The aim of our study was to compare the traditional radial artery, distal radial artery, and transfemoral artery, which are vascular access sites for coronary angiography, in terms of pain level using the visual analog scale.

Aims: Low molecular weight lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (Tg), among cardiovascular disease risk factors, are replaced by markers with higher sensitivity and specificity. The atherogenic plasma index (API) has a strong predictive power for cardiovascular diseases. In our study, we aimed to compare the predictive power of API and other lipid parameters in detecting carotid artery disease (CAS) in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: A total of 878 individuals were analyzed, and 583 patients with ischemic stroke were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of carotid artery disease in the Doppler ultrasound examination. Demographic data and lipid parameters were compared between both groups. Results: The mean age of the patients with CAS was statistically significantly higher than the other group (74.33±11.27 vs 70.11±13.57; p=0.002). The Tg/HDL ratio was higher in patients with CAS than those without (3.80±2.83 vs 3.69±2.57; p=0.048). API was found to be statistically significantly higher in the group of patients with CAS compared to the other group (0.67±0.32 vs 0.48±0.25; p=0.024). Tg/HDL ratio and API were determined as predictive parameters for CAS in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular stroke. [OR: 1.345 (0.712-1.437); p=0.048, OR: 7.21 (0.881-8.056); p=0.023]. Conclusion: Conflicting results regarding the relation between atherosclerosis and conventional lipid parameters led to more specific subgroups being investigated. API shows a good correlation with the highly sensitive LDL subfraction in terms of atherosclerosis. API is a feasible variable predicting the presence of CAS in patients with ischemic stroke.

Background and Objectives: The myocardial performance index (MPI) is a diagnostic tool that assesses both the systolic and diastolic function of ventricles. The MPI provides a comprehensive view of the overall efficiency of the heart’s pumping ability, making it a valuable tool for detecting early signs of heart dysfunction, even in the absence of overt symptoms. In this regard, we aimed to explore the relationship between the triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index and subclinical heart failure (HF), as well as its correlation with the MPI, in asymptomatic patients visiting a routine cardiology outpatient clinic. The study specifically excluded individuals with known diabetes, hypertension, and HF, focusing instead on those who had undergone 12 h fasting blood glucose (FBG) and triglyceride (TG) tests. Materials and Methods: The study included 125 patients with FBG, TG, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) data after the exclusion criteria were applied. Results: When asymptomatic patients were categorized as MPI normal or MPI (+) subjects, significant differences were found between the groups in terms of body mass index (BMI), metabolic syndrome (MetS) components, and serum TG values. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive correlation between the MPI and TyG index (r = 0.358, p < 0.001). Regression analysis was used to determine the effective parameters in subclinical left ventricular dysfunction (SCLVD). In univariate regression analysis, obesity, the presence of MetS, serum TG, and the TyG index were identified as risk factors. In multivariate regression analysis, the TyG index was found to be the independent risk factor. Conclusions: The positive association found between the MPI and TyG index suggests a link with metabolic disorders and myocardial performance. Obesity, the presence of MetS, serum TG, and the TyG index were identified as risk factors for SCLVD in asymptomatic patients. Notably, the TyG index was identified as an independent risk factor for SCLVD, highlighting its potential role in the early identification and risk stratification of individuals at risk for cardiac dysfunction. These findings suggest that monitoring the TyG index could provide valuable insights into subclinical heart dysfunction, particularly in patients with metabolic abnormalities.

Introduction: With the widespread use of the radial artery in catheterization procedures, radial artery spasm (RAS) is frequently considered an undesirable event. It is known that anxiety increases RAS, and listening to music helps individuals control anxiety during the procedure. This study aimed to investigate the effects of music concerts on RAS. Methods: In this prospective study, imaging and interventional coronary catheterization procedures using the radial artery were included. One group listened to a musical recital during the procedure, while the other group was treated in a quiet environment. The demographics, procedural parameters, and complications of both groups were compared. Results: The study included a total of 147 patients, with an average age of 51.6 ± 11.1 years. Of these, 78 patients (53%) listened to music, while 69 patients (46.9%) underwent catheterization in a quiet environment. The impact of music therapy on the RAS was found to be significant (11.5% vs. 20.3%; p=0.035). While music therapy showed a potential to reduce RAS rates, its effect was not statistically significant in multivariate analysis (p=0.055). Conclusion: Music is a feasible, simple, and inexpensive method for reducing anxiety levels in patients. Listening to music during catheterization can reduce procedural discomfort and the frequency of undesirable events by helping people control their anxiety.