Metrics of care and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with pharmacoinvasive strategy: a decade-long network in a populous city in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacoinvasive strategy is an effective myocardial reperfusion therapy when primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) cannot be performed in a timely manner. METHODS: Authors sought to evaluate metrics of care and cardiovascular outcomes in a decade-long registry of a pharmacoinvasive strategy network for the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Data from a local network including patients undergoing fibrinolysis in county hospitals and systematically transferred to the tertiary center were accessed from March 2010 to September 2020. Numerical variables were described as median and interquartile range. Area under the curve (AUC-ROC) was used to analyze the predictive value of TIMI and GRACE scores for in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 2,710 consecutive STEMI patients aged 59 [51-66] years, 815 women (30.1%) and 837 individuals with diabetes (30.9%) were analyzed. The time from symptom onset to first-medical-contact was 120 [60-210] minutes and the door-to-needle time was 70 [43-115] minutes. Rescue-PCI was required in 929 patients (34.3%), in whom the fibrinolytic-catheterization time was 7.2 [4.9-11.8] hours, compared to 15.7 [6.8-22,7] hours in those who had successful lytic reperfusion. All cause in-hospital mortality occurred in 151 (5.6%) patients, reinfarction in 47 (1.7%) and ischemic stroke in 33 (1.2%). Major bleeding occurred in 73 (2.7%) patients, including 19 (0.7%) cases of intracranial bleeding. C-statistic confirmed that both scores had high predictive values for in-hospital mortality, demonstrated by TIMI AUC-ROC of 0.80 [0,77-0.84] and GRACE AUC-ROC of 0.86 [0.83-0.89]. CONCLUSION: In a real world registry of a decade-long network for the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction based on the pharmacoinvasive strategy, low rates of in-hospital mortality and cardiovascular outcomes were observed, despite prolonged time metrics for both fibrinolytic therapy and rescue-PCI. Register Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02090712 date of first registration 18/03/2014.

Main differences between two highly effective lipid-lowering therapies in subclasses of lipoproteins in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Large observational studies have shown that small, dense LDL subfractions are related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This study assessed the effects of two highly effective lipid-lowering therapies in the atherogenic subclasses of lipoproteins in subjects with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: Patients of both sexes admitted with their first myocardial infarction and submitted to pharmacoinvasive strategy (N = 101) were included and randomized using a central computerized system to receive a daily dose of simvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg or rosuvastatin 20 mg for 30 days. Intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions were analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Lipoprint System) on the first (D1) and 30th days (D30) of lipid-lowering therapy. Changes in LDL and IDL subfractions between D1 and D30 were compared between the lipid-lowering therapies (Mann-Whitney U test). RESULTS: The classic lipid profile was similar in both therapy arms at D1 and D30. At D30, the achievement of lipid goals was comparable between lipid-lowering therapies. Cholesterol content in atherogenic subclasses of LDL (p = 0.043) and IDL (p = 0.047) decreased more efficiently with simvastatin plus ezetimibe than with rosuvastatin. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid-lowering therapy with simvastatin plus ezetimibe was associated with a better pattern of lipoprotein subfractions than rosuvastatin monotherapy. This finding was noted despite similar effects in the classic lipid profile and may contribute to residual cardiovascular risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02428374, registered on 28/09/2014.

May Measurement Month 2018: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Brazil.

Hypertension is a pathology of high prevalence in the world. In Brazil, it is the main risk factor for the major cause of death in the country, coronary heart disease. The May Measurement Month Campaign in 2018 (MMM18) included a population with representation from all Brazilian states and reflects some of the characteristics of hypertension in Brazil. Questionnaire data were collected and three measures of blood pressure (BP) were performed. The sample consisted of 12 413 individuals, 59.1% were white, 51.3% were women. The average age was 54. ± 16.0 years. Diabetes was present in 11.6%, previous myocardial infarction in 5.9%, and previous stroke in 2.7%. Current smokers were 9.3% and 12.4% were regular drinkers. The average body mass index was 27.3 ± 4.5 kg/m2. After multiple imputations, 67.9% were hypertensive (>140/90 mmHg). Of the individuals who were not taking antihypertensive medication, 27.9% were hypertensive and of those taking antihypertensive medication, 40.3% were uncontrolled. Systolic BP increased with age. The MMM18 campaign demonstrated a large number of unknown hypertensives and a high rate of uncontrolled hypertension in Brazil, unfortunately in keeping with 2017 findings.

Ventricular arrhythmias in the Chagas disease are not random phenomena: Long-term monitoring in Chagas arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND: Variability of ventricular arrhythmias among days in patients with Chagas disease is not detected by 24 hours of Holter monitoring. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether ventricular arrhythmias are a random phenomenon or have a reproducible behavior in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy. METHOD: Holter monitoring was recorded in 16 subjects with a mean age of 52 ± 8 years. They were clinically stable and had ventricular couplets, isolated premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT). The recordings occurred for 7 days. Hurst exponent (HE) evaluated randomness and predictability index (PI) and repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA) assessed reproducibility. RESULTS: The HE was significantly greater than 0.5 in all 16 patients, which confirms the nonrandomness of arrhythmias in this Chagas sample. The PI for ventricular couplets and isolated PVCs was, on average, 38% and 54%, respectively. ANOVA with repeated measurement showed significant differences in the daily frequency of ventricular couplets (n = 15, P ≤ .05), isolated PVC (n = 12, P ≤ .05), and NSVT (n = 7, P ≤ .05). CONCLUSION: Ventricular arrhythmias in Chagas cardiomyopathy are not random. Dissimilarities in arrhythmias frequency make unlikely that 24 hours of Holter recording can capture this variability.

Evaluation of the BASIL Survival Prediction Model in Patients Undergoing Infrapopliteal Interventions for Critical Limb Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Survival prediction models are clinical tools that help professionals make the best treatment decisions. In the treatment of critical limb ischemia, several scoring methods have emerged; however, many are limited because they are not reproducible in different populations. This study analyze the Bypass versus Angioplasty in Severe Ischemia of the Leg survival prediction model (BASIL SPM), exclusively in patients who underwent infrapopliteal (InfraPo) revascularization for the treatment of critical limb ischemia. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort, patients who underwent InfraPo interventions during a 4-year period (2009-2013) were consecutively included, according to the primary intervention (endovascular or open repair), irrespective of combined treatment in the femoropopliteal and InfraPo segments. Performance of the BASIL SPM was determined using the area under the curve of the receiver-operating characteristic curve. Additionally, secondary patency, limb salvage, and overall survival were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 32.7 ± 23.8 months. In the total patient group (n = 134), the mean age was 72 ± 8.6 years (range, 46-91 years), and the main associated comorbidities were hypertension (85.8%) and diabetes mellitus (76.8%). Regarding differences between the groups, patients in the endovascular group (n = 100) were older (73 vs. 69.5; P = 0.033) and more frequently stratified as high risk (61% vs. 38.2%; P = 0.030) than the open repair group (n = 34). The area under the curve (95% confidence interval [CI]) using the BASIL SPM at 6, 12, and 24 months was 0.499 (95% CI: 0.344-0.657), 0.508 (95% CI: 0.353-0.629), and 0.549 (95% CI: 0.420-0.678), respectively. In the total patient group, the 36-month secondary patency, limb salvage, and overall survival were 31.5%, 81.1%, and 65.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The BASIL SPM was a poor predictor of life expectancy in this patient cohort.

The First Brazilian Registry of Hypertension.

A systematic, nationwide assessment of care of patients with hypertension in Brazil is needed. The objective of the First National Registry of Patients with Hypertension in Brazil is to evaluate the clinical profile, treatment patterns, and outcomes of diagnosed hypertensive patients in the country.

Chest Pain in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Its Association With the Culprit Artery and Fibrotic Segment Identified by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance.

Background: It is still very controversial whether the characteristics of pain in the acute myocardial infarction could be related to the culprit coronary artery. There are no data about associations of pain with the ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and left ventricular (LV) fibrotic segments. Methods: Data from 328 participants who had STEMI and were included in the B and T Types of Lymphocytes Evaluation in Acute Myocardial Infarction (BATTLE-AMI) study were analyzed. The culprit artery was identified by coronary angiography and the injured myocardial segments by cardiac magnetic resonance. The statistical significance was established by P value < 0.05. Results: A total of 223 patients (68%) were selected. Association was not observed between chest pain and the culprit artery (P = 0.237), as well as between pain irradiation and the culprit artery (P = 0.473). No significant difference was observed in the pain localization in relation to the segments in the short axis basal, mid, apical, and long axis, except for the mid inferior segment. The data were not considered clinically relevant because this association was observed in only one of 17 segments after multiple comparisons. Conclusions: In patients with STEMI, no associations were observed between the location or irradiation of acute chest pain and/or adjacent areas and the culprit artery, or between pain and segmental myocardial fibrosis in the LV.

Pharmacoinvasive Strategy in Elderly Up to 75 Years or Non-Elderly: Analysis of Biochemical and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters. / Estratégia Farmacoinvasiva em Idosos até 75 Anos ou Não Idosos: Análise de Parâmetros Bioquímicos e de Ressonância Nuclear Magnética Cardíaca.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacoinvasive strategy is an alternative when primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not feasible. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of early pharmacoinvasive strategy on the infarct size and left ventricular ejection fraction in elderly and non-elderly patients. The role of inflammatory markers was also examined. METHODS: Patients (n=223) with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were prospectively included and submitted to pharmacological thrombolysis in the first six hours, and underwent coronary angiogram and PCI when necessary, in the first 24 hours. Blood samples were collected in the first day (D1) and after 30 days (D30). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) was performed at D30. Significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Elderly and non-elderly patients showed similar percentage of infarcted mass (13.7 [6.9-17.0] vs. 14.0 [7.3-26.0], respectively, p=0.13) (median [interquartile range]). However, elderly patients had better left ventricular ejection fraction (53 [45-62] vs. 49 [39-58], p=0.025). Titers of interleukin (IL)1beta, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 did not differ between D1 and D30, but elderly patients had higher titers for IL-18 at D1 and D30. Absolute numbers of B and T lymphocytes were similar in both groups at D1 and D30, but elderly patients had higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio at D30. Multivariate linear regression analysis of cMRI outcomes in the whole population showed that the independent predictors were not different between elderly and non-elderly patients. CONCLUSION: Pharmacoinvasive strategy in elderly patients was associated with small differences in inflammatory parameters, similar infarct size and better left ventricular function than non-elderly patients.

FUNDAMENTO: A estratégia farmacoinvasiva é uma alternativa na inviabilidade da intervenção coronária percutânea primária (ICP). OBJETIVOS: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da estratégia farmacoinvasiva precoce sobre o tamanho da área infartada e a fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda em pacientes idosos e não idosos. O papel dos marcadores inflamatórios também foi avaliado. MÉTODOS: Pacientes (n=223) com infarto do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST (IAMCSST) foram prospectivamente incluídos e submetidos à trombólise medicamentosa nas primeiras seis horas, e à angiografia coronariana e à ICP, quando necessária, nas primeiras 24 horas. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas no primeiro dia (D1) e 30 dias após (D30). A ressonância magnética cardíaca foi realizada no D30. O nível de significância estatística foi estabelecido em p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Pacientes idosos e não idosos apresentaram porcentagem similares de massa infartada [13,7 (6,9-17,0) vs. 14,0 (7,3-26,0), respectivamente p=0,13)] [mediana (intervalo interquartil)]. No entanto, os pacientes idosos apresentaram maior fração de ejeção ventricular esquerda [53 (45-62) vs. 49 (39-58), p=0,025)]. As concentrações de interleucina (IL)1beta, IL-4, IL-6, e IL-10 não foram diferentes entre D1 e D30, mas pacientes idosos apresentaram níveis mais elevados de IL-18 em D1 e D30. O número absoluto de linfócitos B e T foram similares em ambos os grupos em D1 e D30, porém, pacientes idosos apresentaram uma razão neutrófilo-linfócito mais alta em D30. A análise de regressão linear multivariada dos desfechos de RMC de toda a população do estudo mostrou que os preditores independentes não foram diferentes entre pacientes idosos e não idosos. CONCLUSÃO: A estratégia farmacoinvasiva em pacientes idosos foi associada a pequenas diferenças nos parâmetros inflamatórios, tamanho do infarto similar, e melhor função ventricular esquerda em comparação a pacientes não idosos.

Association between Morning Surge and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Obese Hypertensive Patients. / Relação da Ascensão Matinal da Pressão Arterial com a Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda em Hipertensos Obesos.

BACKGROUND: Weight gain can trigger mechanisms that increase blood pressure. Nevertheless, obesity causes structural changes in the myocardium, including increased ventricular mass, atrial dilatation, and diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Additionally, blood pressure variations, like morning surge (MS) in obese hypertensive patients may have clinical relevance in cardiovascular events. Although morning blood pressure surge is a physiological phenomenon, excess MS can be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate MS values and their association with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and nocturnal dipping (ND) in obese and non-obese hypertensive patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study that evaluated BP measurements by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and the presence of LVH by echocardiography in 203 hypertensive outpatients, divided into two groups: 109 non-obese and 94 obese hypertensives patients. The significance level was set at 0.05 in two-tailed tests. RESULTS: A MS above 20 mmHg by ABPM was detected in 59.2% of patients in the non-obese group and 40.6% in the obese group. LVH was found in 18.1% and 39.3% of patients in the non-obese and obese groups, respectively, p<0.001. In the "obese group", it was observed that a MS>16 mmHg was associated with LVH, [prevalence ratio: 2.80; 95%CI (1.12-6.98), p=0.03]. For the non-obese group, the cut-off point of MS for this association was >22 mmHg. CONCLUSION: High MS was positively associated with LVH, with a particular behavior in the hypertensive obese group.

Pharmacological Modulation by Low Molecular Weight Heparin of Purinergic Signaling in Cardiac Cells Prevents Arrhythmia and Lethality Induced by Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies suggest that heparins prevent arrhythmias caused by acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. To investigate the involvement of pharmacological modulation of adenosine (ADO) signaling in cardiac cells by a low-molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin; ENOX) used in AMI therapy, the effects of ENOX on the incidences of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), atrioventricular block (AVB), and lethality (LET) induced by cardiac ischemia and reperfusion (CIR) were evaluated, with or without ADO signaling blockers. METHODS: To induce CIR, adult male Wistar rats were anesthetized and subjected to CIR. Electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis was used to evaluate CIR-induced VA, AVB, and LET incidence, after treatment with ENOX. ENOX effects were evaluated in the absence or presence of an ADO A1-receptor antagonist (DPCPX) and/or an inhibitor of ABC transporter-mediated cAMP efflux (probenecid, PROB). RESULTS: VA incidence was similar between ENOX-treated (66%) and control rats (83%), but AVB (from 83% to 33%) and LET (from 75% to 25%) incidences were significantly lower in rats treated with ENOX. These cardioprotective effects were blocked by either PROB or DPCPX. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that ENOX was effective in preventing severe and lethal arrhythmias induced by CIR due to pharmacological modulation of ADO signaling in cardiac cells, suggesting that this cardioprotective strategy could be promising in AMI therapy.

Factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure in hypertensive Brazilians.

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

Pharmaco-invasive Strategy in Myocardial Infarction: Descriptive Analysis, Presentation of Ischemic Symptoms and Mortality Predictors. / Estratégia Fármaco-Invasiva no Infarto do Miocárdio: Análise Descritiva, Apresentação de Sintomas Isquêmicos e Preditores de Mortalidade.

BACKGROUND: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is defined by symptoms accompanied by typical electrocardiogram changes. However, the characterization of ischemic symptoms is unclear, especially in subgroups such as women and the elderly. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the typification of ischemic symptoms, temporal metrics and observe the occurrence of in-hospital outcomes, in the analysis of predictive scores, in patients with STEMI, in a drug-invasive strategy. METHODS: Study involving 2,290 patients. Types of predefined clinical presentations: typical pain, atypical pain, dyspnea, syncope. We measured the time between the onset of symptoms and demand for care and the interval between arrival at the medical unit and thrombolysis. Odds-ratios (OR; CI-95%) were estimated in a regression model. ROC curves were constructed for mortality predictors. The adopted significance level (alpha) was 5%. RESULTS: Women had a high prevalence of atypical symptoms; longer time between the onset of symptoms and seeking care; delay between arrival at the emergency room and fibrinolysis. Hospital mortality was 5.6%. Risk prediction by Killip-Kimball classification: AUC: [0.77 (0.73-0.81)] in class ≥II. Subgroups studied [OR (CI-95%)]: women [2.06 (1.42-2.99); p=0.01]; chronic renal failure [3.39 (2.13-5.42); p<0.001]; elderly [2.09 (1.37-3.19) p<0.001]; diabetics [1.55 (1.04-2.29); p=0.02]; obese 1.56 [(1.01-2.40); p=0.04]: previous stroke [2.01 (1.02-3.96); p=0.04] correlated with higher mortality rates. CONCLUSION: Despite higher mortality rates in some subgroups, significant disparity persists in women, with delays in symptom recognition and prompt thrombolysis. We highlight the applicability of the Killip-Kimball score in prediction, regardless of the clinical presentation.

FUNDAMENTO: O infarto do miocárdio com elevação do segmento-ST (IAMCSST) é definido por sintomas acompanhados por alterações típicas do eletrocardiograma. Entretanto, a caracterização dos sintomas isquêmicos não é clara, principalmente em subgrupos, como mulheres e idosos. OBJETIVOS: Analisar a tipificação dos sintomas isquêmicos, métricas temporais e observar a ocorrência de desfechos intra-hospitalares, em análise dos escores preditivos, em pacientes com IAMCSST, em estratégia fármaco-invasiva. MÉTODOS: Estudo envolvendo 2.290 pacientes. Tipos de apresentações clínicas pré-definidas: dor típica, dor atípica, dispnéia, sincope. Medimos o tempo entre o início dos sintomas à demanda pelo atendimento e o intervalo entre a chegada à unidade-médica e trombólise. Odds-ratios (OR; IC-95%) foram estimadas em modelo de regressão. Curvas ROCs foram construídas para preditores de mortalidade. Nível de significância adotado (alfa) foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Mulheres apresentaram alta prevalência de sintomas atípicos; maior tempo entre o início dos sintomas e a procura por atendimento; atraso entre a chegada ao pronto-socorro e a fibrinólise. A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 5,6%. Predição de risco pela classificação Killip-Kimball: AUC: [0,77 (0,73-0,81)] em classe ≥II. Subgrupos estudados [OR (IC-95%)]: mulheres [2,06 (1,42-2,99); p=0,01]; insuficiência renal crônica [3,39 (2,13-5,42); p<0,001]; idosos [2,09 (1,37-3,19) p<0,001]; diabéticos [1,55 (1,04-2,29); p=0,02]; obesos 1,56 [(1,01-2,40); p=0,04]; acidente vascular cerebral prévio [2,01 (1,02-3,96); p=0,04] correlacionaram-se com maiores taxas de mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar das mais altas taxas de mortalidade em alguns subgrupos, disparidade significativa persiste nas mulheres, com atrasos no reconhecimento dos sintomas e trombólise imediata. Destaca-se a aplicabilidade do escore Killip-Kimball na predição, independentemente da apresentação clínica.

Performance of the Electrocardiogram in the Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Older and Very Older Hypertensive Patients. / Desempenho do Eletrocardiograma no Diagnóstico da Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda em Hipertensos Idosos e Muito Idosos.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important cardiovascular risk factor, regardless of arterial hypertension. Despite the evolution of imaging tests, the electrocardiogram (ECG) is still the most used in the initial evaluation, however, with low sensitivity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the main electrocardiographic criteria for LVH in elderly and very elderly hypertensive individuals. METHODS: In a cohort of hypertensive patients, ECGs and doppler echocardiographies (ECHO) were performed and separated into three age groups: <60 years, Group I; 60-79 years Group II; and ≥80 years, Group III. The most used electrocardiographic criteria were applied for the diagnosis of LVH: Perugia; Pegaro-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duration; Cornell voltage; Cornell voltage duration; Sokolow-Lyon voltage; R of aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duration. In evaluating the performance of these criteria, in addition to sensitivity (Sen) and specificity (Esp), the "Diagnostic Odds Ratios" (DOR) were analyzed. We considered p-value <0.05 for the analyses, with two-tailed tests. RESULTS: In 2,458 patients, LVH was present by ECHO in 781 (31.7%). In Groups I and II, the best performances were for the criteria of Narita, Perugia, (Rm+Sm) x duration, with no statistical differences between them. In Group III (very elderly) the Perugia criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration had the best performances: Perugia [44,7/89.3; (Sen/Esp)] and (Rm+Sm) duration [39.4%/91.3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0.05)], with the best PAIN results:6.8. This suggests that in this very elderly population, these criteria have greater discriminatory power to separate patients with LVH. CONCLUSION: In very elderly hypertensive patients, the Perugia electrocardiographic criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration showed the best diagnostic performance for LVH.

FUNDAMENTO: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é um importante fator de risco cardiovascular, independente da hipertensão arterial. Apesar da evolução dos exames de imagem, o eletrocardiograma (ECG) ainda é o mais utilizado na avaliação inicial, porém, com baixa sensibilidade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho dos principais critérios eletrocardiográficos para HVE em indivíduos hipertensos idosos e muito idosos. MÉTODOS: Em coorte de hipertensos foram realizados ECGs e EcoDopplercardiogramas (ECO), e separados em três grupos etários: <60 anos, Grupo I; 60-79 anos Grupo II; e ≥80 anos, Grupo III. Os critérios eletrocardiográficos mais utilizados foram aplicados para o diagnóstico da HVE: Perúgia; Peguero-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duração; Cornell voltagem; Cornell voltagem duração; Sokolow-Lyon voltagem; R de aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duração. Na avaliação do desempenho desses critérios, além da sensibilidade (Sen) e especificidade (Esp), foram analisadas as "Odds Ratios diagnóstico" (DOR). Consideramos p-valor <0,05 para as análises, com testes bi-caudais. RESULTADOS: Em 2.458 pacientes, a HVE estava presente pelo ECO em 781 (31,7%). Nos Grupos I e II, os melhores desempenhos foram para os critérios de Narita, Perúgia, (Rm+Sm) x duração, sem diferenças estatísticas entre eles. No Grupo III (muito idosos) os critérios de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração tiveram os melhores desempenhos: Perúgia [44,7/89,3; (Sen/Esp)] e (Rm+Sm) duração [39,4%/91,3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0,05)], com os melhores resultados de DOR:6,8. Isto sugere que nessa população de muito idosos esses critérios têm maior poder discriminatório para separar pacientes com HVE. CONCLUSÃO: Nos hipertensos muito idosos os critérios eletrocardiográficos de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração apresentaram os melhores desempenhos diagnósticos para HVE.

Association of Body Composition with Arterial Stiffness in Long-lived People. / Associação da Composição Corporal com Rigidez Arterial em Longevos.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness, obesity and sarcopenia correlate with each other and with cardiac outcomes in younger adults. However, there is little evidence of the association between body composition and markers of central arteries stiffness in long-lived people. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between arterial stiffness and body composition in functionally independent long-lived individuals. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the association between markers of arterial stiffness and body composition among participants in a longitudinal cohort of elderly individuals aged 80 years or older who were functionally independent and lived in the community . Body composition measurements were performed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and central circulation parameters (CCP) obtained by a non-invasive oscillometric method through the Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor® device. The central parameters evaluated were: pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation Index (AIx), pulse pressure amplification index (PPAi) and central pulse pressure (cPP). These were correlated to total lean mass (LM) and appendicular lean mass (aLM), body fat percentage, and Baumgartner's Index (BI). The level of significance was set at 5% for all tests. RESULTS: Data from 124 elderly people with a mean age of 87.1 years (SD ± 4.3 years) were analyzed, with 74.2% of women and 57.3% of white. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation of AIx with LM (r = -0.391, p <0.001), aLM (r = -0.378, p <0.001), and BI (r = -0.258, p = 0.004). Also, cPP had an inversely proportional association with LM (r = -0.268, p = 0.003), aLM (r = -0.288, p = 0.001), and BI (r = -0.265, p = 0.003). When assessing the relationship between fat mass and CCP, a statistically significant direct relationship was observed only between AIx and body fat percentage (r = 0.197, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: In long-lived people, body fat percentage is directly associated with arterial stiffness and inversely associated with the amount of LM. These findings may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

FUNDAMENTO: Pouco se conhece sobre a relação entre sarcopenia e hemodinâmica central em idosos longevos. OBJETIVO: Estudar a relação da rigidez arterial com a composição corporal em idosos longevos. MÉTODOS: A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio da absortometria de Raio X de dupla energia (DEXA) e dos parâmetros de circulação central (PCC) obtidos por método oscilométrico não invasivo, com o Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor®. Os parâmetros centrais avaliados foram: velocidade da onda de pulso (VOP), augmentation index (AIx), índice de amplificação da pressão de pulso (iAPP) e pressão de pulso central (PPc). Estes foram correlacionados com massa magra total (MM) e apendicular (MA), percentual de gordura corporal e índice de Baumgartner (IB). Aceitou-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Participaram 124 longevos, com idade média de 87,1 anos (DP±4,3 anos), sendo 74,2% mulheres e 57,3% brancos. Houve correlação inversa do AIx com as variáveis MM (r = - 0,391, p < 0,001), MA (r= -0,378, p< 0,001) e IB (r = -0,258, p 0,004). A PPc apresentou associação inversa com MM (r= -0,268, p =0,003), MA (r=-0,288, p= 0,001) e IB (r= -0,265, p = 0,003). Houve relação direta apenas entre AIx e percentual de gordura corporal (r= 0,197, p= 0,029). CONCLUSÃO: Em idosos longevos, o percentual de gordura corporal se associa diretamente com a rigidez arterial e tem associação inversa com a quantidade de MM. Esses achados podem estar associados ao maior risco cardiovascular.

Accuracy of Post-thrombolysis ST-segment Reduction as an Adequate Reperfusion Predictor in the Pharmaco-Invasive Approach. / Acurácia da Redução do Segmento-ST Pós-Trombólise como Preditor de Reperfusão Adequada em Estratégia Fármaco-Invasiva.

BACKGROUND: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is considered the "gold standard" for coronary reperfusion. However, when not available, the drug-invasive strategy is an alternative method and the electrocardiogram (ECG) has been used to identify reperfusion success. OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to assess ST-Segment changes in post-thrombolysis and their power to predict recanalization and using the angiographic scores TIMI-flow and Myocardial Blush Grade (MBG) as an ideal reperfusion criterion. METHODS: 2,215 patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) undergoing fibrinolysis [(Tenecteplase)-TNK] and referred to coronary angiography within 24 h post-fibrinolysis or immediately referred to rescue therapy were studied. The ECG was performed pre- and 60 min-post-TNK. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: those with ideal reperfusion (TIMI-3 and MBG-3) and those with inadequate reperfusion (TIMI and MBG <3). The ECG reperfusion criterion was defined by the reduction of the ST-Segment >50%. A p-value <0.05 was considered for the analyses, with bicaudal tests. RESULTS: The ECG reperfusion criterion showed a positive predictive value of 56%; negative predictive value of 66%; sensitivity of 79%; and specificity of 40%. There was a weak positive correlation between ST-Segment reduction and ideal reperfusion angiographic data (r = 0.21; p <0.001) and low diagnostic accuracy, with an AUC of 0.60 (95%CI: 0.57-0.62). CONCLUSION: The ST-Segment reduction was not able to accurately identify patients with adequate angiographic reperfusion. Therefore, even patients with apparently successful reperfusion should be referred to angiography soon, to ensure adequate macro and microvascular coronary flow.

FUNDAMENTO: A intervenção coronária percutânea primária é considerada o "padrão-ouro" para reperfusão coronária. Entretanto, quando não disponível, a estratégia fármaco-invasiva é método alternativo, e o eletrocardiograma (ECG) tem sido utilizado para identificar sucesso na reperfusão. OBJETIVOS: Nosso estudo teve como objetivo examinar alterações no segmento-ST pós-lise e seu poder de prever a recanalização, usando os escores angiográficos TIMI e blush miocárdio (MBG) como critério de reperfusão ideal. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 2.215 pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supra-ST submetidos à fibrinólise [(Tenecteplase)-TNK] e encaminhados para angiografia coronária em até 24 h pós-fibrinólise ou imediatamente encaminhados à terapia de resgate. O ECG foi realizado pré-TNK e 60 min-pós. Os pacientes foram categorizados em dois grupos: aqueles com reperfusão ideal (TIMI-3 e MBG-3) e aqueles com reperfusão inadequada (fluxo TIMI <3). Foi definido o critério de reperfusão do ECG pela redução do segmento ST >50%. Consideramos p-valor <0,05 para as análises, com testes bicaudais. RESULTADOS: O critério de reperfusão pelo ECG apresentou valor preditivo positivo de 56%; valor preditivo negativo de 66%; sensibilidade de 79%; e especificidade de 40%. Houve fraca correlação positiva entre a redução do segmento-ST e os dados angiográficos de reperfusão ideal (r = 0,21; p <0,001) e baixa precisão diagnóstica, com AUC de 0,60 (IC-95%; 0,57-0,62). CONCLUSÃO: Em nossos resultados, a redução do segmento-ST não conseguiu identificar com precisão os pacientes com reperfusão angiográfica apropriada. Portanto, mesmo pacientes com reperfusão aparentemente bem-sucedida devem ser encaminhados à angiografia brevemente, a fim de garantir fluxo coronário macro e microvascular adequados.

Absence of Nocturnal Fall in Blood Pressure Detected by Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Acute Chagas Disease Patients with Oral Infection. / Ausência de Descenso da Pressão Arterial Detectada pela Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial em Pacientes com Doença de Chagas Aguda Transmitida por Via Oral.

Background The involvement of the autonomic nervous system is one of the mechanisms proposed to explain the progression of myocardial lesion in Chagas disease. Evidences have shown changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system since the acute phase of the disease, and studies to clarify the pathophysiological and prognostic value of these changes are needed. Objetives To assess blood pressure profile by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in normotensive patients with acute Chagas disease (ACD) without apparent cardiac damage, and the influence of the infection on nocturnal blood pressure fall. Methods ABPM was performed with 54 patients with ACD and a control group composed of 54 age- and sex-matched normotensive individuals. The alpha level of significance (type I error rate) was set at 5%. Results In the total of 54 patients, 74.0% did not show nocturnal fall in systolic blood pressure, 53.7% did not show nocturnal fall in diastolic blood pressure, and lack of both nocturnal fall in SBP and DBP was observed in 51.8% (*p<0.05). In 12.9% of patients, there was an increase in SBP and in 18.5% increase in DBP (p<0.05). Conclusions In patients with acute Chagas disease, a significant absence of the physiological fall in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed during sleep, and some of the patients showed nocturnal increase in these parameters. These findings suggest autonomic changes in the acute phase of Chagas disease. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):711-715).

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.

Regional QT Interval Dispersion as an Early Predictor of Reperfusion in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction after Fibrinolytic Therapy.

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.

Therapeutic Adherence According to the Morisky Scale in Patients with Hypertension

Abstract Background In view of the high prevalence of hypertension and the importance of adequate drug therapy in the prevention of complications, it is necessary to know the adherence to drug treatment in this population. Objective To verify adherence to antihypertensive drug treatment in Brazilian patients with hypertension using the Morisky-Green Test (MGT), relating it with demographic data. Methods Prospective, observational, multicenter, national registry study, with 2,578 hypertensive patients participating in study I, the Brazilian Cardiovascular Registry of Arterial Hypertension (I-RBH), recruited in the five regions of Brazil. The analyses carried out on the data were descriptive statistics, qui-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression, adopting 5% as the significance level for the tests. Results The research shows that 56.13% of patients in the sample were female; 56.71% were elderly (≥ 65 years); 55.86% were White; 52.37% were from the Southeast Region; and 59.74% were non-adherent. Logistic regression showed an independent relationship between patients' age, ethnicity, and region with medication adherence. Conclusion Adherence to treatment is the key to reducing high rates of cardiovascular complications. The study brings a successful outcome in the relationship between the factors ethnicity, age, and region of patients with hypertension and medication adherence. To this end, it is necessary to understand these factors, considering systematic evaluation in the care of patients with hypertension and other chronic non-communicable diseases. This study is a significant contribution to multidisciplinary teams, as it highlights which risk factors interfere with medication adherence, incorporating better strategies in health education.