Viabilidade miocárdica na prática clínica / Assessing myocardial viability in clinical practice

Embora a avaliação da viabilidade miocárdica seja comum na prática do cardiologista, muitos médicos têm dúvidas a respeito dos resultados dos métodos diagnósticos. A medicina nuclear tem papel importante nos estudos de viabilidade, mas os laudos precisam ser interpretados num contexto clínico e fisiopatológico. Este artigo teve o objetivo de revisar a origem e a evolução do conceito da viabilidade miocárdica. São expostos os métodos diagnósticos com ênfase na medicina nuclear com uma explicação funcional sobre cada tipo de exame. A partir disso, são mostradas imagens como exemplos e é proposta uma maneira de atuar nesses casos baseada na clínica, na porcentagem de miocárdio acometido e na topografia das lesões coronarianas (proximais ou distais). (AU)

Although assessing myocardial viability is a common cardiology practice, many physicians question the results of diagnostic methods. Nuclear medicine plays an important role in viability studies, but the reports require interpretation in a clinical and pathophysiological context. this article was aimed at reviewing the origin and evolution of myocardial viability. Here we present diagnostic methods by emphasizing nuclear medicine and provide a functional explanation of each test type using example images. We also propose how to act in these cases based on clinic examination findings, the percentage of affected myocardium, and coronary lesion topography (proximal or distal).(AU)

REDUCE-IT Eligibility and Preventable Cardiovascular Events in the US Population (from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey [NHANES]).

The reduction of cardiovascular events with icosapent ethyl-intervention (REDUCE-IT) trial showed in persons with prior cardiovascular disease (CVD) or diabetes mellitus (DM) that icosapent ethyl (IPE) reduced CVD events by 25%. We projected the preventable initial and total CVD events if REDUCE-IT trial eligibility criteria were applied to US adults. We identified US adults with available REDUCE-IT inclusion criteria from NHANES Surveys 1999-2016 and estimated primary (CVD death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization, or unstable angina) and secondary composite (CVD death, nonfatal MI or stroke) events using REDUCE-IT published event rates in the IPE and placebo groups, the difference being the number of preventable events. From 11,445 adults aged ≥45 years (representing 111.1 million [M]), a total of 319 persons (3.0 M) fit key REDUCE-IT eligibility criteria: triglycerides of 135 to 499 mg/dL, HbA1c <10%, blood pressure <200/100 mm Hg, and on a statin with LDL-C of 40 to 99 mg/dL. 63% had prior CVD and 37% had DM + ≥1 risk factor (primary prevention cohort). If these persons are given IPE for the REDUCE-IT median trial period of 4.9 years, we estimated preventing a total 349,817 (71,391/year) primary CVD outcomes of which 146,011 (29,798/year) were initial events. Most (24,151) preventable events were from the secondary prevention cohort. Using FDA eligibility criteria, an estimated 4.6 million persons would be eligible for IPE, with 60,544 preventable primary CVD outcomes annually from REDUCE-IT USA event rates. In conclusion, many CVD events in US adults with known CVD or DM and well-controlled LDL-C on statin therapy can be prevented with IPE.

Atuação fisioterapêutica no pós-operatório de revascularização miocárdica: revisão sistemática / Physiotherapeutic intervention in the postoperative period of myocardial revascularization: systematic review

A cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica é o principal tratamento para a doença arterial coronariana avançada e se mostra eficaz, porém seu potencial para complicações pós-operatórias interfere diretamente na evolução dos pacientes. Para minimizar os efeitos deletérios da cirurgia, a fisioterapia deve ser iniciada logo que possível. OBJETIVOS: Revisar os conhecimentos a respeito da atuação fisioterapêutica no pós-operatório de revascularização miocárdica. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Constituiu-se de uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO, BVS e PEDro por meio do cruzamento das palavras-chave revascularização miocárdica, exercício físico e reabilitação. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos randomizados de origem portuguesa e inglesa, publicados entre 2014 a 2019 que relacionassem a atuação fisioterapêutica no pós-operatório de CRM. Foram excluídos os artigos duplicados, estudos que apresentaram intervenção apenas na fase pré-operatória, que compararam a utilização de métodos farmacológicos ou outros procedimentos cirúrgicos, intenções de pesquisa, inadequação ao tema proposto e score PEDro inferior a 5. RESULTADOS: 12 estudos foram incluídos por preencherem os critérios de elegibilidade. A amostra total foi de 435 pacientes adultos, de ambos os sexos com idades entre 30 e 70 anos. Estes foram submetidos a exercícios aeróbios, anaeróbios e respiratórios, eletroterapia, fototerapia e ventilação mecânica não invasiva. CONCLUSÃO: As condutas comumente realizadas pela fisioterapia na fase de pós-operatório de revascularização miocárdica incluem técnicas relacionadas a fisioterapia respiratória e mobilização progressiva. Dentre as intervenções empregadas o exercício aeróbio tem sido a modalidade com maior número de evidências a respeito dos seus benefícios.

Myocardial revascularization surgery is the main treatment for advanced coronary artery disease and has proven to be effective, but its potential for postoperative complications directly interferes in the evolution of patients. To minimize the deleterious effects of the surgery, physiotherapy should be started as soon as possible. OBJECTIVES: To review the knowledge about the physiotherapeutic performance in the postoperative period of myocardial revascularization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It consisted of a systematic review in the PubMed, SciELO, BHS and PEDro databases through the crossing of the key words myocardial revascularization, physical exercise and rehabilitation. Randomized clinical trials of Portuguese and English origin published between 2014 and 2019 that related the physiotherapeutic performance in the postoperative period of myocardial revascularization were included. Duplicate articles, studies that presented intervention only in the preoperative phase, studies which compared the use of pharmacological methods or other surgical procedures, research intentions, studies that showed inadequacy of the proposed subject and PEDro score below 5 were excluded. RESULTS: 12 studies were included because they met the eligibility criteria. The total sample included 435 adult patients of both sexes aged between 30 and 70 years. They were submitted to aerobic, anaerobic and respiratory exercises, electrotherapy, phototherapy and noninvasive mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION: The procedures commonly performed by physiotherapy in the postoperative phase of myocardial revascularization include techniques related to respiratory physiotherapy and progressive mobilization. Among the interventions employed, aerobic exercise has been the most evident modality in terms of numbers regarding its benefits.

Mapping decision making for bypass surgery in the era of interventional medicine: towards an integrative model of patient-centeredness.

This article reviews the context and evidence of recent myocardial revascularization trials on PCI versus CABG with particular emphasis on patient selection and treatment of surgical patients. Moreover, one of our intended purposes is to identify the values underpinning the integrated care model, which incorporates decision to proceed with surgical myocardial revascularization in conjunction with established pillars of the use of optimal surgical techniques, and aggressive risk-factor modification through guideline-directed pharmacological therapies and lifestyle modifications.

60-day major adverse cardiac events in emergency department patients with non-low modified HEART scores.

BACKGROUND: A low (0-3) History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk factors and Troponin (HEART) score reliably identifies ED chest pain patients who are low risk for near-term major adverse cardiac events (MACE). To optimize sensitivity, many clinicians employ a modified HEART score by repeating troponin measurements and excluding patients with abnormal troponin values or ischemic electrocardiograms (ECGs). The residual MACE risk among patients with otherwise non-low (≥4) modified HEART scores is thus likely much lower than with non-low original HEART scores. OBJECTIVE: To explore residual 60-day MACE risks among patients with non-low modified HEART scores. METHODS: Secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort of ED patients presenting with chest pain to an integrated healthcare system between 2013 and 2015. Patients with serial troponin measurements within 6 h of ED arrival were considered for inclusion. Exclusions included an ischemic ECG, troponin values above the 99th percentile or a lack of continuous health plan coverage through the 60-day follow-up period. MACE was defined as a composite of myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock or death. RESULTS: There were 22,976 study eligible patients encounters, 13,521 (59%) of which had non-low (≥4) modified HEART scores. The observed 60-day MACE risk among non-low HEART score patients was 2.0% (95% CI 1.8-2.3). When including all coronary revascularizations (MACE-R), the risk was 4.4% (95% CI 4.1-4.4). CONCLUSION: Risk of near-term MACE among patients with non-low modified HEART scores (excluding those with abnormal troponin or ischemic ECGs) appears to be much lower than in the original HEART score validation studies.

Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Mortality Among Elderly Patients With Reduced GFR Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Evidence for the efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to prevent cardiovascular (CV) events and mortality in older individuals with a low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is lacking. We sought to characterize the association of oral anticoagulant use with CV morbidity in elderly patients with or without reductions in eGFRs, comparing DOACs with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). STUDY DESIGN: Population-based retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS & PARTICIPANTS: All individuals 66 years or older with an initial prescription for oral anticoagulants dispensed in Ontario, Canada, from 2009 to 2016. EXPOSURE: DOACs (apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban) compared with VKAs by eGFR group (≥60, 30-59, and<30mL/min/1.73m2). OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was a composite of a CV event (myocardial infarction, revascularization, or ischemic stroke) or mortality. Secondary outcomes were CV events alone, mortality, and hemorrhage requiring hospitalization. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: High-dimensional propensity score matching of DOAC to VKA users and Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: 27,552 new DOAC users were matched to 27,552 new VKA users (median age, 78 years; 49% women). There was significantly lower risk for CV events or mortality among DOAC users compared with VKA users (event rates of 79.78 vs 99.77 per 1,000 person-years, respectively; HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.75-0.90]) and lower risk for hemorrhage (event rates of 10.35 vs 16.77 per 1,000 person-years, respectively; HR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.58-0.91]). There was an interaction between eGFR and the association of anticoagulant class with the primary composite outcome (P<0.02): HRs of 1.01 [95% CI, 0.92-1.12], 0.83 [95% CI, 0.75-0.93], and 0.75 [95% CI, 0.51-1.10] for eGFRs of≥60, 30 to 59, and<30mL/min/1.73m2. No interaction was detected for the outcome of hemorrhage. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective observational study design limits causal inference; dosages of DOACs and international normalized ratio values were not available; low event rates in some subgroups limited statistical power. CONCLUSIONS: DOACs compared with VKAs were associated with lower risk for the composite of CV events or mortality, an association for which the strength was most apparent among those with reduced eGFRs. The therapeutic implications of these findings await further study.

A fisioterapia no pós-operatório de revascularização do miocárdio: reflexões sobre a reabilitação no enfoque da integralidade em saúde / Physical therapy in postoperative period after myocardial revascularization: comments about the rehabilitation with the focus of health integrality

Introdução: A cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM) é um procedimento recomendado para pacientes com estreitamentos ou bloqueios importantes das artérias coronárias. No pósoperatório, a fisioterapia cardiorrespiratória é parte essencial no processo de reabilitação, pois objetiva reestabelecer a condição física, psíquica e social, favorecendo a retomada das atividades cotidianas de modo ativo e participativo. Objetivo: Identificar as repercussões biopsicossociais da CRM e discutir as contribuições da Fisioterapia no contexto da reabilitação, com enfoque na integralidade das ações. Métodos: Estudo exploratório e descritivo, realizado com 10 pacientes em atendimento fisioterapêutico cardiorrespiratório. A coleta de dados foi realizada com uso de questionário semiestruturado, projetado para responder aos objetivos da pesquisa. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes tinha fatores de risco para cardiopatias e realizaram CRM há mais de 2 meses. De modo geral, as limitações decorrentes da cirurgia impactam nas atividades cotidianas e ocupacionais, com repercussões psicológicas importantes que precisam ser valorizadas e acolhidas pela equipe de saúde. Mesmo descrevendo várias limitações associadas ao período posterior à cirurgia, todos os participantes avaliaram a fisioterapia como importante para a melhora da qualidade de vida. Conclusão: A atuação da fisioterapia na reabilitação pós-cirúrgica deve priorizar uma abordagem que contemple a integralidade como princípio estruturante do cuidado em saúde, o que demanda a problematização do tema no campo da formação e prática profissional. (AU)

Introduction: Myocardial revascularization surgery (MRS) is a recommended procedure for patients with significant narrowing or blockage coronary arteries. In the postoperative period, cardiorespiratory physical therapy is an essential part of the rehabilitation process because it aims to restore physical, psychic and social conditions, what favors the recovery of daily activities in a participative way. Objective: To identify the biopsychosocial repercussions of MRS and to discuss the contributions of physical therapy in the context of rehabilitation, with a focus on actions guided by integrality. Methods: This is an exploratory and descriptive study with 10 patients in cardiorespiratory physiotherapeutic care. Data collection was performed using a semi-structured questionnaire, developed to respond to the research's objectives. Results: Most of the participants interviewed had some risk factors for heart disease and have done MRS for more than two months ago. In general, the limitations resulting from surgery impact on daily and occupational activities, with important psychological repercussions need to be valued and accepted by the health team. Even describing several limitations associated with the period after surgery, all participants rated physical therapy as important in improving quality of life. Conclusion: The role of physiotherapy in post-surgical rehabilitation must prioritize an approach that contemplates integrality as a structuring principle of health care, which demands problematizing the theme in the field of training and professional practice. (AU)

Vitamin D, Marine n-3 Fatty Acids, and Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Current Evidence.

Whether marine omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) or vitamin D supplementation can prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in general populations at usual risk for this outcome is unknown. A major goal of VITAL (Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial) was to fill this knowledge gap. In this article, we review the results of VITAL, discuss relevant mechanistic studies regarding n-3 FAs, vitamin D, and vascular disease, and summarize recent meta-analyses of the randomized trial evidence on these agents. VITAL was a nationwide, randomized, placebo-controlled, 2×2 factorial trial of marine n-3 FAs (1 g/d) and vitamin D3 (2000 IU/d) in the primary prevention of CVD and cancer among 25 871 US men aged ≥50 and women aged ≥55 years, including 5106 blacks. Median treatment duration was 5.3 years. Supplemental n-3 FAs did not significantly reduce the primary cardiovascular end point of major CVD events (composite of myocardial infarction, stroke, and CVD mortality; hazard ratio [HR], 0.92 [95% CI, 0.80-1.06]) but were associated with significant reductions in total myocardial infarction (HR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.59-0.90]), percutaneous coronary intervention (HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.63-0.95]), and fatal myocardial infarction (HR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.26-0.97]) but not stroke or other cardiovascular end points. For major CVD events, a treatment benefit was seen in those with dietary fish intake below the cohort median of 1.5 servings/wk (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.67-0.98]) but not in those above (P interaction=0.045). For myocardial infarction, the greatest risk reductions were in blacks (HR, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.11-0.47]; P interaction by race, 0.001). Vitamin D supplementation did not reduce major CVD events (HR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.85-1.12]) or other cardiovascular end points. Updated meta-analyses that include VITAL and other recent trials document coronary risk reduction from supplemental marine n-3 FAs but no clear CVD risk reduction from supplemental vitamin D. Additional research is needed to determine which individuals may be most likely to derive net benefit from supplementation. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01169259.

Physical Exercise Combined With CPAP in Subjects Who Underwent Surgical Myocardial Revascularization: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Aerobic exercise and CPAP benefit patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. To our knowledge, the association of aerobic exercise on an exercise bicycle with CPAP has not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of physical exercise on a cycle ergometer combined with CPAP in the postoperative period after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS: This was a randomized clinical trial, with recruitment from May 2017 to December 2017 (registered in the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry: RBR-69CDYF). The step group (n = 16 subjects) started rehabilitation in the immediate postoperative period with breathing exercises and passive mobilization in the sitting position, progressing to active exercises, ambulation, and stair training. For the intervention group (n = 15 subjects), dynamic exercises on a cycle ergometer combined with CPAP were added to the step program from the second to the fourth postoperative day in a single daily session. RESULTS: Functional capacity decreased in both groups, but this reduction was not significant in the intervention group (P = .11). The length of stay in ICU was lower in the intervention group (P = .050). In both groups there was a decrease in maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure, as well as in the 1-min sit-to-stand test on the fourth postoperative day compared to the preoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Physical exercise combined with CPAP promoted the maintenance of functional capacity and reduced the length of stay in the ICU.

Contrasting Trends in Acute Coronary Syndrome Hospitalisation and Coronary Revascularisation in New Zealand 2006-2016: A National Data Linkage Study (ANZACS-QI 27).

BACKGROUND: Evaluating trends in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and invasive coronary procedures, including coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can identify areas for improvement in clinical care and inform future health planning. This national data-linkage study reports trends in ACS hospitalisations and procedure rates in New Zealand between 2006 and 2016. METHODS: All adult ACS hospitalisations and associated angiography and revascularisation procedures were identified from hospital discharge codes. Crude and age-standardised ACS incidence and procedure rates were calculated for each calendar year. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2016 there were 188,264 ACS admissions. During this time, there was a steady decline in hospitalisation rates, from 685 to 424 per 100,000 per year. This decline was observed in both sexes and in all age groups. There were also significant increases in coronary angiography and revascularisation rates, from 29.8% to 54.3% and 20.6% to 37.3%, respectively, between 2006 and 2016. The rate of revascularisation by PCI increased from 16.0% to 31.0%, a greater increase than revascularisation by CABG, which increased from 4.6% to 6.5%. Increases in procedures were observed in all age groups and both sexes. The proportions of coronary angiograms that resulted in revascularisation each year consistently ranged from 67 to 70% throughout the period. CONCLUSIONS: Acute coronary syndrome hospitalisation rates in New Zealand decreased by nearly 40% between 2006 and 2016, while the use of coronary angiography and revascularisation after ACS nearly doubled. The similar proportions of angiograms that resulted in revascularisation each year suggests that, despite the doubling of angiograms over the 10-year study period, they are not over-utilised.

O itinerário terapêutico da criança com doença falciforme / El itinerario terapéutico del niño con anemia falciforme / The therapeutic itinerary of the child withfalciform disease

RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer o itinerário terapêutico da criança com doença falciforme acompanhada em um ambulatório de hematologia de um hospital público infantil. Método: pesquisa qualitativa realizada em um ambulatório de hematologia pediátrica de um hospital público do estado do Espírito Santo. A coleta dos dados ocorreu no período de janeiro a junho de 2019 por meio da entrevista semiestruturada com 10 familiares da criança com doença falciforme. Os dados foram submetidos à Análise Temática. Resultados: o itinerário terapêutico se inicia a partir da descoberta da doença e encaminhamento aos serviços de saúde especializados. Os participantes relataram o conhecimento sobre a crise e quais os locais de atendimento que levam a criança para ser atendida. Além disso, houve relato quanto à frequência de consultas e o acesso ao serviço, demostrando não terem dificuldade com ele e estarem satisfeitos com o atendimento prestado. Considerações finais: o estudo revelou um itinerário terapêutico no qual a criança perpassa por serviços de saúde gerais no momento do diagnóstico e é encaminhada para o serviço especializado, na rede de atenção à saúde secundária, para seguimento do seu tratamento e prevenção das complicações. Além disso, os serviços de saúde são eficazes, porém centralizados.

RESUMEN Objetivo: conocer el itinerario terapéutico del niño con anemia falciforme acompañado en un centro ambulatorio de hematología de un hospital público infantil. Método: investigación cualitativa realizada en un centro ambulatorio de hematología pediátrica de un hospital público del estado de Espírito Santo-Brasil. La recolección de los datos ocurrió en el período de enero a junio de 2019 por medio de entrevista semiestructurada con 10 familiares del niño con anemia falciforme. Los datos fueron sometidos al Análisis Temático. Resultados: el itinerario terapéutico se inicia a partir del descubrimiento de la enfermedad y el encaminamiento a los servicios de salud especializados. Los participantes relataron el conocimiento sobre la crisis y cuáles los lugares de atención que llevan al niño para ser atendido. Asimismo, hubo relato sobre la frecuencia de consultas y el acceso al servicio, demostrando no tener dificultad con él y que están satisfechos con la atención prestada. Consideraciones finales: el estudio reveló un itinerario terapéutico en el cual el niño pasa por servicios de salud generales en el momento del diagnóstico y es encaminado para el servicio especializado, en la red de atención a la salud secundaria, para la continuación de su tratamiento y la prevención de las complicaciones. Además, los servicios de salud son eficaces, pero centralizados.

ABSTRACT Objective: to know the therapeutic itinerary of the child with a sickle cell disease monitored in a hematology clinic of a public children's hospital. Method: this is qualitative research carried out in a pediatric hematology clinic of a public hospital in the state of Espírito Santo. Data collection washeld from January to June 2019 through semi-structured interviews with 10 family members of the child with a sickle cell disease. We submitted the data to the Thematic Analysis. Results: the therapeutic itinerary begins with the discovery of the disease and referral to specialized health services. The participants reported their knowledge of the crisis and the places of care to which they take the child to be attended. Also, there was a report regarding the frequency of consultations and access to the service, showing that they have no difficulty with it and are satisfied with the service provided. Final considerations: the study revealed a therapeutic itinerary in which the child goes through general health services at the time of diagnosis and is referred to the specialized service, in the secondary health care network to monitor his treatment and prevent complications. The health services are also effective, yet centralized.

Itinerário terapêutico de pessoa submetida à revascularização do miocárdio: repercussões para gestão do cuidado / Therapeutic itinerary of a patient submitted to myocardial revascularization: repercussions to care management

Objetivo: Compreender por meio do Itinerário Terapêutico a busca empreendida pelo cuidado em saúde de pessoa submetida à revascularização do miocárdio e os mecanismos de gestão do cuidado. Método: Estudo de caso único, descritivo exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa desenvolvido a partir de Entrevista Narrativa e o tratamento dos dados foi guiado pela Análise de Conteúdo na modalidade temática, que permeou os processos de organização da análise, codificação, categorização e inferências. Neste processo, considerou-se como unidade de registro o acontecimento e unidade de contexto a ação. Resultados: O Itinerário Terapêutico está apresentado a partir de sua representação gráfica e subdividido em duas categorias temáticas: "acolhimento moroso e centrado na atenção especializada" e "marcas da (contra)regulação em uma experiência de cuidado com linhas desarticuladas". Conclusão: A situação analisada desvelou o Itinerário Terapêutico, as falhas no processo de comunicação e as dificuldades em ser reorientado aos serviços adequados em decorrência dos distintos espaços percorridos pelo usuário, culminam com a sua peregrinação por serviços de saúde que repercute diretamente na gestão do cuidado nas suas dimensões individual, sistêmica e societária. Possibilitou identificar os descaminhos da pessoa pelo sistema de saúde em busca de resolutividade, que consequentemente acarreta implicações negativas em seu cotidiano ao prolongar o percurso desde o início do adoecimento ,bem como as interferências a que foi submetido na garantia do cuidado integral.

Objective: To understand the reason why a person submitted to myocardial revascularization looks for health care and the mechanisms of care management through the Therapeutic Itinerary. Method: it is a single case study, descriptive exploratory, with a qualitative approach developed from Narrative Interview and the data treatment was guided by Content Analysis in the thematic mode, which permeated the processes of organization of analysis, coding, categorization and inferences. In this process, the event was considered the unit of record and the context unit of action. Results:The Therapeutic Itinerary is presented from its graphical representation and subdivided into two thematic categories: "slow support and centered on specialized attention" and "marks of (contra) regulation in a care experience with disjointed lines". Conclusion:The situation analyzed revealed the Therapeutic Itinerary, the failures in the communication process and the difficulties in being redirected to the appropriate services due to the different spaces visited by the user, culminating in his pilgrimage to health services that directly affects the management of care in its individual, systemic and corporate dimensions. It made it possible to identify the person's misdirection through the health system in search of resolution, which consequently has negative implications in his daily life by prolonging the journey since the beginning of the illness, as well as the interferences he was subjected to in ensuring comprehensive care.

Evaluation of Outpatient Cardiac Stress Testing After Emergency Department Encounters for Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Professional guidelines recommend 72-hour cardiac stress testing after an emergency department (ED) evaluation for possible acute coronary syndrome. There are limited data on actual compliance rates and effect on patient outcomes. Our aim is to describe rates of completion of noninvasive cardiac stress testing and associated 30-day major adverse cardiac events. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of ED encounters from June 2015 to June 2017 across 13 community EDs within an integrated health system in Southern California. The study population included all adults with a chest pain diagnosis, troponin value, and discharge with an order for an outpatient cardiac stress test. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who completed an outpatient stress test within the recommended 3 days, 4 to 30 days, or not at all. Secondary analysis described the 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events. RESULTS: During the study period, 24,459 patients presented with a chest pain evaluation requiring troponin analysis and stress test ordering from the ED. Of these, we studied the 7,988 patients who were discharged home to complete diagnostic testing, having been deemed appropriate by the treating clinicians for an outpatient stress test. The stress test completion rate was 31.3% within 3 days and 58.7% between 4 and 30 days, and 10.0% of patients did not complete the ordered test. The 30-day rates of major adverse cardiac events were low (death 0.0%, acute myocardial infarction 0.7%, and revascularization 0.3%). Rapid receipt of stress testing was not associated with improved 30-day major adverse cardiac events (odds ratio 0.92; 95% confidence interval 0.55 to 1.54). CONCLUSION: Less than one third of patients completed outpatient stress testing within the guideline-recommended 3 days after initial evaluation. More important, the low adverse event rates suggest that selective outpatient stress testing is safe. In this cohort of patients selected for outpatient cardiac stress testing in a well-integrated health system, there does not appear to be any associated benefit of stress testing within 3 days, nor within 30 days, compared with those who never received testing at all. The lack of benefit of obtaining timely testing, in combination with low rates of objective adverse events, may warrant reassessment of the current guidelines.

Revascularization Rates and Associated Costs in Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease Initiating Ranolazine Versus Traditional Antianginals as Add-on Therapy.

To assess the frequency and costs of revascularization procedures in patients with stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) initiating ranolazine versus traditional antianginals. Adults (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of SIHD who initiated ranolazine or a traditional antianginal (beta-blocker [BB], calcium channel blocker [CCB], or long-acting nitrate [LAN]) as second or third line therapy between 2008 and 2016, were selected from the IBM MarketScan Databases. Inverse probability weighting based on propensity score was employed to balance the ranolazine and traditional antianginals cohorts on patient clinical characteristics. Outcomes assessed were frequency and total cost of revascularization procedures over a 12-month follow-up. A total of 108,741 patients with SIHD were included. Of these, 18% initiated treatment with ranolazine, 21% received BBs, 24% received CCBs, and 37% were treated with LANs. Revascularization rates were significantly lower in ranolazine patients (11%) than in BB (16%) and LAN (14%) patients (both p <0.001), and more comparable to CCB patients (10%; p = 0.007). Compared with BB and LAN, those in the ranolazine cohort were less likely to have a revascularization procedure during hospitalization and had a shorter length of stay if hospitalized (all p <0.001). The mean healthcare costs associated with revascularization were lower in ranolazine patients ($2,933) than in BB ($4,465) and LAN ($3,609) patients (p <0.001), but similar to CCB patients ($2,753; p = 0.29). In conclusion, ranolazine treatment in patients with SIHD was associated with fewer revascularization procedures and lower associated healthcare costs compared with patients initiating BB or LAN, and comparable to patients initiating CCBs.

Potential Role of Metal Chelation to Prevent the Cardiovascular Complications of Diabetes.

CONTEXT: For decades, there has been epidemiologic evidence linking chronic toxic metal exposure with cardiovascular disease, suggesting a therapeutic role for metal chelation. Given the lack of compelling scientific evidence, however, the indications for metal chelation were never clearly defined. To determine the safety and efficacy of chelation therapy, the National Institutes of Health funded the Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy (TACT). TACT was the first double-blind, randomized, controlled trial to demonstrate an improvement in cardiovascular outcomes with edetate disodium therapy in patients with prior myocardial infarction. The therapeutic benefit was striking among the prespecified subgroup of patients with diabetes. DESIGN: We review the published literature focusing on the atherogenic nature of diabetes, as well as available evidence from clinical trials, complete and in progress, of metal chelation with edetate disodium therapy in patients with diabetes. RESULTS: The TACT results support the concept that ubiquitous toxic metals such as lead and cadmium may be modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, particularly in patients with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential mechanisms unifying the pathogenesis of atherogenic factors in diabetes with toxic metal exposure, and the potential role of metal chelation.

Management of Patients with Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Carotid Artery Disease: Update on Anti-Thrombotic Therapy.

The most common causes of ischaemic stroke are represented by carotid artery atherosclerotic disease (CAAD) and atrial fibrillation. While oral anticoagulants substantially reduce the incidence of thromboembolic stroke (< 1%/year), the rate of ischaemic stroke and other cardiovascular disease events in patients with CAAD remains high, ranging from 8.4 to 18.1 events per 100 patient-years. Similar to any other atherosclerotic disease, anti-thrombotic therapies are proposed for CAAD to reduce stroke and other cardiovascular events. The 2017 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) guidelines recommend for patients with asymptomatic CAAD ≥60% the use of aspirin 75 to 100 mg once daily or clopidogrel 75 mg once daily at the exception of patient at very high bleeding risk. For patients with symptomatic CAAD ≥50%, the use of aspirin 75 to 100 mg once daily or clopidogrel 75 mg once daily is recommended. New perspectives for anti-thrombotic therapy for the treatment of patients with CAAD come from the novel dual pathway strategy combining a low-dose anticoagulant (i.e. rivaroxaban) and aspirin that may help reduce long-term ischaemic complications in patients with CAAD. This review summarizes current evidence and recommendations for the anti-thrombotic management of patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic CAAD or those undergoing carotid revascularization.

Efecto del tratamiento con calcifediol, sobre los episodios cardiovasculares en pacientes revascularizados tras síndrome coronario agudo / Effect of calcifediol treatment on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome and percutaneous revascularization

Antecedentes y objetivos: El déficit de 25(OH)D se ha relacionado con un riesgo cardiovascular aumentado, aunque los estudios de intervención son contradictorios. El objetivo principal fue evaluar el efecto del tratamiento con calcifediol (25(OH)D3) sobre el sistema cardiovascular en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación de segmento ST. Pacientes y método: Estudio prospectivo que incluyó a 41 pacientes (70,6±6,3 años) ≥60 años con síndrome coronario agudo sin elevación de segmento ST y enfermedad coronaria revascularizada percutáneamente. Se aleatorizaron a recibir calcifediol+tratamiento habitual o tratamiento habitual exclusivo, con evaluación de major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, «episodios cardiovasculares mayores adversos») a los 3 meses. Se estudió la 25(OH)D en relación con otras variables analíticas y con la extensión de la enfermedad coronaria. Resultados: Niveles basales de 25(OH)D≤50nmol/l se asociaron a enfermedad coronaria multivaso (RR: 2,6 [IC 95%: 1,1-7,1], p=0,027) y 25(OH)D≤50nmol/l+paratohormona≥65pg/ml identificaron a pacientes con mayor riesgo de MACE (RR: 4 [IC 95%: 1,1-21,8], p=0,04). Se registró un MACE en el grupo de pacientes suplementados y 5 en el de tratamiento convencional (p=0,66). Entre los pacientes con niveles séricos de 25(OH)D≤50nmol/l al final del estudio el 28,6% presentaron MACE frente al 0% si los niveles eran>50nmol/l (RR: 1,4; p=0,037). Conclusiones: El déficit de vitamina D que implica un hiperparatiroidismo secundario puede ser un buen predictor de MACE. En pacientes suplementados con calcifediol se observó una tendencia a la disminución de MACE en el seguimiento. Niveles finales de 25(OH)D≤50nmol/l se asociaron significativamente a un mayor número de MACE, por lo que la normalización de 25(OH)D, además de mejorar la salud ósea, puede mejorar la salud cardiovascular

Background and objectives: Vitamin D deficiency has been consistently linked with cardiovascular diseases. However, results of intervention studies are contradictory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with calcifediol (25(OH)D3) on the cardiovascular system of patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome after percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients and methods: A prospective study assessing≥60-year-old patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome, coronary artery disease and percutaneous revascularisation. We randomly assigned 41 patients (70.6±6.3 years) into 2 groups: Standard treatment+25(OH)D3 supplementation or standard treatment alone. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were evaluated at the conclusion of the 3-month follow-up period. 25(OH)D levels were analysed with regard to other relevant analytical variables and coronary disease extent. Results: Basal levels of 25(OH)D≤50nmol/L were associated with multivessel coronary artery disease (RR: 2.6 [CI 95%:1.1-7.1], P=.027) and 25(OH)D≤50nmol/L+parathormone ≥65pg/mL levels correlated with increased risk for MACE (RR: 4 [CI 95%: 1.1-21.8], P=.04]. One MACE was detected in the supplemented group versus five in the control group (P=.66). Among patients with 25(OH)D levels≤50nmol/L at the end of the study, 28.6% had MACE versus 0% among patients with 25(OH)D>50nmol/L (RR: 1,4; P=.037). Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency plus secondary hyperparathyroidism may be an effective predictor of MACE. A trend throughout the follow up period towards a reduction in MACE among patients supplemented with 25(OH)D3 was detected. 25(OH)D levels≤50nmol/L at the end of the intervention period were significantly associated with an increased number of MACE, hence, 25(OH)D level normalisation could improve cardiovascular health in addition to bone health

Rationale and design of the Statins Evaluation in Coronary procedUres and REvascularization: The SECURE-PCI Trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous evidence suggests that acute treatment with statins reduce atherosclerotic complications, including periprocedural myocardial infarction, but currently, there are no large, adequately powered studies to define the effects of early, high-dose statins in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and planned invasive management. OBJECTIVES: The main goal of Statins Evaluation in Coronary procedUres and REvascularization (SECURE-PCI) Trial is to determine whether the early use of a loading dose of 80 mg of atorvastatin before an intended percutaneous coronary intervention followed by an additional dose of 80 mg 24 hours after the procedure will be able to reduce the rates of major cardiovascular events at 30 days in patients with an ACS. DESIGN: The SECURE-PCI study is a pragmatic, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial planned to enroll around 4,200 patients in 58 different sites in Brazil. The primary outcome is the rate of major cardiovascular events at 30 days defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and coronary revascularization. SUMMARY: The SECURE PCI is a large randomized trial testing a strategy of early, high-dose statin in patients with ACS and will provide important information about the acute treatment of this patient population.