Aim      Despite the regular heart damage in patients with coronavirus pneumonia caused by SARS-Cov-2, a possibility of developing lymphocytic myocarditis as a part of COVID-19 remains unsubstantiated. The aim of this study was to demonstrate a possibility of lymphocytic myocarditis and to study its morphological features in patients with the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) with a severe course.

Material and methods   Postmortem data were studied for 5 elderly patients (74.8±4.4 years; 3 men and 2 women) with the novel coronavirus infection and bilateral, severe polysegmental pneumonia (stage 3–4 by computed tomography). COVID-19 was diagnosed based on the typical clinical presentation and positive polymerase chain reaction test in nasopharyngeal swabs. All patients were treated in different hospitals repurposed for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. A standard histological study was performed with hematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue, and van Gieson staining. Serial paraffin slices were studied immunohistochemically with antibodies to CD3, СD68, CD20, perforin, and toll-like receptors (TLR) 4 and 9.

Results In none of the cases, myocarditis was suspected clinically, added to the diagnosis or indicated as a possible cause of death. IHD and acute myocardial infarction were mentioned as error diagnoses not confirmed by the postmortem examination. The morphological examination of the heart identified signs of lymphocytic myocarditis consistent with Dallas criteria for this diagnosis. Myocardial infiltrate was characterized in detail, and a combined inflammatory damage of endocardium and pericardium was described. The immunohistochemical study with cell infiltrate typing confirmed the presence of CD3-positive Т lymphocytes and the increased expression of TLR-4. A picture of coronaritis, including that with microvascular thrombosis, was found in all cases.

Conclusion      A possibility for development of lymphocytic viral myocarditis in COVID-19 was confirmed morphologically and immunohistochemically. Specific features of myocarditis in COVID-19 include the presence of coronaritis and a possible combination of myocarditis with lymphocytic endo- and pericarditis.

Since the first case recorded in the end of 2019, the virus SARS-CоV-2 and the related lung disease COVID-19 have spread over the world and became a threat for public health. The drugs used for treatment of this disease (azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine) can prolong the QT interval on the electrocardiogram to increase the risk of pirouette tachycardia and sudden cardiac death. This article presents a review of potential risks related with the drug treatment of COVID-19 and provides recommendations for management of patients during the pandemic.

Aim To identify clinical differences between patients on the heart transplant waiting list (HTWL) in the origin of chronic heart failure (CHF).
Materials and methods From January 2010 through September 2019, 235 patients (age, 47+13 years (from 10 to 67 years); men, 79% (n=186)) were included in the HTWL. The patients were divided into two groups; group 1 (n=104, 44 %) consisted of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD); group 2 (n=131, 56 %) included patients with noncoronarogenic CHF. Clinical and instrumental data and frequency of the mechanical circulatory support (MCS) as a “bridge” to heart transplantation (HT) were retrospectively evaluated.
Results Group 1 included more male patients than group 2 [97 % (n=101) and 82 % (n=85), р<0.0001]; patients were older (54±8 and 42±14 years, р=0.0001). On inclusion into the HTWL, the CHF functional class was comparable in the groups, III [III;IV]; there were more patients of the UNOS 2 class in group 1 than in group 2 [75 % (n=78) and 57 % (n=75), р=0.005]. Patient distribution in UNOS 1B and 1A classes was comparable in the groups: 21% (n=22) and 3% (n=4) in group 1 and 33 % (n=43) and 10 % (n=13) in group 2. According to echocardiography patients of group 1 compared to group 2 showed a tendency towards higher values of left ventricular ejection fraction (Simpson method) [22 [18;26] % and 19 [15;24] %, р=0.37] and stroke volume [59 [44;72] % and 50 [36;67] %, р=0.07]. Numbers of patients with a cardioverter defibrillator or a cardiac resynchronization device with a defibrillator function were comparable in the groups [35 % (n=36) and 34 % (n=45)]. Comparison of comorbidities in groups 1 and 2 showed higher incidences of pulmonary hypertension [55 % (n=57) and 36 % (n=47), р=0.005], obesity [20 % (n=21) and 10 % (n=13), р=0.03], and type 2 diabetes mellitus [29 % (n=30) and 10 % (n=13), р=0.0004]. Rates of chronic obstructive lung disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease and other diseases were comparable. Duration of staying on the HTWL was comparable (104 [34; 179] and 108 [37; 229] days). During staying on the HTWL, patients of group 1 less frequently required MCS implantation [3 % (n=3) and 28 % (n=21), р=0.0009]. HT was performed for 59 % patients (n=61) in group 2 and 52 % (n=69) patients in group 2. Death rate in the HTWL was lower in group 1 [13 % (n=14) and 27 % (n=35), р<0.01].
Conclusion On inclusion into the HTWL, patients with noncoronarogenic CHF had more pronounced CHF manifestations and a more severe UNOS class but fewer comorbidities than patients with CHF of ischemic origin. With a comparable duration of waiting for HT, patients with noncoronarogenic CHD more frequently required MCS implantation and had a higher death rate.

Aim      To study the right ventricular (RV) myocardial longitudinal systolic strain in patient with RV myocardial infarction (MI), and pulmonary embolism (PE) with and without McConnell’ phenomenon.

Material and methods  This study included 53 patients with PE (mean age, 59.0±15.1 years; men, 58.5 %) and 30 patients with RVMI (mean age, 61.8±10.9 years; men, 90 %). Longitudinal strain of basal, medial and apical segments of the RV free wall (RVFW) and the interventricular septum (IVS) was determined in the mode of two-dimensional speckle tracking. Ratio of the IVS apical strain to the RVFW strain (apical ratio) was calculated. Systolic excursion of the RVFW apical segment (apical excursion) was measured in the anatomical M-mode from the apical four-chamber view.

Results The McConnell’s sign was observed in 23 (43.4 %) of 53 patients with PE and in 16 (53.3 %) of 30 patients with RVMI (p>0.05). Irrespective of the cause for the RV damage, patients with the McConnell’s sign had higher values of the apical ratio (1.69±0.50 vs. 0.95±0.22; p<0.001; cutoff point, 1.18) and apical excursion (7.9±1.7 vs. 2.6±1.4 mm; p<0.001; cutoff point, 5.0 mm). Apical excursion closely correlated with the value of apical ratio (r=0.65; p<0.001) but not with the RVFW apical segment strain (r= –0.07; p>0.05).

Conclusion      Incidence of the McConnell’s sign was similar in patients with PE and RVMI. McConnell’s sign is based on a passive systolic shift of the RVFW apical segment, which develops during contraction of the IVS apical segment. The greater the ratio of IVS apical segment to RBFW global strain the greater the amplitude of this shift. With the ratio value of 1.18 or more, the systolic shift of RVFW apical segment was >5 mm, which was visually perceived as the McConnell’s sign.

Aim To compare results of 24-h treatments with bosentan and macitentan by the clinical functional status and indexes of pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Materials and methods Based on the Russian National Registry (NCT03707561), 44 patients older than 18 years with PAH (34 patients with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (IPH) and 10 patients with Eisenmenger syndrome) were retrospectively included into this study. Based on the statistical method of pairwise comparison, two groups were formed and matched by age, gender, WHO functional class (FC), and 6-min walk distance (6MWD). 22 patients of group 1 (17 with IPH and 5 with Eisenmenger syndrome) were treated with macitentan 10 mg/day, and 22 patients of group 2 (17 with IPH and 5 with Eisenmenger syndrome) were treated with bosentan 250 mg/day. Clinical instrumental data (6MWD, Borg dyspnea score, chest X-ray, transthoracic echocardiography (EchoCG), and right heart catheterization (RHC)) were evaluated at baseline and after 24 weeks of therapy.
Results By week 24 of the treatment, FC and 6MWD improved in both groups. The macitentan treatment was associated with a significant decrease in Borg score. Significant intergroup differences in EchoCG data were not observed. The bosentan treatment was associated with a decrease in right ventricular (RV) dimension and a tendency towards a decrease in calculated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). By week 24, the macitentan treatment as compared to the bosentan treatment, was associated with a decrease in cardiothoracic ratio (CTR). In both groups, RHC showed decreases in PASP, mean pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance, and improvements in cardiac output (CO), cardiac index, and stroke volume (SV) values. By week 24, the increase in SV was greater in the macitentan treatment group than in the bosentan treatment group (р=0.05).
Conclusion The 24-week treatment with bosentan or macitentan provided significant and comparable improvement of the functional profile in PAH patients with FC II (WHO) at baseline. The decrease in CTR was significantly more pronounced in the macitental treatment group compared to the bosentan treatment group. The 24-week bosentan treatment resulted in a decrease in RV anterior-posterior dimension, a tendency towards a decrease in PASP according to EchoCG data. Macitentan provided more pronounced dynamics of dyspnea than bosentan according to the results of 6MWD test and the increase in SV according to RHC data.

Aim To evaluate changes in left ventricular (LV) systolic function by LV myocardial global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global strain rate (GSR) in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and based on the effectiveness of blood pressure (BP) control in a Russian population sample of individuals older than 55 years.
Materials and methods This cross-sectional study was a population-based cohort study (HAPIEE, Novosibirsk). LV myocardial GLS and GSR were studied by echocardiography in a random sample (n=1004, 55–84 years). Statistical analysis was performed with multivariate models of logistic regression.
Results AH prevalence in the study sample was 78.4 %. Mean GLS was 19.1 % (SD, 4.07), which was less for men than for women (p=0.001). Mean GSR was 0.86 s-1 (SD, 0.19) and was not different between men and women. In individuals with AH, the GLS absolute value was lower than in normotensive people (18.8 %; SD, 4.04 vs. 20.2 %; SD, 4.03, p˂0.001); these differences remained irrespective of the age, gender, body weight index (BWI) (p=0.027), and LV mass index (p=0.05). When people with AH were divided into groups, the lowest GLS absolute values were observed among “ineffectively treated” or not receiving any therapy individuals (p<0.001 vs. normotensive group). AH 1.6 times increased the risk of LV GLS decrease. In individuals with AH, the GSR absolute value was lower than in normotensive people (– 0.85 s-1 (SD, 0.19) vs.– 0.92 s-1 (SD, 0.18), p<0.001); this difference remained in multivariate models. The lowest GSR absolute values were observed in the “ineffectively treated“ group irrespective of the gender, age, and BWI (p=0.036 vs. normotensive group). AH doubled the risk of LV GSR decrease, which could be partially explained by the contribution of BWI and myocardial mass index.
Conclusion In this population sample, LV GLS and GSR were independently associated with AH. The lowest GLS and GSR values were observed for ineffectively treated” individuals with AH, which may reflect an early decline of LV systolic function with inadequate control of AH.

Aim      Heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a common comorbidity. Professional chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (PCOPD) is a specific phenotype, which suggests peculiarities in the development of HF. Difficulties of HF diagnosis in such patients determine the relevance of searching for additional markers. The aim of the study was identifying HF markers in patients with PCOPD.

Material and methods  This single-site, cohort, prospective, observational study included 345 patients. The main group consisted of PCOPD patients; the comparison group consisted of patients with COPD induced by tobacco smoking; and the control group included conventionally healthy individuals. The groups were matched by the index of coincidence; pairs were matched at 1:1 by the “nearest neighbor index”; covariates for matching included COPD duration, sex, and age. Each group included 115 patients. The major professional adverse factors were silica-containing dust and organic solvents. COPD was diagnosed according to GOLD criteria; HF was diagnosed in accordance with Russian clinical guidelines. The markers were determined by multifactorial logistic regression. Likelihood of events with allowance for the time to the event was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results HF in PCOPD patients was characterized by biventricular damage, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, and frequent hospitalizations for decompensation (17.5 % vs. 9.5 % for COPD in smokers). HF markers in patients with PCOPD included the length of work of more than 20 years, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) higher than 35 mm Hg according to data of Doppler echocardiography, diffusing capacity of lungs for carbon monoxide (DL_CO) less than 50 %, increased serum concentrations of CC-chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18), S-100‑beta protein, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP). Diagnostic sensitivity of the multifactorial model was 84 % and specificity was 81 %. Two models were proposed for purposes of screening, which included the following parameters: length of work, exposure to aromatic hydrocarbons, decreased distance in 6-min walk test by more than 60 m per year and length of work, exposure to inorganic dust, and decreased forced expiratory volume during the first second by more than 55 ml per year.

Conclusion      The markers for development of HF in PCOPD patients are length of work >20 years, PASP >35 mm Hg, DL_CO <50 %, and increased serum concentrations of CCL18, S-100‑beta protein, and NT-pro-BNP.

Aim To study efficacy and safety of a triple antithrombotic therapy with direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) versus warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation after acute coronary syndrome, for 12 months following discharge from the hospital.
Materials and methods This single-site cohort, prospective, observational study performed at the Regional Vascular Center 2 of the N.A. Semashko Nizhniy Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital included 402 patients. It was possible to maintain contacts with 206 patients for 12 months. These patients were divided into two groups, the DOAC treatment (n=105) and the warfarin treatment (n=101) as a part of triple antithrombotic therapy upon discharge. Clinical observation was performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the discharge by structured telephone interview. Predetermined efficacy endpoints included cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis, and ischemic stroke. Safety endpoints included bleeding defined as small, medium (clinically significant), and major in accordance with the TIMI classification.
Results At 12 months of follow-up, 80 patients (76.19%) continued taking DOAC and 39 patients (38.61%, p<0.001) continued taking warfarin; in this process, only 25 patients (24.75%) monitored their INR on a regular basis. With a regular INR monitoring and TTR >70%, death rate did not differ in the warfarin and the DOAC treatment groups. However, there was a difference in reaching the composite efficacy endpoint (p=0.048): ischemic events occurred statistically significantly more frequently in the warfarin treatment group than in the DOAC treatment group.
Conclusions In 12 months after discharge from the hospital, compliance with the DOAC treatment as a part of the antithrombotic therapy was significantly higher than compliance with the warfarin treatment. The triple antithrombotic therapy with DOAC was safer than the warfarin treatment by the number of hemorrhagic complications and more effective in prevention of ischemic events, primarily due to no need for monitoring of lab test values.

Aim      To analyze the relationship between serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in dynamics and development of restenosis at 12 months following elective coronary stent placement (CSP).

Material and methods  The key role in atherogenesis, neointimal proliferation and restenosis belongs to inflammation. This study included 91 patients (median age, 60 [56; 66] years) with stable exertional angina after an elective CSP using second-generation stents. Follow-up coronarography was performed for 60 patients at 12 months. Concentration of hsCRP was measured immediately prior to CSP and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after CSP. Restenosis of the stented segment (50% or more narrowing of the stented segment or a 5-mm vessel segment proximally or distally adjacent to the stented segment) was observed in 8 patients.

Results According to results of the ROC analysis, the increase in hsCRP concentration >0.9 mg/l (>25%) at one month after CSP had the highest predictive significance with respect of restenosis (area under the ROC curve, 0.89 at 95 % confidence interval (CI) from 0.79 to 0.99; sensitivity, 87.5 %; specificity, 82.8 %; р=0.0005), which was superior to the absolute value of hsCRP concentration >3.0 mg/l (area under the ROC curve, 0.82 at 95 % CI from 0.68 to 0.96; р=0.0007).

Conclusion      Increased concentration of hsCRP ≥0.9 mg /l (≥25 %) at a month after CSP was associated with restenosis of the coronary artery stented segment.

Aim To analyze a tendency in circulatory system diseases (CSD) in the Kyrgyz Republic (KR).
Materials and methods Medical statistics on morbidity, prevalence, mortality, and primary disability related with CSD in the adult population was obtained from the National Health Information Center (NHIC) of the Ministry of Health of the KR and the National Statistical Committee of the KR. For the purpose of comparative analysis, relative values were calculated per 100,000 and 10,000 population. A retrospective epidemiological study of prevalence, morbidity, mortality, and primary disability related with CSD for 2002-2017 was performed with calculation of the increase/decrease rate using the least square method for aligning the dynamic row. Also, the epidemiological situation of CSD was analyzed by sex and in 9 administrative divisions of the KR with calculation of the mean long-term incidence (MLTI) of CSD from 2007 through 2017. Statistical analysis was performed with specialized Statistica 10.0 and SPSS 11.5 software.
Results CSD remain the major cause of death (51.6 % in 2017) and primary disability (19.68 % of overall primary disability) in the Kyrgyz population. Prevalence of CSD shows a pronounced upward trend (6.8% increment rate relative to 2002) whereas the incidence rate has increased with a moderate trend (3.5 % increment rate). The major structure of CSD is determined by essential hypertension (51.2 %), ischemic heart disease (28.0 %), and cerebrovascular diseases (10.0 %). CSD is more frequently observed in women (mean value for 2007-2017, 59.0%) than in men (41.0 %) (р<0.001). Mean long-term indexes of CSD significantly differ in different regions and cities of the KR. The highest primary morbidity and prevalence of CSD is observed in Bishkek (1546.90 / 0000 and 12415.40 / 0000). Relatively low levels of these values are found in the Talas Region (720.70 / 0000 and 3675.10 / 0000, respectively).
Conclusion CSD remains the major cause of death and primary disability in the population of the KR. Prevalence of CSD shows a pronounced increasing trend whereas the increase in incidence rate is moderate. The major structure of CSD is determined by essential hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular diseases. Incidence of CSD is statistically significantly higher for women than for men. Mean long-term indexes of CSD significantly differ in different regions and cities of the KR. Therefore, it is essential to enhance preventive measures in the KR; to identify individuals with hypertension at the level of primary care; and to motivate healthcare professionals to improve the quality of healthcare (CSD prevention, detection, and treatment).

Aim To compare diagnostic significance of different criteria for complete left bundle branch block (cLBBB) in prediction of reverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling associated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
Materials and methods This study included 93 patients (men, 81.7 %; mean age at the time of implantation, 56.6±9.3 years). Achievement of a maximum decrease in LV end-systolic volume (ESV) was recorded during the entire follow-up period for evaluation of LV reversibility by CRT. Based on the dynamics of LV ESV, patients were divided into two groups, non-responders (n=27) and responders (n=66). cLBBB was determined by 9 criteria (ESC 2006 and 2013, AHA 2009, Strauss, and MIRACLE, CARE-HF, MADIT-CRT, REVERSE, and RAFT used in large multicenter studies).
Results Incidence of cLBBB was significantly higher in the group of responders as demonstrated by the AHA (p=0.001), ESC 2013 (p=0.014), Strauss (p=0.002), MADIT-CRT (p=0.014), REVERSE (p=0.013), and RAFT (p<0.001) criteria. The highest specificity was shown for the AHA and RAFT (92.6 %) criteria, and the highest sensitivity and overall accuracy were shown for the Strauss (80.3 % and 72.04 %, respectively) criterium. The criteria proposed in actual clinical guidelines (AHA and ESC 2013) demonstrated a strong consistency in detecting cLBBB (κ=0.818, 95 % CI, 0.7–0.936; p<0.001). However, the Strauss and ESC 2006 / AHA / ESC 2013 showed the least consistency in identifying cLBBB. For the criteria described in large multicenter studies, consistency in detecting cLBBB was minimal in most cases. However, criteria with moderate or strong consistency were used in the studies, which results have substantiated the use of cLBBB as a selection criterium (MADIT-CRT, REVERSE, and RAFT).
Conclusion The reversibility of LV remodeling associated with CRT was different in patients with cLBBB determined by different criteria. All actual cLBBB criteria (AHA, ESC 2013, and Strauss) were significantly more frequently observed in the responder group. Nevertheless, these criteria differed in their sensitivity and specificity. A number of large multicenter studies have used criteria with minimal consistency in detecting cLBBB, which should be taken into account in interpreting results of these studies.

Objective Thromboembolic events such as acute coronary syndrome related prosthetic heart valve thrombosis, pulmonary artery embolism and renal artery embolism are a rare condition but a major cause of morbidity and mortality. In this study we discussed low-dose thrombolytic therapy, in patients with thromboembolic events in the intensive care unit.
Methods The study was performed on 12 consecutive patients [8 female; 50.3±16.0 (35–95) years] with acute thromboembolism including acute coronary syndrome related prosthetic heart valve thrombosis, acute pulmonary embolism and acute renal embolism who were treated with low-dose (25 mg) and slow infusion (6 hours) of t-PA. We evaluated mainly in-hospital safety and also effectiveness.Total treatment episodes was 1.66±0.88 (1-4) times.
Results All thromboembolic events have been successfully treated with low-dose (25 mg) and slow infusion (6 hours) of t-PA. The success criteria were clinically improvement and radiologically lysis. None of the patients had ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, embolism (peripheral and recurrence of coronary artery embolism), bleeding requiring transfusion. The most frequent in-hospital complication was a gum bleeding without need for transfusion (two patients).
Conclusions In our case series low-dose (25 mg) and slow infusion (6 hours) of t-PA have been performed successfully for thromboembolic events including acute coronary syndrome related prosthetic heart valve thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and renal embolism in patients with in the intensive care unit. Safety is promising and if efficacy will be proved; this method may be a valuable alternative to standard fibrinolytic regimen.

Aim      Evaluation of efficacy and safety of minimally invasive, valve-sparing interventions on the aortic root and a comparative analysis of outcomes versus a group of patients with a complete sternotomy intervention using the method of propensity score matching (PSM).

Materials and methods From 2016 through 2019, 458 interventions on the aortic root were performed, including 160 (36.6 %) interventions with mini-sternotomy. The study included 106 patients with the valve-sparing surgery (David procedure). Two groups of 30 patients each were formed using PSMC: group 1, complete sternotomy (CS) and group 2, J-shaped mini-sternotomy (MS). Immediate and long-term outcomes were evaluated at 13.8±10.3 (1–38 months (min-max) in the MS group and 42±21 (1–61 months (min-max) in the CS group.

Results Statistically significant differences in death rate, echocardiographic indexes, absence of reoperations and complications in the postoperative period were not observed. In group 2, durations of extracorporeal circulation (p=0.04) and period of myocardial ischemia (p=0.004) were increased. The same group showed decreased intraoperative blood loss (p=0.001), postoperative drainage losses (p=0.0001), extubation time (р=0.0001), duration of stay in resuscitation and intensive care units and in the department of reconstructive recovery cardiovascular surgery (p=0,005).

Conclusion      The David procedure with mini-sternotomy is a safe and effective alternative to the traditional approach. This technique significantly reduces the time of rehabilitation and duration of patients’ stay in the hospital without significant differences in the long-term period, which suggests advantages of this method. However, despite these promising results, the retrospective nature of this study, a small sample of patients, and a short follow-up period warrant further study.

Aim      An attempt to prevent the development of diastolic dysfunction (DD) with the mitochondrial antioxidant plastomitin on a model of doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. DD is a type of chronic heart failure. Due to the increasing number of patients with this condition and the absence of effective therapy, development of means for DD correction is a relevant objective.

Material and methods  Cardiomyopathy was modeled in 17 rats by two subcutaneous injections of doxorubicin 2 mg/kg/week. The other group (n=17), also administered with doxorubicin, received plastomicin 0.32 mg/kg daily subcutaneously. Left ventricular function was evaluated with echocardiography (EchoCG) and cardiac catheterization with simultaneous pressure and volume monitoring.

Results According to EchoCG data the ejection fraction remained unchanged in the experimental groups. Cardiac catheterization showed disorders of both myocardial contractility and relaxability only in the doxorubicin group.

Conclusion      A course of plastomitin in combination with the doxorubicin treatment can maintain normal heart contractility and thereby, prevent the known doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.

The article discusses issues of lipid-lowering therapy in elderly and senile patients. Major statements of actual clinical guidelines are provided. Issues of statin therapy in patients older than 65 and new data on statin safety in such patients are discussed in detail. The authors presented results of clinical studies 2019 on the use of ezetimibe in patients older than 75 as a part of primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common concomitant diseases in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Meta-analyses of multiple studies have shown that the risk of AF is higher for diabetic patients with impaired glucose homeostasis than for patients without DM. Patients with AF and DM were younger, more frequently had arterial hypertension, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease, and stroke and were characterized with a more severe course of AF. The article discusses possible mechanisms of the mutually aggravating effects of DM and AF, scales for evaluating the risk of bleeding (CHADS₂, CHA₂DS₂‑VASc, HAS-BLED), and the role of anticoagulants. A meta-analysis of 16 randomized clinical studies, including 9 874 patients, has demonstrated the efficacy of oral anticoagulants in prevention of stroke with an overall decrease in the relative risk by 62 % compared to placebo (95% confidence interval, from 48 to 72 ). For prevention of complications in patients with AF and DM, current antithrombotic therapies can be used, specifically the oral factor Xa inhibitor, rivaroxaban, which is the best studied in patients with AF and DM and represents a possible alternative to warfarin in such patients.

The review focuses on upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) receiving an antithrombotic therapy. Approaches to risk stratification for GI bleeding and correction of modifiable factors that determine the probability of such events are addressed in detail. Recommendations are provided for administration of stomach-protecting drugs. The interrelation of risk factors for thromboses and bleedings is stressed, and possible indications for a multicomponent antithrombotic therapy in patients with stable IHD are discussed.

Extensive use of antithrombotic drugs (ATD) in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD), on the one hand, provides a considerable decrease in the risk for development of life-threatening cardiovascular complications but on the other hand, is associated with a risk of gastrointestinal bleedings (GIB), which may develop in 0.5-1.0 % of patients. In such cases, the major measures for prevention of GIB are strict adherence to indications for the ATD treatment, detection and analysis of risk factors for GIB and their elimination as far as feasible. For evaluation of GIB risk in patients with IHD, the PRECISE-DAPT and DAPT, HAS-BLED scales should be used. If the risk factors are non-modifiable the therapeutic tactics for further management of these patients should be strictly individual with determining the nature of damage, degree of a risk for present and possible complications, and the range of required therapeutic and diagnostic measures. The use of ATD requires monitoring of the patient’s condition to timely detect and treat GI complications.

A 29-year old female patient without a history of cardiovascular diseases was admitted on emergency to a surgical hospital with acute calculous cholecystitis in 3 months after uncomplicated term birth. During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, she developed arterial hypotension with pulmonary edema, which required intravenous sympathomimetics. On the next day, after improvement of the condition and stabilization of hemodynamics, cardiac ultrasound showed diffuse left ventricular (LV) hypokinesis with the ejection fraction (EF) of 38 %. Electrocardiogram detected transient left bundle branch block followed by persistent negative T waves in leads I, aVL, and V2 V6. Troponin I concentration was increased to 1.2 ng /ml. Beta-blocker and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor were administered. At 10 days, the LV contractile function completely recovered with LV EF of 59 %. Magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any signs of myocardial infarction or myocarditis. A differential diagnosis was performed between peripartum cardiomyopathy and Takotsubo syndrome. Considering the fast recovery of LV systolic function, the patient was discharged with a diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome.