VO2max-Based Physical Fitness Categories in a Brazilian Population with Supposed High Socioeconomic Status and without Structural Heart Disease. / Categorias de Aptidão Física Baseadas no VO2max em População Brasileira com Suposto Alto Nível Socioeconômico e sem Cardiopatia Estrutural.

BACKGROUND: The most widely used data for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) referrals are from the Cooper Clinic, which uses calculated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) values. OBJECTIVE: To develop CRF values from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) in a Brazilian population with high socioeconomic level and free of structural heart disease. VO2max testing results were compared with the Cooper Clinic and FRIEND Registry data. METHODS: CPX data from consecutive individuals between January 1,2000, and May 31,2016 were used in this study. Inclusion criteria were: VO2max by a pre-specified definition. We built a CRF chart according to VO2max percentiles: very poor (≤20%), poor (20-40%), fair (40-60%), good (60-80%), excellent (80-90%), and superior (≥90%). Kappa correlation was used to analyze our data in comparison with that of the other two databases. Statistical tests with p<0.005 were considered significant. RESULTS: Final cohort included 18,186 tests: 12,552 men, 5,634 women (7-84 years). The most recurrent response was "good" (20.2%). There was a mean difference in weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and age in the CRF chart. An inverse correlation existed between VO2max and age, weight, and BMI. Using a linear regression and these variables, a predictive equation was developed for VO2max. Our findings differed from that of the other databases. CONCLUSION: We developed a classification for CRF and found higher values in all classification ranges of functional capacity in contrast to the Cooper Clinic and FRIEND Registry. Our findings offer a more accurate interpretation of ACR in this large Brazilian population sample when compared to previous standards based on the estimated VO2max. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):468-477).

FUNDAMENTO: Os dados mais utilizados como referência de aptidão cardiorrespiratória (ACR) são os de Cooper, que utiliza valores calculados de captação máxima de oxigênio (VO2máx). OBJETIVO: Desenvolver valores de ACR a partir do teste cardiopulmonar de exercício (TCPE) em uma população brasileira com alto nível socioeconômico e livre de cardiopatia estrutural. Os resultados dos testes de VO2max foram comparados aos dados de Cooper e do FRIEND Registry. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados neste estudo dados de TCPE de indivíduos consecutivos entre 1º de janeiro de 2000 e 31 de maio de 2016. Os critérios de inclusão foram: VO2máx pré-definido. Foi construído um gráfico de ACR de acordo com os percentuais do VO2máx: muito ruim (≤20%), ruim (20-40%), regular (40-60%), boa (60-80%), excelente (80-90%), e superior (≥90%). A correlação Kappa foi usada para analisar nossos dados em comparação aos dados dos outros dois bancos de dados. Os testes estatísticos com p<0,005 foram considerados significativos. RESULTADOS: A coorte final incluiu 18.186 testes: 12.552 homens, 5.634 mulheres (7 a 84 anos). A resposta mais recorrente foi "boa" (20,2%). Houve diferença média de peso, altura, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e idade no gráfico da ACR. Houve correlação inversa entre VO2máx e idade, peso e IMC. Usando uma regressão linear e essas variáveis, uma equação preditiva foi desenvolvida para o VO2máx. Nossas descobertas diferiram das dos outros bancos de dados. CONCLUSÃO: Desenvolvemos uma classificação para a ACR e encontramos valores mais altos em todas as faixas de classificação de capacidade funcional, em contraste com os dados de Cooper e do FRIEND Registry. Nossos achados oferecem uma interpretação mais precisa da ACR nessa grande amostra populacional brasileira, quando comparados aos padrões anteriores, com base no VO2máx estimado. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):468-477).

Cardiac arrhythmias and atrioventricular block in a cohort of asymptomatic individuals without heart disease.

AIMS: To evaluate cardiac arrhythmias and rhythm disturbances on 24 h ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring in a cohort of asymptomatic healthy individuals with normal clinical examination. METHODS AND RESULTS: 625 asymptomatic healthy individuals, in the age range 15-83 (mean 42, SD 11.9) years; 276 (44.2%) men and 349 (55.8%) women were submitted to 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. Statistical analysis was performed with likelihood ratio test and automatic backward logistic regression. The frequency of atrial arrhythmias (p < 0.0001; OR 1.059; 95% CI 1.050-1068) and of ventricular arrhythmias (p < 0.0001; OR 1.023; 95% CI 1.017-1.029) increased for each age increase of 1 year; neither atrial nor ventricular arrhythmias demonstrated a statistically significant difference relative to gender. Transient second-degree atrioventricular block (Mobitz I) was observed in 14 (2.2%) individuals and was more frequent in individuals with resting heart rate <60 bpm (p = 0.006; OR 6.7, 95% CI 1.7-25.5). CONCLUSION: The frequency of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias increased with age and did not demonstrate a significant difference relative to gender. Transient atrioventricular block was more frequent in individuals with lower resting heart rate.

Lower heart rate variability is associated with higher serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration in healthy individuals aged 46 years or more.

BACKGROUND: To test the hypothesis of an association between cardiac autonomic activity evaluated by heart rate variability and systemic inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, we studied the correlation of the indices of heart rate variability relative to serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in a healthy Brazilian population. METHODS: Four hundred twenty-one healthy individuals aged 15-82 years (mean 40.4 years), 184 men (43.7%) and 237 women (56.3%) were enrolled between July 1998 and July 2001. The relationship between the log-transformed indices of the heart rate variability and the serum concentration of hs-CRP were analyzed stratified by age tertile using the Spearman correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The log standard deviation of all normal sinus RR intervals over 24 h (SDNN) (r = -0.801; p = 0.024) was independently correlated with log hs-CRP in the individuals with age in the oldest tertile (> or = 46 years). In addition, the body mass index (BMI) was independently correlated with hs-CRP in all of the age groups. CONCLUSIONS: In the healthy subjects aged 46 years or more the lower heart rate variability correlated with higher concentration of hs-CRP.

Influence of age, gender, and serum triglycerides on heart rate in a cohort of asymptomatic individuals without heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Age, sex and blood lipids were demonstrated in epidemiological studies to influence heart rate measured on physical examination, on 12-lead electrocardiogram or with automatic devices for short-term measurements. We hypothesized that in healthy individuals, age, sex and other clinical variables may also influence heart rate measured on 24-h ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. METHODS: We studied 625 asymptomatic individuals with normal clinical examination, aged 15 to 83 (mean 42, standard deviation 11.9) years, 276 (44.2%) men and 349 (55.8%) women. Heart rate was evaluated on 24 h ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. Variables selected in univariate analysis (chi(2) and Student t tests) were further submitted to multivariate analysis with canonical correlation to assess the strength of associations between heart rate and other variables, and multiple linear regression models to generate reference curves. RESULTS: Age was the most significant influence on canonical variable of heart rate relative to other clinical and laboratory variables (0.55; p<0.01). There was an increase in the minimum heart rate and a decrease of maximum heart rate with increasing age in both genders. The increase was steeper in men and the decrease was steeper in women. Minimum heart rate increased with increasing serum triglycerides and decreased as estimated maximum oxygen consumption increased. CONCLUSIONS: There was a narrower variation of heart rate with increasing age in both genders in healthy individuals. This variation was less pronounced in women. In addition, status of body haemostasis associated with peculiar metabolic conditions expressed in serum triglycerides levels may also be associated with heart rate.

Categorias de Aptidão Física Baseadas no VO2max em População Brasileira com Suposto Alto Nível Socioeconômico e sem Cardiopatia Estrutural / VO2max-Based Physical Fitness Categories in a Brazilian Population with Supposed High Socioeconomic Status and without Structural Heart Disease

Resumo Fundamento Os dados mais utilizados como referência de aptidão cardiorrespiratória (ACR) são os de Cooper, que utiliza valores calculados de captação máxima de oxigênio (VO2máx). Objetivo Desenvolver valores de ACR a partir do teste cardiopulmonar de exercício (TCPE) em uma população brasileira com alto nível socioeconômico e livre de cardiopatia estrutural. Os resultados dos testes de VO2max foram comparados aos dados de Cooper e do FRIEND Registry. Métodos Foram utilizados neste estudo dados de TCPE de indivíduos consecutivos entre 1º de janeiro de 2000 e 31 de maio de 2016. Os critérios de inclusão foram: VO2máx pré-definido. Foi construído um gráfico de ACR de acordo com os percentuais do VO2máx: muito ruim (≤20%), ruim (20-40%), regular (40-60%), boa (60-80%), excelente (80-90%), e superior (≥90%). A correlação Kappa foi usada para analisar nossos dados em comparação aos dados dos outros dois bancos de dados. Os testes estatísticos com p<0,005 foram considerados significativos. Resultados A coorte final incluiu 18.186 testes: 12.552 homens, 5.634 mulheres (7 a 84 anos). A resposta mais recorrente foi "boa" (20,2%). Houve diferença média de peso, altura, índice de massa corporal (IMC) e idade no gráfico da ACR. Houve correlação inversa entre VO2máx e idade, peso e IMC. Usando uma regressão linear e essas variáveis, uma equação preditiva foi desenvolvida para o VO2máx. Nossas descobertas diferiram das dos outros bancos de dados. Conclusão Desenvolvemos uma classificação para a ACR e encontramos valores mais altos em todas as faixas de classificação de capacidade funcional, em contraste com os dados de Cooper e do FRIEND Registry. Nossos achados oferecem uma interpretação mais precisa da ACR nessa grande amostra populacional brasileira, quando comparados aos padrões anteriores, com base no VO2máx estimado. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):468-477)

Abstract Background The most widely used data for cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) referrals are from the Cooper Clinic, which uses calculated maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) values. Objective To develop CRF values from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) in a Brazilian population with high socioeconomic level and free of structural heart disease. VO2max testing results were compared with the Cooper Clinic and FRIEND Registry data. Methods CPX data from consecutive individuals between January 1,2000, and May 31,2016 were used in this study. Inclusion criteria were: VO2max by a pre-specified definition. We built a CRF chart according to VO2max percentiles: very poor (≤20%), poor (20-40%), fair (40-60%), good (60-80%), excellent (80-90%), and superior (≥90%). Kappa correlation was used to analyze our data in comparison with that of the other two databases. Statistical tests with p<0.005 were considered significant. Results Final cohort included 18,186 tests: 12,552 men, 5,634 women (7-84 years). The most recurrent response was "good" (20.2%). There was a mean difference in weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and age in the CRF chart. An inverse correlation existed between VO2max and age, weight, and BMI. Using a linear regression and these variables, a predictive equation was developed for VO2max. Our findings differed from that of the other databases. Conclusion We developed a classification for CRF and found higher values in all classification ranges of functional capacity in contrast to the Cooper Clinic and FRIEND Registry. Our findings offer a more accurate interpretation of ACR in this large Brazilian population sample when compared to previous standards based on the estimated VO2max. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):468-477)

Influence of age, gender, body mass index, and functional capacity on heart rate variability in a cohort of subjects without heart disease.

We studied the time- and frequency-domain indexes of heart rate variability (HRV) in 653 patients without any evidence of heart disease relative to age, gender, heart rate, body mass index, and functional capacity. There was an inverse correlation of HRV with heart rate (p <0.001). HRV indexes decreased with increasing age, differed by gender, and were higher in patients with higher functional capacity. No correlation was noted between HRV and body mass index.

Influence of parasympathetic modulation in doppler mitral inflow velocity in individuals without heart disease.

BACKGROUND: The relation between left ventricular filing velocities determined by Doppler echocardiography and autonomic nervous system function assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the autonomic nervous system assessed by the time and frequency domain indices of HRV in the Doppler indices of left ventricular diastolic filling velocities in patients without heart disease. METHODS: We studied 451 healthy individuals (255 female [56.4%]) with normal blood pressure, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, and treadmill electrocardiographic exercise stress test results, with a mean age of 43+/-12 (range 15-82) years, who underwent transthoracic Doppler echocardiography and 24-hour electrocardiographic ambulatory monitoring. We studied indices of HRV on time (standard deviation [SD] of all normal sinus RR intervals during 24 hours, SD of averaged normal sinus RR intervals for all 5-minute segments, mean of the SD of all normal sinus RR intervals for all 5-minute segments, root-mean-square of the successive normal sinus RR interval difference, and percentage of successive normal sinus RR intervals>50 ms) and frequency (low frequency, high frequency, very low frequency, low frequency/high frequency ratio) domains relative to peak flow velocity during rapid passive filling phase (E), atrial contraction (A), E/A ratio, E-wave deceleration time, and isovolumic relaxation time. Statistical analysis was performed with Pearson correlation and logistic regression. RESULTS: Peak flow velocity during rapid passive filling phase (E) and atrial contraction (A), E/A ratio, and deceleration time of early mitral inflow did not demonstrate a significant correlation with indices of HRV in time and frequency domain. We found that the E/A ratio was<1 in 45 individuals (10%). Individuals with an E/A ratio<1 had lower indices of HRV in frequency domain (except low frequency/high frequency) and lower indices of the mean of the SD of all normal sinus RR intervals for all 5-minute segments, root-mean-square of the successive normal sinus RR interval difference, and percentage of successive normal sinus RR intervals>50 ms in time domain. Logistic regression demonstrated that an E/A ratio<1 was associated with lower HF. CONCLUSION: Individuals with no evidence of heart disease and an E/A ratio<1 demonstrated a significant decrease in indexes of HRV associated with parasympathetic modulation.

Heart rate recovery after treadmill electrocardiographic exercise stress test and 24-hour heart rate variability in healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Heart rate recovery after treadmill electrocardiographic exercise stress test is modulated by the autonomic nervous system. Analysis of heart rate variability can provide useful information about autonomic control of the cardiovascular system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis of association between heart recovery after treadmill electrocardiographic exercise test and heart rate variability. METHODS: We studied 485 healthy individuals aged 42+/- 12.1 (range 15-82) years, 281(57.9%) women, submitted to treadmill electrocardiographic exercise stress tests and heart rate variability evaluations over time (SDNN, SDANN, SDNNi, rMSSD, pNN50) and frequency (LF, HF, VLF, LF/HF ratio) domains in 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. RESULTS: Heart rate recovery was 30+/- 12 beats in the 1st minute and 52+/- 13 beats in the 2nd minute after exercise. Younger individuals recovered faster from the 2nd to the 5th minute after exercise (r= 0.19-0.35, P< 0.05). Recovery was faster in women than in men (4+/- 1.1 beats lower in the 1st minute, p<0.001; 5.7+/- 1.2 beats lower in the 2nd minute, p<0.01; 4.1+/- 1.1 beats lower in the 3rd minute, p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between heart rate recovery and heart rate variability in 1st and 2nd minutes after exercise. SDNN, SDANN, SDNNi, rMSSD, and pNN50 indices demonstrated a significant correlation with heart rate recovery only at the 3rd and 4th minutes. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis of association between heart rate recovery and 24-hour heart rate variability in the first two minutes after exercise was not substantiated in this study. Heart rate recovery after exercise was associated with age and gender.

Gender-related associations of increased body mass index with clinical and laboratory variables in individuals with no evidence of heart disease.

BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, the patients we care for display a wide range of body mass indices, from lean to obese. This finding may be the sole apparent clinical abnormality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and laboratory variables that might be associated with increased body mass index in asymptomatic men and women with no evidence of heart disease, to provide data to substantiate medical recommendations in a study sample from our everyday practice. METHODS: The subjects aged 14 to 74 years (mean 40.6 years), 295 men (43.1%) and 389 women (56.9%) The associations between body mass index stratified by gender and clinical and laboratory variables were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The mean body mass index (BMI) did not differ significantly between women (26.15 Kg/m(2)) and men (26.33 Kg/m(2)). In the multiple linear regression model, the ratios of total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) (beta = 1.1320; p < 0.001) and serum glucose (beta= 0.0233; p = 0.023) were independently correlated with body mass index in women. In men, the variables independently correlated with BMI were the TC/HDL-C (beta = 0.793; p < 0.001) and age (beta = 0.0464; p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: In men and women with no evidence of heart disease, TC/HDL-C increased with body mass index in both genders. Other indices associated with BMI included serum glucose in women and age in men. Clinical and laboratory variables associated with body mass index may differ in relation to gender.

Recuperação da freqüência cardíaca após teste de esforço em esteira ergométrica e variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca em 24 horas em indivíduos sadios / Heart rate recovery after treadmill electrocardiographic exercise stress test and 24-hour heart rate variability in healthy individuals

FUNDAMENTO: A recuperação da freqüência cardíaca após o eletrocardiograma de esforço em esteira ergométrica é modulada pelo sistema nervoso autônomo. A análise da variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca (VFC) pode fornecer informações valiosas sobre o controle do sistema nervoso autônomo sobre o sistema cardiovascular. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi testar a hipótese de associação entre a recuperação da freqüência cardíaca após teste de esforço em esteira ergométrica e a variabilidade da freqüência cardíaca. MÉTODOS: Foram estudamos 485 indivíduos sem evidência de cardiopatia com média de idade de 42± 12,1 (faixa etária de 15 a 82) anos, 281 (57.9 por cento) dos quais do sexo feminino, submetidos a um teste de esforço em esteira ergométrica e avaliação da VFC nos domínios do tempo (SDNN, SDANN, SDNNi, rMSSD e pNN50) e da freqüência (LF, HF, VLF e razão LF/HF) durante monitoramento eletrocardiográfico ambulatorial de 24 horas. RESULTADOS: A recuperação da freqüência cardíaca foi de 30 ± 12 batimentos no 1º minuto e 52± 13 batimentos no 2º minuto após o exercício. Os indivíduos mais jovens de recuperaram mais rápido do 2º ao 5º minuto após o exercício (r = 0,19-0,35, P < 0,05). As mulheres se recuperaram mais rápido que os homens (4 ± 1,1 batimentos a menos no 1º minuto, p < 0,001; 5,7 ± 1,2 batimentos a menos no 2º minuto, p < 0,01; e 4,1± 1,1 batimentos a menos no 3º minuto, p < 0.001). Não houve correlação significante entre a recuperação da freqüência cardíaca e a VFC no 1º e 2º minutos após o exercício. Os índices SDNN, SDANN, SDNNi, rMSSD e pNN50 só apresentaram uma correlação significante com a recuperação da freqüência cardíaca no 3º e 4º minutos. CONCLUSÃO: A hipótese de associação entre recuperação da freqüência cardíaca e VFC em 24 horas nos primeiros dois minutos após o exercício não foi comprovada neste estudo. A recuperação da freqüência cardíaca foi associada com idade e sexo.

BACKGROUND: Heart rate recovery after treadmill electrocardiographic exercise stress test is modulated by the autonomic nervous system. Analysis of heart rate variability can provide useful information about autonomic control of the cardiovascular system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis of association between heart recovery after treadmill electrocardiographic exercise test and heart rate variability. METHODS: We studied 485 healthy individuals aged 42± 12.1 (range 15-82) years, 281(57.9 percent) women, submitted to treadmill electrocardiographic exercise stress tests and heart rate variability evaluations over time (SDNN, SDANN, SDNNi, rMSSD, pNN50) and frequency (LF, HF, VLF, LF/HF ratio) domains in 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring. RESULTS: Heart rate recovery was 30± 12 beats in the 1st minute and 52± 13 beats in the 2nd minute after exercise. Younger individuals recovered faster from the 2nd to the 5th minute after exercise (r= 0.19-0.35, P< 0.05). Recovery was faster in women than in men (4± 1.1 beats lower in the 1st minute, p<0.001; 5.7± 1.2 beats lower in the 2nd minute, p<0.01; 4.1± 1.1 beats lower in the 3rd minute, p<0.001). There was no significant correlation between heart rate recovery and heart rate variability in 1st and 2nd minutes after exercise. SDNN, SDANN, SDNNi, rMSSD, and pNN50 indices demonstrated a significant correlation with heart rate recovery only at the 3rd and 4th minutes. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis of association between heart rate recovery and 24-hour heart rate variability in the first two minutes after exercise was not substantiated in this study. Heart rate recovery after exercise was associated with age and gender.

Aumento do índice de massa corporal em relação a variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais quanto ao sexo em indivíduos sem evidências de cardiopatia / Gender-related associations of increased body mass index with clinical and laboratory variables in individuals with no evidence of heart disease

FUNDAMENTO: Na prática clínica, atendemos pacientes com diversos índices de massa corporal (IMC), desde pacientes com sobrepeso até pacientes obesos. Esse achado pode ser a única anormalidade clínica aparente. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais associadas com aumento do IMC em mulheres e homens assintomáticos, sem qualquer indício de cardiopatia, a fim de obter dados para substanciar recomendações médicas, em uma amostra de estudo da nossa prática diária. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados indivíduos entre 14 e 74 anos de idade (média de 40,5 anos); 295 eram homens (43,1 por cento) e 389 eram mulheres (56,9 por cento). As relações entre IMC estratificado por sexo e as variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais foram analisadas por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman e regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS: A média do IMC das mulheres (26,15 kg/m²) e dos homens (26,33 kg/m²) não apresentou diferença estatisticamente significante. No modelo de regressão linear múltipla, a relação colesterol total/fração HDL-colesterol (CT/HDL-C) (beta= 1,1320; p < 0,001) e a glicose sérica (beta= 0,0233; p = 0,023) foram independentemente correlacionadas com o IMC em mulheres. Nos homens, as variáveis que apresentaram correlação independente com o IMC foram a relação CT/HDL-C (beta= 0,793; p < 0,001) e a idade (beta = 0,0464; p = 0,030). CONCLUSÃO: Em mulheres e homens sem nenhum indício de cardiopatia, a relação CT/HDL-C aumentou com o IMC em ambos os sexos. Outros índices associados ao IMC foram glicose sérica nas mulheres e idade nos homens. As variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais associadas ao índice de massa corporal podem diferir quanto ao sexo.

BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, the patients we care for display a wide range of body mass indices, from lean to obese. This finding may be the sole apparent clinical abnormality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and laboratory variables that might be associated with increased body mass index in asymptomatic men and women with no evidence of heart disease, to provide data to substantiate medical recommendations in a study sample from our everyday practice. METHODS: The subjects aged 14 to 74 years (mean 40.6 years), 295 men (43.1 percent) and 389 women (56.9 percent) The associations between body mass index stratified by gender and clinical and laboratory variables were analyzed using the Spearman correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: The mean body mass index (BMI) did not differ significantly between women (26.15 Kg/m²) and men (26.33 Kg/m²). In the multiple linear regression model, the ratios of total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) (beta = 1.1320; p < 0.001) and serum glucose (beta= 0.0233; p = 0.023) were independently correlated with body mass index in women. In men, the variables independently correlated with BMI were the TC/HDL-C (beta = 0.793; p < 0.001) and age (beta = 0.0464; p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: In men and women with no evidence of heart disease, TC/HDL-C increased with body mass index in both genders. Other indices associated with BMI included serum glucose in women and age in men. Clinical and laboratory variables associated with body mass index may differ in relation to gender.

Evolução hospitalar de pacientes com infarto de ventrículo direito e a importância da perviabilidade da artéria coronária direita / In-Hospital Outcome of Patients with Righ Ventricular Infarction and the Role of Right Coronary Artery Patency

PURPOSE--To evaluate the importance of the right coronary artery (RCA) patency in patients with right ventricular infarction. METHODS--Fifty-two patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction and right ventricular involvement were studied and divided in two groups: group A (GA) included 35 patients in whom the RCA was patent at coronary angiography, and group B (GB), 17 who had an occluded RCA. They were prospectively evaluated for electrical and hemodynamic complications, as well as in-hospital mortality. RESULTS--The mortality in GA was 11 and 29 in GB, p = 0.13; electrical complications were 11 in GA and 35 in GB, p = 0.06; hemodynamic complications were 8 in GA and 41 in GB, p = 0.009. CONCLUSION--These findings suggest a trend towards reduction in mortality and electrical complications, and significant reduction of hemodynamic complications in patients with inferior wall myocardial infarction with involvement of the right ventricle who have the RCA patent. Thus, RCA patency appears to be important in determining in-hospital outcomes of these patients.

Angioplastia coronária de salvamento em jovem com arterite de Takayasu e infarto do miocárdio / Coronary angioplasty of salvage in young with Takayasu arteritis and myocardial infarction

Adolescente, portador de arterite de Takayasu, com infarto agudo do miocárdio por acometimento da artéria descendente anterior, em seu terço proximal após tentativa, sem sucesso, de trombólise, com estreptoquinase endovenosa, foi submetido a angioplastia coronária de salvamento, resultando em pequena lesão residual

A 16 year old boy with Takayasu's disease was admitted with myocardial infarction. Thrombolytic therapy with intravenous streptokinase showed no sigusof reperfusion. Rescue angioplasty of the left descending coronary artery was periormed with success

Eventos neurológicos na endocardite infecciosa / Neurologicol Events in Infective Endocorditis

PURPOSE--The study of frequency, modalities and course of neurological complications of infective endocarditis (IE), as well as the current indication and value of supplementary examinations. METHODS--Sixty-three patients with IE, 39 with native valve and 24 with valvar prosthesis, were prospectively studied; the mean age was 42 years and 45 (71.4 per cent ) were males. Two groups were formed: A) 41 patients without neurological events and B) 22 patients who presented 28 neurological events before or during hospitalization: ischemic cerebrovascular accident 20, hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident 2, meningeal hemorrhage 2, meningitis 2, brain abscess 1 and seizure 1. All patients were submitted to neurological clinical examination; 57 computerized tomographies of the cranium, 28 arteriographies and 32 cerebrospinal fluid analysis were performed. RESULTS--The incidence of neurological events corresponded to 34.92 per cent of IE patients, with a clear predominance (85.71 per cent ) of vascular as compared to infectious manifestations. Mortality was 2.32 times higher in group B patients (22.73 per cent x 9.76 per cent ), albeit p = 0.256, and was not related to staphylococcal etiology. The neurological events were not related to sex, age and presence of valvar prosthesis. The presence of neurological complications was greater (p = 0.047) in patients with simultaneous infections in two valves (mitral and aortic) and also (p = 0.00884) in those with IE in prosthesis implanted for less than three months. All supplementary neurological examinations in group A were normal. CONCLUSION--1) Occurrence of neurological events is a factor which influences the prognosis of IE; 2) supplementary neurological examinations did not reveal subclinical neurological complications; 3) neurological complications were significantly more frequent in patients with simultaneous mitral and aortic valve IE; 4) IE in prosthesis implanted for less than 3 months has a greater probability to develop a neurological picture as compared to IE in prosthesis implanted for more than 3 months

Purpose - The study of frequency, modalities and course of neurological complications of infective endocartitis (IE), as well as the current indication and value of suplementary examinations. Methods - Sixty-three patients with IE, 39 with native valve and 24 with valvar prosthesis, were prospectively studied; the mean age was 42 years and 45 (71,4%) were males. Two groups were formed: A) 41 patients without neurological events and B) 22 patients who presented 28 neurological events before or during hospitalization: ischemic cerebrovascular accident 20, hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident 2, meningeal hemorrhage 2, meningitis 2, brain abscess 1 and seizure 1. All patients were submitted to neurological clinical examination; 57 computerized tomographies of the cranium, 28 arteriographies and 32 cerebrospinal fluid analysis were performed. Results - The incidence of neurological events corresponded to 34.92% of IE patients, with a clear predominance (85.71%) of vascular as compared to infectious manifestations. Mortality was 2.32 times higher in group B patients (22.73% x 9.76%), albeit p=0.256, and was not related to staphilococcal etiology. The neurological events were not related to sex, age and presence of valvar prosthesis. The presence of neurological complications was greater (p=0.047) in patients with simultaneous infections in two valves (mitral and aortic) and also (p=0.00884) in those with IE in prosthesis implanted for less than three months. All supplementary neurological examinations in group A were normal. Conclusion - 1) Occurrence of neurological events is a factor which influences the prognosis of IE; 2) supplementary neurological examinations did not reveal subclinical neurological complications; 3) neurological complications were signifcantly more frequent in patients with simultaneous mitral and aortic valve IE; 4) IE in prosthesis implanted for less than 3 months has a greater probability to develop a neurological picture as compared to IE in prosthesis implanted for more than 3 months

Tratamento trombolítico no tromboembolismo pulmonar em pós-operatório de cirurgia cardíaca complicado por acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico / Thrombolytic Therapy for Pulmonary Embolism Early after Coronary Bypass Surgery Complicated by Ischemic Stroke

A 69 years old man with pulmonary embolism early after coronary bypass surgery complicated by ischemic stroke received thrombolytic therapy. Reperfusion of the pulmonary artery was achieved. Conversion of the ischemic stroke to hemorrhagic infarction was observed at the CT-Scan without neurological impairment

Homem de 69 anos com tromboembolismo pulmonar (TEP) em pós-operatório de revascularização do miocárdio complicado por acidente vascular cerebral isquêmico (AVCI) foi submetido a tratamento trombolítico. Houve reperfusão da artéria pulmonar, estabilização hemodinômica e transformação hemorrágica do AVCI sem deterioração do quadro neurológico

Valor da ressonância nuclear magnética na detecção da perviabilidade da artéria coronária após trombólise / Role of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Detect Artery Patency After Thrombolysis

PURPOSE--To determine the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the noninvasive detection of infarct related coronary artery patency after thrombolysis. METHODS--We studied 26 patients with acute myocardial infarction submitted to thrombolysis underwent MRI studies before and after 0.1mmol/kg gadolinium-DTPA injection within the first 48 h of MI. Signal intensity was assessed by circumferential profile analysis techniques. RESULTS--The average ratio of signal intensity of infarcted tissue over normal myocardium (I/N) was significantly higher in patients with patent arteries (1.3 +/- 0.13 vs 1.12 +/- 0.07, p < 0.02). Compared to coronariography MRI, sensitivity of 81 and specificity of 100 for the diagnosis of coronary patency. CONCLUSION--Gadolinium infusion increased infarcted and normal myocardium differentiation. The study of gadolinium kinetics at MRI is a promising technique for noninvasive diagnosis of coronary patency.

Comparaçäo entre uso de duplo balão unifoil e baläo bifoil no sucesso da valvoplastia mitral por cateter balão / Comparison between the use of unifoil double balloon and bifoil balloon in successful mitral valvuloplasty by balloon catheter

PURPOSE--To compare immediate and long term results balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) using double balloon or bifoil balloon. METHODS--One hundred and thirteen consecutive cases of BMV used aleatory double balloon (group DB--55 cases) or bifoil balloon (group BF--16 cases). Patients were similar regarding to age, sex, valvopaty etiology, functional class and echocardiographic score. Seventy one (63 per cent ) patients achieved 12 months follow-up. RESULTS--In group DB there were 2 (4 per cent ) insuccess, 2 (4 per cent ) cardiac tamponade and 2 (4 per cent ) deaths, 91 per cent patients had immediate criteria of success. Mitral valve area (MVA) increased from 0.8 to 1.69cm2 and mitral gradient (G) by echodopplercardiographic (ECHO) decreased from 17.9 to 4.8mmHg. Three (5 per cent ) patients developed severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and needed surgical intervention. At follow-up 2 (4 per cent ) developed mitral restenosis. MVA estimated by ECHO study after one year follow-up was inferior to 1.15cm2 in 15 (32 per cent ) cases, between 1.5 and 2.0cm2 in 17 (37 per cent ) and superior to 2.0cm2 in 14 (31 per cent ). In group BF there were 2 (12.5 per cent ) insuccess, 4 (25 per cent ) developed severe MR occurring 1 death immediate post-operative mitral valve replacement. Among 14 (87 per cent ) success cases, MVA increased from 0.8 to 1.89cm2 and G decreased from 18 to 6.4mmHg. Lately 2 (12.5 per cent ) needed surgical intervention because significative MR. At 12th month follow-up the ECHO study showed that in one (10 per cent ) case MVA was < 1.5cm2, and in 3 (27 per cent ) cases was between 1.5 and 2.0cm2. CONCLUSION--There were similar good results in both groups, however group DB had more restenosis, cardiac tamponade and vascular complications and group BF had more severe MR