Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in women and the accuracy of currently available risk scores is questionable. Objective To reclassify the risk estimated by the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in asymptomatic middle-aged women by incorporating family history, exercise testing variables, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers. Methods This cross-sectional study included 509 women (age range, 46-65 years) without cardiovascular symptoms. Those at low or intermediate risk by the FRS were reclassified to a higher level considering premature family history of acute myocardial infarction and/or sudden death; four variables from exercise testing; and two variables related to subclinical atherosclerosis markers. The homogeneity of these variables according to the FRS was verified by Pearson chi-square test (p<0.05). Results According to the FRS, 80.2%, 6.2%, and 13.6% of the women were classified as low (<5%), intermediate (5-10%), and high (>10%) risks, respectively. The intermediate-risk stratum showed the highest increase (from 6.2% to 33.3%) with addition of family history; followed by addition of chronotropic index <80% (to 24.2%); functional capacity <85% (22.2%), coronary calcium score >0 (20.6%); decreased one-minute heart rate recovery ≤12 bpm (15.2%); carotid intima-media thickness >1 mm and/or carotid plaque (13.8%) and ST-segment depression (9.0%). The high-risk stratum increased to 14.4% with the addition of reduced heart rate recovery and to 17.1% with the coronary calcium score. Conclusion Incorporation of premature family history of cardiovascular events, exercise testing abnormal parameters, and subclinical atherosclerosis markers into the FRS led to risk reclassification in 3.0-29.7% of asymptomatic middle-aged women, mainly by an increase from low to intermediate risk.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of exercise testing alterations in middle-aged women without symptoms of heart disease and to verify the associations of functional capacity and heart rate behavior during and after exercise with cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 509 asymptomatic women aged between 46 and 65 years who underwent clinical evaluations and exercise testing (Bruce protocol). The heart rate behavior was evaluated by the maximal predicted heart rate achieved, chronotropic index and recovery heart rate. RESULTS: The mean age was 56.4±4.8 years, and 13.4% of the patients had a Framingham risk score above 10%. In the exercise treadmill testing, 58.0% presented one or more of the following alterations (listed in order of ascending prevalence): symptoms (angina, dyspnea, and dizziness), ST-segment depression, arrhythmia, reduction in recovery heart rate of ≤12 bpm at 1 minute, altered maximal predicted heart rate achieved, abnormal blood pressure, functional capacity deficiency, and altered chronotropic index. In the multivariate analysis, the following associations (odds ratio) were observed for these alterations: chronotropic index was associated with obesity (2.08) and smoking (4.47); maximal predicted heart rate achieved was associated with smoking (6.45); reduction in the recovery heart rate at 1 minute was associated with age (1.09) and obesity (2.78); functional capacity was associated with age (0.92), an overweight status (2.29) and obesity (6.51). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of middle-aged women without cardiovascular symptoms present alterations in one or more exercise testing parameters. Alterations in the functional capacity or heart rate behavior, as verified by exercise testing, are associated with age, smoking, an overweight status and obesity.

Resumo Fundamento: A mortalidade por doença cardiovascular entre as mulheres permanece elevada. Estudos observacionais são controversos sobre a participação dos antecedentes de distúrbio hipertensivo gestacional no risco cardiovascular. Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre aterosclerose de carótidas em mulheres no climatério que tiveram hipertensão na gestação. Métodos: Estudo de caso-controle, sendo os casos compostos por mulheres com aterosclerose de carótida, definida como espessura íntima-média carotídea > 1 mm e/ou presença de placas de carótidas; os controles não apresentavam estas alterações. Adotou-se nível de significância de 95%. Resultados: Foram avaliadas 504 mulheres sem doença cardiovascular prévia, sendo 126 casos e 378 controles. Eram hipertensas 67% delas; 76% eram dislipidêmicas; e 16%, diabéticas. Cerca de 10% referiram antecedentes de hipertensão na gestação. As mulheres com aterosclerose de carótidas apresentaram valores maiores dos níveis de pressão arterial sistólica (134,18 mmHg vs. 128,59 mmHg; p = 0,008) e de LDL-colesterol (156,52 mg% vs. 139,97 mg%; p = 0,0005). Não foi encontrada diferença estatística em relação à presença de aterosclerose de carótidas e ao antecedente de hipertensão na gestação (OR 1,672; IC 95% 0,893-3,131). Conclusão: O antecedente de hipertensão na gestação não foi associado à aterosclerose subclínica de carótidas em mulheres na pré e pós-menopausa. No entanto, verificou-se a associação entre a aterosclerose de carótida e os fatores de risco clássicos, como pressão arterial sistólica elevada e altos níveis de LDL-colesterol.

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease mortality among women remains high. Observational studies are controversial about the participation of a history of gestational hypertensive disorder in cardiovascular risk. Objective: To verify the association between carotid atherosclerosis in menopausal women who had pregnancy-induced hypertension. Methods: Case-control study, with cases consisting of women with carotid atherosclerosis, defined as carotid intima-media thickness > 1 mm and/or presence of carotid plaques; the controls did not have these alterations. The significance level was set at 95%. Results: A total of 504 women without previous cardiovascular disease were assessed, 126 cases and 378 controls. Of the total, 67% were hypertensive; 76% were dyslipidemic; and 16% were diabetic. Approximately 10% reported a history of hypertension during pregnancy. Women with carotid atherosclerosis had higher values of systolic blood pressure (134.18 mmHg vs. 128.59 mmHg, p = 0.008) and LDL-cholesterol (156.52 mg% vs. 139.97 mg%; p = 0.0005). No statistical difference was found regarding the presence of carotid atherosclerosis and history of hypertension during pregnancy (OR 1.672, 95% CI: 0.883-3.131). Conclusion: The history of hypertension during pregnancy was not associated with subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in menopausal women. However, an association was observed between carotid atherosclerosis and classic risk factors, such as elevated systolic blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol levels.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) em portadores de artrite reumatoide (AR), antes e após o tratamento com terapia biológica. Métodos: estudo longitudinal, realizado no período de novembro de 2010 a setembro de 2011, com aplicação dos instrumentos HAQ II (Health Assessment Questionnaire) e SF-36 (Medical Outcomes Short-From Health Survey). Foram realizados testes de Barlett, Anova, Friedman e teste- t pareado para múltiplos extratos. Resultados: foram avaliados 30 pacientes, com idade média de 47,6 (DP: 12,25) anos e prevalência do gênero feminino (90%). A média do escore do HAQ II antes do tratamento foi de 1,97, com diminuição significativa de até 1,23 após seis meses de uso de terapia biológica (p<0,01). A maioria dos domínios do SF-36 apresentou significativa melhora após seis meses de tratamento (p< 0,01), destacando os aspectos sociais, dor, capacidade funcional, aspectos emocionais, vitalidade e aspectos físicos. Conclusão: o uso de terapia biológica em pacientes com AR, refratários aos tratamentos tradicionais, demonstrou ser uma importante estratégia farmacológica para a melhoria da QVRS.

Summary Objective: assessing health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), before and after treatment with biological therapy. Methods: a longitudinal study, conducted from November 2010 to September 2011, with implementation of the instruments HAQ II (health assessment questionnaire) and SF-36 (medical outcomes short-from health survey). Barlett test, Anova, Friedman and paired t-test were performed for multiple extracts. Results: 30 patients were evaluated, mean age of 47.6 (SD: 12.25) years and prevalence of females (90%). The mean score of HAQ II before treatment was 1.97, with significant reduction of up to 1.23 after six months of biological therapy (p<0.01). Most of the SF-36 domains showed significant improvement after six months of treatment (p<0.01), highlighting the social aspects, pain, physical functioning, emotional issues, vitality and physical aspects. Conclusion: the use of biologic therapy in patients with RA refractory to standard therapies proved to be an important pharmacological strategy for improving HRQL.

OBJETIVO: Analisar as modificações na qualidade de vida sexual de obesos, proporcionadas pela redução do peso corpóreo, após a realização da gastroplastia à Fobi-Capella. MÉTODOS: Estudo quantitativo, prospectivo e longitudinal com cortes transversais, realizado entre março de 2005 e março de 2007, com 21 obesos mórbidos. Critérios de inclusão: idade de 20 a 50 anos, índice de massa corpórea (IMC) =40 Kg/m² e insucesso em tentativas de tratamento clínico para obesidade nos últimos dois anos. Coleta de dados clínicos em prontuários e aplicação de questionário específico com questões relativas à função sexual, realizadas antes e seis meses após a cirurgia. Os escores obtidos foram analisados com o auxilio do programa Epi-Info6, empregando o teste T de student para amostras pareadas. RESULTADOS: O valor total aumentou seis meses após a cirurgia em 76,19%, permaneceu inalterado em 14,29% e diminuiu em 9,52%. Os domínios referentes a função erétil e a relação sexual aumentaram em 71,42%, ao desejo sexual em 52,38% e ao orgasmo em 28,57%. A satisfação sexual aumentou em 57,14%. As médias do valor total e dos seus domínios antes e seis meses após a cirurgia, exceto aquelas referentes ao orgasmo e ao desejo sexual, apresentam diferenças estatisticamente significativas. CONCLUSÃO: A qualidade de vida sexual em homens obesos melhora após a realização da gastroplastia à Fobi-Capella. Evidenciaram-se modificações favoráveis na função sexual desses indivíduos após a perda de peso.

OBJECTIVES: Examine changes in the quality of sexual life of men with morbid obesity offered by a reduction in body weight following Fobi-Capella gastroplasty. METHOD: A quantitative, prospective, longitudinal, cross-sectional study was carried out on 21 men with morbid obesity between March 2005 and March 2007. Inclusion criteria were: aged 20 to 50 years, body mass index (BMI) = 40 kg/m² and failure in attempts of clinical treatment for obesity in the previous two years. Data collection from clinical records and the administering of a specific questionnaire on issues relating to sexual function was performed prior to and six months following surgery. Scores were analyzed with the help of the Epi-Info 6 program, using the Student's t-test for paired samples. RESULTS: The total score increased at the six-month post operative in 76.19%; remained unaltered in 14.29%; and decreased in 9.52%. Scores in areas related to erectile function and sexual relations increased in 71.42%; sexual desire increased in 52.38%; and orgasms increased in 28.57%. General sexual satisfaction increased in 57.14%. The average total score and scores on the domains of the questionnaire prior to and six months following surgery revealed statistically significant differences, except those relating to sexual desire and orgasm. CONCLUSION: The quality of sexual life in morbid obese men improves following Fobi-Capella surgery. Favorable changes occurred in sexual function after these individuals underwent this type of bariatric surgery.

INTRODUÇÃO: O diagnóstico da infertilidade pode ser devastador na vida de um casal. Muitas mulheres inférteis percebem a situação como estigmatizante, causadora de sofrimento psíquico e isolamento social. O estudo objetivou determinar as variáveis econômicas, demográficas, interpessoais, sociais e também a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns na população de mulheres atendidas nos ambulatórios de referência de esterilidade do Hospital Agamenon Magalhães, Centro Integrado de Saúde Amaury de Medeiros e Instituto Materno Infantil de Pernambuco e encaminhadas ao Ambulatório de Saúde Mental em Reprodução Humana do Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz. MÉTODO: A pesquisa foi transversal, durante o ano de 2007, com um total de 60 pacientes, que responderam a dois questionários auto-aplicáveis: o Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) e outro, formulado pela pesquisadora. RESULTADOS: Das 60 mulheres pesquisadas, 55% tinham 31 anos ou mais. A prevalência total dos transtornos mentais comuns foi de 53,3%, sendo que a ocorrência de transtornos mentais comuns foi bem mais elevada entre as que tinham 31 anos ou mais do que entre as que tinham até 30 anos (66,7 versus 37%). As que evitavam situações sociais que podiam causar desconforto emocional apresentaram maior incidência de transtornos mentais comuns. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência dos transtornos mentais comuns e sua associação com enfrentamento social embasam a necessidade de atendimento interdisciplinar, incluindo profissionais de saúde mental. Nossos dados confirmam a importância do apoio social e da inclusão dos parceiros no processo de avaliação da infertilidade.

INTRODUCTION: A diagnosis of infertility may be devastating for a couple. Many infertile women perceive the situation as stigmatizing, a cause of psychic distress and social isolation. This study aimed at determining the economic, demographic, interpersonal, social and work variables and also the prevalence of common mental disorders in a population of women seen in reference hospitals for infertility (Hospital Agamenon Magalhães, Amaury de Medeiros Integrated Health Center and Instituto Materno Infantil de Pernambuco), and referred to the Mental Health in Human Reproduction Outpatient Clinic at Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 2007 with a total of 60 patients, who answered two self-reporting questionnaires: the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) and a questionnaire designed by the researcher. RESULTS: Of the 60 women studied, 44% were aged 31 or older. The overall prevalence of common mental disorders was 53.3%. It was much more common in women aged 31 or older than in those aged 30 or less (66.7 vs. 37.0%). The patients who avoided social situations that could cause emotional discomfort presented a higher rate of common mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of common mental disorders and their association with social coping underlies the need for an interdisciplinary approach, including mental health professionals. Our data confirm the importance of social support and the inclusion of the male partner in the infertility evaluation process.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de verificar a prevalência das lesões superficiais da mucosa da cavidade bucal em pacientes diabéticos. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída de 30 pacientes. Para a obtenção dos resultados foram realizados exames clínicos criteriosos e exames complementares quando necessário. RESULTADOS: Dos 30 indivíduos, 9 (30%) eram do sexo masculino e 21 (70%), do sexo feminino. Dos pacientes estudados, 40% tinham idade até 60 anos e 60% possuíam idade superior. Foram diagnosticados 13 diferentes tipos de alterações da mucosa em diversas regiões, sendo a varicosidade lingual (36,6%) e a candidíase (27,02%) as mais prevalentes. Tais alterações podem estar relacionadas ao fato de serem achados semiológicos comuns em pacientes senis e também ao uso prolongado de próteses. A xerostomia foi diagnosticada em apenas 1 (3,33%) paciente divergindo da maioria dos estudos observados na literatura. CONCLUSÃO: A maioria dos pacientes diabéticos apresentou pelo menos um tipo de lesão da mucosa bucal.

AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of superficial lesions in the oral cavity mucosa in diabetic patients. METHODS: The sample was made of 30 patients. To obtain these results we did rigorous clinical and complementary tests. RESULTS: Of the 30 patients, 9 (30%) were males and 21 (70%) females. Of the studied patients, 40% were below 60 years of age, and 60% were older than 60 years. Thirteen different types of mucosal alterations were diagnosed. Tongue varicose veins (36.6%) and candidiasis (27.02%) were the most prevalent. Such alterations can be associated with the fact that these conditions are commonly found in senile patients and are also associated with prolonged wear of dentures. Xerostomia was diagnosed in only 1 (3.33%) patient, disagreeing with most of the studies observed in the literature. CONCLUSION: Most of the diabetic patients presented at least one type of oral mucosa lesion or alteration.