Non-Targeted Self-Measurement of Blood Pressure: Association with Self-Medication, Unscheduled Emergency Visits and Anxiety.

Background and Objective: The routine practice of self-medication of blood pressure (BP) not oriented with pulse devices may not be precisely useful in the control of BP and can lead the patient to self-medicate in error. Thus, we need to evaluate the non-oriented self-assessment of BP in real-life circumstances in hypertensive patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate in hypertensive patients the association of BP self-measurement with its control, as well as the presence of anxiety disorders, the occurrence of unscheduled visits to the emergency room, and self-medication. Materials and Methods: An observational study was carried out with 1000 hypertensive volunteers (age: 61.0 ± 12.5). Using a questionnaire, sociodemographic and clinical data on BP control were collected. Anxiety was assessed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: The group that performed non-oriented self-measurement of BP, showed that they had higher frequencies of self-medication (57.9%, p < 0.05) and more unscheduled visits to the emergency room (68%, p < 0.05). In addition, a lower level of BP control (46.8%, p < 0.05) was associated with higher levels of anxiety (52.3%, p < 0.05) in the group that performed non-oriented self-measurements of BP. Conclusion: The practice of non-oriented self-assessment of BP was associated with negative factors such as high levels of anxiety and higher frequencies of self-medication and unscheduled emergency visits.

Bariatric Surgery: Late Outcomes in Patients Who Reduced Comorbidities at Early Follow-Up.

Backgroundand Objectives: In severe obesity, a relevant weight loss can promote the reduction of comorbidities, such as systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus (DM2). Bariatric surgery (BS) has been an essential resource in the therapy of this disease with a short-term reduction of cardiometabolic risk (CR). This study aimed to evaluate the reduction of factors associated with the CR in patients undergoing BS at a 5-year follow-up. Materials and Methods: This is a longitudinal, retrospective study carried out with patients undergoing BS by the Brazilian Public Healthcare System (PHS). Anthropometric and clinical parameters related to the CR (DM2, dyslipidemia, and SAH), quantified by the Assessment of Obesity-Related Comorbidities (AORC) score, were evaluated at the following moments: admission and preoperative and postoperative returns (3 months, 6 months, 1 to 5 years). Results: The sample had a mean age of 44.69 ± 9.49 years and were predominantly in the age group 20-29 years (34.80%) and women (72.46%). At admission to the service, 42.3% had DM2, 50.7% dyslipidemia, and 78.9% SAH. Regarding BS, the gastric bypass technique was used in 92.86% of the sample, and the waiting time for the procedure was 28.3 ± 24.4 months. In the pre- and postoperative period of 3 months, there was a significant reduction in the frequency of DM2 (p < 0.003), dyslipidemia (p < 0.000), and SAH (p < 0.000). However, at postoperative follow-up from 6 months to 5 years, there was no significant reduction in the comorbidities studied. After five years, 35.7% had total remission of DM2 and 2.9% partial remission of DM2, 44.2% had control and remission of dyslipidemia, and 19.6% of SAH (AORC score ≤ 2 for the comorbidities). Conclusion: BS promoted a reduction of the CR in the first three months after BS in severely obese PHS users.

Severity of erectile dysfunction is highly correlated with the syntax score in patients undergoing coronariography.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease (CAD) in men undergoing coronary angiography for angina or acute myocardial infarct (AMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 132 males who underwent coronary angiography for first time between January and November 2010. ED severity was assessed by the international index of erectile function (IIEF-5) and CAD severity was assessed by the Syntax score. Patients with CAD (cases) and without CAD (controls) had their IIEF-5 compared. In the group with CAD, their IIEF-5 scores were compared to their Syntax score results. RESULTS: We identified 86 patients with and 46 without CAD. The IIEF-5 score of the group without CAD (22.6±0.8) was significantly higher than the group with CAD (12.5±0.5; p<0.0001). In patients without ED, the Syntax score average was 6.3±3.5, while those with moderate or severe ED had a mean Syntax score of 39.0±11.1. After adjustment, ED was independently associated to CAD, with an odds ratio of 40.6 (CI 95%, 14.3-115.3, p<0.0001). The accuracy of the logistic model to correctly identify presence or absence of CAD was 87%, with 92% sensitivity and 78% specificity. The average time that ED was present in patients with CAD was 38.8±2.3 months before coronary symptoms, about twice as high as patients without CAD (18.0±5.1 months). CONCLUSIONS: ED severity is strongly and independently correlated with CAD complexity, as assessed by the Syntax score in patients undergoing coronariography for evaluation of new onset coronary symptoms.

Cardiovascular health control in the family health strategy.

Introduction: In Brazil, the Unified Health System (SUS) controls and oversees public health care, and the Family Health Strategy (FHS) is its primary access, with 60% of the population registered in it. The surveillance of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the responsibility of the FHS. In 2010, the American Heart Association (AHA) proposed the evaluation of seven metrics (smoking, Body Mass Index (BMI), physical activity, diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose) with an aim to monitoring cardiovascular health (CVH). However, the results of the FHS regarding the CVH of the Brazilian population are unascertained. Objective: Evaluate the control of CVH among adult patients treated by the FHS in the city of Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the seven metrics recommended by the AHA to evaluate CVH among patients treated by the FHS. The city of Aracaju has a population of 571,149 inhabitants, with 394,267 > 20 years of age; therefore, it was admitted that in a simple random sample, sampling error of 5% with 95% CI, 329 individuals would be needed. Results: Among 400 patients, only 32.5% had controlled CVH. In a univariate analysis, the adjusted multivariate analysis found that being female (aOR: 2.07 IC: 1.20 to 3.60 p: 0.006) under 45 years old (aOR: 1.61 IC: 1.15 to 2.28 p: 0.006) and with the habit of following health advice from family members and neighbors (aOR: 1.28 IC: 1.15 to 2.28 p: 0.040) were associated with control of CVH. On the other hand, those ones who had a greater number of children (aOR: 0.91 IC: 0.84 to 0.95 p: 0.020) were associated with less control of CVH. Conclusions: The study showed that only 32.5% of patients have controlled CVH. Being a woman, young and following health advice from family members and neighbors have a positive influence in controlling CVH. More children reduced controlling these metrics.

Influence of Geographical Location on Access to Reperfusion Therapies and Mortality of Patients with STEMI in Sergipe: VICTIM Register. / Influência da Localização Geográfica no Acesso às Terapias de Reperfusão e Mortalidade de Pacientes com IAMcSST em Sergipe: Registro VICTIM.

BACKGROUND: The concentration of high-complexity services in Aracaju, Sergipe can impose certain disparity in the quality of care for the patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) (STEMI) who receive care from Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS, acronym in Portuguese) and whose symptoms started in other health regions of the state. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate disparities in access to reperfusion therapies and 30-day mortality, among patients with STEMI, who were users of SUS, in each of the 7 health regions of Sergipe. METHODS: A total of 844 patients with STEMI in the period from 2014 to 2018, assisted by the only hospital with the capacity to offer primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) to SUS users in the state of Sergipe, were evaluated. The patients were divided into 7 groups according to the location at the onset of symptoms, following the existing division of health regions in the state. For comparison between groups, a significant difference was considered when p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the total of 844 patients suffering from STEMI who were transferred to the hospital with PPCI that serves SUS patients, 386 patients (45.8%) underwent primary angioplasty. The mean rate of fibrinolytic use was 2.6%, with no differences between the regions. The mean total time of arrival to the hospital with PPCI was 21 hours and 55 minutes, with a median of 10 hours and 22 minutes (6 hours and 30 minutes to 22 hours and 52 minutes). Total 30-day mortality was 12.8%, but without differences between the regions, even when adjusted for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals that fibrinolytics are underused throughout the state and that there is a significant delay in access to the hospital with PPCI, in all health regions of Sergipe.

FUNDAMENTO: A concentração de serviços de alta complexidade em Aracaju/SE pode proporcionar disparidade na qualidade assistencial para os pacientes do SUS com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMcSST) cujos sintomas se iniciaram em outras regiões de saúde do estado. OBJETIVO: Avaliar disparidades no acesso às terapias de reperfusão e mortalidade em 30 dias, entre pacientes com IAMcSST, usuários do SUS, em cada uma das 7 regiões de saúde em Sergipe. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 844 pacientes com IAMcSST no período de 2014 a 2018 atendidos pelo único hospital com capacidade de ofertar intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP) primária para usuários do SUS no estado de Sergipe. Os pacientes foram divididos em 7 grupos de acordo com o local de início dos sintomas e obedecendo a divisão já existente das regiões de saúde do Estado. Para comparação entre grupos, foi considerada diferença significativa quando p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Do total de 844 pacientes vítimas de IAMcSST e transferidos ao hospital com ICP que atende pacientes do SUS, 386 pacientes (45,8%) realizaram angioplastia primária. A taxa média do uso de fibrinolítico foi de 2,6%, não havendo diferenças entre as regiões. O tempo médio total de chegada ao hospital com ICP foi de 21h55' com mediana de 10h22' (6h30' ­ 22h52'). A mortalidade total em 30 dias foi 12,8%, mas sem diferenças entre as regiões, mesmo quando ajustada para idade e sexo. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo revela que os fibrinolíticos são subutilizados em todo o estado e que existe um atraso significativo no acesso ao hospital com ICP, em todas as regiões de saúde de Sergipe.

Access to Reperfusion Therapy and Mortality in Women with ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: VICTIM Register. / Acesso à Terapia de Reperfusão e Mortalidade em Mulheres com Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST: Registro VICTIM.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial reperfusion is a fundamental part of the treatment for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is responsible for reducing morbidity and mortality in affected patients. However, reperfusion rates are usually lower and mortality rates higher in women compared to men. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of the use of reperfusion therapies among women and men with STEMI in hospitals where percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is available in the state of Sergipe. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study that used data from the VICTIM Register. Patients diagnosed with STEMI admitted to the four hospitals (one public and three private) where PCI is available in the state of Sergipe were evaluated, from December 2014 to June 2018. A multivariate analysis with adjusted model using mortality as a dependent variable was made. In all analyses, the level of significance adopted was 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 878 volunteers with a confirmed diagnosis of STEMI, of which 33.4% were women, were included in the study. Only 53.3% of the patients underwent myocardial reperfusion (134 women versus 334 men). Fibrinolysis was performed only in 2.3% of all patients (1.7% of women versus 2.6% of men; p = 0.422). The rate of primary PCI was lower (44% versus 54.5%; p = 0.003) and hospital mortality was higher (16.1% versus 6.7%; p < 0.001) in women than in men. CONCLUSION: Women have significantly lower rates of primary PCI and higher hospital mortality. Reperfusion rates were low in both sexes and there was a clear underutilization of thrombolytic agents.

FUNDAMENTO: A reperfusão miocárdica é parte fundamental do tratamento para infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento de ST (IAMCSST) e é responsável por reduzir morbimortalidade no paciente acometido. No entanto, as taxas de reperfusão são geralmente mais baixas e as taxas de mortalidade mais altas em mulheres que em homens. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a prevalência do uso de terapias de reperfusão em mulheres e homens com IAMCSST nos hospitais com capacidade para realizar intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP) no estado de Sergipe. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo transversal que utilizou dados do Registro VICTIM. Foram avaliados pacientes com diagnóstico de IAMCSST admitidos nos quatro hospitais com capacidade para realizar ICP no estado de Sergipe, sendo um público e três privados, no período de dezembro de 2014 a junho de 2018. Foi aplicada análise multivariada com modelo ajustado utilizando mortalidade como variável dependente. Em todas as análises, o nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 878 voluntários com diagnóstico confirmado de IAMCSST, dos quais 33,4% eram mulheres. Apenas 53,3% dos pacientes foram submetidos à reperfusão miocárdica (134 mulheres versus 334 homens). A fibrinólise foi realizada somente em 2,3% de todos os pacientes (1,7% das mulheres versus 2,6% dos homens; p=0,422). Nas mulheres, a taxa de ICP primária foi menor (44% versus 54,5%; p=0,003) e a mortalidade hospitalar foi maior (16,1% versus 6,7%; p<0,001) que nos homens. CONCLUSÃO: As mulheres apresentam taxas significativamente menores de ICP primária e significativamente maiores de mortalidade hospitalar que os homens. A taxa de reperfusão em ambos os gêneros foi baixa e houve nítida subutilização de agentes trombolíticos.

Chronotropic incompetence and coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Although chronotropic incompetence (CI) represents an independent predictor of mortality and incidence of coronary artery disease, its pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate wall motion abnormalities of the left ventricle and location of coronary arterial lesions in patients with and without CI. METHODS: After exclusion of confounding factors, 610 patients (mean age of 58.4 +/- 11 years; 275 men) with ischaemia who underwent exercise echocardiography were studied. Based on heart rate (HR) reached in treadmill testing, patients were divided into two groups: Chl (97 patients who did not reach 85% of maximum HR recommended for age) and ChC (513 patients who achieved 85% of the maximum age-predicted HR). RESULTS: There was a higher frequency of dyspnoea (5.2% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.003), systemic hypertension (69.1% vs. 57.3%, P = 0.031) and obesity (38.1% vs. 22.6%, P = 0.001), and a lower tolerance to effort (dyspnoea as limitation of physical effort: 36.1% vs. 8.0%, P < 0.0001; duration of treadmill test: 4.4 +/- 2.2 vs. 7.2 +/- 2.8, P < 0.0001; METs: 6.0 +/- 2.6 vs. 8.4 +/- 2.9, P = 0.002) in Chl compared to ChC. The wall motion score index (WMSI) was higher in Chl than in ChC, both at rest (1.15 +/- 0.29 vs. 1.07 +/- 0.19, P = 0.011) and after exercise (1.24 +/- 0.29 vs. 1.15 +/- 0.19, P = 0.002). Systolic function, which was evaluated in peak exercise through WMSI, was significantly more altered in the Chl group. The presence of severe injuries in right coronary was independently associated with CI (adjusted OR = 3.57, CI 95%: 1.86-6.87). CONCLUSION: Chronotropic incompetence is associated with ventricular dysfunction in peak exercise and critical right coronary artery lesions.

Myocardial Injury Biomarkers and Cardiac Complications Associated with Mortality in Patients with COVID-19. / Biomarcadores de Lesão Miocárdica e Complicações Cardíacas Associadas à Mortalidade em Pacientes com COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging RNA virus associated with a severe acute respiratory disease known as COVID-19. Although COVID-19 is predominantly a pulmonary disease, some patients have severe cardiovascular damage. We performed a quantitative evidence synthesis of clinical data, myocardial injury biomarkers, and cardiac complications associated with in-hospital death in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We searched the databases PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar to identify studies comparing clinical data, myocardial injury biomarkers, and cardiac complications between non-survivors and survivors of COVID-19. Effect sizes were reported as mean difference or standardized mean difference for continuous variables and risk ratio for dichotomous variables with 95% confidence intervals. A random effects model was used to pool the results. RESULTS: Six retrospective studies reporting data from 1,141 patients (832 survivors and 309 non-survivors) were included. We found that underlying cardiovascular conditions; elevation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and creatine kinase-MB; and cardiac complications were associated with increased risk of death for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS: The confirmation that underlying cardiovascular conditions, elevation of myocardial injury biomarkers during COVID-19 infection, and acute cardiovascular decompensation are predictors for mortality in SARS-CoV-2 infection must encourage new research to clarify potential mechanisms and test appropriate treatments. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):273-277).

FUNDAMENTO: O SARS-CoV-2 é um vírus de RNA emergente associado à doença respiratória aguda grave conhecida como COVID-19. Embora a COVID-19 seja predominantemente uma doença pulmonar, alguns pacientes apresentam graves danos cardiovasculares. Realizamos uma síntese de evidências quantitativas de dados clínicos, biomarcadores de lesão miocárdica e complicações cardíacas associadas ao óbito hospitalar em pacientes com COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Buscamos nas bases de dados PubMed, Embase e Google Scholar para identificar estudos que comparassem dados clínicos, biomarcadores de lesão miocárdica e complicações cardíacas entre pacientes sobreviventes e não sobreviventes da COVID-19. Os tamanhos dos efeitos foram apresentados como diferença média ou diferença média padronizada para variáveis contínuas e razão de risco para variáveis dicotômicas, com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Foi utilizado um modelo de efeitos aleatórios para agrupar os resultados. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos seis estudos retrospectivos que relataram dados de 1.141 pacientes (832 sobreviventes e 309 não sobreviventes). Verificamos que condições cardiovasculares subjacentes; elevação de troponina cardíaca I de alta sensibilidade; N-terminal do pró-hormônio do peptídeo natriurético do tipo B e creatina quinase-MB; e complicações cardíacas foram associadas ao aumento do risco de óbito em pacientes com infecção por SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSÕES: A confirmação de que condições cardiovasculares subjacentes, elevação de biomarcadores de lesão miocárdica durante a infecção por COVID-19 e descompensação cardiovascular aguda são preditores de mortalidade na infecção por SARS-CoV-2 deve incentivar novas pesquisas para esclarecer possíveis mecanismos e testar tratamentos adequados. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(2):273-277).

Effects of Exercise Training Combined with Virtual Reality in Functionality and Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients on Hemodialysis.

Objective: The progression of chronic kidney disease can directly affect patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Exercise training is a good option to reverse the impacts caused by the disease. To escape from the monotonous routine and stimulate further practice, the therapist should consider making physical activity more playful. Using videogames during exercise training is possible to rehabilitate the patient aiming for fun beyond the organic condition. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise training combined with Virtual Reality (VR) in functionality and HRQoL of patients on hemodialysis. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled study in which control group (n = 20) maintained only hemodialysis without any physical effort or intervention from the researchers and intervention group (n = 20) who performed endurance and strength physical exercises in combination with VR during hemodialysis for 12 weeks. All eligible patients underwent a familiarization of games and were evaluated by an investigator-blind for functional capacity, quality of life, and depressive symptoms. Functional capacity tests included walking speed, timed up and go (TUG), and Duke Activity Status Index (DASI). To evaluate a HRQoL, Kidney Disease and Quality-of-Life Short-Form (KDQOL-SF™, v. 1.3) was used and to investigate depressive symptoms, the Center for Epidemiological Scale-Depression. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to determine differences within each group. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (group vs. time) was used to assess group differences in our major outcomes. The level of significance was 5%. Results: The exercise improved functional capacity (TUG: P = 0.002, DASI: P < 0.001) and HRQoL in physical and specific domains: physical functioning (P = 0.047), role physical (P = 0.021), as well as in physical composite summary (P < 0.001) and effects of kidney disease (P = 0.013). There was no influence on depressive symptoms (P = 0.154). Conclusion: Physical training combined with VR improved functional capacity and some quality-of-life domains of hemodialysis patients.

Quality of Intra-Hospital Nutritional Counseling in Patients with STEMI in the Public and Private Health Networks of Sergipe: The VICTIM Register.

BACKGROUND: Having appropriate dietary habits is part of the recommendations after ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), however, the quality of intra-hospital nutritional counselling in the different health services has been minimally explored. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of intra-hospital nutritional counselling among patients with STEMI in the public and private health systems in Sergipe. METHODS: A cross-sectional, with data from the Via Crucis for the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction (VICTIM) Register, conducted from April to November of 2017, with individuals aged ≥ 18 years diagnosed with STEMI, in one public health service hospital and three private hospitals. The occurrence and quality of nutritional counselling were analyzed based on current guidelines and the administration of questionnaires. A significance level of 0.05 was adopted. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients were analyzed; 80.3% were from the public health service facility. Among the interviewees, 57.6% of the public health service, and 70.3% of the private hospital patients received intra-hospital nutritional counselling (p = 0.191). The documentation of this practice, in medical records, was lower in the public service (2.6% vs. 37.8%, p < 0.001). A predominance of restrictive orientations was found in the public and private sectors, mainly regarding salt and fat, 52.3% and 70.3% respectively (p = 0.064). Patients from the private service were more counselling to introduce of cardioprotective foods, mainly fruit, vegetable/legume consumption (48.6% vs. 13.2%, p < 0.001). Among those who received counselling, nutritional knowledge was higher in the private sector (68.2% vs. 26.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The intra-hospital nutritional counselling provided to patients with STEMI, in Sergipe, still presents poor quality in both services, especially in the public health system.

Disparities In The Use Of Drug-eluting Stents For Diabetic Patients With ST-elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction Assisted In the Public versus Private Network - VICTIM Register.

BACKGROUND: Primary angioplasty (PA) with placement of either bare metal or drug-eluting stents (DES) represents the main strategy in the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Diabetic patients, however, represent a special population in STEMI, with high rates of restenosis and unfavorable clinical outcomes, and with the use of DES, level of evidence A and indication class II, being indicated to reduce these damages. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the DES rate of use in patients with STEMI and in the subgroup of diabetics assisted in the public versus private health network in Sergipe. METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach using the data from the VICTIM Register. These were collected in the only four hospitals with capacity to perform PA in Sergipe, from December 2014 to March 2017. RESULTS: A total of 707 patients diagnosed with STEMI were evaluated, of which 589 were attended at SUS and 118 at the private network. The use of DES in PA was lower in SUS compared to the private network in both the total sample (10.5% vs 82.4%, p<0.001) and in subgroup diabetic patients (8.7% vs 90.6%, p < 0.001), respectively. In all hypotheses tested, the level of significance was 5% (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals a disparity in the use of DES during the performance of PA between the public and private network, both in the total sample and the subgroup for diabetics, with lower rates for SUS users, demonstrating the challenges that need to be overcome in order to achieve quality improvements of the services provided.

Diet quality of patients with acute coronary syndrome receiving public and private health care.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of the diets consumed by patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who received public and private health care. METHODS: This observational, prospective, longitudinal cohort study evaluated patients with ACS who attended three private and one public cardiology reference hospitals. Information about dietary parameters during the 6 mo before the acute ACS event was collected at admission and 180 d later using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was assessed using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (2010), and a multilinear regression model was developed to evaluate the associated variables. RESULTS: The 581 volunteers included in this study comprised 325 (55.9%) and 256 (44.1%) patients treated at private and public hospitals, respectively. Although the dietary index increased significantly after ACS (P < 0001), diet quality remained unsatisfactory, particularly in terms of reductions in the consumption of cardioprotective components (vegetables, fruits, and eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic fatty acids). Compared with patients receiving private health care, those attending a public hospital reported lower dietary quality (P < 0.001). The best diet quality was found to correlate with female sex (P < 0.001), receipt of dietary guidance at hospital discharge (P < 0.001), private health care (P < 0.001), a stable relationship status (P, 0.016), and older age (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The overall post-ACS diet quality remained unsatisfactory, especially in terms of cardioprotective components and among patients receiving public health care. Sociodemographic factors and the assistance model/quality were determinants of the observed differences in dietary quality.

Readmission of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Determinants.

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is responsible for high rates of hospital admission and readmission, which are associated with increased costs for the patient and the health system, and increased in-hospital mortality rates. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate readmission in patients with ACS and its determinants. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of adult and elderly patients with ACS, readmitted to public and private referral cardiology hospitals within one year after the first hospitalization for ACS. The occurrence of readmissions, the time elapsed from the first to the second admission, and the use of medications at admission were collected from the medical records. Associations between categorical variables were evaluated by the chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors for readmissions. A p < 0.05 was set as statistically significant. RESULTS: Readmission rate was 21.5% (n = 115) and mean time between admissions was 122.7 ± 112.1 days. The patients were mostly men (64.0%), mean age of 63.15 ± 12.3 years. Among readmitted patients, 7% had a prognosis of "death", and 68.7% were readmitted more than once within a one-year period. The main reasons of readmission were cardiovascular diseases including ACS. Private health care and the diagnosis of congestive heart failure were associated with multiple logistic regression. CONCLUSION: ACS was the main cause of readmission, with higher prevalence among users of supplemental health care. Readmissions were associated with previous diagnosis of congestive heart failure and the type of health care provided.

Factors Associated with Inadequate Management of Antiplatelet Agents in Perioperative Period of Non-Cardiac Surgeries.

BACKGROUND: The current guidelines dispose recommendations to manage antiplatelet agents in the perioperative period; however, the daily medical practices lack standardization. OBJECTIVES: To asses factors associated with inadequate management of antiplatelet agents in the perioperative period of non-cardiac surgeries. METHODS: Cross-sectional Study conducted in hospital from October 2014 to October 2016. The study dependent variable was a therapy that did not comply with the recommendations in the Brazilian Association of Cardiology (SBC) guidelines. The independent variables included some characteristics, the people in charge of the management and causes of lack of adherence to those guidelines. Variables were included in the multivariate model. Analysis was based on the odds ratio (OR) value and its respective 95% confidence interval (CI) estimated by means of logistic regression with 5% significance level. RESULTS: The sample was composed of adult patients submitted to non-cardiac surgeries and who would use acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or clopidogrel (n = 161). The management failed to comply with the recommendations in the guidelines in 80.75% of the sample. Surgeons had the highest number of noncomplying orientations (n = 63). After multivariate analysis it was observed that patients with a higher level of schooling (OR = 0.24; CI95% 0.07-0.78) and those with a previous episode of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (OR = 0.18; CI95% 0.04-0.95) had a higher probability of using a therapy complying with the guidelines. CONCLUSION: Positive association between patients' schooling level, or those with a history of previous AMI, with management of the use of aspirin and clopidogrel in the perioperative period of non-cardiac surgeries. However, diverging conducts stress the need of having internal protocol defined.

Non-Targeted Self-Measured Blood Pressure and Hypertension Control in Public and Private Health Systems in Brazil

Abstract Background: It is estimated that more than 30% of the Brazilian population has systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), and mostly as an uncontrolled disease. The most recent Brazilian Guideline of Hypertension recommends the practice of self-measurement of blood pressure (BP) as one of the strategies for a better control of SAH, but there is no consensus about the efficiency of this tool. Objective: To assess the control of SAH and the practice of non-targeted self-measured BP (SMBP) among hypertensive users of the Unified Health System (SUS) and the Supplementary Network (SN). Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational, analytical study, with a stratified probability sample. One thousand volunteers were investigated, being 500 from SUS and 500 from the SN. Uni and multivariate analyses were performed considering a 5% significance level. Results: Patients from SUS presented inferior sociodemographic data (schooling, social status) in relation to those of the SN (p < 0.001), and showed lower control of SAH (p = 0.014), as well as more visits to the emergency room in the past year due to hypertension (p = 0.002), and fewer regular appointments with the cardiologist (p = 0.004). SMBP was equally present in both assessed groups (p = 0.567), even though users of the SN have been more advised to not conduct such a practice (p = 0.002). SMBP (p < 0.001) was an independent factor for uncontrolled SAH both in SUS (OR = 3.424) and in the SN (OR = 3.474). Conclusion: Patients in SUS presented lower SAH control. The practice of SMBP, mostly practiced with an uncalibrated digital device, was equally present in both groups and became an independent factor of uncontrolled SAH.

Spironolactone Versus Clonidine as a Fourth-Drug Therapy for Resistant Hypertension: The ReHOT Randomized Study (Resistant Hypertension Optimal Treatment).

The aim of this study is to compare spironolactone versus clonidine as the fourth drug in patients with resistant hypertension in a multicenter, randomized trial. Medical therapy adherence was checked by pill counting. Patients with resistant hypertension (no office and ambulatory blood pressure [BP] monitoring control, despite treatment with 3 drugs, including a diuretic, for 12 weeks) were randomized to an additional 12-week treatment with spironolactone (12.5-50 mg QD) or clonidine (0.1-0.3 mg BID). The primary end point was BP control during office (<140/90 mm Hg) and 24-h ambulatory (<130/80 mm Hg) BP monitoring. Secondary end points included BP control from each method and absolute BP reduction. From 1597 patients recruited, 11.7% (187 patients) fulfilled the resistant hypertension criteria. Compared with the spironolactone group (n=95), the clonidine group (n=92) presented similar rates of achieving the primary end point (20.5% versus 20.8%, respectively; relative risk, 1.01 [0.55-1.88]; P=1.00). Secondary end point analysis showed similar office BP (33.3% versus 29.3%) and ambulatory BP monitoring (44% versus 46.2%) control for spironolactone and clonidine, respectively. However, spironolactone promoted greater decrease in 24-h systolic and diastolic BP and diastolic daytime ambulatory BP than clonidine. Per-protocol analysis (limited to patients with ≥80% adherence to spironolactone/clonidine treatment) showed similar results regarding the primary end point. In conclusion, clonidine was not superior to spironolactone in true resistant hypertensive patients, but the overall BP control was low (≈21%). Considering easier posology and greater decrease in secondary end points, spironolactone is preferable for the fourth-drug therapy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01643434.

Infecção pelo sars-cov-2 e disfunção autonômica ­ labilidade pressórica na covid-19 / Sars-cov-2 infection and autonomic dysfunction - pressure liability at covid-19

Homem de 53 anos, hipertenso e portador de bronquite, admitido em um serviço de urgência no dia 15 de dezembro de 2020 devido sintomas gripais, febre e cefaleia iniciados há oito dias. Após constatação de acometimento pulmonar importante mediante tomografia computadorizada (TC) de tórax, sugestivo de infecção pelo vírus SARS-CoV2, o paciente foi internado em unidade de terapia intensiva. Foi intubado no décimo dia de internação, e, dois dias após, evoluiu com labilidade pressórica importante, recorrendo ao uso de noradrenalina e nitroprussiato, além de outros anti-hipertensivos, conforme a necessidade. O quadro predominante foi a hipertensão arterial sistêmica, manifestada principalmente com a mudança de decúbito, sendo o maior valor pressórico registrado de 240x90 mmHg. A disautonomia também se manifestou por ausência de dejeções, sudorese excessiva e espasmos musculares. A frequência cardíaca se manteve estável e dentro dos parâmetros de normalidade.A partir do trigésimo dia de internação, observou-se melhora progressiva do quadro e reestabelecimento da homeostase. Obteve alta após 59 dias de internação, sem sequelas significativas. A explicação mais razoável para o caso é o aumento da resistência vascular periférica, por ação da angiotensina II, associada à supressão do sistema parassimpático, o que explica, também, a incompetência do barorreflexo para compensação da frequência cardíaca. Adicionalmente, o paciente estava em uso de carvedilol. Este caso enfatiza o desafio diagnóstico precoce da disautonomia em pacientes críticos, devido a carência de ferramentas adequadas para uso na prática cotidiana. A estimulação vagal pode constituir opção terapêutica eficaz, mas carece de mais estudos

A 53-year-old male, hypertensive and with bronchitis, was admitted to the emergency department on December 15, 2020 due to flu-like symptoms, fever and headache that started eight days ago. After finding significant lung involvement by chest computed tomography (CT) suggestive of SARS-CoV2 virus infection, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. He was intubated on the tenth day of hospitalization, and, 2 days later, he evolved with significant pressure lability, using norepinephrine and nitroprusside, in addition to other antihypertensive drugs, as needed. The predominant state was hypertension, expressed mainly when there is interference from the patient's position in bed. The highest pressure value recorded was 240x90 mmHg. Dysautonomy was also manifested by the absence of stools, excessive sweating and muscle spasms. Heart rate remains stable and within normal limits. From the thirtieth day of hospitalization onwards, there was an evolution with progressive improvement and restoration of homeostasis. He was discharged after 59 days of hospitalization, without sequelae. The most reasonable explanation for the case is the increase in peripheral vascular resistance, due to the action of angiotensin II, associated with the suppression of the parasympathetic system, which also explains the incompetence of the baroreflex to compensate the heart rate. Additionally, the patient was using carvedilol. This case emphasizes the importance of tools that early identify dysautonomy, prepare the team. Vagal stimulation can be an effective therapeutic option, but further studies are needed