Endomyocardiofibrosis in the Americas Collaborative Study: The EMF-SIAC Registry.

Endomyocardiofibrosis (EMF) is a restrictive cardiomyopathy characterized by subendocardial fibrosis due to eosinophilic myocardial infiltration. EMF may commonly present with heart failure (HF) or atrial fibrillation (AF). Immunosuppression can be effective in early stages, but not in the chronic phase. Our objective was to describe the characteristics of EMF patients in the Americas. This registry is a retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study including patients ≥18 years-old with EMF diagnosed by imaging methods, according to the Mocumbi criteria. Clinical, biochemical, and imaging variables were analyzed. On the 54 patients included, 28 (52%) were male with an age of 47 years. The etiology was idiopathic in 47 (87%) patients, familial in 4 (7%), and secondary to chemotherapy in 2 (3.5%). We detected a history of HF in 41 patients (76%), AF in 19 (35%), and ischemic stroke in 8 (15%). The diagnosis was made by echocardiography in all patients, and 38% had Cardiac Resonance or Computed Tomography. Thirty-five patients (65%) presented a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%, 11 (21%) severe mitral regurgitation, and 18 (33%) severe tricuspid regurgitation. In 17 patients (32%) the diagnosis was confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy. Among medical therapy, 72% received beta-blockers, 63% vasodilators, 65% mineralocorticoid antagonists, 7.4% SGLT2 inhibitors, and 11% corticosteroids. Subendocardial resection was performed in 9 (16%) patients and mitral valve replacement in 11 (20%) patients. In conclusion, EMF patients had a high prevalence of HF, AF, and embolic events. The diagnosis was frequently made in an advanced stage when HF management and surgery were the only effective treatments.

A recent experience on the role of influenza vaccination on cardiovascular events.

The purpose of this review is to update the recent information regarding the role of influenza vaccination (IV) as a strategy to reduce cardiovascular (CV) events. During the last 2 years, new meta-analysis, guidelines, and two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were published. The IAMI trial added information regarding the safety and efficacy of IV right after an acute myocardial infarction hospitalization. A significant reduction in the primary endpoint-including mortality-was observed. More recently, the influenza vaccine to prevent vascular events trial (IVVE) trial did not meet the primary CV endpoint in patients with heart failure (HF). However, a significant reduction was observed during the seasonal peaks of Influenza circulation. COVID-19 pandemic provoked recruitment difficulties in these trials, as well as an altered influenza seasonality and incidence. Further analysis of IVVE trial is needed to clarify the precise role of IV in patients with HF. A recent meta-analysis of RCTs and observational studies indicated that IV was safe and effective to reduce CV events, and it was included in the most updated guideline. Despite these benefits, and the recommendations for its prescription by scientific societies and health regulatory agencies, the vaccination rate remains below than expected globally. The correct understanding of implementation barriers, which involve doctors, patients, and their context, is essential when continuous improvement strategies are planned, in order to improve the IV rate in at-risk subjects.

Impact of a Telemedicine Program After a Heart Failure Hospitalization on 12 Months Follow-Up Events.

The aim of this study was to describe the safety, effectiveness, and usability of a mobile-app based follow up platform after a heart failure (HF) hospitalization. It was a pilot, prospective implementation study. 55 consecutive patients were included. Over 12 months, a significant increase in the use of renin angiotensin system inhibitors was observed (91% vs 76%, P < 0.04). Medication adherence, assessed by daily patient validation in the app was 96%. No relevant changes were found in biochemical evaluations. The parameters of app usability showed a high value. At 12 months follow-up one patient was hospitalized for HF (1/55 [1,8%]), there was no cardiovascular death, and 5 patients had non-cardiovascular deaths (5/55 [9.1%]). In patients recently discharged from HF hospitalization, the implementation of non-invasive telemedicine follow-up was feasible, safe and an effective strategy to increase the adherence to medical therapy. A high degree of clinical stability and a low rate of events were observed over 1-year.

Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Clinical Overview.

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) with clinical manifestation occurs in about 5-8% of patients with sarcoidosis. CS may be clinically suspected by the presence of ventricular arrhythmia, conduction abnormalities, and heart failure (HF). However, 20%-25% of patients may present with silent CS, having asymptomatic cardiac involvement. The diagnosis of CS is based on findings from nuclear studies, cardiac magnetic resonance, and extra-cardiac tissue biopsy. Due to the inflammatory nature of the disease, immunosuppressive medications are a cornerstone of therapy. The treatment also includes recommended HF medical therapies. Since CS patients are at risk of sudden cardiac death resulting from progression of cardiac dysfunction or the presence of scar originating from fatal arrhythmias, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators should be considered, with special indication beyond accepted recommendations in HF. In CS, the extent of left ventricular dysfunction is the most important mortality predictor. Heart transplant or mechanical circulatory support may represent life saving strategies in selective CS patients.

Endomyocardiofibrosis: A Systematic Review.

Endomyocardiofibrosis was described first time in Uganda as an infrequent restrictive cardiomyopathy with a poor prognosis, characterized by fibrosis of the ventricular subendocardium and severe restrictive physiology leading to difficult therapeutic management and frequently associated with hypereosinophilic syndrome. Its higher prevalence in the tropics and its relationship in some cases with hypereosinophilic endocarditis has led to the search for genetic, infectious, autoimmune and nutritional causes, but its etiology remains unclear. It is a rare cardiomyopathy, difficult to diagnose and with a nonexistent effective treatment. Imaging methods such as echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance are essential for the initial diagnosis, although endomyocardial biopsy establishes the definitive diagnosis. Immunosuppressive treatment is only useful in the early stages of the disease and usually ineffective if installed late when signs of heart failure are present. Surgical treatment is generally palliative.

[Immunizations in adults with cardiovascular disease. Summary of the Consensus of the Argentine Cardiology Society]. / Inmunizaciones en adultos con cardiopatías. Resumen del Consenso de la Sociedad Argentina de Cardiología.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in most regions of the world, usually followed by infectious diseases. For decades, infections in general, and particularly those involving the respiratory system, have been known to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and their consequent morbidity and mortality. Although vaccines are an excellent strategy in the prevention of infectious diseases, the proportion of immunized adults in our country is frankly deficient. Multiple barriers contribute to perpetuating this problem, within which the lack of prescription of the same by professionals who care for vulnerable populations occupies a central place. Patients with cardiovascular disease represent a particularly risky subpopulation. The spectrum of pathologies that can trigger respiratory infections is wide: development or worsening of heart failure, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes and cerebrovascular diseases, among the main ones. The role of immunoprophylaxis with influenza, pneumococcal and tetanus vaccine in patients with different heart diseases is addressed here, evaluating the evidence supporting its use, and placing special emphasis on practical aspects of its use, such as adverse effects, contraindications and special care situations, such as congenital heart disease in adults, heart transplantation, anticoagulation or egg allergy. Thus, this document aims to assist in decision-making for any doctor involved in the care of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares ocupan la primera causa de muerte en la mayoría de las regiones del mundo, seguidas habitualmente por las enfermedades infecciosas. Desde hace décadas se conoce que las infecciones en general, y particularmente las que involucran el aparato respiratorio, se vinculan con un incremento en el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares y cerebrovasculares, y su consecuente morbimortalidad. Si bien las vacunas constituyen una excelente estrategia en la prevención de enfermedades infectocontagiosas, la proporción de adultos inmunizados en nuestro país es francamente deficitaria. Múltiples barreras contribuyen a perpetuar esta problemática, dentro de las cuales la falta de prescripción de las mismas por parte de los profesionales que atienden a poblaciones vulnerables ocupa un lugar central. Los pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares representan una subpoblación de particular riesgo. El espectro de enfermedades que pueden originar las infecciones respiratorias es amplio: desarrollo o empeoramiento de insuficiencia cardíaca, arritmias, síndromes coronarios agudos y enfermedades cerebrovasculares, entre los principales. Se aborda aquí el rol de la inmunoprofilaxis con vacuna antigripal, antineumocócica y antitetánica en pacientes con diferentes cardiopatías, valorando la evidencia que respalda su empleo y haciendo especial hincapié en aspectos prácticos de su utilización, como efectos adversos, contraindicaciones y situaciones especiales de atención: cardiopatías congénitas del adulto, trasplante cardíaco, individuos anticoagulados o con alergia al huevo. Así, este documento tiene como objetivo asistir en la toma de decisiones a cualquier médico involucrado en el cuidado de pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular.

Inmunizaciones en adultos con cardiopatías. Resumen del consenso de la Sociedad Argentina de Cardiología / Immunizations in adults with cardiovascular disease. Summary of the Consensus of the Argentine Cardiology Society

Resumen Las enfermedades cardiovasculares ocupan la primera causa de muerte en la mayoría de las regiones del mundo, seguidas habitualmente por las enfermedades infecciosas. Desde hace décadas se conoce que las infecciones en general, y particularmente las que involucran el aparato respiratorio, se vinculan con un incremento en el riesgo de eventos cardiovasculares y cerebrovasculares, y su consecuente morbimortalidad. Si bien las vacunas constituyen una excelente estrategia en la prevención de enfermedades infectocontagiosas, la proporción de adultos inmunizados en nuestro país es francamente deficitaria. Múltiples barreras contribuyen a perpetuar esta problemática, dentro de las cuales la falta de prescripción de las mismas por parte de los profesionales que atienden a poblaciones vulnerables ocupa un lugar central. Los pacientes con enfermedades cardiovasculares representan una subpoblación de particular riesgo. El espectro de enfermedades que pueden originar las infecciones respiratorias es amplio: desarrollo o empeoramiento de insuficiencia cardíaca, arritmias, síndromes coronarios agudos y enfermedades cerebrovasculares, entre los principales. Se aborda aquí el rol de la inmunoprofilaxis con vacuna antigripal, antineumocócica y antitetánica en pacientes con diferentes cardiopatías, valorando la evidencia que respalda su empleo y haciendo especial hincapié en aspectos prácticos de su utilización, como efectos adversos, contraindicaciones y situaciones especiales de atención: cardiopatías congénitas del adulto, trasplante cardíaco, individuos anticoagulados o con alergia al huevo. Así, este documento tiene como objetivo asistir en la toma de decisiones a cualquier médico involucrado en el cuidado de pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular.

Abstract Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in most regions of the world, usually followed by infectious diseases. For decades, infections in general, and particularly those involving the respiratory system, have been known to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and their consequent morbidity and mortality. Although vaccines are an excellent strategy in the prevention of infectious diseases, the proportion of immunized adults in our country is frankly deficient. Multiple barriers contribute to perpetuating this problem, within which the lack of prescription of the same by professionals who care for vulnerable populations occupies a central place. Patients with cardiovascular disease represent a particularly risky subpopulation. The spectrum of pathologies that can trigger respiratory infections is wide: development or worsening of heart failure, arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes and cerebrovascular diseases, among the main ones. The role of immunoprophylaxis with influenza, pneumococcal and tetanus vaccine in patients with different heart diseases is addressed here, evaluating the evidence supporting its use, and placing special emphasis on practical aspects of its use, such as adverse effects, contraindications and special care situations, such as congenital heart disease in adults, heart transplantation, anticoagulation or egg allergy. Thus, this document aims to assist in decision-making for any doctor involved in the care of patients with cardiovascular disease.

Clinical Impact of the Polypill for Cardiovascular Prevention in Latin America: A Consensus Statement of the Inter-American Society of Cardiology.

The burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is increasing, particularly in low-middle-income countries such as most of Latin America. This region presents specific socioeconomic characteristics, generating a high incidence of CVD despite efforts to control the problem. A consensus statement has been developed by Inter-American Society of Cardiology with the aim of answering some important questions related to CVD in this region and the role of the polypill in cardiovascular (CV) prevention as an intervention to address these issues. A multidisciplinary team composed of Latin American experts in the prevention of CVD was convened by the Inter-American Society of Cardiology and participated in the process and the formulation of statements. To characterize the prevailing situation in Latin American countries, we describe the most significant CV risk factors in the region. The barriers that impair the use of CV essential medications are also reviewed. The role of therapeutic adherence in CV prevention and how the polypill emerges as an effective strategy for optimizing adherence, accessibility, and affordability in the treatment of CVDs are discussed in detail. Clinical scenarios in which the polypill could represent an effective intervention in primary and secondary CV prevention are described. This initiative is expected to help professionals involved in the management of CVD and public health policymakers develop optimal strategies for the management of CVDs.

[Influenza and pneumococcal immunization in cardiovascular prevention]. / Inmunización para influenza y neumococo en prevención cardiovascular.

A group of interdisciplinary experts (cardiologists, clinicians, infectologists met with the purpose of analyzing the evidence revealed by the relationship between respiratory diseases caused by influenza, pneumococcal diseases and cardiovascular events, and the role played by immunization strategies applied in cardiovascular prevention. The present statement summarizes the conclusions reached by the expertise of the aforementioned professionals. Systematic revisions imply consistent evidence that influenza and pneumococcal infection lead to acute myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Studies published during the last 15 years suggest that vaccination against influenza and S. pneumoniae reduce the risk of acute coronary syndromes. With the current evidence, and considering cost-effectiveness, reducing operating expenses and safety profile of the vaccines, scientific societies, national and international government health agencies strongly recommend incorporating immunization programs in those patients with chronic cardiovascular disease.

Inmunización para influenza y neumococo en prevención cardiovascular / [Influenza and pneumococcal immunization in cardiovascular prevention]

A group of interdisciplinary experts (cardiologists, clinicians, infectologists met with the purpose of analyzing the evidence revealed by the relationship between respiratory diseases caused by influenza, pneumococcal diseases and cardiovascular events, and the role played by immunization strategies applied in cardiovascular prevention. The present statement summarizes the conclusions reached by the expertise of the aforementioned professionals. Systematic revisions imply consistent evidence that influenza and pneumococcal infection lead to acute myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Studies published during the last 15 years suggest that vaccination against influenza and S. pneumoniae reduce the risk of acute coronary syndromes. With the current evidence, and considering cost-effectiveness, reducing operating expenses and safety profile of the vaccines, scientific societies, national and international government health agencies strongly recommend incorporating immunization programs in those patients with chronic cardiovascular disease.

Inmunización para influenza y neumococo en prevención cardiovascular. / [Influenza and pneumococcal immunization in cardiovascular prevention].

A group of interdisciplinary experts (cardiologists, clinicians, infectologists met with the purpose of analyzing the evidence revealed by the relationship between respiratory diseases caused by influenza, pneumococcal diseases and cardiovascular events, and the role played by immunization strategies applied in cardiovascular prevention. The present statement summarizes the conclusions reached by the expertise of the aforementioned professionals. Systematic revisions imply consistent evidence that influenza and pneumococcal infection lead to acute myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Studies published during the last 15 years suggest that vaccination against influenza and S. pneumoniae reduce the risk of acute coronary syndromes. With the current evidence, and considering cost-effectiveness, reducing operating expenses and safety profile of the vaccines, scientific societies, national and international government health agencies strongly recommend incorporating immunization programs in those patients with chronic cardiovascular disease.

Rol del bloqueo aldosterónico en la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica / Role of aldosterone blockade in chronic heart failure / Papel do bloqueio da aldosterona na insuficiência cardíaca crônica

El bloqueo de los efectos adversos del sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona (SRAA) ha sido un foco importante en el desarrollo de drogas para el tratamiento de la enfermedad cardiovascular en los últimos 30 años. Los niveles plasmáticos de aldosterona disminuyen en forma transitoria luego del inicio del tratamiento con inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (IECA) y se ha demostrado que la aldosterona ejerceefectos adversos sobre el sistema cardiovascular en forma independiente de la angiotensina II. En dos reuniones consecutivas 50 líderes de opinión se reunieron para discutir en forma crítica la evidencia actualmente disponible. El presente documento sintetiza las conclusiones que surgieron por consenso de la mesa: "Rol del bloqueo aldosterónico en la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica". El interés clínico en el bloqueo aldosterónico en pacientes tratados con IECA o antagonistas de los receptores de angiotensina (ARA) fue estimulado por el Estudio RALES (Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study), que demostró que el antagonista de los receptores mineralocorticoides (RMC), espironolactona, redujo el riesgo de mortalidad de toda causa así como de hospitalizaciones por insuficiencia cardíaca (IC), en pacientes con IC severa (clase funcional III-IV, NYHA) y fracción de eyección disminuida. Recientemente, el estudio EMPHASIS-HF (Eplerenone in Mild Patients Hospitalization and Survival Study in Heart Failure) encontró una reducción significativa en la mortalidad y hospitalización de toda causa en los pacientes con IC, con deterioro severo de la función ventricular y síntomas leves de IC, ampliando el espectro de las indicaciones terapéuticas actuales. Concluyendo que las indicaciones actuales para los bloqueantes de la aldosterona son, por lo tanto, claras para los pacientes con síntomas de IC moderados a severos (clase funcional III-IV, NYHA), con una disminución severa de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, a pesar del tratamiento farmacológico óptimo. La evidencia aportada por el estudio EMPHASIS-HF, indudablemente, contribuirá a un cambio en la práctica médica en relación a estos fármacos.

Blocking the adverse effects of the rennin-angiotensin system has been a major focus of drug development for the treatment of cardiovascular disease over the last 30 years. Plasma aldosterone levels are only transiently decreased suppressed after the initiation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors treatment and has been shown that aldosterone causes adverse effects on the cardiovascular system independent of angiotensin II. In two consecutive meetings, 50 experts critically reviewed the available evidence. The present document reflects the consensus of the subject: "Role of aldosterone blockade in chronic heart failure". Clinical interest in blocking aldosterone in patients treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) was stimulated by the Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study (RALES), which demonstrated that the mineralocorticoid (MC) antagonist spironolactone reduced the risk of all-cause mortality as well as hospitalizations for heart failure (HF) in patients with severe NYHA Class III-IV HF and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Recently, the Eplerenone in Mild Patients Hospitalization and Survival Study in Heart Failure (EMPHASIS-HF) trial showed a greater reduction of all-cause death and all-cause hospitalizations among patients with heart failure reduced ejection fraction and mild symptoms (NYHA functional class II), thus expanding the spectrum of aldosterone antagonism. Concluding that the current indications for aldosterone blockade are therefore clear for patients with moderate to severe symptoms (NYHA functional class III-IV), who have a decrease LVEF and signs and symptoms of HF despite optimal background treatment. The evidence analyzed in the EMPHASIS-HF trial undoubtedly contribute to change medical practice with regard to the use of this drugs in the treatment of HF.

O bloqueio dos efeitos adversos do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona (SRAA) tem sido o foco principal no desenvolvimento de drogas para o tratamento de doença cardiovascular nos últimos 30 anos. Os níveis plasmáticos da aldosterona temporariamente diminuem depois de início do tratamento com inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina (IECA) e tem mostrado-se que a aldosterona ter efeitos adversos sobre o sistema cardiovascular independente da angiotensina II. Em duas reuniões consecutivas, 50 líderes de opinião se reuniram para discutir criticamente as evidências atuais. O presente documento reflete o consenso sobre o assunto: "O papel do bloqueio da aldosterona na insuficiência cardíaca crônica". Interesse clínico no bloqueio da aldosterona em pacientes tratados com IECA ou antagonistas do receptor de angiotensina (ARA) foi estimulado pelo estudo RALES (Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study), que demonstrou que o antagonista receptor mineralocorticóide (RMC), espironolactona, reduziu o risco de mortalidade por qualquer causa e hospitalizações por insuficiência cardíaca (IC) em pacientes com IC severa (classe funcional III-IV, NYHA) e fração de ejeção diminuída. Recentemente, o estudo EMPHASIS-HF (Eplerenone in Mild Patients Hospitalization and Survival Study in Heart Failure) demonstrou uma redução significativa na mortalidade e hospitalização por todas as causas em pacientes com IC, com agravamento da função ventricular e com sintomas leves de IC, ampliando o espectro das atuais indicações terapêuticas. Concluindo que as indicações atuais para os bloqueadores de aldosterona são claras para os pacientes com sintomas moderados a severos (classe funcional IIIIV, NYHA) com uma diminuição acentuada da fração de ejeção, apesar do tratamento medicamentoso otimizado. A evidência fornecida pelo estudo EMPHASIS-HF, sem dúvida, contribuirá para uma mudança na prática médica em relação a estes fármacos.

Rol del bloqueo aldosterónico en la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica / Role of aldosterone blockade in chronic heart failure / Papel do bloqueio da aldosterona na insuficiÛncia cardíaca cr¶nica

El bloqueo de los efectos adversos del sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona (SRAA) ha sido un foco importante en el desarrollo de drogas para el tratamiento de la enfermedad cardiovascular en los últimos 30 años. Los niveles plasmáticos de aldosterona disminuyen en forma transitoria luego del inicio del tratamiento con inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (IECA) y se ha demostrado que la aldosterona ejerceefectos adversos sobre el sistema cardiovascular en forma independiente de la angiotensina II. En dos reuniones consecutivas 50 líderes de opinión se reunieron para discutir en forma crítica la evidencia actualmente disponible. El presente documento sintetiza las conclusiones que surgieron por consenso de la mesa: "Rol del bloqueo aldosterónico en la insuficiencia cardíaca crónica". El interés clínico en el bloqueo aldosterónico en pacientes tratados con IECA o antagonistas de los receptores de angiotensina (ARA) fue estimulado por el Estudio RALES (Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study), que demostró que el antagonista de los receptores mineralocorticoides (RMC), espironolactona, redujo el riesgo de mortalidad de toda causa así como de hospitalizaciones por insuficiencia cardíaca (IC), en pacientes con IC severa (clase funcional III-IV, NYHA) y fracción de eyección disminuida. Recientemente, el estudio EMPHASIS-HF (Eplerenone in Mild Patients Hospitalization and Survival Study in Heart Failure) encontró una reducción significativa en la mortalidad y hospitalización de toda causa en los pacientes con IC, con deterioro severo de la función ventricular y síntomas leves de IC, ampliando el espectro de las indicaciones terapéuticas actuales. Concluyendo que las indicaciones actuales para los bloqueantes de la aldosterona son, por lo tanto, claras para los pacientes con síntomas de IC moderados a severos (clase funcional III-IV, NYHA), con una disminución severa de la fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo, a pesar del tratamiento farmacológico óptimo. La evidencia aportada por el estudio EMPHASIS-HF, indudablemente, contribuirá a un cambio en la práctica médica en relación a estos fármacos.(AU)

Blocking the adverse effects of the rennin-angiotensin system has been a major focus of drug development for the treatment of cardiovascular disease over the last 30 years. Plasma aldosterone levels are only transiently decreased suppressed after the initiation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors treatment and has been shown that aldosterone causes adverse effects on the cardiovascular system independent of angiotensin II. In two consecutive meetings, 50 experts critically reviewed the available evidence. The present document reflects the consensus of the subject: "Role of aldosterone blockade in chronic heart failure". Clinical interest in blocking aldosterone in patients treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) was stimulated by the Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study (RALES), which demonstrated that the mineralocorticoid (MC) antagonist spironolactone reduced the risk of all-cause mortality as well as hospitalizations for heart failure (HF) in patients with severe NYHA Class III-IV HF and a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Recently, the Eplerenone in Mild Patients Hospitalization and Survival Study in Heart Failure (EMPHASIS-HF) trial showed a greater reduction of all-cause death and all-cause hospitalizations among patients with heart failure reduced ejection fraction and mild symptoms (NYHA functional class II), thus expanding the spectrum of aldosterone antagonism. Concluding that the current indications for aldosterone blockade are therefore clear for patients with moderate to severe symptoms (NYHA functional class III-IV), who have a decrease LVEF and signs and symptoms of HF despite optimal background treatment. The evidence analyzed in the EMPHASIS-HF trial undoubtedly contribute to change medical practice with regard to the use of this drugs in the treatment of HF.(AU)

O bloqueio dos efeitos adversos do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona (SRAA) tem sido o foco principal no desenvolvimento de drogas para o tratamento de doenþa cardiovascular nos últimos 30 anos. Os níveis plasmáticos da aldosterona temporariamente diminuem depois de início do tratamento com inibidores da enzima conversora da angiotensina (IECA) e tem mostrado-se que a aldosterona ter efeitos adversos sobre o sistema cardiovascular independente da angiotensina II. Em duas reuni§es consecutivas, 50 líderes de opiniÒo se reuniram para discutir criticamente as evidÛncias atuais. O presente documento reflete o consenso sobre o assunto: "O papel do bloqueio da aldosterona na insuficiÛncia cardíaca cr¶nica". Interesse clínico no bloqueio da aldosterona em pacientes tratados com IECA ou antagonistas do receptor de angiotensina (ARA) foi estimulado pelo estudo RALES (Randomized Aldactone Evaluation Study), que demonstrou que o antagonista receptor mineralocorticóide (RMC), espironolactona, reduziu o risco de mortalidade por qualquer causa e hospitalizaþ§es por insuficiÛncia cardíaca (IC) em pacientes com IC severa (classe funcional III-IV, NYHA) e fraþÒo de ejeþÒo diminuída. Recentemente, o estudo EMPHASIS-HF (Eplerenone in Mild Patients Hospitalization and Survival Study in Heart Failure) demonstrou uma reduþÒo significativa na mortalidade e hospitalizaþÒo por todas as causas em pacientes com IC, com agravamento da funþÒo ventricular e com sintomas leves de IC, ampliando o espectro das atuais indicaþ§es terapÛuticas. Concluindo que as indicaþ§es atuais para os bloqueadores de aldosterona sÒo claras para os pacientes com sintomas moderados a severos (classe funcional IIIIV, NYHA) com uma diminuiþÒo acentuada da fraþÒo de ejeþÒo, apesar do tratamento medicamentoso otimizado. A evidÛncia fornecida pelo estudo EMPHASIS-HF, sem dúvida, contribuirá para uma mudanþa na prática médica em relaþÒo a estes fármacos.(AU)

Relación entre el uso previo de aspirina y el valor pronóstico de la proteína C reactiva en síndromes coronarios agudos sin elevación del segmento ST / Prior aspirin use and its relationship with the prognostic value of C-reactive protein in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes

Antecedentes: El valor pronóstico de la proteína C reactiva (PCR) en los síndromes coronarios agudos sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST) es conocido. Existen comunicaciones que indican que el valor predictivo de la PCR desaparece con el uso previo de aspirina. Objetivo: El presente estudio se llevó a cabo con el propósito de valorar la interacción entre el uso previo de aspirina, los niveles de PCR al ingreso y el valor pronóstico de muerte a los 180 días en pacientes con SCASEST. Material y Métodos: Se evaluaron en forma prospectiva y consecutiva 1520 pacientes de los cuales 777 (51,1 por ciento) utilizaron aspirina (AAS+) en el mes previo al ingreso y 743 (48,9 por ciento) no lo hicieron (AAS-). Se realizó dosaje de PCR de alta sensibilidad con un intervalo de 9 ñ 1 horas (mediana ñ intercuartilo) desde el inicio de los síntomas. Los valores se mantuvieron ciegos hasta completar el estudio. La asociación de los valores de PCR al ingreso y el uso previo de aspirina con mortalidad a los 180 días fue realizado por chi cuadrado y regresión logística de Cox. Resultados: Los valores medios de PCR al ingreso fueron 11,04 mg/L en el grupo AAS+ y 9,74 mg/L en el AAS- (p = NS). La tasa global de muerte a los 180 días fue del 5,2 por ciento. La mortalidad con PCR < 3 mg/L fue del 2,8 por ciento y con PCR > 3 mg/L fue del 6,8 por ciento (p = 0.001; OR 2,52 IC 95 por ciento 1,45-4,35). La mortalidad en el grupo AAS- fue del 1,6 por ciento para los pacientes con PCR < 3 mg/L y del 5,7 por ciento para los que tenían PCR > 3 mg/L [OR 3,6 (IC 95 por ciento 1,4-9,7; p = 0,004)]. La mortalidad en el grupo AAS+ fue del 4 por ciento entre los pacientes con PCR < 3 mg/L y del 7,7 por ciento para los pacientes con PCR > 3 mg/L [OR 2,0 (IC 95 por ciento 1,0-4,0; p = 0,048)]. El riesgo asociado con PCR > 3 mg/L es mayor en los pacientes sin uso previo de AAS (OR 3,8 versus 2,0 p < 0,05)

Relación entre el uso previo de aspirina y el valor pronóstico de la proteína C reactiva en síndromes coronarios agudos sin elevación del segmento ST / Prior aspirin use and its relationship with the prognostic value of C-reactive protein in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes

Antecedentes: El valor pronóstico de la proteína C reactiva (PCR) en los síndromes coronarios agudos sin elevación del segmento ST (SCASEST) es conocido. Existen comunicaciones que indican que el valor predictivo de la PCR desaparece con el uso previo de aspirina. Objetivo: El presente estudio se llevó a cabo con el propósito de valorar la interacción entre el uso previo de aspirina, los niveles de PCR al ingreso y el valor pronóstico de muerte a los 180 días en pacientes con SCASEST. Material y Métodos: Se evaluaron en forma prospectiva y consecutiva 1520 pacientes de los cuales 777 (51,1 por ciento) utilizaron aspirina (AAS+) en el mes previo al ingreso y 743 (48,9 por ciento) no lo hicieron (AAS-). Se realizó dosaje de PCR de alta sensibilidad con un intervalo de 9 ñ 1 horas (mediana ñ intercuartilo) desde el inicio de los síntomas. Los valores se mantuvieron ciegos hasta completar el estudio. La asociación de los valores de PCR al ingreso y el uso previo de aspirina con mortalidad a los 180 días fue realizado por chi cuadrado y regresión logística de Cox. Resultados: Los valores medios de PCR al ingreso fueron 11,04 mg/L en el grupo AAS+ y 9,74 mg/L en el AAS- (p = NS). La tasa global de muerte a los 180 días fue del 5,2 por ciento. La mortalidad con PCR < 3 mg/L fue del 2,8 por ciento y con PCR > 3 mg/L fue del 6,8 por ciento (p = 0.001; OR 2,52 IC 95 por ciento 1,45-4,35). La mortalidad en el grupo AAS- fue del 1,6 por ciento para los pacientes con PCR < 3 mg/L y del 5,7 por ciento para los que tenían PCR > 3 mg/L [OR 3,6 (IC 95 por ciento 1,4-9,7; p = 0,004)]. La mortalidad en el grupo AAS+ fue del 4 por ciento entre los pacientes con PCR < 3 mg/L y del 7,7 por ciento para los pacientes con PCR > 3 mg/L [OR 2,0 (IC 95 por ciento 1,0-4,0; p = 0,048)]. El riesgo asociado con PCR > 3 mg/L es mayor en los pacientes sin uso previo de AAS (OR 3,8 versus 2,0 p < 0,05) (AU)

Educación a distancia en cardiología: análisis poblacional de una nueva modalidad educativa / Distance education in Cardiology

La Sociedad Argentina de Cardiología implementó un programa de educación a distancia. El análisis poblacional de los 459 médicos que participaron del mismo durante el primer año evidenció la necesidad de educación médica contínua. El antecedente de residencia médica, al igual que la actividad asistencial, marcaron una metodología hacia el aprendizaje, particularmente en la población más joven del país