Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Biomarkers Responses after Aerobic Training in Heart Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Physical exercise (PE) may improve plasma concentration of interleukin- 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and adiponectin (adpN) in heart transplant (HT) patients. However, no consistent data is available on this population. AIM: Thus, we aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of PE over these pro- and anti-inflammatory biomarkers in HT patients. METHODS: Following the guidelines established by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement, we conducted a systematic literature search in the PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases. Outcomes included IL-6, TNF-alpha, and adpN. Effect size (ES) was calculated using the standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The PE group (aerobic modality) was associated with reduced IL-6 compared to the control group (ES: -0.53; 95% CI: -0.99 to -0.06 pg/mL; P = 0.026). However, the PE group did not show a significant effect on TNF-alpha and adpN levels (ES: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.79 to 0.13; P = 0.16 and ES: -0.20; 95% CI: -0.70 to 0.30 pg/mL; P = 0.444, respectively). CONCLUSION: PE is associated with IL-6 reductions, although TNF alpha and adpN did not change after this intervention in HT patients. Therefore, PE is an effective intervention to downregulate IL-6 in post-HT patients.

Imaging associations enhance the understanding of ECG abnormalities in male Brazilian football players: findings from the B-Pro Foot ECG study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of abnormal ECG findings and their association with imaging results in male Brazilian football players. METHODS: The 'B-Pro Foot ECG' is a multicentre observational study conducted in 82 Brazilian professional clubs. It analysed 6125 players aged 15-35 years (2496 white, 2004 mixed-race and 1625 black individuals) who underwent cardiovascular screening from 2002 to 2023. All ECGs were reviewed by two experienced cardiologists in the athlete's care. Those with abnormal findings underwent further investigations, including a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was subsequently performed based on TTE findings or clinical suspicion. RESULTS: In total, 180 (3%) players had abnormal ECGs and 176 (98%) showed normal TTE results. Athletes aged 26-35 years had a higher prevalence of abnormal ECGs than younger athletes (15-25 years). Black players had a higher prevalence of T-wave inversion (TWI) in the inferior leads than white players (2.6% vs 1.4%; p=0.005), as well as in V5 (2.9%) and V6 (2.1%) compared with white (1.2% and 1.0%; p<0.001) and mixed-race (1.5% and 1.2%; p<0.05) players, respectively. TTE parameters were similar across ethnicities. However, four out of 75 players with inferolateral TWI showed abnormal TTEs and CMR findings consistent with cardiomyopathies. CMR also showed cardiomyopathies or myocarditis in four players with inferolateral TWI and normal TTEs. In total, nine (0.1%) athletes were diagnosed with cardiac diseases and were followed for 40±30 months, with no cardiac events documented. CONCLUSION: This study found a 3% prevalence of abnormal ECGs in male Brazilian football players. Inferolateral TWI was associated with cardiac pathologies confirmed by CMR, even in athletes with a normal TTE.

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). 

Avaliação Cardiodinâmica Não Invasiva por Cardiografia de Impedância durante o Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca / Non-Invasive Assessment of Cardiodynamics by Impedance Cardiography during the Six-Minute Walk Test in Patients with Heart Failure

Resumo Fundamento O Teste de Caminhada de seis Minutos (TC6M) é comumente usado para avaliar pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. No entanto, vários fatores clínicos podem influenciar a distância percorrida pelos pacientes no teste. A cardiografia de impedância (CI) na avaliação morfológica é uma ferramenta útil para avaliar a hemodinâmica cardíaca de maneira não invasiva. Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar as respostas de aceleração e desaceleração do Débito Cardíaco (DC), da Frequência Cardíaca (FC), e do Volume Sistólico (VS) ao TC6M de indivíduos com insuficiência cardíaca e fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) com as de controles sadios. Métodos Este é um estudo transversal observacional. O DC, a FC, o VS e o Índice Cardíaco (IC) foram avaliados antes, durante e após o TC6M por CI. O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi 5%. Resultados Foram incluídos 27 participantes (13 com ICFEr e 14 controles sadios). A aceleração do DC e da FC foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos (p<0,01 e p=0,039, respectivamente). Encontramos diferenças significativas no VS, no DC e no IC entre os grupos (p<0,01). A regressão linear mostrou uma contribuição deficiente do VS à mudança no DC no grupo com ICFEr (22,9% versus 57,4%). Conclusão O principal resultado deste estudo foi o fato de que indivíduos com ICFEr apresentaram valores mais baixos de aceleração do DC e da FC durante o teste de exercício submáximo em comparação a controles sadios. Isso pode indicar um desequilíbrio na resposta autonômica ao exercício nessa condição.

Abstract Background The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is commonly used to evaluate heart failure (HF) patients. However, several clinical factors can influence the distance walked in the test. Signal-morphology impedance cardiography (SM-ICG) is a useful tool to noninvasively assess hemodynamics. Objective This study aimed to compare cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), and stroke volume (SV) acceleration and deceleration responses to 6MWT in individuals with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and healthy controls. Methods This is a cross-sectional observational study. CO, HR, SV and cardiac index (CI) were evaluated before, during, and after the 6MWT assessed by SM-ICG. The level of significance adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. Results Twenty-seven participants were included (13 HFrEF and 14 healthy controls). CO and HR acceleration significantly differed between groups (p<0.01; p=0.039, respectively). We found significant differences in SV, CO and CI between groups (p<0.01). Linear regression showed an impaired SV contribution to CO change in HFrEF group (22.9% versus 57.4%). Conclusion The main finding of the study was that individuals with HFrEF showed lower CO and HR acceleration values during the submaximal exercise test compared to healthy controls. This may indicate an imbalance in the autonomic response to exercise in this condition.

Effects of aerobic and combined training on pain-free walking distance and health-related quality of life in patients with peripheral artery disease: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Decreased walking ability in patients with peripheral arterial disease is often a clinical problem and limits the quality of life and daily activities of these subjects. physical exercise is important in this scenario, as it improves both the daily walking distance and the ability to withstand intermittent claudication related to the limitations of the peripheral disease. Objectives: Our aim was to compare the effects of two types of exercise training (aerobic training and aerobic training combined with resistance exercises) on pain-free walking distance (PFWD) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a sample composed of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods: Twenty patients with claudication symptoms were randomized to either aerobic control (AC) N= 9, or combined training (CT) N= 8, (24 sixty-minute sessions, twice a week). The total walking distance until onset of pain due to claudication was assessed using the 6-minute walk test and HRQoL was measured using the WHOQOL-bref questionnaire (general and specific domains) at baseline and after training. We used generalized estimating equations (GEE) to assess the differences between groups for the PFWD and HRQoL domains, testing the main group and time effects and their respective interaction effects. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Seventeen patients (mean age 63±9 years; 53% male) completed the study. Both groups experienced improvement in claudication, as reflected by a significant increase in PFWD: AC, 149 m to 299 m (P<0.001); CT, 156 m to 253 m (P<0.001). HRQoL domains also improved similarly in both groups (physical capacity, psychological aspects, and self-reported quality of life; P=0.001, P=0.003, and P=0.011 respectively). Conclusions: Both aerobic and combined training similarly improved PFWD and HRQoL in PAD patients. There are no advantages in adding strength training to conventional aerobic training. This study does not support the conclusion that combined training is a good strategy for these patients when compared with classic training.

Contexto: A diminuição da capacidade de marcha em pacientes com doença arterial periférica é frequentemente um problema clínico e limita a qualidade de vida e as atividades diárias desses indivíduos. O exercício físico é importante nesse cenário, pois melhora tanto a distância caminhada diária quanto a capacidade de suportar a claudicação intermitente relacionada às limitações da doença periférica. Objetivos: Comparar os efeitos do treinamento aeróbico (TA) e do treinamento aeróbico combinado com exercícios de resistência (TC) na distância percorrida livre de dor (DPLD) e na qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) em pacientes com doença arterial periférica (DAP). Métodos: Vinte pacientes com sintomas de claudicação foram randomizados para TA ou TC. Os treinamentos foram realizados em 24 sessões, duas vezes por semana. A DPLD foi avaliada por meio do teste de caminhada de 6 minutos, e a QVRS foi medida pelo instrumento da avaliação de qualidade de vida da Organização Mundial da Saúde (WHOQOL-BREF), no início e após o treinamento. Para avaliar as diferenças entre os grupos para DPLD e os domínios da QVRS, foi utilizado o modelo de equações de estimativa generalizada, testando os efeitos principais do grupo e tempo, bem como os respectivos efeitos de interação. Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados: Dezessete pacientes (idade média: 63±9 anos; 53% do sexo masculino) completaram o estudo. Ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora na claudicação, refletida por um aumento significativo na DPLD: grupo controle aeróbico - de 149 m para 299 m (P < 0,001); grupo de treinamento combinado - de 156 m para 253 m (P < 0,001). Os domínios da QVRS também melhoraram de forma semelhante em ambos os grupos (capacidade física, aspectos psicológicos e qualidade de vida autorreferida; P = 0,001, P = 0,003 e P = 0,011, respectivamente). Conclusões: Ambos os treinamentos melhoraram de forma semelhante a DPLD e a QVRS em pacientes com DAP. Não há vantagens em associar o treinamento de força ao treinamento aeróbico convencional. O estudo não permite concluir que o TC é uma boa estratégia para esses pacientes quando comparado ao treinamento clássico.

Aortic pulse wave comparison between controls and triathletes in baseline conditions and in response to acute maximum exercise.

To determine the effects of intense training on aortic pulse wave variables and hemodynamic parameters at baseline and at recovery from maximal exercise testing (MaxET) in triathletes compared with sedentary individuals. In this prospective and experimental study, 21 triathletes and 21 sedentary individuals were recruited and evaluated prior and two minutes after the MaxET using the Mobil-O-Graph®, which estimates the aortic pulse wave from the brachial artery pressure. The augmentation index (AIx@75) was lower in triathletes after the MaxET compared to control group (16.34 ± 5.95 vs. 23.5 ± 8.53%, p = 0.001), while the pulse wave velocity (PWV) was similar between groups. The heart rate was significantly lower at baseline and after MaxET in triathletes group (55.70 ± 8.95 bpm 91.49 ± 11.39 bpm) compared with control group (62.11 ± 6.70 bpm; 102.08 ± 10.85 bpm). The stroke volume was significantly higher at baseline (96.08 ± 13.96 ml; 86.17 ± 11.24 ml) and after MaxET in triathletes group (69.15 ± 6.51 ml, 58.38 ± 6.99 ml) compared with control group. Triathetes show lower value of AIx@75 after MaxET in comparison with the control group. AIx@75, in addition to being an indirect measure of arterial stiffness, is also a measure of left ventricular afterload. Thus, the lower AIx@75 in triathletes may be due to their lower left ventricular afterload, lower myocardial oxygen demand, and greater coronary perfusion than sedentary individuals. The hemodynamic changes observed in triathletes at rest and during an acute exercise bout are distinctive characteristics of aerobic physical training.

Prevalence and diagnostic significance of de-novo 12-lead ECG changes after COVID-19 infection in elite soccer players.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The efficacy of pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 infection 12-lead ECGs for identifying athletes with myopericarditis has never been reported. We aimed to assess the prevalence and significance of de-novo ECG changes following COVID-19 infection. METHODS: In this multicentre observational study, between March 2020 and May 2022, we evaluated consecutive athletes with COVID-19 infection. Athletes exhibiting de-novo ECG changes underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) scans. One club mandated CMR scans for all players (n=30) following COVID-19 infection, despite the absence of cardiac symptoms or de-novo ECG changes. RESULTS: 511 soccer players (median age 21 years, IQR 18-26 years) were included. 17 (3%) athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes, which included reduction in T-wave amplitude in the inferior and lateral leads (n=5), inferior leads (n=4) and lateral leads (n=4); inferior T-wave inversion (n=7); and ST-segment depression (n=2). 15 (88%) athletes with de-novo ECG changes revealed evidence of inflammatory cardiac sequelae. All 30 athletes who underwent a mandatory CMR scan had normal findings. Athletes revealing de-novo ECG changes had a higher prevalence of cardiac symptoms (71% vs 12%, p<0.0001) and longer median symptom duration (5 days, IQR 3-10) compared with athletes without de-novo ECG changes (2 days, IQR 1-3, p<0.001). Among athletes without cardiac symptoms, the additional yield of de-novo ECG changes to detect cardiac inflammation was 20%. CONCLUSIONS: 3% of athletes demonstrated de-novo ECG changes post COVID-19 infection, of which 88% were diagnosed with cardiac inflammation. Most affected athletes exhibited cardiac symptoms; however, de-novo ECG changes contributed to a diagnosis of cardiac inflammation in 20% of athletes without cardiac symptoms.

Efficacy of six exercise-based interventions for individuals undergoing hemodialysis: a network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Evidence comparing different exercise modalities in individuals undergoing hemodialysis remains incipient. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to compare and synthesize the efficacy of five different intradialytic exercise modalities and home-based training in this population. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND MEASUREMENTS: Studies were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Cinahl, and Scopus from their inception to 19 September 2022. We used traditional random-effects models and Bayesian network meta-analysis models. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB v.2.0 tool, and the assessment of confidence in the results through the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis (CINeMA) tool. RESULTS: Seventy-eight studies involving 3326 participants were included. Our network meta-analysis showed that combined training was the intervention with the best performance to increase VO2 peak [mean difference (MD) = 3.94 ml/kg/min; 95% credible interval (CrI), 2.38 to 5.76] and to reduce diastolic blood pressure (MD = -5.19 mmHg; 95%CrI, -9.35 to -0.96) compared to the usual care group. Inspiratory muscle training was the intervention that most improved the 6-minute walk test distance (MD = 70.97 m; 95%CrI, 18.09 to 129.87). C-reactive protein decreased in resistance training (MD = -2.6 mg/l; 95%CrI, -4.97 to -0.33) and aerobic training (MD = -1.4 mg/l; 95%CrI, -3.15 to -0.06). Kt/V improved in aerobic training (MD = 0.11; 95%CrI, 0.02 to 0.18), and SF-36 physical functioning outcomes improved in resistance training (MD = 10.66 points; 95%Crl, 1.91 to 20.22). No intradialytic exercise modality was superior to others or comparable with home-based training in improving the evaluated outcomes. Subgroup analysis revealed that exercise interventions >12 weeks improved functional capacity more than interventions ≤12 weeks, and that combined training reduces diastolic blood pressure only after 12 weeks of follow-up. Furthermore, our results suggest that moderate or moderate-to-vigorous intensity training leads to more pronounced improvements in functional capacity, whereas mild or mild-to-moderate intensity training does not have the same effect. In this review, most of the included studies were assessed as having some concern, which resulted in a low to very low level of confidence in the overall findings. CONCLUSIONS: Both intradialytic training and home-based training can promote benefits for individuals undergoing hemodialysis, with no evidence of the superiority of either training modality over the other.

Spirituality, Functional Gain, and Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation. / Espiritualidade, Ganho Funcional e Qualidade de Vida em Reabilitação Cardiovascular.

BACKGROUND: Religiosity and spirituality have been associated with higher recovery rates, greater adherence to treatments, and better levels of quality of life in patients with heart disease. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between spirituality, functional gain, and improved quality of life in patients in a cardiovascular rehabilitation program. METHODS: This prospective cohort study evaluated the association between functional and quality of life gains during a cardiovascular rehabilitation program and a religiosity/spirituality index based on a validated scale. Depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were screened for control purposes. P values < 0.05 were considered significant for all analyses. RESULTS: The study followed 57 patients (66 ± 12 years old; 71.7% male; 76% with coronary artery disease). The Spearman correlation coefficient did not show any associations between increases in functional capacity and organizational (rs = 0.110; p = 0.421), non-organizational (rs = -0.007; p = 0.421), or intrinsic (rs = -0.083; p = 0.543) religiosity. Furthermore, no associations were detected between the results of a quality of life score and organizational (rs = 0.22; p = 0.871), non-organizational (rs = 0.191; p = 0.159), or intrinsic (rs = 0.108; p = 0.429) religiosity. CONCLUSION: No association was detected between functional and quality of life gains and organizational, non-organizational, or intrinsic religiosity in this sample of patients undergoing cardiovascular rehabilitation.

FUNDAMENTO: Religiosidade e espiritualidade têm sido associadas a maiores taxas de recuperação, maior adesão a tratamentos e melhores níveis de qualidade de vida em pacientes cardiopatas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a associação entre espiritualidade, ganho funcional e melhoria de qualidade de vida em pacientes de um programa de reabilitação cardiovascular. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte prospectiva, no qual foi avaliada a associação entre os ganhos funcional e em qualidade de vida obtidos durante um programa de reabilitação cardiovascular e o índice de religiosidade/espiritualidade a partir de escala validada. Sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse foram rastreados, para fins de controle. Um p < 0,05 foi adotado como padrão significante para todas as análises. RESULTADOS: Foram acompanhados 57 pacientes (66 ± 12 anos; 71,7% masculinos, 76% com doença arterial coronariana). O cálculo do coeficiente de correlação de Spearman não evidenciou associações entre incrementos na capacidade funcional e religiosidade organizacional (rs = 0,110; p = 0,421), não organizacional (rs = −0,007; p = 0,421) ou intrínseca (rs = −0,083; p = 0,543). Também não foram detectadas associações entre os resultados de um escore de qualidade de vida e religiosidade organizacional (rs = 0,22; p = 0,871), não organizacional (rs = 0,191; p = 0,159) ou intrínseca (rs = 0,108; p = 0,429). CONCLUSÃO: Não foi detectada associação entre ganho funcional ou em qualidade de vida e religiosidade organizacional, não organizacional ou intrínseca, nesta amostra de pacientes em reabilitação cardiovascular.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in Post-COVID-19 Patients: Where Does Exercise Intolerance Come From? / Teste Cardiopulmonar em Pacientes Pós-COVID-19: De Onde vem a Intolerância ao Exercício?

BACKGROUND: Post-COVID-19 exercise intolerance is poorly understood. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can identify the underlying exercise limitations. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the source and magnitude of exercise intolerance in post-COVID-19 subjects. METHODS: Cohort study assessing subjects with different COVID-19 illness severities and a control group selected by propensity score matching. In a selected sample with CPET prior to viral infection, before and after comparisons were performed. Level of significance was 5% in the entire analysis. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four subjects with COVID-19 were assessed (median age: 43.0 years, 57% male), with different illness severities (60% mild, 21% moderate, 19% severe). CPET was performed 11.5 (7.0, 21.2) weeks after disease onset, with exercise limitations being attributed to the peripheral muscle (92%), and the pulmonary (6%), and cardiovascular (2%) systems. Lower median percent-predicted peak oxygen uptake was observed in the severe subgroup (72.2%) as compared to the controls (91.6%). Oxygen uptake differed among illness severities and controls at peak and ventilatory thresholds. Conversely, ventilatory equivalents, oxygen uptake efficiency slope, and peak oxygen pulse were similar. Subgroup analysis of 42 subjects with prior CPET revealed significant reduction in only peak treadmill speed in the mild subgroup and in oxygen uptake at peak and ventilatory thresholds in the moderate/severe subgroup. By contrast, ventilatory equivalents, oxygen uptake efficiency slope, and peak oxygen pulse did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral muscle fatigue was the most common exercise limitation etiology in post-COVID-19 patients regardless of the illness severity. Data suggest that treatment should emphasize comprehensive rehabilitation programs, including aerobic and muscle strengthening components.

FUNDAMENTO: A intolerância ao exercício pós-COVID-19 não é bem entendida. O teste de esforço cardiopulmonar (TECP) pode identificar as limitações ao exercício subjacentes. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a etiologia e a magnitude da intolerância ao exercício em sujeitos pós-COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte que avaliou sujeitos com níveis de gravidades diferentes da doença COVID-19 e um grupo de controle selecionado por pareamento por escores de propensão. Em uma amostra seleta com TECP anterior à infecção viral disponível, foram realizadas comparações antes e depois. O nível de significância foi de 5% em toda a análise. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados cento e quarenta e dois sujeitos com COVID-19 (idade mediana: 43 anos, 57% do sexo masculino), com níveis de gravidade de doença diferentes (60% leve, 21% moderada, 19% grave). O TECP foi realizado 11,5 (7,0, 21,2) semanas após o aparecimento da doença, com as limitações ao exercício sendo atribuídas aos sistemas muscular periférico (92%), pulmonar (6%), e cardiovascular (2%). Menor valor mediano do consumo de oxigênio pico percentual foi observado no subgrupo com níveis graves de doença (72,2%) em comparação com os controles (91,6%). O consumo de oxigênio foi diferente entre os grupos com diferentes níveis de gravidade de doença e o controle no pico e nos limiares ventilatórios. Inversamente, os equivalentes ventilatórios, a inclinação da eficiência do consumo de oxigênio, e o pico do pulso de oxigênio foram semelhantes. A análise do subgrupo de 42 sujeitos com TECP prévio revelou uma redução significativa no pico de velocidade da esteira no subgrupo com nível leve de doença, e no consumo de oxigênio no pico e nos limiares ventilatórios nos subgrupos com níveis moderado/grave. Por outro lado, os equivalentes ventilatórios, a inclinação da eficiência do consumo de oxigênio e o pico do pulso de oxigênio não apresentaram alterações significativas. CONCLUSÕES: A fadiga do músculo periférico foi a etiologia de limitação de exercício mais comum em pacientes pós-COVID-19 independentemente da gravidade da doença. Os dados sugerem que o tratamento deve enfatizar programas de reabilitação abrangentes, incluindo componentes aeróbicos e de fortalecimento muscular.

Functional assessment based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing in mild heart failure: A multicentre study.

AIMS: In this multicentre study, we compared cardio-pulmonary exercise test (CPET) parameters between heart failure (HF) patients classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I and II to assess NYHA performance and prognostic role in mild HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included consecutive HF patients in NYHA class I or II who underwent CPET in three Brazilian centres. We analysed the overlap between kernel density estimations for the per cent-predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO2 ), minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2 ) slope, and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) by NYHA class. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess the capacity of per cent-predicted peak VO2 to discriminate between NYHA class I and II. For prognostication, time to all-cause death was used to produce Kaplan-Meier estimates. Of 688 patients included in this study, 42% were classified as NYHA I and 58% as NYHA II, 55% were men, and mean age was 56 years. Median global per cent-predicted peak VO2 was 66.8% (IQR 56-80), VE/VCO2 slope was 36.9 (31.6-43.3), and mean OUES was 1.51 (±0.59). Kernel density overlap between NYHA class I and II was 86% for per cent-predicted peak VO2 , 89% for VE/VCO2 slope, and 84% for OUES. Receiving-operating curve analysis showed a significant, albeit limited performance of per cent-predicted peak VO2 alone to discriminate between NYHA class I vs. II (AUC 0.55, 95% CI 0.51-0.59, P = 0.005). Model accuracy for probability of being classified as NYHA class I (vs. NYHA class II) across the spectrum of the per cent-predicted peak VO2 was limited, with an absolute probability increment of 13% when per cent-predicted peak VO2 increased from 50% to 100%. Overall mortality in NYHA class I and II was not significantly different (P = 0.41), whereas NYHA class III patients displayed a distinctively higher death rate (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chronic HF classified as NYHA I overlapped substantially with those classified as NYHA II in objective physiological measures and prognosis. NYHA classification may represent a poor discriminator of cardiopulmonary capacity in patients with mild HF.

Effects of intradialytic inspiratory muscle training at different intensities on diaphragm thickness and functional capacity: clinical trial protocol in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing haemodialysis (HD) commonly present with a sedentary behaviour and reduced functional capacity, factors that can compromise their prognosis. Intradialytic inspiratory muscle training (IMT) can increase respiratory muscle strength and, consequently, improve functional capacity, besides being easy to apply, cheap and performed in a supervised setting. However, few studies show the effects of this type of training applied at different intensities in this population. This study aims to compare the effects of IMT at different intensities in adults with ESRD undergoing HD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled trial will be conducted on 36 subjects randomly allocated into three groups: IMT at intensities of 30% or 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure (intervention groups), or 10% of maximal inspiratory pressure (sham-IMT). All the interventions will be supervised and performed three times per week, for 12 weeks, totalling 36 sessions. The primary outcomes are the 6-minute walk test, diaphragm thickness and the response of VO2peak post-intervention. Respiratory muscle strength, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement and the Kidney Disease Quality of Life 36-item short form survey will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (ID: 2020-0458). The results of this study will be disseminated by conference presentations and peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04660383.

Prognostic value of right ventricular strain and peak oxygen consumption in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

Our purpose is to evaluate the combined predictive value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and echocardiographic evidence of left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) strain in predicting mortality and heart transplant (HTx) in a series of outpatients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). A retrospective cohort study of 66 patients with HFrEF (median age, 57 years; 51% women) who underwent CPET and echocardiography (up to 90 days apart) to assess prognosis. The primary outcome was a composite of death and need for HTx. At a median follow-up of 27 [20-39] months, 19 patients (29%) experienced the primary outcome. In unadjusted analysis, most echocardiographic and CPET parameters were associated with the primary outcome, including percentage of predicted peak oxygen consumption (ppVO2), VE/VCO2 slope, LV ejection fraction, and LV and RV longitudinal strain. After adjusting for other clinical, echocardiographic and CPET variables, RV free wall longitudinal strain and ppVO2 remained significantly associated with the primary outcome. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for death and HTx, based on the best cutoff values, showed lower survival rates in patients with impairment in both ppVO2 and RV FW-LS than in those with one or neither parameter impaired (p < 0.001). RV dysfunction and low cardiorespiratory fitness were independent markers of death and need for HTx. Impairment of both ppVO2 and RV FW-LS had a strong additive impact on prognostic assessment in this cohort of patients with HFrEF.

Non-Invasive Assessment of Cardiodynamics by Impedance Cardiography during the Six-Minute Walk Test in Patients with Heart Failure. / Avaliação Cardiodinâmica Não Invasiva por Cardiografia de Impedância durante o Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca.

BACKGROUND: Central Illustration: Non-Invasive Assessment of Cardiodynamics by Impedance Cardiography during the Six-Minute Walk Test in Patients with Heart Failure. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) is commonly used to evaluate heart failure (HF) patients. However, several clinical factors can influence the distance walked in the test. Signal-morphology impedance cardiography (SM-ICG) is a useful tool to noninvasively assess hemodynamics. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare cardiac output (CO), heart rate (HR), and stroke volume (SV) acceleration and deceleration responses to 6MWT in individuals with HF and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and healthy controls. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study. CO, HR, SV and cardiac index (CI) were evaluated before, during, and after the 6MWT assessed by SM-ICG. The level of significance adopted in the statistical analysis was 5%. RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants were included (13 HFrEF and 14 healthy controls). CO and HR acceleration significantly differed between groups (p<0.01; p=0.039, respectively). We found significant differences in SV, CO and CI between groups (p<0.01). Linear regression showed an impaired SV contribution to CO change in HFrEF group (22.9% versus 57.4%). CONCLUSION: The main finding of the study was that individuals with HFrEF showed lower CO and HR acceleration values during the submaximal exercise test compared to healthy controls. This may indicate an imbalance in the autonomic response to exercise in this condition.

FUNDAMENTO: Figura Central: Avaliação Cardiodinâmica Não Invasiva por Cardiografia de Impedância durante o Teste de Caminhada de Seis Minutos em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca. O Teste de Caminhada de seis Minutos (TC6M) é comumente usado para avaliar pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca. No entanto, vários fatores clínicos podem influenciar a distância percorrida pelos pacientes no teste. A cardiografia de impedância (CI) na avaliação morfológica é uma ferramenta útil para avaliar a hemodinâmica cardíaca de maneira não invasiva. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar as respostas de aceleração e desaceleração do Débito Cardíaco (DC), da Frequência Cardíaca (FC), e do Volume Sistólico (VS) ao TC6M de indivíduos com insuficiência cardíaca e fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFEr) com as de controles sadios. MÉTODOS: Este é um estudo transversal observacional. O DC, a FC, o VS e o Índice Cardíaco (IC) foram avaliados antes, durante e após o TC6M por CI. O nível de significância adotado na análise estatística foi 5%. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 27 participantes (13 com ICFEr e 14 controles sadios). A aceleração do DC e da FC foi significativamente diferente entre os grupos (p<0,01 e p=0,039, respectivamente). Encontramos diferenças significativas no VS, no DC e no IC entre os grupos (p<0,01). A regressão linear mostrou uma contribuição deficiente do VS à mudança no DC no grupo com ICFEr (22,9% versus 57,4%). CONCLUSÃO: O principal resultado deste estudo foi o fato de que indivíduos com ICFEr apresentaram valores mais baixos de aceleração do DC e da FC durante o teste de exercício submáximo em comparação a controles sadios. Isso pode indicar um desequilíbrio na resposta autonômica ao exercício nessa condição.