Dietary quality improvement after a short-term nutritional counseling program in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome is a complex clinical condition that brings together a set of cardiovascular risk factors. Lifestyle changes, such as eating habit improvements, are first-choice therapies for the treatment of this clinical condition. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term nutritional counseling, on the diet quality and total energetic value (TEV) in individuals with Metabolic Syndrome. Eighty subjects (men and women) aged 30 to 60 years with metabolic syndrome were followed over three months. The Healthy Eating Index tool adapted to the Brazilian population was used for the evaluation of diet quality. Mean age was 51 + 6 years, and 68.6% were women. The mean score of the dietary quality of the population studied increased significantly from 53.02 to 61.65 after intervention. The amount of individuals classified as Inappropriate Diet decreased significantly six-fold, the amount of individuals classified as Healthy Diet increased four-fold, and the percent of diets classified as Diet that Needs Change decreased by 25% when compared to the beginning of the study. Adequate intake of vegetables was inversely associated to abdominal circumference, as well as adequate intake of sodium and fasting serum insulin. The amount of TEV presented a significant reduction (p <0.000) after intervention. The short-term nutritional counseling showed to be efficient to improve dietary quality. Associations between dietary quality and variables studied highlight the importance of nutritional intervention in individuals with metabolic syndrome.

Proposed Risk Score in Patients with Aortic Stenosis Submitted to Valve Replacement Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Due to Brazilian population aging, prevalence of aortic stenosis, and limited number of scores in literature, it is essential to develop risk scores adapted to our reality and created in the specific context of this disease. METHODS: This is an observational historical cohort study with analysis of 802 aortic stenosis patients who underwent valve replacement at Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, from 1996 to 2018. With the aid of logistic regression, a weighted risk score was constructed based on the magnitude of the coeficients ß of the logistic equation. Two performance statistics were obtained: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the chi-square (χ2) of Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit with Pearson's correlation coeficient between the observed events and predicted as a model calibration estimate. RESULTS: The risk predictors that composed the score were valve replacement surgery combined with coronary artery bypass grafting, prior renal failure, New York Heart Association class III/IV heart failure, age > 70 years, and ejection fraction < 50%. The receiver operating characteristic curve area was 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.72-0.82); regarding the model calibration estimated between observed/predicted mortality, Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ2 = 3,70 (P=0.594) and Pearson's coeficient r = 0.98 (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: We propose the creation of a simple score, adapted to the Brazilian reality, with good performance and which can be validated in other institutions.

Ten-Year Survival of Heart Failure Patients with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction of 40-59%: A Potential Phenotypic Classification? / Sobrevida em 10 Anos de Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca com FEVE 40-59%: Uma Classificação Fenotípica Viável?

Definitions of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) cut-off values for HF with mildly reduced LVEF (HFmrEF) have been a subject of debate, in the face of evidence that some drugs used in the treatment of HF with LFEV < 40% (HFrEF) are also effective in patients with LVEF < 60%. The aim of this study was to compare overall survival and cardiovascular survival in HF patients with LVEF of 40-59% in patients with HFrEF and HF with LVEF ≥ 60%. Patients with decompensated HF who met the Framingham diagnostic criteria at hospital admission between 2009 and 2011 were included. Patients were divided into HFrEF, HF with LVEF 40-59%, and HF with LVEF ≥ 60%. The Kaplan-Meier was used to determine ten-year overall survival and cardiovascular survival. The statistical significance was established at p<0.05. A total of 400 patients were included, with a mean age of 69 ± 14 years. Cardiovascular survival in patients with HF and LVEF of 40-59% was not significantly different than in patients with HFrEF (adjusted Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.86; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.61-1.22, Ptrend = NS), but was statistically different compared with patients with LVEF ≥ 60% (adjusted HR of 0.64; 95% CI 0.44-0.94, Ptrend = 0.023). No difference was found in 10-year survival between the LVEF groups. Patients with HF and LVEF ≥ 60% had significantly higher cardiovascular survival compared with the other groups.

Os limites da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) para a insuficiência cardíaca (IC) com FEVE levemente reduzida (ICFElr) têm sido questionados, já que evidências demonstram que alguns medicamentos utilizados para IC com FEVE <40% (ICFEr) demonstram eficácia também em populações com FEVE < 60%. Objetivo do estudo foi comparar a sobrevida total e cardiovascular de pacientes com IC com FEVE 40-59% com paciente com ICFEr e IC com FEVE ≥ 60%. Foram incluídos pacientes com IC descompensada que preencheram os critérios diagnósticos de Framingham na admissão hospitalar entre 2009 e 2011. Os pacientes foram divididos em ICFEr, IC com FEVE 40-59% e IC com FEVE ≥ 60%. O método de Kaplan-Meier foi usado para detectar a sobrevida geral e cardiovascular em 10 anos. A significância estatística foi estabelecida em p <0,05. Foram incluídos 400 pacientes, com idade média de 69 ± 14 anos. A sobrevida cardiovascular nos pacientes com IC e FEVE 40-59% não foi diferente em comparação aos pacientes com ICFEr [Hazard Ratio (HR) ajustado 0,86 ­ Intervalo de Confiança (IC) 95% 0,61-1,22; Ptrend = NS], mas foi estatisticamente diferente em comparação aos com FEVE ≥ 60% (HR ajustado = 0,64 - IC95% 0,44-0,94; Ptrend = 0,023). Não houve diferença na taxa de sobrevida de 10 anos entre diferentes grupos de FEVE. O grupo de pacientes com IC e FEVE ≥ 60% teve maior sobrevida cardiovascular que os outros grupos.

Phase angle of bioimpedance as a marker of inflammation in cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether phase angle (PhA) of bioelectrical impedance is associated with inflammatory markers in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). METHODS: A search was performed in the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Latin American Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science and Scopus; and in the gray literature up to January 2022. Studies with individuals with CVDs were included, to evaluate the association between PhA and the inflammatory markers interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-18, IL-1ß, IL-33, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR 4, nuclear factor κB, pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules, lipopolysaccharides, interferon-γ-inducing factor, and JAK STAT. RESULTS: We identified 755 articles and, after an eligibility analysis, 5 studies were included. The inflammatory markers investigated in the studies were CRP, TNF-α, and IL-33. In patients with CVDs, PhA was negatively associated with CRP and TNF-α in 80% and 100% of the studies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggested that PhA is inversely associated with inflammatory markers in individuals with CVDs, and its clinical use is encouraged for better therapeutic planning.

Prognostic Assessment of Fractional Flow Reserve in Different Strata in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease. / Avaliação Prognóstica da Reserva de Fluxo Fracionada em Diferentes Estratos nos Pacientes com Doença Arterial Coronariana.

BACKGROUND: There are limited real-world data on the clinical course of untreated coronary lesions according to their functional severity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the 5-year clinical outcomes of patients with revascularized lesions with fractional flow reserve (FFR) ≤ 0.8 and patients with non-revascularized lesions with FFR > 0.8. METHODS: The FFR assessment was performed in 218 patients followed for up to 5 years. Participants were classified based on FFR into ischemia group (≤ 0.8, intervention group, n = 55), low-normal FFR group (> 0.8-0.9, n = 91), and high-normal FFR group (> 0.9, n = 72). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and need for repeat revascularization. The significance level was set at 0.05; therefore, results with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Most patients were male (62.8%) with a mean age of 64.1 years. Diabetes was present in 27%. On coronary angiography, the severity of stenosis was 62% in the ischemia group, 56.4% in the low-normal FFR group, and 54.3% in the high-normal FFR group (p<0.05). Mean follow-up was 3.5 years. The incidence of MACEs was 25.5%, 13.2%, and 11.1%, respectively (p=0.037). MACE incidence did not differ significantly between the low-normal and high-normal FFR groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with FFR indicative of ischemia had poorer outcomes than those in non-ischemia groups. There was no difference in the incidence of events between the low-normal and high-normal FFR groups. Long-term studies with a large sample size are needed to better assess cardiovascular outcomes in patients with moderate coronary stenosis with FFR values between 0.8 and 1.0.

FUNDAMENTO: Existem dados limitados sobre a evolução clínica de lesões coronarianas não tratadas de acordo com sua gravidade funcional no mundo real. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os resultados clínicos de até 5 anos em pacientes com lesões revascularizadas com reserva de fluxo fracionada (FFR) ≤ 0,8 e em pacientes com lesões não revascularizadas com FFR > 0,8. MÉTODOS: A avaliação pelo FFR foi realizada em 218 pacientes seguidos por até 5 anos. Os participantes foram classificados com base na FFR no grupo isquêmico (≤ 0,8, grupo intervenção, n = 55), no grupo FFR normal-baixa (> 0,8-0,9, n = 91) e no grupo FFR normal-alta (> 0,9, n = 72). O desfecho primário foram eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (ECAMs), um composto de morte, infarto do miocárdio e necessidade de nova revascularização. O nível de significância adotado neste estudo foi alfa = 0,05; deste modo, resultados com valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos participantes era do sexo masculino (62,8%) com média de idade de 64,1 anos. Diabetes estava presente em 27%. À angiografia coronariana, a gravidade da estenose avaliada foi de 62%, 56,4% e 54,3% nos grupos isquêmico, FFR normal-baixa e FFR normal-alta, respectivamente (p < 0,05). O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 3,5 anos. A incidência ECAM foi de 25,5%, 13,2% e 11,1%, respectivamente (p = 0,037). Não houve diferença na incidência de ECAM entre os grupos FFR normal-baixa e FFR normal-alta (p = NS). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com FFR indicativa de isquemia apresentaram piores desfechos quando comparados aos dos grupos não isquêmicos. Entre os grupos que apresentaram valores de FFR considerados normal-baixo e normal-alto, não houve diferença na incidência de eventos. Há necessidade de estudos de longo prazo e com grande número de pacientes para melhor avaliar os desfechos cardiovasculares em pacientes portadores de estenose coronariana moderada com valores de FFR entre 0,8 e 1,0.

Phase angle of bioimpedance at 50 kHz is associated with cardiovascular diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The phase angle of bioimpedance is an important prognostic tool in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between phase angle and cardiovascular diseases. Electronic searches were carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, SCIELO, LILACS, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Web of Science. The PECO was "P" adults over 18 years of age, "E" the presence of cardiovascular disease, "C" absence of cardiovascular disease, and "O" phase angle values. The phase-angle means difference (MD) was analyzed separately by sex. Subgroup metanalysis with age, body mass index, and heart failure disease and meta-regressions were analyzed with random-effects models. Sensitivity analysis was performed considering only studies with high quality. The heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Q-Cochran test and I² statistics. Four-hundred-thirty-nine articles were identified, and 22 studies were included in this systematic review, totaling 10.010 participants. Eight studies met the criteria for the meta-analysis, involving 2164 participants. The phase angle (PA) was measured at 50 kHz frequency in all studies. Individuals with cardiovascular disease had a smaller PA compared to the control group, for both males (MD -0.70; 95% CI -1.01 to -0.39) and females (MD -0.76; 95% CI -1.39 to -0.13). In the sensitivity analysis, in men, the quality of studies (P < 0.01), and in women, heart failure (P < 0.01) was significantly different between groups.The values of the phase angle were lower in individuals with cardiovascular disease than in control subjects. This result reinforces the importance of this tool in clinical practice, highlighting its potential to assess health status. Registration: The systematic review protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database as CRD42020164178.

Risk Score Elaboration for Stroke in Cardiac Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is a complication that causes considerable morbidity and mortality during the heart surgery postoperative period (incidence: 1.3 to 5%; mortality: 13 to 41%). Models for assessing the risk of stroke after heart surgery have been proposed, but most of them do not evaluate postoperative morbidity. The aim of this study was to develop a risk score for postoperative stroke in patients who undergo heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted with data from 4,862 patients who underwent surgery from 1996 to 2016. Logistic regression was used to assess relationships between risk factors and stroke. Data from 3,258 patients were used to construct the model. The model's performance was then validated using data from the remainder of the patients (n=1,604). The model's accuracy was tested using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: The prevalence of stroke during the postoperative period was 3% (n=149); 59% of the patients who exhibited this outcome were male, 51% were aged ≥ 66 years, and 31.5% of the patients died. The variables that remained as independent predictors of the outcome after multivariate analysis were advanced age, urgent/emergency surgery, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, history of cerebrovascular disease, and cardiopulmonary bypass time ≥ 110 minutes. The area under the ROC curve was 0.71 (95% confidence interval 0.66 - 0.75). CONCLUSION: We were able to develop a risk score for stroke after heart surgery. This score classifies patients as low, medium, high, or very high risk of a surgery-related stroke.

Survival of Patients with Acute Heart Failure and Mid-range Ejection Fraction in a Developing Country - A Cohort Study in South Brazil. / Sobrevida de Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca Aguda e Fração de Ejeção Intermediária em um País em Desenvolvimento ­ Estudo de Coorte no Sul do Brasil.

BACKGROUND: Heart Failure with mid-range Ejection Fraction (HFmEF) was recently described by European and Brazilian guidelines on Heart Failure (HF). The ejection fraction (EF) is an important parameter to guide therapy and prognosis. Studies have shown conflicting results without representative data from developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare survival rate in patients with HFmEF, HF patients with reduced EF (HFrEF), and HF patients with preserved EF (HFpEF), and to evaluate the clinical characteristics of these patients. METHODS: A cohort study that included adult patients with acute HF admitted through the emergency department to a tertiary hospital, reference in cardiology, in south Brazil from 2009 to 2011. The sample was divided into three groups according to EF: reduced, mid-range and preserved. A Kaplan-Meier curve was analyzed according to the EF, and a logistic regression analysis was done. Statistical significance was established as p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 380 patients were analyzed. Most patients had HFpEF (51%), followed by patients with HFrEF (32%) and HFmEF (17%). Patients with HFmEF showed intermediate characteristics related to age, blood pressure and ventricular diameters, and most patients were of ischemic etiology. Median follow-up time was 4.0 years. There was no statistical difference in overall survival or cardiovascular mortality (p=.0031) between the EF groups (reduced EF: 40.5% mortality; mid-range EF 39.7% and preserved EF 26%). Hospital mortality was 7.6%. CONCLUSION: There was no difference in overall survival rate between the EF groups. Patients with HFmEF showed higher mortality from cardiovascular diseases in comparison with HFpEF patients. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):14-23).

FUNDAMENTO: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) com fração de ejeção na faixa média ou intermediária (ICFEI) (em inglês, "mid-range ejection fraction) foi recentemente descrita em diretrizes europeia e brasileira recentes sobre o manejo da insuficiência cardíaca (IC). A fração de ejeção (FE) é um parâmetro importante para direcionar terapia e prognóstico. Estudos têm mostrado resultados conflitantes sem dados representativos de países em desenvolvimento. OBJETIVO: Analisar e comparar a taxa de sobrevida em pacientes com ICFEI com pacientes com IC e FE reduzida (ICFEr), e pacientes com IC e FE preservada, e avaliar as características clínicas desses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudo coorte que incluiu pacientes com IC aguda admitidos no departamento de emergência de um hospital terciário, referência em cardiologia, localizado no sul do Brasil, entre 2009 e 2011. A amostra foi dividida em três grupos de acordo com a FE: reduzida, intermediária e preservada. Curva de Kaplan-Meier foi analisada de acordo com a FE, e uma análise de regressão logística foi realizada. A significância estatística foi estabelecida em p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Um total de 380 pacientes foram analisados. A maioria dos pacientes apresentaram ICFEp (515), seguido de ICFEr (32%) e ICFEI (17%). Os pacientes com ICFEI apresentaram características intermediárias em relação à idade, pressão arterial, e diâmetros ventriculares, e a maioria era de etiologia isquêmica. O período mediano de acompanhamento foi de 4 anos. Não se observou diferença na sobrevida geral ou na mortalidade cardiovascular (p=0,03) entre os grupos de FE (FE reduzida: mortalidade de 40,5%; FE intermediária: 39,7%, e FE preservada 26%). A mortalidade hospitalar foi 7,6%. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve diferença na taxa de sobrevida entre os grupos de FE diferentes. Os pacientes com ICFEI apresentaram maior mortalidade por doenças cardiovasculares em comparação a pacientes com ICFEp. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(1):14-23).

The Effect of Different Interventions for Lifestyle Modifications on the Number of Diagnostic Criteria and Clinical Aspects of Metabolic Syndrome.

Background: Lifestyle intervention programs comprise the first-choice therapy to reduce the cardiovascular risk factors in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Our aim was to compare the effects of three lifestyle modification programs on the number of diagnostic criteria and clinical parameters of MetS. Methods: Twelve-week clinical trial, including 125 adults who presented at least three of the criteria defined by the revised NCEP ATP III (National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Panel III) for MetS. Individuals were randomized into three multidisciplinary intervention groups: Standard Intervention (SI), Group Intervention (GI) and Individual Intervention (II). Results: Seventy-one individuals, aged 34-59 years, concluded the study: SI: 20, GI: 25, and II: 26. The GI and II groups presented a significant decrease of body mass index, abdominal circumference, diastolic and systolic arterial pressure after intervention. The number of diagnostic criteria for MetS decreased significantly. Within the GI and II groups, 16.0% and 15.4% of the individuals, respectively, did not meet the criteria for the clinical condition studied at the end of the interventions. In the II group, the percentage of individuals with five criteria reduced 83.5%. In the GI group, the percentage of individuals with five criteria remained the same, but the number of individuals with four criteria presented a 50.0% reduction. Conclusions: Results reinforce that nonpharmacological strategies for changing lifestyle affect the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors existing in MetS. They are also able to remove the population from this clinical condition by decreasing the diagnostic criteria. II or GI lead to a successful treatment of MetS, especially when conducted by multidisciplinary team. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials-ReBEC number: RBR-9wz5fc.

Evaluation of 1-Year Follow-up of Patients Included in the Registry of Clinical Practice in Patients at High Cardiovascular Risk (REACT). / Avaliação do Seguimento de 1 Ano dos Pacientes Incluídos no Registro da Prática Clínica em Pacientes de Alto Risco Cardiovascular (REACT).

BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, there is evidence of failure to prescribe evidence-based therapies for patients at high cardiovascular risk. However, in Brazil, data on 1-year outcomes of these patients remain insufficient. OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of evidence-based therapies and the occurrence of major cardiovascular outcomes and their major predictors in a 12-month follow-up of a Brazilian multicenter registry of patients at high cardiovascular risk. METHODS: This prospective observational study documented the outpatient clinical practice of managing patients over 45 years of age and of high cardiovascular risk in both primary and secondary prevention. Patients were followed-up for 1 year, and the prescription of evidence-based therapies and the occurrence of major cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, stroke, cardiac arrest, and cardiovascular death) were assessed. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: From July 2010 to August 2014, a total of 5076 individuals were enrolled in 48 centers, 91% of the 4975 eligible patients were followed-up in cardiology centers, and 68.6% were in secondary prevention. At 1 year, the concomitant use of antiplatelet agents, statins, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduced from 28.3% to 24.2% (p < 0.001). Major cardiovascular event rate was 5.46%, and the identified predictors were age, patients in secondary prevention, and diabetic nephropathy. CONCLUSIONS: In this large national registry of patients at high cardiovascular risk, risk predictors similar to those of international registries were identified, but medical prescription adherence to evidence-based therapies was inferior and significantly worsened at 1 year. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

FUNDAMENTO: Na prática clínica, há evidências de falhas na prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências para pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular. Entretanto, no Brasil, ainda são insuficientes os dados sobre a evolução ao longo de 1 ano desses pacientes. OBJETIVOS: Descrição no acompanhamento de 12 meses da utilização de terapias baseadas em evidência e da ocorrência de desfechos cardiovasculares maiores e seus principais preditores em um registro brasileiro multicêntrico de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional prospectivo que documentou a prática clínica ambulatorial de indivíduos acima de 45 anos e de alto risco cardiovascular tanto em prevenção primária como secundária. Os pacientes foram seguidos por 1 ano e avaliou-se a prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidência e a ocorrência de eventos cardiovasculares maiores (infarto agudo do miocárdio [IAM], acidente vascular cerebral [AVC], parada cardíaca e mortalidade por causa cardiovascular). Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. RESULTADOS: De julho de 2010 até agosto de 2014, 5.076 indivíduos foram incluídos em 48 centros, sendo 91% dos 4.975 pacientes elegíveis acompanhados em centros de cardiologia e 68,6% em prevenção secundária. Em 1 ano, o uso concomitante de antiplaquetários, estatinas e inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina (IECA) reduziu de 28,3% para 24,2% (valor de p < 0,001). A taxa de eventos cardiovasculares maiores foi de 5,46%, e os preditores identificados foram: idade, pacientes em prevenção secundária e nefropatia diabética. CONCLUSÕES: Neste grande registro nacional de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular, foram identificados preditores de risco semelhantes aos registros internacionais, porém a adesão da prescrição médica a terapias baseadas em evidência esteve abaixo dos dados da literatura internacional e apresentou piora significativa em 1 ano. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Comparative evaluation of video-based on-line course versus serious game for training medical students in cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A randomised trial.

PURPOSE: To estimate the effect size of a serious game for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in comparison with a video-based on-line course in terms of learning outcomes among medical students before simulation-based CPR using a manikin. METHODS: Participants were 45 first-year medical students randomly assigned to CPR self-training using either a video-based Apple Keynote presentation (n = 22) or a serious game developed in a 3D learning environment (n = 23) for up to 20 min. Each participant was evaluated on a written, multiple-choice test (theoretical test) and then on a scenario of cardiac arrest (practical test) before and after exposure to the self-learning methods. The primary endpoint was change in theoretical and practical baseline scores during simulated CPR. This study was conducted in 2017. RESULTS: Both groups improved scores after exposure. The video group had superior performance in both the theoretical test (7.56±0.21 vs 6.51±0.21 for the game group; p = 0.001) and the practical test (9.67±0.21 vs 8.40±0.21 for the game group; p < 0.001). However, students showed a preference for using games, as suggested by the longer time they remained interested in the method (18.57±0.66 min for the game group vs 7.41±0.43 for the video group; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The self-training modality using a serious game, after a short period of exposure, resulted in inferior students' performance in both theoretical and practical CPR tests compared to the video-based self-training modality. However, students showed a clear preference for using games rather than videos as a form of self-training.

Association of IL-10 to coronary disease severity in patients with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of risk factors that increase the risk for heart disease. Little is known about the role of IL-10 in the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with MetS. We investigated plasma levels of IL-10 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with MetS with or without severe CAD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with healthy and MetS individuals. IL-10 and other pro-inflammatory interleukins were analyzed in 90 subjects divided into 3 groups: group 1 (n = 30), patients with MetS without severe CAD; group 2 (n = 30), patients with MetS and severe CAD (history of myocardial infarction or revascularization performed through surgery or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with or without stent placement); and group 3 (n = 30), healthy individuals. RESULTS: Levels of IL-12 (p = .018), TNF-α (p = .007) and IL-6 (p = .010) were significantly higher in group 1 when compared to group 3 (p = .003; p = .002; p = .001, respectively). In addition, group 1 presented significantly higher levels of IL-12 (p = .019), TNF-α (p = .026) and IL-6 (p = .020) when compared to group 2. IL-10 levels were significantly higher in group 1 (p = .003) when compared to group 2 (p = .014) and group 3 (p < .001). Only the level of IL-10 was significant to explain the presence of severe CAD, as a protective factor (OR: 0.896; 95%CI: 0.818-0.981) in the logistic regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Higher IL-10 levels in patients with MetS are associated with lower incidence of severe CAD, suggesting a protective effect through its anti-inflammatory activity even in the presence of higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Left atrioventricular remodeling in the assessment of the left ventricle diastolic function in patients with heart failure: a review of the currently studied echocardiographic variables.

Multiparametric echocardiographic imaging of the failing heart is now increasingly used and useful in decision making in heart failure. The reasons for this, relies on the need of different strategies of handling these patients, as differentiation of systolic or diastolic dysfunction, as well as on the gamma of approaches available, such as percutaneous and surgical revascularization, devices implantations, and valvular regurgitations and stenosis corrections. Congestive heart failure in patients with normal left ventricular diameters or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction had been pointed out recently as present in a proportion so high as 40 to 50 percent of cases of heart failure, mainly due to the epidemics in well developed countries, as is the problem of not well controlled metabolic states (such as obesity and diabetes), but also due to the real word in developing countries, as is the case of hypertension epidemics and its lack of adequate control. As a matter of public utility, the guidelines in the diagnosis and treatment of such patients will have to be cheap, available, easily reproducible, and ideally will furnish answers for the clinician questions not in a binary "black or white" manner, but with graduations, so if possible it has to be quantitative. The present paper aim to focus on the current clinical applications of tissue Doppler and of left atrial function and remodeling, and its pathophysiologic relationship with the left ventricle, as will be cleared in the documented review of echocardiography that follows, considering that the need of universal data on the syndrome of the failing heart does not mean, unfortunately, that all patients and clinicians in developing countries have at their own health facilities the same imaging tools, since they are, as a general rule, expensive.

Proposed Risk Score in Patients with Aortic Stenosis Submitted to Valve Replacement Surgery

ABSTRACT Introduction: Due to Brazilian population aging, prevalence of aortic stenosis, and limited number of scores in literature, it is essential to develop risk scores adapted to our reality and created in the specific context of this disease. Methods: This is an observational historical cohort study with analysis of 802 aortic stenosis patients who underwent valve replacement at Hospital São Lucas, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, from 1996 to 2018. With the aid of logistic regression, a weighted risk score was constructed based on the magnitude of the coeficients β of the logistic equation. Two performance statistics were obtained: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the chi-square (χ2) of Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit with Pearson's correlation coeficient between the observed events and predicted as a model calibration estimate. Results: The risk predictors that composed the score were valve replacement surgery combined with coronary artery bypass grafting, prior renal failure, New York Heart Association class III/IV heart failure, age > 70 years, and ejection fraction < 50%. The receiver operating characteristic curve area was 0.77 (95% confidence interval: 0.72-0.82); regarding the model calibration estimated between observed/predicted mortality, Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ2 = 3,70 (P=0.594) and Pearson's coeficient r = 0.98 (P<0.001). Conclusion: We propose the creation of a simple score, adapted to the Brazilian reality, with good performance and which can be validated in other institutions.

Avaliação Prognóstica da Reserva de Fluxo Fracionada em Diferentes Estratos nos Pacientes com Doença Arterial Coronariana / Prognostic Assessment of Fractional Flow Reserve in Different Strata in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Resumo Fundamento Existem dados limitados sobre a evolução clínica de lesões coronarianas não tratadas de acordo com sua gravidade funcional no mundo real. Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os resultados clínicos de até 5 anos em pacientes com lesões revascularizadas com reserva de fluxo fracionada (FFR) ≤ 0,8 e em pacientes com lesões não revascularizadas com FFR > 0,8. Métodos A avaliação pelo FFR foi realizada em 218 pacientes seguidos por até 5 anos. Os participantes foram classificados com base na FFR no grupo isquêmico (≤ 0,8, grupo intervenção, n = 55), no grupo FFR normal-baixa (> 0,8-0,9, n = 91) e no grupo FFR normal-alta (> 0,9, n = 72). O desfecho primário foram eventos cardíacos adversos maiores (ECAMs), um composto de morte, infarto do miocárdio e necessidade de nova revascularização. O nível de significância adotado neste estudo foi alfa = 0,05; deste modo, resultados com valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados A maioria dos participantes era do sexo masculino (62,8%) com média de idade de 64,1 anos. Diabetes estava presente em 27%. À angiografia coronariana, a gravidade da estenose avaliada foi de 62%, 56,4% e 54,3% nos grupos isquêmico, FFR normal-baixa e FFR normal-alta, respectivamente (p < 0,05). O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 3,5 anos. A incidência ECAM foi de 25,5%, 13,2% e 11,1%, respectivamente (p = 0,037). Não houve diferença na incidência de ECAM entre os grupos FFR normal-baixa e FFR normal-alta (p = NS). Conclusão Pacientes com FFR indicativa de isquemia apresentaram piores desfechos quando comparados aos dos grupos não isquêmicos. Entre os grupos que apresentaram valores de FFR considerados normal-baixo e normal-alto, não houve diferença na incidência de eventos. Há necessidade de estudos de longo prazo e com grande número de pacientes para melhor avaliar os desfechos cardiovasculares em pacientes portadores de estenose coronariana moderada com valores de FFR entre 0,8 e 1,0.

Abstract Background There are limited real-world data on the clinical course of untreated coronary lesions according to their functional severity. Objective To evaluate the 5-year clinical outcomes of patients with revascularized lesions with fractional flow reserve (FFR) ≤ 0.8 and patients with non-revascularized lesions with FFR > 0.8. Methods The FFR assessment was performed in 218 patients followed for up to 5 years. Participants were classified based on FFR into ischemia group (≤ 0.8, intervention group, n = 55), low-normal FFR group (> 0.8-0.9, n = 91), and high-normal FFR group (> 0.9, n = 72). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), a composite of death, myocardial infarction, and need for repeat revascularization. The significance level was set at 0.05; therefore, results with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results Most patients were male (62.8%) with a mean age of 64.1 years. Diabetes was present in 27%. On coronary angiography, the severity of stenosis was 62% in the ischemia group, 56.4% in the low-normal FFR group, and 54.3% in the high-normal FFR group (p<0.05). Mean follow-up was 3.5 years. The incidence of MACEs was 25.5%, 13.2%, and 11.1%, respectively (p=0.037). MACE incidence did not differ significantly between the low-normal and high-normal FFR groups. Conclusion Patients with FFR indicative of ischemia had poorer outcomes than those in non-ischemia groups. There was no difference in the incidence of events between the low-normal and high-normal FFR groups. Long-term studies with a large sample size are needed to better assess cardiovascular outcomes in patients with moderate coronary stenosis with FFR values between 0.8 and 1.0.

Sobrevida em 10 Anos de Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca com FEVE 40-59%: Uma Classificação Fenotípica Viável? / Ten-Year Survival of Heart Failure Patients with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction of 40-59%: A Potential Phenotypic Classification?

Resumo Os limites da fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) para a insuficiência cardíaca (IC) com FEVE levemente reduzida (ICFElr) têm sido questionados, já que evidências demonstram que alguns medicamentos utilizados para IC com FEVE <40% (ICFEr) demonstram eficácia também em populações com FEVE < 60%. Objetivo do estudo foi comparar a sobrevida total e cardiovascular de pacientes com IC com FEVE 40-59% com paciente com ICFEr e IC com FEVE ≥ 60%. Foram incluídos pacientes com IC descompensada que preencheram os critérios diagnósticos de Framingham na admissão hospitalar entre 2009 e 2011. Os pacientes foram divididos em ICFEr, IC com FEVE 40-59% e IC com FEVE ≥ 60%. O método de Kaplan-Meier foi usado para detectar a sobrevida geral e cardiovascular em 10 anos. A significância estatística foi estabelecida em p <0,05. Foram incluídos 400 pacientes, com idade média de 69 ± 14 anos. A sobrevida cardiovascular nos pacientes com IC e FEVE 40-59% não foi diferente em comparação aos pacientes com ICFEr [Hazard Ratio (HR) ajustado 0,86 - Intervalo de Confiança (IC) 95% 0,61-1,22; Ptrend = NS], mas foi estatisticamente diferente em comparação aos com FEVE ≥ 60% (HR ajustado = 0,64 - IC95% 0,44-0,94; Ptrend = 0,023). Não houve diferença na taxa de sobrevida de 10 anos entre diferentes grupos de FEVE. O grupo de pacientes com IC e FEVE ≥ 60% teve maior sobrevida cardiovascular que os outros grupos.

Abstract Definitions of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) cut-off values for HF with mildly reduced LVEF (HFmrEF) have been a subject of debate, in the face of evidence that some drugs used in the treatment of HF with LFEV < 40% (HFrEF) are also effective in patients with LVEF < 60%. The aim of this study was to compare overall survival and cardiovascular survival in HF patients with LVEF of 40-59% in patients with HFrEF and HF with LVEF ≥ 60%. Patients with decompensated HF who met the Framingham diagnostic criteria at hospital admission between 2009 and 2011 were included. Patients were divided into HFrEF, HF with LVEF 40-59%, and HF with LVEF ≥ 60%. The Kaplan-Meier was used to determine ten-year overall survival and cardiovascular survival. The statistical significance was established at p<0.05. A total of 400 patients were included, with a mean age of 69 ± 14 years. Cardiovascular survival in patients with HF and LVEF of 40-59% was not significantly different than in patients with HFrEF (adjusted Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.86; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.61-1.22, Ptrend = NS), but was statistically different compared with patients with LVEF ≥ 60% (adjusted HR of 0.64; 95% CI 0.44-0.94, Ptrend = 0.023). No difference was found in 10-year survival between the LVEF groups. Patients with HF and LVEF ≥ 60% had significantly higher cardiovascular survival compared with the other groups.

Lifestyle Intervention on Metabolic Syndrome and its Impact on Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Lifestyle intervention programs can reduce the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and, therefore, reduce the risk for cardiac disease, one of the main public health problems nowadays. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three types of approach for lifestyle change programs in the reduction of metabolic parameters, and to identify its impact on the quality of life (QOL) of individuals with MetS. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial included 72 individuals with MetS aged 30-59 years. Individuals were randomized into three groups of multidisciplinary intervention [Standard Intervention (SI) - control group; Group Intervention (GI); and Individual Intervention (II)] during 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in the metabolic parameters, and secondarily, the improvement in QOL measures at three moments: baseline, 3 and 9 months. RESULTS: Group and individual interventions resulted in a significant reduction in body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure at 3 months and the improvement of QOL, although it was significantly associated with the physical functioning domain. However, these changes did not remain 6 months after the end of intervention. Depression and anxiety were significantly associated with worse QOL, although they showed no effect on the response to intervention. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary intervention, especially in a group, might be an effective and economically feasible strategy in the control of metabolic parameters of MetS and improvement of QOL compared to SI, even in a dose-effect relationship.

Contemporary Characteristics and Outcomes in Chagasic Heart Failure Compared With Other Nonischemic and Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Chagas' disease is an important cause of cardiomyopathy in Latin America. We aimed to compare clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction caused by Chagas' disease, with other etiologies, in the era of modern HF therapies. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study included 2552 Latin American patients randomized in the PARADIGM-HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure) and ATMOSPHERE (Aliskiren Trial to Minimize Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure) trials. The investigator-reported etiology was categorized as Chagasic, other nonischemic, or ischemic cardiomyopathy. The outcomes of interest included the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization and its components and death from any cause. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were performed to compare outcomes by pathogenesis. There were 195 patients with Chagasic HF with reduced ejection fraction, 1300 with other nonischemic cardiomyopathy, and 1057 with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Compared with other etiologies, Chagasic patients were more often female, younger, and had lower prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and renal impairment (but had higher prevalence of stroke and pacemaker implantation) and had worse health-related quality of life. The rates of the composite outcome were 17.2, 12.5, and 11.4 per 100 person-years for Chagasic, other nonischemic, and ischemic patients, respectively-adjusted hazard ratio for Chagasic versus other nonischemic: 1.49 (95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.94; P=0.003) and Chagasic versus ischemic: 1.55 (1.18-2.04; P=0.002). The rates of all-cause mortality were also higher. CONCLUSIONS: Despite younger age, less comorbidity, and comprehensive use of conventional HF therapies, patients with Chagasic HF with reduced ejection fraction continue to have worse quality of life and higher hospitalization and mortality rates compared with other etiologies. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: PARADIGM-HF: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01035255; ATMOSPHERE: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00853658.

Statin-associated muscle symptoms: position paper from the Luso-Latin American Consortium.

In the last two decades, statin therapy has proved to be the most potent isolated therapy for attenuation of cardiovascular risk. Its frequent use has been seen as one of the most important elements for the reduction of cardiovascular mortality in developed countries. However, the recurrent incidence of muscle symptoms in statin users raised the possibility of causal association, leading to a disease entity known as statin associated muscle symptoms (SAMS). Mechanistic studies and clinical trials, specifically designed for the study of SAMS have allowed a deeper understanding of the natural history and accurate incidence. This set of information becomes essential to avoid an unnecessary risk of severe forms of SAMS. At the same time, this concrete understanding of SAMS prevents overdiagnosis and an inadequate suspension of one of the most powerful prevention strategies of our times. In this context, the Luso-Latin American Consortium gathered all available information on the subject and presents them in detail in this document as the basis for the identification and management of SAMS.

Prognostic value of serum biomarkers in association with TIMI risk score for acute coronary syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Markers of neurohormonal activation and inflammation play a pivotal role in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that other biochemical markers could add prognostic value on Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) risk score to predict major cardiovascular events in patients with NSTE-ACS. METHODS: In a cohort of 172 consecutive patients with NSTE-ACS, TIMI score was assessed in the first 24 h, and blood samples were collected for measurement of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, CD40 ligand, and creatinine. Major clinical outcomes (death and cardiovascular hospitalization) were accessed at 30 days and 6 months. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify markers significantly associated with outcomes and, based on individual coefficients, an expanded score was developed. RESULTS: Of 172 patients, 42% had acute myocardial infarction. The unadjusted 30-day event rate increased with age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.06), creatinine (OR = 2.4; 1.4-4.1), TIMI score (OR = 1.6; 1.2-2.2), troponin I (OR = 3.4; 1.5-7.7), total CK (OR = 2.7; 1.2-6.1), and NT-proBNP (OR = 2.9; 1.3-6.3) levels. In multivariate analysis, TIMI risk score, creatinine, and NT-proBNP remained associated with worse prognosis. Multimarker Expanded TIMI Risk Score [TIMI score + (2 X creatinine [in mg/dl]) + (3, if NT-proBNP > 400 pg/ml)] showed good accuracy for 30-day (c statistic 0.77; p < 0.001) and 6-month outcomes (c statistic 0.75; p < 0.001). The 30-day event rates according to tertiles of expanded score were 7, 26, and 75%, respectively (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In NSTE-ACS, baseline levels of NT-proBNP and creatinine are independently related to cardiovascular events. Both markers combined with TIMI risk score provide a better risk stratification than either test alone.