Clinical practice guidelines for diagnostic and treatment of the chronic heart failure.

Chronic heart failure continues to be one of the main causes of impairment in the functioning and quality of life of people who suffer from it, as well as one of the main causes of mortality in our country and around the world. Mexico has a high prevalence of risk factors for developing heart failure, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, which makes it essential to have an evidence-based document that provides recommendations to health professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients. This document establishes the clinical practice guide (CPG) prepared at the initiative of the Mexican Society of Cardiology (SMC) in collaboration with the Iberic American Agency for the Development and Evaluation of Health Technologies, with the purpose of establishing recommendations based on the best available evidence and agreed upon by an interdisciplinary group of experts. This document complies with international quality standards, such as those described by the US Institute of Medicine (IOM), the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE), the Intercollegiate Network for Scottish Guideline Development (SIGN) and the Guidelines International Network (G-I-N). The Guideline Development Group was integrated in a multi-collaborative and interdisciplinary manner with the support of methodologists with experience in systematic literature reviews and the development of CPG. A modified Delphi panel methodology was developed and conducted to achieve an adequate level of consensus in each of the recommendations contained in this CPG. We hope that this document contributes to better clinical decision making and becomes a reference point for clinicians who manage patients with chronic heart failure in all their clinical stages and in this way, we improve the quality of clinical care, improve their quality of life and reducing its complications.

La insuficiencia cardiaca crónica sigue siendo unas de las principales causas de afectación en el funcionamiento y en la calidad de vida de las personas que la presentan, así como una de las primeras causas de mortalidad en nuestro país y en todo el mundo. México tiene una alta prevalencia de factores de riesgo para desarrollar insuficiencia cardiaca, tales como hipertensión arterial, diabetes y obesidad, lo que hace imprescindible contar con un documento basado en la evidencia que brinde recomendaciones a los profesionales de la salud involucrados en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de estos pacientes. Este documento establece la guía de práctica clínica (GPC) elaborada por iniciativa de la Sociedad Mexicana de Cardiología (SMC) en colaboración con la Agencia Iberoamericana de Desarrollo y Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud, con la finalidad de establecer recomendaciones basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible y consensuadas por un grupo interdisciplinario y multicolaborativo de expertos. Cumple con estándares internacionales de calidad, como los descritos por el Institute of Medicine de los Estados Unidos de América (IOM), el National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) del Reino Unido, la Intercollegiate Network for Scottish Guideline Development (SIGN) de Escocia y la Guidelines International Network (G-I-N). El grupo de desarrollo de la guía se integró de manera interdisciplinaria con el apoyo de metodólogos con experiencia en revisiones sistemáticas de la literatura y en el desarrollo de GPC. Se llevó a cabo y se condujo metodología de panel Delphi modificado para lograr un nivel de consenso adecuado en cada una de las recomendaciones contenidas en esta GPC. Esperamos que este documento contribuya para la mejor toma de decisiones clínicas y se convierta en un punto de referencia para los clínicos que manejan pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca crónica en todas sus etapas clínicas, y de esta manera logremos mejorar la calidad en la atención clínica, aumentar la calidad de vida de los pacientes y disminuir las complicaciones de la enfermedad.

Toward a Better Understanding of Cardiovascular Risk in the Transgender and Gender-Diverse Community: A Global Call to Action.

On World Heart Day 2022, the Mexican Society of Cardiology, the Inter-American Society of Cardiology, and the World Heart Federation collaborated on a public call to action regarding the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular health outcomes in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. The aim of this article is to unpack the numerous factors that contribute to this, such as the social stigma faced by members of the TGD community, their reduced access to clinical care, and the scarcity of research regarding the unique needs of their community, which makes it difficult for clinicians to provide individualized medical care. Decreasing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events among TGD individuals requires interventions such as educational reform in the medical community, an increase in inclusive research studies, and broader social initiatives intended to reduce the stigma faced by TGD individuals.

[Lifestyle modification and risk factor control in the prevention and treatment of atrial fibrillation]. / Modificaciones en el estilo de vida y control de los factores de riesgo en la prevención y el tratamiento de la fibrilación auricular.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia and is related with significant morbidity, mortality and costs. In spite of relevant advances in the prevention of embolic events and rhythm control, little has been done to reduce its prevalence, progression and impact, since it increases with ageing as well as with common risk factors such as alcohol intake, tobacco use and stress as well as with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, sleep apnea, kidney failure, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, ischemic heart disease and stroke, among other important comorbidities. Fortunately, new evidence suggests that lifestyle modifications and adequate risk factors and comorbidities control could be effective in primary and secondary AF prevention, especially in its paroxysmal presentations. This is why a multidisciplinary approach integrating lifestyle modifications, risk factors and comorbidities control, is necessary in conjunction with rhythm or rate control and anticoagulation. Unfortunately, that holistic approach strategy is not considered, is scarcely studied or is subtilized in general clinical practice. The present statement's objectives are to: 1) review the relationship between habits, risk factors and illnesses with AF, 2) review the individual and common physiopathology mechanisms of each one of those conditions that may lead to AF, 3) review the effect of control of habits, risk factors and co-morbidities on the control and impact of AF, and 4) supply guidelines and recommendations to start multidisciplinary and integrative AF treatment.

La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia más frecuente y se asocia con importante morbilidad, mortalidad y costos. A pesar de los grandes avances en la prevención de eventos embólicos y en el control del ritmo, poco se ha realizado para reducir su prevalencia, progresión e impacto, debido a que incrementa con la edad y con la presencia de múltiples factores de riesgo muy comunes en la población, como obesidad, sedentarismo, alcoholismo, tabaquismo y estrés, así como con hipertensión arterial sistémica, diabetes mellitus, insuficiencia cardiaca, apnea del sueño, enfermedad renal crónica, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, cardiopatía isquémica y enfermedad vascular cerebral, entre otra comorbilidad importante. Afortunadamente, nuevas evidencias demuestran que las modificaciones en el estilo de vida y el control adecuado de los factores de riesgo y de la comorbilidad pueden ser efectivos en la prevención primaria y secundaria de la FA, en especial en sus formas paroxísticas; para ello, es necesario un manejo multidisciplinario que integre las modificaciones en el estilo de vida, el manejo de los factores de riesgo y el control de la comorbilidad en el tratamiento de la FA en conjunto con el control del ritmo o de la frecuencia y la anticoagulación. Por desgracia, en la práctica clínica estas estrategias a menudo no se tienen en cuenta, son infrautilizadas y poco estudiadas. Los objetivos del presente posicionamiento son: 1) revisar la relación de los factores de riesgo y la comorbilidad con la FA, 2) revisar los mecanismos fisiopatológicos de cada una de estas condiciones, 3) revisar el impacto del control de los factores de riesgo y de la comorbilidad en el control y en el impacto de la FA, y 4) proporcionar guías y recomendaciones para la puesta en práctica de programas de tratamiento multidisciplinario e integral en pacientes con FA.

Espacios cardioprotegidos en México: acciones para prevenir la muerte súbita cardiaca. Una postura de profesionales de la salud.

La muerte súbita cardiaca es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Aunque su incidencia no es conocida, se estima que causa hasta 50% de la mortalidad de origen cardíaco y hasta 20% de la mortalidad total en los adultos. En México, estimaciones previas sugieren que causa en promedio 33 000 muertes al año; sin embargo, los datos no son precisos. La  mitad de los eventos por muerte súbita cardiaca se deben a un paro cardiaco súbito extrahospitalario que, de no ser atendido oportunamente, deriva en una muerte súbita cardiaca. Por tanto, la capacidad de responder pronta y adecuadamente a estos eventos con las maniobras y equipos necesarios mejora la sobrevida de las víctimas. Para atender este problema, en algunos estados del país se han creado espacios cardioprotegidos que permiten realizar maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar y desfibrilación cardiaca de acceso público oportunamente. Como objetivo, los profesionales de la salud establecen la importancia de implementar espacios cardioprotegidos y crear políticas públicas al respecto en todo el país.

Toward a better understanding of cardiovascular risk in the transgender and gender-diverse community: a supplement to the Tijuana Declaration.

On World Heart Day 2022, the Mexican Society of Cardiology, the Inter-American Society of Cardiology, and the World Heart Federation collaborated on a communication regarding the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular health outcomes in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. This document, called the Tijuana Declaration, urged the global cardiovascular community to work toward understanding and mitigating this problem. This article aims to unpack the numerous factors that lead to it. An example is the social stigma faced by members of the TGD community, which leads to increased stress and risk for cardiovascular complications. TGD patients are also more likely to have insufficient access to health care, and those that do receive care are often faced with providers that are not adequately educated about the unique needs of their community. Finally, there is some evidence to suggest that gender-affirming hormone therapies have an impact on cardiovascular health, but studies on this subject often have methodological concerns and contradictory findings. Decreasing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in this community requires interventions such as educational reform in the medical community, an increase in research studies on this topic, and broader social initiatives intended to reduce the stigma faced by TGD individuals.

En el Día Mundial del Corazón 2022, la Sociedad Mexicana de Cardiología, la Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiología y la Federación Mundial del Corazón colaboraron en una comunicación sobre el aumento del riesgo de resultados adversos para la salud cardiovascular en individuos transgénero y de género diverso (TGD). Este documento, conocido como la Declaración de Tijuana, instó a la comunidad cardiovascular global a trabajar en la comprensión y mitigación de este problema. Este artículo tiene como objetivo desentrañar los numerosos factores que lo provocan. Un ejemplo es el estigma social enfrentado por los miembros de la comunidad TGD, lo que conduce a un aumento del estrés y el riesgo de complicaciones cardiovasculares. Los pacientes TGD también tienen más probabilidades de tener un acceso insuficiente a la atención médica, y aquellos que la reciben a menudo se enfrentan a proveedores que no están adecuadamente educados sobre las necesidades únicas de su comunidad. Finalmente, hay evidencia que sugiere que las terapias hormonales de afirmación de género tienen un impacto en la salud cardiovascular, pero los estudios sobre este tema a menudo tienen preocupaciones metodológicas y hallazgos contradictorios. Disminuir la incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares adversos en esta comunidad requiere intervenciones como la reforma educativa en la comunidad médica, un aumento en los estudios de investigación sobre este tema e iniciativas sociales más amplias destinadas a reducir el estigma enfrentado por los individuos TGD.

Toward a better understanding of cardiovascular risk in the transgender and gender-diverse community: a supplement to the Tijuana Declaration / El camino hacia una mejor comprensión del riesgo cardiovascular en la comunidad transgénero y diferentes géneros: un suplemento a la Declaración de Tijuana

Abstract On World Heart Day 2022, the Mexican Society of Cardiology, the Inter-American Society of Cardiology, and the World Heart Federation collaborated on a communication regarding the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular health outcomes in transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. This document, called the Tijuana Declaration, urged the global cardiovascular community to work toward understanding and mitigating this problem. This article aims to unpack the numerous factors that lead to it. An example is the social stigma faced by members of the TGD community, which leads to increased stress and risk for cardiovascular complications. TGD patients are also more likely to have insufficient access to health care, and those that do receive care are often faced with providers that are not adequately educated about the unique needs of their community. Finally, there is some evidence to suggest that gender-affirming hormone therapies have an impact on cardiovascular health, but studies on this subject often have methodological concerns and contradictory findings. Decreasing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in this community requires interventions such as educational reform in the medical community, an increase in research studies on this topic, and broader social initiatives intended to reduce the stigma faced by TGD individuals.

Resumen En el Día Mundial del Corazón 2022, la Sociedad Mexicana de Cardiología, la Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiología y la Federación Mundial del Corazón colaboraron en una comunicación sobre el aumento del riesgo de resultados adversos para la salud cardiovascular en individuos transgénero y de género diverso (TGD). Este documento, conocido como la Declaración de Tijuana, instó a la comunidad cardiovascular global a trabajar en la comprensión y mitigación de este problema. Este artículo tiene como objetivo desentrañar los numerosos factores que lo provocan. Un ejemplo es el estigma social enfrentado por los miembros de la comunidad TGD, lo que conduce a un aumento del estrés y el riesgo de complicaciones cardiovasculares. Los pacientes TGD también tienen más probabilidades de tener un acceso insuficiente a la atención médica, y aquellos que la reciben a menudo se enfrentan a proveedores que no están adecuadamente educados sobre las necesidades únicas de su comunidad. Finalmente, hay evidencia que sugiere que las terapias hormonales de afirmación de género tienen un impacto en la salud cardiovascular, pero los estudios sobre este tema a menudo tienen preocupaciones metodológicas y hallazgos contradictorios. Disminuir la incidencia de eventos cardiovasculares adversos en esta comunidad requiere intervenciones como la reforma educativa en la comunidad médica, un aumento en los estudios de investigación sobre este tema e iniciativas sociales más amplias destinadas a reducir el estigma enfrentado por los individuos TGD.

Right Heart Chambers Longitudinal Strain Provides Enhanced Diagnosis and Categorization in Patients With Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background: Increased systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) could lead to the mechanical dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis of the right heart chambers. Echocardiographic strain analysis has not been adequately studied in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Study design and methods: A cross-sectional cohort of patients with suspected PH and echocardiographic strain evaluation was recruited. The cut-off values of peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) with the low probability of PH (≤2.8 m/s), intermediate probability (2.9-3.4 m/s, without other echo PH signs), and high probability of PH (2.9-3.4 m/s with other echo PH signs and >3.4 m/s) categories were studied by right ventricular and right atrial (RA) strain analysis in a sample of 236 patients. Results: The results showed that 58 (56.9%) patients had low, 15 (14.7%) had intermediate, and 29 (28.4%) had a high probability of PH. We observed a negative association between right ventricular free wall strain (RV-FWS) and atrial global strain with sPAP. With the increase in PH severity, RA reservoir, conduit, and contraction (booster) strain values decreased. The identified cut-off values of strain parameters had an adequate ability to detect PH severity categories. In addition, the post-mortem biopsies of right heart chambers from subjects with known severe PH were analyzed to quantify myocardial fibrosis. Our sample of right heart biopsies (n = 12) demonstrated an association between increased sPAP before death and right ventricular and RA fibrosis. Conclusion: Mechanical dysfunction and fibrosis in the right chambers are associated with increased sPAP. Right ventricular and atrial strain could provide enhancement in the diagnosis and categorization of subjects with suspected PH.

Guía de práctica clínica mexicana para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las dislipidemias y enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica.

ANTECEDENTES: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son la principal causa mundial de mortalidad y México no es la excepción. Los datos epidemiológicos obtenidos en 1990 mostraron que los padecimientos cardiovasculares representaron el 19.8% de todas las causas de muerte en nuestro país; esta cifra se incrementó de manera significativa a un 25.5% para 2015. Diversas encuestas nacionales sugieren que más del 60% de la población adulta tiene al menos un factor de riesgo para padecer enfermedades cardiovasculares (obesidad o sobrepeso, hipertensión, tabaquismo, diabetes, dislipidemias). Por otro lado, datos de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud han relacionado el proceso de aterosclerosis como la primer causa de muerte prematura, reduciendo la expectativa de vida de manera sensible, lo que tiene una enorme repercusión social. OBJETIVO: Este documento constituye la guía de práctica clínica (GPC) elaborada por iniciativa de la Sociedad Mexicana de Cardiología en colaboración con la Sociedad Mexicana de Nutrición y Endocrinología, A.C., Asociación Nacional de Cardiólogos de México, A.C., Asociación Mexicana para la Prevención de la Aterosclerosis y sus Complicaciones, A.C., Comité Normativo Nacional de Medicina General, A.C., Colegio Nacional de Medicina Geriátrica, A.C., Colegio de Medicina Interna de México, A.C., Sociedad Mexicana de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular y Endovenosa, A.C., Instituto Mexicano de Investigaciones Nefrológicas, A.C. y la Academia Mexicana de Neurología, A.C.; con el apoyo metodológico de la Agencia Iberoamericana de Desarrollo y Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud, con la finalidad de establecer recomendaciones basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible y consensuadas por un grupo interdisciplinario de expertos. El objetivo de este documento es el de brindar recomendaciones basadas en evidencia para ayudar a los tomadores de decisión en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las dislipidemias en nuestro país. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Este documento cumple con estándares internacionales de calidad, como los descritos por el Instituto de Medicina de EE.UU., el Instituto de Excelencia Clínica de Gran Bretaña, la Red Colegiada para el Desarrollo de Guías de Escocia y la Red Internacional de Guías de Práctica Clínica. Se integró un grupo multidisciplinario de expertos clínicos y metodólogos con experiencia en revisiones sistemáticas de la literatura y el desarrollo de guías de práctica clínica. Se consensuó un documento de alcances, se establecieron las preguntas clínicas relevantes, se identificó de manera exhaustiva la mejor evidencia disponible evaluada críticamente en revisiones sistemáticas de la literatura y se desarrollaron las recomendaciones clínicas. Se utilizó la metodología de Panel Delphi modificado para lograr un nivel de consenso adecuado en cada una de las recomendaciones contenidas en esta GPC. RESULTADOS: Se consensuaron 23 preguntas clínicas que dieron origen a sus respectivas recomendaciones clínicas. CONCLUSIONES: Esperamos que este documento contribuya a la mejor toma de decisiones clínicas y se convierta en un punto de referencia para los clínicos y pacientes en el manejo de las dislipidemias y esto contribuya a disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad derivada de los eventos cardiovasculares ateroscleróticos en nuestro país. BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and Mexico is no exception. The epidemiological data obtained in 1990 showed that cardiovascular diseases represented 19.8% of all causes of death in our country. This figure increased significantly to 25.5% for 2015. Some national surveys suggest that more than 60% of the adult population has at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease (obesity or overweight, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, dyslipidemias). On the other hand, data from the Pan American Health Organization have linked the process of atherosclerosis as the first cause of premature death, significantly reducing life expectancy, which has enormous social repercussions. OBJECTIVE: This document constitutes the Clinical Practice Guide (CPG) prepared at the initiative of the Mexican Society of Cardiology in collaboration with the Mexican Society of Nutrition and Endocrinology, AC, National Association of Cardiologists of Mexico, AC, Mexican Association for the Prevention of Atherosclerosis and its Complications, AC, National Normative Committee of General Medicine, AC, National College of Geriatric Medicine, AC, College of Internal Medicine of Mexico, AC, Mexican Society of Angiology and Vascular and Endovenous Surgery, AC, Mexican Institute of Research Nephrological, AC and the Mexican Academy of Neurology, A.C.; with the methodological support of the Ibero-American Agency for the Development and Evaluation of Health Technologies, in order to establish recommendations based on the best available evidence and agreed upon by an interdisciplinary group of experts. The objective of this document is to provide evidence-based recommendations to help decision makers in the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemias in our country. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This document complies with international quality standards, such as those described by the Institute of Medicine of the USA, the Institute of Clinical Excellence of Great Britain, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network and the Guidelines International Network. A multidisciplinary group of clinical experts and methodologists with experience in systematic reviews of the literature and the development of clinical practice guidelines was formed. A scope document was agreed upon, relevant clinical questions were established, the best available evidence critically evaluated in systematic literature reviews was exhaustively identified, and clinical recommendations were developed. The modified Delphi Panel methodology was used to achieve an adequate level of consensus in each of the recommendations contained in this CPG. RESULTS: 23 clinical questions were agreed upon which gave rise to their respective clinical recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that this document contributes to better clinical decision-making and becomes a point of reference for clinicians and patients in the management of dyslipidemias and this contributes to reducing the morbidity and mortality derived from atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in our country.

Guía de práctica clínica mexicana para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las dislipidemias y enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica / Mexican clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemias and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and Mexico is no exception. The epidemiological data obtained in 1990 showed that cardiovascular diseases represented 19.8% of all causes of death in our country. This figure increased significantly to 25.5% for 2015. Some national surveys suggest that more than 60% of the adult population has at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease (obesity or overweight, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, dyslipidemias). On the other hand, data from the Pan American Health Organization have linked the process of atherosclerosis as the first cause of premature death, significantly reducing life expectancy, which has enormous social repercussions. Objective: This document constitutes the Clinical Practice Guide (CPG) prepared at the initiative of the Mexican Society of Cardiology in collaboration with the Mexican Society of Nutrition and Endocrinology, AC, National Association of Cardiologists of Mexico, AC, Mexican Association for the Prevention of Atherosclerosis and its Complications, AC, National Normative Committee of General Medicine, AC, National College of Geriatric Medicine, AC, College of Internal Medicine of Mexico, AC, Mexican Society of Angiology and Vascular and Endovenous Surgery, AC, Mexican Institute of Research Nephrological, AC and the Mexican Academy of Neurology, A.C.; with the methodological support of the Ibero-American Agency for the Development and Evaluation of Health Technologies, in order to establish recommendations based on the best available evidence and agreed upon by an interdisciplinary group of experts. The objective of this document is to provide evidence-based recommendations to help decision makers in the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemias in our country. Material and methods: This document complies with international quality standards, such as those described by the Institute of Medicine of the USA, the Institute of Clinical Excellence of Great Britain, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network and the Guidelines International Network. A multidisciplinary group of clinical experts and methodologists with experience in systematic reviews of the literature and the development of clinical practice guidelines was formed. A scope document was agreed upon, relevant clinical questions were established, the best available evidence critically evaluated in systematic literature reviews was exhaustively identified, and clinical recommendations were developed. The modified Delphi Panel methodology was used to achieve an adequate level of consensus in each of the recommendations contained in this CPG. Results: 23 clinical questions were agreed upon which gave rise to their respective clinical recommendations. Conclusions: We consider that this document contributes to better clinical decision-making and becomes a point of reference for clinicians and patients in the management of dyslipidemias and this contributes to reducing the morbidity and mortality derived from atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in our country.

Case Report: A Rare Case of a Ventricular Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor With Histologic Characteristics That Resembled a Primary Cardiac Rhabdomyoma.

We present the case of a young male patient with an initial diagnosis of a rhabdomyoma that was surgically treated at a different hospital when he was 17. After a 2-year disease-free period, the patient presented another intra-cardiac mass. He refused surgical treatment and died 5 years later. Post-mortem immunochemistry studies of both tumors led to the diagnosis of a primary malignant cardiac PEComa with histopathologic characteristics that resembled a rhabdomyoma with abundant "spider cells."

Cardiac Autonomic Response to Active Standing in Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis.

Aortic stenosis is a progressive heart valve disorder characterized by calcification of the leaflets. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis has been proposed for assessing the heart response to autonomic activity, which is documented to be altered in different cardiac diseases. The objective of the study was to evaluate changes of HRV in patients with aortic stenosis by an active standing challenge. Twenty-two volunteers without alterations in the aortic valve (NAV) and twenty-five patients diagnosed with moderate and severe calcific aortic valve stenosis (AVS) participated in this cross-sectional study. Ten minute electrocardiograms were performed in a supine position and in active standing positions afterwards, to obtain temporal, spectral, and scaling HRV indices: mean value of all NN intervals (meanNN), low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) bands spectral power, and the short-term scaling indices (α1 and αsign1). The AVS group showed higher values of LF, LF/HF and αsign1 compared with the NAV group at supine position. These patients also expressed smaller changes in meanNN, LF, HF, LF/HF, α1, and αsign1 between positions. In conclusion, we confirmed from short-term recordings that patients with moderate and severe calcific AVS have a decreased cardiac parasympathetic supine response and that the dynamic of heart rate fluctuations is modified compared to NAV subjects, but we also evidenced that they manifest reduced autonomic adjustments caused by the active standing challenge.

Body mass index is associated with low postoperative cardiac output in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement.

Background: Overweight and obesity (O/O) generate lipotoxicity of the cardiac fiber and increase the incidence and progression of aortic valve stenosis. The low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a timing complication after to aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate if body mass index (BMI) kg/m2 is a risk factor associated with LCOS and mortality in the post-operative period of AVR. Methods: A historic cohort study was designed, including patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS), who were subjected to AVR. Results: 152 patients were included, 45 (29.6%), with normal weight (NW), 60 were overweight (39.5%), and 47 obese (30.9%). The prevalence of systemic hypertension (HT) was higher in O/O (p < 0.0001). Incidence of LCOS was 44.7%, being more frequent in the O/O groups compared to the NW group, 43.3%, 68.1%, and 22.2%, respectively, (p < 0.05 in overweight and p < 0.0001 in the obese). Assessing the presence or absence of LCOS associated with BMI as a numerical variable, we found that women, HT, BMI, left ventricular mass, and valve size, were associated with LCOS (p < 0.02, p < 0.02, p < 0.001, p < 0.032, and p < 0.045, respectively). Mortality was higher in patients who had LCOS (p < 0.02). Multivariate model showed that BMI was an independent risk factor for LCOS (odds ratio [OR] 1.21 [95% CI 1.08-1.35], p < 0.001). Conclusion: BMI is a risk factor associated to LCOS in the post-operative period of AVR in patients with SAS.

Antecedentes: El sobrepeso y la obesidad (O/O) generan lipotoxicidad de la fibra cardíaca y aumentan la incidencia y progresión de la estenosis de la válvula aórtica. El síndrome de bajo gasto cardíaco (SBGC) es una complicación postquirúrgica de la cirugía de reemplazo de válvula aórtica (RVA). Objetivo: Investigar si el índice de masa corporal kg/m2 (IMC) es un factor de riesgo asociado con SBGC y mortalidad en el postoperatorio de RVA. Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de cohorte histórico, que incluyó pacientes con estenosis aórtica importante (EAI), que fueron sometidos a RVA. Resultados: Se incluyeron 152 pacientes, 45 (29.6%), con peso normal (N), 60 tenían sobrepeso (39.5%) y 47 obesos (30.9%). La prevalencia de hipertensión sistémica (HT) fue mayor en O/O (p < 0.0001). La incidencia de SBGC fue del 44.7%, siendo más frecuente en los grupos O/O en comparación con el grupo N, 43.3%, 68.1%, 22.2% respectivamente, (p < 0.05 en sobrepeso y p < 0.0001 en obesos). Al evaluar la presencia o ausencia de SBGC asociado con el IMC como una variable numérica, encontramos que las mujeres, HT, IMC, masa ventricular izquierda y tamaño de la válvula, se asociaron con SBGC (p < 0.02, p < 0.02, p < 0.001, p < 0.032, p < 0.045, respectivamente). La mortalidad fue mayor en pacientes con SBGC (p < 0.02). El modelo multivariado mostró que el IMC fue un factor de riesgo independiente asociado a SBGC [OR 1.21 (IC 95% 1.08-1.35), p < 0.001]. Conclusión: El IMC es un factor de riesgo asociado a SBGC en el postoperatorio de RVA en pacientes con EAI.

Body mass index is associated with low postoperative cardiac output in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement / El índice de masa corporal se asocia a bajo gasto cardiaco postoperatorio de pacientes sometidos a reemplazo valvular aórtico

Abstract Background: Overweight and obesity (O/O) generate lipotoxicity of the cardiac fiber and increase the incidence and progression of aortic valve stenosis. The low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a timing complication after to aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate if body mass index (BMI) kg/m2 is a risk factor associated with LCOS and mortality in the post-operative period of AVR. Methods: A historic cohort study was designed, including patients with severe aortic stenosis (SAS), who were subjected to AVR. Results: 152 patients were included, 45 (29.6%), with normal weight (NW), 60 were overweight (39.5%), and 47 obese (30.9%). The prevalence of systemic hypertension (HT) was higher in O/O (p < 0.0001). Incidence of LCOS was 44.7%, being more frequent in the O/O groups compared to the NW group, 43.3%, 68.1%, and 22.2%, respectively, (p < 0.05 in overweight and p < 0.0001 in the obese). Assessing the presence or absence of LCOS associated with BMI as a numerical variable, we found that women, HT, BMI, left ventricular mass, and valve size, were associated with LCOS (p < 0.02, p < 0.02, p < 0.001, p < 0.032, and p < 0.045, respectively). Mortality was higher in patients who had LCOS (p < 0.02). Multivariate model showed that BMI was an independent risk factor for LCOS (odds ratio [OR] 1.21 [95% CI 1.08-1.35], p < 0.001). Conclusion: BMI is a risk factor associated to LCOS in the post-operative period of AVR in patients with SAS.

Resumen Antecedentes: El sobrepeso y la obesidad (O/O) generan lipotoxicidad de la fibra cardíaca y aumentan la incidencia y progresión de la estenosis de la válvula aórtica. El síndrome de bajo gasto cardíaco (SBGC) es una complicación postquirúrgica de la cirugía de reemplazo de válvula aórtica (RVA). Objetivo: Investigar si el índice de masa corporal kg/m2 (IMC) es un factor de riesgo asociado con SBGC y mortalidad en el postoperatorio de RVA. Métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de cohorte histórico, que incluyó pacientes con estenosis aórtica importante (EAI), que fueron sometidos a RVA. Resultados: Se incluyeron 152 pacientes, 45 (29.6%), con peso normal (N), 60 tenían sobrepeso (39.5%) y 47 obesos (30.9%). La prevalencia de hipertensión sistémica (HT) fue mayor en O/O (p < 0.0001). La incidencia de SBGC fue del 44.7%, siendo más frecuente en los grupos O/O en comparación con el grupo N, 43.3%, 68.1%, 22.2% respectivamente, (p < 0.05 en sobrepeso y p < 0.0001 en obesos). Al evaluar la presencia o ausencia de SBGC asociado con el IMC como una variable numérica, encontramos que las mujeres, HT, IMC, masa ventricular izquierda y tamaño de la válvula, se asociaron con SBGC (p < 0.02, p < 0.02, p < 0.001, p < 0.032, p < 0.045, respectivamente). La mortalidad fue mayor en pacientes con SBGC (p < 0.02). El modelo multivariado mostró que el IMC fue un factor de riesgo independiente asociado a SBGC [OR 1.21 (IC 95% 1.08-1.35), p < 0.001]. Conclusión: El IMC es un factor de riesgo asociado a SBGC en el postoperatorio de RVA en pacientes con EAI.

Excerpts from the documents of Mexican positions and recommendations in cardiovascular diseases and COVID-19.

The recommendations in which the Mexican Society of Cardiology (SMC) in conjunction with the National Association of Cardiologists of Mexico (ANCAM) as well as different Mexican medical associations linked to cardiology are presented, after a comprehensive and consensual review and analysis of the topics related to cardiovascular diseases in the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientific positions are analyzed and responsible recommendations on general measures are given to patients, with personal care, healthy eating, regular physical activity, actions in case of cardio-respiratory arrest, protection of the patient and health personnel as well as precise indications in the use of non-invasive cardiovascular imaging, prescription of medications, care in specific topics such as systemic arterial hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes, in addition to emphasizing electrophysiology, interventionism, cardiac surgery and in cardiac rehabilitation. The main interest is to provide the medical community with a general orientation on what to do in daily practice and patients with cardiovascular diseases in the setting of this unprecedented epidemiological crisis of COVID-19.

Se presentan las recomendaciones en las cuales la Sociedad Mexicana de Cardiología (SMC) en conjunto con la Asociación Nacional de Cardiólogos de México (ANCAM), así como diferentes asociaciones médicas mexicanas vinculadas con la cardiología, después de una revisión y análisis exhaustivo y consensuado sobre los tópicos relacionados con las enfermedades cardiovasculares en la pandemia de COVID-19, se analizan posturas científicas y se dan recomendaciones responsables sobre medidas generales a los pacientes, con cuidados personales, alimentación saludable, actividad física regular, acciones en caso de paro cardiorrespiratorio, la protección del paciente y del personal de salud así como las indicaciones precisas en el uso de la imagen cardiovascular no invasiva, la prescripción de medicamentos, cuidados en tópicos específicos como en la hipertensión arterial sistémica, insuficiencia cardiaca, arritmias y síndromes coronarios agudos, además de hacer énfasis en los procedimientos de electrofisiología, intervencionismo, cirugía cardiaca y en la rehabilitación cardiaca. El interés principal es brindar a la comunidad médica una orientación general sobre el quehacer en la práctica cotidiana y pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares en el escenario esta crisis epidemiológica sin precedentes de COVID-19.

Telemedicine as an instrument for cardiological consultation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Telemedicine is an underused instrument along our healthcare systems. It´s a technological tool that optimizes resources, save money, expands our capacities, decongests our traditional medical services and is an invaluable help for teaching and research. The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing us to expand its use and it gives us the opportunity to design an appropriate implementation.

La telemedicina es una herramienta subutilizada en nuestros sistemas de atención sanitaria. Se trata de un recurso tecnológico que optimiza los servicios de salud, ahorra recursos, expande la capacidad de atención especializada a lugares remotos, descongestiona servicios médicos tradicionales y es un instrumento invaluable de enseñanza e investigación. La pandemia por COVID-19 nos obliga a extender su uso y supone una oportunidad para diseñar una adecuada implementación.

COVID-19 and the renin, angiotensin, aldosterone system. A complex relationship.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had major negative health, psychological, social and economic repercussions for individuals, families, communities, countries and for humanity in general. The interrelation with age and the presence of chronic non-communicable diseases (hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking) seems to go further than what would be explained by the prevalence and distribution of both. The drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are in many cases the backbone for the management of these diseases, it has been known for a long time that these drugs significantly increase the expression of receptors for angiotensin conversion enzyme type 2 in the lung tissue. This fact, together with the knowledge that the route of entry of the virus into the cell is precisely the ACE-2 receptor, initiated a hypothesis, based on very low-quality evidence, which quickly became generalized in the media, that the use of these drugs could be negative and that they should be interrupted immediately. The response of practically all Scientific Societies was almost immediate, with the precise indication that treatment with these drugs should not be discontinued, since the evidence of their usefulness is based on very solid and high-quality evidence. Simultaneously, a different hypothesis also appeared, also based on very preliminary evidence, that these drugs are not only harmful but also beneficial, however these medicaments are not yet accepted as agents for the prevention or treatment of this disease or its complications. This review reports current knowledge on the relationship between COVID-19 and SRAA.

La pandemia por COVID-19 ha tenido muy importantes repercusiones negativas, sanitarias, psicológicas, sociales y económicas para las personas, las familias, las comunidades, los países y para las para la humanidad en general. La interrelación con la edad y la presencia de enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles (hipertensión, diabetes, obesidad, tabaquismo) parece ir mas lejos que lo que explicaría la prevalencia y distribución de ambas. Los medicamentos que actúan sobre el sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona, son pilares básicos en el manejo de estas enfermedades. Se sabe de tiempo atrás que estos fármacos aumentan en forma significativa la expresión en el tejido pulmonar de receptores para la enzima de conversión de angiotensina de tipo 2. Este hecho junto con el conocimiento de que la vía de entrada del virus a la célula es precisamente el receptor de ECA-2, inició una hipótesis, basada en evidencia de muy baja calidad, que rápidamente se generalizó en los medios de comunicación, de que el empleo de estos medicamentos podría ser negativo y que deberían suspenderse. La respuesta de prácticamente todas las sociedades científicas fue casi inmediata, con la indicación precisa de que no debería suspenderse el tratamiento con estos fármacos, puesto que la evidencia de su utilidad está basada en una evidencia muy sólida y de gran calidad. Casi simultáneamente también apareció la hipótesis, también basada en evidencia muy preliminar, de que estos medicamentos no solo resultan dañinos sino que son benéficos, tampoco se aceptan todavía como agentes para la prevención o tratamiento de esta enfermedad o sus complicaciones. La presente revisión relata los conocimientos actuales sobre la relación entre COVID-19 y SRAA.

Clinical Spectrum and Long-term Outcome of 183 Cases of Ebstein's Anomaly, Experience of Mexican Population.

BACKGROUND: Ebstein's anomaly (EA) is a myopathy of the right ventricle that causes a variable spectrum of tricuspid valve delamination failure with diverse clinical and anatomical presentation. We reviewed our data of EA to establish an association between clinical and echocardiographic findings with mortality. METHODS: We divided patients in infants, Children/adolescents (Ch/A), and adults, according to age of presentation. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters were compared among groups. Multivariate analysis was performed for mortality. Survival analysis was plotted using Kaplan Meier curves. RESULTS: Cyanosis, severe forms of AE and heart failure were more frequent among infants, arrhythmias in Ch/A and stroke among adults. Surgery was performed in 71 patients; infants had higher mortality and early complications. We found that the predicted mortality at 40 years of age in the three groups was significantly different (log rank test, p <0.0001): Infants: 38%, Ch/A 16 and 4% in adults. Multivariate model in surgical group showed that progressive drop of right ventricular fractional shortening (RVFS) predicts a higher mortality risk. In the non-surgical group, low RVFS and cyanosis were significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: EA in infants is linked to higher morbidity and mortality, while arrhythmias predominate in Ch/A and stroke in adults. In general, stroke is frequent in patients with EA, some prevention alternative must be implemented. Right ventricular dysfunction is very important in EA and is associated with high mortality. It must be subject of discussion the planning of the type of surgery or even in the decision of to preclude surgical treatment.

Central blood pressure and vascular stiffness in Mexican population / Presión central aórtica y rigidez vascular en mexicanos

Abstract Introduction: Central blood pressure (CBP) is considered a measure of prognostic value for cardiovascular risk. In turn, the aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVAo) and augmentation index (Aix) have been related to arterial stiffness and cardiovascular risk. Controversies exist regarding the reference values in different ethnic groups, ages, and anthropometrics. The objective of this study is to evaluate the CBP and arterial stiffness parameters in a Mexican population by age, gender, and anthropometry. Methods: Between 2015 and 2016, 1009 apparently healthy subjects were recruited in the Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Using the Arteriograph (TensioMed) equipment with an oscillometric technique, CBP, central pulse pressure (cPP), PWVAo, and Aix were acquired. All results were automatically obtained by computer software version 3.0.0.4. Results: Female sex was prevalent (72%), mean age was 47 ± 12 years; 26% had normal weight, 43% were overweight, and 30% had obesity. The reference values were higher than those reported in other populations. PWVAo and Aix were always found to be higher in females. A central-brachial pressure gradient was observed in < 40 years with lower CBP. Body mass index (BMI) presented a direct and positive correlation with CBP (p < 0.001); however, PWVAo and Aix were not modified. Conclusion: CBP, cPP, PWVAo, and Aix parameters should be considered based on age, gender, and BMI. In Mexican population, CBP and cPP values were higher compared with other previously reported values, especially in women, the elderly, and obese. PWVAo and Aix are higher in older women; however, they are not modified by BMI.

Resumen Introducción: La presión central aórtica (PCA) se considera una medida del valor pronóstico. A su vez, la velocidad de la onda del pulso aórtico (VOPA) y el índice de aumento (IA) se han relacionado con la rigidez arterial y riesgo cardiovascular. Existen controversias sobre los valores de referencia en diferentes grupos. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar estos parámetros en una población mexicana por edad, género y antropometría. Métodos: Entre 2015 y 2016 se reclutaron 1,009 sujetos aparentemente sanos en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez. Usando el equipo de Arteriograph (TensioMed) con técnica oscilométrica, se adquirieron: PCA, presión de pulso central, VOPA e IA. Todos los resultados fueron obtenidos automáticamente. Resultados: El sexo femenino fue prevalente (72%), edad de 47 ± 12 años; 26% con peso normal, 43% con sobrepeso y 30% con obesidad. Todos los valores fueron superiores a los reportados en otras poblaciones. VOPA e IA siempre fueron más altos en mujeres. Se observó un gradiente de presión central-braquial en < 40 años, con menor PCA. El IMC presentó una correlación directa y positiva con la PCA (p < 0,001), sin embargo, VOPA e IA no se modificaron. Conclusión: Los parámetros de PCA, VOPA e IA deben considerarse en función de edad, género e IMC. En una población mexicana, los valores de PCA fueron más altos en comparación con informados previamente (Europa y Asia), especialmente en mujeres, ancianos y obesos. VOPA e IA son más altos en mujeres mayores; sin embargo, no son modificados por el IMC.

Pregnancy in teenagers with heart disease / Embarazo en pacientes adolescentes con cardiopatía

Abstract The prevalence of pregnancy in adolescent women is high in Mexico and represents a public health problem. The pregnant teenager with heart disease has a high probability of complications during pregnancy and the delivery, which carries a risk of death of both the mother and the product. In many cases the pregnancy should have been avoided, planned or interrupted, however the majority at this age is vulnerable and although certain cases must be interrupted by their high risk of maternal-fetal death, prevention and legal aspects should be considered. In some cases the woman wants a pregnancy although her health condition does not allow it, but there are options of adoption or recourse to a surrogate belly. In response to this growing social problem, the National Cardiology Institute Ignacio Chávez and National Institute of Perinatology, with the coordination of Ministry of Health in Mexico, started a pregnancy prevention module within a clinic of follow-up of cardiopathy and pregnancy. This review raises the global problem in our country that occupies the first place in pregnancies in adolescents, with more than 400,000 pregnancies a year and the form of immediate response in a multidisciplinary way.

Resumen La prevalencia de embarazo en mujeres adolescentes es muy alta en México, y representa un problema de salud pública. La adolescente embarazada con cardiopatía tiene altas posibilidades de complicaciones durante el embarazo y su resolución, lo que pone en riesgo la vida tanto de la madre como del producto. En muchos casos el embarazo debió ser evitado, planeado o interrumpido, sin embargo la mayoría a esta edad es vulnerable y si bien ciertos casos deben ser interrumpidos por su alto riesgo de muerte materno-fetal, es fundamental considerar la prevención y los aspectos legales. En algunos casos la mujer desea un embarazo aunque su condición de salud no se lo permite, pero existen opciones de adopción o recurrir a un vientre subrogado. Atendiendo este problema social cada vez más creciente, el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, en coordinación con la Comisión Coordinadora de la Secretaría de Salud y el Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, echaron a andar un módulo de prevención de embarazo dentro de una clínica de seguimiento de cardiopatía y embarazo. Esta revisión plantea el problema global en nuestro país, que ocupa el primer lugar en embarazos en adolescentes, con más de 400 mil embarazos al año y la forma de dar respuesta inmediata de manera multidisciplinaria.