Digital health in cardiovascular medicine: An overview of key applications and clinical impact by the Portuguese Society of Cardiology Study Group on Digital Health.

Digital health interventions including telehealth, mobile health, artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, extended reality, computational and high-fidelity bench simulations are an integral part of the path toward precision medicine. Current applications encompass risk factor modification, chronic disease management, clinical decision support, diagnostics interpretation, preprocedural planning, evidence generation, education, and training. Despite the acknowledged potential, their development and implementation have faced several challenges and constraints, meaning few digital health tools have reached daily clinical practice. As a result, the Portuguese Society of Cardiology Study Group on Digital Health set out to outline the main digital health applications, address some of the roadblocks hampering large-scale deployment, and discuss future directions in support of cardiovascular health at large.

Spanish cardiac catheterization and coronary intervention registry. 33rd official report of the Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (1990-2023).

Introduction and objectives This article presents the 2023 activity report of the Interventional Cardiology Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (ACI-SEC). Methods All interventional cardiology laboratories in Spain were invited to participate in an online survey. Data analysis was carried out by an external company and subsequently reviewed and presented by the members of the ACI-SEC board. Results A total of 119 hospitals participated. The number of diagnostic studies decreased by 1.8%, while the number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) showed a slight increase. There was a reduction in the number of stents used and an increase in the use of drug-coated balloons. The use of intracoronary diagnostic techniques remained stable. For the first time, data on PCI guided by intracoronary imaging was reported, showing a 10% usage rate in Spain. Techniques for plaque modification continued to grow. Primary PCI increased, becoming the predominant treatment for myocardial infarction (97%). Noncoronary structural procedures continued their upward trend. Notably, the number of left atrial appendage closures, patent foramen ovale closures, and tricuspid valve interventions grew in 2023. There was also a significant increase in interventions for acute pulmonary embolism. Conclusions The 2023 Spanish cardiac catheterization and coronary intervention registry indicates a stabilization in coronary interventions, together with an increase in complexity. There was consistent growth in procedures for both valvular and nonvalvular structural heart diseases.

External validation of the FAscore scale to evaluate the risk of atrial fibrillation in patients with arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To use a risk scale or predictive model outside the population of origin, it is necessary to evaluate the predictive indicators through external validation. The aim was to validate the FAscore, originally constructed in hypertensive patients in primary care in the Valencian Region, in an external cohort with hypertension in primary care in the Basque Country. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed to perform an external validation of the FAscore app in patients affiliated with 26 health centers in the municipality of Bilbao. The area under the ROC curve and predictive indicators were calculated with their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Thirty-six thousand eight hundred nine patients were included: 53.6% (n=19,719) were women, the mean age was 75.1 years, 41.8% (n=15,381). Over the four-year follow-up period, 1420 patients were diagnosed with AF (cumulative incidence 3.9%). The median risk estimated by FAscore was 4.5%, and the 5th, 25th, 75th, and 95th percentiles were 1.0%, 2.5%, 6.1%, and 14.8%, respectively. The ROC curve for the risk estimated by FAscore and the cases of atrial fibrillation observed was AUC 0.715 (95% CI 0.703-0.727). The 5% risk cutoff provides a sensitivity of 70.8%, specificity of 61.0%, positive predictive value of 6.8%, negative predictive value of 98.1%, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of 1.82 and 0.48, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study reports on the external validation of the atrial fibrillation risk scale in hypertensive patients, which shows an acceptable predictive capacity. The best-performing risk cutoff, providing good predictive indicators, can be set at 5%.

Etiología y evolución de la anemia en pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiovascular / Etiology and evolution of anemia in patients submitted to cardiovascular surgery

Resumen Objetivo: El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar en nuestro medio la prevalencia de anemia en el preoperatorio de la cirugía cardiovascular, su incidencia postoperatoria y su evolución durante el primer mes. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo en el que se incluyeron todos los pacientes sometidos a cirugía cardiovascular central intervenidos durante el periodo del 01/09/2021 al 01/09/2022 en un hospital universitario. Se realizó seguimiento clínico y de laboratorio previo a la cirugía, al quinto y al día treinta del postoperatorio. Se comparó a los grupos con y sin anemia preoperatoria. Resultados: La prevalencia de anemia en el preoperatorio fue del 32.1%. La incidencia de anemia en el postoperatorio fue del 96% en el grupo de pacientes sin anemia previa. Al mes de la cirugía un 73 y un 90% de los pacientes, con y sin anemia preoperatoria respectivamente, persistían anémicos. Los pacientes con anemia preoperatoria tuvieron una menor recuperación de sus valores de hemoglobina al mes. Se observó una tendencia a mayor mortalidad y una mayor necesidad de derivación a centros de rehabilitación postegreso hospitalario en aquellos con anemia preoperatoria. Conclusiones: En este trabajo se evidenció una alta prevalencia e incidencia de anemia en el perioperatorio de las cirugías cardiovasculares. Así como su subtratamiento y elevada persistencia durante el mes posterior a la cirugía.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of anemia in the preoperative period of cardiovascular surgery, its postoperative incidence and its evolution during the first month in our setting. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out in which all patients undergoing central cardiovascular surgery operated during the period 09/01/2021-09/01/2022 in a university hospital were included. Clinical and laboratory follow-up was carried out prior to surgery, on the fifth and on the 30th postoperative day. Groups with and without preoperative anemia were compared. Results: The prevalence of anemia in the preoperative period was 32.1%. The incidence of anemia in the postoperative period was 96% in the group of patients without previous anemia. One month after surgery, 73 and 90% of the patients, with and without preoperative anemia, respectively, remained anemic. Patients with preoperative anemia had less recovery of their hemoglobin values at one month. A trend towards higher mortality and a greater need for referral to post-hospital discharge rehabilitation centers was observed in those with preoperative anemia. Conclusions: In this work, a high prevalence and incidence of anemia in the perioperative period of cardiovascular surgeries was evidenced. As well as its subtreatment and high persistence during the month after surgery.

Cardiovascular surgery and cardiology, current status of two sister specialties in Spain: the CARDIOXCARDIO study.

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in cardiovascular clinical practice within cardiology and surgery. The CARDIOXCARDIO study aimed to identify professionals' opinions on working practices and relations between specialties. A survey was simultaneously sent to the 4442 members of the Spanish Society of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery (SECCE) and the Spanish Society of Cardiology (SEC), yielding 385 valid responses. More than half (59%) of respondents were men, mostly specialists (7.3% residents), and 74.8% worked in the field of cardiology, predominantly in public centers (88.3%). Using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5 (worst to best), respondents rated relations between surgery and cardiology with an average of 3.57±0.9 points. Cardiologists rated surgeons with a mean score of 3.83±0.8, while surgeons gave cardiologists a mean score of 3,92±0.72. In addition, respondents provided numerous suggestions for improvement, which are discussed in detail, highlighting certain discrepancies in criteria between specialties. Implementing strategies based on the suggestions of professionals, together with a proactive approach to continuous improvement, could substantially enhance the quality of cardiovascular care in Spain.

Training and attitudes concerning cardiac rehabilitation in Portugal: A national survey of physician members of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a central component in the management of cardiovascular disease. While its potential benefits have been extensively explored and confirmed, its implementation is still suboptimal, due to various possible barriers. This study aimed to assess training and attitudes concerning CR among physicians in a Portuguese setting. METHODS: An online questionnaire structured in three parts (participant characteristics, training and attitudes concerning CR, and a brief general knowledge assessment) was developed and sent to members of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology. The study population encompassed physicians with a medical specialty or residents from the third year onward of a specialty program. RESULTS: A total of 97 individuals (57.7% male, 61.9% aged ≤50 years) presented valid answers. CR was available at the workplace of 54.6% of participants. Most of them considered that the time allocated to CR training during residency was inadequate, and thought that more time was needed for this purpose. Most had not dedicated (or intended to dedicate) time for CR training, with lack of time being the most frequently attributed reason. In terms of referral, a substantial proportion of subjects did not refer patients, with lack of CR centers and human resources being the most frequent reasons. CONCLUSIONS: This survey provides contemporary data on CR training and attitudes, highlighting areas of potential improvement, such as time allocated to training in this area. These results could provide a useful pragmatic framework for optimization of training and awareness in this pivotal field of cardiovascular medicine.

[Usefulness of e-consultation in cardiology]. / Utilidad de la teleconsulta en cardiología.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The development of IT tools and interlevel relationships in the management of the most prevalent processes has led to a semi-presential assessment approach. In cardiology, this form of assessment is possible through a close collaboration with primary care. The aim of this study is to analyze the results of our e-consultation program and to establish the effectiveness of this new form of assistance. METHODS: Single-center study that included e-consultations referred from 15 September 2021 to 30 September 2022. Subsequently, we analyzed the events in which patients were discharged directly during the e-consultation with no need for an on-site visit. RESULTS: We included 3,155 e-consultations. The mean age of the patients was 57±17.6 years. Of the consultations, 75% were answered within 48h (62% within 24h). A total of 1,988 patients completed one year of follow-up in e-consultation. Out of these, 1,278 patients (64.2%) were discharged from the e-consultation with no need for an on-site visit: 685 patients (53.5%) during the first consultation, and 593 (46.5%) upon request of a complementary test. After one year of follow-up, 13 patients (0.006%) were admitted due to cardiological pathology, and 16 patients (0.008%) died, only one due to cardiovascular causes. The mean age of the deceased was 80.5 years. CONCLUSIONS: E-consultation as a single referral system from primary care to cardiology improves patient accessibility, speeds up patient assessment and is effective for patients discharged without the need for an on-site consultation.

Academic and professional profile of cardiology fellowship graduates of National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez from 2000 to 2015.

BACKGROUND: The Ignacio Chávez National Institute of Cardiology (NIC) has positioned itself as an international benchmark in cardiovascular medical education, standing out for its high academic standards and human quality. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the employment and academic profile of cardiology fellowship graduates from the National Institute of Cardiology of Mexico (NIC). METHODS: A cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted, involving 473 graduates from the period 2000-2015. Data was collected through an electronic survey. RESULTS: A total of 221 graduates agreed to participate, accounting for 46.7% of the total number of graduates. Among the participants, 85.2% were male. The majority of graduates (82.4%) held Mexican nationality, while the remaining individuals represented various Latin-American nationalities. Following the completion of the cardiology fellowship, 89% of graduates pursued further postgraduate degrees. Within this group, 95.4% completed at least one additional fellowship, while 4.6% pursued a master's or PhD program. The most popular fellowship program chosen was Interventional Cardiology. On average, NIC graduates dedicate 10.8 hours per day to their work, with 6.4 hours dedicated to cardiology and 4.3 hours to their other postgraduate degree. Those employed in both public and private health systems allocate 6.1 hours and 5.2 hours per day, respectively. Additionally, 75% of graduates are involved in teaching activities. Currently, 84% of graduates are employed in Mexico. CONCLUSION: The majority of NIC graduates are physicians who further their academic training by pursuing additional postgraduate programs. They work longer hours per day compared to the general Mexican population, with a significant focus on clinical cardiology. Graduates actively seek opportunities to share their expertise through various academic activities.

ANTECEDENTES: El Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez (INC) se ha posicionado como un referente internacional en la educación médica cardiológica, destacándose por su alto nivel académico y calidad humana. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar el perfil laboral y académico actual de los egresados del Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez (INC). MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal y retrospectivo que incluyó a 473 egresados del INC graduados entre 2000 y 2015. Se utilizó una encuesta electrónica para recopilar los datos. RESULTADOS: Un total de 221 egresados aceptaron participar en el estudio, lo que representa el 46.7% del total de egresados. El 85.2% de los participantes son hombres. La mayoría de los egresados son de nacionalidad mexicana (82.4%), mientras que el resto se distribuye en varios países de Latinoamérica. El 89% de los egresados completó otro posgrado después de cardiología. De este grupo, el 95.4% realizó al menos una alta especialidad, mientras que el 4.6% obtuvo una maestría o doctorado. La especialidad más comúnmente elegida fue Cardiología Intervencionista. Los egresados del INC trabajan en promedio 10.8 horas al día, de las cuales 6.4 horas se dedican a la cardiología clínica y 4.3 horas al otro posgrado. Aquellos que trabajan en el sector público y privado dedican 6.1 horas y 5.2 horas al día, respectivamente. Además, el 75% de los egresados desempeña actividades de enseñanza. El 84% de los egresados trabajan en México. CONCLUSIÓN: En su mayoría, los egresados del INC son médicos especialistas que continúan su formación académica a través de la realización de otros posgrados. Trabajan más horas al día en comparación con el resto de la población mexicana, y dedican la mayor parte de su tiempo al ejercicio de la cardiología clínica. También buscan transmitir sus conocimientos a través de actividades académicas y de enseñanza.

Perfil académico y profesional de los egresados de la especialidad de Cardiología de 2000 a 2015 en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez / Academic and professional profile of cardiology fellowship graduates of National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez from 2000 to 2015

Resumen Antecedentes: El Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez (INC) se ha posicionado como un referente internacional en la educación médica cardiológica, destacándose por su alto nivel académico y calidad humana. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar el perfil laboral y académico actual de los egresados del Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez (INC). Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal y retrospectivo que incluyó a 473 egresados del INC graduados entre 2000 y 2015. Se utilizó una encuesta electrónica para recopilar los datos. Resultados: Un total de 221 egresados aceptaron participar en el estudio, lo que representa el 46.7% del total de egresados. El 85.2% de los participantes son hombres. La mayoría de los egresados son de nacionalidad mexicana (82.4%), mientras que el resto se distribuye en varios países de Latinoamérica. El 89% de los egresados completó otro posgrado después de cardiología. De este grupo, el 95.4% realizó al menos una alta especialidad, mientras que el 4.6% obtuvo una maestría o doctorado. La especialidad más comúnmente elegida fue Cardiología Intervencionista. Los egresados del INC trabajan en promedio 10.8 horas al día, de las cuales 6.4 horas se dedican a la cardiología clínica y 4.3 horas al otro posgrado. Aquellos que trabajan en el sector público y privado dedican 6.1 horas y 5.2 horas al día, respectivamente. Además, el 75% de los egresados desempeña actividades de enseñanza. El 84% de los egresados trabajan en México. Conclusión: En su mayoría, los egresados del INC son médicos especialistas que continúan su formación académica a través de la realización de otros posgrados. Trabajan más horas al día en comparación con el resto de la población mexicana, y dedican la mayor parte de su tiempo al ejercicio de la cardiología clínica. También buscan transmitir sus conocimientos a través de actividades académicas y de enseñanza.

Abstract Background: The Ignacio Chávez National Institute of Cardiology (NIC) has positioned itself as an international benchmark in cardiovascular medical education, standing out for its high academic standards and human quality. Objective: This study aims to identify the employment and academic profile of cardiology fellowship graduates from the National Institute of Cardiology of Mexico (NIC). Methods: A cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted, involving 473 graduates from the period 2000-2015. Data was collected through an electronic survey. Results: A total of 221 graduates agreed to participate, accounting for 46.7% of the total number of graduates. Among the participants, 85.2% were male. The majority of graduates (82.4%) held Mexican nationality, while the remaining individuals represented various Latin-American nationalities. Following the completion of the cardiology fellowship, 89% of graduates pursued further postgraduate degrees. Within this group, 95.4% completed at least one additional fellowship, while 4.6% pursued a master's or PhD program. The most popular fellowship program chosen was Interventional Cardiology. On average, NIC graduates dedicate 10.8 hours per day to their work, with 6.4 hours dedicated to cardiology and 4.3 hours to their other postgraduate degree. Those employed in both public and private health systems allocate 6.1 hours and 5.2 hours per day, respectively. Additionally, 75% of graduates are involved in teaching activities. Currently, 84% of graduates are employed in Mexico. Conclusion: The majority of NIC graduates are physicians who further their academic training by pursuing additional postgraduate programs. They work longer hours per day compared to the general Mexican population, with a significant focus on clinical cardiology. Graduates actively seek opportunities to share their expertise through various academic activities.

Ionizing radiation exposure in complex percutaneous coronary intervention: Defining local diagnostic reference levels in the catheterization laboratory.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Concerns regarding the consequences of ionizing radiation (IR) have been increasing in the field of interventional cardiology (IC). There is little information on reported national and local radiation diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in catheterization laboratories in Portugal. This study was designed to assess the IR dose exposure during complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and to set the respective DRLs and future achievable doses (ADs). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study which took place between 2019 and 2020, including patients who underwent complex PCI. Complex PCI was defined as all procedures that encompass treatment of chronic total occlusions (CTO) or left main coronary artery. DRLs were defined as the 75th percentile of the distribution of the median values of air kerma area product (PKA) and cumulative air kerma (Ka,r). ADs were set at the 50th percentile of the study dose distribution. Multivariate analysis was performed using linear regression to identify predictors significantly associated with radiation dose (Ka,r). RESULTS: A total of 242 patients were included in the analysis. Most patients underwent a CTO procedure (146, 60.3%). Patients were aged 67.9±11.2 years and mostly male (81.4%). DRLs were set in Ka,r (3012 mGy) and PKA (162 Gy cm2) for complex PCI. ADs were also set in Ka,r (1917 mGy) and PKA (101 Gy cm2). Independent predictors of Ka,r with a positive correlation were PKA (0.893, p<0.001), fluoroscopy time (0.520, p<0.001) and PCI time (0.521, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the results of IR in complex PCI. DRLs were set for IR dose exposure measured in Ka,r (3012 mGy) and PKA (162 Gy cm2). ADs, values to be achieved in future assessment, were set to Ka,r (1917 mGy) and PKA (101 Gy cm2).

Effectiveness and safety of injectable PCSK9 inhibitors in dyslipidaemias' treatment and cardiovascular disease prevention: An overview of 86 systematic reviews and a network metaanalysis.

OBJECTIVE: Multiple systematic reviews (SR) have been performed on the effects of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i), often providing conflicting findings. This overview and network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to summarize SR findings on the efficacy and safety of PCSK9i and provide an updated NMA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MEDLINE (Pubmed), Scopus, Cochrane, Epistemonikos and Google Scholar were searched from inception to September 21, 2023 for SRs of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and from January 1, 2020 to September 21, 2023 for additional RCTs. Double-independent study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed. Qualitative analysis was performed for SRs and a frequentist random-effects model NMA was performed for RCTs. RESULTS: Totally, 86 SRs and 76 RCTs were included. Alirocumab (77/86 [90%]) and evolocumab (73/86 [85%]) were mostly analyzed. Associations from SRs (35/42 [83%]) and the updated NMA indicated PCSK9i benefit on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Reductions were also noted for cerebrovascular events (47/66 [71%]), coronary revascularization (29/33 [88%]) and myocardial infarction (41/63 [65%]). Alirocumab was associated with reductions on all-cause mortality (RR=0.82, 95%CI [0.72,0.94]). Data on any CV event reduction were conflicting (7/16 [44%]). Inclisiran appeared effective only on MACEs (RR=0.76, 95%CI [0.61,0.94]). No reductions in heart failure were observed (0/16). No increases were identified between PCSK9i and any (0/35) or serious adverse events (0/52). However, PCSK9i were associated with injection-site reactions (20/28 [71%]). CONCLUSION: PCSK9i appeared to be effective in CV outcomes and their clinical application was generally safe.

A report on a survey among Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology associates regarding ionizing radiation protection practices in national interventional cath-labs.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Concerns surrounding the consequences of ionizing radiation (IR) have increased in interventional cardiology (IC). Despite this, the ever-growing complexity of diseases as well as procedures can lead to greater exposure to radiation. The aim of this survey, led by Portuguese Association of Interventional Cardiology (APIC), was to evaluate the level of awareness and current practices on IR protection among its members. METHODS: An online survey was emailed to all APIC members, between August and November 2021. The questionnaire consisted of 50 questions focusing on knowledge and measures of IR protection in the catheterization laboratory. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: From a response rate of 46.9%, the study obtained a total sample of 159 responses (156 selected for analysis). Most survey respondents (66.0%) were unaware of the radiation exposure category, and only 60.4% reported systematically using a dosimeter. A large majority (90.4%) employed techniques to minimize exposure to radiation. All participants used personal protective equipment, despite eyewear protection only being used frequently by 49.2% of main operators. Ceiling suspended shields and table protectors were often used. Only two-thirds were familiar with the legally established limit on radiation doses for workers or the dose that should trigger patient follow-up. Most of the survey respondents had a non-certified training in IR procedures and only 32.0% had attended their yearly occupational health consultation. CONCLUSIONS: Safety methods and protective equipment are largely adopted among interventional cardiologists, who have shown some IR awareness. Despite this, there is room for improvement, especially concerning the use of eyewear protection, monitoring, and certification.

Association of trial characteristics with simultaneous publication and its impact on citations and mentions: a cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Randomized trials are often presented at medical conferences and published simultaneously or later. Predictors of simultaneous publication and its consequences are undetermined. Our aim was to characterize the practice of simultaneous publication, identify its predictors, and evaluate its impact. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we included randomized trials presented at late-breaking science sessions of major cardiovascular conferences from 2015 to 2021. The association of trial characteristics with the timing of publication was analyzed. The impact of simultaneous vs nonsimultaneous publication was investigated on the number of 1-year citations and 1-month mentions, and the total citations and mentions at the longest observation follow-up. RESULTS: Of 478 trials included in the analysis, 48.7% were published simultaneously. Simultaneous publications were more likely to be presented in the main conference room (OR, 6.09; 95%CI, 1.34-36.92; P=.029) and were characterized by a shorter review time (OR, 0.95; 95%CI, 0.91-0.96; P<.001). Simultaneous publications were associated with higher 1-year citations (R2, 43.81; 95%CI, 23.89-63.73; P<.001), 1-month mentions (R2, 132.32; 95%CI, 85.42-179.22; P<.001) and total citations (R2, 222.89; 95%CI, 127.98-317.80; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Randomized trials presented in the main conference room and with shorter review time were more likely to be published simultaneously. Simultaneous publications were associated with more citations and mentions than nonsimultaneous publications.

Factors associated with medication non-adherence among patients with heart failure / Fatores associados à não adesão ao tratamento farmacológico de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca / Factores asociados a la no adhesión al tratamiento farmacológico de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca

Abstract Objective: to identify the factors contributing to medication non-adherence among patients with heart failure. Method: cross-sectional and analytical study using the Medida de Adesão ao Tratamento [Treatment Adherence Measure] scale to assess medication non-adherence. Independent variables were collected using the European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale and an instrument developed by the authors based on a previous study. Statistical tests were implemented to analyze data with p≤0.05 statistical significance. Results: the sample comprised 340 patients, with 9.4% considered non-adherent. The multiple analysis results showed that one unit increase in an individual's self-care score led to an 8% increase in the prevalence of non-adherence; patients with a family income above three times the minimum wage presented a prevalence of non-adherence equal to 3.5% of the prevalence of those with up to one times the minimum wage; individuals consuming alcohol or with depression presented 3.49 and 3.69 times higher prevalence of non-adherence, respectively, than individuals not presenting such history. Conclusion: medication non-adherence was associated with self-care, family income, depression, and alcohol consumption.

Resumo Objetivo: identificar os fatores que contribuem para a não adesão ao tratamento farmacológico de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. Método: estudo transversal e analítico que utilizou a escala de Medida de Adesão ao Tratamento para avaliar a não adesão ao tratamento farmacológico. Variáveis independentes foram coletadas utilizando-se a European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale e um instrumento elaborado pelos autores, baseado em estudo anterior. Foram utilizados testes estatísticos para análise dos dados, sendo considerados significativos os valores de p≤0,05. Resultados: a amostra foi composta por 340 pacientes. Desses, 9,4% foram classificados como não aderentes. Os resultados da análise múltipla mostraram que o aumento de uma unidade no escore de autocuidado leva a um aumento de 8% na prevalência de não adesão do indivíduo; pacientes com renda familiar superior a três salários mínimos têm prevalência de não adesão ao tratamento igual a 3,5% da prevalência entre aqueles com até um salário mínimo; indivíduos que ingerem bebida alcoólica e sofrem de depressão têm prevalências de não adesão 3,49 e 3,69 vezes maiores, respectivamente, do que aqueles que não têm tais antecedentes. Conclusão: a não adesão ao tratamento farmacológico relacionou-se com comportamento de autocuidado, renda familiar, depressão e ingestão de bebida alcoólica.

Resumen Objetivo: identificar los factores que contribuyen para la no adhesión al tratamiento farmacológico de pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca. Método: estudio transversal y analítico que utilizó la escala de Medida de Adhesión al Tratamiento para evaluar la no adhesión al tratamiento farmacológico. Las variables independientes fueron recolectadas utilizando la European Heart Failure Self-care Behavior Scale y un instrumento elaborado por los autores, basado en estudio anterior. Fueron utilizadas pruebas estadísticas para el análisis de los datos, siendo considerados significativos los valores de p≤0,05. Resultados: la muestra estuvo compuesta por 340 pacientes; de esos, 9,4% fueron clasificados como no adherentes. Los resultados del análisis múltiple mostraron que el aumento de una unidad en el puntaje de autocuidado lleva a un aumento de 8% en la prevalencia de la no adhesión del individuo; pacientes con renta familiar superior a tres salarios mínimos tienen prevalencia de no adhesión al tratamiento igual a 3,5% de aquellos que reciben hasta un salario mínimo; individuos que ingieren bebida alcohólica y sufren de depresión, tienen prevalencias de no adhesión de 3,49 y 3,69 veces mayores, respectivamente, que aquellos que no tienen esos antecedentes. Conclusión: la no adhesión al tratamiento farmacológico se relacionó con comportamientos de autocuidado, renta familiar, depresión e ingestión de bebida alcohólica.

Analysis of the patient care flow in hemodynamics supported by lean thinking / Análisis del flujo de la atención provista a pacientes de un servicio de hemodinámica sustentado en la filosofía lean / Análise do fluxo do atendimento de pacientes em hemodinâmica sustentado no pensamento lean

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the patient care flow in a Hemodynamics service grounded on Lean Thinking based on Value Stream Mapping. Method: an exploratory-descriptive case study carried out in the Hemodynamics service of a public university hospital from southern Brazil. Data collection was conducted through participant observation with twelve members of the multiprofessional team and interviews with five participants from May 2021 to February 2022. The analysis was based on the Lean framework and on the stages foreseen in Value Stream Mapping. Results: the Value Stream Map of the current situation of the service was prepared, identifying suppliers and customers of the process and their requirements. A total of 61 problems related to unmet requirements were listed, of which 12 were prioritized in order to promote improvement planning. Conclusion: with Value Stream Mapping it was possible to establish improvement priorities that exert impacts on operational performance of the service. It was identified that improvements related to standardization of the activities minimize waste from failures and waiting times, which were the most prevalent in the service, among others observed.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el flujo de la atención provista a los pacientes en un servicio de Hemodinámica, sustentado en la filosofía Lean sobre la base del Mapa de Flujo de Valor. Método: estudio de casos, exploratorio y descriptivo, realizado en el servicio de Hemodinámica de un hospital público universitario del sur de Brasil. Los datos se recolectaron por medio de observación participante con doce integrantes del equipo multiprofesional y de entrevistas con cinco participantes entre mayo de 2021 y febrero de 2022. El análisis se sustentó en el referencial Lean y en las etapas previstas en el Mapa de Flujo de Valor. Resultados: se elaboró el Mapa de Flujo de Valor correspondiente a la situación actual del servicio, con la debida identificación de proveedores y clientes del proceso y sus requisitos. Se elaboró una lista con 61 problemas relacionados a requisitos no cumplidos, 12 de los cuales 12 fueron priorizados con el fin de promover la planificación de mejoras. Conclusión: con el Mapa de Flujo de Valor fue posible establecer prioridades de mejora que ejercieron un impacto sobre el desempeño operativo del servicio. Se identificó que las mejoras relacionadas con la estandarización de las actividades minimizan los desperdicios por fallas y esperas, que fueron los más prevalentes en el servicio, entre otros observados.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o fluxo do atendimento de pacientes em um serviço de hemodinâmica sustentado no pensamento Lean com base no Mapa de Fluxo de Valor. Método: estudo de caso, exploratório-descritivo, realizado no serviço de hemodinâmica de um hospital público universitário do sul do Brasil. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de observação participante com doze integrantes da equipe multiprofissional e entrevistas com cinco participantes no período de maio de 2021 a fevereiro de 2022. A análise sustentou-se no referencial Lean e nas etapas previstas no Mapa de Fluxo de Valor. Resultados: elaborou-se o Mapa de Fluxo de Valor da situação atual do serviço, identificando-se fornecedores e clientes do processo e seus requisitos. Elencaram-se 61 problemas relacionados a requisitos não atendidos, dos quais 12 foram priorizados, a fim de promover o planejamento de melhorias. Conclusão: com o Mapa de Fluxo de Valor foi possível estabelecer prioridades de melhoria que impactam no desempenho operacional do serviço. Identificou-se que melhorias relacionadas à padronização das atividades minimizam os desperdícios de falha e espera, que foram os mais prevalentes no serviço, entre outros observados.

Contribution of informal caregivers to self-care in individuals with heart failure / Contribución de cuidadores informales para el autocuidado de personas con insuficiencia cardíaca / Contribuição de cuidadores informais para o autocuidado de pessoas com insuficiência cardíaca

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate the contribution of informal caregivers to the self-care of individuals with heart failure. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 87 caregivers from March to October 2022 in the city of João Pessoa/PB. The caregivers' contribution was assessed using the Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care of Heart Failure Index instrument. Scores ≥ 70 points indicate adequate contribution. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation. Results: the sample consisted of 81.6% female caregivers. Median scores obtained for the self-care contribution scales were: 63.3 for maintenance; 55.5 for management; and 66.6 for confidence. Caregivers never or rarely recommended monitoring body weight, regular physical exercise, extra use of diuretics, and fluid restriction. Conclusions: informal caregivers showed inadequate contribution in the areas of maintenance, management, and confidence in self-care of individuals with heart failure.

RESUMEN Objetivos: evaluar la contribución de cuidadores informales para el autocuidado de personas con insuficiencia cardíaca. Métodos: estudio transversal, realizado con 87 cuidadores, de marzo a octubre de 2022, en la ciudad João Pessoa/PB. La contribución del cuidador fue evaluada mediante el instrumento Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care of Heart Failure Index. Escores ≥ 70 puntos indican contribución adecuada. Los datos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva y correlación de Spearman. Resultados: son del sexo femenino 81,6% de la muestra. La mediana de los escores obtenidos para las escalas de contribución para el autocuidado fueron: 63,3 para manutención; 55,5 para manejo; y 66,6 para confianza. Los cuidadores nunca o raramente recomendaban el monitoreo del peso corporal, la práctica regular de ejercicios físicos, el uso extra de diuréticos y la restricción de líquidos. Conclusiones: los cuidadores informales presentaron contribución inadecuada en los quesitos manutención, manejo y confianza del autocuidado de personas con insuficiencia cardíaca.

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar a contribuição de cuidadores informais para o autocuidado de pessoas com insuficiência cardíaca. Métodos: estudo transversal, realizado com 87 cuidadores, de março a outubro de 2022, na cidade João Pessoa/PB. A contribuição do cuidador foi avaliada por meio do instrumento Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care of Heart Failure Index. Escores ≥ 70 pontos indicam contribuição adequada. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e correlação de Spearman. Resultados: eram do sexo feminino 81,6% da amostra. A mediana dos escores obtidos para as escalas de contribuição para o autocuidado foram: 63,3 para manutenção; 55,5 para manejo; e 66,6 para confiança. Os cuidadores nunca ou raramente recomendavam o monitoramento do peso corporal, a prática regular de exercícios físicos, o uso extra de diuréticos e a restrição de líquidos. Conclusões: os cuidadores informais apresentaram contribuição inadequada nos quesitos manutenção, manejo e confiança do autocuidado de pessoas com insuficiência cardíaca.

Primer registro de procedimientos de intervencionismo cardiovascular pediátrico realizados en un laboratorio estatal de hemodinamia pediátrica en El Salvador / First record of pediatric cardiovascular interventional procedures performed in a state pediatric catheterization laboratory in El Salvador

Resumen Objetivo: Describir los tipos de cateterismo cardiaco que se realizan en el único laboratorio de hemodinamia pediátrica dentro de la red de salud pública de El Salvador, en colaboración con organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal en el periodo entre mayo de 2022 a enero de 2023, revisando los expedientes de todos los pacientes que pasaron a cateterismo cardiaco. Resultados: Se realizaron 54 procedimientos dentro de la sala de hemodinamia, 37 pacientes de sexo femenino. El peso fue de 20.6 ± 14.5 kg, de los procedimientos, 47 (87%) fueron terapéuticos y 7 (13%) diagnósticos. La oclusión del conducto arterioso se realizó en el 46% de los pacientes. No se reportaron complicaciones, los pacientes fueron dados de alta luego de 12 horas, todos los insumos fueron donados por fundaciones sin fines de lucro. Conclusiones: Nuestro laboratorio de hemodinamia realiza procedimientos de complejidad variada sin reportar hasta el momento complicaciones mayores. Nos vemos limitados debido al costo alto de algunos dispositivos, a la baja frecuencia de la utilización de estos y a la imposibilidad para adquirirlos en el mercado nacional.

Abstract Objective: To describe the types of cardiac catheterization that are performed in the only pediatric catheterization laboratory within the public health network of El Salvador, in collaboration with non-profit organizations. Material and method: A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the period from May 2022 to January 2023, reviewing the records of all patients who underwent cardiac catheterization. Results: 54 procedures were performed in the catheterization room, 37 female patients. The weight was 20.6 ± 14.5 kg, of the procedures, 47 (87%) were therapeutic and 7 (13%) diagnostic. Occlusion of the ductus arteriosus was performed in 46% of the patients. No complications were reported, the patients were discharged after 12 hours, all supplies were donated by non-profit foundations. Conclusions: Our catheterization laboratory performs procedures of varied complexity without reporting any major complications to date. We are limited due to the high cost of some devices, the low frequency of their use and the impossibility of acquiring them in the national market.

Mini entrevistas múltiples para la selección de residentes y fellows en un centro cardiovascular. Experiencia a 5 años / Multiple Mini Interviews for Selection of Residents and Fellows in a Cardiovascular Center. A 5-year Experience

RESUMEN Introducción las mini entrevistas múltiples (MME) son un modelo para evaluar las habilidades no cognitivas en la selección de profesionales ingresantes a instituciones médicas. Objetivo el objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la factibilidad, confiabilidad y la aceptabilidad de las MME para la selección de residentes y fellows en un centro cardiovascular en los últimos 5 años. Material y métodos se realizó un estudio observacional, en el cual se incluyeron consecutivamente postulantes a la residencia de Cardiología y a las especialidades de Medicina Nuclear y Ultrasonido en los años 2018, 2019 y 2022. Se desarrollaron diez estaciones para evaluar diferentes dominios no cognitivos. La confiabilidad se evaluó mediante el coeficiente G de generalización. Además, se encuestó a postulantes y entrevistadores para evaluar la aceptabilidad de las MME, y se evaluó la factibilidad en términos de tiempo dedicado al proceso. Resultados un total de 75 postulantes participaron de las MME. A partir del estudio G se obtuvieron coeficientes de confiabilidad de 0,62 y 0,61 acorde al diseño. Fue factible su implementación y el 92% de los postulantes valoró de manera muy positiva a las MME. El 90% de los entrevistadores refirió tener suficiente tiempo para evaluar a los participantes y que el proceso no era excesivamente agotador Conclusiones las MME son un método novedoso en nuestro medio. Demostraron ser confiables y con un elevado nivel de aceptabilidad para la evaluación de habilidades no cognitivas en el proceso de selección de postulantes a residencia de Cardiología y de subespecialidades en un centro cardiovascular.

ABSTRACT Background Multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) serve as a model to evaluate non-cognitive skills in the admission process of health care professionals. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, reliability and acceptability of the MMI model for the selection of residents and fellows in a cardiovascular center in the past 5 years. Methods We conducted an observational study including applicants to the cardiology residency program and to the fellowship in Nuclear Medicine and Cardiovascular Ultrasound in 2018, 2019 and 2022. Ten stations were developed to evaluate different non-cognitive domains. Reliability was assessed using G-coefficient. Applicants and interviewers were also surveyed to assess the acceptability of the MMI model and its feasibility in terms of the time required for the process. Results A total of 75 applicants participated in the MMIs. The G study showed reliability coefficients of 0.62 and 0.61 according to the design. Implementation was feasible; 92% of applicants gave positive reviews to the MMI model, and 90% of interviewers reported they had sufficient time to assess the participants and that the process was not an excessively exhausting. Conclusion MMIs are a novel method in our setting, demonstrating reliability and a high level of acceptability for evaluating non-cognitive skills in the selection process of applicants to the cardiology residency program and fellowships in a cardiovascular center.

Histopathological findings of inflammatory activity in patients with subclinical carditis / Achados histopatológicos de atividade inflamatória em pacientes com cardite subclínica

In patients with Chronic Rheumatic Carditis, active carditis is an often underdiagnosed condition. Rheumatic attacks promote the aggravation of existing lesions, leading to a deterioration of the patient's clinical condition. Thus, reducing the morbidity and mortality of the disease depends, in part, on controlling relapses through secondary prophylaxis. Underdiagnosis is due in part to the occurrence of subclinical rheumatic attacks. This study was carried out with data from patients who were diagnosed with Chronic Rheumatic Carditis and who underwent cardiac surgery for valve replacement or repair, without clinical or laboratory evidence of rheumatic outbreak. A fragment of myocardium was sent for histopathological analysis. Data on the frequency of histopathological alterations compatible with a rheumatic outbreak were analyzed. After analysis, 80% of patients showed changes compatible with inflammatory activity. Of these, 87.5% had lymphocytic infiltrate; 25% had Aschoff's nodules. The most frequent histopathological findings of chronic disease were myocardial hypertrophy in 56.7% of patients and fibrosis in 53.3% (AU).

Nos pacientes com Cardite Reumática Crônica, a cardite em atividade é uma condição frequentemente subdiagnos-ticada. Os surtos reumáticos promovem o agravamento das lesões já existentes, levando a uma deterioração da condição clínica do paciente. Dessa forma a redução da morbimortalidade da doença depende, em parte, do contro-le de recidivas a partir da profilaxia secundária. O subdiagnóstico deve-se em parte a ocorrência de surtos reumáti-cos subclínicos. Este estudo foi realizado com dados dos pacientes que tiveram o diagnóstico de Cardite Reumática Crônica e foram submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca para troca ou plastia valvar, sem evidência clínica ou laboratorial de surto reumático. Um fragmento de miocárdio foi enviado para análise histopatológica. Foram analisados os dados de frequência de alterações histopatológicas compatíveis com surto reumático. Após análises, 80% dos pacientes apresentaram alterações compatíveis com atividade inflamatória. Desses, 87,5% apresentavam infiltrado linfocitá-rio; 25% apresentavam nódulos de Aschoff. Os achados histopatológicos de doença crônica mais frequentes foram hipertrofia miocárdica em 56,7% pacientes e fibrose em 53,3% (AU).

First record of pediatric cardiovascular interventional procedures performed in a state pediatric catheterization laboratory in El Salvador.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the types of cardiac catheterization that are performed in the only pediatric catheterization laboratory within the public health network of El Salvador, in collaboration with non-profit organizations. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the period from May 2022 to January 2023, reviewing the records of all patients who underwent cardiac catheterization. RESULTS: 54 procedures were performed in the catheterization room, 37 female patients. The weight was 20.6 ± 14.5 kg, of the procedures, 47 (87%) were therapeutic and 7 (13%) diagnostic. Occlusion of the ductus arteriosus was performed in 46% of the patients. No complications were reported, the patients were discharged after 12 hours, all supplies were donated by non-profit foundations. CONCLUSIONS: Our catheterization laboratory performs procedures of varied complexity without reporting any major complications to date. We are limited due to the high cost of some devices, the low frequency of their use and the impossibility of acquiring them in the national market.

OBJETIVO: Describir los tipos de cateterismo cardiaco que se realizan en el único laboratorio de hemodinamia pediátrica dentro de la red de salud pública de El Salvador, en colaboración con organizaciones sin fines de lucro. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal en el periodo entre mayo de 2022 a enero de 2023, revisando los expedientes de todos los pacientes que pasaron a cateterismo cardiaco. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 54 procedimientos dentro de la sala de hemodinamia, 37 pacientes de sexo femenino. El peso fue de 20.6 ± 14.5 kg, de los procedimientos, 47 (87%) fueron terapéuticos y 7 (13%) diagnósticos. La oclusión del conducto arterioso se realizó en el 46% de los pacientes. No se reportaron complicaciones, los pacientes fueron dados de alta luego de 12 horas, todos los insumos fueron donados por fundaciones sin fines de lucro. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestro laboratorio de hemodinamia realiza procedimientos de complejidad variada sin reportar hasta el momento complicaciones mayores. Nos vemos limitados debido al costo alto de algunos dispositivos, a la baja frecuencia de la utilización de estos y a la imposibilidad para adquirirlos en el mercado nacional.