The mammalian Natriuretic Peptide (NP) system consists of neuro-hormones, such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), and the N-Terminal fragment of BNP (NT-pro-BNP). In response to some cardiovascular derangement the heart (acting as an endocrine organ), brain and other structures secretes natriuretic peptides in an attempt to restore normal circulatory conditions. Their actions are modulated through membrane-bound guanylyl cyclased (GC) receptors. They induce diuresis, natriuresis and vasodilation in the presence of congestive heart failure. These neuro-hormones also play a role in the suppression of neointimal formation after vascular injury. In addition, they act as antifibrotic and antihypertrophic agents preventing cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. Further, NP have diagnostic and prognostic role in heart failure, vasoconstriction, left ventricular late remodeling after MI and others. At present, some drugs such as Nesiritide, NEP inhibitors and vasopeptidase inhibitors were synthetized from NP, to antagonize these cardiovascular derengements. In future, it will be possibile to elaborate some drugs similar to petidase inhibitors and some CNP-like drugs able to reduce many symptoms of cardiovascular derangements without significant side effects.

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Splanchnic vein thrombosis in patients with polycythemia rubra vera is well-known. Development of mobile right heart thrombus in these patients has not been reported previously. We describe a young patient with Polycythemia rubra vera and splanchnic vein thrombosis with ischemic bowel who underwent small bowel resection. He developed a large mobile right atrial thrombus and bilateral pulmonary embolism. He also had upper gastrointestinal bleed. His management was complicated and challenging due to multiple risk factors and co-morbid conditions. Thrombolysis was contraindicated and he refused surgical intervention. He was treated with anticoagulation with complete resolution of right atrial thrombus.

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Scientific theories take centuries to come into existence and they keep on evolving. Uncountable intellectual minds work on these theories; some fail to do anything about it; some add a little after tremendous efforts, and some people give remarkable and unforgettable contribution. As far as credit is concerned, the person who is able to prove the theory by his facts and who clears the maximum doubts by his observations, experimentations, facts and reasoning, gets the credit for that theory, and this should be done with honesty. The theory of pulmonary circulation took more than 2000 years to come into existence as we know it today. With the passage of time different people were given credit. Some say that it was given to Galen; some say it was Michael Servetus; others say that Realdus Columbus was the real discoverer; some gave the credit to Ibn Nafis, and finally people gave the credit to William Harvey. But after the rediscovery of Ibn Nafis' manuscript no.62243 titled Sharah al Tashreeh al Qanoon, or "Commentary on the anatomy of Canon of Avicenna" in 1924 AD in Europe, it became clear that Ibn Nafis had described the pulmonary circulation almost 300 years before Harvey, and the historians like Aldo Mieli, Max Mayrhoff, Edward Coppola etc. clearly state that Ibn Nafis is the real discoverer of the pulmonary circulation and that he should be given the credit for the discovery of the pulmonary circulation.

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Background: We have shown the ratio of systole to diastole to be a valuable global index of ventricular dysfunction in pediatric dilated and restrictive cardiomyopathy and also of ventricular function of the single systemic right ventricle in children who have undergone Norwood procedure for hypoplastic left heart. As this index may be a valuable indicator of ventricular performance in other conditions, normal reference values need to be established. The purpose of this study was to establish normal values for the S/D ratio in children and to investigate its relation to heart rate, age and body surface area. Methods: We reviewed 179 echocardiograms of healthy children and young adults (mean: 70.18 months, SD: ± 65.12 months, range 0.02 months to 19 years) and measured the average duration of the holosystolic tricuspid regurgitant jet (systolic interval). The remainder of the cardiac cycle (i.e the period between 2 tricuspid regurgitant jets) was defined as the diastolic interval. We evaluated the relation between the S/D ratio and heart rate, age and body surface area by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: Ranges, mean values and standard deviations are reported from age 0.02 months to 19 years (70.18 ± 65.12 months), BSA 0.11 to 2.51m² (0.85 ± 0.55) and heart rate 50 to 156 bpm (96.72 ± 23.19). The systolic period ranged between 208.5 to 467 msec (314.08 ± 52.57) and the diastolic period between 166.5 to 809 msec (341.34 ± 129.61) yielding a S/D ratio between 0.397 to 1.62 (0.995 ± 0.23). The S/D ratio correlated positively with heart rate (y = 0.0073x+0.2969, r = 0.72). However, in multivariate analysis there was no significant correlation with age and body surface. Heart rate had a greater effect on shortening the diastolic period, in an exponential fashion (y = 130679x -1.3232, r = -0.88) than on systolic period which responded in linear fashion (y = -1.9228x + 500.05, r = -0.85). Conclusions: We provide normal reference values for the S/D ratio across a wide range of heart rates in children, adolescents and young adults.

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Background: The association between visceral obesity and cardiovascular risk has been well described. Some studies show a proportional relationship between the presence of visceral obesity and epicardial fat. Measuring the amount of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) can be a novel parameter that is inexpensive and easy to obtain and may be helpful in cardiovascular risk stratification. However, the relationship between epicardial fat and cardiac function and that between epicardial fat and cardiac risk factors is less well described. Objectives: To evaluate the association between echocardiographic epicardial fat and the morphologic and physiologic changes observed at echocardiography and to evaluate the association between epicardial fat and cardiac risk factors. A cross-sectional study of 97 echocardiographic studies (females, n = 42) was conducted. Two groups were identified: epicardial fat ≥ 5 mm (group I) and <5 mm (group II). Results: Epicardial fat >5 mm was associated with LA enlargement, with lower ejection fraction, increased left ventricular mass, and abnormal diastolic function. On a multivariable regression analysis, all these parameters also correlated individually with EAT thickness independent of age. Hyperglycemia (DM), systolic hypertension, and lipid parameters for metabolic syndrome showed a trend for positive association, but this was not statistically significant. The association was not significant even for higher cutoff limits of EAT thickness. Conclusion: Epicardial fat >5 mm is associated with cardiac abnormalities on echocardiography. This is a sensitive assessment of body fat distribution, is easily available at echocardiography, and is simple to acquire at no added cost. Further studies looking at the appropriate cut-off thickness of EAT and the sites of measurement to be used are needed. Comparison of this simple and inexpensive measure with other measures of obesity, such as waist-hip ratio, body mass index, Dexa scan of visceral fat, and magnetic resonance imaging of visceral, are needed.

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Aims: Phase-1 Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is an important part in the treatment of patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). Lack of literature in the rural Indian setting led to the design of this study. Setting and Design: Secondary care rural hospital, non-randomized experimental study. Materials and Methods: Fifteen historical controls and 15 prospectively enrolled patients between January 2007 and December 2007. The prospectively enrolled patients received the phase-1, exercise-based, protocol-guided CR. At discharge, the six-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) after the 6MWT, time to return to baseline parameters after the 6MWT, and complications were assessed. Statistical Analysis used: Independent t-test and the Mann Whitney test. Results: Statistically significant (P < 0.01) differences in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and time to return to baseline parameters post the 6MWT were seen in the experimental group ((2 vs. 4 and 5.47 vs. 7.93 minutes, respectively). No significant changes in the 6MWT distance between the groups were noticed (470+151.76 m and 379+170.70 m, respectively). No adverse events during the 6MWT and the phase-1 CR were observed. Conclusion: Protocol-guided, phase-1 CR produces a much faster return of heart rate and blood pressure to baseline following the 6MWT, without producing a great rise in the RPE during the 6MWT, which suggests a training benefit among these patients. The 6MWT can be safely administered in this rural population. However, larger studies will be required to validate these results.

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Background : Infective endocarditis is a common disease in Yemen. Although the incidence of rheumatic valvular disease and uncorrected congenital heart disease in adults is high in Yemen, there are few data regarding the pattern, characteristic features and outcome of infective endocarditis in Yemen. Objective : The aim was to study the characteristic, clinical features and diagnostic criteria of infective endocarditis in Yemeni patients and the outcome in patients treated with medical therapy. Patients and Method : Seventy-two consecutive patients admitted to Kuwait teaching hospital in Sana'a with suspected infective endocarditis between June 1, 2005 and June 1, 2007 were included in this study. A questionnaire including history, clinical findings, and result of requested investigations, treatment, complications and outcome was used. The diagnosis was based on Dukes criteria, which proposed two major or five minor criteria. In our study, we included raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as a minor criteria. The patients were classified as definite, possible and rejected cases. All patients received empirical antibiotic therapy. Results : The mean age was 28.56 ± 14.5 years. Men were 30 (42.2%) while women were 42 (57.7%). 59 (81.9%) of the patients had been admitted due to fever. Past history of rheumatic heart disease was positive in 38 (53.3%) of the patients. Mitral regurgitation was the commonest form of valvular affection 54 (82.1%) of patients followed by aortic regurgitation in 45 (63%). Anemia was present in 53 (74%) while raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate was high in all patients. Vegetations were detected by transthorasic echocardiography in 51 (70.83%) of the patients while blood culture was positive in only 7 (9.6%). After adding high ESR to the criteria, definite infective endocarditis were found in 34 (47.2%); possible in 38 (52.7%) and no rejected patients. Sixty-two (87.5%) of the patients improved and were discharged in good general condition. Nine patients died, an In hospital mortality of 12.5 %. Conclusion : patients with IE in Yemen were younger than those patients in western countries, RHD is the commonest predisposing factor. Duke's criteria in addition to high ESR as minor criteria improved the diagnostic possibilities and using empirical antibiotic therapy improves the outcome.

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Post operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is more common than before due to increased numbers of cardiac surgeries. This in turn is associated with increased incidence of post operative complication, length of hospital stay and subsequent increase the cost of hospitalization. Therefore preventing and/or minimizing atrial fibrillation by pharmacological or nonpharmacological means is a reasonable goal. POAF has also been associated with postoperative delirium and neurocognitive decline. The precise pathophysiology of POAF is unknown, however most of the evidence suggests it is multifactorial. Different risk factors have been reported, and many studies have evaluated the prophylactic effects of different interventions. This review article highlights the incidence, risk factors, and pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment strategies of POAF.

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Intravenous drug abuse contributes to considerable illness burden in developed and developing countries. Tricuspid valve endocarditis (TVE) is rare in Middle East countries, though many reports of it in intravenous drug abusers are found in other countries. We describe a case of TVE mimicking pulmonary tuberculosis in a 33-year-old man with a history of intravenous heroin use.

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Objective: To assess the prevalence, risk factors, presenting features, and in-hospital outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients ≤40 years of age from Oman. Methods: Data were analyzed from 1579 consecutive ACS patients from Oman during May, 2006 to June, 2007, as part of Gulf RACE (Registry of Acute Coronary Events). ACS patients ≤40 years of age were compared with patients >40 years of age. Results: A total of 121 (7.6%) patients were ≤40 years of age with mean age of 36 ± 4 vs. 61 ± 11 years in young and old adults, respectively (P<0.001). More men were seen in the younger age group (81 vs. 60%; P<0.001). Among all the coronary risk factors, young patients had more history of smoking (47 vs. 15%; P<0.001), obesity (72 vs. 58%; P = 0.009), and family history of coronary artery disease (CAD) (16 vs. 7%; P = 0.001). Both groups received aspirin, statins, thrombolytic therapy, and anticoagulants equally; however, younger patients received clopidogrel, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, b-blockers, and in-hospital coronary angiogram more. Younger patients experienced less heart failure (6 vs. 27%; P<0.001) and in-hospital mortality, especially among STEMI patients (0 vs. 10%; P = 0.037). Conclusions: Young ACS patients from Oman have different risk profile. They were treated more aggressively and their outcome was better, which is similar to other populations. However, smoking, along with obesity and family history of CAD were strong risk factors in the young Omani ACS patients. There is a need for prevention programmes to control smoking and obesity epidemic by targeting young adults in the population.

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Repaired congenital heart disease has become more prevalent in women of childbearing age. We report an unusual case of a 24-year-old multigravida with a repaired tetralogy of Fallot, severe dilated cardiomyopathy, and implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement who was managed successfully by a cesarean section three times. This case underscores the impact of such events on maternal and fetal safety and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the management of pregnant patients with complex congenital and medical problems.

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Objective: To evaluate the effect of tobacco smoking on the risk of nonfatal acute myocardial infarction in young adults (≤45 years). Patient and Methods: We conducted a population-based case-control study with 329 incident acute myocardial infarction cases (42 women; 287 men), consecutively admitted to the Cardiology department of hospitals in Aleppo, Syria, and 778 controls (486 women; 292 men), selected within the noninstitutionalized Aleppo population, during 2008-2010. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of current smoking was 80.8% in male cases and 53.8% in male controls (OR = 3.63, 95%CI: 2.50, 5.27) and 59.5% of female cases were smokers compared with 35.8% of controls (OR = 2.64, 95%CI: 1.39, 5.02). No interaction was found between current smoking and gender on myocardial infarction risk (P = 0.401). A dose-effect response was present, the odds favoring myocardial infarction reaching an eight-fold increase for those who smoked >25 cigarettes/day compared with never smokers. The risk estimate for former smokers was similar to never smokers. Conclusions: Tobacco smoking is an important independent risk factor for acute myocardial infarction in young adults, with similar strength of association for both genders.

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We present a case of oleander leaf extract poisoning manifested by vomiting, lightheadedness, and heart block. Practicing physicians should understand the potential lethal properties of oleander and its availability throughout the world.

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Mural endocardial lesions can be seen as MacCallum plaques in rheumatic heart disease. These plaques appear as map-like areas of thickened, roughened, and wrinkled part of the endocardium in the left atrium. Perhaps they are caused by regurgitant jets of blood flow, due to incompetence of the mitral valve. Although MacCallum plaques are one of the characteristic features in rheumatic heart disease, they are very uncommon in recent times. We hereby report a case of an adolescent female with RHD, who was working as a housemaid in a doctor's house for a few months, and suddenly developed respiratory tract infection and cardiac failure. She died on the fourth day of admission. A medicolegal autopsy was conducted, as her relatives accused her master of sexual assault. On autopsy it was seen that the mitral valves were narrowed, showing multiple vegetations. MacCallum plaque was seen in the dilated left atrium. Hence, it is presented here for educative purposes.

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Aim: To assess the extent and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in 200 consecutive patients aged 35 years or less undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography. Patients and Methods: Findings in these 200 patients (≤ 35 years of age) were analyzed to find the extent and severity of CAD. The mean age was 31.69 (±3.76) years. Majority were males (94%) and from the Arab ethnicity (70.5%). Result: Smoking (71%) and history of premature CAD (27%) were the most frequent risk factors (RF). History of previous ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) was present in 68%. Anterior wall MI was the most frequent location (63.3%). The majority (54.3%) had moderate or large size MI. Ejection fraction (EF) less than 50% was noted in 30.3%. Left main or triple vessel CAD was seen in 15%. One- and two-vessel CAD was seen in 32.5% and 19% patients, respectively. Coronary angiogram was completely normal in 23.5%. The majority (54.5%) were treated conservatively and the rest (45.5%) needed percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The mean number of stents used was 1.3 ± 0.67 and the mean length of stents used was 20.3 ± 12.6 mm. Conclusion: The extent and severity of CAD was very significant in this subgroup of very young (≤35 years) Asian patients. Smoking was the main risk factor and half of the patients needed either PCI or CABG.

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A 60-year-old female presented with anterolateral non-ST elevation myocardial infarction and her coronary angiogram revealed severe left system coronary artery disease with a normal right coronary artery. Following coronary angiogram, she developed acute inferior wall and right ventricular ST elevation myocardial infarction with complete atrioventricular block and cardiogenic shock. Repeat coronary angiogram showed large proximal right coronary thrombus causing subtotal occlusion that was successfully aspirated using a guide catheter. The possible causes for intracoronary thrombosis following coronary angiography are discussed here.

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Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a recently recognized disorder, based on an arrest in endomyocardial morphogenesis. The disease is characterized by heart failure (both diastolic and systolic), systemic emboli and ventricular arrhythmias. The diagnosis is established by two-dimensional echocardiography. Isolated left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (IVNC) is an exceedingly rare congenital cardiomyopathy. Only a few cases of this condition have been reported. It is characterized by prominent and excessive trabeculation in a ventricular wall segment, with deep intertrabecular spaces perfused from the ventricular cavity. Echocardiographic findings are important clues for the diagnosis. We report a case of isolated non-compaction of the left ventricular myocardium presented with ventricular tachycardia.

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