Abstract Background: Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, it has been suggested that the use of statins could influence the evolution of influenza virus infection. Aim: To evaluate the effect of statin therapy on mortality from influenza. Methods: A meta-analysis that included studies evaluating the use of statins in patients with influenza and reporting data on mortality, after searching the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Controlled Trials databases, was performed. A random effects model was applied. The risk of bias was analyzed and a sensitivity analysis was performed. Results: Eight studies (10 independent cohorts), which included a total of 2,390,730 patients, were identified and eligible for analysis. A total of 1,146,995 subjects analyzed received statins, while 1,243,735 subjects were part of the control group. Statin therapy was associated with lower mortality (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.51-0.85). The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust. Conclusion: Our data suggest that, in a population with influenza, the use of statins was associated with a significant reduction in mortality. These results must be confirmed in future clinical trials.

Resumen Introducción: Debido a sus propiedades antiinflamatorias, se ha planteado que el uso de las estatinas podría influir en la evolución de la infección por el virus de influenza. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la terapia con estatinas sobre la mortalidad por influenza. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un meta-análisis que incluyó estudios que evaluaron el uso de estatinas en pacientes con influenza e informaron los datos sobre mortalidad, después de buscar en las bases de datos PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase y Cochrane Controlled Trials. Se aplicó un modelo de efectos aleatorios. Se analizó el riesgo de sesgos y se desarrolló un análisis de sensibilidad. Resultados: Se identificaron y se consideraron elegibles para el análisis ocho estudios (diez cohortes independientes), que incluyeron un total de 2.390.730 de pacientes. Un total de 1.146.995 de sujetos analizados recibieron estatinas mientras que 1.243.735 de sujetos formaron parte del grupo control. La terapia con estatinas se asoció con una menor mortalidad (OR: 0,66; IC 95%: 0,51-0,85). El análisis de sensibilidad mostró que los resultados fueron robustos. Conclusiones: Nuestros datos sugieren que, en una población con influenza, el uso de estatinas se asoció con una reducción significativa de la mortalidad. Estos resultados deben confirmarse en futuros ensayos clínicos.

SUMMARY Introduction and objectives: The association between the use of colchicine and the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is inconsistent. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of colchicine on the incidence of AMI. Assessment of the incidence of stroke and cardiovascular mortality were secondary endpoints. Methods: A meta-analysis of randomized studies that evaluated the use of colchicine in patients with atherosclerotic disease and reported cardiovascular events was performed, after searching the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scielo and Cochrane Controlled Trials databases. A fixed or random effects model were used depending on the heterogeneity observed. Results: Seven studies were selected for the analysis of the primary end point (5966 subjects in the colchicine arm and 5948 patients in the control arm). This meta-analysis demonstrated that colchicine therapy was associated with a lower risk of AMI (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62-0.92; I2 = 15%). Likewise, a significant reduction in the incidence of stroke was observed without a significant effect on cardiovascular mortality with pharmacological intervention. Conclusion: The use of colchicine in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of AMI. The incorporation of colchicine into the therapeutic arsenal of cardiovascular disease should be considered by future clinical practice guidelines.

RESUMEN Introducción y objetivos: La asociación entre el uso de colchicina y la incidencia de infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) es heterogénea. El objetivo principal del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la colchicina sobre la incidencia de IAM. La evaluación de la incidencia de accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) y la mortalidad cardiovascular fueron los objetivos secundarios. Material y métodos: Se realizó un metaanálisis de estudios aleatorizados que evaluaron el uso de colchicina en pacientes con enfermedad aterosclerótica y que reportaron los eventos cardiovasculares, luego de una búsqueda en las bases de datos PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scielo y Cochrane Controlled Trials. Se utilizó un modelo de efectos fijos o aleatorios según la heterogeneidad observada. Resultados: Se seleccionaron para el análisis del punto final primario 7 estudios (con un total de 5966 sujetos en la rama colchicina y 5948 pacientes en la rama control). Este metaanálisis demostró que la terapia con colchicina se asoció a un menor riesgo de IAM (OR: 0,76, IC 95%: 0,62-0,92; I2=15%). Asimismo, se observó una reducción significativa en la incidencia de ACV, sin un efecto significativo en la mortalidad cardiovascular, con la intervención farmacológica. Conclusión: El uso de colchicina en pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica se asoció a una reducción significativa en la incidencia de IAM. La incorporación de la colchicina dentro del arsenal terapéutico de la enfermedad cardiovascular deberá ser considerada por las futuras guías de práctica clínica.

Abstract Background: The usefulness of aspirin in primary prevention continues to be the subject of debate. Medical advances and the variability of cardiovascular risk could explain the heterogeneity of the published studies. High risk populations would have greater benefit. Objective: Analyzing the effects of aspirin in patients without cardiovascular disease and evaluating the results according to the cardiovascular risk of the populations. Methods: Studies evaluating aspirin versus placebo in primary prevention were included. The primary endpoint was the combined cardiovascular death, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ischemic stroke. The final safety point was the combination of hemorrhagic stroke and major bleeding. The studies were classified into low and moderate/high risk, according to the number of events in the placebo arm. Results: Thirteen studies were evaluated (n = 164,225), eight of low cardiovascular risk (n = 118,455) and five of moderate/high risk (n = 45,770). There was a reduction of the combined endpoint in the aspirin group (odds ratio [OR] 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85-0.94), without differences in cardiovascular mortality (OR 0.94; 95% CI, 0.86-1.04). No differences were observed when comparing the risk subgroups. Greater hemorrhagic complications were observed in the aspirin group (OR 1.45; 95% CI, 1.32-1.60), without differences between the risk subgroups. Conclusion: Aspirin was associated with a slight decrease in AMI and ischemic stroke in absolute terms, with no differences in cardiovascular mortality. This accompanied by the increase in hemorrhagic complications, results in an absence of net clinical benefit. The baseline cardiovascular risk of the population did not affect the results.

Resumen Introducción: La utilidad de la aspirina en la prevención primaria es todavía objeto de controversia. Los avances médicos y la variabilidad del riesgo cardiovascular podrían explicar la heterogeneidad de los estudios publicados, y las poblaciones de alto riesgo tendrían mayor beneficio. Objetivo: Analizar los efectos de la aspirina en pacientes sin antecedentes cardiovasculares y evaluar los resultados de acuerdo con el riesgo cardiovascular de las poblaciones. Métodos: Se incluyeron estudios que evaluaron el uso de la aspirina en comparación con placebo en la prevención primaria. Se analizó la combinación de muerte cardiovascular, infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) y accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) isquémico. El punto final de seguridad fue la combinación de ACV hemorrágico y sangrado mayor. Se clasificaron los estudios en riesgo bajo y moderado/ alto, de acuerdo con el número de episodios en la rama de placebo. Resultados: Se evaluaron 13 estudios (n = 164,225), ocho de riesgo cardiovascular bajo (n = 118,455) y cinco de moderado/alto (n = 45,770). Se observó una reducción del punto final combinado en el grupo de aspirina (OR 0.90; IC 95%, 0.85-0.94), sin diferencias en mortalidad cardiovascular (OR 0.94; IC 95%, 0.86-1.04). No se identificaron diferencias entre los subgrupos de riesgo. Se reconocieron mayores complicaciones hemorrágicas en el grupo de aspirina (OR 1.45; IC 95%, 1.32-1.60), sin diferencias entre los subgrupos de riesgo. Conclusión: La aspirina se relacionó con una leve disminución de IAM y ACV isquémico en términos absolutos, sin diferencias en la mortalidad cardiovascular. Esto, junto con el aumento de las complicaciones hemorrágicas, se traduce en una ausencia de beneficio clínico neto. El riesgo cardiovascular basal de la población no modificó los resultados.

ABSTRACT Background: There are clear recommendations for lipid management in diabetic patients. A new formula for the calculation of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) would improve the inaccuracy of the Friedewald formula. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the use of statins and the fulfillment of lipid goals in diabetic patients, evaluating the consequences of applying a new formula for LDL-C calculation. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study including type 2 diabetic patients over 18 years of age. LDL-C was calculated using the classic Friedewald formula and the new formula. Recommendations of the position document for the appropriate use of statins from the Argentine Society of Cardiology were followed. Results: A total of 528 patients were included in the study. In secondary prevention, 77.2% of patients received statins (23.4% high-intensity statins) and 36.6% and 36.0% of these patients achieved the goals of LDL-C below 70% mg/dl and non-HDL-C below 100 mg/dl, respectively. In 20.8% of patients with LDL-C below 70 mg/dl according to the Friedewald formula, this goal was not attained when the new formula was applied. In primary prevention, 62.2% patients with risk factors or white organ damage received statins (14.7% high-intensity statins) and 20.9% and 20.4% achieved the goals of LDL-C below 70% mg/dl and non-HDL-C below 100 mg/dl. In 27.7% of patients with LDL-C below 70 mg/dl using the Friedewald formula, this goal was not reached when applying the new formula. More patients did not achieve the LDL-C goal with the new formula when the triglyceride level was higher. Conclusion: In this population, the appropriate use of statins and the fulfillment of lipid goals were poor. Applying the new LDL-C formula optimized the evaluation of these patients.

RESUMEN Introducción: Existen claras recomendaciones para el manejo lipídico en los diabéticos. Una nueva fórmula para el cálculo del C-LDL mejoraría la imprecisión de la fórmula de Friedewald. Objetivos: Analizar el uso de estatinas y el cumplimiento de las metas lipídicas en pacientes diabéticos, evaluando las consecuencias de aplicar una nueva fórmula para el cálculo del C-LDL. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal y multicéntrico. Se incluyeron diabéticos tipo 2 mayores de 18 años. El C-LDL se calculó con la fórmula clásica (Friedewald) y la nueva fórmula. Se siguieron las recomendaciones del documento de posición para el uso adecuado de estatinas (Sociedad Argentina de Cardiología). Resultados: Se incluyeron 528 pacientes. En prevención secundaria, el 77,2% recibió estatinas (23,4% alta intensidad). El 36,6% y el 36,0% alcanzaron la meta de C-LDL menor a 70 mg/dL y de C-noHDL inferior a 100 mg/dL, respectivamente. El 20,8% de los pacientes con un C-LDL menor de 70 mg/dL (Friedewald) salió de meta al aplicar la nueva fórmula. En los pacientes en prevención primaria con factores de riesgo o daño de órgano blanco, el 62,2% recibió estatinas (14,7% alta intensidad). El 20,9% y el 20,4% alcanzaron la meta de C-LDL menor a 70 mg/dL y de C-noHDL inferior a 100 mg/dL. El 27,7% de los pacientes con un C-LDL menor de 70 mg/dL (Friedewald) salió de meta al aplicar la nueva fórmula. A mayor nivel de triglicéridos, más pacientes salieron de meta de C-LDL con la nueva fórmula. Conclusión: El cumplimiento de las metas lipídicas y el uso adecuado de estatinas en esta población fue deficiente. Aplicar la nueva fórmula de C-LDL optimizó la evaluación de estos pacientes.

Abstract Background: Different strategies have been proposed for the cardiovascular risk management of patients with psoriasis. Objective: To estimate the cardiovascular risk and evaluate two cardiovascular prevention strategies in patients with psoriasis, analyzing which proportion of patients would be candidates to receive statin therapy. Methods: A retrospective cohort was selected from a secondary database. All patients >18 years with psoriasis without cardiovascular disease or lipid-lowering treatment were included. The atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease calculator (2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines) and the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation risk calculator (2016 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Atherosclerosis guidelines) were calculated. The SCORE risk value was adjusted by a multiplication factor of 1.5. The recommendations for the indication of statins suggested by both guidelines were analyzed. Results: A total of 892 patients (mean age 59.9 ± 16.5 years, 54.5% women) were included. The median atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease calculator and Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation values were 13.4% (IQR 6.1-27.0%) and 1.9% (IQR 0.4-5.2), respectively. According to the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease calculator, 20.1%, 11.0%, 32.9%, and 36.4% of the population was classified at low, borderline, moderate, or high risk. Applying the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation, 26.5%, 42.9%, 20.8%, and 9.8% of patients were stratified as having low, moderate, high, or very high risk, respectively. The proportion of subjects with statin indication was similar using both strategies: 60.1% and 60.9% for the 2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and 2016 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Atherosclerosis guidelines, respectively. Study limitations: This was a secondary database study. Data on the severity of psoriasis and pharmacological treatments were not included in the analysis. Conclusion: This population with psoriasis was mostly classified at moderate-high risk and the statin therapy indication was similar when applying the two strategies evaluated.

Resumo Fundamento: Indivíduos com níveis de não HDL-C excedendo em 30 mg/dl aqueles de LDL-C (discordância lipídica) ou com altos níveis de colesterol remanescente poderiam ter maior risco cardiovascular residual. Objetivos: determinar a prevalência de discordância lipídica em uma população de prevenção primária e analisar as variáveis clínicas com ela associadas; investigar a associação de discordância lipídica e colesterol remanescente calculado com a presença de placa carotídea. Métodos: Pacientes de prevenção primária sem diabetes ou sem terapia hipolipemiante foram incluídos. Independentemente do nível de LDL-C, definiu-se “discordância lipídica” como um valor de não HDL-C excedendo em 30 mg/dl aquele de LDL-C. Calculou-se o colesterol remanescente como colesterol total menos HDL-C menos LDL-C na presença de triglicerídeos < 4,0 mmol/l. Usou-se ultrassom para avaliar a presença de placa carotídea. Modelos de regressão logística múltipla foram construídos. Resultados: Este estudo incluiu 772 pacientes (idade média, 52 ± 11 anos; 66% mulheres). A prevalência de discordância lipídica foi de 34%. Sexo masculino e índice de massa corporal mostraram associação independente com padrão lipídico discordante. A prevalência de placa carotídea foi maior em indivíduos com discordância lipídica (40,2% vs. 29,2; p = 0,002). A análise multivariada mostrou associação do padrão lipídico discordante com maior probabilidade de placa carotídea (OR: 1,58; IC95%: 1,08-2,34; p = 0,02). Da mesma forma, identificou-se uma significativa associação entre colesterol remanescente calculado e placa carotídea. Conclusão: Discordância lipídica e presença de nível mais alto de colesterol remanescente calculado acham-se associados com aterosclerose subclínica. Nossos achados podem ser usados para aprimorar a avaliação de risco cardiovascular residual.

Abstract Background: Subjects with levels of non-HDL-C 30 mg/dL above those of LDL-C (lipid discordance) or with high remnant cholesterol levels could have a greater residual cardiovascular risk. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of lipid discordance in a primary prevention population and analyze the clinical variables associated with it; To investigate the association between lipid discordance and remnant cholesterol with the presence of carotid plaque. Methods: Primary prevention patients without diabetes or lipid-lowering therapy were included. Regardless of the LDL-C level, we define “lipid discordance” if the non-HDL-C value exceeded 30 mg/dL that of LDL-C. Remnant cholesterol was calculated as total cholesterol minus HDL-C minus LDL-C when triglycerides were < 4.0 mmol/L. Ultrasound was used to assess carotid plaque occurrence. Multiple regression logistic models were performed. Results: The study included 772 patients (mean age 52 ± 11 years, 66% women). The prevalence of lipid discordance was 34%. Male sex and body mass index were independently associated with discordant lipid pattern. The prevalence of carotid plaque was higher in subjects with lipid discordance (40.2% vs. 29.2, p = 0.002). The multivariate analysis showed that the discordant lipid pattern was associated with the greater probability of carotid plaque (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.08-2.34, p = 0.02). Similarly, a significant association between calculated remnant cholesterol and carotid plaque was found. Conclusion: Lipid discordance and presence of a higher level of calculated remnant cholesterol are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. Our findings could be used to improve the residual cardiovascular risk evaluation.

ABSTRACT Objectives Cardiovascular risk estimated by several scores in patients with diabetes mellitus without a cardiovascular disease history and the association with carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) were the aims of this study. Materials and methods Cardiovascular risk was calculate using United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) risk engine, Framingham risk score for cardiovascular (FSCV) and coronary disease (FSCD), and the new score (NS) proposed by the 2013 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol. Ultrasound was used to assess CAP occurrence. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. Results One hundred seventy patients (mean age 61.4 ± 11 years, 58.8% men) were included. Average FSCV, FSCD and NS values were 33.6% ± 21%, 20.6% ± 12% and 24.8% ± 18%, respectively. According to the UKPDS score, average risk of coronary disease and stroke were 22.1% ± 16% and 14.3% ± 19% respectively. Comparing the risks estimated by the different scores a significant correlation was found. The prevalence of CAP was 51%, in patients with the higher scores this prevalence was increased. ROC analysis showed a good discrimination power between subjects with or without CAP. Conclusion The cardiovascular risk estimated was high but heterogenic. The prevalence of CAP increased according to the strata of risk. Understanding the relationship between CAP and scores could improve the risk estimation in subjects with diabetes.

Background: The use of the Internet and social networks by patients seeking health-related information has grown in recent years. The application of these tools in the context of cardiovascular prevention in Argentina is unknown. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the use of the Internet and social networks in patients evaluated in the context of cardiovascular prevention, determine the characteristics of subjects using them, analyze the reliability and usefulness perceived by patients and describe the potential behavioral impact. Methods: Patients over 18 years of age, consecutively attending 10 cardiology centers focusing on cardiovascular prevention of the City of Buenos Aires and suburban areas, were surveyed. In 97% of cases the surveys were completed by the patients. Participants’ demographic and clinical data were collected, excluding subjects with inability to read and interpret a questionnaire. Results: A total of 1,135 patients (age 49±17 years) were included in the study. Among them 68%, 65% and 52% used Internet, email or social networks, respectively, and 58.2% sought health-related information. The most searched-for topics were food (48%), physical activity (35%), medication (32%), hypertension (26%) and obesity (25%). Information was considered reliable or very reliable in 54.6% of cases, and interest was perceived in using these tools to contact the physician or other patients. In 57.8% of cases, patients felt that the network could influence their behavior. Characteristics such as less than 50 years of age, attending private healthcare centers or higher education were independently associated with a greater possibility of seeking health information. Conclusions: In this population, the Internet was significantly used to explore about health information. Younger subjects, with higher education and those attending private healthcare centers were more likely to seek health-related information. The interest generated by these tools could be used for patient care.

Introducción: El uso de Internet y las redes sociales por parte de los pacientes en busca de información relacionada con la salud ha crecido en los últimos años. Desconocemos la utilización de estas herramientas en el contexto de la prevención cardiovascular en la Argentina. Objetivos: Analizar la utilización de Internet y las redes sociales en pacientes evaluados en el contexto de prevención cardiovascular, determinar las características de los sujetos que las utilizan, analizar la fiabilidad y utilidad percibida por los pacientes y describir el potencial impacto conductual. Material y métodos: Se encuestaron pacientes mayores de 18 años atendidos, en forma consecutiva, en 10 consultorios de cardiología con orientación en la prevención cardiovascular de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y el Conurbano Bonaerense. De las encuestas entregadas, el 97% fueron completadas. Se recolectaron las características demográficas y clínicas de los participantes, excluyendo los sujetos con incapacidad para leer e interpretar un cuestionario. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1.135 pacientes (edad 49 ± 17 años). El 68%, 65% y 52% utilizaban Internet, correo electrónico o las redes sociales, respectivamente. El 58,2% buscó información relacionada con la salud. Los temas sobre prevención cardiovascular buscados con más frecuencia fueron alimentación (48%), actividad física (35%), medicación (32%), hipertensión (26%) y obesidad (25%). El 54,6% consideró que la información era confiable o muy confiable. Se observó interés en utilizar dichas herramientas para contactarse con el médico u otros pacientes. El 57,8% consideró que la red podría influir en su conducta. Tener menos de 50 años, atenderse en centros privados o tener más educación se asoció independientemente con una probabilidad mayor de buscar información sobre la salud. Conclusiones: En esta población, el uso de Internet en busca de información relacionada con la salud fue considerable. Los sujetos más jóvenes, más educados o atendidos en centros privados mostraron mayor probabilidad de buscar contenidos sobre la salud. El interés generado por estas herramientas permitiría utilizarlas en la atención de nuestros pacientes.

Fundamento:Estudos prévios sugerem uma relação linear entre o LDL-C e mudanças no volume de placa coronariana (VPC) medido por ultrassonografia intravascular. No entanto, estas publicações incluíram um número pequeno de estudos e não exploraram outros marcadores lipídicos.Objetivo:Avaliar a associação entre alterações nos marcadores lipídicos e regressão no VPC com base em dados publicados.Métodos:Nós coletamos dados dos braços controle, placebo e intervenção de estudos que compararam o efeito de tratamentos hipolipemiantes no VPC, e dos braços placebo e controle de estudos que testaram medicamentos que não afetam os lipídios. Os volumes inicial e final da placa, representados em mm3, foram extraídos e as alterações percentuais após as intervenções foram calculadas. Nós realizamos três análises de regressão linear e avaliamos a relação entre alterações percentuais e absolutas dos marcadores lipídicos com as variações percentuais do VPC.Resultados:Vinte e sete estudos foram selecionados. As correlações entre as variações percentuais do LDL-C, não- HDL-C e apolipoproteína B (ApoB) com variações percentuais do VPC foram moderadas (r = 0,48; r = 0,47; e r = 0,44, respectivamente). As correlações entre diferenças absolutas do LDL-C, não-HDL-C e ApoB com diferenças percentuais do VPC foram mais fortes (r = 0,57; r = 0,52; e r = 0,79). O modelo de regressão linear mostrou uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre a redução nos marcadores lipídicos e regressão no volume da placa.Conclusão:Observamos uma associação significativa entre alterações de diferentes partículas aterogênicas e regressão do VPC. A redução absoluta da ApoB mostrou a correlação mais forte com a regressão da placa coronariana.

Background:Previous reports have inferred a linear relationship between LDL-C and changes in coronary plaque volume (CPV) measured by intravascular ultrasound. However, these publications included a small number of studies and did not explore other lipid markers.Objective:To assess the association between changes in lipid markers and regression of CPV using published data.Methods:We collected data from the control, placebo and intervention arms in studies that compared the effect of lipidlowering treatments on CPV, and from the placebo and control arms in studies that tested drugs that did not affect lipids. Baseline and final measurements of plaque volume, expressed in mm3, were extracted and the percentage changes after the interventions were calculated. Performing three linear regression analyses, we assessed the relationship between percentage and absolute changes in lipid markers and percentage variations in CPV.Results:Twenty-seven studies were selected. Correlations between percentage changes in LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and percentage changes in CPV were moderate (r = 0.48, r = 0.47, and r = 0.44, respectively). Correlations between absolute differences in LDL-C, non‑HDL-C, and ApoB with percentage differences in CPV were stronger (r = 0.57, r = 0.52, and r = 0.79). The linear regression model showed a statistically significant association between a reduction in lipid markers and regression of plaque volume.Conclusion:A significant association between changes in different atherogenic particles and regression of CPV was observed. The absolute reduction in ApoB showed the strongest correlation with coronary plaque regression.

Background: Our setting lacks a cardiovascular risk score arising from a local epidemiological study, and so scores developed from great epidemiological studies in other regions are used. However, although these scores are very useful in clinical practice, they have limitations associated to calibration and discrimination capacity. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to 1) to stratify cardiovascular risk in a primary prevention population using different scores; 2) to estimate the concordance between these scores; 3) to analyze statin use recommendations; and 4) to estimate the prevalence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) and the optimal cut-off point (OCP) of the new American score (NS) to discriminate between subjects with or without CAP. Methods: Primary prevention patients without diabetes or lipid-lowering therapy were included in the study. The Framingham score (FS), the European score (ES), the score recommended by the World Health Organization (WHOS) and the NS proposed by the new American guidelines were calculated, analyzing the concordance among them. The indication of statins was based on each score. Ultrasound was used to assess CAP occurrence. A ROC analysis was performed to analyze results. Results: The study included 772 patients. Mean age was 52 ± 11 years and 66% were women. According to FS, ES and WHOS, 78.8%, 50.9% and 91.7% of the population were respectively classified at "low risk". A poor level of agreement between scores was found (kappa 0.14). The percentage of cases with absolute indication for statins based on FS, ES and NS was 23.6%, 7% and 33%, respectively. When there was no such indication and using the same scores, 23.5%, 50% and 18% of subjects had an optional recommendation. Applying WHOS, only 3% of patients would have been treated. The prevalence of CAP was greater in higher risk strata, though not negligible in low risk subjects. The OCP for NS was 5.2%. Conclusions: Risk stratification and the use of statins vary according to the cardiovascular score used. Knowledge of the relationship between presence of CAP and scores could improve the estimation of risk in our population.

Introducción: En nuestro medio no contamos con un puntaje de riesgo cardiovascular surgido de un estudio epidemiológico local, por lo que habitualmente se emplean puntajes desarrollados a partir de grandes estudios epidemiológicos de otras regiones que, si bien resultan herramientas muy útiles en la práctica clínica, tienen limitaciones relacionadas con la calibración y la capacidad de discriminación. Objetivos: 1) Estratificar el riesgo cardiovascular de una población en prevención primaria utilizando diferentes puntajes. 2) Estimar la concordancia entre dichos puntajes. 3) Analizar la recomendación de estatinas. 4) Estimar la prevalencia de placa aterosclerótica carotídea (PAC) y el punto de corte óptimo (PCO) del nuevo puntaje americano (NP) que discrimine entre sujetos con PAC o sin PAC. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes en prevención primaria, sin diabetes ni tratamiento hipolipemiante. Se calcularon los puntajes de Framingham (PF), europeo (PE), el recomendado por la OMS (POMS) y el propuesto por las nuevas guías americanas y se analizó la concordancia entre los diferentes puntajes. La indicación de estatinas se consideró en base a cada función de riesgo. La prevalencia de PAC se determinó mediante ultrasonido. Se realizó un análisis ROC. Resultados: Se analizaron 772 pacientes (edad 52 ± 11 años, 66% mujeres), de los cuales de acuerdo con los puntajes P F, PE y POMS se clasificaron de "riesgo bajo" el 76,8%, el 50,9% y el 91,7%, respectivamente. La concordancia fue pobre entre los tres puntajes (kappa 0,14). El 23,6%, el 7% y el 33% de los casos tenían indicación absoluta de estatinas en base al P F, el PE y el N P, respectivamente. Cuando no existía dicha indicación y utilizando los mismos puntajes, el 23,5%, el 50% y el 18% de los sujetos tenían una recomendación opcional. Aplicando el POMS, solo se trataría al 3% de los pacientes. La prevalencia de PAC fue más alta en los estratos de mayor riesgo, aunque no despreciable en sujetos con riesgo bajo. El PCO del NP fue 5,2%. Conclusiones: La estratificación del riesgo y la indicación de estatinas varían según la función de riesgo utilizada. Conocer la relación entre la presencia de PAC y los puntajes podría mejorar la estimación del riesgo en nuestra población.