Forty years of a Postgraduate Program in Cardiology at a Brazilian public university: indicators of its graduates

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the profile of graduates of the Postgraduate Program (PGP) in Cardiology of a public federal university, according to sociodemographic factors and professional trajectory. Methods: The variables were collected from databases from the observed institution and digital platforms. The analysis of differences between the various levels of degrees was carried out in three cohorts: the entire historical series (graduates from 1978-2021), the first 20 years (1978-1997) and the second 20 years (1998-2018). Results: The results demonstrated that most students from the PGP completed a PhD and are men over 30 years old, they came from public universities and the Southeast region. In the first 20 years, significant differences were observed in the distribution of masters and doctors working professionally at the institution analyzed, as well as in the age of the students. In the 20 years of the second half, there were differences between masters and PhD working professionally in the institution itself, as they came from private universities, they are women and PhD. Conclusions: The changes in the profile of masters and PhD that graduated from this PGP in cardiology reflect transformations that occurred in the job market and academy over the decades.

Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Abstract Atherosclerosis has been defined as an inflammatory disease. Three decades of research have pointed to a pivotal role of interleukin 6 for many aspects of cardiovascular disease, not the least of which is atherosclerosis. In this review, experimental and clinical studies are reported on a timeline, exploring mechanisms and possible explanations that form the basis of current knowledge. Some successful clinical trials were proof of concept studies, showing that not only inflammatory biomarkers are related to cardiovascular outcomes, but also that decreasing inflammation can reduce cardiovascular events. Great advances have been made in the management of residual cardiovascular risk due to cholesterol, thrombosis, and metabolic diseases, but the next frontier now seems to be targeting inflammation. In the upcoming years, the importance of inflammation will be evaluated in high-risk patients with chronic kidney disease, after acute coronary heart disease or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Inflammation seems to precede the development of cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, counseling for a heathy lifestyle and, when necessary, the use of cardiometabolic therapies capable of decreasing inflammation, might be important.

Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease at community clinics in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil: results from the epidemiological information study of communities

BACKGROUND: Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a major challenge, especially in communities of low- and middle-income countries with poor medical assistance influenced by distinct local, financial, infrastructural, and resource-related factors. OBJECTIVE: This a community-based study aimed to determine the proportion and prevalence of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) in Brazilian communities. METHODS: The EPICO study was an observational, cross-sectional, and community clinic-based study. Subjects were living in Brazilian communities and were of both sexes and ≥18 years old, without a history of a stroke or myocardial infarction but presenting at least one of the following cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia. The study was carried out in Brazil, including 322 basic health units (BHU) in 32 cities. RESULTS: A total of 7,724 subjects with at least one CRF were evaluated, and one clinical visit was performed. Mean age was 59.2 years-old (53.7% were >60 years old). A total of 66.7% were women. Of the total, 96.2% had hypertension, 78.8% had diabetes mellitus type II, 71.1% had dyslipidemia, and 76.6% of patients were overweight/obese. Controlled hypertension (defined by <130/80 mmHg or <140/90 mmHg) was observed in 34.9% and 55.5% patients among respective criteria, the rates of controlled blood glucose in patients taking antidiabetic medications was 29.5%, and among those with documented dyslipidemia who received any lipid-lowering medication, only 13.9% had LDL-c on target. For patients presenting three CRF less than 1.9% had LDL-c < 100 mg/dL once their BP and blood glucose were on target. High education level as associated with blood pressure (BP) target of less than 130 / 80mm Hg. The glucose and LDL-c levels on target were associated with the presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: In Brazilian community clinics, regarding most patients in primary prevention, the CRF such as BP, blood glucose, and lipid levels are poorly controlled, with a majority of patients not achieving guidelines/recommendations.

Evaluation of pulse wave velocity and central systolic blood pressure in children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease

ABSTRACT Objective Investigate pulse wave velocity and central systolic blood pressure among pediatric population with chronic kidney disease. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 57 patients (61.4% male) aged 6.2 to 17.5 years old, 44 with nondialysis chronic kidney disease and 13 on chronic dialysis, were included in the analysis. The pulse wave velocity and the central systolic blood pressure were measured with an oscillometric device with an inbuilt ARC SolverⓇ algorithm and were compared with previously established percentiles. Results The prevalence of elevated pulse wave velocity was 21.1% (95%Cl: 11.4-33.9) and elevated central systolic blood pressure was 28.1% (95%CI: 17.0-41.5). According to the generalized linear model, there was a higher risk of elevated pulse wave velocity in patients undergoing chronic dialysis treatment than nondialysis chronic kidney disease patients (adjPR=4.24, 95%CI: 1.97-9.13, p=<0.001). Hypertensive patients (stage 2) had a higher risk of elevated pulse wave velocity than normotensive ones (adjPR=2.70, 95%CI: 1.05-6.95, p=0.040), as did patients younger than 12 years than the older patients (adjPR=2.95, 95%CI: 1.05-8.40, p=0.041). Hypertensive patients had a higher risk of elevated central systolic blood pressure than normotensives (adjPR=3.29, 95%Cl: 1.36-7.94), as did patients undergoing chronic dialysis treatment when comparing to nondialysis chronic kidney disease patients (adjPR=2.08, 95%Cl: 1.07-4.02). Conclusion Younger age, dialysis, and hypertension in children are independently associated with higher pulse wave velocity. Hypertension and dialysis are independently associated with higher central systolic blood pressure.

Subpopulações de linfócitos B e parâmetros imunes na evolução do infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST / B lymphocyte subpopulations and immune parameters in the evolution of ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction

INTRODUÇÃO: A reperfusão precoce é recomendada universalmente para tratamento de pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdico com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCST). Entretanto, apesar de rápida reperfusão com angioplastia primária ou química, alguns pacientes ainda apresentam grandes massas de fibrose miocárdica e, portanto, queda significativa da função ventricular. OBJETIVO: avaliar o papel da resposta inflamatória mediada pelos linfócitos B na massa de infarto e na função ventricular após IAMCST. Métodos: amostras de sangue venoso foram coletadas no primeiro (D1) e trigésimo dia (D30) de pacientes com IAMCST(n=120), submetidos a estratégia fármacoinvasiva.A quantificação dos linfócitos B e T foi determinada por citometria de fluxo. A secreção espontânea de imunoglobulina M (IgM) pelos linfócitos B1, foi quantificada por ELISPOT. IgM total e níveis de interleucinas (IL) plasmáticas foram determinadas por ELISA. A massa de infarto e a fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (FEVE) foram estimadas por ressonância nuclear magnética cardíaca em D30. RESULTADOS: houve queda no número absoluto (cels/mL) das subpopulações de linfócitos B1 e B2 em D30...(AU)

Análise crítica dos estudos que mudaram a prática clínica recente: dislipidemias / Critical analysis of studies that changed recent clinical practice: dyslipidemias

Os eventos isquêmicos continuam a ocorrer em pacientes com fatores de risco mal controlados, como os que têm concentrações elevadas de LDL-colesterol ou de triglicérides, nos que têm diabetes e doença aterosclerótica multivascular, a despeito do tratamento com estatinas. Além dos eventos iniciais, esses pacientes têm risco substancial de eventos recorrentes, possivelmente fatais. A avaliação dos eventos recorrentes traz a perspectiva da carga total de eventos ateroscleróticos a que esses pacientes estão expostos e não apenas dos primeiros eventos. Dois estudos com novas terapêuticas hipolipemiantes abordaram a redução de eventos cardiovasculares e também de eventos totais, de um primeiro evento e de eventos subsequentes. O evolocumabe, um inibidor da pró-proteína convertase subtilisina/quexina tipo 9 e o icosapenta etil, formulação altamente purificada de ácido graxo ômega 3 demonstraram reduções dos eventos cardiovasculares primários e secundários chave, bem como dos eventos totais, dos primeiros eventos e dos eventos subsequentes em pacientes de alto risco e risco muito alto que usam estatinas, mas com um risco elevado de novos eventos cardiovasculares. Pelos benefícios demonstrados, essas estratégias terapêuticas poderão ser incorporadas à prática clínica, desde que avaliadas num contexto de risco e benefício, e com um custo-efetividade aceitável

Ischemic events continue to occur in patients with poorly controlled risk factors, such as those with high concentrations of LDL-cholesterol or triglycerides and those with diabetes and multivascular artherosclerotic disease, in spite of treatment with statins. These patients are at risk not only for the first, but also for recurrent ischemic events, which can be fatal. The evaluation of recurrent events brings a perspective of the total burden of artherosclerotic events to which the patient is exposed and not only of the first one. Two studies using new lipid-lowering therapies addressed the reduction of cardiovascular events and also of total events, of a first event, and of subsequent events. Evolocumab, a proprotein convertase subutilisin kexin type 9 inhibitor, and icosapent ethyl, a highly purified formulation of omega-3 fatty acid, demonstrated reductions in key primary and secondary cardiovascular events, as well as in total events, first events and subsequent events in high and very high risk patients taking statins, but with a high risk of new cardiovascular events. Based on the benefits observed, these therapeutic strategies can be incorporated into clinical practice, provided they are evaluated within a risk benefit context, with an acceptable cost-effectiveness ratio

Análise crítica dos estudos que mudaram a prática clínica recente: inflamação e doença coronariana / Critical analysis of the studies that changed recent clinical practice: inflammation and coronary disease

Os estudos com estatinas envolvendo desfechos clínicos mostraram que, mesmo atingindo as metas lipídicas, os pacientes que persistem com níveis aumentados de proteína C-reativa, têm maior risco de eventos cardiovasculares. A doença aterosclerótica das coronárias também apresentou maior regressão nos estudos com estatinas, quando ocorreu além de redução efetiva de LDL-colesterol, redução da proteína-C reativa. Nos últimos anos, dois importantes estudos com terapias anti-inflamatórias mostraram resultados divergentes. O estudo CANTOS, com o anticorpo monoclonal canaquinumabe, mostrou redução do eventocombinado de morte cardiovascular, infarto ou acidente vascular cerebral não fatais, e a magnitude do benefício foi associada ao grau de diminuição de marcadores inflamatórios, como proteína C-reativa ou interleucina 6. No estudo CIRT, os pacientes que receberam o anti-inflamatório metotrexato não tiveram redução de desfechos cardiovasculares, mas tampouco tiveram redução dos mencionados marcadores inflamatórios. Esses resultados, em conjunto, sugerem que o bloqueio específico de uma via inflamatória, como a citocina, pode ser mais relevante do que efeito anti-inflamatório per se e revela um caminho para diminuição do risco inflamatório residual

Studies with statins involving clinical endpoints have shown that, in spite of achieving lipid goals, patients with high levels of C-reactive protein are at higher risk for cardiovascular events. Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease has also presented greater regression in studies with statins when, in addition to an effective reduction in LDL cholesterol, a reduction in C-reactive protein was achieved. In recent years, two important studies involving anti-inflammatory therapies reported divergent results. The CANTOS study, with the human monoclonal antibody canakinumab, showed a decrease in combined cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke events and the magnitude of that benefit was associated with the degree of reduction in the inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. In the CIRT study, patients who received the anti-inflammatory methotrexate did not have a decrease in cardiovascular outcomes, but neither was there a reduction in the inflammatory markers mentioned. Taken together, these results suggest that the specific blockade of an inflammatory pathway, such as that of cytokine,may be more relevant than the antiinflammatory effect per se and reveal a promising way to reduce the residual inflammatory risk

Obesidade e dislipidemia - metas de redução; uso de dietas e medicamentos / Obesity and dyslipidemia - reduction targets; use of diets and drug products

As doenças cardiovasculares continuam sendo a principal causa de morte no Brasil desde o final da década de 1960, a despeito da tendência de queda observada nos últimos anos. A mudança de estilo de vida relacionada à urbanização e globalização, com alta ingestão calórica e menor gasto energético, o rápido aumento da população idosa devido à maior expectativa de vida levaram à maior prevalência de obesidade e dislipidemias e, consequentemente, doenças cardiovasculares e metabólicas. Pesquisas de base populacional, estudos de coorte e de caso e de controle apontam para a importância do crescimento dos fatores de risco e diferenças regionais indicam que as políticas públicas e o atendimento médico devem priorizar intervenções de saúde tendo como objetivo a prevenção e controle dos fatores de risco mais prevalentes em nosso meio. A abordagem terapêutica da obesidade deve incluir não apenas a redução isolada do peso, e sim, atrelada à melhora metabólica ampla que se associe à diminuição do risco de complicações cardiovasculares. De um modo geral, a perda de peso é mais frequentemente alcançada ao longo dos primeiros meses ou do primeiro ano de exposição aos fármacos e embora alguns sejam mais efetivos, eventos adversos são frequentes, limitando o tratamento a longo prazo. O grande avanço e a maior segurança nos últimos anos vieram com o uso de medicamentos antiiperglicemiantes, como análogos de GLP-1, permitindo o uso a longo prazo com manutenção de resultados e adicionando benefícios cardiovasculares. A abordagem terapêutica das dislipidemias no paciente obeso é imperativa para a evolução desse perfil de pacientes, nos quais múltiplos fatores fisiológicos, bioquímicos, metabólicos e clínicos, estão interconectados e diretamente relacionados com aumentos substanciais do risco de diabetes, de doença aterosclerótica cardiovascular e mortalidade por todas as causas

Cardiovascular disease has been the no. 1 cause of death in Brazil since the late 1960s, despite the downtrend observed in recent years. Lifestyle changes related to urbanization and globalization, high calorie intake and lower energy expenditure, combined with a rapidly aging population due to increased life expectancy, have led to a greater prevalence of obesity and dyslipidemia, and consequently, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Population-based surveys, cohort and case-control studies underline the importance of the growth of risk factors, and regional differences indicate that public policies and medical care must prioritize health interventions in order to prevent and control the most prevalent risk factors in our country. The therapeutic approach to obesity must include not only weight reduction alone, but also in combination with comprehensive metabolic improvement, which is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular complications. In general, weight loss is more frequently achieved in the first few months or first year of exposure to medications, and although some drugs are more effective, adverse events are common, limiting treatment options to long-term therapy. The major advances and greater safety seen in recent years were achieved with the use of anti-hyperglycemic agents such as GLP-1 analogues, enabling long-term use with maintenance of results and adding cardiovascular benefits. The therapeutic approach to dyslipidemia in obese patients is imperative for the progress of this patient population, in which multiple physiological, biochemical, metabolic and clinical factors are interlinked and directly related to substantial increases in the risk of diabetes, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality

Regional QT Interval Dispersion as an Early Predictor of Reperfusion in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction after Fibrinolytic Therapy / A Dispersão do Intervalo QT Regional como Preditor Precoce de Reperfusão em Pacientes com Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio Pós-terapia Fibrinolítica

Abstract Background: Patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction attending primary care centers, treated with pharmaco-invasive strategy, are submitted to coronary angiography within 2-24 hours of fibrinolytic treatment. In this context, the knowledge about biomarkers of reperfusion, such as 50% ST-segment resolution is crucial. Objective: To evaluate the performance of QT interval dispersion in addition to other classical criteria, as an early marker of reperfusion after thrombolytic therapy. Methods: Observational study including 104 patients treated with tenecteplase (TNK), referred for a tertiary hospital. Electrocardiographic analysis consisted of measurements of the QT interval and QT dispersion in the 12 leads or in the ST-segment elevation area prior to and 60 minutes after TNK administration. All patients underwent angiography, with determination of TIMI flow and Blush grade in the culprit artery. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: We found an increase in regional dispersion of the QT interval, corrected for heart rate (regional QTcD) 60 minutes after thrombolysis (p = 0.06) in anterior wall infarction in patients with TIMI flow 3 and Blush grade 3 [T3B3(+)]. When regional QTcD was added to the electrocardiographic criteria for reperfusion (i.e., > 50% ST-segment resolution), the area under the curve increased to 0.87 [(0.78-0.96). 95% IC. p < 0.001] in patients with coronary flow of T3B3(+). In patients with ST-segment resolution >50% and regional QTcD > 13 ms, we found a 93% sensitivity and 71% specificity for reperfusion in T3B3(+), and 6% of patients with successful reperfusion were reclassified. Conclusion: Our data suggest that regional QTcD is a promising non-invasive instrument for detection of reperfusion in the culprit artery 60 minutes after thrombolysis.

Resumo Fundamento: Pacientes com infarto do miocárdico com elevação do segmento-ST atendidos em centros de atendimento primário e tratados de acordo com a estratégia fármaco-invasiva são submetidos à fibrinólise seguida de coronariografia em período de 2-24h. Neste cenário, o conhecimento de marcadores de reperfusão como a redução em 50% do segmento-ST é fundamental. Objetivo: Analisar o desempenho da dispersão do intervalo QT em adição aos critérios clássicos, como marcador precoce de reperfusão pós-terapia trombolítica. Métodos: Estudo observacional com a inclusão de 104 pacientes tratados com tenecteplase (TNKase) e referenciados a hospital de atendimento terciário. A análise dos eletrocardiogramas (ECG) consistiu em mensuração do intervalo QT e sua dispersão nas 12 derivações, e também apenas na região com supradesnivelamento-ST antes e 60min pós-TNKase. A angiografia foi realizada em todos os pacientes com obtenção do fluxo TIMI e Blush da artéria culpada. Foram considerados significantes valores de p < 0,05. Resultados: Observamos aumento da dispersão do intervalo QT, corrigido pela frequência cardíaca, regional (dQTcR) 60min pós-lise (p = 0,006) em infartos de parede anterior nos casos com fluxo TIMI 3 e Blush 3 [T3B3(+)]. Adicionando a dQTcR ao critério ECG (redução do ST > 50%) de reperfusão, a área sob a curva aumentou para 0,87 [(0,78-0,96), IC95%, p < 0,001] em pacientes com fluxo coronário T3B3(+). Nos pacientes com critério de ECG para reperfusão e dQTcR > 13 ms a sensibilidade e especificidade foram 93% e 71%, respectivamente, para reperfusão em T3B3(+), possibilitando reclassificar 6% dos pacientes com sucesso de reperfusão. Conclusão: Os dados sugerem a dQTcR como instrumento promissor na identificação não invasiva de reperfusão na artéria coronária culpada, 60min pós-trombólise.

Circulating microparticles and central blood pressure according to antihypertensive strategy

OBJECTIVES: This prospective, randomized, open-label study aimed to compare the effects of antihypertensive treatment based on amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide on the circulating microparticles and central blood pressure values of hypertensive patients. METHODS: The effects of treatments on circulating microparticles were assessed during monotherapy and after the consecutive addition of valsartan and rosuvastatin followed by the withdrawal of rosuvastatin. Each treatment period lasted for 30 days. Central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity were measured at the end of each period. Endothelial, monocyte, and platelet circulating microparticles were determined by flow cytometry. Central blood pressure values and pulse wave velocity were recorded at the end of each treatment period. RESULTS: No differences in brachial blood pressure were observed between the treatment groups throughout the study. Although similar central blood pressure values were observed during monotherapy, lower systolic and diastolic central blood pressure values and early and late blood pressure peaks were observed in the amlodipine arm after the addition of valsartan alone or combined with rosuvastatin. Hydrochlorothiazide-based therapy was associated with a lower number of endothelial microparticles throughout the study, whereas a higher number of platelet microparticles was observed after rosuvastatin withdrawal in the amlodipine arm. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar brachial blood pressure values between groups throughout the study, exposure to amlodipine was associated with lower central blood pressure values after combination with valsartan, indicating a beneficial interaction. Differences between circulating microparticles were modest and were mainly influenced by rosuvastatin withdrawal in the amlodipine arm.