Addition of High-Sensitivity Troponin to Perioperative Risk Assessment Improves the Predictive Ability of Death in Non-Cardiac Surgery Patients. / Adição da Troponina Ultrassensível à Avaliação de Risco Perioperatório Melhora a Capacidade Preditiva de Morte em Pacientes Submetidos à Cirurgia Não Cardíaca.

BACKGROUND: Risk stratification is an important step in perioperative evaluation. However, the main risk scores do not incorporate biomarkers in their set of variables. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the incremental power of troponin to the usual risk stratification. METHODS: A total of 2,230 patients admitted to the intensive care unit after non-cardiac surgery were classified according to three types of risk: cardiovascular risk (CVR), Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI); and inherent risk of surgery (IRS). The main outcome was all-cause mortality. Cox regression was used as well as c-statistics before and after addition of high-sensitivity troponin (at least one measurement up to three days after surgery). Finally, net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement were used to assess the incremental power of troponin for risk stratification. Significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 63.8 years and 55.6% were women. The prevalence of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) was 9.4%. High CVR-patients had a higher occurrence of MINS (40.1 x 24.8%, p<0.001), as well as high IRS-patients (21.3 x 13.9%, p=0.004) and those with a RCRI≥3 (3.0 x 0.7%, p=0.009). Patients without MINS, regardless of the assessed risk, had similar mortality rate. The addition of troponin to the risk assessment improved the predictive ability of death at 30 days and at 1 year in all risk assessments. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MINS is higher in the high-risk population. However, its prevalence in lower-risk population is not negligible and causes a higher risk of death. The addition of high-sensitivity troponin increased the predictive ability of risk assessment in all groups.

FUNDAMENTO: A estratificação ode risco é uma importante etapa na avaliação perioperatória. No entanto, os principais escores de risco não incorporam biomarcadores em seus conjuntos de variáveis. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o poder incremental da troponina à estratificação de risco tradicional. MÉTODOS: Um total de 2230 pacientes admitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva após cirurgia não cardíaca foram classificados de acordo com três tipos de risco: Risco Cardiovascular (RCV), Índice de Risco Cardíaco Revisado (IRCR), e Risco Inerente da Cirurgia (RIC). O principal desfecho foi mortalidade por todas as causas. A regressão de Cox foi usada, assim como a estatística C antes e após a adição de troponina ultrassensível (pelo menos uma medida até três dias após a cirurgia). Finalmente, o índice de reclassificação líquida e a melhoria de discriminação integrada foram usadas para avaliar o poder incremental da troponina para a estratificação de risco. O nível de significância usado foi de 0,05. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos pacientes foi 63,8 anos e 55,6% eram do sexo feminino. A prevalência de lesão miocárdica após cirurgia não cardíaca (MINS) foi 9,4%. Pacientes com um RCV elevado apresentaram uma maior ocorrência de MINS (40,1% x 24,8%, p<0,001), bem como pacientes com alto RIC (21,3 x 13,9%, p=0,004) e aqueles com IRCR≥3 (3,0 x 0,7%, p=0,009). Pacientes sem MINS, independentemente do risco avaliado, apresentaram taxa de mortalidade similar. A adição de troponina à avaliação de risco melhorou a capacidade preditiva de mortalidade em 30 dias e de mortalidade em um ano em todas as avaliações de risco. CONCLUSÃO: A prevalência de MINS é mais alta na população de alto risco. No entanto, sua prevalência na população de risco mais baixo não é desprezível e causa um maior risco de morte. A adição da troponina ultrassensível melhorou a capacidade preditiva da avaliação de risco em todos os grupos.

Multiple Causes of Death Associated with Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Arrest from 1996 to 2019 in Brazil. / Causas Múltiplas de Morte Associadas à Parada Cardiorrespiratória Pediátrica de 1996 a 2019 no Brasil.

BACKGROUND: In pediatrics, cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is associated with high mortality and severe neurologic sequelae. Information on the causes and mechanisms of death below the age of 20 years could provide theoretical support for health improvement among children and adolescents. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a population analysis of mortality rates due to primary and multiple causes of death below the age of 20 years in both sexes from 1996 to 2019 in Brazil, and identify the frequency in which CPA was recorded in the death certificates (DCs) of these individuals and the locations where the deaths occurred, in order to promote strategies to improve the prevention of deaths. METHOD: Ecological time-series study of deaths below the age of 20 years from 1996 to 2019, evaluating the mortality rates (MRs) and proportional mortality (PM) by primary cause of death. We analyzed the percentages of CPA recorded in any line of the DC and the location where the deaths occurred. We calculated the MRs per 100,000 inhabitants and the PM by primary cause of death under the age of 20 years according to sex and age group, the percentages of death from primary causes by age group when CPA was described in any line of Parts I and II of the DC, and the percentage of deaths from primary causes according to their location of occurrence. We retrieved the data from DATASUS, IBGE, and SINASC. RESULTS: From 1996 to 2019, there were 2,151,716 deaths below the age of 20 years in Brazil, yielding a mortality rate of 134.38 per 100,000 inhabitants. The death rate was highest among male neonates. Of all deaths, 249,334 (11.6%) had CPA recorded in any line of the DC. Specifically, CPA was recorded in 49,178 DCs between the ages of 1 and 4 years and in 88,116 of those between the ages of 29 and 365 days, corresponding, respectively, to 26% and 22% of the deaths in these age groups. These two age groups had the highest rates of CPA recorded in any line of the DC. The main primary causes of death when CPA was recorded in the sequence of death were respiratory, hematologic, and neoplastic diseases. CONCLUSION: Perinatal and external causes were the primary causes of death, with highest MRs under the age of 20 years in Brazil from 1996 to 2019. When multiple causes of death were considered, the main primary causes associated with CPA were respiratory, hematologic, and neoplastic diseases. Most deaths occurred in the hospital environment. Better understanding of the sequence of events in these deaths and improvements in teaching strategies in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation are needed.

FUNDAMENTO: Em pediatria, a parada cardiorrespiratória (PCR) está associada a alta mortalidade e graves sequelas neurológicas. Informações sobre as causas e mecanismos de morte abaixo de 20 anos poderiam fornecer subsídios teóricos para a melhoria da saúde de crianças e adolescentes. OBJETIVOS: Realizar uma análise populacional das taxas de mortalidade por causas primárias e múltiplas de morte abaixo de 20 anos, em ambos os sexos, no período de 1996 a 2019, no Brasil, e identificar a frequência com que a PCR foi registrada nas declarações de óbito (DOs) desses indivíduos e os locais de ocorrência dos óbitos, a fim de promover estratégias para melhorar a prevenção de mortes. MÉTODO: Estudo ecológico de séries temporais de óbitos em indivíduos menores de 20 anos, no período de 1996 a 2019, avaliando as taxas de mortalidade (TMs) e a mortalidade proporcional (MP) por causa básica de morte. Foram analisados os percentuais de PCR registrados em qualquer linha da DO e o local de ocorrência dos óbitos. Foram calculadas as TMs por 100 mil habitantes e a MP por causa básica de morte nos menores de 20 anos segundo sexo e faixa etária, os percentuais de óbito por causas básicas por faixa etária quando a PCR foi descrita em qualquer linha das Partes I e II da DO, e o percentual de óbitos por causas básicas segundo o local de ocorrência. Os dados foram retirados do DATASUS, IBGE e SINASC. RESULTADOS: De 1996 a 2019, ocorreram 2.151.716 óbitos de menores de 20 anos, no Brasil, gerando uma taxa de mortalidade de 134,38 por 100 mil habitantes. A taxa de óbito foi maior entre os recém-nascidos do sexo masculino. Do total de óbitos, 249.334 (11,6%) tiveram PCR registrada em qualquer linha da DO. Especificamente, a PCR foi registrada 49.178 vezes na DO na faixa etária entre 1 e 4 anos e em 88.116 vezes entre 29 e 365 dias, correspondendo, respectivamente, a 26% e 22% dos óbitos nessas faixas etárias. Essas duas faixas etárias apresentaram as maiores taxas de PCR registradas em qualquer linha da DO. As principais causas básicas de óbito quando a PCR foi registrada na sequência de óbitos foram doenças respiratórias, hematológicas e neoplásicas. CONCLUSÃO: As causas perinatais e externas foram as principais causas de morte, com maior TM nos menores de 20 anos no Brasil de 1996 a 2019. Quando consideradas as causas múltiplas de morte, as principais causas primárias associadas à PCR foram as doenças respiratórias, hematológicas e neoplásicas. A maioria dos óbitos ocorreu no ambiente hospitalar. Melhor compreensão da sequência de eventos nesses óbitos e melhorias nas estratégias de ensino em ressuscitação cardiopulmonar pediátrica são necessárias.

Brazilian Guideline on Menopausal Cardiovascular Health ­ 2024 / Guía Brasileña de Salud Cardiovascular en el Climaterio y la Menopausia ­ 2024 / Diretriz Brasileira sobre a Saúde Cardiovascular no Climatério e na Menopausa ­ 2024

Women, who represent approximately half of the global population according to estimates as of January 2024, may experience signs and symptoms of menopause for at least one-third of their lives, during which they have a higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The effects of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on the progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events vary depending on the age at which MHT is initiated and the time since menopause until its initiation. Beneficial effects on CVD outcomes and all-cause mortality have been observed when MHT was initiated before the age of 60 or within 10 years after menopause. The decision regarding the initiation, dose, regimen, and duration of MHT should be made individually after discussing the benefits and risks with each patient. For primary prevention of postmenopausal chronic conditions, the combined use of estrogen and progestogen is not recommended in asymptomatic women, nor is the use of estrogen alone in hysterectomized women. Hormone-dependent neoplasms contraindicate MHT. For the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, vaginal estrogen therapy may be used in patients with known cardiovascular risk factors or established CVD. For women with contraindications to MHT or who refuse it, non-hormonal therapies with proven efficacy (antidepressants, gabapentin, and fezolinetant) may improve vasomotor symptoms. Compounded hormonal implants, or "bioidentical" and "compounded" hormones, and "hormone modulation" are not recommended due to lack of scientific evidence of their effectiveness and safety.

Mujeres, que representan aproximadamente la mitad de la población mundial según estimaciones de enero de 2024, pueden experimentar signos y síntomas de la menopausia durante al menos un tercio de sus vidas, durante los cuales tienen un mayor riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad cardiovascular. Los efectos de la terapia hormonal de la menopausia (THM) en la progresión de la aterosclerosis y los eventos de enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) varían según la edad en que se inicia la THM y el tiempo transcurrido desde la menopausia hasta su inicio. Se han observado efectos beneficiosos en los resultados de ECV y la mortalidad por todas las causas cuando la THM se inició antes de los 60 años o dentro de los 10 años posteriores a la menopausia. La decisión sobre la iniciación, dosis, régimen y duración de la THM debe tomarse individualmente después de discutir los beneficios y riesgos con cada paciente. Para la prevención primaria de condiciones crónicas en la posmenopausia, no se recomienda el uso combinado de estrógeno y progestágeno en mujeres asintomáticas, ni el uso de estrógeno solo en mujeres histerectomizadas. Las neoplasias dependientes de hormonas contraindican la THM. Para el tratamiento del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia, se puede usar terapia estrogénica vaginal en pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular conocidos o ECV establecida. Para mujeres con contraindicaciones a la THM o que la rechazan, las terapias no hormonales con eficacia demostrada (antidepresivos, gabapentina y fezolinetant) pueden mejorar los síntomas vasomotores. Los implantes hormonales compuestos, o hormonas "bioidénticas" y "compuestas", y la "modulación hormonal" no se recomiendan debido a la falta de evidencia científica sobre su efectividad y seguridad.

As mulheres, que representam cerca de metade da população mundial segundo estimativas de janeiro de 2024, podem sofrer com sinais e sintomas da menopausa durante pelo menos um terço de suas vidas, quando apresentam maiores risco e morbimortalidade cardiovasculares. Os efeitos da terapia hormonal da menopausa (THM) na progressão de eventos de aterosclerose e doença cardiovascular (DCV) variam de acordo com a idade em que a THM é iniciada e o tempo desde a menopausa até esse início. Efeitos benéficos nos resultados de DCV e na mortalidade por todas as causas ocorreram quando a THM foi iniciada antes dos 60 anos de idade ou nos 10 anos que se seguiram à menopausa. A decisão sobre o início, a dose, o regime e a duração da THM deve ser tomada individualmente após discussão sobre benefícios e riscos com cada paciente. Para a prevenção primária de condições crônicas na pós-menopausa, não se recomendam o uso combinado de estrogênio e progestagênio em mulheres assintomáticas nem o uso de estrogênio sozinho em mulheres histerectomizadas. Neoplasias hormônio-dependentes contraindicam a THM. Para tratamento da síndrome geniturinária da menopausa, pode-se utilizar terapia estrogênica por via vaginal em pacientes com fatores de risco cardiovascular conhecidos ou DCV estabelecida. Para mulheres com contraindicação à THM ou que a recusam, terapias não hormonais com eficácia comprovada (antidepressivos, gabapentina e fezolinetante) podem melhorar os sintomas vasomotores. Os implantes hormonais manipulados, ou hormônios "bioidênticos" "manipulados", e a 'modulação hormonal' não são recomendados pela falta de evidência científica de sua eficácia e segurança.

Social vulnerability and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Social vulnerability can influence in the development of cardiovascular risk factors in adolescents (CRF). For this reason, the objective of our study was to evaluate the presence of CRF in adolescents, according to social vulnerability. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 517 adolescents of both sexes, from 10 to 19 years of age, classified into 2 groups by social vulnerability, according to socioeconomic characteristics collected by means of questionnaires, where adolescents who did not have access to drinking water, sewage network, and adequate per capita income were classified as vulnerable. Anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure data were evaluated. Level of physical activity was assessed by an adapted questionnaire, and food intake was assessed by a 3-day food record. Independent T, Mann-Whitney, and χ2 tests were used, according to the scale of measurement of the variables, on the statistical program SPSS, version 25, at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: Adolescents had median age of 14 (11 to 15) years; 58.4% were female; 32.4% were overweight, and 52.4% were physically inactive in leisure. Mean consumption of ultra-processed food was observed to account for 45.0% of calorie intake. Adolescents classified as vulnerable had lower weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and neck circumference when compared to non-vulnerable adolescents. Both groups had cholesterol concentrations above the normal level. Non-vulnerable adolescents had higher triglyceride concentrations, higher alcohol consumption, and lower fiber intake compared to vulnerable adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with social vulnerability are less likely to have cardiovascular risk factors.

Cardiovascular Disease in Hispanic Women: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

Cardiovascular disease affects 37% of Hispanic women and is the leading cause of death among Hispanic women in the United States. Hispanic women have a higher burden of cardiovascular risk factors, are disproportionally affected by social determinants of health, and face additional barriers related to immigration, such as discrimination, language proficiency, and acculturation. Despite this, Hispanic women show lower rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality compared with non-Hispanic White women. However, this "Hispanic paradox" is challenged by recent studies that account for the diversity in culture, race, genetic background, country of origin, and social determinants of health within Hispanic subpopulations. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the cardiovascular risk factors in Hispanic women, emphasizing the role of social determinants, and proposes a multipronged approach for equitable care.

Stress Load and Ascending Aortic Aneurysms: An Observational, Longitudinal, Single-Center Study Using Computational Fluid Dynamics.

Ascending aortic aneurysm (AAoA) is a silent disease with high mortality; however, the factors associated with a worse prognosis are not completely understood. The objective of this observational, longitudinal, single-center study was to identify the hemodynamic patterns and their influence on AAoA growth using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), focusing on the effects of geometrical variations on aortic hemodynamics. Personalized anatomic models were obtained from angiotomography scans of 30 patients in two different years (with intervals of one to three years between them), of which 16 (53%) showed aneurysm growth (defined as an increase in the ascending aorta volume by 5% or more). Numerically determined velocity and pressure fields were compared with the outcome of aneurysm growth. Through a statistical analysis, hemodynamic characteristics were found to be associated with aneurysm growth: average and maximum high pressure (superior to 100 Pa); average and maximum high wall shear stress (superior to 7 Pa) combined with high pressure (>100 Pa); and stress load over time (maximum pressure multiplied by the time interval between the exams). This study provides insights into a worse prognosis of this serious disease and may collaborate for the expansion of knowledge about mechanobiology in the progression of AAoA.

Cardiovascular Statistics ­ Brazil 2023 / Estatística Cardiovascular ­ Brasil 2023

The publication Cardiovascular Statistics ­ Brazil aims to provide an annual compilation of data and research on the epidemiology of CVDs in Brazil.  The report integrates official statistics from the Brazilian Ministry of Health and other governmental entities alongside data from the GBD project, coordinated by the IHME at the University of Washington. Additionally, it incorporates data derived from various sources and scientific studies, including cohorts and registries, that relate to CVDs and their associated risk factors. This publication is intended for a wide range of individuals, including researchers, clinicians, patients, healthcare policymakers, media professionals, the general public, and other interested parties seeking extensive national data about heart disease and stroke.  Volunteer researchers from various Brazilian universities and research institutions carry out the project. The group is led by a five-member steering committee (ALPR, CAP, DCM, GMMO, and LCCB). The Brazilian Society of Cardiology fully supports this initiative, and the project receives collaborative support from the GBD Brazil Network and an International Committee (GAR, PP, and TAG) from both the IHME/University of Washington (GAR) and the World Heart Federation (PP and TAG). 

A publicação Estatística Cardiovascular ­ Brasil tem por objetivo fornecer uma compilação anual dos dados e das pesquisas sobre a epidemiologia das DCV no Brasil.  Este documento integra as estatísticas oficiais do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil e outras entidades governamentais ao lado de dados do projeto GBD, coordenado pelo IHME da Universidade de Washington. Além disso, incorpora dados derivados de várias fontes e estudos científicos, inclusive coortes e registros, relacionados às DCV e fatores de risco associados. Esta publicação destina-se a um público variado, incluindo pesquisadores, clínicos, pacientes, formuladores de políticas de saúde, profissionais da mídia, o público em geral e todos aqueles que buscam dados nacionais abrangentes sobre DCV e acidente vascular cerebral. Pesquisadores voluntários de várias universidades e instituições de pesquisa brasileiros realizaram este projeto. O grupo é liderado por um comitê diretivo com cinco membros (ALPR, CAP, DCM, GMMO e LCCB). A Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia apoia integralmente esta iniciativa e o projeto recebe colaboração da Rede GBD Brasil1 e do GBD International Committee (GAR, PP e TAG) do IHME/Universidade de Washington (GAR) e da World Heart Federation (PP e TAG). 

Socioeconomic Indicators and Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease and Cerebrovascular Disease in Brazil from 2000 to 2019. / Indicadores Socioeconômicos e Mortalidade por Doença Isquêmica do Coração e Doença Cerebrovascular no Brasil de 2000 a 2019.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified inequalities in the variation of mortality rates from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CBVD) when comparing regions with different levels of socioeconomic development indicators. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the variation in IHD and CBVD mortality rates and economic development, evaluated by the sociodemographic index (SDI) and social vulnerability index (SVI) in Brazil over a period of 20 years. METHODS: Ecological study of time series of crude and standardized mortality rates (direct method, based on the Brazilian population in year 2000) from IHD and CBVD by sex and Federative Unit (FU) between 2000 and 2019, compared using the SDI and SVI. RESULTS: There was an improvement in SDI and SVI concomitantly to a reduction in age-standardized mortality rate from IHD and CBVD in the country; however, this occurred unevenly across the FUs. The FUs with the best socioeconomic indicators had the greatest reduction in mortality rates. DISCUSSION: The variations in mortality rates from IHD and CBVD, compared using variations in socioeconomic development, are aligned with those from previous studies, but the present study goes further by including the indicators SDI and SVI in the comparison. The limitations include the observational nature of the study, the use of databases, and the vulnerability to ecological bias. CONCLUSION: The observed data raise the hypothesis that the improvement in socioeconomic conditions is one of the factors responsible for the reduction in mortality rates from IHD and CBVD.

FUNDAMENTO: Estudos prévios identificaram desigualdade na variação das taxas de mortalidade por doença isquêmica do coração (DIC) e doença cerebrovascular (DCBV) quando comparadas regiões com diferentes níveis de indicadores de desenvolvimento socioeconômico. OBJETIVO: Analisar a variação das taxas de mortalidade por DIC e DCBV e do desenvolvimento econômico, avaliado pelos índices sociodemográfico (ISD) e de vulnerabilidade social (IVS) no Brasil, em um período de 20 anos. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico de séries temporais das taxas de mortalidade bruta e padronizada (método direto com a população brasileira de 2000) por DIC e DCBV por sexo e UF entre 2000 e 2019 comparadas com o ISD e com o IVS. RESULTADOS: Houve melhora do ISD e IVS concomitante a redução da taxa de mortalidade padronizada por faixa etária por DIC e por DCBV no país, entretanto isso ocorreu de modo desigual entre as unidades federativas (UFs). As UFs com melhores indicadores socioeconômicos obtiveram maior redução nas taxas de mortalidade. DISCUSSÃO: A variação das taxas de mortalidade por DIC e DCBV em comparação com a variação do desenvolvimento socioeconômico são compatíveis com estudos prévios, mas vamos além ao comparar de modo concomitante com o ISD e o IVS. As limitações são o fato de ser um estudo observacional, trabalhar com bancos de dados e estar sujeito ao viés ecológico. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados observados levantam a hipótese de que a melhora das condições socioeconômicas é um dos fatores responsáveis pela redução das taxas de mortalidade por DIC e DCBV.

Brazilian Registry of Interventional Cardiology during the COVID-19 Pandemic (RBCI-COVID19). / Registro Brasileiro de Cardiologia Intervencionista durante a Pandemia de COVID-19 (RBCI-COVID19).

BACKGROUND: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with myocardial infarction (MI) took longer to present to hospitals because of fear of contamination and health care access difficulties. OBJECTIVES: To assess interventional cardiology procedures performed during the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for MI approach. METHODS: Prospective registry of 24 cardiac catheterization laboratories in Brazil, with adult patients undergoing interventional cardiology procedures between May 26 and November 30, 2020. The outcomes were cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV complications, death, and MI. Concomitant COVID-19 was confirmed using RT-PCR. Machine learning techniques were used with nonparametric Classification Trees models, and Simple Correspondence Analysis, with R statistical software package. Significance level adopted of 5%. RESULTS: This study included 1282 patients, 435 of whom (33.9%) had MI as follows: ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI), 239 (54.9%); and non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI), 196 (45.1%). Of the 1282 patients, 29 had CV complications, 47 had non-CV complications, and 31 died. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed in 77 patients (6%), with 15.58% mortality and non-CV complications in 6.49%. Most patients had significant coronary artery disease (63%), and an intracoronary thrombus was more often found in the presence of STEMI (3.4%) and COVID-19 (4%). A door-to-table time longer than 12 hours in NSTEMI was associated with 30.8% of complications, 25% in COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS: All deaths were preceded by CV or non-CV complications. The presence of COVID-19 was associated with death and non-fatal complications of patients undergoing interventional cardiology procedures during the pandemic.

FUNDAMENTO: No início da pandemia de COVID-19, os pacientes com infarto do miocárdio (IM) demoraram para procurar um hospital por medo de contágio ou dificuldades no acesso aos serviços de saúde. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar procedimentos de cardiologia intervencionista realizados durante a pandemia de COVID-19 e implicações na abordagem do IM. MÉTODOS: Registro prospectivo de 24 centros de hemodinâmica no Brasil, com pacientes adultos submetidos a procedimentos de cardiologia intervencionista entre 26 de maio e 30 de novembro de 2020. Os desfechos foram complicações cardiovasculares (CV) e não CV, morte e IM. A concomitância de COVID-19 foi confirmada com RT-PCR. Técnicas de machine learning foram usadas com modelos não paramétricos de árvores de classificação. Usou-se análise de correspondência simples com o software R. Adotou-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Este estudo incluiu 1.282 pacientes, 435 dos quais (33,9%) apresentaram IM: IM com supra de ST (IMCSST), 239 (54,9%); e IM sem supra de ST(IMSSST), 196 (45.1%). Dos 1.282 pacientes, 29 tiveram complicações CV, 47 tiveram complicações não CV e 31 morreram. O diagnóstico de COVID-19 foi confirmado em 77 pacientes (6%), com 15,58% de mortalidade e 6,49% de complicações não CV. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou significativa doença arterial coronariana (63%). Trombo intracoronariano foi mais frequente na presença de IMCSST (3,4%) e COVID-19 (4%). Tempo porta-mesa superior a 12 horas no IMSSST associou-se a 30,8% de complicações, 25% em pacientes com COVID-19. CONCLUSÕES: Todos os óbitos foram precedidos por complicações CV ou não CV. A presença de COVID-19 foi associada a óbito e complicações não fatais dos pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de cardiologia intervencionista durante a pandemia.

Late Mortality After Myocardial Injury in Critical Care Non-Cardiac Surgery Patients Using Machine Learning Analysis.

Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) increases mortality within 30 days. We aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of myocardial injury in a large cohort of patients admitted to intensive care after noncardiac surgery. All patients who stayed, at least, overnight with measurement of high-sensitive cardiac troponin were included. Clinical characteristics and occurrence of MINS were assessed between patients who died and survivors using chi-square test and Student t test. Variables with p <0.01 in the univariate model were included in the Cox regression model to identify predictor variables. Survival decision tree (SDT), a machine learning model, was also used to find the predictors and their correlations. We included 2,230 patients with mean age of 63.8±16.3 years, with most (55.6%) being women. The prevalence of MINS was 9.4% (209 patients) and there were 556 deaths (24.9%) in a median follow-up of 6.7 years. Univariate analysis showed variables associated with late mortality, namely: MINS, arterial hypertension, previous myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, dementia, urgent surgery, peripheral artery disease (PAD), chronic health status, and age. These variables were included in the Cox regression model and SDT. The predictor variables of all-cause death were MINS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.77 to 2.76), previous myocardial infarction (HR 1.47; 95% CI 1.14 to 1.89); urgent surgery (HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.52), PAD (HR 1.83; 95% CI 1.23 to 2.73), dementia (HR 2.54; 95% CI 1.86 to 3.46) and age (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.06). SDT had the same predictors, except PAD. In conclusion, increased high-sensitive troponin levels in patients who underwent noncardiac surgery raised the risk of short and late mortality.

Association of Dietary Inflammatory Potential in Metabolically Healthy and Metabolically Unhealthy Obese Individuals

Abstract Introduction: Currently, two types of phenotypes have been recognized in individuals who are obese. Among the factors related to lifestyle, diet has a relevant influence, although there is no consensus regarding the role of diet in metabolic phenotypes; furthermore, diet is a strong moderator of chronic systemic inflammation. Objective: Investigate dietary inflammatory potential between metabolic phenotypes and to compare the differences between anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory diets in individuals with the same phenotype. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study that utilized the database of 533 individuals divided into 4 groups, according to metabolic phenotype and dietary inflammatory characteristic. Sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric and biochemical characteristics were evaluated and the inflammatory index of the diet was calculated. Results: The mean Dietary Inflammatory index (DII) of the total sample was 0.974±1.02, with a maximum of 4.34 and a minimum of −1.74. In the metabolically unhealthy groups, we found a statistical difference in relation to systolic blood pressure when comparing the anti-inflammatory [median 120 (110.0-130.0)] and pro-inflammatory diets [median 130 (120.0-140.0); p = 0.022], and mean isoprostane concentrations were lower in the metabolically healthy group with anti-inflammatory diet. In regression analysis, the only variable that demonstrated a higher risk of alterations in all groups when compared to the metabolically healthy and anti-inflammatory group were isoprostane concentrations. Conclusion: We are able to conclude that an anti-inflammatory diet is associated with lower oxidative stress in metabolically healthy obese, and a pro-inflammatory diet is associated with higher systolic blood pressure values.

One Size Does Not Fit All: The Need to Rethink the Metabolic Syndrome in Women

Abstract Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing at epidemic proportions worldwide. MetS and its components are frequent among Brazilian women (41.8%). Women are affected by changes in adipose tissue distribution, lipid profile, insulin resistance (IR), and vascular remodeling during their lives. These changes result from the lack of estrogen after menopause. There have been various attempts to propose a uniform origin for the clustering of the MetS components, including genetics, IR, obesity, lifestyle, sleep disturbances, inflammation, fetal and neonatal programming, and disturbed circadian rhythm of the body functions. The proinflammatory and prothrombotic state in MetS is well-defined. Socioeconomic and lifestyle-related factors are also essential triggers of MetS, which is associated with a higher risk for coronary artery diseases (CAD) and stroke in women. Population measures in health and community medicine, such as continuing education on the importance of lifestyle change to reduce cardiovascular risks from early childhood, are fundamental strategies. Statins reduce high-sensitivity C-reactive protein blood levels and treat high cholesterol. According to the patient, hypoglycemic agents, such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1a), and sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, in addition to metformin, have their indication due to their beneficial cardiometabolic and vascular effects. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) should be the first choice to treat hypertension in postmenopausal womem. The recognition of the different gender- and age-specific risk factors, allowing for specific and targeted interventions, is fundamental, especially for women.

Degenerative aortic stenosis in women: challenges and perspectives

Degenerative aortic stenosis is currently a public health problem. Affecting the elderly population, this pathology has been showing an increasing prevalence as a direct result of the population aging. In this context, women have a greater life expectancy, corresponding to most of the population with degenerative aortic stenosis. Specific characteristics of this pathology in females are present in the diagnosis, pathophysiology, anatomical aspects, imaging and in therapeutic approach. Women present a more severe disease with less valve calcification than men, more concentric ventricular remodeling, higher transvalvular gradients, and less myocardial fibrosis. Less evident symptoms mean that these patients are referred later for surgical or percutaneous therapeutic treatment. The greater comorbidity presented by females and possibly due to the smaller body surface, bring specific aspects that affect the surgery results, leading to higher mortality rates and, more often, the prosthesis-patient mismatch. Percutaneous valve implantation is a good alternative, with better results in females, when compared to surgery, both in the treatment of native valves and in the treatment of a previously implanted bioprosthesis' dysfunction. The challenges encountered for the treatment of aortic stenosis in women and their possible solutions are described in this article, focusing on the observed difference of aortic stenosis in females and their possible solutions.