Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) have an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome and traditional atherosclerotic risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, diabetes and hypertension. Endothelial function and vascular stiffness are surrogate markers of early atherosclerosis, able to predict cardiovascular events. Objective: To compare endothelial function and pulse wave reflection between women with PCOS and healthy controls. Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study that included women with PCOS, age between 18 and 40 years-old and body mass index between 25.0 and 35.0 kg/m2, and healthy controls. Rotterdan criteria was used to diagnose PCOS. Subjects underwent clinical and anthropometric evaluation, laboratory and hormonal assays and imaging tests to measure pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AIx) and brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD). Kolmogorov-Smirnov test showed normal distribution of most parameters. Unpaired Student t-test was used with significance level established at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 52 patients were included, 29 (56%) in PCOS group and 23 (44%) in control group. Clinical and laboratory parameters were similar between the groups. Women with PCOS had lower FMD (8.8 ± 1.0 vs 12.8 ± 1.2%, p = 0.021); PWV and AIx were similar between the groups (7.5 ± 0.2 vs 7.5 ± 0.3 m/s, p = 0.671 and 21.0 ± 1 vs. 20 ± 2%, p = 0.716, respectively). In the PCOS group, women with higher testosterone levels had higher AIx (25 ± 2 vs. 17 ± 3%, p = 0.045). Conclusions: PCOS women had endothelial dysfunction and those with higher testosterone levels had higher pulse wave reflection as compared with controls.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality today. Despite its wide distribution, it presents particularly prevalent in certain groups of individuals, particularly when exposed to a higher degree of inflammation, giving increased cardiovascular risk. Rheumatic diseases expose their holders to this increased cardiovascular risk condition; however only recently have been associated with spondyloarthritis, particularly ankylosing spondylitis (AS). For being a classically autoimmune disease related to HLA histocompatibility system, AS may present phenotypic variations in different ethnic groups with possible diverse cardiovascular consequences. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the cardiovascular risk profile, correlating the time since diagnosis and activity of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in patients from the rheumatology outpatient clinic of the UFMS-affiliated hospital. Methods: Of 55 patients with AS, 42 were selected consecutively and compared to a control group (CG) in a cross-sectional study. Patients with diabetes, indigenous background and pregnant women were excluded. Quantitative variables were assessed by use of Student t test, while qualitative variables, by chi-square test. The patients underwent electrocardiography, echocardiography and carotid Doppler examination, measurement of serum lipid levels and inflammatory markers, and were stratified according to global cardiovascular risk. The AS activity and impairment were evaluated by use of the BASMI, BASDAI, BASFI and ASDAS. Results: Mean age, 42.87 ± 12.37 years; time since AS diagnosis, 10.76 ± 8.74 years. There was no difference in cardiovascular risk stratification between the groups, most of the patients being at high or moderate risk (AS: 64.3%, and CG: 52%, p = 0.134). The prevalence of manifest CVD (2%) showed no difference between the groups, except for right bundle-branch block (AS: 14%, and CG: 2%, p = 0.027). The prevalence of subclinical CVD showed no difference between the groups, except for higher carotid medial-intimal thickness (CIMT) in the AS group (AS: 1.82 ± 2.63, and CG: 0.67 ± 0.16, p = 0.018). There was no correlation between AS activity or inflammatory markers and CVD, but with time since AS diagnosis and CIMT (p = 0.039, r = 0.328). Conclusions: Prevalence of CVD and risk factors was similar in the groups. Subclinical atherosclerosis degree was higher in the AS group, related to the time since diagnosis, but was independent of the cardiovascular risk factors or inflammation. Most patients with AS are at high cardiovascular risk.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) in healthy individuals decreases approximately 10% per decade of life, and such decrease is more pronounced after the seventh decade. Objectives: To assess functional capacity of individuals aged 75 years or older, submitted to ergometric test and transthoracic echocardiogram exam, by means of metabolic equivalent (MET) and VO2 max measurements. Methods: A total of 381 patients (205 women; 79 ± 3.7 years) were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were: presence of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, LV diastolic dysfunction grade II and III, significant valve disease, or coronary artery disease with systolic LV dysfunction or dilatation. Associations between quantitative variables were analyzed by Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, and comparisons of quantitative data by Student's t-test for independent samples. Results: Increasing age was associated with a progressive decrease in the distance covered (p = 0.021), in the expected increase in HR (p < 0.001), in VO2 max (p < 0.001), and METs (p < 0.001) in both genders. There was no correlation of exercise test parameters with the echocardiographic parameters. Conclusions: Relatively healthy older individuals, with global systolic and diastolic functions of the left ventricle preserved, presented a progressive decrease in their functional capacity due to their natural aging process, comorbidities related to their age range and physical deconditioning.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an important treatment option for obstructive coronary artery disease, but it represents a high expense for paying sources. The complications of CABG impose an additional expense to the procedure that is not yet clearly established. Objective: To determine the economic impact of postoperative complications of CABG during hospitalization in a hospital of the unified health system (SUS). Methods: This is an observational study involving 240 patients undergoing isolated CABG in a reference hospital in cardiology in 2013. Patients aged over 30 years with proven coronary artery disease and indication to perform CRVM were included. Patients who performed CRVM associated with other procedures were excluded. Results: The average cost of hospitalization was R$ 22,647.24 (SD = R$ 28,105.66). In 97 patients who presented some complication the average cost was R$ 35,400.28 (SD = R$ 40,509.47), and in the 143 patients without complications the average cost was R$ 13,996.57 (SD = R$ 5,800.61) (p < 0.001). Expenditures ranged from R$ 17,344.37 in patients with one complication up to R$ 104,596.52 in patients with five complications (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The occurrence of complications during hospitalization for CABG significantly increases the costs of the procedure, but the magnitude of this increase depends on the type of complication developed, and higher expenses related to cardiovascular complications, infections and bleeding. With this information, managers can improve the allocation of resources to health.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: It is known that predisposing factors for periodontal disease (PD) and cardiovascular diseases are similar, just as dissemination of oral flora pathogens can induce the development of cardiovascular diseases, which play a direct role on the morbimortality of patients. Objective: To assess the impact of periodontal disease in the presence of acute coronary syndrome on late morbimortality after long-term follow-up of patients (10 years). Methods: The historical prospective study of continuous assessment was based on the evaluation of 345 medical records of patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome, divided into 3 groups: edentulous, with periodontal disease and without periodontal disease. The patients studied were in the ICU, in 2006, with a clinical picture of acute coronary syndrome submitted to invasive stratification with coronary angiography on the basis of clinical indication and were reassessed over the next 10 years. The qualitative variables were compared using the Chi-square test. Long-term mortality was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier curves, quantified with the hazard ratio (HR) and a confidence interval of 95% and compared through Cox regression. P values of less than or equal to 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. Results: Of the 345 patients, 233 had at least one coronary obstruction greater than or equal to 50%, being the main group for comparison according to the different status of periodontal disease (without periodontal disease, with periodontal disease and edentulous). In this cardiovascular condition, we found a difference in mortality among edentulous patients compared to those free of periodontal disease, with a p = 0.004 and a hazard ratio of 10.496 (95% CI: 4.988-22.089). A significant difference was also noted between edentulous patients and patients with periodontal disease, with a p = 0.0017 and a hazard ratio of 2.512 (95% CI: 1.491-4.234). Conclusion: A significant increase in mortality was found according with the progression of periodontal disease, which justifies its classification as an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, as well as the need for prevention and treatment of oral diseases.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Congenital heart disease in adults shares some features with heart failure (HF), including exercise intolerance, ventilatory inefficiency, inflammatory and neurohormonal activation, cardiac arrhythmias and myocardial fibrosis. Over the last years, cardiopulmonary exercise test has gained importance in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of congenital heart diseases, as has already occurred in HF. Objective: To describe the behavior of hemodynamic, metabolic and ventilatory parameters in response to exercise in adults with congenital heart disease. Methods: Observational cross-sectional study evaluating 31 adults with congenital acyanotic or cyanotic heart disease, treated clinically, surgically or percutaneously, referred for cardiopulmonary exercise test. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Results: Patients aged 35.7 ± 14.2 years were included. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was 44.86 ± 18.01% of predicted at peak exercise and 36.92 ± 12.93% of predicted maximal VO2 at anaerobic threshold. We found an oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) of 1.49 ± 0.89 (61.43 ± 26.63% of predicted), oxygen pulse of 58.90 ± 22.24% and increment in systolic arterial pressure during exercise was 31.42 ± 21.60 mmHg. Conclusion: Adults with congenital heart disease had similar responses to heart failure patients during exercise - reduced aerobic capacity, ventilatory inefficiency for oxygen consumption and limited inotropic response to exercise, characterized by reduced oxygen pulse and small increase in systolic arterial pressure.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. Among the benefits linked to different modalities of physical exercise, post-exercise hypotension (PEH) is a key point for exercise prescription in this condition. Objective: To investigate and compare PEH in response to continuous aerobic exercise (CONT) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), matched by volume, in sedentary individuals. Methods: A randomized cross-over study, composed of sedentary, healthy male subjects submitted to two acute physical exercise protocols matched by volume, HIIE and CONT, on a treadmill. Hemodynamic measures for the evaluation of PEH were performed pre, immediately after exercise and every five minutes thereafter, during one hour of recovery. Two-way ANOVA with repeated measurements was used for comparisons between groups and Bonferroni post hoc test as appropriate. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Both exercise protocols promoted significant PEH, with reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). HIIE promoted a reduction of SBP and MAP at the 15th minute, whereas the same effect was observed at the 30th following CONT. Conclusion: Both HIIE and CONT, matched by volume, promote PEH of similar magnitude. However, PEH occurs earlier following HIIE, suggesting a better time / effectiveness ratio, and an additional beneficial effect of this modality.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Background: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism has been associated with different clinical and echocardiographic parameters in patients with heart failure (HF). However, no studies have been investigated such association with HF caused by Chagas disease. Objectives: To perform a genetic study to evaluate the frequency of ACE polymorphism in patients with HF caused by Chagas disease attending a university hospital in the central-west region and its association with echocardiographic findings. Methods: Descriptive study of ACE polymorphism (I/D) and echocardiographic data of 103 patients with HF caused by Chagas disease. Echocardiographic parameters were compared between the genotypes using the ANOVA test. Results: Genotypic distribution of the ACE polymorphism was 16.5% DD, 57.3% DI and 26.2% II. There was no statistically significant difference in the distribution of genotypes between men and women. The echocardiographic findings were: left ventricular ejection fraction: 43.8 ± 14.8 (DD) vs. 42.3 ± 11.6 (ID) vs. 44.9 ± 13.0 (II), p = 0.664; left ventricular diastolic diameter: 59.2 ± 9.7 (DD) vs. 60.3 ± 7.6 (ID) vs. 59.7 ± 78.1 (II), p = 0.879; left ventricular systolic diameter: 48.6 ± 12.8 (DD) vs. 50.6 ± 9.7 (ID) vs. 49.3 ± 11.9 (II), p = 0.753; and left atrial volume: 44.9 ± 10.1 (DD) vs. 40.9 ± 9.6 (ID) vs. 38.2 ± 7.8 (II), p = 0.068. Significant correlation coefficients were found for gender, age, ethnicity, heart rate and dyslipidemia. Conclusion: ACE polymorphism was not associated with echocardiographic findings in patients with HF caused by Chagas disease.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Arterial hypertension is responsible for high morbidity and mortality. Despite increasing awareness of the consequences of uncontrolled hypertension and the publication of several recommendations and guidelines, blood pressure control rates are suboptimal, and approximately half of the patients do not reach the targets. Defined as an increase in blood pressure, hypertension is characterized by hemodynamic abnormalities in cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance, or arterial compliance. Therefore, the approach to arterial hypertension can be improved by the knowledge of the hemodynamics underlying the blood pressure increase. Impedance Cardiography has emerged as a new strategy to customize therapy and monitor patients aiming to improve blood pressure control according to the hemodynamic profile, rather than a blind intensive care approach. This is a review of impedance cardiography evidence, its benefits, actual and future applications in the approach and management of arterial hypertension.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Ischemic heart failure is a growing disease with high morbidity and mortality. Several studies suggest the benefit of viability imaging to assist revascularization decision, but there is controversy. Multiple imaging modalities can be used to accurately define hibernating myocardium; however, the best approach remains uncertain. This review will highlight current evidence and future directions of viability imaging assessment.

Resumo em Inglês:

Abstract Sudden cardiac death in sports is still controversial. Despite being a rare event, the death of an apparently healthy young athlete causes a major impact on the media. On the other hand, for being a rare event, it is clearly undervalued. Sports preparticipation cardiological assessment is one of the most effective preventive medical actions for professional and amateur endurance athletes. The regular and supervised practice of physical exercise does not kill. We believe that deaths are triggered by excessive physical training and use of drugs, in individuals with not diagnosed or undervalued heart diseases. It is necessary to make health professionals and athletes aware of the athletes' physiological limits, in addition to preparing the athletes properly when they try to overcome human limits.