[Screening for heart disease in kids and adolescents (Prevencar Program)]. / Screening de cardiopatías en niños y adolescentes (Prevencar Program).

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to develop a screening for heart disease detection in primary care, to identify pathological electrocardiographic changes and underlying heart disease in adolescents. DESIGN: The study was carried out for one year using multistage sampling. SITE: Primary care centers in a health area that had digital ECG equipment (12 centers) were selected. PARTICIPANTS: Initially, 718 (16.6%) 14-year-old adolescents were recruited and those with a previous diagnosis of heart disease were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Screening consisted of including a health questionnaire in the mandatory 14-year-old check-up. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Screening included a questionnaire, cardiac auscultation, ECG and echocardiography. Abnormality criteria were established to refer for a second evaluation by a cardiologist. RESULTS: Finally, the sample was made up of 698 adolescents, with a mean age of 13.7±0.5 years, and 354 (50.7%) were boys. A total of 149 (21.3%) were selected for a second review by cardiology: 88 (12.6%) due to a positive questionnaire, 11 (2.2%) due to abnormal cardiac auscultation, and 66 (9.5%) due to ECG findings. Adolescents with evidence of heart disease were 24 (3.4%). Of these, 14 (2.0%) had suggestive alterations and follow-up was recommended, 6 (0.9%) had a definitive diagnosis of heart disease, and 4 (0.6%) had other pathological findings related to the cardiovascular system. CONCLUSIONS: The screening allowed us to identify 1% of adolescents with heart disease and another 2% will remain in follow-up. The ECG detected more pathological cases than the questionnaire.

Prolongation of the descending branch of the T-wave in electrocardiograms with no apparent data consistent with risk for sudden death. / Retraso de la rama descendente de la onda T en electrocardiogramas sin datos de riesgo aparente de muerte súbita.

Introduction: Prolongation of the descending branch of the T-wave in the electrocardiogram (ECG) has been identified to be able to determine the risk for sudden death of cardiac origin, but its importance in the general population is not known. Objective: To provide a tool for easy acquisition and effective application to identify the risk of sudden death in the general population. Method: We measured the dbT/jT index (descending branch of the T wave/space between the j point and the end of T), and it was found to be completely normal in 400 ECGs, 656 had alterations that don't affect ventricular repolarization, and 82 had branch block. We carried out the Z transformation of the nonparametric distribution curves and calculated the Z ratio to data far from the mean value. Results: The distribution was asymmetric, with no difference in the three groups. The Z transformation showed a mean value of 30 ± 7, which suggests that 95% of the population has a dbT/jT index < 0.45. Conclusion: dbT/jT index results > 0.44 are beyond two standard deviations and are therefore abnormal, which should prompt specialized assessment in order to determine if there is risk for death in the carrier.

Introducción: Se ha identificado que la prolongación de la rama descendente de la onda T del electrocardiograma (ECG) puede determinar riesgo de muerte súbita de origen cardiaco, pero se desconoce su importancia en población general. Objetivo: Proporcionar una herramienta de fácil adquisición y aplicación efectiva para identificar riesgo de muerte súbita en población general. Método: Medimos el índice rdT/jT (la rama descendente de la onda T/el espacio entre el punto j y el fin de la T) en 400 electrocardiogramas (ECG) totalmente normales, 656 con alteraciones que no afectan la repolarización ventricular y 82 con bloqueo de rama. Hicimos transformación Z de las curvas de distribución no paramétrica y calculamos razón Z a datos alejados del valor medio. Resultados: La distribución fue asimétrica, sin diferencia en los tres grupos. La transformación Z mostró valor medio de 30 ± 7, lo que sugiere que 95 % de la población debe tener índice rdT/jT < 0.45. Conclusión: Resultados del índice rdt/jT > 0.44 se sitúan más allá de dos desviaciones estándar, por lo tanto, son anormales y deben ser motivo de estudio especializado del portador en busca de riesgo de muerte.

[Hospital Admissions due to cyanosis episodes in newborns with gestational age of 34 weeks or more]. / Hospitalización por episodios de cianosis en recién nacidos de edad gestacional igual o mayor a 34 semanas.

OBJECTIVES: A retrospective study was performed between January 2007 and December 2012 to assess the admission rates of newborns due to episodes of cyanosis PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective study that included all the newborns hospitalized with episodes of cyanosis between January 2007 and December 2012. In them were employed two study protocols that considered first and second line tests, the latter in view of recurrence of events. The first line protocol considered general biochemical tests, chest x-ray and echocardiography in selected cases, while the second line protocol included electroencephalogram, electrocardiogram, nuclear magnetic resonance of the brain, expanded metabolic screening, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, and in case of seizures, cytochemical, and culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for herpes. RESULTS: A total of 98 (2.8%) out of 3,454 newborns were admitted due to episodes of cyanosis. Gestational age: 37.8+1.4 weeks, birth weight: 3,145+477 g. Maternal age: 32+4.8 years. Disease was present in 19.4% of mothers; gestational diabetes (8.1%), pregnancy induced hypertension (5.1%), intrahepatic cholestasis (3.1%), and intrauterine growth retardation (3.1%). Gender: 48.8% male, 51.2% female (NS). Birth: caesarean section, 68.4%, and vaginal delivery, 31.6%. Age on admission 1.9+1.4 days. Hospital stay: 4.2+4.2 days. First line tests were performed in 100% of patients with 39.8% fulfilling the criteria for second line study. A condition was detected in 21.4%, with convulsive syndrome was the most frequent (33%). Newborns with an identified condition had 3.8+2.7 episodes versus 1.5+2,4 in those without diagnosis (NS). A home oxygen monitor was given to 15.4%. There were no re-admissions. CONCLUSIONS: Most newborns admitted due to cyanosis are discharged with a condition of unknown origin. In this study, convulsive syndrome was the most frequent cause.

[Safety study of long-term video-electroencephalogram monitoring]. / Estudio de seguridad en la monitorización por vídeo-electroencefalograma prolongado.

INTRODUCTION: The increased morbidity and mortality and poorer quality of life associated with drug-resistant epilepsy justify admitting patients to epilepsy monitoring units (EMU). These units employ methods that promote the occurrence of seizures, which involves a risk of secondary adverse events. The aim of our study is to characterise and quantify these adverse events in a Spanish EMU. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study of patients admitted consecutively to our EMU. Patients admitted due to status epilepticus, clusters of seizures, or as participants in a clinical trial were excluded. RESULTS: We included 175 patients, of whom 92.1% (161) did not suffer any adverse events. Status epilepticus was present in 3.4% (6); 1.7% (3) had traumatic injury, 1.7% (3) had interictal or postictal psychosis, and 1.1% (2) had cardiorespiratory impairment. There were no risk factors associated with these adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequently-identified adverse events were status epilepticus, traumatic injury, interictal or postictal psychosis, and cardiorespiratory disorders. The frequency of these adverse events was similar to that seen in international literature. The complications detected do not contraindicate VEEGM.

Spanish implantable cardioverter-defibrillator registry. 20th official report of the Heart Rhythm Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (2023).

INTRODUCTION: This article presents data on implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implants in Spain in 2023. METHODS: The registry is based on information provided by centers following device implantation, which is submitted to the Heart Rhythm Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology via the national online registry platform (Cardiodispositivos). Additional information sources include: a) data transfer from the manufacturing and marketing industry; and b) local databases sent from the implanting centers. Population data from the National Institute of Statistics for the first quarter of 2024 was used to calculate implant rates. RESULTS: In 2023, 180 hospitals participated in the registry. Data were reported for 8219 units, compared with 8523 reported by Eucomed (European Confederation of Medical Suppliers Associations). The total implant rate was 172 implants per million inhabitants (177 according to Eucomed), representing an increase compared with previous years. However, differences among autonomous communities persisted, and Spain continues to have the lowest implant rate among the European countries participating in Eucomed. CONCLUSIONS: The data from the 2023 registry reflects 96.4% of the implants performed in Spain. Despite the improvement observed in the implantation rate, Spain's position in Europe remains unchanged, with wide disparities among autonomous communities. Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org/en.

[Post-mortem microbiology analysis]. / Análisis microbiológico post mórtem.

Post-mortem microbiology is useful in both clinical and forensic autopsies, and allows a suspected infection to be confirmed. Indeed, it is routinely applied to donor studies in the clinical setting, as well as in sudden and unexpected death in the forensic field. Implementation of specific sampling techniques in autopsy can minimize the possibility of contamination, making interpretation of the results easier. Specific interpretation criteria for post-mortem cultures, the use of molecular diagnosis, and its fusion with molecular biology and histopathology have led to post-mortem microbiology playing a major role in autopsy. Multidisciplinary work involving microbiologists, pathologists, and forensic physicians will help to improve the achievements of post-mortem microbiology, prevent infectious diseases, and contribute to a healthier population.

[Cardiac sarcoidosis as an infrequent cause of sudden death in asymptomatic young patients]. / Sarcoidosis cardíaca como causa muy infrecuente de muerte súbita en pacientes jóvenes asintomáticos.

Cardiac involvement in sarcoidosis has been described in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. The aim of this report is to further the understanding of sarcoidosis and its clinical presentation. We report the autopsy and toxicology results of two cases of sudden death in young men. A 37-year-old male had generalized sarcoidosis, in mediastinal glands and intramyocardial sarcoid granulomas in the left ventricle, which had caused a 14mm thickening of the ventricular wall and a secondary dilated myocardiopathy causing sudden death. A 27-year-old male had extensive sarcoidosis of the lungs and mediastinum. Granulomas with a fibrotic background were found in the cardiac wall which could have originated an arrhythmogenic mechanism causing sudden death. Post-mortem study including careful examination of cardiac conduction pathways are vital to ascertain the cause of sudden death.

Spanish implantable cardioverter-defibrillator registry. 19th official report of Heart Rhythm Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (2022).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This article presents data on implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implants in Spain in 2022. METHODS: The data were collected from implantation centers, which voluntarily completed a data collection sheet during the implantation process, either manually or through a web page. RESULTS: In 2022, 170 hospitals participated in the registry. A total of 7693 forms were received compared with the 7970 reported by Eucomed (European Confederation of Medical Suppliers Associations), representing 96.5% of the devices. The total rate of registered implants was 162/million inhabitants (168 according to Eucomed), showing a slight increase compared with previous years. Disparities persisted among autonomous communities and Spain continued to have the lowest implantation rate among countries participating in Eucomed. CONCLUSIONS: The data from the registry for 2022 reflect the complete recovery of activity after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite a slight improvement, there was no significant change in our position in Europe or in the substantial differences among autonomous communities.

Use of subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator. First cases reported from National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez-Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: The transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is the treatment of choice for the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Its use could be restricted when device-related infections occurs or in the pediatric population. In the later, an ICD represents a challenge, due to the minimal dimensions of the venous system in children, the length of the electrodes, the size of the generator, as well as the anatomical complexity in cases with associated congenital heart disease. OBJECTIVE: This article presents the first Mexican patients with a subcutaneous ICD (SC-ICD) implant as a therapy for the prevention of SCD. METHODS: The first four cases were implanted at the Ignacio Chávez National Institute of Cardiology with a SC-ICD (Emblem, Boston Scientific, USA), three of them were pediatric patients, including the first implant of this type of device in a pediatric patient in Latin America. The 3-incision and 2-incision techniques were used under general anesthesia. RESULTS: A successful implantation was obtained with the 3-incision technique in the first 2 cases and the last 2 with the 2-incision technique. Proper functioning of the device was corroborated in the operating room with proof of appropriate therapy (65 J) for ventricular fibrillation induced with 50 Hz stimulation. No immediate complications were observed. One patient had appropriate shocks two months after the implant. During follow-up, one child developed skin erosion at the level of the curve of the electrode on the sternum, with no signs of infection. In the operating room, the damaged skin was resected, the barrel and the fixation silk were removed, surgical lavage was performed, and the skin was closed again, thus avoiding removal of the system. CONCLUSIONS: The SC-ICD is an alternative therapy to the transvenous ICD. It can be considered first choice in subjects who do not require ventricular pacing, including pediatric patients. Skin complications can occur but do not pose a threat as venous complications of conventional ICDs.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El desfibrilador automático implantable (DAI) transvenoso es el tratamiento de elección para la prevención de muerte súbita (MS) cardiaca por arritmias ventriculares malignas. Su uso se puede ver limitado cuando existe infección del sistema de estimulación o en población pediátrica donde representa un reto por diversas razones, incluyendo: las mínimas dimensiones del sistema venoso de los niños, la longitud de los electrodos, el tamaño del generador, así como por la complejidad anatómica en casos de cardiopatía congénita asociada. OBJETIVO: El presente artículo tiene por objetivo presentar la primera serie de casos de pacientes mexicanos a los cuales se les implantó un DAI subcutáneo (DAI-SC) como terapia para la prevención de MS. MÉTODOS: Se presentan los cuatro primeros casos que fueron implantados en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez con un DAI-SC (Emblem, Boston Scientific, EE.UU.), tres de ellos eran pacientes pediátricos, incluyendo el primer implante de este tipo de dispositivo en un paciente pediátrico en América Latina. Las técnicas de tres y dos incisiones fueron empleadas bajo anestesia general. RESULTADOS: Se realizó el implante exitoso con técnica de tres incisiones en los dos primeros casos y con técnica de dos incisiones en los dos últimos casos. Se corroboró el adecuado funcionamiento del dispositivo en sala, con la verificación de terapia apropiada (65 J) de la fibrilación ventricular inducida mediante estimulación a 50 Hz. No hubo complicaciones inmediatas. Un paciente presentó descargas apropiadas a los dos meses del implante. En el seguimiento, un niño desarrolló erosión de la piel a nivel de la curva del electrodo en el esternón, sin datos de infección. En quirófano se resecó la piel dañada, se retiró el barril y la seda de fijación, se realizó lavado quirúrgico y se volvió a cerrar la piel, logrando así evitar el retiro del sistema. CONCLUSIONES: El DAI-SC es una terapia alternativa al DAI endovenoso y puede ser considerado de primera elección en aquellos casos que no requieran de estimulación ventricular, incluyendo pacientes pediátricos. Pueden ocurrir complicaciones cutáneas, pero no representan una amenaza como las complicaciones venosas de los DAI convencionales.

Spanish implantable cardioverter-defibrillator registry. 18th official report of the Heart Rhythm Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (2021).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This article presents the data corresponding to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantations in Spain in 2021. METHODS: The data were drawn from implanting centers, which voluntarily completed a data collection sheet during the procedure. RESULTS: In 2021, 7496 implant data sheets were received, compared with 7743 reported by Eucomed (European Confederation of Medical Suppliers Associations), indicating that data were collected from 96.8% of the devices implanted in Spain. Data completion ranged from 99.9% for "name of implanting hospital" to 8.9% for "implanting hospital". In 2021, 199 hospitals participated in the registry, exceeding the figures of previous years, with around 170 participating hospitals. The total rate of registered implants was 158/million inhabitants (163 according to Eucomed), making 2021 the year with the highest activity. However, the registry continues to show significant differences among the various autonomous communities and the lowest implantation rate of all the European countries participating in Eucomed. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish implantable cardioverter-defibrillator registry for 2021 recorded an increase in the number of ICD implantations, reflecting the recovery of hospital activity after the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Although the total number of implants has increased in Spain, figures are still much lower than the European Union average, with differences persisting among Spanish autonomous communities.

[Teaching basic life support maneuvers in students of a training cycle, is the quality of the maneuvers maintained over time?] / Enseñanza de las maniobras de soporte vital básico en alumnos de un ciclo formativo, ¿se mantiene la calidad de las maniobras en el tiempo?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of basic life support after a standardized training process and study their short-term evolution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental study with students from the training cycles of Higher Technician in Physical Conditioning and Higher Technician in Teaching and Socio-Sports Animation of the Colegio de la Trinidad from Córdoba. An initial evaluation is carried out, an evaluation of 15 days after training and another 30 days later; consisting of an evaluation by a theoretical test, and a practical evaluation of 2min of CPR. For the development of practical evaluations, we used the Resusci Anne® QCPR simulator. The main outcome variable is the global percentage of CPR obtained using the SimPad SkillReporter®. RESULTS: We study 45 students, 71.1% of them male. Statistically significant differences are observed in the total theoretical score of the initial evaluation and the 15 days evaluation (7.81 vs. 6.82 points; P<.0001), and between the 15-day and 30-day evaluation (6.82 vs. 7.66 points; P<.0001); and in the overall percentage of CPR between the initial evaluation and the 15-day evaluation (27 vs. 49 points; P=.008) and between the initial evaluation and the 30 days evaluation (27 vs. 6.15 points; P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The CPR quality improves after training, being close to the quality standards established by the ERC.

Spanish Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator Registry. 17th Official Report of the Heart Rhythm Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology (2020).

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: We present the data corresponding to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implants in Spain in 2020. METHODS: The data in this registry were drawn from implantation centers, which voluntarily completed a data collection sheet. RESULTS: In 2020, 7056 implant sheets were received compared with 7106 reported by Eucomed (European Confederation of Medical Suppliers Associations), indicating that data were collected from 99% of the devices implanted in Spain. Completion of the implant sheet ranged from 99.8% for the field "name of the implanting hospital" to 2.6% for the variable "referral hospital". A total of 173 hospitals performed ICD implants and participated in the registry, which is a similar figure to that in 2019 (n=172). The total rate of registered implants was 149/million inhabitants (150 according to Eucomed), revealing a slight reduction in implants in Spain in 2020 as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This reduction was uneven among the autonomous communities. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Registry for 2020 shows an improvement in the rate of implants reported and a reduction in the number of ICD implants, which likely reflects the decrease in hospital activity not related to the treatment of COVID-19 infection. Similar to previous years, the total number of implants in Spain is still much lower than the average for the European Union, with an increase in the differences between Spanish autonomous communities.

Sudden cardiac death in persons aged 50 years or younger: diagnostic yield of a regional molecular autopsy program using massive sequencing.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young people often has a genetic cause. Consequently, the results of "molecular autopsy" may have important implications for their relatives. Our objective was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of a molecular autopsy program using next-generation sequencing. METHODS: We performed a prospective study of a cohort of consecutive patients who died from nonviolent SCD, aged ≤ 50 years, and who underwent molecular autopsy using large panels of next-generation sequencing, with subsequent clinical and genetic family screening. We analyzed demographic, clinical, toxicological, and genetic data. RESULTS: We studied 123 consecutive cases of SCD in persons aged ≤ 50 years. The incidence of SCD was 5.8 cases/100 000 individuals/y, mean age was 36.15±12.7 years, and 95 were men (77%). The cause was cardiac in 53%, unexplained SCD in 24%, toxic in 10.6%, and infant SCD in 4%. Among cardiac causes, ischemic heart disease accounted for 38% of deaths, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy for 7%, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for 5%, and idiopathic left ventricular hypertrophy for 11%. Genetic analysis was performed in 62 cases (50.4%). Genetic variants were found in 42 cases (67.7%), with a mean of 3.4±4 genetic variants/patient, and the variant found was considered to be pathogenic or probably pathogenic in 30.6%. In unexplained SCD, 70% showed some genetic variant. Family screening diagnosed 21 carriers or affected individuals, 5 of whom were at risk, indicating an implantable cardiac defibrillator. CONCLUSIONS: Protocol-based and exhaustive study of SCD from cardiac causes in persons aged ≤ 50 years is feasible and necessary. In a high percentage of cases, the cause is genetic, indicating the existence of relatives at risk who could benefit from early diagnosis and treatment to avoid complications.

Sports-related sudden cardiac death in Spain. A multicenter, population-based, forensic study of 288 cases.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of sports-related sudden cardiac death in Spain, and to identify the clinical-pathological characteristics, substance abuse, and sports activity associated with this entity. METHODS: Retrospective, population-based, multicenter study of forensic autopsies conducted in 25 provinces during an 8-year period (2010-2017). RESULTS: We investigated 288 cases (98.6% occurred in men with a mean age of 43.8±14.4 years). The incidence in the general population was 0.38 cases out of 100 000 inhabitants per year (0.82 among regular athletes), and most cases (54%) occurred in persons aged between 35 and 54 years. The most frequent sports (96% recreational) were cycling (28%), football (18%), and jogging (17%). Death was of cardiovascular origin in 99%. The main causes were ischemic heart disease (63%), cardiomyopathies (21%), and sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (6%). In young people, cardiomyopathies (38%) and ischemic heart disease (30%), present after the age of 20 years, were the most prevalent. The disease was diagnosed during life in 23 cases, relevant clinical antecedents were observed in 30 cases, and cardiovascular risk factors, mainly obesity, in 95 cases. Toxicological analysis detected cardiotoxic substances in 7%, highlighting the association between cannabis and acute ischemic heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Sports-related sudden cardiac death in Spain has a very low incidence and affects middle-aged men practicing recreational sports, mainly cycling, football, and jogging. This entity is of cardiovascular origin with early onset of ischemic heart disease. Clinical data and substance abuse should be taken into account to develop preventive strategies.

Risk stratification of ventricular arrhythmias in repaired tetralogy of Fallot.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Risk stratification of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) remains unresolved. We aimed to identify right ventricular (RV) electrophysiological parameters potentially associated with a higher risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with rTOF. METHODS: We included all consecutive patients with rTOF who underwent RV electroanatomical mapping at a single tertiary center. We used logistic regression modeling to identify those variables associated with an increased risk of clinical or induced ventricular tachycardia (VT), or clinical VT exclusively. RESULTS: Twenty-one of the 56 patients included had clinical or induced VT. A high-frequency of premature ventricular contractions/nonsustained VT (OR, 11.34; 95%CI, 1.50-85.97; P=.019), an HV interval > 55 ms (OR, 21.20; 95%CI, 3.12-144.14; P=.002), and RV activation time (ms) (OR [per 10ms intervals], 1.34; 95%CI, 1.02-1.75; P=.035) proved to be associated with clinical or induced VT. The model including this information had good discrimination ability, with an area under the curve of 0.884 (95%CI, 0.79-0.97; P <.001). When considering only clinical VT as the outcome of interest, only an HV interval > 55ms (OR, 9.65; 95%CI, 1.41-66.14; P=.021) and high-frequency of premature ventricular contractions/nonsustained VT (OR, 13.14; 95%CI, 1.95-88.54; P=.008) were independently associated (area under the curve of 0.836 [95%CI, 0.663-1.000; P=.002]). CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency of premature ventricular contractions/nonsustained VT, an HV interval> 55ms and RV activation time are factors associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with rTOF.

The sex gap in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Key sex differences have been explored in multiple cardiac conditions. However, sex impact in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy outcome is unclear. We aimed to characterize sex impact in overall and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in a nationwide hypertrophic cardiomyopathy registry. METHODS: We analyzed 1042 adult patients, 429 (41%) women, from a national registry of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, with mean age at diagnosis 53±16 years and a mean follow-up of 65±75 months. At baseline, women were older (56±16 vs 51±15 years; P <.001), more symptomatic (56.4%, vs 51.7%; P <.001) and had more heart failure (42.0% vs 24.2%. P <.001), diastolic dysfunction (75.2% vs 64.1% P=.001), moderate/severe mitral regurgitation (33.4% vs 21.7%; P=.003), and higher B-type natriuretic peptide levels (920 [366-2412] mg/dL vs 487 [170-1087] mg/dL; P <.001). Women underwent fewer stress tests and cardiac magnetic resonance. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed higher overall (8.4% vs 5.0%; P=.026) and CV mortality (5.5% vs 2.2%; P=.004) in women. Cox proportional hazard regression showed that female sex was an independent predictor of overall (HR, 2.05; 95%CI, 1.11-3.78; P=.021) and CV mortality (HR, 3.16; 95%CI, 1.25-7.99; P=.015). Women had more heart failure-related death (2.6% vs 0.8%, P=.024). Despite similar sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk, women received fewer implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (10.9% vs 15.6%; P=.032) and, in patients without cardioverter-defibrillators, SCD occurred more commonly in women (1.8% vs 0.4%; P=.031). CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide registry, female sex was an independent predictor of overall and CV-related death, with more heart failure-related death. Despite similar SCD risk, women were undertreated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. These data highlight the need for an improved clinical approach in women with HCM.

Characterization of electrocardiographic findings in young students.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The resting 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) has been used in the evaluation of young asymptomatic individuals to detect pre-existing heart disease, but systematic ECG use is controversial and there are no data on this population in our environment. We aimed to determine the prevalence and spectrum of electrocardiographic findings in a population of secondary school students. METHODS: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study of resting ECG findings in all 13 to 14-year-old secondary school students in a region of the province of Gerona between 2009 and 2017. ECG findings were classified into 3 groups according to the modified criteria of Corrado et al.: normal ECG findings, ECG findings suggestive of adaptive changes, and pathologic findings. Students with pathologic ECG findings were referred to a tertiary hospital, and complementary tests were performed according to a pre-established protocol. RESULTS: A total of 1911 ECGs were obtained, with a participation rate of 79% of all high school students. In all, 1321 students (69%) had a normal ECG, 554 (29%) showed ECG findings suggestive of adaptive changes, and 36 (2%) had pathologic ECG findings. Among the group with pathologic findings, 5 (14%) had cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of heart disease in this group of asymptomatic secondary school students was 0.3%. CONCLUSIONS: One third of the students had ECG findings that were mostly suggestive of physiological adaptation. One seventh of the students with pathologic ECG findings had pre-existing heart disease, although the overall prevalence of pre-existing heart disease was low.

Cardio protected areas in Mexico.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a major public health problem. Fortunately, with timely access to early defibrillation and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an improvement in survival of victims of sudden death has been demonstrated. Efforts made in different countries to create programs for access to public defibrillation have shown great benefits in counteracting mortality associated with this type of event. Hence, we need more programs (such as cardio protected environments) and changes in public health policies. The objective of this work is to raise awareness among the population and decision makers, of importance establishing this type of programs in our country since there continues to be high mortality associated with SCD in our countrymen.

La muerte súbita cardíaca es todavía un problema importante de salud pública. Por fortuna, con un acceso oportuno a una desfibrilación temprana y una reanimación cardiopulmonar de alta calidad, se ha demostrado una mejoría en la sobrevida de las víctimas de muerte súbita. Los esfuerzos realizados en deferentes países para crear programas de acceso a la desfibrilación pública han mostrado grandes beneficios en contrarrestar la mortalidad relacionada con este tipo de episodios. Se necesitan más programas (como espacios cardioprotegidos) y cambios en las políticas de salud pública. El objetivo de este trabajo es poder concientizar a la población y a los tomadores de decisiones de la importancia de establecer este tipo de programas en el país, ya que aún existe una alta mortalidad relacionada con la muerte cardíaca súbita.

Cardio protected areas in Mexico.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) remains a major public health problem. Fortunately, with timely access to early defibrillation and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an improvement in survival of victims of sudden death has been demonstrated. Efforts made in different countries to create programs for access to public defibrillation have shown great benefits in counteracting mortality associated with this type of event. Hence, we need more programs (such as cardio protected environments) and changes in public health policies. The objective of this work is to raise awareness among the population and decision makers, of importance establishing this type of programs in our country since there continues to be high mortality associated with SCD in our countrymen.

La muerte súbita cardíaca es todavía un problema importante de salud pública. Por fortuna, con un acceso oportuno a una desfibrilación temprana y una reanimación cardiopulmonar de alta calidad, se ha demostrado una mejoría en la sobrevida de las víctimas de muerte súbita. Los esfuerzos realizados en deferentes países para crear programas de acceso a la desfibrilación pública han mostrado grandes beneficios en contrarrestar la mortalidad relacionada con este tipo de episodios. Se necesitan más programas (como espacios cardioprotegidos) y cambios en las políticas de salud pública. El objetivo de este trabajo es poder concientizar a la población y a los tomadores de decisiones de la importancia de establecer este tipo de programas en el país, ya que aún existe una alta mortalidad relacionada con la muerte cardíaca súbita.

Genes frequently associated with sudden death in primary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy without apparent cardiac justification. Sudden cardiac death may be the first manifestation of the disease. It occurs mainly in adulthood and can be seen in childhood and adolescence where genetic origin predominates. Primary HCM ("familial") is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern in the 25 subtypes informed in Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man. The proteins encoded by the mutated genes are part of the sarcomere in the cardiac cells, being the thick filament the most frequently affected, with the worst prognosis. In the present article, we describe the Mendelian inheritance of the disease and the two most associated genes with sudden death: MYBPC3 and MYH7.

La miocardiopatía hipertrófica (MCH) es el aumento de grosor de la pared ventricular izquierda no relacionada con otras alteraciones cardíacas. Es una enfermedad que puede presentar como primera manifestación clínica la muerte súbita y de ahí su relevancia clínica. Aunque se presenta sobre todo en la edad adulta, puede aparecer durante la infancia y adolescencia, en las que predominan los casos de origen hereditario. La MCH primaria, de causa genética, muestra en particular un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante en los 25 subtipos reconocidos en OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man). Las proteínas codificadas por los genes mutantes forman parte del sarcómero en células musculares cardíacas, y las variantes patogénicas de filamentos gruesos son las de mayor frecuencia y peor pronóstico. En este artículo se describen la herencia mendeliana de la enfermedad y la relación con muerte súbita de los genes más frecuentemente encontrados en ella: MYBPC3 y MYH7.