Regular source of primary care and health services utilisation among Brazilian elderly with mental-physical multimorbidity.

BACKGROUND: In ageing populations, multimorbidity is a complex challenge to health systems, especially when the individuals have both mental and physical morbidities. Although a regular source of primary care (RSPC) is associated with better health outcomes, its relation with health service utilisation in elderly patients with mental-physical multimorbidity (MP-MM) is scarce. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the relations among health service utilisation, presence of RSPC and MP-MM among elderly Brazilians. METHODS: A national cross-sectional study performed with data from national representative samples from the Brazilian National Health Research (PNS, in Portuguese; Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde) carried out in 2013 with 11,177 elderly Brazilian people. MP-MM was defined as the presence of two or more morbidities, including at least one mental morbidity, and was evaluated using a list of 16 physical and mental morbidities. The RSPC was analysed by the presence of regular font of care in primary care and health service utilisation according to the demand for health services ≤ 15 days, medical consultation ≤ 12 months, and hospitalisation ≤ 1 year. Frequency description of variables and bivariate association were performed using Stata v.15.2 software. RESULTS: The majority of individuals was female (56.4%), and their mean age was 69.8 years. The observed prevalence of MP-MM was 12.2%. Individuals with MP-MM had higher utilisation of health services when compared to those without MP-MM. RSPC was present at 36.5% and was higher in women (37.8% vs. 34.9%). There was a lower occurrence of hospitalisation ≤ 1 year among MP-MM individuals with RSPC and without a private plan of health. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that RSPC can be an important component of care in elderly individuals with MP-MM because it was associated with lower occurrence of hospitalisation, mainly in those that have not a private plan of health. Longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Predictors of overweight/obesity in a Brazilian cohort after 13 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a chronic complex disease with an increasing prevalence around the world. Prospective studies in adult cohorts are needed to provide information about predictors of new-onset overweight/obesity on population-based levels. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with the risk of an adult individual become overweight/obese after 13 years of follow-up. METHODS: Second phase of an observational population-based prospective cohort study in a small town in the Midwest region of Brazil. A representative sample of the adult population (≥18 years) was assessed in 2002 (phase 1). Anthropometric, sociodemographic, dietary intake and lifestyle data were collected. After 13 years of follow-up (2015), the same variables were re-evaluated (phase 2). New-onset overweight/obesity was the outcome variable. RESULTS: A total of 685 subjects were included with a mean age in phase 1 of 42.7 ± 13.8 years and 56.1 ± 13.8 years in phase 2, the mean follow-up time was 13.2 years and female sex counted for 66.3% of the sample. Total weight gain was 5.9 ± 10.2 Kg, body mass index increased 2.6 ± 3.8 Kg/m2 and waist circumference (WC) values increased 8.0 ± 10.5 cm. The prevalence of overweight/obesity went from 49.1% in phase 1 to 69.8% in phase 2 (p < 0.001). The factors associated with a decreased risk of new-onset overweight/obesity were ages between 50 and 64 (RR 0.40; CI 0.24-0.67 - p = 0.001) and ≥65 years (RR 0.15; CI 0.06-0.35 - p < 0.001), being part of the second quartile of fat consumption (RR 0.59; CI 0.35-0.97 - p = 0.041), no alcohol consumption (RR 0.59; CI 0.37-0.93 - p = 0.024) and smoking (RR 0.58; CI 0.39-0.86 - p = 0,007) in phase 1. CONCLUSIONS: We identified in thirteen years of follow-up that older ages, a moderate fat consumption compared to low consumption, no alcohol consumption and smoking habit were related to a decreased risk of new-onset overweight/obesity. Obesity prevention actions must focus on subjects at younger ages and include policies to reduce alcohol consumption.

Is waist-to-height ratio the best predictive indicator of hypertension incidence? A cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The best anthropometric indicator to verify the association between obesity and hypertension (HTN) has not been established. We conducted this study to evaluate and compare the discriminatory power of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in relation to body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in predicting HTN after 13 years of follow-up. METHODS: This study was an observational prospective cohort study performed in the city of Firminópolis, in Brazilian's midwest. The cohort baseline (phase 1) was initiated in 2002 with the evaluation of a representative sample of the normotensive population (≥ 18 years of age). The incidence of HTN was evaluated as the outcome (phase 2). Sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle variables were used to adjust proportional hazards models and evaluate risk of HTN according to anthropometric indices. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the predictive capacity of these indices. The best HTN predictor cut-offs were obtained based on sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: A total of 471 patients with a mean age of 38.9 ± 12.3 years were included in phase 1. The mean follow-up was 13.2 years, and 207 subjects developed HTN. BMI, WC and WHtR were associated with risk of HTN incidence and had similar power in predicting the disease. However, the associations were only significant for women. The cut-off points with a better HTN predictive capacity were in agreement with current recommendations, except for the WC in men. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that both overall obesity (BMI) and central obesity (WC and WHtR) anthropometric indicators can be used in this population to evaluate the risk of developing hypertension.

Sedentary lifestyle and its associated factors among adolescents from public and private schools of a Brazilian state capital.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a transition stage between childhood and adulthood and is an important phase for the acquisition of future lifestyles, including the practice of physical activity (PA). The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle in adolescents is often high, creating the need for studies addressing the practice of PA and its associated factors for a better understanding of the phenomenon and possible interventions that would encourage positive changes. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of a representative sample of students aged 14-18 years enrolled in both public and private schools of a large Brazilian city to determine the level of physical activity (PA) and its associated factors. Sedentary lifestyle was measured by applying the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The independent variables were gender, age, race, tobacco use and alcohol consumption in the past 30 days, socioeconomic status, body mass index, waist circumference and blood pressure. The crude prevalence ratio was used as a measure of association and was estimated from a Poisson regression. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 862 adolescents with a mean age of 15.4 ± 1.1 years. Females were predominant (52.8%), and the age between 14 and 15 years was the most frequent (52.2%). The majority of the group reported themselves as Caucasians (51.2%), belonging to socioeconomic class C (52.5%) and were attending to public schools (69.1%). The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was 66.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63.5-69.9), where values of 65.4% and 69.9% were observed among students from public and private schools, respectively (p = 0.196). Sedentary lifestyle was more frequent in females (78.0% vs 54.3%; p < 0.001). The factor directly associated with sedentary lifestyle was female gender both in public and private schools and the only independent variable related to sedentarism was also female gender. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was extremely high in the population of adolescents studied both in public and private schools. Female sex was directly associated with sedentary lifestyle.

The natural history of cardiovascular risk factors in health professionals: 20-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of the presence and evolution of cardiovascular risk factors in young people may significantly contribute to actions to modify the natural history of these risks and prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVES: To assess the presence and evolution of cardiovascular risk factors in health professionals over a 20-year period. METHODS: A group of individuals was evaluated when they first started graduate programs in medicine, nursing, nutrition, dentistry, and pharmacy, and 20 years later. Data obtained in the two phases were compared. Questionnaires about hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, family history of early-onset cardiovascular disease, smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedentary lifestyle were administered. Cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) were measured. RESULTS: Of the 281 individuals (62.9 % women; mean age 19.7 years) initially analyzed, 215 (59.07 % women; mean age 39.8 years) were analyzed 20 years later. An increase in mean values of systolic (111.6 vs 118.7 mmHg- p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (71 vs 77.1 mmHg - p < 0.001), cholesterol (150.1 vs 182.4 mg/dL - p < 0.001), blood glucose (74.3 vs 81.4 mg/dL - p < 0.001) and BMI (20.7 vs 23.7 kg/m(2) - p = 0.017) was observed. Despite the decrease of sedentarism (50.2 vs 38.1 % - p = 0.015), the prevalence of hypertension (4.6 vs 18.6 % - p < 0.001), excessive weight (8.2 vs 32.1 % - p < 0.001), hypercholesterolemia (7.8 vs 24.2 % - p < 0.001), and alcohol consumption (32.7 vs 34.9 % - p = 0.037) increased. There was no change in the prevalence of smoking. CONCLUSION: Health professionals presented an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood glucose, body mass index, and cholesterol over the 20-year study period. Regarding the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, increased blood pressure, overweight, hypercholesterolemia and alcohol consumption, and a decrease in sedentary lifestyle were observed.

SAGE Score in Normotensive and Pre-Hypertensive Patients: A Proof of Concept. / Escore SAGE em Normotensos e Pré-Hipertensos: Uma Prova de Conceito.

BACKGROUND: The SAGE score was developed to detect individuals at risk for increased pulse wave velocity (PWV). So far, studies have been focused on hypertensive patients. OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of the score to detect non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients at risk for increased PWV. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study of analysis of central blood pressure data and calculation of the SAGE score of non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients. Each score point was analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, using the cut-off point for positive diagnosis a PVW ≥ 10m/s, ≥9.08 m/s (75thpercentile) and ≥7.30 m/s (50thpercentile). A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 100 normotensive and pre-hypertensive individuals, with mean age of 52.64 ± 14.94 years and median PWV of 7.30 m/s (6.03 - 9.08). The SAGE score was correlated with age (r=0.938, p<0.001), glycemia (r=0.366, p<0.001) and glomerular filtration rate (r=-0.658, p<0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.968 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 10 m/s, 0.977 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 9.08 m/s and 0.967 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 7.30 m/s. The score 7 showed a specificity of 95.40% and sensitivity of 100% for PWV≥10 m/s. The cut-off point would be of five for a PWV≥9.08 m/s (sensitivity =96.00%, specificity = 94.70%), and two for a PWV ≥ 7.30 m/s. CONCLUSION: The SAGE score could identify individuals at higher risk of arterial stiffness, using different PWV cutoff points. However, the development of a specific score for normotensive and pre-hypertensive subjects is needed.

FUNDAMENTO: O SAGE foi desenvolvido para identificar hipertensos com chance de velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) aumentada. Até o momento, as publicações do escore foram em hipertensos. OBJETIVO: Verificar a capacidade do SAGE de identificar os normotensos ou pré-hipertensos com chance de aumento da VOP. MÉTODOS: Transversal retrospectivo, incluiu exames de normotensos e pré-hipertensos que realizaram a medida central da pressão arterial e apresentavam os parâmetros para o cálculo do escore. Para cada pontuação do escore, foi analisada a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo utilizando como ponto de corte para o diagnóstico positivo VOP ≥ 10m/s, ≥9,08 m/s (percentil 75) e ≥7,30 m/s (percentil 50). Um valor de p<0,05 foi adotado como estatisticamente significante. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi de 100 participantes normotensos ou pré-hipertensos, com média (DP) de 52,64 (14,94) anos e VOP mediana de 7,30 m/s (6,03 ­ 9,08). O SAGE apresentou correlação com idade (r=0,938, p<0,001), glicemia (r=0,366, p<0,001) e taxa de filtração de glomerular (r=-0,658, p<0,001). A área sob a curva ROC foi de 0,968 (p<0,001) para VOP≥10 m/s, 0,977 (p<0,001) para VOP≥9,08 m/s e 0,967 (p<0,001) para VOP≥7,30 m/s. O escore 7 apresentou especificidade de 95,40% e sensibilidade de 100% para VOP≥10 m/s. O ponto de corte seria cinco para VOP≥9,08 m/s (s=96,00%, e= 94,70%), e dois para VOP≥7,30 m/s. CONCLUSÃO: O SAGE foi capaz de identificar indivíduos com maior chance de apresentar rigidez arterial, utilizando diferentes pontos de corte de VOP. Entretanto, o desenvolvimento de um escore específico para normontensos e pré-hipertensos faz-se necessário.

Identifying multimorbidity clusters among Brazilian older adults using network analysis: Findings and perspectives.

In aging populations, multimorbidity (MM) is a significant challenge for health systems, however there are scarce evidence available in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, particularly in Brazil. A national cross-sectional study was conducted with 11,177 Brazilian older adults to evaluate the occurrence of MM and related clusters in Brazilians aged ≥ 60 years old. MM was assessed by a list of 16 physical and mental morbidities and it was defined considering ≥ 2 morbidities. The frequencies of MM and its associated factors were analyzed. After this initial approach, a network analysis was performed to verify the occurrence of clusters of MM and the network of interactions between coexisting morbidities. The occurrence of MM was 58.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 57.0-60.2). Hypertension (50.6%) was the most frequent morbidity and it was present all combinations of morbidities. Network analysis has demonstrated 4 MM clusters: 1) cardiometabolic; 2) respiratory + cancer; 3) musculoskeletal; and 4) a mixed mental illness + other diseases. Depression was the most central morbidity in the model according to nodes' centrality measures (strength, closeness, and betweenness) followed by heart disease, and low back pain. Similarity in male and female networks was observed with a conformation of four clusters of MM and cancer as an isolated morbidity. The prevalence of MM in the older Brazilians was high, especially in female sex and persons living in the South region of Brazil. Use of network analysis could be an important tool for identifying MM clusters and address the appropriate health care, research, and medical education for older adults in Brazil.

Antihypertensive effect of Equisetum arvense L.: a double-blind, randomized efficacy and safety clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Equisetum arvense L. (EA) is a traditional phytomedicine used as a diuretic agent worldwide and regulated strictly by European Medicine Agency (EMA) and Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). However, few studies evaluating its efficacy and safety have been published and no clinical trial assessing its antihypertensive effect has been reported to date. PURPOSE: To assess antihypertensive effect, safety and tolerability of EA compared to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). METHODS: This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial, allocating 58 systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) stage I patients (both sexes, 25-65 years old) into two groups (EA and HCTZ). All patients underwent biochemical and cardiologic checkup prior to and during interventions. The EA standardized dry extract (900 mg/day) or HCTZ (25 mg/day) were administered for 3 months and follow-up visits were conducted every 30 days. Efficacy established goals were systolic blood pressure (SBP) and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreases ≥ 10.0 mmHg and/or casual blood pressure (CBP) < 140/90 mmHg. RESULTS: EA treatment demonstrated a significant antihypertensive effect, promoting a mean decrease of SBP and DBP by 12.6 and 8.1 mmHg, respectively, and resulting a CBP mean of 134.0/84.5 mmHg at the end of intervention on the SAH stage I patients (CBP mean of 148.5/95.7 mmHg). There were no significant statistical differences between EA and HCTZ interventions on blood pressure decrease, and before-after treatments regarding to biochemical tests and signs of acute toxicity, renal, hepatic and hematologic alterations. A slight trend but no significant difference were observed between adverse events from EA (3.58%) and HCTZ (4.68%) groups. CONCLUSION: EA standardized dry extract was successfully applied to the SAH stage I patient treatment, decreasing effectively SBP ad DBP values to the reference normal ranges, and demonstrating a well-tolerability profile similar to HCTZ intervention.

Factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure in hypertensive Brazilians.

Uncontrolled hypertension has a high prevalence and is related to numerous negative health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the lack of blood pressure control in hypertensive Brazilians treated in public and private services. This is an analytical, multicentric, and national cross-sectional study, carried out with adult hypertensive patients, monitored in 45 outpatient clinics (September 2013 to October 2015) in a prospective record interview, clinical, and anthropometric assessment. Outcome variables included uncontrolled pressure (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg). Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Two thousand six hundred forty-three participants were assessed with a mean age of 61.6 ± 11.9 years, 55.7% of women, and 46.4% with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). The following were associated with uncontrolled BP: age over 60 years (OR: 1.31 [1.11-1.55]); practice of irregular physical activity (OR: 1.28 [1.06-1.55]); attending the emergency room for hypertensive crises in the last six months (OR: 1.80 [1.46-2.22]); increased body mass index (OR: 1.02 [1.01-1.04]); low adherence to drug treatment (OR: 1.22 [1.04-1.44]) and menopause (OR: 1.36 [1.07-1.72]). The following were negatively associated: fruit consumption (OR: 0.90 [0.85-0.94]); presence of dyslipidemia (OR: 0.75 [0.64-0.89]), acute myocardial infarction (OR: 0.59 [0.46-0.76]), and peripheral arterial disease (OR: 0.52 [0.34-0.78]). Factors associated with difficult-to-control blood pressure are the same that increase the risk for hypertension, while the presence of atherosclerotic disease and its outcomes were associated with better control.

Home blood pressure in children and adolescents: a comparison with office and ambulatory blood pressure measurements.

AIM: To compare BP measurements of children and adolescents using different methods office BP (OBP), ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and home BP measurement (HBPM) and to study their correlations. METHOD: Individuals were evaluated between 5 and 15 years of age who had been referred because of a previous high BP. OBP was measured with the OMRON-705CP. Three measurements were carried out at 5-min intervals. HBPM were taken using the same device, two measurements at 5-min intervals in the morning and in the evening during 7 days. ABPM was performed using the SpaceLabs 90207 monitors. RESULTS: A total of 109 children and adolescents were evaluated (9.82 ± 2.63 years), 52.3% boys, 56.9% non-white. The office systolic BP (SBP) was lower than in daytime ABPM (p < 0.001) but similar HBPM (p = 0.294), and the office diastolic BP (DBP) was lower than daytime ABPM (p < 0.001) and in HBPM (p = 0.035). The SBP and DBP at HBPM was lower than daytime ABPM (p < 0.001). Daytime ambulatory BP was more closely associated with home readings (SBP r = 0.731 and DBP r = 0.616) than with office's readings (SBP r = 0.653 and DBP r = 0.394). CONCLUSION: The BP of children and adolescents varies depending on the place and manner of measurement. ABPM presents better correlation with HBPM than with the office measurements.

[Hypertension and its association to anthropometric indexes in adults from a small city ln Brazil]. / Hipertensão arterial e sua associação com índices antropométricos em adultos de uma cidade de pequeno porte do interior do Brasil.

OBJECTIVE: Estimate the prevalence of Arterial Hypertension (AH) and its association with Body Mass Index (BMI) and Abdominal Circumference (AC) in the adult population from the city of Firminópolis, in the state of Goiás, Brazil. METHODS: Descriptive, observational, cross sectional population-based study substantiated by a home survey of a simple random sample (> or = 18 years old). The study evaluated 1168 individuals. Standardized questionnaires. Measurements performed were Blood Pressure (BP) (hypertension: BP > or = 140 x 90 mmHg), weight, height and AC. Microsoft Office Access and Epi-info, 3.3.2 version were used for data storage and analysis, respectively. RESULTS: There was a predominance of females (63.2%), mean age was 43.2 +/-14.9 years old. Prevalence of hypertension was 32.7%, with tendency to be higher among the male population (35.8%) when compared to the female (30.9%) (p=0.084). Association between AH and BMI was positive (p < 0.001), as well as between AC and age. Prevalence of overweight was 33.7% and obesity, 16.0%. Overweight was higher among the male population and obesity among the female population. Prevalence of increased as well as greatly increased AC in 51.9% of the studied population, with 28.6% among males and 65.5% among females. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of hypertension and a large number of individuals with BMI and AC above the ideal values were found.

[The influence of programmed physical activity on blood pressure of hypertensive elderly patients on non-pharmacological treatment]. / Influência da atividade física programada na pressão arterial de idosos hipertensos sob tratamento não-farmacológico.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the influence of physical activity on the blood pressure of hypertensive elderly patients on non-pharmacological treatment (NPT). METHODS: The authors studied men and women, over 60 years, with stage I hypertension who were not using antihypertensive medication. These patients had been randomly allocated to one of two groups: Control Group (CG) - oriented to NPT; and Study Group (SG) - NPT and a program that included supervised physical activity consisting of 1-hour sessions, 3 times a week. Duration of the study was 6 months. Screening and follow-up tests every 3 months, at Visits 1, 2 and 3 included a clinical evaluation, ECG, a treadmill stress test, Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement (ABPM) and an Echocardiogram. The authors used the Friedman test for the evolutionary analysis of the intra-groups means and Student's t test to compare independent data between groups. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were randomized in the SG (5 men) and 21 in the CG (4 men). The 6-month follow-up period was completed by 22 patients in the SG and 13 in the CG. Blood pressures found by the ABPM in V1, V2 and V3 were 134.2 +/-14.5, 136.1 +/-9 and 143.7+/-13.9 mmHg for Systolic Blood Pressure in the CG; and 135.6 +/-11.4, 138.7 +/-12.2 and 133.9 +/-8.5 mmHg in the SG. For Diastolic Blood Pressure, values in the CG were 78.7+/-5.8, 82.3+/-6.2 and 83.3 +/-9.2 mmHg; and in the SG, 80.1 +/-6.8, 81+/-6.6 and 80.8 +/-7.3 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Programmed and supervised physical activity was more efficient for maintaining adequate blood pressure control in these elderly with stage I hypertension in the study group, when compared to the control group.

Comparison Between Supervised and Partly Supervised Cardiac Rehabilitation Protocols in Hypertensive Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension (HTN) is the main cause of cardiovascular diseases accounting for one-third of global mortality. Physical exercise reduces the incidence and prevalence of HTN and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Exercises recommended for hypertensive patients include supervised cardiac rehabilitation, which occurs in rehabilitation centers, and partly supervised rehabilitation, with the individual prescription of exercises conducted at patients' residences. OBJECTIVE: Compare clinical and functional parameters of hypertensive patients subjected to two cardiac rehabilitation protocols: supervised and partly supervised. METHOD: Hypertensive patients stage I or II were randomly divided into group one (G1) (partly supervised cardiac rehabilitation) and group two (G2) (supervised cardiac rehabilitation). All patients performed a warm-up, aerobic exercise, strength training and cool-down. Participants' assessments conducted before and after intervention included: physical examination, six-minute walk test, cardiac stress test, metabolic tests, and central and peripheral blood pressure measurements. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients (mean age 60.3±11.3 years, 78.7% women) were randomized (30 in G1 and 31 in G2). At the end of the intervention, G1 increased 30.6 meters (p=0.004) and G2 increased 55.0 meters (p>0.001) the distance covered in the six-minute walk test. G2 showed an increase in the maximum oxygen consumption from 24.7±8.6 mlO2/Kg/min to 28.4±7.5 mlO2/Kg/min (p=0.003). Compliance with the intervention was similar in G1 and G2 (77.5±11% x 82±10%; p=0.654). CONCLUSION: Participants from both groups improved their physical fitness and showed satisfactory compliance and tolerability to the interventions. The supervised exercise was more effective in improving muscle strength and some physical fitness parameters.

Birth weight and its association with blood pressure and nutritional status in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The management of children with low birth weight is not the same in countries with different resources. The authors assessed the association of birth weight with blood pressure and nutritional status in a representative sample of adolescents from a Brazilian state, aiming to identify possible consequences of these differences. METHODS: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted with adolescents (12-18 years) enrolled in public and private schools. Birth weight, office blood pressure, home blood pressure measurements, and nutritional status (body mass index, height z-score for the age, and waist circumference) were assessed. The association of birth weight with the outcomes (blood pressure, height, body mass index, and waist circumference) was studied through univariate and multivariable linear regression models. RESULTS: A total of 829 adolescents with a mean age of 14.6±1.62 years were included; 43.3% were male, and 37.0% from private schools. The prevalence of low birth weight was 8.7%. Mild low height prevalence was higher among those adolescents with low/insufficient birth weight when compared to those with normal/high birth weight (11.7 vs. 4.2%; p<0.001). In the multiple linear regression analysis, for each increase of 100g in birth weight, height increased by 0.28cm (95% CI: 0.18-0.37; p<0.01). Birth weight did not influence office blood pressure and home blood pressure, body mass index, or waist circumference of adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Birth weight was directly associated to height, but not associated to blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference in adolescents from an urban area of a developing country.

Multiple cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents from a middle-income country: Prevalence and associated factors.

Multiple cardiovascular risk factors are directly related to the severity of atherosclerosis, even in children and adolescents. In this context accurate assessment of risk factors at the individual level play a decisive role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, the frequency of their coexistence in individuals, and identify possible determinants associated with this coexistence in Brazilian adolescents. A cross-sectional study with 1170 students (12-17 years) from public and private schools of a large city was conducted. In addition to family history, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors were assessed including: tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, overweight/obesity, increased waist circumference, and high blood pressure (office and home). We built a linear regression model to identify determinants associated with increasing number of modifiable risk factors. Mean study population age was 14.7±1.6 years, 67% were enrolled in public schools and 33% in private ones. The majority of the adolescents had at least two risk factors (68.9%), more than 10% had more than 4 risk factors, and in only 6.7% of the sample no risk factor was identified. Family history of CVD (ß-coefficient = 1.20; 95%CI 1.07-1.34; p<0.001), increasing age (ß-coefficient = 0.08; 95%CI 0.04-0.11; p<0.001), and being enrolled in private schools (ß-coefficient = 0.16; 95%CI 0.02-0.30; p = 0.023) were directly associated with the modifiable CV risk factors. In conclusion, the prevalence of multiple cardiovascular risk factors was high in the population of adolescents studied. School based interventions should be addressed to change this scenario.

Escore SAGE em Normotensos e Pré-Hipertensos: Uma Prova de Conceito / SAGE Score in Normotensive and Pre-Hypertensive Patients: A Proof of Concept

Resumo Fundamento O SAGE foi desenvolvido para identificar hipertensos com chance de velocidade de onda de pulso (VOP) aumentada. Até o momento, as publicações do escore foram em hipertensos. Objetivo Verificar a capacidade do SAGE de identificar os normotensos ou pré-hipertensos com chance de aumento da VOP. Métodos Transversal retrospectivo, incluiu exames de normotensos e pré-hipertensos que realizaram a medida central da pressão arterial e apresentavam os parâmetros para o cálculo do escore. Para cada pontuação do escore, foi analisada a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo utilizando como ponto de corte para o diagnóstico positivo VOP ≥ 10m/s, ≥9,08 m/s (percentil 75) e ≥7,30 m/s (percentil 50). Um valor de p<0,05 foi adotado como estatisticamente significante. Resultados A amostra foi de 100 participantes normotensos ou pré-hipertensos, com média (DP) de 52,64 (14,94) anos e VOP mediana de 7,30 m/s (6,03 - 9,08). O SAGE apresentou correlação com idade (r=0,938, p<0,001), glicemia (r=0,366, p<0,001) e taxa de filtração de glomerular (r=-0,658, p<0,001). A área sob a curva ROC foi de 0,968 (p<0,001) para VOP≥10 m/s, 0,977 (p<0,001) para VOP≥9,08 m/s e 0,967 (p<0,001) para VOP≥7,30 m/s. O escore 7 apresentou especificidade de 95,40% e sensibilidade de 100% para VOP≥10 m/s. O ponto de corte seria cinco para VOP≥9,08 m/s (s=96,00%, e= 94,70%), e dois para VOP≥7,30 m/s. Conclusão O SAGE foi capaz de identificar indivíduos com maior chance de apresentar rigidez arterial, utilizando diferentes pontos de corte de VOP. Entretanto, o desenvolvimento de um escore específico para normontensos e pré-hipertensos faz-se necessário.

Abstract Background The SAGE score was developed to detect individuals at risk for increased pulse wave velocity (PWV). So far, studies have been focused on hypertensive patients. Objective To assess the ability of the score to detect non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients at risk for increased PWV. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional study of analysis of central blood pressure data and calculation of the SAGE score of non-hypertensive and pre-hypertensive patients. Each score point was analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, using the cut-off point for positive diagnosis a PVW ≥ 10m/s, ≥9.08 m/s (75thpercentile) and ≥7.30 m/s (50thpercentile). A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The sample was composed of 100 normotensive and pre-hypertensive individuals, with mean age of 52.64 ± 14.94 years and median PWV of 7.30 m/s (6.03 - 9.08). The SAGE score was correlated with age (r=0.938, p<0.001), glycemia (r=0.366, p<0.001) and glomerular filtration rate (r=-0.658, p<0.001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.968 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 10 m/s, 0.977 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 9.08 m/s and 0.967 (p<0.001) for PWV ≥ 7.30 m/s. The score 7 showed a specificity of 95.40% and sensitivity of 100% for PWV≥10 m/s. The cut-off point would be of five for a PWV≥9.08 m/s (sensitivity =96.00%, specificity = 94.70%), and two for a PWV ≥ 7.30 m/s. Conclusion The SAGE score could identify individuals at higher risk of arterial stiffness, using different PWV cutoff points. However, the development of a specific score for normotensive and pre-hypertensive subjects is needed.

The relationship between body mass index and lifestyle in a Brazilian adult population: a cross-sectional survey.

This study focused on adult obesity prevalence in Goiânia, Goiás State, Brazil, and the association between socio-demographic variables, lifestyle, physical activity, eating habits, and food consumption frequency and body mass index (BMI). A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2001 with a sample of 1,252 individuals from 20 to 64 years of age. The association between socio-demographic variables, lifestyle, food consumption, and physical activity and BMI was evaluated by hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis. Obesity prevalence was 10.7% in men and 13.9% in women. In males, age, income, and meat consumption showed a positive association with BMI, while physical activity during leisure time and commuting and the habit of eating > 4 meals per day were inversely associated with BMI. In women, positively associated factors were age, no smoking, and no meat consumption; in contrast, consumption of grains was inversely associated with BMI. High obesity prevalence was observed; active lifestyle coupled with ingestion of more grains and less meat appeared to protect against increased BMI.

Multiprofessional Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Very Elderly Patients.

BACKGROUND: As the world population ages, patients older than 80 years, known as very elderly, are more frequently found. There are no studies in this age group aimed at analyzing the multidisciplinary intervention in the treatment of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and some comorbidities. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of a multidisciplinary approach in very elderly hypertensives cared for at a specialized service. METHODS: Longitudinal retrospective cohort study in a multidisciplinary service specialized in the SAH treatment in the Brazilian West-Central region. Patients aged 80 years and older by June 2015 were included. Data from the first (V1) and last visit (Vf) were assessed. Anthropometric variables, blood pressure (BP), renal function, pharmacological treatment, lifestyle, comorbidities and cardiovascular events were studied, comparing data from V1 and Vf. Controlled BP was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) lower than 140 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) lower than 90 mm Hg. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSSR software, version 21.0. Values of p<0,05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Data of 71 patients were assessed with a mean follow-up time of 15,22 years. Their mean age at V1 was 69.2 years, and, at Vf, 84.53 years, and 26.8% of them were males. There was a significant reduction in mean SBP (157.3 x 142.1 mm Hg; p<0.001) and DBP (95.1 x 77.8 mm Hg; p<0.001), with an increase in BP control rates from V1 to Vf (36.6 x 83.1%; p<0.001). The number of antihypertensive drugs used increased (1.49 x 2.85; p<0.001), with an increase in the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (22.5 x 46.5%; p=0.004), angiotensin II receptor blockers (4.2 x 35.2%; p<0.001) and calcium-channel blockers (18.3 x 67.6%; p<0.001). There was a reduction in total cholesterol (217.9 x 191 mg/dL; p<0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (139.6 x 119.0 mg/dL; p<0.001), but worsening of the glomerular filtration rate (62.5 x 45.4 mL/min; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The multidisciplinary intervention in very elderly hypertensives increased BP control rate, with optimization of the pharmacological treatment.

Association between arterial hypertension and nutritional status in adolescents from Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Adolescents are a population with unique lifestyle challenges, including physical inactivity, inadequate nutrition, and obesity, all of which increase the risk of developing hypertension (HTN). The objective of this study has been to estimate the prevalence of factors associated with hypertension in adolescents in the city of Goiânia City, Central Brazil. METHODS: Between 2013and2014, a cross-sectional population study on cardiovascular risk in adolescents, was conducted with the participation of 1,586 adolescents in 108 classes at 36 schools (public and private) in Goiânia city. All of the adolescents were interviewed to establish their sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics related to hypertension and nutritional status. Anthropometric and blood pressure data were collected following a protocol. A Poisson regression, stratified by gender, was used to verify the factors associated with HTN. RESULTS: In this mixed-gender group of 1,586 students, the prevalence of HTN was 6.2% (95% CI: 4.6-8.2%) in girls and 14.0% (95% CI: 10.2-18.8%) in boys-about twice as high in boys as in girls (p <0.001). Obesity was independently associated with HTN in both genders. Being overweight was a risk factor for HTN. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the SBP/SBP percentile and the BMI Z-score/Nutritional status (NS)in both genders. A high prevalence of physical inactivity was also observed in the adolescents investigated, especially in the girls. On the other hand, more boys than girls were found to be obese. CONCLUSION: The results of this investigation revealed the need for strategies to prevent and control HTN and its risk factors, especially in Brazil's schools. In addition to the constant surveillance of HTN prevalence and risk factors (in particular, being overweight or obese), information should be distributed to promote beneficial health behaviors among adolescents.