Dr. Monika Bhandari
King George's Medical University, Cardiology, Faculty Member
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BACKGROUND Forearm hematomas are not uncommon after transradial coronary interventions. The present study describes the incidence and predictors of forearm hematoma formation after transradial coronary interventions. METHODS This was a... more
BACKGROUND Forearm hematomas are not uncommon after transradial coronary interventions. The present study describes the incidence and predictors of forearm hematoma formation after transradial coronary interventions. METHODS This was a prospective study in 1754 patients undergoing angiography/angioplasty through transradial access. Each procedure was performed using optimum levels of anticoagulation, hydrophilic sheaths, and post-procedural patent hemostasis protocols. Patients were evaluated for forearm hematoma immediately after the procedure, after radial band removal, and on the next day of the procedure. Severity of hematomas was graded according to the Early Discharge after Transradial Stenting of Coronary Arteries Study scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to determine the predictors of hematoma formation. RESULTS Mean age of the patients was 56.31 years and 82.2% were males. A total of 1374 (78.3%) patients underwent angioplasty while 380...
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Background: Several studies have compared treatment strategies in patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. However, short-term outcomes have scarcely been reported. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, single-center,... more
Background: Several studies have compared treatment strategies in patients with left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. However, short-term outcomes have scarcely been reported. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, single-center, descriptive study, conducted between January 1, 2017, and January 1, 2018, patients with LMCA disease were treated through medical follow-up (MFU), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Results: A total of 149 patients participated in the study. Of the 149 patients, 27 (18.1%), 69 (46.3%), and 53 (35.6%) patients were treated with CABG, MFU, and PCI, respectively. The SYNTAX score was 31.0 ± 5.8, 29.9 ± 7.0, and 21.0 ± 6.8 in the CABG, MFU, and PCI groups (P<0.001), respectively. At the 6-month follow-up, 19 (76.0%) and 38 (76.0%) patients presented with New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class I dyspnea in the CABG and PCI groups, respectively, as compared to 29 (59.2%) patients in the MFU group (P ...
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Background: Coronary artery disease should now be considered an important public health problem characterized by changing lifestyles, casualty and attributes. The most common cause of these diseases is atherosclerotic plaque. Most of the... more
Background: Coronary artery disease should now be considered an important public health problem characterized by changing lifestyles, casualty and attributes. The most common cause of these diseases is atherosclerotic plaque. Most of the people are unaware of these conditions due to lack of knowledge and their level of anxiety may be increased. Angioplasty is a surgical technique to open a blocked coronary artery. Objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge and anxiety regarding post procedural care of angioplasty among patients undergoing coronary angioplasty before the intervention.2. To compare the knowledge and anxiety regarding post procedural care of angioplasty among patients undergoing coronary angioplasty before the intervention. 3. To assess the knowledge and anxiety regarding post procedural care of angioplasty among patients undergoing coronary angioplasty after the intervention. 4. To compare the knowledge and anxiety regarding post procedural care of angioplasty among patie...
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Objective: The objective is to evaluate the impact of baseline hemoglobin (Hb) levels and creatinine clearance (CrCl) levels in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary... more
Objective: The objective is to evaluate the impact of baseline hemoglobin (Hb) levels and creatinine clearance (CrCl) levels in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: This was a single-center, prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary-care center in India. We enrolled 337 STEMI patients between November 2015 and December 2016. Patients were divided into four groups on the basis of baseline Hb and CrCl levels: Group-1: patients with normal Hb and normal CrCl (102 [30.2%]); Group-2: patients with low Hb and normal CrCl (78 [23.2%]); Group-3: patients with normal Hb and low CrCl (79 [23.4%]); and Group-4: patients with low Hb and low CrCl (78 [23.2%]). Results: The mean age group at presentation was 40–70 years. In-hospital complications were observed in 11 (10.8%) patients of Group-1, 11 (14.1%) patients of Group-2, 37 (46.8%) patients of Group-3, and 52 (66.7%) patients of G...
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Background Intravenous flecainide is used to stress Atrio-ventricular (AV) conduction in patients (pts) with a history of syncope & bifascicular (Bi-Fasc) block. Role of oral flecainide is unclear. Objective To assess effect of oral... more
Background Intravenous flecainide is used to stress Atrio-ventricular (AV) conduction in patients (pts) with a history of syncope & bifascicular (Bi-Fasc) block. Role of oral flecainide is unclear. Objective To assess effect of oral Flecainide on infra-Hisian AV conduction in patients with symptomatic Bi-Fasc block. Methods Pts presenting with syncope & Bi-Fasc block without advanced AVCD on ECG, 24 hr holter or treadmill exercise test were taken. Those with history suggestive of reflex syncope & positive tilt test were excluded. Remaining underwent electro-physiological (EP) study. Pts with HV interval >100ms or intra/infra-Hisian block at rest or incremental pacing were subjected to PPI. Remaining received oral Flacanide 5 mg/kg (max 300 mg) & EP study was repeated after ½ hr, 1 hr, 2 hrs and 3 hrs. Primary end-point was HV ≥100ms or infra/intra-Hisian type IIB or III block. Results Of 41 pts enrolled for study, 28 patients (mean age 60.0 yrs, mean LVEF 60.7%) were eligible for...
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Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) on long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) either have underlying coronary artery disease or suffer from acute coronary syndromes necessitating a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In such a... more
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) on long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) either have underlying coronary artery disease or suffer from acute coronary syndromes necessitating a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In such a scenario, an amalgamation of antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy (conventionally called as “triple therapy”) is obligatory for preventing coronary ischemia and stroke. But such ischemic benefits are accrued at the cost of increased bleeding. We also now know that bleeding events following PCI are related to increased mortality. Balancing the bleeding and ischemic risks is often a clinical dilemma. With the advent of novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC's) with preserved efficacy and attenuated bleeding rates, anticoagulation in AF is undergoing paradigm shift. The spotlight is now shifting from conventional triple therapy (vitamin-K antagonist + dual antiplatelet therapy [VKA + DAPT]) to novel dual therapy (NOAC + single antiplatelet therapy [SAPT]) ...
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In the present era, percutaneous coronary intervention is being done for various types of coronary lesions worldwide. However, calcified and fibrotic lesions have remained a major challenge in coronary interventions. Conventionally,... more
In the present era, percutaneous coronary intervention is being done for various types of coronary lesions worldwide. However, calcified and fibrotic lesions have remained a major challenge in coronary interventions. Conventionally, cutting balloon and rotational atherectomy have been being used in calcified and fibrotic lesions. Excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) has emerged as a new alternative to deal with this type of complex lesion. In this update, we describe the procedure and the role of ELCA in coronary interventions.
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Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is most common cause of mortality. Its incidence in young Indians is about 12%–16%. Myocardial infarction (MI) in young can be divided into two groups, those with angiographically normal... more
Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is most common cause of mortality. Its incidence in young Indians is about 12%–16%. Myocardial infarction (MI) in young can be divided into two groups, those with angiographically normal coronaries and those with CAD. 15%–20% of those with CAD have no identifiable risk factors and therefore miss the opportunity for primary prevention. Recent reports have suggested that increased lipoprotein a (Lp[a]) and hyperhomocysteinemia play an important role in MI. The true prevalence of CAD in young is grossly underestimated. Aims: (1) Study of risk factors for MI in patients <35 years. (2) Clinical presentation. (3) Disease pattern in coronary angiography. (4) To assess the relationship of emerging risk factors such as homocysteine and Lp(a) with MI. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients aged 35 years or younger diagnosed with acute MI were included. Results: The majority of patients were males (80%). The mean age was 33.3 in males and 31.8 years in females. Chest pain was the most common presenting complaint (94%). Smoking was the most prevalent risk factor (72%). Hyperhomocysteinemia (42%) and raised Lp(a) (24%) were emerging risk factors. Anterior wall MI was most prevalent (64%) and most patients had single vessel disease with left descending coronary being the most commonly involved artery. Conclusions: Homocysteine and Lp(a) should be measured in young MI patients. Smoking cessation and prevention of diabetes and hypertension should be encouraged. As young patients have more discrete lesion, timely revascularization will reduce myocardial damage.
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Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of mortality today both in developed and developing countries alike. Advancement in the pharmacotherapy and revascularization techniques has resulted in drastic improvement in... more
Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of mortality today both in developed and developing countries alike. Advancement in the pharmacotherapy and revascularization techniques has resulted in drastic improvement in survival. Most of the complications of MI can be managed adequately resulting in reduced mortality from MI in the recent years. However, mortality from stroke following acute MI remains high even today. Here, we discuss the incidence, risk factors, and management of stroke following acute ST elevation MI.
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Background: The presence or absence of collateral circulation to the infarct-related artery territory significantly impacts the infarct size and resulting left ventricular function and hence the prognosis. However, the determinants of... more
Background: The presence or absence of collateral circulation to the infarct-related artery territory significantly impacts the infarct size and resulting left ventricular function and hence the prognosis. However, the determinants of collateral formation have been poorly understood. Materials and Methods: The present single-center observational study examined 200 patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), irrespective of the status of thrombolysis, undergoing coronary angiogram within 48 h showing complete occlusion of infarct-related coronary artery. Results: High-grade collaterals (Rentrop Grade 2 and 3) were seen in 17% of patients (n = 34). High-grade coronary collaterals were more often seen in patients belonging to the age group of 46–70 years compared to elderly individuals >70 years of age (38.2% vs. 2.9%,P < 0.009). The occurrence of collaterals to culprit coronary artery either left anterior descending artery or right coronary artery was similar. There was a lower prevalence of high-grade collaterals to infarct-related artery territory in smokers versus nonsmokers (5.9% vs. 43.4%,P < 0.001). The prevalence of collaterals in patients with diabetes was lower compared to nondiabetics (11.8% vs. 47.6%,P < 0.001). There was a significantly higher prevalence and recruitment of collaterals in patients with a history of angina before they developed acute coronary syndrome (88.2% vs. 16.9%,P < 0.001). There was no significant association between hypertensive status and the prevalence of coronary collateral circulation. Conclusions: The finding of high-grade coronary collaterals was seen more in patients who had angina prior to STEMI. High-grade collaterals were significantly more in middle-aged individuals compared to the elderly. Diabetes mellitus and smoking status were negative predictors of high-grade collaterals.
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Cardiac hydatidosis is a rare presentation of echinococcus granulosus infestation. We report the case of 57-year-old man who presented with syncope due to ventricular tachycardia and was managed with antiarrhythmic drugs for an acute... more
Cardiac hydatidosis is a rare presentation of echinococcus granulosus infestation. We report the case of 57-year-old man who presented with syncope due to ventricular tachycardia and was managed with antiarrhythmic drugs for an acute episode. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging suggested a 1 cm right ventricular hydatid cyst. In view of the control of arrhythmia on antiarrhythmic drugs and the small size of the cyst, the patient was treated with albendazole 400 mg twice a day for 4 weeks. He was asymptomatic with normal liver function during follow-up, and repeat echocardiography after 1 year revealed disappearance of the intramyocardial lesion.
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Truncus arteriosus is a rare congenital heart disease with average survival up to 5 weeks, and unrepaired truncus cases surviving into adulthood are very few. For these reasons, the natural history of the unrepaired defect is not very... more
Truncus arteriosus is a rare congenital heart disease with average survival up to 5 weeks, and unrepaired truncus cases surviving into adulthood are very few. For these reasons, the natural history of the unrepaired defect is not very well-known, and is backed by only a handful of such cases that are reported. We report this very rare case of adult survival of an uncorrected truncus arteriosus, with certain aspects of presentation unique and insightful with regards to its natural history.
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Low-density lipoprotein lowering with statins has convincingly and consistently proven to reduce cardiovascular events in both primary and secondary prevention. However, despite high-dose statin therapy, residual cardiovascular risk... more
Low-density lipoprotein lowering with statins has convincingly and consistently proven to reduce cardiovascular events in both primary and secondary prevention. However, despite high-dose statin therapy, residual cardiovascular risk remains and many patients also do not tolerate statins. Ezetimibe was initially projected as a frontline alternative to statin. It is an intestinal cholesterol absorption inhibitor with modest LDL lowering effects. But, major studies failed to demonstrate any beneficial effect of CV outcomes, and the drug was relegated to oblivion. IMPROVE-IT, a contemporary, large, and well-designed trial, unequivocally demonstrated reduction in CV outcomes with ezetimibe when added to statin therapy. The benefits are seen in both sexes, elderly, CKD, diabetes mellitus, and in patients with prior CABG. It also reduces biomarkers and induces plaque regression like statins. The drug has now established itself as an add-on therapy to statin when monotherapy fails to achiev...
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Cor triatriatum (CT) or a triatrial heart is a rare congenital anomaly in which one of the atrial chambers is divided by a fibromuscular membrane. Of the two variants, CT dexter (right-sided CT) is still further rare than CT sinister... more
Cor triatriatum (CT) or a triatrial heart is a rare congenital anomaly in which one of the atrial chambers is divided by a fibromuscular membrane. Of the two variants, CT dexter (right-sided CT) is still further rare than CT sinister (left-sided CT). Although CT sinister presents with features of left heart obstructive disease mimicking mitral stenosis, CT dexter is usually asymptomatic and is found incidentally on imaging. Here, we present a patient with an unusual case of complete heart block who was found to have CT dexter along with right ventricular noncompaction on imaging.
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OBJECTIVE Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is a common complication during transradial coronary intervention. Its incidence is variably reported in literature and its predictors are not completely understood. In this study, we aimed to... more
OBJECTIVE Radial artery occlusion (RAO) is a common complication during transradial coronary intervention. Its incidence is variably reported in literature and its predictors are not completely understood. In this study, we aimed to define the incidence and factors influencing RAO in patients undergoing transradial coronary intervention. METHODS This was a single-center prospective study (October 2018 to September 2019) that enrolled 1,754 patients who were evaluated for RAO 24 hours after transradial coronary intervention. Univariate as well as multivariate analyses were done to identify patient and procedure related factors predicting the occurrence of RAO. RESULTS A total of 1,374 patients (78.3%) underwent angioplasty, whereas 380 (21.7%) underwent angiography alone. RAO was diagnosed in 11.97% patients. Lower glomerular filtration rate, multiple puncture attempts for radial artery access, larger sheath size, complex nature of interventional procedure, longer homeostasis time, and forearm hematoma formation were independent predictors for RAO. CONCLUSION RAO was not an uncommon complication in transradial coronary interventions, especially in the Indian population; and the knowledge of predictors may be helpful in its prevention.
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Abstract Introduction Pericardial effusion (PE) is a life-threatening condition. However, there are very few Indian studies which determined etiological distribution. The current retrospective observational study was carried out to assess... more
Abstract Introduction Pericardial effusion (PE) is a life-threatening condition. However, there are very few Indian studies which determined etiological distribution. The current retrospective observational study was carried out to assess etiological factors responsible for PE in a tertiary care centre in India. Methods The study enrolled consecutive 55 patients with the diagnosis of moderate to large PE as established by echocardiography between January 2018 and December 2018. The echocardiography guided percutaneous pericardiocentesis was performed by the standard procedure. Results Amongst the enrolled PE patients in the study, 30 (54.55%) were males and 25 (45.45%) were females, with the average age of 43.00 ± 15.54 years. In clinical assessment, tamponade was found in 52 (94.54%) patients. Tuberculosis was the most common etiology for PE (n=35, 63.64%) followed by hypothyroidism (n = 6, 10.9%), and malignancies (n = 4, 7.27%). Among 12.72% patients, the PE was of recurrent type. Additionally, no death or any complication was encountered during pericardiocentesis. Conclusion Pericardial disease and effusion is a major cause of morbidity in India. Despite developments in the healthcare facilities, tuberculosis was the most common etiology for PE. Additionally, the raised number of hypothyroid and malignant PE cases demonstrates the changing etiological trends, similar to western countries.
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Patients with ST-elevation MI (STEMI) usually have a huge thrombus burden in the infarct-related artery. Stenting may lead to high chances of the slow-flow/no-reflow phenomenon that leads to periprocedural MI and adverse cardiovascular... more
Patients with ST-elevation MI (STEMI) usually have a huge thrombus burden in the infarct-related artery. Stenting may lead to high chances of the slow-flow/no-reflow phenomenon that leads to periprocedural MI and adverse cardiovascular events. Deferred stenting may be beneficial in this situation as the thrombus burden will reduce, mitigating the slow-flow/no-reflow phenomenon. However, routine deferral of stenting in patients with STEMI has not been found to be beneficial, but when the patient is properly selected, deferred stenting has the potential for reducing the final infarct size. The authors report the safety and feasibility of deferred stenting after 5 days of prolonged anticoagulation in a 45-year-old smoker with STEMI who had a large thrombus load shown on an angiogram. They review the registries, trials and meta-analyses on deferred stenting in the literature and analyse the benefits and harms of the strategy. They also propose an algorithm for applying a strategy for de...
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Objective There is limited evidence on feasibility and safety of only heparin rota-flush(OHRF)solution in rotational atherectomy (RA). We compared the safety and efficacy of OHRF solution with alternative rota-flush (ARF) solution in... more
Objective There is limited evidence on feasibility and safety of only heparin rota-flush(OHRF)solution in rotational atherectomy (RA). We compared the safety and efficacy of OHRF solution with alternative rota-flush (ARF) solution in patients who underwent RA. Methods A total of 48 patients who underwent RA were enrolled in the study. In 25 patients OHRF solution and in 23 patients ARF solution was utilized. The study end points were procedural success rateandrota-related adverse cardiovascular event (RRAE) including slow flow, no reflow, bradycardia, and hemodynamic instability. Results Procedural success was achieved in all patients in both the OHRF and ARF groups. There was no statistically significant difference in RRAE between the two groups(32.0% vs. 34.7%, p = 0.83). Conclusion OHRF solution appears a more simplistic solution while performing rotablation as compared to ARF solution. Side effects such as hypotension and bradycardia can be circumvented with OHRF solution during rotablation.
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BACKGROUND Many patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP), presenting with only dyspnea, have hidden ischemic etiology. In low-income countries, logistic and financial restraints lead to reduced identification of this ischemic burden.... more
BACKGROUND Many patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP), presenting with only dyspnea, have hidden ischemic etiology. In low-income countries, logistic and financial restraints lead to reduced identification of this ischemic burden. We aimed to assess the role of coronary angiography in patients with cardiomyopathy presenting predominantly dyspnea. METHODS This was a single-center, prospective, observational study conducted at a tertiary-care center in North India over the period of one year. The study population consisted of patients with dyspnea (NYHA II and III) and left ventricular dysfunction [i.e., left ventricular ejection fraction (< 40%)] without a prior documented coronary artery disease (CAD). All patients underwent invasive coronary angiography to detect underlying occult CAD. RESULTS A total of 209 patients with global left ventricular hypokinesia (LVEF) were enrolled. Almost half of the study population belonged to the 51-60-year-old group. Diabetes mellitus and...
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Background: Management of such patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) complicated by right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI) requires volume replacement along with the standard therapy. However, the optimum amount... more
Background: Management of such patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) complicated by right ventricular myocardial infarction (RVMI) requires volume replacement along with the standard therapy. However, the optimum amount of fluid needed to maintain systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥90 mmHg in such patients has not been reported yet. This study evaluates the role of graded fluid infusion in improving the hemodynamic parameters in patients of IWMI with RVMI in hypotension or shock and also optimizes the amount of fluid needed to maintain SBP ≥ 90 mmHg. Materials and Methods: In this single-center, prospective observational study, patients with first episode of acute coronary syndrome diagnosed as IWMI complicated by RVMI and SBP <90 mmHg were included. The hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate, SBP, cardiac output, cardiac index, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) were measured at the baseline and after each 500 ml normal saline over 15 min until SBP ≥...
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Single coronary artery anomalies are those where the entire myocardium is supplied by an artery arising from one ostium. It is a rare coronary anomaly and has been there in literature ever since 1867. Over the years, this has intrigued... more
Single coronary artery anomalies are those where the entire myocardium is supplied by an artery arising from one ostium. It is a rare coronary anomaly and has been there in literature ever since 1867. Over the years, this has intrigued anatomists and physicians whether its presence has life-threatening consequences or is mere a benign entity. Most of the cases are generally silent except for the interarterial course variants which are associated with sudden deaths. We report the case of a patient presenting with recurrent inferior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction who was found to have a single coronary artery on angiography. The patient underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and uneventful further course.
Coronavirus disease has unarguably been the largest pandemic of recent times. Over 150 million cases have occurred worldwide, and more than 3 million have succumbed to the disease. Cardiac manifestations can have varied presentations from... more
Coronavirus disease has unarguably been the largest pandemic of recent times. Over 150 million cases have occurred worldwide, and more than 3 million have succumbed to the disease. Cardiac manifestations can have varied presentations from an asymptomatic troponin rise to fulminant myocarditis. The pathogenesis of myocardial damage could be direct or indirect, including inflammation, coronary spasm, plaque rupture, and cytokine storm. Thromboembolism is also an important feature of cardiovascular affliction with both arterial and venous systems being affected. Hence, anticoagulation has also been a matter of debate. Fulminant myocarditis is the most severe form and can lead to circulatory shock with a high mortality. Management of cardiac patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is not considerably different from non-COVID-19 cardiovascular disease, but interaction between cardiovascular drugs and anti-COVID-19 therapy requires careful attention. More recently, vaccines have emerged as a ray of hope for the disease. But simultaneously, there have been reports of thromboembolism following vaccination. In this review, we discuss the various aspects of coronavirus disease affecting of heart and its management.
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Background Ever since the concept of preventive cardiology has come into vogue, several risk identification models have come up which combine several risk factors to create a risk prediction score for occurrence of cardiovascular (CV)... more
Background Ever since the concept of preventive cardiology has come into vogue, several risk identification models have come up which combine several risk factors to create a risk prediction score for occurrence of cardiovascular (CV) event. While carrying a proven validation in Western population, none of the risk prediction model has been satisfactorily evaluated in Indians especially young <40 years old. Objectives To compare Artificial Intelligence based novel risk score with traditional risk scores in young (less than 40 years age) patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to estimate the relative efficacy of different coronary artery disease (CAD) risk scores in young Indian Patients. Design Single center, Observational, Non-interventional study. Participants Cohort of Patients more than 20 but less than 40 years old with ACS in the department of Cardiology from 1st January 2019 to 31st October 2019. Methods 314 young patients [mean age 36.14±4.17 years] pr...
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OBJECTIVE The concept of managing patients on the basis of culprit lesion characteristics is emerging. Atherosclerotic plaques are reported to be rare in young patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to assess... more
OBJECTIVE The concept of managing patients on the basis of culprit lesion characteristics is emerging. Atherosclerotic plaques are reported to be rare in young patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to assess culprit lesion characteristics in very young patients presenting with ACS by optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS This was a prospective, single-center, open-label, observational study. Patients aged 35 years or less with ACS who underwent invasive coronary angiography and OCT were studied. RESULTS Of the 43 patients, 22 (51.2%) had plaque rupture, 16 (37.2%) had plaque erosion, and five (11.6%) had no specific lesion character. Plaque was fibroatheromatous in 34 (79.1%) patients and fibrous in seven (16.3%). Plaque was not found in two (4.7%) patients; of these, one (2.3%) had left anterior descending coronary artery bridging, and one (2.3%) had intimal dissection without any plaque. Plaque rupture was more commonly associated with fibroatheromatous plaques, whereas plaque erosion was more commonly associated with fibrous plaque (p=0.010). CONCLUSION Although plaque rupture and plaque erosion occurred at the same rate as seen in patients of all ages, calcified nodule as a culprit lesion was not found in young patients. Majority of the patients had plaque rupture and plaque erosion with fibroatheromatous plaque, signifying the occurrence of established coronary artery disease in very young patients of Southeast Asia.
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Lithium is considered a gold standard drug for the management of bipolar disorder and is a widely used mood-stabilizing drug in psychiatry practice. However, its side effects are of important concern. The narrow therapeutic index of... more
Lithium is considered a gold standard drug for the management of bipolar disorder and is a widely used mood-stabilizing drug in psychiatry practice. However, its side effects are of important concern. The narrow therapeutic index of lithium predispose it to toxicity/side effects, but various case reports in literature have shown that adverse drug reactions can occur even in the therapeutic range. We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with no history of cardiac illness presenting with tachycardia-bradycardia syndrome along with moderate pulmonary hypertension. Patient reverted to sinus rhythm after withholding lithium therapy for 1 week while her mean pulmonary artery pressure remained the same at day 10 of drug withdrawal.
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OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the time to reversal of complete AV block (CAVB) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with various modalities of treatment and to examine the factors associated with... more
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the time to reversal of complete AV block (CAVB) in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with various modalities of treatment and to examine the factors associated with early reversal of CAVB. METHODS We prospectively assessed the STEMI patients complicated by CAVB. The mean time to reversal of CAVB was analyzed and compared according to the treatment received. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to find the predictors of mortality. RESULTS Of 3954 patients with STEMI, CAVB was present in 146(3.7%) patients. Inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) was more commonly associated with CAVB than anterior wall myocardial infarction (AWMI) (74.7% vs 25.3%). The mean time to reversal of CAVB was 25.4 ± 35.5 h. It was significantly lower with the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to thrombolysis (5.21 ± 10.54 vs 12.98 ± 17.14; p = 0.0001). Predictors of early reversal of CAVB were early presentation to hospital (<6 h) from symptom onset, presence of IWMI, any revascularization done, primary PCI performed in comparison to thrombolysis, and normal serum creatinine levels. The presence of older age, broader QRS complex, cardiogenic shock/heart failure, and elevated creatinine were independent predictors of mortality. The CAVB reverted in all the alive patients except one who required permanent pacemaker implantation. CONCLUSION CAVB is uncommon in STEMI and it recovers in a vast majority of surviving patients. The time to reversal of CAVB in STEMI is lower with primary PCI compared to thrombolysis. Outcomes are poor without revascularization in such patients.
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Background. Central aortic blood pressure (CABP) indices, central hemodynamics, and arterial stiffness are better predictors of cardiovascular events as compared with brachial cuff pressure measurements alone. The present study is aimed... more
Background. Central aortic blood pressure (CABP) indices, central hemodynamics, and arterial stiffness are better predictors of cardiovascular events as compared with brachial cuff pressure measurements alone. The present study is aimed at assessing the effects of different antihypertensive drug combination regimens involving renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors on CABP indices in Indian patients with hypertension. Methods. This was a cross-sectional, single-center study conducted in patients treated for hypertension for >6 weeks using different treatment regimens involving the combination of RAAS inhibitors with drugs from other classes. CABP indices, vascular age, arterial stiffness, and central hemodynamics were measured in patients using the noninvasive Agedio B900 device (IEM, Stolberg, Germany) and compared between different treatment regimens. Results. A total of 199 patients with a mean age of 54.22±10.15 years were enrolled, where 68.8% had hypertension...
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Introduction: Antithrombotic therapy in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) includes dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) along with enoxaparin. However, resistance to antiplatelet action of aspirin and... more
Introduction: Antithrombotic therapy in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) includes dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) along with enoxaparin. However, resistance to antiplatelet action of aspirin and clopidogrel is well known and is about 27% (0-57%) and 30%, respectively. Hence the use of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitor appears to be a reasonable option as they act on the final common pathway of platelet aggregation. Though frequently used in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention (PC1), their use in patients not undergoing such procedure is not popular despite evidence in literature. Materials and Methods: This study was done on 44 patients of NSTE-ACS managed conservatively. The patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion in two groups. The patients in group 1 received tirofiban(0.4μg/kg/min i.v for 30 min followed by 0.1μg/kg/min for 48 hours) in addition to aspirin (325 mg stat followed by 75 mg P.O. daily), clopidogrel (300 mg stat followed by 75 mg P.O. daily) and enoxaparin (1 mg/kg S.C bid for 5 days). The group 2 patients received DAPT and enoxaparin only, in similar doses. Both the groups received antianginal therapy as appropriate and statins. Results: The study showed the benefits of adding tirofiban to enoxaparin and DAPT irrespective of age, sex, presence or absence of diabetes and dyslipidemia, ECG changes, troponin positivity and TIMI score in patients with NSTE-ACS. There was a significant reduction {Risk reduction (RR) of 45.4% P <0.01} in composite of primary end points refractory ischemia myocardial infarction (MI) and death with Tirofiban. No major or minor bleeding episodes were seen in any patients. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that tirofiban in addition to DAPT and enoxaparin reduces the risk of refractory ischemia, MI and death in patients with NSTE-ACS without any additional risk of major or minor bleeding. Therefore, we advocate this regimen in patients with NSTE-ACS managed conservatively. Large randomized study is needed to recommend this regimen.
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The causal linkage between triglycerides and coronary artery disease has been controversial. Most of the trials hitherto have shown marginal or no beneficial effects of reduction of triglycerides (with fibrates) on top of low-density... more
The causal linkage between triglycerides and coronary artery disease has been controversial. Most of the trials hitherto have shown marginal or no beneficial effects of reduction of triglycerides (with fibrates) on top of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) reduction. But a significant residual cardiovascular risk remains even after use of high dose of statins. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce triglyceride levels and some old trials have shown the benefits of fish oils in reducing cardiovascular events. However, barring a few trials most of the large trials of omega-3 fatty acids are negative. Recently, few large trials have been conducted to see the effects of high dose omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes and some of them have shown promising results on top of LDL reduction.
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Long term outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting are governed by patency of vascular grafts. In this regard, the use of arterial grafts, (preferably the left internal mammary artery) has demonstrated improved survival relative... more
Long term outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting are governed by patency of vascular grafts. In this regard, the use of arterial grafts, (preferably the left internal mammary artery) has demonstrated improved survival relative to their venous counterparts. These benefits are a consequence of greater patency of LIMA at 10 years vis-a-vis venous grafts. Uncommonly, there is a possibility of occlusion of LIMA early in the post operative period due to procedural reasons but late occlusion of LIMA is rare. We report an unusual case of late occlusion of LIMA after seven years of CABG.
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Research Interests: Cardiology and Medicine
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Williams syndrome is a multisystem disorder caused by the deletion of multiple genes on chromosome 7. Many patients are identified through presence of dysmorphic features and associated cardiac abnormalities. Cardiovascular abnormalities... more
Williams syndrome is a multisystem disorder caused by the deletion of multiple genes on chromosome 7. Many patients are identified through presence of dysmorphic features and associated cardiac abnormalities. Cardiovascular abnormalities in Williams syndrome is characterized by presence of supravalvular aortic stenosis which is most common followed by pulmonary artery stenosis, mitral valve prolapse, aortic hypoplasia, coarctation of aorta, and septal defects. Usually, these obstructive lesions are mild and do not present in infancy and progress slowly. If severe in infantile age-group, they often require surgery. We are reporting a case of Williams syndrome who presented with heart failure demonstrating supravalvular aortic stenosis (a common feature of Williams syndrome) and rapidly progressive coarctation of aorta with refractory symptoms.
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Tuberculosis is a common disease in developing countries. It can cause dyspnea due to primary involvement of lungs with pulmonary Koch′s, but one of the uncommon presentations may be solely due to compression of pulmonary veins (PVs)... more
Tuberculosis is a common disease in developing countries. It can cause dyspnea due to primary involvement of lungs with pulmonary Koch′s, but one of the uncommon presentations may be solely due to compression of pulmonary veins (PVs) and/or left atrium resulting in exertional dyspnea resembling cardiac disease. Though there are case reports of lung metastasis, pulmonary artery aneurysm and left atrial myxoma causing PV compression, in literature PV compression due to cold abscess is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of paravertebral cold abscess causing symptoms effectively due to PV compression who got cured with anti-tubercular therapy.