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Biomedical subjects

V G Athyros

Publications and source records attributed to V G Athyros.

27 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Effect of chronic quinapril administration on heart rate variability in patients with diabetic autonomic neuropathy.

OBJECTIVE: Heart rate variability (HRV) time and frequency domain indexes are strong predictors of malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Patients with diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) have an increased cardiovascular mortality rate compared with diabetic patients without DAN. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The present double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study analyzed the effect of quinapril, an ACE inhibitor, on HRV time and frequency domain variables in patients with DAN. Forty patients (17 men and 23 women) of a mean age of 51 (range 19-68) years, free of coronary artery disease and arterial hypertension, were randomized into a quinapril or placebo group. HRV was recorded at months 0, 3, and 6. The parameters measured were 1) time domain indexes: SD of all 24-h R-R intervals (intervals between consecutive electrocardiogram R waves), or SDNN/24-h; mean of SD of R-R intervals of all 5-min segements (SDNN/5-min); root-mean-square of the differences of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD); and percentage of the R-R intervals differing more than 50 ms (pNN50); and 2) frequency domain indexes: total power (TP), high-frequency power (HFP), low-frequency power (LFP), and very-low-frequency power (VLFP). HRV level of the 40 patients were compared with one of 20 matched diabetic patients, of analogous glycemic control without DAN, and 20 healthy control subjects. RESULTS: Quinapril, compared with placebo, increased total HRV: SDNN/24-h (P < 0.05), TP (P < 0.05), and HRV parameters related to parasympathetic activity: pNN50 (P < 0.01). RMSSD (P < 0.05), and HFP in absolute and normalized units (P < 0.01). LFP/HFP ratio was decreased (P < 0.01). Despite the beneficial effect of quinapril on parasympathetic variables of HRV these remained less than those of diabetic patients without DAN and healthy control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that quinapril significantly increases parasympathetic activity in patients with DAN 3 months after treatment initiation and sustains this effect until the 6th month. This might contribute to the reduction of the risk for malignant ventricular arrhythmias in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Effect of quinapril or metoprolol on heart rate variability in post-myocardial infarction patients.

The effect of quinapril or metoprolol on heart rate variability (HRV) indexes was studied in patients who had recovered from acute myocardial infarction. Patients with stable coronary artery disease and normal volunteers were used as controls. Sixty patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction (aged 32 to 74 years [mean 56.7]) were randomized to quinapril (n = 25), metoprolol (n = 25), and placebo (n = 10). HRV was assessed 5 days (baseline) and 35 days after the onset of acute myocardial infarction. After the baseline studies, the post-myocardial infarction patients were treated with metoprolol (50 to 100 mg/day), quinapril (5 to 10 mg/day), or placebo. Twenty patients with stable coronary artery disease and 20 healthy volunteers, age- and sex-matched to myocardial infarction patients, were used as controls. Compared with placebo, quinapril and metoprolol increased HRV indexes significantly 35 days after the onset of myocardial infarction. HRV indexes were not statistically different between the 2 treatment groups. At baseline and after therapy, HRV was similar in patients with anterior or inferior wall myocardial infarction. HRV 35 days after the onset of myocardial infarction was not different from HRV in patients with stable coronary artery disease, but was decreased when compared with that in normal volunteers. Data suggest that quinapril has the same beneficial effect on HRV indexes as metoprolol in patients who have recovered from uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗
PubMed1996

Effects of simvastatin and ciprofibrate alone and in combination on lipid profile, plasma fibrinogen and low density lipoprotein particle structure and distribution in patients with familial combined hyperlipidaemia and coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Hypolipidaemic agents do not usually normalize all of the multiple lipoprotein abnormalities in patients with familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCHL). The effect of the simvastatin-ciprofibrate combination in comparison with each drug alone on the lipoprotein abnormality patterns was studied in patients with FCHL and coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Sixty patients (53 men and seven women), mean age 52 years (range 36-60 years), were studied. After a 4-week placebo period, patients were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group (n = 20) received simvastatin (20 mg daily), the second group (n = 20) ciprofibrate (100 mg daily) and the third group (n = 20) the combination of both drugs for a 12-week period. Parameters measured were as follows: plasma fibrinogen, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein, intermediate density lipoprotein, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as LDL subfraction distribution and structure by density gradient ultracentrifugation. Apoproteins (apo) B and AI were assessed by immunoturbidometry. RESULTS: At baseline, apoB, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were increased, whereas LDL particles were small and dense. ApoB was significantly reduced by all three interventions. Drug combination and ciprofibrate significantly reduced plasma fibrinogen (-24 and -25%, respectively; P < 0.001) and triglycerides (-51 and -49%, respectively; P < 0.001). Drug combination and simvastatin significantly reduced LDL cholesterol (-25 and -22%, respectively; P < 0.001) compared with ciprofibrate (-10%; P < 0.01). Ciprofibrate and drug combination increased LDL particle size (parameter K -0.24 versus -0.61 and -0.30 versus -0.62, respectively; P < 0.001), whereas simvastatin had no significant effect on LDL particle size. The cholesterol content of LDL particles was reduced with ciprofibrate and the drug combination only in the dense LDL particles (LDL3-5) and increased in the light (LDL1-2) subfractions, whereas simvastatin reduced the cholesterol content of all LDL subfractions except LDL2. Ciprofibrate and drug combination reduced the triglyceride content of all LDL subfractions. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment with simvastatin and ciprofibrate effectively reduced plasma fibrinogen, triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol and increased LDL particle size in patients with FCHL and CAD. These effects might induce a clinical benefit for these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Holt-Oram syndrome with malformations of renal and cerebral arteries.

The case of a 40-year-old woman with Holt-Oram syndrome is presented. Besides the absence of thumbs and an atrial septal defect, she presented multiple strokes and end-stage renal failure. The latter might be attributed to malformations of the arteries of the brain and kidneys within the expression of the syndrome, despite the small possibility of coincidence.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1995

Long-term effect of gemfibrozil on coronary heart disease risk profile of patients with primary combined hyperlipidaemia.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of gemfibrozil on 12 independent coronary heart disease risk factors in patients with primary combined hyperlipidaemia. METHODS: One hundred and five patients (62 men and 43 women), aged 53.2 +/- 4.8 years, were studied. The 10-year probability of myocardial infarction for the patients was calculated using the TYPMI (Ten-Year Probability for Myocardial Infarction) computer program, which is constructed to co-evaluate 12 independent coronary artery disease risk factors. All patients followed a lipid-lowering diet and placebo for 3 months. At month 0, the patients received 1200 mg gemfibrozil daily, divided into two equal doses, for a period of 12 months. At months -3, 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides [only if the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio was above 5], systolic blood pressure, plasma glucose, left ventricular mass index, and plasma fibrinogen were measured. Smoking habits, sex, age, physical activity and family history of coronary heart disease were also evaluated. The mean 10-year probability of myocardial infarction of all 105 patients at month 0 was 27.8%. This was significantly higher than the anticipated probability (10.4%, P < 0.001), resulting from an age- and sex-matched group of general population. RESULTS: During the third month of treatment, the following changes were recorded: total cholesterol -17%, LDL cholesterol -18%, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol -45%, HDL cholesterol 20%, triglycerides -43%, apoprotein B -12%, apoprotein A-I 9% and plasma fibrinogen -21%. The estimated risk for myocardial infarction was reduced to 13.5% (delta m = -51%). All changes were significant and sustained until the twelfth treatment month. None of the patients were withdrawn from the study because of adverse effects of the treatment. CONCLUSION: Gemfibrozil reduces the estimated risk for myocardial infarction in patients with primary combined hyperlipidaemia at a level no different from the one of the general population. This beneficial effect of gemfibrozil, which was expressed by the third month and was evident for some time afterwards, was attributed to a significant reduction of triglyceride and fibrinogen levels, an increase of HDL cholesterol concentrations and a moderate decrease of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.

Coronary Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of aldose reductase inhibition on cardiovascular reflex tests in patients with definite diabetic autonomic neuropathy over a period of 2 years.

The potential of the aldose reductase inhibitor tolrestat to ameliorate definite diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN), as defined by standard cardiovascular autonomic function tests, was evaluated in 35 patients over a period of 2 years, with repeated measurements at 3-month intervals. The effect of tolrestat (200 mg a day) was compared with that of placebo on 35 controls with diabetes mellitus, of similar age, gender, and glycemic control. In the placebo group, a significant deterioration of the indices, with the exception of Valsalva ratio, was recorded, while tolrestat induced a significant beneficial change in the values of most standard cardiovascular reflex tests, in comparison to baseline and placebo. The deep breathing tests (expiration-inspiration ratio, standard deviation, and mean circular resultant of R-R intervals), postural index, and postural hypotension were favorably affected. Three of 35 patients on tolrestat (8.6%) developed high transaminases levels (more than threefold the upper normal limit) and were withdrawn from the study. In conclusion, tolrestat improved autonomic nervous system function in patients with definite DAN, in comparison to baseline and placebo. The clinical importance of this finding needs further investigation.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The control of dyslipidemia in outpatient clinics in Greece (OLYMPIC) Study.

The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of Greek patients referred to outpatient clinics for dyslipidemia who achieved the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) guidelines, using lifestyle changes, lipid-lowering drug treatment (LLDT), or both. Adult patients with dyslipidemia, who had been receiving a hypolipidemic diet and/or LLDT for at least 3 months were assessed in a multicenter study performed at 66 sites across Greece. Patients were followed up for an additional 3-month treatment period. Lipid levels were recorded at baseline and at the end of the study. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving their individual LDL-C target at the end of the study, according to their coronary heart disease (CHD) risk status or its equivalents, as defined by the NCEP-ATP III guidelines. Multivariate logistic models were used to identify determinants of undertreatment. The study included 2,660 adults (20-75 years) from 7 regions of Greece. Of the evaluable sample (n = 2,211; men 51%; mean age 62 +/-9 years) 81% were receiving LLDT (96% with statins and 3% with fibrates), 44% had a history of CHD, 61% arterial hypertension, 36% diabetes, and 26% a family history of premature CHD. Overall, 6% were at low CHD risk, 30% at medium CHD risk, and 63% at high CHD risk. At the end of the study, 26% of all patients and 30% of those receiving LLDT achieved the NCEP-specified LDL-C target levels. The percentage of patients at LDL-C goal according to CHD risk status was: low risk 67% (95% CI = 59-75), medium risk 29% (95% CI = 26-33), and high risk 20% (95% CI = 18-22). Statins proved to be more effective than fibrates (p <0.0001). Atorvastatin-treated subjects (n = 1,222, mean dose 19 mg/day) attained the LDL-C target (31% of the cases) at a higher rate than those receiving other LLDT (n = 574, 26% at target, p <0.01) or not receiving drug treatment (n = 415, 8%, p <0.001). This outcome was more evident in the high-CHD risk group (n = 1,402, 26% with atorvastatin vs 16% with other LLDT and 3% not receiving LLDT attained the LDL-C goal, ANOVA, p <0.001). The majority of dyslipidemic patients receiving LLDT, mainly those with high-CHD risk, are not achieving the NCEP LDL-C target. This is mainly explained by inadequate dose titration to ensure target goals are met. Promoting healthy lifestyle and appropriate LLDT (potent statins with sufficient dose titration) must be implemented to ensure that patients attain LDL-C treatment goals and thus benefit from the reduction in individual CHD risk.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on the power spectrum of heart rate variability in post-myocardial infarction patients.

BACKGROUND: Heart rate variability (HRV) time and frequency domain indices are strong predictors of malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The effect of various angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on HRV in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been studied. METHODS: Ninety patients with uncomplicated AMI (age range 39-75 years, median 61 years) were assigned randomly to six groups of 15 patients each. They were treated with placebo or one of the following ACE inhibitors for 30 days: captopril, cilazapril, enalapril, lisinopril or quinapril. HRV was assessed 3 days after the onset of AMI (baseline), and 30 days after treatment. Fifteen patients with stable coronary artery disease and 15 healthy volunteers, age- and sex-matched with AMI patients, served as controls. RESULTS: At baseline, time and frequency domain HRV indices in the AMI groups were equally less than those in patients with stable coronary artery disease and normal volunteers. Compared with placebo, quinapril, lisinopril and captopril changed frequency domain HRV indices 30 days after initiation of treatment, indicating an increase in vagal tone, whereas enalapril and cilazapril had no significant effect on these indices. Most of the time domain HRV indices 30 days after initiation of treatment increased significantly in all patients treated with ACE inhibitors, but remained unchanged in the placebo group. Frequency domain and time domain HRV indices 30 days after treatment in the quinapril group did not differ statistically from those in patients with stable coronary artery disease, but were less than those in normal volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: Quinapril, lisinopril and captopril improved frequency domain HRV indices related to vagal tone, whereas cilazapril and enalapril had no effect on these indices. This influence of some ACE inhibitors on HRV may be beneficial in reducing the risk for sudden death in post-myocardial infarction patients.

Adult↗