Linear and non-linear analyses of autonomic modulation in uncontrolled and controlled elderly resistant hypertensives.

Resistant hypertension (RHT) is associated with worse outcomes among patients, and sympathetic overactivity is a challenge in treating this clinical condition. Here, we evaluated the autonomic modulation (by linear and non-linear analyses), central blood pressure, and pulse wave velocity in controlled and uncontrolled RHT patients, as well as those in use of beta-blockers. We observed that uncontrolled RHT patients display, in addition to an increase in peripheral blood pressure, presented higher central blood pressure values concerning controlled RHT. Furthermore, despite the use of beta-blockers, both patients in the RHT + beta-blockers and uncontrolled RHT groups had negative changes in autonomic balance as compared with controlled RHT. These results reinforce the importance of autonomic nervous system interventions in managing arterial hypertension.

Factors associated to patients' noncompliance with hypertension treatment.

The greatest challenge posed by Systemic Hypertension (SH) is related to patients' compliance with treatment. Thus, this study aimed to determine attendance of these patients to medical appointments and the percentage of adherence to medication and non-medication regimens, and also identify the main reasons hypertensive patients report for non-adherence. This is a descriptive study with 68 hypertensive patients (64.71% women with average age of 63.9 years) at a teaching outpatient clinic. The instruments used for data collection were: multi-professional team care report form, the Morisky-Green test and telephone interview. The results show that 61.76% attended the medical consultations, 86.76% did not comply with the medication regimen and 85.29% did not comply with the non-medication regimen, reporting at least one non-healthy life habit. The emotional factor was the most reported (69.12%) among patients' reasons for non-adherence to treatment. The study can support interventions in care delivery to patients with systemic hypertension, with a view to improving their level of adherence and quality of life.

Comentário: Pressão arterial sistólica noturna e doença cerebrovascular subclínica: estudo sobre anormalidades cardiovasculares e lesões cerebrais / Comment: Night-time systolic blood pressure and subclinical cerebrovascular disease: the cardiovascular abnormalities and brain lesions (CABL) study

Introdução: Embora a pressão arterial (PA) ambulatorial seja um melhor preditor de desfechos cardiovasculares do que a pressão arterial de consultório, sua associação com a doença cerebrovascular subclínica não está esclarecida. Assim, esse estudo investigou a associação dos valores da PA de consultório e ambulatorial com a doença cerebrovascular subclínica em uma coorte populacional predominantemente idosa, sem histórico de acidente vascular cerebral prévio. Material e Métodos: 828 participantes foram submetidos à monitorização ambulatorial da PA por 24 horas (MAPA), ecocardiograma, ressonância magnética cerebral no estudo Cardiac Abnormalities and Brain Lesion (CABL). PA de vigília, PA durante o sono e de 24 horas, padrão de descenso noturno, elevação matutina (EM) e variabilidade da PA de 24 horas foram avaliados. A doença cerebrovascular subclínica foi definida como infarto cerebral silencioso (ICS) e volume de hiperintensidade da substância branca (VHSB). A associação das medidas da PA com a presença de ICS e o quartil superior do log-VHSB (log-VHSB 4) também foi analisada. Resultados: ICSs foram detectados em 111 pacientes (13,4%). Na análise multivariável, apenas a PA sistólica (PAS) noturna esteve significantemente associada ao ICS [odds ratio (OR): 1,15 para cada 10mmHg, P = 0,042], independente de fatores de risco cardiovascular e parâmetros ecocardiográficos avaliados. Embora PA na vigília, durante o sono, PA de 24 horas e o padrão não dipper tenham sido significantemente associados ao log-VHSB 4, a PAS noturna apresentou a associação mais forte (OR: 1,21 para cada 10 mmHg, P = 0,003) e foi o único preditor independente comparado aos outros parâmetros da PA. Medidas da PA de consultório, EM e variabilidade da PA não foram associadas à doença cerebrovascular subclínica nas análises ajustadas. Conclusões: A PAS elevada durante o sono apresenta forte associação com a doença cerebrovascular subclínica. O estudo conclui que a PAS noturna avaliada pela MAPA permite identificar indivíduos com maior risco de lesão cerebral hipertensiva

Pressão arterial sistólica noturna e doença cerebrovascular subclinica: o estudo de anormalidades cardiovasculares e lesões cerebrais / Night-time systolic blood pressure and subclinical cerebrovascular disease: the cardiovascular abnormalities and brain lesions (cabl) study

Introdução: Embora a pressão arterial (PA) ambulatorial seja um melhor preditor de desfechos cardiovasculares do que a pressão arterial de consultório, sua associação com a doença cerebrovascular subclínica não está esclarecida. Assim, esse estudo investigou a associação dos valores da PA de consultório e ambulatorial com a doença cerebrovascular subclínica em uma coorte populacional predominantemente idosa, sem histórico de acidente vascular cerebral prévio. Material e Métodos: 828 participantes foram submetidos à monitorização ambulatorial da PA por 24 horas (MAPA), ecocardiograma, ressonância magnética cerebral no estudo Cardiac Abnormalities and Brain Lesion (CABL). PA de vigília, PA durante o sono e de 24 horas, padrão de descenso noturno, elevação matutina (EM) e variabilidade da PA de 24 horas foram avaliados. A doença cerebrovascular subclínica foi definida como infarto cerebral silencioso (ICS) e volume de hiperintensidade da substância branca (VHSB). A associação das medidas da PA com a presença de ICS e o quartil superior do log-VHSB (log-VHSB 4) também foi analisada. Resultados: ICSs foram detectados em 111 pacientes (13,4%). Na análise multivariável, apenas a PA sistólica (PAS) noturna esteve significantemente associada ao ICS [odds ratio (OR): 1,15 para cada 10mmHg, P = 0,042], independente de fatores de risco cardiovascular e parâmetros ecocardiográficos avaliados. Embora PA na vigília, durante o sono, PA de 24 horas e o padrão não dipper tenham sido significantemente associados ao log-VHSB 4, a PAS noturna apresentou a associação mais forte (OR: 1,21 para cada 10 mmHg, P = 0,003) e foi o único preditor independente comparado aos outros parâmetros da PA. Medidas da PA de consultório, EM e variabilidade da PA não foram associadas à doença cerebrovascular subclínica nas análises ajustadas. Conclusão: A PAS elevada durante o sono apresenta forte associação com a doença cerebrovascular subclínica. O estudo conclui que a PAS noturna avaliada pela MAPA permite identificar indivíduos com maior risco de lesão cerebral hipertensiva

Qual o papel do bloqueio sequencial do néfron na hipertensão resistente? / What is the role of sequential nephron blockade in resistant hypertension?

A hipertensão resistente (HAR) ocorre quando a pressão arterial (PA) permanece acima da meta recomendada após o uso de três fármacos anti-hipertensivos com ação sinérgica em suas doses máximas toleradas recomendadas, preferencialmente incluindo um diurético. A identificação da contribuição do volume intravascular e da renina sérica na manutenção dos níveis elevados da PA permite um tratamento mais eficaz da hipertensão, ao atuar sobre o controle do volume intravascular, equilíbrio de sódio e sobre os efeitos do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona (SRAA) no rim. Bloqueio sequencial do néfron (BSN) consiste em um aumento progressivo na depleção de sódio usando um diurético tiazídico, um bloqueador do receptor mineralocorticoide (espironolactona), furosemida e, finalmente, amilorida. Os mecanismos de ação, as indicações e os efeitos adversos são discutidos na presente revisão.

Resistant hypertension (HAR) occurs when blood pressure (BP) remains above the recommended target after the use of three antihypertensive drugs with synergistic action at their maximum recommended tolerated doses, preferably including a diuretic. The identification of the contribution of intravascular volume and serum renin in maintaining high BP levels allows a more effective treatment of hypertension, by acting on the control of intravascular volume, sodium balance and on the effects of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) in the kidney. Sequential nephron block (BSN) consists of a progressive increase in sodium depletion using a thiazide diuretic, a mineralocorticoid receptor blocker (spironolactone), furosemide and, finally, amiloride. Mechanisms of action, indications and adverse effects are discussed in the present review

Hypertensive crisis profile. Prevalence and clinical presentation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of hypertensive crisis, related clinical findings, and the organic lesions involved. METHOD: This retrospective study comprised the analysis of the medical records of symptomatic patients with an elevation in diastolic blood pressure levels > or = 120 mmHg, who sought the emergency unit of a university-affiliated hospital over 12 months. Hypertensive urgency was characterized as the symptomatic elevation of blood pressure levels with no evidence of target-organ lesions, and hypertensive emergency was characterized as the symptomatic elevation of blood pressure levels with evidence of acute or ongoing target-organ lesion. RESULTS: This study comprised 452 patients with hypertensive crisis, accounting for 0.5% of all clinicosurgical emergencies, of which, 273 (60.4%) were hypertensive urgencies and 179 (39.6%) were hypertensive emergencies. Eighteen percent of the patients ignored their hypertensive condition. Smoking and diabetes were risk factors associated with the development of a hypertensive crisis in 1/4 and 1/5 of the patients, respectively. The patients with a hypertensive emergency were older (59.6+/-14.8 versus 49.9+/-18.6 years, p < 0.001) and had greater diastolic blood pressure (129.1+/-12 versus 126.6+/-14.4 mmHg, p < 0.05) than those with hypertensive urgencies. Ischemic stroke and acute pulmonary edema were the most common hypertensive emergencies, being in accordance with the most frequently found clinical manifestations of neurologic deficit and dyspnea. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive crises accounted for 0.5% of all emergency cases studied and for 1.7% of all clinical emergencies, hypertensive urgency being more common than hypertensive emergency. Ischemic stroke and acute pulmonary edema were the most frequent target-organ lesions in hypertensive emergencies.

Neuropatia autonômica cardiovascular em pacientes com diabetes mellitus: perspectivas atuais / Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with diabetes mellitus: current outlook

A neuropatia autonômica cardíaca (NAC) é uma complicação comum do diabetes mellitus (DM) e frequentemente, subdiagnosticada. A NAC está associada ao aumento da mortalidade, cardiovascular e renal, doença renal crônica e maior morbidade em pacientes com DM. Apesar dessas consequências, muitas vezes, a NAC permanece sem diagnóstico por um período prolongado. Isso geralmente porque a doença é assintomática até a fase avançada, bem como pela falta de informações e de estratégias de triagem. Clinicamente NAC se manifesta por distúrbios funcionais ou condições clínicas que envolvem desajuste das atividades reflexas cardiovasculares, tais como taquicardia em repouso, intolerância ao exercício, hipotensão ortostática, instabilidade cardiovascular intraoperatória, disfunção elétrica do coração traduzida por arritmias e isquemia miocárdica silenciosa. Essas alterações comprometem a qualidade de vida e a sobrevida dos pacientes. A NAC, segundo sua evolução, pode ser subdividida em subclínica (fase em que predominam alterações funcionais reversíveis) e clínica (quando as alterações neuronais estruturais estão plenamente estabelecidas). A avaliação da integridade do sistema nervoso autonômico é realizada por meio de exploração da atividade parassimpática, analisando o comportamento da frequência cardíaca (FC) em resposta à respiração profunda, ortostatismo ou manobra de Valsalva. A atividade simpática é explorada por meio de aferição da pressão arterial em resposta a mudança de postura (ortostatismo) e esforço isométrico. A análise da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC), no domínio do tempo, no domínio da frequência e por métodos gráficos complementam essa avaliação. Neste artigo de revisão, analisamos recentes informações sobre a epidemiologia, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico, e tratamentos da NAC

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a common and often-underdiagnosed complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). CAN is associated with increased mortality, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and morbidity in patients with DM, but despite these significant consequences CAN often remains undiagnosed for a prolonged period. This is commonly due to the disease being asymptomatic until the later stages, as well as a lack of easily available screening strategies. Clinically, CAN is manifested by functional disorders or clinical conditions that involve maladjustment of cardiovascular reflex activities, such as tachycardia at rest, exercise intolerance, orthostatic hypotension, intraoperative cardiovascular instability, electrical dysfunction of the heart translated by arrhythmias and silent myocardial ischemia. These changes compromise patients' quality of life and survival. CAN, according to its evolution, can be subdivided into subclinical (phase in which reversible functional changes predominate) and clinical (when structural neuronal changes are fully established). The assessment of the integrity of the autonomic nervous system is performed by exploring parasympathetic activity, analyzing the heart rate in response to deep breathing, orthostatism or Valsalva maneuver. Sympathetic activity is explored by measuring blood pressure in response to a change in posture (orthostatism) and isometric effort. The analysis of heart rate variability (HRV), in the time domain, in the frequency domain and by graphic methods, complement this assessment. In this article, we review the latest developments in the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, consequences, and treatments of CAN in patients with DM.

Evidence-based therapy prescription in high-cardiovascular risk patients: the REACT study.

BACKGROUND: Data on outpatient care provided to patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil are insufficient. OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile and document the clinical practice of outpatient care in patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil, regarding the prescription of evidence-based therapies. METHODS: Prospective registry that documented the ambulatory clinical practice in individuals at high cardiovascular risk, which was defined as the presence of the following factors: coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes, or those with at least three of the following factors: hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, age > 70 years, family history of coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease or asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Basal characteristics were assessed and the rate of prescription of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 2364 consecutive patients were included, of which 52.2% were males, with a mean age of 66.0 years (± 10.1). Of these, 78.3% used antiplatelet agents, 77.0% used statins and of patients with a history of myocardial infarction, 58.0% received beta-blockers. Concomitant use of these three classes of drugs was 34%; 50.9% of hypertensive, 67% of diabetic and 25.7% of dyslipidemic patients did not achieve the goals recommended by guidelines. The main predictors of prescription therapies with proven benefit were centers with a cardiologist and history of coronary artery disease. CONCLUSION: This national and representative registry identified important gaps in the incorporation of therapies with proven benefit, offering a realistic outlook of patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Gene variation in resistant hypertension: multilocus analysis of the angiotensin 1-converting enzyme, angiotensinogen, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase genes.

Resistant hypertension, a complex multifactorial hypertensive disease, is triggered by genetic and environmental factors and involves multiple physiological pathways. Single genetic variants may not reveal significant associations with resistant hypertension because their effects may be dependent on gene-gene or gene-environment interactions. We examined the interaction of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensinogen (AGT), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) polymorphisms with environmental factors (gender, age, body mass index, glycemia, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and urinary sodium excretion) in 70 resistant, 80 well-controlled hypertensive patients, and 70 normotensive controls. All subjects were genotyped for ACE insertion/deletion (rs1799752); AGT M235T (rs699), and NOS3 Glu298Asp (rs 1799983). Multifactorial associations were tested using two statistical methods: the traditional parametric method (adjusted logistic regression analysis) and gene-gene and gene-environment interactions evaluated by multifactor dimensionality reduction analyses. While adjusted logistic regression found no significant association between the studied polymorphisms and controlled or resistant hypertension, the multifactor dimensionality reduction analyses showed that carriers of the AGT 235T allele were at increased risk for resistant hypertension, especially if they were older than 50 years. The AGT 235T allele constituted an independent risk factor for resistant hypertension.

Factors associated with impaired urinary albumin excretion in hypertensive individuals: albuminuria and hypertension.

Albuminuria is well established as a cardiovascular and renal risk factor. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with this condition in 267 hypertensive individuals, stratified according to urinary albumin excretion (UAE) as: G1--130 individuals with normoalbuminuria (24-h UAE<20 µg/min); G2--113 with microalbuminuria (UAE between 20 and 200 µg/min); and G3--24 with macroalbuminuria (UAE≥200 µg/min). There were significant differences among the groups for blood pressure levels, left ventricular mass and index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine, renal dysfunction and diabetes mellitus (p<0.05). Macroalbuminuria was associated with renal dysfunction (OR=5.91; 95% CI: 2.44-14.31; p<0.001) and microalbuminuria with LVH (OR=2.21; 95% CI: 1.27-3.85; p=0.005). The association between UAE with blood pressure levels, diabetes and target-organ damage in hypertensive individuals suggests that adequate control of cardiovascular risk factors should be pursued to decrease morbidity associated with these conditions.

[Absence of nocturnal dipping is associated with stroke and myocardium infarction]. / Ausência de descenso noturno se associa a acidente vascular cerebral e infarto do miocárdio.

BACKGROUND: The arterial hypertension varies in according to the circadian cycle, presenting physiologic fall of blood pressure (BP) during sleep (dipping). The absence of this fall or its increase associates to higher incidence of target-organ damages. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence of dipping in hypertensive individuals, to correlate dipping to the blood pressure levels, clinic, and socio-demographic factors, and biochemical characteristics and to associate it cardiovascular events (stroke and myocardial infarction). METHODS: Hypertensive individuals were submitted to the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Presence of dipper was defined as fall >10% of the systolic BP of the day for sleep. RESULTS: 163 evaluated patients were divided in dippers (D, n=53) and nondippers (ND, n=110). Between the groups there was not significant difference to the age, sex, race, time of hypertension, glycemia, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, schooling, smoking, and history of diabetes. D presented BP higher than the ND during the day and lower during sleep. ND had higher body mass index (BMI) (p=0.0377), lower level of HDL-cholesterol (p=0.0189), and higher pulse pressure during sleep (p=0.0025). History of stroke alone (p=0,046) and combined with myocardial infarction (p=0.032) were more frequent in nondippers individuals. In the logistic regression, only ND was associated independently with stroke or myocardial infarction. CONCLUSION: ND was associated in an independent way with the target-organ damages analyzed, what demonstrates its importance and strengthens the necessity of more aggressive treatment with objective to reach BP goals e, consequently, to prevent the development of new cardiologic and cerebrovascular events.

[Hypertension prevalence and risk factors in a Brazilian urban population]. / Prevalência e fatores de risco para hipertensão em uma população urbana brasileira.

BACKGROUND: The available studies have not fully analyzed the several factors involved in the genesis of hypertension (HT), especially the association among blood pressure, urinary sodium excretion and renal dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To assess the HT prevalence and risk factors in different age groups in a representative sample of an urban Brazilian population. METHODS: The studied population (1717 adult individuals) was evaluated by age groups: 18 to 39 years; 40 to 49; 50 to 59; 60 to 69 and > 70 years. Quantitative variable means and categorical variables of the hypertensive and normotensive groups were compared. RESULTS: The adjusted overall prevalence of HT was 25.23%. The prevalence increased with age and was higher in individuals with low educational level. Increased body mass index and abdominal waist were positively related to a higher prevalence of HT. There was a significant positive association between HT and urinary sodium excretion. Hypertensive individuals presented higher frequency of renal dysfunction, defined as measured creatinine clearance <60 ml/min/m(2). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 5.6% in the overall population and 14.5% in hypertensive individuals. Hypertension was a known condition to 74.4% of the hypertensive individuals. Among treated hypertensive individuals, 52.4% achieved controlled blood pressure and only 34.3% of the overall hypertensive patients (treated or not) had blood pressure controlled. CONCLUSION: This population-based is unique by gathering different demographic, epidemiologic and risk factors involved in the genesis of hypertension in a single sample assessment with a population calculation, which might be extrapolated to other hypertensive populations.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction is frequent in cardiac surgeries leading to major consequences. The physiopathological processes involved in this condition are still not completely elucidated, despite the multifactor character. Besides pre-operative factors such as age and education, some intra-operative factors are also of extreme importance. However, according to a vast literature on the subject, these factors are not capable to clarify the totality of the cases, taking us to a genetic base for this neurological sequel. In this revision, we briefly assess the factors involved in this cognitive dysfunction as well as discuss the pharmacotherapy in the prevention of this event.

Prevalence and sociodemographic factors in a hypertensive population in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is one of the greatest problems of public health in Brazil. Its detection and early treatment should be a priority to reduce the morbimortality of the cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of SAH and the sociodemographic factors in a population of hypertensive individuals from São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a stratified sample of 1,717 people, representative of the urban adult population from the city of São José do Rio Preto, between 2004 and 2005. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1,717 people, with 762 of them (25.2%) being characterized as hypertensive. The following results were observed: 54.6% were women; 78.4% were caucasian; 66.1% were illiterate or had not finished Elementary School; 63.9% were married, 40.9% belonged to social classes D and E; 37.9% were self-employed or wage earners. CONCLUSION: The results of study on SAH in the city of São José do Rio Preto shows the need for early-onset continuous educational interventions.

Prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências para pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular: estudo REACT / Evidence-based therapy prescription in high-cardiovascular risk patients: the REACT study

FUNDAMENTO: Dados de atendimento ambulatorial ao paciente de alto risco cardiovascular no Brasil são insuficientes. OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil e documentar a prática clínica do atendimento ambulatorial de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular no Brasil, no que diz respeito à prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências. MÉTODOS: Registro prospectivo que documentou a prática clínica ambulatorial de indivíduos de alto risco cardiovascular, que foi definido como a presença de um dos seguintes fatores: doença arterial coronariana, cerebrovascular e vascular periférica; diabetes; ou aqueles com pelo menos três dos seguintes fatores: hipertensão arterial, tabagismo, dislipidemia, maiores 70 anos, histórico familiar de doença arterial coronariana, nefropatia crônica ou doença carotídea assintomática. Foram avaliadas características basais e a taxa de prescrição das intervenções medicamentosas e não medicamentosas. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 2.364 pacientes consecutivos, sendo 52,2% do gênero masculino, idade média de 66,0 anos (± 10,1). Dentre os pacientes incluídos, 78,3% utilizavam antiplaquetários, 77,0% estatinas e, dos pacientes com história de infarto do miocárdio, 58,0% receberam betabloqueadores. O uso concomitante destas três classes foi de 34%. Não atingiram as metas preconizadas pelas diretrizes 50,9% dos hipertensos, 67% dos diabéticos e 25,7% dos dislipidêmicos. Os principais preditores de prescrição de terapias com benefício comprovado foram centro com cardiologista e histórico de doença arterial coronariana. CONCLUSÃO: Este registro nacional e representativo identificou hiatos importantes na incorporação de terapias com benefício comprovado, oferecendo um panorama real dos pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular.

BACKGROUND: Data on outpatient care provided to patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil are insufficient. OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile and document the clinical practice of outpatient care in patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil, regarding the prescription of evidence-based therapies. METHODS: Prospective registry that documented the ambulatory clinical practice in individuals at high cardiovascular risk, which was defined as the presence of the following factors: coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes, or those with at least three of the following factors: hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, age > 70 years, family history of coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease or asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Basal characteristics were assessed and the rate of prescription of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 2364 consecutive patients were included, of which 52.2% were males, with a mean age of 66.0 years (± 10.1). Of these, 78.3% used antiplatelet agents, 77.0% used statins and of patients with a history of myocardial infarction, 58.0% received beta-blockers. Concomitant use of these three classes of drugs was 34%; 50.9% of hypertensive, 67% of diabetic and 25.7% of dyslipidemic patients did not achieve the goals recommended by guidelines. The main predictors of prescription therapies with proven benefit were centers with a cardiologist and history of coronary artery disease. CONCLUSION: This national and representative registry identified important gaps in the incorporation of therapies with proven benefit, offering a realistic outlook of patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Adesão ao tratamento: estudo entre portadores de hipertensão arterial em seguimento ambulatorial / Adherence to treatment: a study with hypertensive outpatients / Adhesión al tratamiento: estudio entre portadores de hipertensión arterial con seguimiento en ambulatorio

Estudo descritivo de abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido com 75 portadores de hipertensão arterial em seguimento ambulatorial em um hospital em São José do Rio Preto-SP. O objetivo foi identificar o perfil sociodemográfico e clínico; avaliar a adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso; identificar os fatores que comprometem a adesão e relacioná-la com o controle da pressão arterial (PA). Os dados foram coletados de setembro de 2008 a abril de 2009, foram utilizados dois instrumentos: um relativo a dados sociodemográficas e clínicos e o Teste de Morisky e Green, que avalia a adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso. Dos entrevistados, 52% eram mulheres, 85,3% brancos, 70,7% casados; 48% aposentados, com idade média de 61,5 anos, 65,3% possuíam ensino fundamental incompleto, 81,3% possuíam renda familiar de um a três salários mínimos; 48% apresentaram PA ³ 140X90 mmHg e 28% tiveram adesão ao tratamento. Permanece o desafio: implementar medidas que possam melhorar a adesão ao tratamento medicamentoso.

Descriptive study with quantitative approach, developed with 75 hypertensive outpatients in a teaching hospital in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. The study aimed at identifying the subjects’ socio-demographic and clinical profile; at assessing their adherence to the drug-based treatment; and at identifying the factors compromising their adherence to treatment, thus relating it to blood pressure control. Data collection took place from September, 2008 to April, 2009, on the basis of two questionnaires: one with socio-demographic and clinical variables; and the other with the Morisky and Green test, for the assessment of adherence to drug-based treatment. Fifty-two per cent (52%) of the individuals surveyed were women, 85.3% were Caucasian 70.7% were married 48% were retired, averaging 61.5 years old; 65.3% did not conclude primary education, 81.3% had a family income between 1 and 3 minimum wages; the blood pressure of 48% was ³ 140X90 mmHg, and 28% adhered to the treatment. Results show the persisting challenge to develop measures to improve adherence to the drug-based treatment.

Estúdio descriptivo de abordaje cuantitativo, desarrollado com 75 portadores de HA, pacientes externos, en um hospital en São José do Rio Preto-SP – Brasil. El objetivo fue identificar el perfil sociodemográfico y clínico; evaluar la adhesión al tratamiento medicamentoso; identificar los factores que la comprometen relacionándola al control de la presión arterial. La colecta de datos ocurrió en el período de septiembre de 2008 a abril de 2009, usándose dos cuestionarios: uno com variables sociodemográficas y clínicas; y el test de Morisky y Green para evaluar la adhesión al tratamiento medicamentoso. De los entrevistados, 52% eran mujeres, 85,3% eran blancos, 70,7% casados; 48% jubilados con edad media de 61,5 años, 65,3% poseían educación primaria incompleta, 81,3% tenían renta familiar de uno a tres salários mínimos; 48% presentaron presión arterial ³ 140X90 mmHg; 28% presentaron adhesión. Estos resultados demuestran la necesidad de desarrollar medidas que puedan mejorar la adhesión al tratamiento medicamentoso.

Síndrome metabólica: relato de caso / Metabolic syndrome: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Cada vez mais prevalente, a síndrome metabólica é assunto frequente em ambulatórios, sendo comum a dificuldade do médico atendente em evitar a sua progressão, acometendo órgãos vitais. Desta forma, objetivou-se demonstrar a evolução desfavorável de um paciente, a despeito da terapêutica adequada. RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo masculino, 47 anos, portador de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS), diabetes mellitus (DM) e dislipidemia que desenvolveu complicações cardiovasculares decorrentes de um quadro de ateromatose difusa. Inicialmente apresentou quadro de acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico cerebelar, sendo tratado clinicamente. Na evolução foram instituídos tratamentos adequados para obesidade, HAS, DM e dislipidemia. Posteriormente, apresentou quadro de infarto agudo do miocárdio sendo abordado cirurgicamente com revascularização do miocárdio. CONCLUSÃO: O paciente apresentou um conjunto de fatores de risco cardiovascular enquadrando-se na chamada síndrome metabólica. Destaca-se a importância de diagnóstico precoce e tratamento adequado desta síndrome para se reduzir o risco de doença cardiovascular nesta população.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: More and more prevalent, the metabolic syndrome is frequent topic in out patient clinics, and the common difficulty of the attending physician in preventing the progression of the same, affecting vital organs.Thus, we aimed to demonstrate the unfavorable evolution in apatient, despite adequate therapy.CASE REPORT: Male patient, 47-year old, with hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia that develops cardiovascular complications arising from a context of widespread atheromatous disease. Initially presented with cerebellar ischemic stroke, was clinically treated. In evolution were established treatments for obesity,hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Later, presented acute coronary syndrome (acute myocardial infarction), which was treated surgically with coronary artery bypass grafting. CONCLUSION: The patient presents a set of cardiovascular risk factors, matching the called metabolic syndrome. We stress the importance of early diagnosis and adequate treatment of this syndrome to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in this population.