or Ticagrelor 180 mg) was given in all patients before the procedure. The maintenance dose of DAPT was continued for at least one month and patients were followed telephonically up to 30 days. The outcome measures were in-hospital and 30-day hemorrhagic complication and MACEs [death, MI, stroke, stent thrombosis and target-vessel revascularization (TVR)] Results: In-hospital outcome: Patients treated with Bivalirudin as compared with UFH had a significantly lower incidence of QMI lesions (0% vs.6%; p=0.038) and major bleeding (0% vs. 7%; p=0.021). The bleeding rate was also significantly lower in Bivalirudin arm as compared with Heparin plus GPI arm (0% vs. 6%; p=0.038). However, the incidence of cardiac death, stent thrombosis, TVR were no differences among the three groups. 30-day outcome: There was only one NQMI in the bivalirudin group as opposed to 8% in the heparin group (p=0.041). No other adverse effects were found significantly different among the study groups. Conclusion: In this perspective, observational study of ACS patients undergoing PCI in a single-center showed that Bivalirudin monotherapy is safer than other contemporary antithrombotic strategies. In terms of efficacy, Bivalirudin is non inferior to Heparin plus Eptifibatde but superior to UFH monotherapy. University Heart Journal Vol. 17, No. 2, Jul 2021; 91-98

Correlation between Insulin Resistance and LVEF in non Diabetic Chronic Heart Failure Patients admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Insulin resistance is a well-established composite index of systemic inflammatory and metabolic disorders. A wide variety of methods like, HOMA-IR (Homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance), FGIR (Fasting glucose insulin ratio), ISI-Composite (an index of whole body insulin sensitivity), QUICKI (quantitative insulin sensitivity check index) etc are available for assessing IR. Objective: To find out the correlation between insulin resistance and LVEF in non diabetic chronic heart failure patients. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Cardiology in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbagh, Dhaka from February, 2019 to June, 2020. Patients admitted with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction were included in this study. Patients with diabetic, prediabetic and patient who did not give written informed consent were excluded in this study. Results: LVEF 25-29% was 16 patients out of which 10(66.7%) had significant insulin resistance. LVEF 30- 34% was found in 28 patients, among them 16(41.0%) had no insulin resistance. LVEF 35-39% was found in 19 patients out of which 18(46.2%) had no insulin resistance. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). A negative correlation (r=-0.340; p=0.006) was found between insulin resistance and LVEF. Conclusion: Majority non diabetic chronic heart failure patients had no insulin resistance. Significant negative correlation was found between insulin resistance and LVEF. University Heart Journal Vol. 17, No. 2, Jul 2021; 99-102

Correlation of Serum Vitamin-D Level with Coronary Angiographic Severity In Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: Acute Coronary Syndrome includes to a group of conditions compatible with acute myocardial ischemia and/or infarction that are usually due to an abrupt reduction in coronary blood flow. In the last decade vitamin-D deficiency as a predisposing factor for coronary artery disease is in growing interest. Prospective studies give conflicting results regarding correlation of serum vitamin D level with coronary angiographic severity in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Objective: To study the correlation between serum vitamin-D level with coronary angiographic severity in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methodology: This cross sectional observational study was done between November 2018 and October 2019. Total 71 patients with diagnosis of first incident of acute coronary syndrome in department of cardiology, BSMMU who were underwent coronary angiogram included in this study considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Vitamin D was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay after collection of venous blood at Department of Biochemistry, BSMMU. Angiographic severity was assessed by using Gensini score. Statistical analyses were carried out by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results: The mean age was found 55.9±10.7 years with a range from 36 to 82 years. Majority (83.1%) patients were male. The male-female ratio was 4.9:1. Thirty (42.3%) of the patients had STEMI, 28(39.4%) had NSTEMI and 13(18.3%) had unstable angina. Negative correlation (r=-0.479; p=0.001) was found between serum vitamin D level and Gensini score in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Conclusion: In this study found that serum vitamin-D level is inversely correlated with angiographic severity in patients with acute coronary syndrome. University Heart Journal Vol. 17, No. 2, Jul 2021; 103-107

Glycated Hemoglobin and short-term Prognosis in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome with Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Data on the association between glycemic control after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and clinical outcomes are limited and controversial in diabetic patients. Objective:The aim of the study was to assess the impact of good glycaemic control on three months clinical outcomes in diabetic acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing PCI, from a Bangladesh health service perspective. Materials and methods:This prospective cohort study which was conducted in UCC, BSMMU included 346 consecutive diabetic ACS patients who underwent PCI at department of cardiology, BSMMU. Diabetic patients were categorized into two groups based on their 3 months HbA1c levels: 169 (48.84%) diabetics with good glycaemic control (HbA1c < 7%) and 177 (51.16%) diabetics with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥7%).The outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), definite stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization and stroke. Results: At 3 months follow up, patients with poor glycaemic control had a significantly higher incidence of MI (6.2% vs 1.2%; p=0.021). No other adverse events were found significantly different between the groups at 3 months of PCI. Conclusion:Good glycaemic control to obtain HbA1c level <7% in diabetic ACS patients undergoing coronary artery stenting may be beneficial in reducing the risk of MACEs and improvement of clinical outcome after PCI during 3 months follow up. University Heart Journal Vol. 17, No. 2, Jul 2021; 108-113

The Context of StichTrial: Viable or not viable Does it matter before revascularization?

not available University Heart Journal Vol. 17, No. 2, Jul 2021; 79-80

Role of Exercise Echocardiography to Predict Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is predicted to be the most common cause of death globally. Early detection of coronary artery disease and adequate management can reduce CAD related morbidity and mortality. Various non-invasive procedures have been developed to diagnose CAD. Stress echocardiography, myocardial perfusion (SPECT) and cardiac MRI are accepted as useful tools for evaluation of inducible myocardial ischaemia in intermediate risk group patient documented by pre test probability. Among them exercise echocardiography is a remarkable physiological, safe, feasible and cost effective. Objective: To see the role of exercise echocardiography to predict CAD. Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in University Cardiac Center (UCC), BSMMU. This study include the patients who are appointed for exercise tolerance test (ETT). Echocardiographic wall motion study was recorded at rest and after peak exercise and analyzed to diagnosis the regional wall motion abnormality. Specific CAD was confirmed by coronary angiogram. Results: A total of 40 patients were included in the study from the patients who are appointed for ETT. Patients diagnosed as CAD has the mean age of 50.6 ± 9.7 years and majority of the patients were male (72.5%). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of exercise echocardiography were 85.5%, 76.9%, 88.5% and 71.4% respectively in predicting coronary artery disease by exercise echocardiography. The predominant risk factors was hypertension (40.0%) followed by diabetes mellitus, smoking, dyslipidaemia and family H/O CAD were significantly associated with the development of CAD in the study subjects. Conclusion: Treadmill exercise stress echocardiography demonstrates high significance for diagnosis of CAD. University Heart Journal Vol. 17, No. 2, Jul 2021; 114-117

Periprocedural Plasma Fibrinogen level and Clinical Outcome of Coronary Stent Implantation

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity both in developed and developing countries. Percutaneous recanalization of occluded coronary artery is one of the treatment options and reinfarction and restenosis negatively affect the outcome following procedure. Although various factors including fibrinogen are suspected as risk factors for this but its role in adverse outcome after stent implantation is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the impact & relation of periprocedural fibrinogen level on outcome after coronary stent implantation. This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Cardiology, University Cardiac Centre, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Hospital, Dhaka over a period of one year between July 2016 to June 2017. Total 53 patients of chronic stable angina (CSA) undergoing elective PTCA followed by stenting were included in this study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Plasma fibrinogen level was measured by collecting venous blood samples at three timed points in relation to stenting – 24 h before, 24 h after and 72 h after stenting. Recurrence of angina, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization (either PCI or Cardiac surgery), and death were considered as adverse outcome during follow up at 1, 3 and 6 months after intervention. During the 6 months follow up period 1 (one) patient developed UA (at 1 month), 2 developed MI (1 at 3 month and 1 at 6 month) and 2 died (1 at 3 month and 1 at 6 month). Patients were grouped on the basis of four outcomes: favorable outcome (those who did not develop any of the four outcomes) and unfavorable or adverse outcome (those who developed any of the four outcomes). The mean age of study population was 53.92 years and 39 (73.6%) were male. Regarding cardiovascular risk factors, 43.4% patients had diabetes mellitus, 88.6% had dyslipidaemia, 56.6% were non-smokers. Baseline plasma fibrinogen level were significantly higher in patients who developed complications following PCI than those who did not develop the complications (394.4 ± 16.0 Vs 271.5 ± 21.8 mg/dl) & remained high after 24 hours and 72 hours following PCI (p < 0.001). Angiographic profiles of the study population reveals 84.9% LAD, 16.9% RCA & 15% LCX involvement but there was no association of post-PCI adverse outcomes with vessels involved, number of stents deployed and types of stents used (p > 0.05). Study showed that the risk of developing unfavorable outcome following PCI in patients with pre-PCI & post-PCI high serum fibrinogen was estimated to be 5.7 times & 12 times higher than those who have had serum fibrinogen lower than 350 mg/ dl respectively (p = 0.023 & 0.025 respectively). High serum fibrinogen can therefore be used as a marker for predicting adverse outcome following PCI. University Heart Journal Vol. 17, No. 2, Jul 2021; 122-127

Changes of Blood Pressure in different Seasons of Bangladesh

not available University Heart Journal Vol. 17, No. 2, Jul 2021; 86-90