Study of the effects of kinesthetic motor imagery in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the acute effect of kinesthetic motor imagery of the 2-minute walk test on hemodynamic and cardiopulmonary variables in patients with heart failure. METHODS: Twenty participants were recruited for the analysis of these variables before and after the execution and imagination of the 2-minute walk test, with the number of laps executed and imagined being recorded. RESULTS: The main results observed showed that (1) there was no difference in the number of laps executed and imagined (p=0.41), indicating that the participants actually imagined the test and (2) the motor imagery of the 2-minute walk test immediately increased (p<0.001) the heart and respiratory rates. CONCLUSION: The motor imagery seems to have acute effects on the cardiopulmonary anticipatory responses of a patient with heart failure.

Implications for Clinical Practice from a Multicenter Survey of Heart Failure Management Centers.

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Implications for clinical practice from a multicenter survey of heart failure management centers

OBJECTIVES: This observational, cross-sectional study based aimed to test whether heart failure (HF)-disease management program (DMP) components are influencing care and clinical decision-making in Brazil. METHODS: The survey respondents were cardiologists recommended by experts in the field and invited to participate in the survey via printed form or email. The survey consisted of 29 questions addressing site demographics, public versus private infrastructure, HF baseline data of patients, clinical management of HF, performance indicators, and perceptions about HF treatment. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 98 centers (58% public and 42% private practice) distributed across Brazil. Public HF-DMPs compared to private HF-DMP were associated with a higher percentage of HF-DMP-dedicated services (79% vs 24%; OR: 12, 95% CI: 94-34), multidisciplinary HF (MHF)-DMP [84% vs 65%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-8), HF educational programs (49% vs 18%; OR: 4; 95% CI: 1-2), written instructions before hospital discharge (83% vs 76%; OR: 1; 95% CI: 0-5), rehabilitation (69% vs 39%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), monitoring (44% vs 29%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-5), guideline-directed medical therapy-HF use (94% vs 85%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15), and less B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) dosage (73% vs 88%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-9), and key performance indicators (37% vs 60%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 1-7). In comparison to non- MHF-DMP, MHF-DMP was associated with more educational initiatives (42% vs 6%; OR: 12; 95% CI: 1-97), written instructions (83% vs 68%; OR: 2: 95% CI: 1-7), rehabilitation (69% vs 17%; OR: 11; 95% CI: 3-44), monitoring (47% vs 6%; OR: 14; 95% CI: 2-115), GDMT-HF (92% vs 83%; OR: 3; 95% CI: 0-15). In addition, there were less use of BNP as a biomarker (70% vs 84%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 1-8) and key performance indicators (35% vs 51%; OR: 2; 95% CI: 91,6) in the non-MHF group. Physicians considered changing or introducing new medications mostly when patients were hospitalized or when observing worsening disease and/or symptoms. Adherence to drug treatment and non-drug treatment factors were the greatest medical problems associated with HF treatment. CONCLUSION: HF-DMPs are highly heterogeneous. New strategies for HF care should consider the present study highlights and clinical decision-making processes to improve HF patient care.

Controlled Study of Central Hemodynamic Changes in Inspiratory Exercise with Different Loads in Heart Failure. / Estudo Controlado das Alterações Hemodinâmicas Centrais de uma Sessão de Exercício Inspiratório com Diferentes Cargas na Insuficiência Cardíaca.

Background Inspiratory muscle weakness contributes to exercise intolerance and decreased quality of life in patients with heart failure. Studies with inspiratory muscle training show improvement in inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life. However, little is known about the central hemodynamic response (CHR) during inspiratory exercise (IE). Objective To evaluate CHR in a single IE session with different loads (placebo, 30% and 60%) in heart failure. Methods Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, functional class II and III. Twenty patients aged 65 ± 11 years completed a single session of inspiratory exercise, in 3 cycles of 15 minutes, with a 1-hour washout, involving loads of 30% (C30), 60% (C60) and placebo, using a linear load resistor (PowerBreathe Light). The noninvasive hemodynamic study was performed by cardiothoracic bioimpedance (Niccomo™ CardioScreen®). Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation, and P≤0.05 was considered significant. Results An increase in heart rate (HR) was observed with C30 (64 ± 15 vs 69 ± 15 bpm; p = 0.005) and C60 (67 ± 14 vs 73 ± 14 bpm, p = 0.002). A decrease was observed in systolic volume (SV) with C30 (73 ± 26 vs 64 ± 20 ml; p = 0.004). Cardiac output (CO), on its turn, increased only with C60 (4.6 ± 1.5 vs 5.3 ± 1.7 l/min; p = -0.001). Conclusion When using the 60% load, in a single IE session, changes in CHR were observed. HR and CD increased, as did the Borg scales and subjective sensation of dyspnea. The 30% load reduced the SV. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):656-663).

Estudo Controlado das Alterações Hemodinâmicas Centrais de uma Sessão de Exercício Inspiratório com Diferentes Cargas na Insuficiência Cardíaca / Controlled Study of Central Hemodynamic Changes in Inspiratory Exercise with Different Loads in Heart Failure

Resumo Fundamento A fraqueza muscular inspiratória contribui para a intolerância ao exercício e diminuição da qualidade de vida dos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. Estudos com treinamento da musculatura inspiratória demonstram melhora da força muscular inspiratória, da capacidade funcional e da qualidade de vida. Porém, pouco se sabe sobre a resposta hemodinâmica central (RHC) durante o exercício inspiratório (EI). Objetivo Avaliar a RHC em uma única sessão de EI com diferentes cargas (placebo, 30 e 60%) na insuficiência cardíaca. Métodos Ensaio clínico randomizado placebo-controlado, em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca com fração de ejeção reduzida, classe funcional II e III. Vinte pacientes, com idade de 65±11 anos, completaram uma sessão única de exercício inspiratório, em 3 ciclos de 15 minutos, com washout de 1 hora, envolvendo cargas de 30% (C30), 60% (C60) e placebo, utilizando um resistor de carga linear ( PowerBreathe Light ). O estudo hemodinâmico não invasivo foi realizado por bioimpedância cardiotorácica ( Niccomo™CardioScreen® ). Análise estatística foi feita com o Teste t de Student e a correlação de Pearson, considerado significante p≤0,05. Resultados Foi observado aumento da frequência cardíaca (FC) com a C30 (64±15 vs 69±15 bpm; p=0,005) e C60 (67±14 vs 73±14 bpm, p=0,002). No volume sistólico (VS), observou-se diminuição com a C30 (73±26 vs 64±20 ml; p=0,004). O débito cardíaco (DC) apresentou aumento apenas com a C60 (4,6±1,5 vs 5,3±1,7 l/min; p=-0,001). Conclusão Quando utilizada a carga de 60%, em uma sessão única de EI, foram observadas alterações na RHC. A FC e o DC aumentaram, assim como as escalas de Borg e sensação subjetiva de dispneia. Já a carga de 30% promoveu diminuição do VS. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):656-663)

Abstract Background Inspiratory muscle weakness contributes to exercise intolerance and decreased quality of life in patients with heart failure. Studies with inspiratory muscle training show improvement in inspiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life. However, little is known about the central hemodynamic response (CHR) during inspiratory exercise (IE). Objective To evaluate CHR in a single IE session with different loads (placebo, 30% and 60%) in heart failure. Methods Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, functional class II and III. Twenty patients aged 65 ± 11 years completed a single session of inspiratory exercise, in 3 cycles of 15 minutes, with a 1-hour washout, involving loads of 30% (C30), 60% (C60) and placebo, using a linear load resistor (PowerBreathe Light). The noninvasive hemodynamic study was performed by cardiothoracic bioimpedance (Niccomo™ CardioScreen®). Statistical analysis was performed with Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation, and P≤0.05 was considered significant. Results An increase in heart rate (HR) was observed with C30 (64 ± 15 vs 69 ± 15 bpm; p = 0.005) and C60 (67 ± 14 vs 73 ± 14 bpm, p = 0.002). A decrease was observed in systolic volume (SV) with C30 (73 ± 26 vs 64 ± 20 ml; p = 0.004). Cardiac output (CO), on its turn, increased only with C60 (4.6 ± 1.5 vs 5.3 ± 1.7 l/min; p = -0.001). Conclusion When using the 60% load, in a single IE session, changes in CHR were observed. HR and CD increased, as did the Borg scales and subjective sensation of dyspnea. The 30% load reduced the SV. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):656-663)

Segurança e exequibilidade do teste ergométrico em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca / Seguridad y viabilidad de la prueba ergométrica en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca

Introdução. A avaliação funcional nos pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) pode ser feita pela classe funcional da New York Heart Association (NYHA), pelo teste da caminhada dos 6 minutos, pelo teste ergométrico (TE) ou pelo padrão ouro que é o teste cardiopulmonar. Objetivos. Objetivou-se avaliar a segurança e exeqüibilidade do TE em pacientes com IC. Métodos. Foram avaliados 62 pacientes com IC que atingiram as classes funcionais II a IV da NYHA durante a evolução da IC, com forma dilatada e disfunção sistólica, em protocolo de rampa. Resultados. O consumo de oxigênio médio encontrado foi 23,2 ± 5,9 ml.Kg-1.min-1 para pacientes sem betabloqueador (BB) e de 23,7 ± 6,0 com BB (p=0,607). Houve queda na pressão arterial em 30,6% dos pacientes. Os demais apresentaram resposta pressórica normal ou elevação. O índice cronotrópico encontrado foi 77,5± 36,1% nos sem BB e 72,0 ± 31,9 naqueles com BB (p=0,555). Não houve complicação fatal ou evento cardiovascular maior. Conclusão. O TE foi seguro e de fácil execução em pacientes com IC.

Safety and feasibility of treadmill test in heart failure patients Background. The functional evaluation of heart failure (HF) patients can be done by New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, six-minute walk test, and treadmill test (TT) or the cardiopulmonary exercise testing, which is the gold standard. Objective. The objective was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the TT in HF patients. Methods. Sixty-two HF patients with NYHA II to IV during the evolution of HF, with dilated cardiomyopathy and systolic dysfunction were evaluated on a ramp protocol. Results. The average myocardial oxygen consumption obtained was 23.2 ± 5.9 ml.Kg-1.min-1 for patients without beta-blocker (BB) and 23.7 ± 6.0 for those in use of BB (p=0.607). There was a decrease in blood pressure in 30.6%. The others presented a normal or elevated blood pressure response. The chronotropic index was 77.5 ± 36.1% for those without BB and 72.0 ± 31.9% for the patients using BB (p=0.555). There was no fatal complication or major cardiovascular event. Conclusion. The TT was safe and easily performed in patients with HF.

Vacinação contra influenza e pneumococo na insuficiência cardíaca: uma recomendação pouco aplicada / Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in heart failure: a little applied recommendation / Vacunación contra influenza y neumococo en la insuficiencia cardíaca: una recomendación poco aplicada

FUNDAMENTO: A insuficiência cardíaca (IC) cursa com frequentes descompensações e admissões ao serviço de emergência. Vacinação contra Influenza (INF) e Pneumococo (PNM) são recomendadas nas diretrizes, entretanto, as infecções respiratórias são a terceira causa de hospitalização na IC. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência da vacinação contra INF e PNM em pacientes com IC na rede pública. MÉTODOS: Em estudo observacional realizado em Teresópolis, região serrana fluminense, foram utilizadas três estratégias: (I) estudo das requisições para vacina contra INF e/ou PNM na Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, entre 2004 e 2006; (II) inquérito direto a 61 pacientes com IC atendidos na atenção básica sobre sua situação vacinal contra INF e PNM; (III) inquérito direto sobre situação vacinal contra INF e PNM a 81 pacientes com IC crônica descompensada atendidos na única emergência aberta à rede pública. RESULTADOS: Na estratégia I, a vacinação contra INF e/ou PNM foi de 15,3 por cento daqueles com indicações por doenças cardiovasculares e respiratórias. A mediana do tempo entre a indicação e a vacinação foi de 32 dias. Na estratégia II, o percentual de vacinados contra INF, com idade > 60 anos, foi de 23,1 por cento, e de 24,6 por cento contra PMN em todas as idades. Na estratégia III, o percentual de pacientes vacinados contra INF foi de 35,8 por cento e contra PNM foi de 2,5 por cento. CONCLUSÃO: A taxa de vacinação contra INF e PNM em pacientes com IC é muito baixa e ainda menor naqueles descompensados atendidos em serviço de emergência.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is associated with frequent decompensation and admissions to the emergency service. Influenza (INF) and Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccinations are recommended in the guidelines, however, respiratory infections are the third leading cause of hospitalization in heart failure. OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of vaccination against INF and PNM in patients with HF in government healthcare units. METHODS: An observational study carried out in Teresópolis, a mountain region in Rio de Janeiro, employed three strategies: (I) study of requests for vaccine against INF and/or PNM in the Health Department of Teresópolis between 2004 and 2006; (II) direct inquiry to 61 patients with heart failure treated in primary care about their vaccination status against INF and PNM; (III) direct inquiry about their vaccination status against INF and PNM to 81 patients with decompensated chronic heart failure treated in the only emergency service open to the public. RESULTS: In strategy I, INF and/or PNM vaccination was 15.3 percent of those with indications for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The median time between indication and vaccination was 32 days. In strategy II, the percentage of patients vaccinated against INF, aged > 60, was 23.1 percent and 24.6 percent against PMN at all ages. In strategy III, the percentage of patients vaccinated against INF was 35.8 percent and against PNM was 2.5 percent. CONCLUSION: The rate of vaccination against INF and PNM in patients with HF is very low and even lower in those with decompensated HF treated in emergency services.

FUNDAMENTO: La insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) cursa con frecuentes descompensaciones y admisiones al servicio de emergencia. Vacunación contra Influenza (INF) y Neumococo (PNM) son recomendadas en las directrices, entre tanto, las infecciones respiratorias son la tercera causa de hospitalización en la IC. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la frecuencia de la vacunación contra INF y PNM en pacientes con IC en la red pública. MÉTODOS: En estudio observacional realizado en Teresópolis, región serrana fluminense, fueron utilizadas tres estrategias: (I) estudio de las requisiciones para vacuna contra INF y/o PNM en la Secretaría Municipal de Salud, entre 2004 y 2006; (II) averiguación directa a 61 pacientes con IC atendidos en la atención básica sobre su situación de vacuna contra INF y PNM; (III) averiguación directa sobre situación de vacuna contra INF y PNM a 81 pacientes con IC crónica descompensada atendidos en la única emergencia abierta a la red pública. RESULTADOS: En la estrategia I, la vacunación contra INF y/o PNM fue de 15,3 por ciento de aquellos con indicaciones por enfermedades cardiovasculares y respiratorias. La mediana del tiempo entre la indicación y la vacunación fue de 32 días. En la estrategia II, el porcentual de vacunados contra INF, con edad > 60 años, fue de 23,1 por ciento, y de 24,6 por ciento contra PMN en todas las edades. En la estrategia III, el porcentual de pacientes vacunados contra INF fue de 35,8 por ciento y contra PNM fue de 2,5 por ciento. CONCLUSIÓN: La tasa de vacunación contra INF y PNM en pacientes con IC es muy baja y aun menor en aquellos descompensados atendidos en servicio de emergencia.

Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in heart failure: a little applied recommendation.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is associated with frequent decompensation and admissions to the emergency service. Influenza (INF) and Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccinations are recommended in the guidelines, however, respiratory infections are the third leading cause of hospitalization in heart failure. OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of vaccination against INF and PNM in patients with HF in government healthcare units. METHODS: An observational study carried out in Teresópolis, a mountain region in Rio de Janeiro, employed three strategies: (I) study of requests for vaccine against INF and/or PNM in the Health Department of Teresópolis between 2004 and 2006; (II) direct inquiry to 61 patients with heart failure treated in primary care about their vaccination status against INF and PNM; (III) direct inquiry about their vaccination status against INF and PNM to 81 patients with decompensated chronic heart failure treated in the only emergency service open to the public. RESULTS: In strategy I, INF and/or PNM vaccination was 15.3% of those with indications for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The median time between indication and vaccination was 32 days. In strategy II, the percentage of patients vaccinated against INF, aged > 60, was 23.1% and 24.6% against PMN at all ages. In strategy III, the percentage of patients vaccinated against INF was 35.8% and against PNM was 2.5%. CONCLUSION: The rate of vaccination against INF and PNM in patients with HF is very low and even lower in those with decompensated HF treated in emergency services.

Qualidade da informação na internet sobre coronariopatia / Quality of Information on the internet about coronary disease

Fundamentos: A doença arterial coronariana (DAC) é um dos grandes alvos de preocupação dos profissionais da saúde e de leigos. A internet é o principal local de pesquisa, mas carece de controle de qualidade na informação veiculada. No Brasil, há escassez de legislação para regulamentação da veiculação da informação em saúde pela intgernet. Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade da informação veiculada na internet sobre doença coronariana. Métodos: A qualidade da informação na internet sobre DAC foi avaliada em quatro sites de busca brasileiros, frequentemente utilizados à época. Analisaram-se os quesitos transparência, honestidade, privacidade, ética médica, responsabilidade e procedência, de acordo com o Manual de Princípios Éticos para Sites de Medicina e Saúde do CREMESP. Resultado: O problema mais frequente foi a forma de veiculação e não conteúdo. Os sites mais confiáveis foram os médicos-pessoais e os institucionais de saúde. A maioria dos sites que abordou DAC não foi recomendável pelo quesito ética. Conclusões: Houve falta de controle na veiculação das informações. Urgem políticas de criação de normas. certificação, divulgação e fiscalização de informações em saúde na internet.

Avaliação da progressão cognitiva no internato de clínica médica / Evaluation of the cognitive progress during medical internship

Este artigo investiga o crescimento cognitivo de estudantes de Medicina durante o internato de Clínica Médica do Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos, de janeiro de 1999 a dezembro de 2004. Foram analisados os resultados das avaliações teóricas realizadas no primeiro e no último dia do internato - cujos conteúdos exigidos eram os mesmos - de 606 estudantes do décimo primeiro e do décimo segundo períodos. Os resultados mostram melhor desempenho na segunda avaliação (média = 6,7) em relação à primeira (média = 4,1), o que aponta um "ganho" cognitivo no período de três meses. Discute-se se tais resultados podem ser comparados a outras avaliações com objetivos semelhantes.

This article investigates the cognitive progress of medical students of the Centro Universitário Serra dos Órgãos (FESO) during internship, covering the period 1999 to 2004. Six hundred and six students in the 11th and 12th semester were submitted to two tests, one at the beginning and the other at the end of the internship. The mean found in the first test was 4.1 compared to a mean of 6.7 found in the second test, which was indicative of cognitive progress during the three months of internship. Finally, the authors discuss if these results are comparable with other results published in the Brazilian literature about cognitive progress during graduation, chiefly during medical internship.

O uso do betabloqueador adrenérgico em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca atendidos na rede pública de saúde da região serrana fluminense / The use of beta-adrenergic receptor blockers in patients with heart failure in the public health system in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro state

Objetivos: Estudar o padrão de prescrição dos betabloqueadores (BB) para apcientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC) atendidos na rede pública de saúde da região serrana fluminense pelos diferentes profissionais médicos, e comparar esta prática clínica frente às diretrizes da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC). Métodos: Sessenta e cinco médicos: 23 generalidades (GEN), 22 médicos de família (MF) e 20 cardiologistas (CAR) responderam a questionário sobre a prescrição de BB na IC, durante atuação na rede pública de saúde dos municípios de Nova Friburgo, Petrópolis e Teresópolis. Os três grupos foram equiparáveis quanto ao número e ao tempo de graduação. Resultados: Os MF prescreveram menos BB que os GEN e os CAR (27 por cento vs 65 por cento vs 75 por cento, p igual 0,004). Os CAR prescreveram os BB recomendados (carvedilol e metoprolol) pela SBC, os MF prescreveram propanolol e atenolol, os GEN quanto os CAR prescreveram BB. O principal motivo para a não prescrição pelo CAR foi a indisponibilidade do fármaco. Os demais não apontaram um motivo, tampouco atribuiram a não utilização aos possíveis efeitos adversos...

Objectives: To study the prescription pattern of betablockers (BB) by different medical specialists for heart failure (HF) patients in the public health system in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro State, comparing this practice to that recommended by the Brazilian Cardiology Society (BSC) guidelines. Methods: Sixty-five physicians: 23 generalists (GEN); 22 family doctors (FD) and 20 cardiologists (CAR) completed questionnaires on their BB prescriptions for HF patients in the public health system in the hill towns of Nova Friburgo, Petrópolis and Teresópolis. These three groups were similar in number and time since graduation. Results: FD prescribed less BB when compared to GEN and CAR (27% vs 65% vs 75%; p=0.004). CAR prescribed the recommended BB (carvedilol and metoprolol); FD prescribed propranolol and atenolol; GEN prescribed all of them. Most of the physicians did not prescribe BB for NYHA function classes I and IV but did so for class II. Both GEN and CAR prescribed for class III. For CAR the main reason for not prescribing was the unavailability of drugs. The others did not indicate any clear motivation nor did they mention the possibility of adverse effects. Conclusions: There are massive discrepancies between clinical practice and Brazilian Society of Cardiology guidelines. The unavailability of drugs curtails their use by CAR, while a lack of information limits their prescription by GEN and FD. Government policies should be implemented in order to supply BB and qualify practitioners.

Monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial e pressão casual em hiper-reatores ao esforço / Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and casual blood pressure in hyper-reactive individuals

FUNDAMENTO: O desenvolvimento de hipertensão arterial sustentada é, pelo menos, duas vezes maior em indivíduos hiper-reatores ao esforço. Poucos trabalhos têm avaliado os parâmetros da monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial de 24 horas (MAPA) nesses indivíduos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação da pressão arterial (PA) casual com a resposta hiper-reativa ao esforço (RHR) e comparar os padrões da monitorização ambulatorial de pressão arterial (MAPA) de indivíduos hiper-reatores ao esforço a um grupo controle, visando detectar alterações precoces que permitam uma atuação preventiva com implicação prognóstica. MÉTODOS: A PA casual e os dados da MAPA de 26 indivíduos adultos, com idade média de 41,50±11,78 anos, normotensos em repouso, hiper-reatores ao teste ergométrico (TE), foram comparados aos de 16 adultos, com média de idade de 41,38±11,55 anos, também normotensos em repouso, com resposta normal de PA ao esforço. Como normotensão foram considerados valores de PA <140x90mmHg. Para o diagnóstico de hiper-reatividade foram aceitos valores de pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) >220mmHg e/ou incremento >15mmHg de pressão arterial diastólica (PAD) no TE, partindo-se de níveis de PA normais. RESULTADOS: A PAS (p=0,03) e PAD (p=0,002) casuais, a média da PAS (p=0,050) e as cargas pressóricas sistólicas na vigília (p=0,011) e nas 24 horas (p=0,017) à MAPA foram significativamente superiores nos hiper-reatores. CONCLUSÃO: A PA casual se correlacionou positivamente com a RHR. Os hiper-reatores apresentaram características peculiares na PA casual e MAPA, que, embora dentro da normalidade, se diferenciaram das observadas nos normorreatores.

BACKGROUND: Developing hypertension is likely to be at least two times greater in individual with exaggerated blood pressure response on exercise testing (ET). Few reports have evaluated the parameters of 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) in normotensive individuals with exaggerated blood pressure response to exercise. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship among the casual blood pressure with hyper-reactive response on ET and to compare Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) data of hyper-reactive individuals with a control group in order to detect early disorders, that allows a preventive action with prognostic implication. METHODS: Casual BP measurement and parameters of ABPM of 26 adult individuals, with mean age of 41.50±11.78 years, normotensive at rest and hyper-reactive on ET was compared to those of 16 adult individuals, with mean age of 41.38±11.55 years, normotensive at rest with normal BP response on exercise. The values <140 x 90 mmHg were considered normal for casual BP. The values <220 mmHg for systolic BP and/or an increase >15mmHg diastolic BP on ET for hyper-reactive response diagnosis. RESULTS: Hyper-reactive individuals presented the systolic (p=0.03) and diastolic (p=0.002) casual BP and mean systolic BP (p=0.050), systolic pressure load during the day (p=0.011), and systolic (p=0.017) pressure load higher when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Casual high normal BP had a positive correlation with exaggerated BP response. The hyper-reactive individuals showed particular characteristics in casual BP as well as in ABPM parameters, which, although within the range of reference values, differed from those of individuals with normal response to exercise.