Ricerc@Sapienza

Objective: The relationship between the autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation of the sinus node and heart rate variability has been extensively investigated. The current study sought to evaluate, in an animal experimental model of pacing-induced tachycardia congestive heart failure (CHF), a possible ANS influence on the P wave duration and PR interval oscillations.

Background: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) is a relatively novel alternative to the transvenous ICD for the treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, and is currently used in the clinical practice of several centers. The aim of this analysis was to describe current Italian practice regarding S-ICD implantation and its evolution over the years. Methods: We analyzed 607 consecutive patients (78% male, 48 ± 16 years) who underwent S-ICD implantation in 39 Italian centers from 2013 to 2017.

The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is the most effective therapy to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in high-risk patients. To overcome infections and failure of transvenous leads, the most frightening complications of conventional ICDs, a completely subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) has been developed and is currently adopted in routine clinical practice.

Objective Current guidelines recommend precautionary disqualification from competitive sports in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). We assessed the incidence of cardiovascular events in a cohort of patients with HCM engaged in long-term exercise programmes and competitive sport. Methods We reviewed data on 88 consecutive athletes diagnosed with HCM, from 1997 to 2017; 92 male, 98 Caucasian, median age 31 (IQR: 19-44) years. All participated in regular exercise programmes and competitive sport at study entry. We performed follow-up evaluation after 7±5 (1-21) years.