Mortalidad del infarto agudo de miocardio en la Argentina durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Datos oficiales de las estadísticas vitales del Ministerio de Salud / Acute Myocardial Infarction Mortality in Argentina During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Ministry of Health Vital Statistics Data

RESUMEN Introducción: En todo el mundo, durante la pandemia de COVID-19 los centros asistenciales y especialmente los cuidados intensivos se vieron saturados por los casos de insuficiencia respiratoria aguda producidos por el virus SARS-CoV-2. El aislamiento social, preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO) establecido por Ley N° 27.541 desde el 20 de marzo de 2020, y ampliado por el Decreto N° 260/20 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2021, determinó el confinamiento en domicilio. Durante el mismo se observó una disminución de las angioplastias coronarias y cirugías cardíacas centrales. La hipótesis de nuestro trabajo es que hubo un incremento de la mortalidad por el infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) en la Argentina en el periodo de pandemia, dado que es una patología tiempo dependiente y cuya mortalidad es mayormente extrahospitalaria. Objetivos: Evaluar el incremento de la mortalidad general y por COVID-19 en la población ≥ 20 años en el periodo de pandemia y analizar la tendencia de mortalidad del IAM en forma global y segregada por edad y sexo. Material y métodos: Se analizaron las estadísticas vitales publicadas por el Ministerio de Salud de la Argentina. Se consideró período de pandemia de acuerdo con los 2 años del ASPO, y prepandemia al año 2019. Se consideró tasa bruta y específica de mortalidad al (número de defunciones acaecidas en la población de la Argentina durante 1 año / población total en la misma zona a mitad del mismo año) × 1000, global y por IAM respectivamente. Las defunciones por IAM son las consideradas en el CIE-10 como I21, I22. La tendencia de mortalidad se analizó por el análisis lineal de tendencias de proporciones (Chi2 de tendencias; p significativa < 0,05) con Epi-info y se incluyó a la población ≥20 años. En el análisis por edad se dividió a la población en ≥ o < 60 años. Resultados: la mortalidad en pandemia se incrementó un 26% con respecto al año 2019 (p < 0,001) (tabla). Las defunciones por COVID-19 fueron 53 222 y 84 698 para los años 2020 y 2021 respectivamente. La mortalidad por IAM se incrementó un 15%, con un aumento mayor en jóvenes y mujeres. Conclusión: En la pandemia hubo un fuerte incremento de la mortalidad, atribuible al COVID-19, y un incremento de la mortalidad por infarto agudo de miocardio en especial en mujeres y menores de 60 años, probablemente atribuible a los efectos secundarios del ASPO. Argentina Estadísticas vitales 2019 2020 2021 Odds Ratio p (Prepandemia) (Pandemia) (Pandemia) (Chi2- tendencia) Población total ³20a 30 417 141 30 822 573 31 224 154 Mortalidad 325 486 367 807 423 112 % mortalidad 1,07 1,19 1,35 1,26 <0,001 Tasa bruta de mortalidad 10,7 11,93 13,55 Muertos por IAM 17 789 18 881 20 901 1,15 <0,001 Tasa específica de mortalidad 0,58 0,62 0,67 Varones 10 246 10 492 11 719 1,12 <0,001 Mujeres 7 471 8 227 9 064 1,19 <0,001 ³ 60 años 16 161 16 197 18 010 1,09 <0,001 < 60 años 1 628 2 684 2 891 1,73 <0,001

ABSTRACT Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health care centers and especially intensive care units worldwide were saturated by cases of acute respiratory failure produced by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Social preventive and mandatory isolation (SPMI), established by law N° 27 541 since March 20, 2020, and extended by Decree N° 260/20 to December 31, 2021, determined home confinement, and during this period coronary angioplasties and central cardiac surgeries decreased. The hypothesis of our study was that during the pandemic acute myocardial infarction (AMI) increased in Argentina, as this is a time-dependent disease, mainly with out-of-hospital mortality. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate general and COVID-19 mortality in the population ≥20 years during the pandemic and analyze the trend of overall and divided by age and sex AMI mortality. Methods: Vital statics published by the Ministry of Health of Argentina were analyzed, considering the pandemic period as the two SPMI years and 2019 as the pre-pandemic period. Overall and AMI gross and specific rate of mortality were considered as (number of deaths taking place in the Argentine population during 1 year / total population in the same zone at midyear) × 1000, respectively. Deaths for AMI were those contemplated in the International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10) as I21, I22. The mortality trend was analyzed with linear trend in proportions (Chi2 for trends; significant p < 0.05) using Epi-Info software, and including the ≥20 to >85-year population. In the analysis by age the population was divided into ≥ or < 60 years. Results: During the pandemic mortality increased by 26% with respect to 2019 (p < 0.001) (table). Deaths for COVID-19 were 53 222 and 84 698 for 2020 and 2021, respectively. Acute myocardial infarction mortality increased by 15%, with a greater number of deaths in the young and female population. Argentina: vital statistics 2019 2020 2021 Odds Ratio p (prepandemic) (pandemic) (pandemic) (Chi2- for trends) Total population ≥20 years 30 417 141 30 822 573 31 224 154 Mortality 325 486 367 807 423 112 % mortality 1,07 1,19 1,35 1,26 <0,001 Gross mortality rate 10,7 11,93 13,55 AMI deaths 17 789 18 881 20 901 1,15 <0,001 Specific mortality rate 0,58 0,62 0,67 Male 10 246 10 492 11 719 1,12 <0,001 Female 7 471 8 227 9 064 1,19 <0,001 ³ 60 years 16 161 16 197 18 010 1,09 <0,001 < 60 year 1 628 2 684 2 891 1,73 <0,001

Síndrome post COVID-19. Gravedad y evolución en 4673 trabajadores sanitarios / Post COVID-19 syndrome. Severity and evolution in 4673 health care workers

Resumen Introducción : La evolución del síndrome post COVID ha sido variable y carecemos de información sobre su impacto en los profesionales de la salud. Métodos : Realizamos una encuesta a través de una red social en profesionales de la salud sobre casos de síndrome post COVID-19 confirmados con PCR. En un cuestionario web, preguntamos sobre 21 síntomas, su gravedad, duración, grado de afectación de la actividad y reincorporación al trabajo. Resultados : Respondieron 4673 profesionales sanita rios de 21 países, edad media de 47 años, 64% mujeres. El curso inicial fue asintomático en el 9%, síntomas leves en el 36%, síntomas moderados sin hospitalización en el 40% o con hospitalización en el 11%, y síntomas graves en el 1%. Los síntomas más prevalentes fueron fatiga (67%), insomnio (44%), ansiedad (42%), mialgia (41%) y anosmia (41%). La prevalencia se redujo a la mitad en los primeros 5 cinco meses, pero en muchos casos se prolongó durante más de un año. En el análisis multi variado los síntomas tendieron a agruparse en clusters (cognitivos, neuropsiquiátricos, cardiorrespiratorios, digestivos, otros). La necesidad de cambiar de área de trabajo fue del 16% y la falta de reincorporación al tra bajo del 7%, relacionadas con la mayor edad, el número de síntomas y la gravedad del curso inicial. Conclusión : En muchos casos la persistencia de los síntomas post COVID-19 puede ser prolongada y te ner un impacto laboral en los profesionales sanitarios, requiriendo la adopción de políticas específicas para reducir el daño.

Abstract Background : The evolution of post COVID-19 syn drome has been variable and we lack information on its impact on healthcare professionals. Methods : We conducted a survey through a social network in health professionals on post COVID-19 syn drome cases confirmed with PCR. In a web-based ques tionnaire, we asked about 21 symptoms, their severity, duration, degree of activity impairment and return to work. Results : 4673 health professionals from 21 countries responded, mean age of 47 years, 64% women. The initial course was asymptomatic in 9%, mild symptoms 36%, moderate symptoms without hospitalization 40% or with hospitalization 11%, and severe symptoms 1%. The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (67%), insomnia (44%), anxiety (42%), myalgia (41%) and anosmia (41%). Prevalence dropped by half in the first 5 five months, but in many cases, it lasted for more than a year. In the mul 670 tivariate analysis, symptoms tended to be grouped into clusters (cognitive, neuropsychiatric, cardiorespiratory, digestive, others). The need to change the work area was 16% and lack of return to work 7%, related to older age, number of symptoms and severity of the initial course. Conclusion : in many cases the persistence of post- COVID symptoms can be prolonged and have an occu pational impact on healthcare professionals, requiring the adoption of specific policies to reduce harm.

Post COVID-19 syndrome. Severity and evolution in 4673 health care workers.

BACKGROUND: The evolution of post COVID syndrome has been variable and we lack information on its impact on healthcare professionals, particularly in Latin America. METHODS: We conducted a survey through a social network in health professionals on post COVID-19 syndrome cases confirmed with PCR. In a web-based questionnaire, we asked about 21 symptoms, their severity, duration, degree of activity impairment and return to work. RESULTS: 4673 health professionals from 21 countries responded, mean age of 47.8 years, 64.2% women. The initial course was asymptomatic in 9.1%, mild symptoms 36.8%, moderate symptoms without hospitalization 40.8% or with hospitalization 11.7%, and severe symptoms with respiratory assistance 1.6%. The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (67%), insomnia (44.2%), anxiety (42.3%), myalgia (41.9%) and anosmia (41.2%). Considering only severe symptoms (grades 3-4 on a subjective index from 1 to 4), the most prevalent were slowness (36.3%), impaired concentration (33.1%), anosmia (20.4%), fatigue (19.1%), impaired memory (18.1%) and dyspnea (15.9%). Prevalence dropped by half in the first 5 five months, but in many cases, it lasted for more than a year. In the multivariate analysis, symptoms tended to be grouped into clusters (cognitive, neuropsychiatric, cardiorespiratory, digestive, others). The need to change the work area was 16% and lack of return to work 7.8%, related to older age, number of symptoms and severity of the initial course. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in many cases the persistence of post-COVID symptoms can be prolonged and have an occupational impact on healthcare professionals, requiring the adoption of specific policies to reduce harm.

Introducción: La evolución del síndrome post COVID ha sido variable y carecemos de información sobre su impacto en los profesionales de la salud. Métodos: Realizamos una encuesta a través de una red social en profesionales de la salud sobre casos de síndrome post COVID-19 confirmados con PCR. En un cuestionario web, preguntamos sobre 21 síntomas, su gravedad, duración, grado de afectación de la actividad y reincorporación al trabajo. Resultados: Respondieron 4673 profesionales sanitarios de 21 países, edad media de 47 años, 64% mujeres. El curso inicial fue asintomático en el 9%, síntomas leves en el 36%, síntomas moderados sin hospitalización en el 40% o con hospitalización en el 11%, y síntomas graves en el 1%. Los síntomas más prevalentes fueron fatiga (67%), insomnio (44%), ansiedad (42%), mialgia (41%) y anosmia (41%). La prevalencia se redujo a la mitad en los primeros 5 cinco meses, pero en muchos casos se prolongó durante más de un año. En el análisis multivariado los síntomas tendieron a agruparse en clusters (cognitivos, neuropsiquiátricos, cardiorrespiratorios, digestivos, otros). La necesidad de cambiar de área de trabajo fue del 16% y la falta de reincorporación al trabajo del 7%, relacionadas con la mayor edad, el número de síntomas y la gravedad del curso inicial. Conclusión: En muchos casos la persistencia de los síntomas post-COVID puede ser prolongada y tener un impacto laboral en los profesionales sanitarios, requiriendo la adopción de políticas específicas para reducir el daño.

Determinants of the clinical presentation of acute coronary syndromes / Determinantes de la presentación clínica de los síndromes coronarios agudos

Abstract Introduction: Two clinical presentations of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have been defined: ST- segment elevation ACS (STEACS) or non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTEACS). The mecha nism that determines the clinical presentation of ACS is not clearly understood. The aim of this study was to define the association between cardiovascular risk factors and other clinical variables with the clinical presentation of ACS as STEACS or NSTEACS. Methods: We analyzed data of patients prospectively included in the Epi-Cardio Registry with a diagnosis of ACS from April 2006 to April 2018. A total of 10 019 patients were included in the study. Results: In the multivariate analysis, male sex (OR 1.5) and active smoking (OR 1.71) were positively associated with STEACS presentation. Conversely, hypertension (OR 0.71), dyslipidemia (OR 0.74), age (OR 0.97 per quintile), history of myocardial infarction (OR 0.57), chronic angina (OR 0.44), presence of comorbidities (OR 0.64), and extension of coronary heart disease (OR 0.84) were negatively associated with STEACS. Women differed from men by presenting a higher incidence of NSTEACS, due to a greater proportion of ACS without obstructive coronary heart disease. Conclusion: Some cardiovascular risk factors and other clinical variables are independently associated with the presentation of ACS as ST EACS or NSTEACS. These findings confirm the influence of risk factors and clinical history on the pathophysiology, clinical and electrocardiographic presentation of ACS.

Resumen Introducción: Existen dos formas de presentación clínica de los síndromes coronarios agudos (SCA): con elevación del segmento ST (SCACEST) y sin elevación (SCASEST). Los mecanismos que determi nan ambas presentaciones no se conocen completamente. El objetivo del estudio fue definir la asociación entre factores de riesgo cardiovascular y otras variables clínicas con la presentación de los SCA como SCACEST o SCASEST. Métodos: Analizamos información de pacientes incluidos prospectivamente en el Registro Epi-Cardio con diagnóstico de SCA desde abril de 2006 a abril de 2018.Se incluyeron un total de 10 019 pacientes. Resul tados: En el análisis multivariado, el sexo masculino (OR 1.5) y el tabaquismo activo (OR 1.71) se asociaron positivamente con el SCACEST. Contrariamente, la hipertensión (OR 0.71), las dislipidemias (OR 0.74), la edad (OR 0.97 por quintilo), historia de infarto (OR 0.57), angina crónica (OR 0.44), presencia de comorbilidades (OR 0.64), y la extensión de enfermedad coronaria (OR 0.84) se asociaron negativamente con el SCACEST. Las mujeres presentaron mayor incidencia de SCASEST, debido a una mayor proporción de SCA sin obstrucción coronaria significativa. Conclusión: Concluimos que algunos factores de riesgo cardiovascular y otras variables clínicas se asociaron independientemente con la presentación clínica como SCACEST o SCASEST, confirmando su influencia en la fisiopatología y en la presentación clínica y electrocardiográfica de los SCA.

Determinants of the clinical presentation of acute coronary syndromes.

INTRODUCTION: Two clinical presentations of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have been defined: ST- segment elevation ACS (STEACS) or non-ST-segment elevation ACS (NSTEACS). The mechanism that determines the clinical presentation of ACS is not clearly understood. The aim of this study was to define the association between cardiovascular risk factors and other clinical variables with the clinical presentation of ACS as STEACS or NSTEACS. METHODS: We analyzed data of patients prospectively included in the Epi-Cardio Registry with a diagnosis of ACS from April 2006 to April 2018. A total of 10 019 patients were included in the study. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis, male sex (OR 1.5) and active smoking (OR 1.71) were positively associated with STEACS presentation. Conversely, hypertension (OR 0.71), dyslipidemia (OR 0.74), age (OR 0.97 per quintile), history of myocardial infarction (OR 0.57), chronic angina (OR 0.44), presence of comorbidities (OR 0.64), and extension of coronary heart disease (OR 0.84) were negatively associated with STEACS. Women differed from men by presenting a higher incidence of NSTEACS, due to a greater proportion of ACS without obstructive coronary heart disease. CONCLUSION: Some cardiovascular risk factors and other clinical variables are independently associated with the presentation of ACS as ST EACS or NSTEACS. These findings confirm the influence of risk factors and clinical history on the pathophysiology, clinical and electrocardiographic presentation of ACS.

Introducción: Existen dos formas de presentación clínica de los síndromes coronarios agudos (SCA): con elevación del segmento ST (SCACEST) y sin elevación (SCASEST). Los mecanismos que determinan ambas presentaciones no se conocen completamente. El objetivo del estudio fue definir la asociación entre factores de riesgo cardiovascular y otras variables clínicas con la presentación de los SCA como SCACEST o SCASEST. Métodos: Analizamos información de pacientes incluidos prospectivamente en el Registro Epi-Cardio con diagnóstico de SCA desde abril de 2006 a abril de 2018.Se incluyeron un total de 10 019 pacientes. Resultados: En el análisis multivariado, el sexo masculino (OR 1.5) y el tabaquismo activo (OR 1.71) se asociaron positivamente con el SCACEST. Contrariamente, la hipertensión (OR 0.71), las dislipidemias (OR 0.74), la edad (OR 0.97 por quintilo), historia de infarto (OR 0.57), angina crónica (OR 0.44), presencia de comorbilidades (OR 0.64), y la extensión de enfermedad coronaria (OR 0.84) se asociaron negativamente con el SCACEST. Las mujeres presentaron mayor incidencia de SCASEST, debido a una mayor proporción de SCA sin obstrucción coronaria significativa. Conclusión: Concluimos que algunos factores de riesgo cardiovascular y otras variables clínicas se asociaron independientemente con la presentación clínica como SCACEST o SCASEST, confirmando su influencia en la fisiopatología y en la presentación clínica y electrocardiográfica de los SCA.

Circulating microRNAs as biomarkers of Chagas cardiomyopathy.

Background: Chagas cardiomyopathy (CHCM) is the most important clinical manifestation of Chagas disease. The analysis of cardiac miRNAs may contribute to predicting the progression to CHCM in Chagas indeterminate phase and/or to the differential diagnosis for cardiomyopathy. Methods: We carried out a case-control study to identify circulating miRNAs associated with CHCM. We assigned 104 participants to four groups: healthy controls (HC), Chagas non-cardiomyopathy controls, CHCM cases, and ischemic cardiomyopathy controls. We performed a clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory evaluation and profiled circulating miRNA in the serum samples. Results: Differences between groups were observed in clinical variables and in the analysis of miRNAs. Compared to HC, CHCM participants had 4 over-expressed and 6 under-expressed miRNAs; miR-95-3p and miR-130b-3p were upregulated in CHCM compared with controls, Chagas non-cardiomyopathy and ischemic cardiomyopathy participants, suggesting that might be a hallmark of CHCM. Analysis of gene targets associated with cardiac injury yielded results of genes involved in arrhythmia generation, cardiomegaly, and hypertrophy. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the expression of circulating miRNAs identified by deep sequencing in CHCM could be associated with different cardiac phenotypes in CHCM subjects, compared with Chagas non-CHCM, ischemic cardiomyopathy controls, and healthy controls.

[Role of polypills in cardiovascular risk reduction in primary prevention]. / Rol de las polipíldoras en la reducción del riesgo cardiovascular en prevención primaria.

Unlike medications that contain fixed-dose combinations, such as those recommended by clinical guidelines for treating high blood pressure, the so-called polypills contain several drugs that simultaneously treat two or more cardiovascular conditions or risk factors. They were proposed 2 decades ago, both for primary and secondary prevention with the hypothesis that they could have wide dissemination and population penetration, improving the use of therapeutics with proven benefits individually, thanks to an increase in patient adherence by reducing the number of daily tablets and also by having an equal or lower cost. In this simple review, we present a look at risk stratification different from that posed by clinical scores and summarize the benefits of polypills in the treatment of risk factors and in the reduction of major cardiovascular events. Additionally, we review the clinical messages of the HOPE-3 trial, which aim to control two of the most prevalent conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, through a combination of candesartan, hydrochlorothiazide and rosuvastatin. Finally, we propose its potential indication in a heterogeneous health system such as that of our country, both at the population level based on intermediate or low risk, determined intuitively or using a risk calculator, as well as in the personalized care that is practiced in many health scenarios.

A diferencia de los medicamentos que contienen combinaciones de dosis fijas, como los recomendados por las guías clínicas para tratar la hipertensión arterial, las llamadas polipíldoras contienen varios fármacos que tratan simultáneamente dos o más afecciones cardiovasculares o factores de riesgo. Se propusieron hace 2 décadas, tanto para prevención primaria como secundaria, con la hipótesis de que tengan amplia difusión y penetración poblacional, es decir, que mejoren el uso de terapéuticas con probados beneficios en forma individual, gracias a un incremento en la adherencia de los pacientes al reducir el número de comprimidos diarios y también al tener un costo igual o menor. En esta revisión simple, planteamos una mirada de la estratificación del riesgo distinta a la planteada por los puntajes clínicos y resumimos los beneficios de las polipíldoras en el tratamiento de los factores de riesgo y en la reducción de eventos cardiovasculares mayores. Adicionalmente, repasamos los mensajes clínicos del ensayo HOPE-3, que apuntan a controlar dos de las condiciones más prevalentes, como son la hipertensión arterial y el colesterol elevado, mediante una combinación de candesartán, hidroclorotiazida y rosuvastatina. Finalmente, proponemos su potencial indicación en un sistema sanitario heterogéneo como el de nuestro país, tanto a nivel poblacional basado en el riesgo intermedio o bajo, determinado intuitivamente o usando un calculador de riesgo, así como también en la atención personalizada que se practica en muchos escenarios sanitarios.

Rol de las polipíldoras en la reducción del riesgo cardiovascular en prevención primaria / Role of polypills in cardiovascular risk reduction in primary prevention

Resumen A diferencia de los medicamentos que contienen combinaciones de dosis fijas, como los recomendados por las guías clínicas para tratar la hipertensión arterial, las llamadas polipíldoras contienen varios fármacos que tratan simultáneamente dos o más afecciones cardiovasculares o factores de riesgo. Se propusieron hace 2 décadas, tanto para prevención primaria como secundaria, con la hipótesis de que tengan amplia difusión y penetración poblacional, es decir, que mejoren el uso de terapéuticas con probados beneficios en forma individual, gracias a un incremento en la adherencia de los pacientes al reducir el número de com primidos diarios y también al tener un costo igual o menor. En esta revisión simple, planteamos una mirada de la estratificación del riesgo distinta a la planteada por los puntajes clínicos y resumimos los beneficios de las polipíldoras en el tratamiento de los factores de riesgo y en la reducción de eventos cardiovasculares mayores. Adicionalmente, repasamos los mensajes clínicos del ensayo HOPE-3, que apuntan a controlar dos de las con diciones más prevalentes, como son la hipertensión arterial y el colesterol elevado, mediante una combinación de candesartán, hidroclorotiazida y rosuvastatina. Finalmente, proponemos su potencial indicación en un sistema sanitario heterogéneo como el de nuestro país, tanto a nivel poblacional basado en el riesgo intermedio o bajo, determinado intuitivamente o usando un calculador de riesgo, así como también en la atención personalizada que se practica en muchos escenarios sanitarios.

Abstract Unlike medications that contain fixed-dose combinations, such as those recommended by clinical guidelines for treating high blood pressure, the so-called polypills contain several drugs that simultaneously treat two or more cardiovascular conditions or risk factors. They were proposed 2 decades ago, both for primary and secondary prevention with the hypothesis that they could have wide dissemination and population penetration, improving the use of therapeutics with proven benefits individually, thanks to an increase in patient adherence by reducing the number of daily tablets and also by having an equal or lower cost. In this simple review, we present a look at risk stratification different from that posed by clinical scores and summarize the benefits of polypills in the treatment of risk factors and in the reduction of major cardiovascular events. Additionally, we review the clinical messages of the HOPE-3 trial, which aim to control two of the most prevalent conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, through a combination of candesartan, hydrochlorothiazide and rosuvastatin. Finally, we propose its potential indication in a heterogeneous health system such as that of our country, both at the population level based on intermediate or low risk, determined intuitively or using a risk calculator, as well as in the personalized care that is practiced in many health scenarios.

Intramyocardial Dissecting Hematoma: A Mechanical Complication Needing Surgical Therapy?

Intramyocardial dissecting hematoma is a form of cardiac rupture caused by myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, or trauma. It is a cavity between myocardial fibers caused by partial rupture of the ventricular wall. Therapeutic management, including the timing for surgical approach, has not been standardized. We present a case series describing 4 patients. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

Authors’ response to the letter “Concerning The HEARTS app: a clinical tool for cardiovascular risk and hypertension management in primary health care”

Dear editor, Thanks for the opportunity to reply to the letter from Muñoz Laguna J and Banegas JR (1) regarding the HEARTS app (2). First, the risk score used in the HEARTS app is utterly based on the World Health Organization Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Chart Working Group study. It is, so far, the most updated, robust, and accessible CVD risk charts for the low-middle income countries globally (3). Indeed, these risk models were first derived in well-established international cohorts with baseline information on all the risk factor variables for the prediction models, had at least one year of follow-up, and provided detailed information on cause-specific mortality and non-fatal CVD events. Moreover, for the recalibration of the models, age and sex-specific incidences of myocardial infarction and stroke from each of the 21 global regions defined by the Global Burden of Disease were used. This was further completed by averaging country-specific risk factor values from the Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Collaboration. Therefore, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) regional data was used for calibration if not for the initial derivation models due to the lack of available cohort information from this Region at the study time. Finally, the models underwent external validation using individual participant data from 19 other cohorts. Although these countries did not include any from LAC, the external validation results were robust with good C indices. When available and well-established, prediction models using data from the Region may improve the score over time. The risk prediction models in the future could be further calibrated and revised according to country-specific CVD incidence. In summary, the WHO prediction models used by the HEARTS app offer a simple and reliable estimate for risk estimation for the time being. To read the complete letter, please download the manuscript using the link on the left.

Sex Differences in the Clinical Presentation of Acute Coronary Syndromes.

The clinical presentation of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) as ST-elevation ACS (STEACS) or non-ST-elevation ACS (NSTEACS) differs between women and men. The aim of this study was to describe the difference in the clinical presentation of ACS between sexes. A total of 10,019 patients included in the Epi-Cardio Registry were analyzed. A higher proportion of women than men presented with NSTEACS (60.3% vs 46.7%; P <0.001). The difference between sexes was driven by a higher prevalence of ACS with non-obstructive coronary arteries (20.9% vs 6.6%) mainly in young women, since ACS without coronary lesions were mostly NSTEACS (77.7% vs 22.3%). In patients with obstructive coronary heart disease, there were no differences in the clinical presentation between sexes. In conclusion, younger women are more likely than men to present ACS with non-obstructive coronary arteries, whereas no significant difference exists between sexes regarding the prevalence of ACS with obstructive coronary artery disease.

Morphine and clinical outcomes in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with fibrinolytic and antiplatelet therapy: Insights from the TREAT trial.

BACKGROUND: Morphine is commonly used to relieve pain, anxiety and dyspnea in STEMI but it lowers blood pressure and delays the activity of oral antiplatelet agents. The impact of morphine on clinical outcomes remains unknown. This analysis was performed to determine if morphine use was associated with increased risk of adverse clinical events among STEMI patients treated with fibrinolytic therapy and clopidogrel or ticagrelor. METHODS: In the Ticagrelor in Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated with Pharmacological Thrombolysis (TREAT) study, 3799 STEMI patients treated with fibrinolysis were randomized to receive clopidogrel or ticagrelor. Morphine use was left to the discretion of the treating physicians. In this pre-specified analysis, we evaluated clinical outcomes based on the use and timing of morphine administration. Outcomes were stratified by randomized treatment group. Multivariable analysis was performed using Inverse Probability Treatment Weighting (IPTW) weighting. RESULTS: Morphine was used in 53% of patients. After adjustment using IPTW weighting, morphine use was associated with higher hazard of reinfarction at 7 days (HR 4.9, P = .0006) and 30 days (HR 1.7, P = .04), and lower hazard of major bleeding (HR 0.37, P = .006). There was no significant difference in mortality at any time point. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with STEMI treated with fibrinolytic therapy, morphine use was associated with a higher risk of early reinfarction and a lower risk of major bleeding but no difference in mortality. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02298088.

High-dose vitamin D versus placebo to prevent complications in COVID-19 patients: Multicentre randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The role of oral vitamin D3 supplementation for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 remains to be determined. The study was aimed to evaluate whether vitamin D3 supplementation could prevent respiratory worsening among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We designed a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, sequential, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study was conducted in 17 second and third level hospitals, located in four provinces of Argentina, from 14 August 2020 to 22 June 2021. We enrolled 218 adult patients, hospitalized in general wards with SARS-CoV-2 confirmed infection, mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and risk factors for disease progression. Participants were randomized to a single oral dose of 500 000 IU of vitamin D3 or matching placebo. Randomization ratio was 1:1, with permuted blocks and stratified for study site, diabetes and age (≤60 vs >60 years). The primary outcome was the change in the respiratory Sepsis related Organ Failure Assessment score between baseline and the highest value recorded up to day 7. Secondary outcomes included the length of hospital stay; intensive care unit admission; and in-hospital mortality. Overall, 115 participants were assigned to vitamin D3 and 105 to placebo (mean [SD] age, 59.1 [10.7] years; 103 [47.2%] women). There were no significant differences in the primary outcome between groups (median [IQR] 0.0 [0.0-1.0] vs 0.0 [0.0-1.0], for vitamin D3 and placebo, respectively; p = 0.925). Median [IQR] length of hospital stay was not significantly different between vitamin D3 group (6.0 [4.0-9.0] days) and placebo group (6.0 [4.0-10.0] days; p = 0.632). There were no significant differences for intensive care unit admissions (7.8% vs 10.7%; RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.32 to 1.70; p = 0.622), or in-hospital mortality (4.3% vs 1.9%; RR 2.24; 95% CI 0.44 to 11.29; p = 0.451). There were no significant differences in serious adverse events (vitamin D3 = 14.8%, placebo = 11.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Among hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and risk factors, a single high oral dose of vitamin D3 as compared with placebo, did not prevent the respiratory worsening. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClincicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04411446.

[The HEARTS app: a clinical tool for cardiovascular risk and hypertension management in primary health careO aplicativo HEARTS: uma ferramenta clínica para o gerenciamento de risco cardiovascular e hipertensão na atenção primária à saúde]. / La aplicación HEARTS: una herramienta clínica para el manejo del riesgo cardiovascular y la hipertensión en la atención primaria de salud.

HEARTS in the Americas is the regional adaptation of the World Health Organization's Global Hearts Initiative, which will be the model for risk management for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in primary health care in the Region of the Americas by 2025. It has already been implemented in 21 countries and 1045 primary health care centers throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. It takes a public health and health systems approach to systematically introduce simplified interventions at the primary health care level and focuses on hypertension as a clinical entry point. This paper introduces a new, improved application (app), the main component of which is the calculator for CVD risk and hypertension management. The paper summarizes the risk assessment approach and the methodology used by the World Health Organization to update its cardiovascular risk charts in 2019; describes the app, its use, functionality and validation process; and provides a set of practical recommendations for optimizing CVD risk and hypertension management by using the app in clinical practice. The HEARTS app is a powerful tool to improve the quality of care provided in primary health settings. The creation and dissemination of the HEARTS app is an essential step in the journey towards eliminating preventable CVD in the Americas.

HEARTS nas Américas é a adaptação regional da Iniciativa Global Hearts da Organização Mundial da Saúde, que será o modelo para o gerenciamento de risco de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) na atenção primária à saúde na Região das Américas até 2025. Ele já foi implementado em 21 países e 1045 centros de saúde primária em toda a América Latina e Caribe. Adota uma abordagem de saúde pública e sistemas de saúde para introduzir sistematicamente intervenções simplificadas no nível da atenção primária à saúde e concentra-se na hipertensão como um ponto de entrada clínica. Este documento introduz uma nova e melhor aplicação (app), cujo principal componente é a calculadora de risco de DCV e gerenciamento de hipertensão. O artigo resume a abordagem de avaliação de risco e a metodologia usada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde para atualizar seus gráficos de risco cardiovascular em 2019; descreve o aplicativo, seu uso, funcionalidade e processo de validação; e fornece um conjunto de recomendações práticas para otimizar o gerenciamento do risco de DCV e da hipertensão, usando o aplicativo na prática clínica. O aplicativo HEARTS é uma ferramenta potente para melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados prestados em ambientes de saúde primária. A criação e disseminação do aplicativo HEARTS é um passo essencial para eliminar a DCV evitável nas Américas.

La aplicación HEARTS: una herramienta clínica para el manejo del riesgo cardiovascular y la hipertensión en la atención primaria de salud

[RESUMEN]. HEARTS en las Américas es la adaptación regional de la iniciativa Global HEARTS de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, que será el modelo para el manejo del riesgo de las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) en la atención primaria de salud en la Región de las Américas para el año 2025. Ya se ha implementado en 21 países y 1045 centros de atención primaria de salud en toda América Latina y el Caribe. Se ha adoptado un enfoque de salud pública y de sistemas de salud para introducir sistemáticamente intervenciones simplificadas en el nivel de la atención primaria de salud que se centran en el control de la hipertensión como punto de entrada clínico. En este artículo se presenta una aplicación nueva y mejorada cuyo componente principal es la calculadora de riesgo de ECV y de manejo de la hipertensión. Se resume el enfoque de evaluación del riesgo y la metodología utilizada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud para actualizar sus tablas de riesgo cardiovascular del 2019; se describe la aplicación, su uso, su funcionalidad y su proceso de validación; y se presenta un conjunto de recomendaciones prácticas para optimizar el manejo del riesgo de ECV y de la hipertensión, mediante el uso de la aplicación en la práctica clínica. La aplicación HEARTS es una herramienta sólida para mejorar la calidad de la atención prestada en los centros de atención primaria. La creación y difusión de la aplicación HEARTS es un paso esencial en el camino hacia la eliminación de las ECV prevenibles en la Región de las Américas.

[ABSTRACT]. HEARTS in the Americas is the regional adaptation of the World Health Organization’s Global Hearts Initiative, which will be the model for risk management for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in primary health care in the Region of the Americas by 2025. It has already been implemented in 21 countries and 1045 primary health care centers throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. It takes a public health and health systems approach to systematically introduce simplified interventions at the primary health care level and focuses on hypertension as a clinical entry point. This paper introduces a new, improved application (app), the main component of which is the calculator for CVD risk and hypertension management. The paper summarizes the risk assessment approach and the methodology used by the World Health Organization to update its cardiovascular risk charts in 2019; describes the app, its use, functionality and validation process; and provides a set of practical recommendations for optimizing CVD risk and hypertension management by using the app in clinical practice. The HEARTS app is a powerful tool to improve the quality of care provided in primary health settings. The creation and dissemination of the HEARTS app is an essential step in the journey towards eliminating preventable CVD in the Americas.

[RESUMO]. HEARTS nas Américas é a adaptação regional da Iniciativa Global Hearts da Organização Mundial da Saúde, que será o modelo para o gerenciamento de risco de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) na atenção primária à saúde na Região das Américas até 2025. Ele já foi implementado em 21 países e 1045 centros de saúde primária em toda a América Latina e Caribe. Adota uma abordagem de saúde pública e sistemas de saúde para introduzir sistematicamente intervenções simplificadas no nível da atenção primária à saúde e concentra-se na hipertensão como um ponto de entrada clínica. Este documento introduz uma nova e melhor aplicação (app), cujo principal componente é a calculadora de risco de DCV e gerenciamento de hipertensão. O artigo resume a abordagem de avaliação de risco e a metodologia usada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde para atualizar seus gráficos de risco cardiovascular em 2019; descreve o aplicativo, seu uso, funcionalidade e processo de validação; e fornece um conjunto de recomendações práticas para otimizar o gerenciamento do risco de DCV e da hipertensão, usando o aplicativo na prática clínica. O aplicativo HEARTS é uma ferramenta potente para melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados prestados em ambientes de saúde primária. A criação e disseminação do aplicativo HEARTS é um passo essencial para eliminar a DCV evitável nas Américas.

Recomendaciones de manejo de los anticoagulantes orales directos (DOACs) anti Xa y anti IIa / Recommendations for the practical management of the direct oral anticoagulants anti Xa and anti IIa

Resumen Los anticoagulantes orales directos han surgido como una de las herramientas que ha cambiado el manejo de la enfermedad trombótica en los últimos 15 años. Sus ventajas, desde el punto de vista de la facilidad de uso y menor riesgo de sangrado, especialmente de sangrado cerebral, han posicionado a estos nuevos anticoagulantes como la primera alternativa de tratamiento en las dos indicaciones más frecuentes en que necesitamos estas drogas, la fibrilación auricular y la enfermedad tromboembólica venosa. Sin embargo, no todos los pacientes pueden recibir estos agentes, no todos los anticoagulantes directos tienen las mismas pro piedades y fundamentalmente, no todas las enfermedades con indicación de un anticoagulante pueden tratarse con ellos;con lo cual es necesario que todos los profesionales que están involucrados en el manejo de estos medicamentos estén obligados a conocerlos en profundidad, para poder decidir el mejor tratamiento en cada caso particular. Este documento de posición de expertos de diferentes especialidades de Argentina, presenta lineamientos para el uso correcto de los anticoagulantes directos en base a nueva evidencia y a la experiencia de uso de un amplio grupo de profesionales. La forma de relacionarnos con el tratamiento anticoagulante ha cambiado. Los médicos que trabajamos con ellos también debemos hacerlo.

Abstract Direct oral anticoagulants have emerged as the drugs that have changed the man agement of the antithrombotic treatment in the last 15 years. Their advantages, like a more friendly way of anticoagulation and their lower risk of bleeding, especially in the brain, have positioned these new anticoagu lants as the first drug of choice in the two most frequent indications of anticoagulation, atrial fibrillation, and the venous thromboembolic disease. However, not all the patients can receive these agents, not all the direct oral anticoagulants have the same characteristics, and most importantly, not all the diseases with an indication of an anticoagulant drug can be treated with them. Therefore, it is mandatory that all the faculties involved in the management of these drugs must know them in depth, to decide the best treatment for the patient. This position paper, from a group of experts in anticoagulation in Argentina, can help the general practitioner in the daily use of direct oral anticoagulants based on the new evidence and the experience of a wide group of professionals. The way we relate to the anticoagulant treatment has changed in the last years. The doctors who work with them must also do so.

The HEARTS app: a clinical tool for cardiovascular risk and hypertension management in primary health care.

HEARTS in the Americas is the regional adaptation of the World Health Organization's Global Hearts Initiative, which will be the model for risk management for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in primary health care in the Region of the Americas by 2025. It has already been implemented in 21 countries and 1045 primary health care centers throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. It takes a public health and health systems approach to systematically introduce simplified interventions at the primary health care level and focuses on hypertension as a clinical entry point. This paper introduces a new, improved application (app), the main component of which is the calculator for CVD risk and hypertension management. The paper summarizes the risk assessment approach and the methodology used by the World Health Organization to update its cardiovascular risk charts in 2019; describes the app, its use, functionality and validation process; and provides a set of practical recommendations for optimizing CVD risk and hypertension management by using the app in clinical practice. The HEARTS app is a powerful tool to improve the quality of care provided in primary health settings. The creation and dissemination of the HEARTS app is an essential step in the journey towards eliminating preventable CVD in the Americas.

HEARTS en las Américas es la adaptación regional de la Iniciativa Global Hearts de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, que será el modelo para el manejo del riesgo de la enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) en la atención primaria de la salud en la Región de las Américas para el año 2025. Ya se ha implementado en 21 países y 1045 centros de atención primaria de salud en toda América Latina y el Caribe. Adopta un enfoque de salud pública y sistemas de salud para introducir sistemáticamente intervenciones simplificadas en el nivel de atención primaria de salud y se centra en la hipertensión como punto de entrada clínico. En este artículo se presenta una aplicación (app) nueva y mejorada cuyo componente principal es la calculadora de riesgo de ECV y de manejo de la hipertensión. Se resume el enfoque de evaluación del riesgo y la metodología utilizada por la Organización Mundial de la Salud para actualizar sus tablas de riesgo cardiovascular en 2019; se describe la app, su uso, su funcionalidad y su proceso de validación; y se proporciona un conjunto de recomendaciones prácticas para optimizar el manejo del riesgo de ECV y de la hipertensión mediante el uso de la app en la práctica clínica. La app HEARTS es una herramienta robusta para mejorar la calidad de la atención prestada en los centros de atención primaria. La creación y difusión de la aplicación HEARTS es un paso esencial en el camino hacia la eliminación de la ECV prevenible en las Américas.

HEARTS nas Américas é a adaptação regional da Iniciativa Global Hearts da Organização Mundial da Saúde, que será o modelo para o gerenciamento de risco de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) na atenção primária à saúde na Região das Américas até 2025. Ele já foi implementado em 21 países e 1045 centros de saúde primária em toda a América Latina e Caribe. Adota uma abordagem de saúde pública e sistemas de saúde para introduzir sistematicamente intervenções simplificadas no nível da atenção primária à saúde e concentra-se na hipertensão como um ponto de entrada clínica. Este documento introduz uma nova e melhor aplicação (app), cujo principal componente é a calculadora de risco de DCV e gerenciamento de hipertensão. O artigo resume a abordagem de avaliação de risco e a metodologia usada pela Organização Mundial da Saúde para atualizar seus gráficos de risco cardiovascular em 2019; descreve o aplicativo, seu uso, funcionalidade e processo de validação; e fornece um conjunto de recomendações práticas para otimizar o gerenciamento do risco de DCV e da hipertensão, usando o aplicativo na prática clínica. O aplicativo HEARTS é uma ferramenta potente para melhorar a qualidade dos cuidados prestados em ambientes de saúde primária. A criação e disseminação do aplicativo HEARTS é um passo essencial para eliminar a DCV evitável nas Américas.