Atrial thrombi in elective patients considered for atrial fibrillation rhythm control: Risk factors and prognostic value.

The prognostic value of atrial thrombi (AT) among elective patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) referred for a rhythm control strategy is unclear. In this study, clinical variables were correlated with the presence of AT and long term survival among 205 patients submitted to transesophageal echocardiography before elective AF cardioversion or ablation. Atrial thrombi were present in 7.8% of cases and were significantly associated with reduced survival. Obesity was the only independent clinical predictor of AT [OR 4.27 (1.15-15.79), p = 0.03]. In patients with AF, AT appear to be associated with adverse outcomes, possibly indicating more advanced atrial cardiomyopathy.

Up to 15-Year Survival of Men and Women after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Paid by the Brazilian Public Healthcare System in the State of Rio de Janeiro, 1999-2010. / Sobrevida em até 15 Anos de Homens e Mulheres após Intervenção Coronariana Percutânea Paga pelo Sistema Único de Saúde no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 1999-2010.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most frequently used invasive therapy for ischemic heart disease (IHD). Studies able to provide information about PCI's effectiveness should be conducted in a population of real-world patients. OBJECTIVES: To assess the survival rate of IHD patients treated with PCI in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ). METHODS: Administrative (1999-2010) and death (1999-2014) databases of dwellers aged ≥ 20 years old in the state of RJ submitted to one single PCI paid by the Brazilian public healthcare system (SUS) between 1999 and 2010 were linked. Patients were grouped as follows: 20-49 years old, 50-69 years old and ≥ 70 years old, and PCI in primary PCI, with stent and without stent placement (bare metal stent). Survival probabilities in 30 days, one year and 15 years were estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox hazards regression models were used to compare risks among sex, age groups and types of PCI. Test results with a p-value < 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. RESULTS: Data of 19,263 patients (61 ± 11 years old, 63.6% men) were analyzed. Survival rates of men vs. women in 30 days, one year and 15 years were: 97.3% (97.0-97.6%) vs. 97.1% (96.6-97.4%), 93.6% (93.2-94.1%) vs. 93.4% (92.8-94.0%), and 55.7% (54.0-57.4%) vs. 58.1% (55.8-60.3%), respectively. The oldest age group was associated with lower survival rates in all periods. PCI with stent placement had higher survival rates than those without stent placement during a two-year follow-up. After that, both procedures had similar survival rates (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.82-1.00). CONCLUSIONS: In a population of real-world patients, women had a higher survival rate than men within 15 years after PCI. Moreover, using a bare-metal stent failed to improve survival rates after a two-year follow-up compared to simple balloon angioplasty.

Up to 15-Year Survival of Men and Women after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Paid by the Brazilian Public Healthcare System in the State of Rio de Janeiro, 1999-2010 / Sobrevida em até 15 Anos de Homens e Mulheres após Intervenção Coronariana Percutânea Paga pelo Sistema Único de Saúde no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 1999-2010

Abstract Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most frequently used invasive therapy for ischemic heart disease (IHD). Studies able to provide information about PCI's effectiveness should be conducted in a population of real-world patients. Objectives: To assess the survival rate of IHD patients treated with PCI in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ). Methods: Administrative (1999-2010) and death (1999-2014) databases of dwellers aged ≥ 20 years old in the state of RJ submitted to one single PCI paid by the Brazilian public healthcare system (SUS) between 1999 and 2010 were linked. Patients were grouped as follows: 20-49 years old, 50-69 years old and ≥ 70 years old, and PCI in primary PCI, with stent and without stent placement (bare metal stent). Survival probabilities in 30 days, one year and 15 years were estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox hazards regression models were used to compare risks among sex, age groups and types of PCI. Test results with a p-value < 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. Results: Data of 19,263 patients (61 ± 11 years old, 63.6% men) were analyzed. Survival rates of men vs. women in 30 days, one year and 15 years were: 97.3% (97.0-97.6%) vs. 97.1% (96.6-97.4%), 93.6% (93.2-94.1%) vs. 93.4% (92.8-94.0%), and 55.7% (54.0-57.4%) vs. 58.1% (55.8-60.3%), respectively. The oldest age group was associated with lower survival rates in all periods. PCI with stent placement had higher survival rates than those without stent placement during a two-year follow-up. After that, both procedures had similar survival rates (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.82-1.00). Conclusions: In a population of real-world patients, women had a higher survival rate than men within 15 years after PCI. Moreover, using a bare-metal stent failed to improve survival rates after a two-year follow-up compared to simple balloon angioplasty.

Resumo Fundamento: A intervenção coronariana percutânea (ICP) é o tratamento invasivo mais frequentemente realizado na doença isquêmica do coração (DIC). Estudos capazes de prover informação sobre a sua efetividade são importantes. Objetivo: Avaliar a sobrevida em até 15 anos de pacientes submetidos a ICP no estado do Rio de Janeiro (ERJ). Métodos: Bases de dados administrativas (1999-2010) e de óbitos (1999-2014) dos residentes com idade ≥ 20 anos do ERJ submetidos a uma única ICP paga pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) entre 1999-2010 foram relacionadas. Os pacientes foram agrupados em 20-49, 50-69 ou ≥ 70 anos, e as ICP em primária (ICP-P), sem stent (ICP-SS) e com stent convencional (ICP-CS). As probabilidades de sobrevida em 30 dias, um ano e 15 anos foram estimadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier. Modelos de regressão de risco de Cox foram utilizados para comparar riscos entre sexo, faixas etárias e tipos de ICP. Resultados dos testes com um valor de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Foram analisados os dados de 19.263 pacientes (61±11 anos, 63,6% homens). A sobrevida de homens vs. mulheres em 30 dias, um ano e 15 anos foram: 97,3% (97,0-97,6%) vs. 97,1% (96,6-97,4%), 93,6% (93,2-94,1%) vs. 93,4% (92,8-94,0%), e 55,7% (54,0-57,4%) vs. 58,1% (55,8-60,3%), respectivamente. Idade ≥ 70 anos foi associada à menor taxa de sobrevida em todos os períodos. A ICP-CS foi associada a uma sobrevida maior do que a ICP-SS até dois anos de acompanhamento, e após este período ambos os procedimentos apresentaram taxas de sobrevida semelhantes (HR 0,91, IC 95% 0,82-1,00). Conclusões: Mulheres apresentaram maiores taxas de sobrevida em 15 anos após ICP, e o uso de stent convencional não esteve associado a um aumento de sobrevida em longo prazo.

Complications after elective percutaneous coronary interventions: A comparison between public and private hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: Complications after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, although institutional discrepancies can occur when public and private hospitals coexist within the healthcare system. The aim of this study was to compare the in-hospital complication rates and mortality in addition to long-term survival following elective PCI in two reference public and private cardiology hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: From January 1st 2013 to December 31st 2014, a total of 440 procedures were identified in both hospitals (public: 328 vs. private: 112) and retrospectively analyzed by chart review. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two hospitals regarding the total number of procedures with at least one complication (public: 23.8 vs. private: 17.9%, p=0.2) or in-hospital mortality rates (public: 0.6% vs. private: 0%, p=0.5). Post-procedural renal insufficiency was more frequent in the private hospital, whereas coronary-related complications were more prevalent in the public hospital. After a mean follow up of 30.3 months (SD±9.2), the survival rate was also similar. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical complications after elective PCI are common both in public and private hospitals. Meticulous pre-procedural clinical assessment and patient selection as well as adherence to guideline-based practices could minimize the risk of PCI-related adverse events.

Troponin I elevation after elective percutaneous coronary interventions: Prevalence and risk factors.

Troponin elevation after coronary angioplasty is a prognostic marker associated with significant morbidity and mortality, although its prevalence varies according to clinical and procedural characteristics. We analyzed the frequency of post-procedural enzyme elevation among 112 elective interventions between 2013 and 2014 in a private hospital in Brazil. Troponin increase was observed in 62.5% of the procedures, and was related to age, female sex, low pre-procedural hemoglobin, prior angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker use and multivessel angioplasty. PCI is not a risk free procedure and these results underscore the importance of a careful clinical assessment before its utilization.

Troponin I elevation and all-cause mortality after elective percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Although troponin I (TnI) elevation and myocardial injury after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are frequent findings, their prognoses remain controversial. We aimed to determine the association between any or ≥5 times TnI elevation after elective PCI and subsequent one year mortality rates and long term survival. METHODS: Consecutive patients admitted for elective PCI between January 2013 and December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed by chart review in two hospitals in Rio de Janeiro. Only patients with post-PCI TnI measurements were included. Clinical, angiographic and procedural characteristics were correlated with any or ≥5 times TnI elevation, as well as 1year mortality and long term survival. RESULTS: A total of 407 interventions were included in the analysis. Post-PCI TnI elevation was observed in 74.7% of cases and ≥5 times elevations occurred in 41.3%. Age≥70years, female gender and multistenting were predictors of enzyme elevation. Prior aspirin or hypoglycemic therapy were protective factors. One year mortality was significantly associated with any TnI elevation (6.6% vs 1.05%, p=0.035) and values ≥5 times above the normal limit predicted the highest mortality rates (8.13% vs 3.14%, p=0.031). Survival of patients with single vessel disease was also adversely affected by ≥5 times enzyme elevation (log-rank: p=0.039). CONCLUSION: Troponin I elevation after elective PCI is frequent and associated with progressively higher mortality rates at 1year. A cutoff value ≥5 times the 99th percentile, currently defined as myocardial injury, appears to be an even more significant predictor of this outcome, even in lower risk subgroups.

Cardiovascular mortality among a cohort of hypertensive and normotensives in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil - 1991-2009.

BACKGROUND: Although there is strong evidence of the benefits of antihypertensive treatment, the high prevalence of this important cardiovascular risk factor and its complications, as well as the low control rates of hypertension observed in many studies justify the investigation of these relationships in population studies. The objective was to investigate the ratio of cardiovascular disease mortality between hypertensives (non-treated, controlled and uncontrolled) and non-hypertensives in a cohort of a population sample of adults living in Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, who were classified in a survey conducted in 1991 and 1992 and whose death certificates were sought 19 years later. METHODS: A cohort study was performed on probabilistic linkage between data from an epidemiological study of hypertension performed in Ilha do Governador, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1991 to 1992) and data from the Mortality Information System of Rio de Janeiro (1991 to 2009). The survey aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors in 1,270 adults aged 20 years or older selected through a probabilistic sampling of households at three economic levels (low, middle and high income). We performed a probabilistic record linkage of these databases and estimated the risk of cardiovascular death using Kaplan-Meier method to plot survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models comparing hypertensive subjects all together, and by hypertension subgroups: untreated, controlled, and uncontrolled hypertensives with non-hypertensive ones. RESULTS: A total of 170 deaths occurred, of which 31.2 % attributed to cardiovascular causes. The hazard ratio for cardiovascular death was 6.1 times higher (95 % CI 2.7 - 13.7) in uncontrolled hypertensive patients relative to non-hypertensive patients. The hazard ratios for untreated hypertensive and controlled hypertensive patients were 2.7 times (95 % CI 1.1 - 6.3) and 2.1 times (95 % CI 0.38 - 11.5) higher than for normotensive patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated a higher cardiovascular death risk among hypertensive than among non-hypertensive ones that is not associated uniquely to treatment, because uncontrolled hypertensives demonstrated a greater risk than untreated ones. Although the subgroups of hypertensive individuals were susceptible to changes in their classification over the 19 years of the study, the baseline classification was consistent with a worse prognosis in these individuals.

Survival and Predictive Factors of Lethality in Hemodyalisis: D/I Polymorphism of The Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme and of the Angiotensinogen M235T Genes / Sobrevida e Fatores Preditores de Letalidade em Hemodiálise: Polimorfismos D/I do Gene da Enzima Conversora da Angiotensina I e o M235T do Angiotensinogênio

Background: End-stage kidney disease patients continue to have markedly increased cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Analysis of genetic factors connected with the renin-angiotensin system that influences the survival of the patients with end-stage kidney disease supports the ongoing search for improved outcomes. Objective: To assess survival and its association with the polymorphism of renin-angiotensin system genes: angiotensin I-converting enzyme insertion/deletion and angiotensinogen M235T in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Our study was designed to examine the role of renin-angiotensin system genes. It was an observational study. We analyzed 473 chronic hemodialysis patients in four dialysis units in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the differences between the curves were evaluated by Tarone-Ware, Peto-Prentice, and log rank tests. We also used logistic regression analysis and the multinomial model. A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The local medical ethics committee gave their approval to this study. Results: The mean age of patients was 45.8 years old. The overall survival rate was 48% at 11 years. The major causes of death were cardiovascular diseases (34%) and infections (15%). Logistic regression analysis found statistical significance for the following variables: age (p = 0.000038), TT angiotensinogen (p = 0.08261), and family income greater than five times the minimum wage (p = 0.03089), the latter being a protective factor. Conclusions: The survival of hemodialysis patients is likely to be influenced by the TT of the angiotensinogen M235T gene. .

Fundamento: Os pacientes em hemodiálise continuam tendo um significativo aumento na morbiletalidade, especialmente a causada por doenças cardiovasculares. A análise dos fatores genéticos ligados ao sistema renina-angiotensina que influenciam na sobrevivência destes pacientes poderá ajudar na busca por melhores resultados. Objetivo: Avaliar a sobrevida em hemodialisados e sua associação com polimorfismo dos genes do sistema reninaangiotensina: deleção/inserção do gene que codifica a enzima conversora da angiotensina I e o M235T do angiotensinogênio. Métodos: Estudo observacional desenhado para ver o papel dos genes do sistema renina-angiotensina. Foram analisados 473 pacientes tratados com hemodiálise crônica em quatro unidades de diálise do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. As taxas de sobrevida foram calculadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e as diferenças entre as curvas avaliadas pelos testes de: Tarone-Ware, Peto-Prentice e Log-rank. Foram utilizados também modelos de regressão logística e multinomial. Um valor de p ≤ 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. O comitê de ética aprovou este estudo. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 45,8%. A taxa de sobrevida global foi de 48% em 11 anos. As principais causas de óbito foram: doenças do aparelho circulatório (34 %) e infecções (15%). A análise de regressão logística encontrou significância estatística para as seguintes variáveis: idade, o TT do angiotensinogênio e a renda familiar acima de cinco salários mínimos, esta última como fator de proteção (p valor: 0,000038, 0,08261 e 0,03089, respectivamente). Conclusões: Nossos dados sugerem que o risco de letalidade em pacientes em hemodiálise pode ser influenciado também pelo polimorfismo ...

Survival and predictive factors of lethality in hemodialysis: D/I polymorphism of the angiotensin I-converting enzyme and of the angiotensinogen M235T genes.

BACKGROUND: End-stage kidney disease patients continue to have markedly increased cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Analysis of genetic factors connected with the renin-angiotensin system that influences the survival of the patients with end-stage kidney disease supports the ongoing search for improved outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess survival and its association with the polymorphism of renin-angiotensin system genes: angiotensin I-converting enzyme insertion/deletion and angiotensinogen M235T in patients undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: Our study was designed to examine the role of renin-angiotensin system genes. It was an observational study. We analyzed 473 chronic hemodialysis patients in four dialysis units in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the differences between the curves were evaluated by Tarone-Ware, Peto-Prentice, and log rank tests. We also used logistic regression analysis and the multinomial model. A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The local medical ethics committee gave their approval to this study. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 45.8 years old. The overall survival rate was 48% at 11 years. The major causes of death were cardiovascular diseases (34%) and infections (15%). Logistic regression analysis found statistical significance for the following variables: age (p = 0.000038), TT angiotensinogen (p = 0.08261), and family income greater than five times the minimum wage (p = 0.03089), the latter being a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: The survival of hemodialysis patients is likely to be influenced by the TT of the angiotensinogen M235T gene.

Sobrevida de hemodialisados e sua associação com os polimorfismos dos genes da ECA e do angiotensinogênio / Survival rate for hemodialysis patients and association with angiotensionogen and ACE gene polymorphisms

Fundamentos: A letalidade dos pacientes em hemodiálise(HD) é alta. Apenas os fatores de risco cardiovascular tradicionais não são capazes de explicar essa elevada taxa.Objetivo: Avaliar a sobrevida e sua associação com o polimorfismo dos genes do sistema renina-angiotensina(SRA): inserção/deleção da ECA e o M235T do angiotensinogênio em pacientes em hemodiálise. Métodos: Analisaram-se inicialmente 473 pacientes tratados com HD crônica em quatro unidades de diálise do estado do Rio de Janeiro. Curvas de sobrevida foram calculadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier e as diferenças avaliadas pelos testes de Tarone-Ware e de Peto-Prentice. Resultados: Na população de 82 pacientes, com tempo de HD até um ano que se encontrava em equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg, a média de idade foi 53±15 anos, sendo 55% homens. A taxa de sobrevida global foi 74% e 44%em cinco e 11 anos, respectivamente. Principais causas de óbito foram: doenças do aparelho circulatório 41%, infecções 15% e diabetes mellitus 15%. A regressão logística mostrou uma tendência (p=0,0844) de menor sobrevida para o polimorfismo TT com razão de chances de 3,931 (IC 95%: 0,128 a 1,231).Conclusões: Os dados sinalizaram uma tendência de que o risco de letalidade em pacientes em HD pode ser influenciado não só por fatores de risco cardiovascular bem conhecidos como idade e diabetes mellitus, mas também pelo polimorfismo TT do angiotensinogênio.

Background: The lethality rate for hemodialysis (HD)patients is high, which cannot be explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors alone. Objective: To assess the survival rate and its association with the polymorphism of reninangiotensin system genes: ACE insertion/deletion and angiotensinogen M235T in HD patients. Methods: The initial analysis encompassed 473 chronic patients treated at four dialysis units in Rio de Janeiro State. The survival curves were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, with the differences between them evaluated by the Tarone-Ware and Peto-Prentice Tests. Results: For the population of 82 patients with up to1 year of HD in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, themean age was 53±15 years, of whom 55% were men.The overall survival rates were 74% and 44% at 5 and11 years respectively. The major causes of death were circulatory system diseases (41%), infections (15%)and diabetes mellitus (15%). The logistic regression models presented a trend (p=0.0844) towards a shorter survival time for the TT polymorphism with an oddsratio of 3.931 (95% CI: 0.128 to 1.231). Conclusions: The data indicate a possibility that the lethality risk of HD patients may be influenced not only by well-known cardiovascular risk factors sucha sageand diabetes mellitus, butalsob y angiotensinogen TT polymorphism.

Coronariografias sem lesões obstrutivas em pacientes referidos com indicação para exame / Coronary angiograms without lesions in patients refered for examinations

Fundamentos: Estudos realizados no Brasil sugerem um percentual de até 60% de coronariografias normais em pacientes do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Objetivo: Determinar se entre os pacientes referidos a um hospital universidade (HU) federal no Rio de Janeiro(RJ) e submetidos a coronariografias, a consulta cardiológica reduziu o percentual de exames sem lesões obstrutivas. Métodos: Estudo quase-experimental com todos os pacientes referidos do SUS e submetidos à coronariografia no HU entre janeiro 2007 e dezembro 2009. Eles foram estratificados em dois grupos (com e sem consulta ambulatorial) e comparados em relação ao percentual de coronariografias sem lesões obstrutivas (desfecho primário). Idade, sexo e fatores de risco cardiovascular também foram avaliados. Resultados: Foram incluídos 207 pacientes, dos quais 74 não realizaram consulta cardiológica antes do procedimento. A média da idade foi 58,5 anos e 58,9% eram homens. A prevalência de doença coronariana (DAC) obstrutiva (no mínimo uma lesão >- 70%) foi 62,3%. Sexo masculino, diabetes, dislipidemia, tabagismo, infarto do miocárdio e disfunção ventricular foram associados à DAC obstrutiva. A consulta cardiológica prévia no HU foi menos frequente entre aqueles com doença (61,2% x 69,2%; p=0,24). Nos pacientes <51 anos, o percentual de exames sem DAC onstrutiva foi maior entre aqueles com consulta prévia (66,7% x 33,3%; p=0,038). O percentual de coronariografias sem DAC obstrutiva entre os pacientes encaminhados a um HU federal no RJ entre 2007 e 2009 foi elevado em relação ao alvo estabelecido pela American College of Cardiology, e consultas cardiológicas prévias não foram capazes de reduzi-lo.

Sobrevida nas reperfusões miocárdicas cirúrgicas e nas angioplastias coronarianas pagas por seguros de saúde e privados no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, 2000 a 2007 / Survival in coronary artery bypass grafts and coronary angioplasties paid privately or by health insurance in Rio de Janeiro State: 2000-2007

Fundamentos: A cirurgia de revascularização miocárdica (RVM) e a angioplastia coronariana (AC) são procedimentos comuns na prática clínica, que precisam ser continuamente avaliados. Objetivos: Estudar a sobrevida nos indivíduos submetidos à RVM ou AC no Estado do Rio de Janeiro (ERJ), pagas por seguros de saúde e privados, no período de 2000 a 2007. Métodos: Estudo utilizando bancos de dados para identificar os indivíduos submetidos aos procedimentos e aqueles que morreram, para estimar a sobrevida. As informações sobre RVM e AC provieram das Comunicações de Internação Hospitalar (CIH) e sobre óbitos das Declarações de Óbitos. Foi realizado relacionamento probabilístico entre os bancos com o programa RecLink para identificar os indivíduos que morreram após os procedimentos. Resultados: Apenas 980 procedimentos foram notificados em oito anos em 937 indivíduos residentes no ERJ. No interior do ERJ foram realizadas 32,4 por cento das RVM dos 509 indivíduos submetidos ao procedimento, enquanto as demais foram feitas em outros estados, 66,6 por cento em São Paulo (SP). Foram identificados 428 indivíduos com AC, 71,7 por cento realizadas no interior do ERJ e as demais nos outros estados, 22,8 por cento em SP. Não foi encontrada qualquer...

Pergunte de mais de uma maneira: alternativas para aumentar a eficácia da anamnese / Ask in more than one way: alternatives for improving the patient history

Este trabalho focaliza a comunicação na relação médico-paciente, identificando pontos potencialmente geradores de dificuldades linguísticas para o médico. Os aspectos focalizados dizem respeito, primeiramente, ao emprego, pelas partes envolvidas numa situação de comunicação, de variedades linguísticas diferentes; e em segundo lugar, às estratégias discursivas empregadas. Defendemos que, para o médico, é fundamental ter certeza de que compreendeu o problema que lhe foi trazido, mas, para isso, terá de procurar confirmar com o paciente, em diferentes momentos da consulta, sua compreensão das informações que está recebendo e saber passar-lhe, de modo compreensível, seu julgamento da situação clínica e as ações necessárias. As situações que ilustram os problemas aqui referidos fazem parte da experiência profissional dos autores.

This article discusses communication in the physician-patient relationship with the aim of identifying potential instances of linguistic obstacles for the physician. The use of different linguistic variants and discursive strategies by the parties involved in communication are highlighted. The article shows that it is essential for physicians to be certain that they understand the problem brought by the patient or family, but this requires attempts to confirm this understanding at different moments during the interview, plus feedback on the physician's appraisal of the clinical situation and recommended measures. Situations illustrating the text are taken from the authors' own professional experience.

Síndrome coronariana aguda: morbimortalidade e prática clínica em pacientes do município de Niterói (RJ) / Acute coronary syndromes: morbidity / mortality and clinical practice in patients of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Fundamentos: As doenças cardiovasculares são a principal causa de óbito no Brasil. Objetivo: Analisar as características clínico-epidemiológicas, condutas diagnósticas e terapêuticas e morbimortalidade intra-hospitalar de pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda (SCA) no município de Niterói (RJ), Brasil. Métodos: Foram acompanhados durante a internação, 411 pacientes com SCA em três hospitais públicos e dois particulares. Dados coletados: socioeconômicos, história patológica pregressa, fatores de risco cardiovascular, medicação prévia e na internação, exames complementares, procedimentos e evolução clínica intra-hospitalar. Resultados: Angina instável foi diagnosticada em 41,4 por cento e infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) em 58,6 por cento. Idade maior ou menor que 60 anos representou 55 por cento do total e sexo masculino, 63,7 por cento...

Socioeconomic aspects of spousal concordance for hypertension, obesity, and smoking in a community of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to evaluate the environmental role in the distribution of hypertension, obesity, and smoking and spousal concordance for the presence/absence of these 3 cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The households were randomly selected. Odds ratios were estimated to measure spousal concordance, across socioeconomic levels. RESULTS: Overall a significant aggregation of all 3 risk factors was present. The crude odds ratio for hypertension was 1.78 (95%CI=1.02-3.08); for obesity, it was 1.80 (95%CI=1.09-2.96); and for smoking, it was 3.40 (95% CI=2.07-5.61). The spousal concordance for hypertension decreased significantly (p<0.001) from the lower to the higher educational level. In the case of obesity and smoking, the opposite was observed, although p-values for the linear trend were 0.10 and 0.08, respectively. CONCLUSION: In lower socioeconomic levels, couples are more concordant for hypertension and discordant for smoking. For hypertension and smoking, education seems to be a discriminant stronger than income, but for obesity the 2 socioeconomic indicators seem to represent different aspects of the environmental determinants of risk factor distribution.