Jacek Bednarek

Bio: Jacek Bednarek is an academic researcher from Jagiellonian University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catheter ablation & Atrial fibrillation. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 55 publications receiving 755 citations. Previous affiliations of Jacek Bednarek include Jagiellonian University Medical College.

Effects of catheter ablation of idiopathic ventricular ectopic beats on left ventricular function and exercise capacity.

Abstract: Background: Frequent ventricular ectopic beats (VEB) in patients without significant cardiac disease are usually classified as benign arrhythmia. However, they may alter cardiac performance. RF ablation can effectively eliminate VEB. Aim: To evaluate the effects of RF ablation on selected haemodynamic parameters of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function and exercise capacity in patients with VEB. Methods: The study population consisted of 22 patients (8 males, 14 females, mean age 37.8 ± 8.2 years) undergoing effective RF ablation for VEB. Those over 50 years of age, with concomitant cardiovascular disease, depressed global LV function (EF Results: NYHA functional class improved in the whole population after RF ablation. The LV end-systolic dimension (LVESD) and end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) significantly decreased (33.1 ± 4.6 vs. 29.3 ± 3.4 mm and 49.0 ± 5.4 vs. 44.4 ± 2.8 mm, respectively; p Conclusions: 1. Frequent VEB have a highly negative effect on LV systolic and diastolic function. In patients with VEB ablation improves LV systolic and diastolic function. 2. Exercise capacity improves significantly after RF ablation of VEB. 3. After the procedure NYHA functional class improves irrespective of arrhythmia type. 4. The higher the number of ventricular ectopic beats per day, the larger LV size and the more depressed its systolic and diastolic function.

Pacemaker dependency after pacemaker implantation.

Abstract: Background : Pacemaker dependency (PD) can be defined as the risk of serious injury or death from sudden pacemaker failure, an event more dangerous than progressive rate decrease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of PD during long-term follow-up after pacing system implantation. Methods and Results : The study included 3638 patients (mean age 65.3 ± 10.2 years). Indications for pacing were sick sinus syndrome (SSS) in 1315 patients, atrioventricular block (AVB) in 1482, AVB and SSS in 478 and atrial fibrillation (AF) with bradycardia in 363 patients. The mean follow-up was 4.8 ± 1.8 years. Pacemaker dependency was defined as the absence of an intrinsic rhythm of 30 beats/min during back-up pacing and after switching off the pacemaker. If any significant symptoms of bradycardia developed or if the underlying rhythm did not appear (asystole > 5 s) the pacing was restarted. Pacemaker dependency was observed in 76 (2.1%) of the 3638 patients. In this subgroup pacing indications were SSS in 8 (0.6%) of 1315 patients, AVB in 52 (3.5%) of 1482, SSS and AVB in 15 (3.1%) of 478 and AF with bradycardia in 1 (0.3%) of 363. Patients with AVB had a significantly higher incidence of PD than patients with SSS or AF (p Conclusions : In our study PD occurred very rarely, being found in 2.1% of all patients. Patients with AVB have a significantly higher incidence of PD than patients with SSS or AF. Temporary pacing prior to pacemaker implantation and previous myocardial infarction indicate patients at risk of PD development. (Cardiol J 2007; 14: 83–86)

2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the Heart Rhythm Society

Abstract: Jeffrey L. Anderson, MD, FACC, FAHA, Chair Jonathan L. Halperin, MD, FACC, FAHA, Chair-Elect Nancy M. Albert, PhD, RN, FAHA Biykem Bozkurt, MD, PhD, FACC, FAHA Ralph G. Brindis, MD, MPH, MACC Mark A. Creager, MD, FACC, FAHA[#][1] Lesley H. Curtis, PhD, FAHA David DeMets, PhD[#][1] Robert A

2014 AHA/ACC/HRS Guideline for the Management of Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Executive Summary

Abstract: Preamble 2072 1. Introduction 2074 2. Clinical Characteristics and Evaluation of AF 2076 3. Thromboembolic Risk and Treatment 2077 4. Rate Control: Recommendations 2079 5. Rhythm Control: Recommendations 2080 6. Specific Patient Groups and AF: Recommendations 2086 7. Evidence Gaps and Future Research Directions 2089 References 2090 Appendix 1. Author Relationships With Industry and Other Entities (Relevant) 2095 Appendix 2. Reviewer Relationships With Industry and Other Entities (Relevant) 2097 Appendix 3. Initial Clinical Evaluation in Patients With AF 2104 The medical profession should play a central role in evaluating the evidence related to drugs, devices, and procedures for the detection, management, and prevention of disease. When properly applied, expert analysis of available data on the benefits and risks of these therapies and procedures can improve the quality of care, optimize patient outcomes, and favorably affect costs by focusing resources on the most effective strategies. An organized …

Stroke Risk Factors, Genetics, and Prevention

Abstract: Stroke is a heterogeneous syndrome, and determining risk factors and treatment depends on the specific pathogenesis of stroke. Risk factors for stroke can be categorized as modifiable and nonmodifiable. Age, sex, and race/ethnicity are nonmodifiable risk factors for both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, while hypertension, smoking, diet, and physical inactivity are among some of the more commonly reported modifiable risk factors. More recently described risk factors and triggers of stroke include inflammatory disorders, infection, pollution, and cardiac atrial disorders independent of atrial fibrillation. Single-gene disorders may cause rare, hereditary disorders for which stroke is a primary manifestation. Recent research also suggests that common and rare genetic polymorphisms can influence risk of more common causes of stroke, due to both other risk factors and specific stroke mechanisms, such as atrial fibrillation. Genetic factors, particularly those with environmental interactions, may be more modifiable than previously recognized. Stroke prevention has generally focused on modifiable risk factors. Lifestyle and behavioral modification, such as dietary changes or smoking cessation, not only reduces stroke risk, but also reduces the risk of other cardiovascular diseases. Other prevention strategies include identifying and treating medical conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, that increase stroke risk. Recent research into risk factors and genetics of stroke has not only identified those at risk for stroke but also identified ways to target at-risk populations for stroke prevention.