Cardiology Letters, 2013 (vol. 22), issue 4
Original article
Impact of left ventricular systolic dysfunction on the right ventricle in terms of three-dimensional echocardiography
Fojtiková L, Valočik G, Farkašová Ľ, Vachalcová M
Cardiology Letters 2013, 22(4):299-307 
There is a need to assess the right ventricle in the diagnosis of chronic heart failure, because its function is proved to be an important indicator of prognosis, exercise tolerance and quality of life for the failure of the left ventricle. Aims: The target was to investigate the relationship between systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) by three-dimensional echocardiography. Methods: Off-line analysis of echocardiographic results were obtained in 55 patients (42 men, 13 women, mean age 62,6 ± 11,8 years) using three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) and two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) with LV systolic...
Review
Reevaluation of the electrocardiographic pattern of left bundle branch block for proper patient selection and better survival in cardiac resynchronization therapy
Préda I
Cardiology Letters 2013, 22(4):308-313
According to the present guidelines, in New York Heart Association Class I-IV heart failure, ejection fraction ≤ 35%, and electrocardiographic (ECG) QRS width ≥ 120 ms and left bundle branch block, cardiac resynchronization therapy is indicated. Reevaluation of the MADIT-CRT data and electrophysiologic and pathologic findings of human left bundle branch block gave evidence that "true" left bundle branch block requires a QRS width of ≥ 130 ms (in woman) and ≥ 140 ms (in man). In true, (not continuously widening, but presenting with at least 40 ms abrupt QRS prolongation) left bundle branch block, the initial (septal) QRS forces lose their...
Dilemmas of diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in pregnancy
Beňová K1, Novotný R1, Kmec J2
Cardiology Letters 2013, 22(4):314-321
The aim of this work is to highlight the complexity of issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in pregnancy. Hypertension in pregnancy is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, involves a wide range of nosological entities (varying etiology, course and prognosis) and is a major cause of maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. In the management of patients with hypertension during pregnancy there is a whole range of conflicting directives, resulting in possible dilemmas in diagnosis and treatment. The main task of the official expert recommendations for clinical practice is to define an effective and safe...