Forty years of a Postgraduate Program in Cardiology at a Brazilian public university: indicators of its graduates.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the profile of graduates of the Postgraduate Program (PGP) in Cardiology of a public federal university, according to sociodemographic factors and professional trajectory. METHODS: The variables were collected from databases from the observed institution and digital platforms. The analysis of differences between the various levels of degrees was carried out in three cohorts: the entire historical series (graduates from 1978-2021), the first 20 years (1978-1997) and the second 20 years (1998-2018). RESULTS: The results demonstrated that most students from the PGP completed a PhD and are men over 30 years old, they came from public universities and the Southeast region. In the first 20 years, significant differences were observed in the distribution of masters and doctors working professionally at the institution analyzed, as well as in the age of the students. In the 20 years of the second half, there were differences between masters and PhD working professionally in the institution itself, as they came from private universities, they are women and PhD. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in the profile of masters and PhD that graduated from this PGP in cardiology reflect transformations that occurred in the job market and academy over the decades.

Improvement Science Increases Routine Lipid Screening in General Pediatric Cardiology.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of patient education, physician counseling, and point-of-care (POC) testing on improving adherence to lipid screening national guidelines in a general pediatric cardiology practice (2017-2023). STUDY DESIGN: Regional primary care providers were surveyed regarding lipid screening practices. Key drivers were categorized (physician, patient, and system) with corresponding interventions. Pediatric cardiologists started offering lipid screening during regular visits by providing families with preventive cardiovascular education materials and lab phlebotomy testing. System redesign included educational posters, clinical intake protocol, physician counseling, electronic health record integration, and POC testing. Run charts and statistical process control charts measured screening rates and key processes. RESULTS: The primary care survey response rate was 32% (95/294); 97% supported pediatric cardiologists conducting routine lipid screening. Pediatric cardiology mean baseline lipid screening rate was 0%, increased to 7% with patient education, and to 61% after system redesign including POC testing. Screening rates among 1467 patients were similar across age groups (P = .98). More patients received lipid screening by POC (91.7%) compared with phlebotomy (8.3%). Lipid abnormalities detected did not differ by screening methodology (P = .49). CONCLUSION: Patient education, counseling, and POC testing improved adherence to national lipid screening guidelines, providing a possible model for primary care implementation.

[Characteristics of cardiologist training in Latin America: a survey of the Interamerican Society of Cardiology]. / Características de la formación de los cardiólogos en América Latina: una encuesta de la Sociedad Interamericana de Cardiología.

Objectives: Describe the characteristics of the different cardiology medical residencies in Latin America. Method: Cross-sectional study that aims to evaluate the characteristics of cardiology residencies in Spanish-speaking countries of Latin America, through self-administered electronic surveys. Results: Three hundred seven residents of 147 residences were surveyed. Mean age was 31 years and 63% were male. Ninety eight percent carry out their training in the capital city. The average total training time is 4.8 years. Forty four percent complete their residency in internal medicine prior to starting cardiology, and 10% have no prior training. In cardiology training is 3 years in most countries. Fifty four percent present academic activities every day and 16% only once or less, consisting of theoretical classes (93%), clinical cases (85%), bibliographic workshops (69%), and writing scientific papers (68%). Supervision is carried out by the chief resident (45%), resident coordinator (44%), resident instructor (27%) or the department head (54%), while 2.6% do not present supervision. The main rotations were echocardiography (99%), hemodynamics (96%), coronary unit (93%), and electrophysiology (92%). Residents highlighted the need to improve academic activities (23%) and scientific production (12%). Conclusions: There are important differences in the academic and practical training between the residences of the different countries of America.

Objetivos: Describir las características de las diferentes residencias médicas de cardiología de Latinoamérica. Método: Estudio de corte transversal que tiene como objetivo evaluar las características de las residencias de cardiología en países hispanohablantes de América Latina, mediante encuestas electrónicas autoadministradas. Resultados: Se encuestó a 307 residentes de 147 residencias. La mediana de edad fue 31 años y el 63% era de sexo masculino. El 98% realiza su formación en la ciudad capital. El tiempo de formación total promedio es de 4.8 años. El 44% realiza la residencia completa en medicina interna previo al inicio de cardiología, y el 10% no tiene formación previa. En cardiología la formación es de tres años en la mayoría de los países. El 54% presenta actividades académicas todos los días y el 16% solo una vez o menos, consistente en clases teóricas (93%), casos clínicos (85%), ateneos bibliográficos (69%) y redacción de trabajos científicos (68%). La supervisión es realizada por el jefe de residentes (45%), coordinador de residentes (44%), instructor de residentes (27%) o el jefe de servicio (54%), mientras que el 2.6% no presenta supervisión. Las rotaciones principales fueron ecocardiografía (99%), hemodinamia (96%), unidad coronaria (93%) y electrofisiología (92%). El 23% resaltó la necesidad de mejorar las actividades académicas y 12% la producción científica. Conclusiones: Existen importantes diferencias en la formación académica y práctica entre las residencias de los diferentes países de América.

Ablação septal por radiofrequência na cardiomiopatia hipertrófica obstrutiva: a troponina é bom marcador de sucesso terapêutico? / Radiofrequency septal ablation in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: is troponin a good marker of therapeutic success?

NTRODUÇÃO: A terapia de redução septal na Cardiomiopatia Hipertrófica Obstrutiva (CMHO) é indicada quando há sintomas refratários à terapêutica otimizada. Dentre estas terapias, recentemente foi proposta a ablação septal por radiofrequência (RF) com cateteres utilizados na eletrofisiologia para ablação de arritmias atriais e ventriculares. A ablação por RF é realizada com auxílio de ecocardiograma transesofágico com melhor controle da área abordada e redução do risco de lesões ao sistema de condução. Este trabalho tem como intuito apresentar uma série de casos de pacientes com CMHO que foram abordados por meio de ablação septal por RF, avaliando-se se a elevação dos níveis séricos de troponina, se correlacionam com a redução do gradiente intraoperatório e sucesso terapêutico. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional, do tipo coorte histórica por análise de prontuário. As variáveis foram descritas por estatísticas de posição e escala para variáveis contínuas e frequências absolutas e relativas para variáveis categóricas (ou categorizadas). As análises foram realizadas com auxílio do software R (R Core Team, 2022). E os testes de hipótese utilizarão nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Analisaram-se 36 pacientes, sendo 18 (50%) do sexo masculinos. A troponina foi dosada no pré-operatório e no pós-operatório imediato, porém foi realizada usando tipos diferentes entre os pacientes, seguindo descrita como número de vezes acima do valor de referência. Observou-se uma elevação acima dos valores de referência em 83,3% dos pacientes analisados, e antes do procedimento, dois pacientes já apresentavam troponina acima do valor de referência, e se mantiveram acima após. Também se observou uma redução do GVSVE no intraoperatório de 38.3mmHg [30.7 a 45.8] com p<0,01.O gráfico 1 apresenta a relação do logaritmo do número de vezes da troponina acima do valor de referência contra o gradiente máximo pós-procedimento e das respectivas diferenças em relação ao valor de base (pré-procedimento). A correlação de Spearman foi respectivamente 0,47 (p = 0,065), não evidenciando uma correlação entre os achados. Gráfico 1. Dispersão do logaritmo diferença do número de vezes da troponina acima do valor de referência contra a redução gradiente máximo pós-procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar dos valores de troponina estarem maiores pós procedimento, concluímos que a troponina não deve ser usada como marcador de sucesso terapêutico.

Advanced cell and gene therapies in cardiology.

We review the evidence for the presence of stem/progenitor cells in the heart and the preclinical and clinical data using diverse cell types for the therapy of cardiac diseases. We highlight the failure of adult stem/progenitor cells to ameliorate heart function in most cardiac diseases, with the possible exception of refractory angina. The use of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes is analysed as a viable alternative therapeutic option but still needs further research at preclinical and clinical stages. We also discuss the use of direct reprogramming of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes and the use of extracellular vesicles as therapeutic agents in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiac diseases. Finally, gene therapies and genome editing for the treatment of hereditary cardiac diseases, ablation of genes responsible for atherosclerotic disease, or modulation of gene expression in the heart are discussed.

Combination of Tele-Cardiology Tools for Cardiovascular Risk Stratification in Primary Care: Data from the PROVAR+ Study. / Combinação de Ferramentas de Telecardiologia para Estratificação de Risco Cardiovascular na Atenção Primária: Dados do Estudo PROVAR.

BACKGROUND: Tele-cardiology tools are valuable strategies to improve risk stratification. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of tele-electrocardiography (ECG) to predict abnormalities in screening echocardiography (echo) in primary care (PC). METHODS: In 17 months, 6 health providers at 16 PC units were trained on simplified handheld echo protocols. Tele-ECGs were recorded for final diagnosis by a cardiologist. Consented patients with major ECG abnormalities by the Minnesota code, and a 1:5 sample of normal individuals underwent clinical questionnaire and screening echo interpreted remotely. Major heart disease was defined as moderate/severe valve disease, ventricular dysfunction/hypertrophy, pericardial effusion, or wall-motion abnormalities. Association between major ECG and echo abnormalities was assessed by logistic regression as follows: 1) unadjusted model; 2) model 1 adjusted for age/sex; 3) model 2 plus risk factors (hypertension/diabetes); 4) model 3 plus history of cardiovascular disease (Chagas/rheumatic heart disease/ischemic heart disease/stroke/heart failure). P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: A total 1,411 patients underwent echo; 1,149 (81%) had major ECG abnormalities. Median age was 67 (IQR 60 to 74) years, and 51.4% were male. Major ECG abnormalities were associated with a 2.4-fold chance of major heart disease on echo in bivariate analysis (OR = 2.42 [95% CI 1.76 to 3.39]), and remained significant after adjustments in models (p < 0.001) 2 (OR = 2.57 [95% CI 1.84 to 3.65]), model 3 (OR = 2.52 [95% CI 1.80 to3.58]), and model 4 (OR = 2.23 [95%CI 1.59 to 3.19]). Age, male sex, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease were also independent predictors of major heart disease on echo. CONCLUSIONS: Tele-ECG abnormalities increased the likelihood of major heart disease on screening echo, even after adjustments for demographic and clinical variables.

FUNDAMENTO: As ferramentas de telecardiologia são estratégias valiosas para melhorar a estratificação de risco. OBJETIVO: Objetivamos avaliar a acurácia da tele-eletrocardiografia (ECG) para predizer anormalidades no ecocardiograma de rastreamento na atenção primária. MÉTODOS: Em 17 meses, 6 profissionais de saúde em 16 unidades de atenção primária foram treinados em protocolos simplificados de ecocardiografia portátil. Tele-ECGs foram registrados para diagnóstico final por um cardiologista. Pacientes consentidos com anormalidades maiores no ECG pelo código de Minnesota e uma amostra 1:5 de indivíduos normais foram submetidos a um questionário clínico e ecocardiograma de rastreamento interpretado remotamente. A doença cardíaca grave foi definida como doença valvular moderada/grave, disfunção/hipertrofia ventricular, derrame pericárdico ou anormalidade da motilidade. A associação entre alterações maiores do ECG e anormalidades ecocardiográficas foi avaliada por regressão logística da seguinte forma: 1) modelo não ajustado; 2) modelo 1 ajustado por idade/sexo; 3) modelo 2 mais fatores de risco (hipertensão/diabetes); 4) modelo 3 mais história de doença cardiovascular (Chagas/cardiopatia reumática/cardiopatia isquêmica/AVC/insuficiência cardíaca). Foram considerados significativos valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: No total, 1.411 pacientes realizaram ecocardiograma, sendo 1.149 (81%) com anormalidades maiores no ECG. A idade mediana foi de 67 anos (intervalo interquartil de 60 a 74) e 51,4% eram do sexo masculino. As anormalidades maiores no ECG se associaram a uma chance 2,4 vezes maior de doença cardíaca grave no ecocardiograma de rastreamento na análise bivariada (OR = 2,42 [IC 95% 1,76 a 3,39]) e permaneceram significativas (p < 0,001) após ajustes no modelo 2 (OR = 2,57 [IC 95% 1,84 a 3,65]), modelo 3 (OR = 2,52 [IC 95% 1,80 a 3,58]) e modelo 4 (OR = 2,23 [IC 95% 1,59 a 3,19]). Idade, sexo masculino, insuficiência cardíaca e doença cardíaca isquêmica também foram preditores independentes de doença cardíaca grave no ecocardiograma. CONCLUSÕES: As anormalidades do tele-ECG aumentaram a probabilidade de doença cardíaca grave no ecocardiograma de rastreamento, mesmo após ajustes para variáveis demográficas e clínicas.

Critical Assessment of the Management of Unstable Angina in a Specialized Cardiology Emergency Room. / Avaliação Crítica do Manejo da Angina Instável em Pronto-Socorro Terciário de Cardiologia.

BACKGROUND: The management of unstable angina (UA) presents a challenge due to its subjective diagnosis and limited representation in randomized clinical trials that inform current practices. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify key factors associated with the indication for invasive versus non-invasive stratification in this population and to evaluate factors associated with stratification test results. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included patients hospitalized with UA over a consecutive 20-month period. To assess factors associated with stratification strategies, patients were divided into invasive stratification (coronary angiography) and non-invasive stratification (other methods) groups. For the analysis of factors related to changes in stratification tests, patients were categorized into groups with or without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) or ischemia, as per the results of the requested tests. Comparisons between groups and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed, with statistical significance set at a 5% level. RESULTS: A total of 729 patients were included, with a median age of 63 years and a predominance of males (64.6%). Factors associated with invasive stratification included smoking (p = 0.001); type of chest pain (p < 0.001); "crescendo" pain (p = 0.006); TIMI score (p = 0.006); HEART score (p = 0.011). In multivariate analysis, current smokers (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.13-4.8), former smokers (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.39-3.53), and type A chest pain (OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.93-6.66) were independently associated. Factors associated with obstructive CAD or ischemia included length of hospital stay (p < 0.001); male gender (p = 0.032); effort-induced pain (p = 0.037); Diamond-Forrester score (p = 0.026); TIMI score (p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, only chest pain (type B chest pain: OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.38-0.93, p = 0.026) and previous CAD (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.01-2.0, p = 0.048) were independently associated. CONCLUSION: The type of chest pain plays a crucial role not only in the diagnosis of UA but also in determining the appropriate treatment. Our results highlight the importance of incorporating pain characteristics into prognostic scores endorsed by guidelines to optimize UA management.

FUNDAMENTO: O manejo da angina instável (AI) é um desafio devido ao seu diagnóstico subjetivo e à sua escassa representação em ensaios clínicos randomizados que determinem as práticas atuais. OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo é identificar os principais fatores associados à indicação de estratificação invasiva ou não nessa população e avaliar os fatores associados às alterações nos exames de estratificação. MÉTODOS: Coorte retrospectiva de pacientes internados por AI, em um período de 20 meses consecutivos. Para avaliar os fatores associados à estratégia de estratificação, os pacientes foram divididos em estratificação invasiva (cinecoronariografia) e não invasiva (demais métodos). Para análise de fatores relacionados às alterações nos exames de estratificação, os pacientes foram divididos em grupos com ou sem doença arterial coronariana (DAC) obstrutiva ou isquemia, conforme resultados dos exames solicitados. Foram realizadas comparações entre grupos e análise de regressão logística múltipla, com significância estatística definida em um nível de 5%. RESULTADOS: 729 pacientes foram incluídos, com mediana de idade de 63 anos e predomínio do sexo masculino (64,6%). Estiveram associados à estratificação invasiva: tabagismo (p = 0,001); tipo de dor torácica (p < 0,001); dor "em crescendo" (p = 0,006); escore TIMI (p = 0,006); escore HEART (p = 0,011). Na análise multivariada, tabagistas (OR 2,23, IC 95% 1,13-4,8), ex-tabagistas (OR 2,19, IC 1,39-3,53) e dor torácica tipo A (OR 3,39, IC 95% 1,93-6,66) estiveram associados de forma independente. Estiveram associados à DAC obstrutiva ou isquemia: tempo de internação hospitalar (p < 0,001); sexo masculino (p = 0,032); dor desencadeada por esforço (p = 0,037); Diamond-Forrester (p = 0,026); escore TIMI (p = 0,001). Na análise multivariada, apenas dor torácica (dor torácica tipo B: OR 0,6, IC 95% 0,38-0,93, p = 0,026) e DAC prévia (OR 1,42, IC 95% 1,01-2,0, p = 0,048) estiveram associadas de maneira independente. CONCLUSÕES: O tipo de dor torácica desempenha um papel crucial não apenas no diagnóstico da AI, mas também na definição do tratamento adequado. Nossos resultados destacam a importância de incorporar características da dor aos escores prognósticos endossados pelas diretrizes, para otimização do manejo da AI.

Use of an application on the measles vaccine for Warao indigenous refugees in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the need to develop an application with information about the measles vaccine for Warao indigenous people. METHODS: This was a quantitative study conducted at the Espaço de Acolhimento Tapanã refugee shelter in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil. The study sample was selected for convenience. Data were analyzed descriptively using Bioestat 5.0 software. RESULTS: Twenty-one Warao indigenous individuals were interviewed. It was identified that 91% (n=20) had lost their vaccination card; 91% (n=20) stated they had lost their vaccination card more than three times, and 91% expressed interest in an application to store their vaccination information. CONCLUSIONS: The research provided important information for the development of a health application named WaraoMedI (Warao Measles Diversity Indigenous), as well as offered nursing professionals evidence about the challenges Warao indigenous refugees face in self-managing their vaccination information.

Toward a Better Understanding of Cardiovascular Risk in the Transgender and Gender-Diverse Community: A Global Call to Action.

On World Heart Day 2022, the Mexican Society of Cardiology, the Inter-American Society of Cardiology, and the World Heart Federation collaborated on a public call to action regarding the increased risk of adverse cardiovascular health outcomes in transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. The aim of this article is to unpack the numerous factors that contribute to this, such as the social stigma faced by members of the TGD community, their reduced access to clinical care, and the scarcity of research regarding the unique needs of their community, which makes it difficult for clinicians to provide individualized medical care. Decreasing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events among TGD individuals requires interventions such as educational reform in the medical community, an increase in inclusive research studies, and broader social initiatives intended to reduce the stigma faced by TGD individuals.

Academic and professional profile of cardiology fellowship graduates of National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez from 2000 to 2015.

BACKGROUND: The Ignacio Chávez National Institute of Cardiology (NIC) has positioned itself as an international benchmark in cardiovascular medical education, standing out for its high academic standards and human quality. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify the employment and academic profile of cardiology fellowship graduates from the National Institute of Cardiology of Mexico (NIC). METHODS: A cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted, involving 473 graduates from the period 2000-2015. Data was collected through an electronic survey. RESULTS: A total of 221 graduates agreed to participate, accounting for 46.7% of the total number of graduates. Among the participants, 85.2% were male. The majority of graduates (82.4%) held Mexican nationality, while the remaining individuals represented various Latin-American nationalities. Following the completion of the cardiology fellowship, 89% of graduates pursued further postgraduate degrees. Within this group, 95.4% completed at least one additional fellowship, while 4.6% pursued a master's or PhD program. The most popular fellowship program chosen was Interventional Cardiology. On average, NIC graduates dedicate 10.8 hours per day to their work, with 6.4 hours dedicated to cardiology and 4.3 hours to their other postgraduate degree. Those employed in both public and private health systems allocate 6.1 hours and 5.2 hours per day, respectively. Additionally, 75% of graduates are involved in teaching activities. Currently, 84% of graduates are employed in Mexico. CONCLUSION: The majority of NIC graduates are physicians who further their academic training by pursuing additional postgraduate programs. They work longer hours per day compared to the general Mexican population, with a significant focus on clinical cardiology. Graduates actively seek opportunities to share their expertise through various academic activities.

ANTECEDENTES: El Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez (INC) se ha posicionado como un referente internacional en la educación médica cardiológica, destacándose por su alto nivel académico y calidad humana. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar el perfil laboral y académico actual de los egresados del Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez (INC). MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal y retrospectivo que incluyó a 473 egresados del INC graduados entre 2000 y 2015. Se utilizó una encuesta electrónica para recopilar los datos. RESULTADOS: Un total de 221 egresados aceptaron participar en el estudio, lo que representa el 46.7% del total de egresados. El 85.2% de los participantes son hombres. La mayoría de los egresados son de nacionalidad mexicana (82.4%), mientras que el resto se distribuye en varios países de Latinoamérica. El 89% de los egresados completó otro posgrado después de cardiología. De este grupo, el 95.4% realizó al menos una alta especialidad, mientras que el 4.6% obtuvo una maestría o doctorado. La especialidad más comúnmente elegida fue Cardiología Intervencionista. Los egresados del INC trabajan en promedio 10.8 horas al día, de las cuales 6.4 horas se dedican a la cardiología clínica y 4.3 horas al otro posgrado. Aquellos que trabajan en el sector público y privado dedican 6.1 horas y 5.2 horas al día, respectivamente. Además, el 75% de los egresados desempeña actividades de enseñanza. El 84% de los egresados trabajan en México. CONCLUSIÓN: En su mayoría, los egresados del INC son médicos especialistas que continúan su formación académica a través de la realización de otros posgrados. Trabajan más horas al día en comparación con el resto de la población mexicana, y dedican la mayor parte de su tiempo al ejercicio de la cardiología clínica. También buscan transmitir sus conocimientos a través de actividades académicas y de enseñanza.

Health System Encounters after Loss to Cardiology Follow-Up Among Patients with Congenital Heart Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze receipt of care at other locations within a single rural academic health system after loss to follow-up in a cardiology clinic. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with congenital heart defects seen in the clinic during 2018 and subsequently lost to cardiology follow-up were included in the study. We defined loss to follow-up as not being seen in the clinic for at least 6 months past the most recently recommended follow-up visit. Subsequent visits to other locations, including other subspecialty clinics, primary care clinics, the emergency department, and the hospital, were tracked through 2020. RESULTS: Of 235 patients (median age 7 years, 136/99 female/male), 96 (41%) were seen elsewhere in the health system. Of 96 patients with any follow-up, 40 were seen by a primary care provider and 46 by another specialist; 44 were seen in the emergency department and 12 more were hospitalized. Patients with medical comorbidities or Medicaid insurance and those living closer to the clinic were more likely to continue receiving care within the same health system. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with congenital heart defect are frequently lost to cardiology follow-up. Our study supports collaboration across specialties and between cardiology clinics and affiliated emergency departments to identify patients with congenital heart defect who have been lost to cardiology follow-up but remain within the health system. A combination of in-person and remote outreach to these patients may help them continue cardiology care.

Application of eligibility criteria from DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Reduced, and PARADIGM-HF trials to a population with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction at a specialized cardiology Clinic in Medellin, Colombia: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The evidence supporting pharmacological heart failure treatment relies on randomized clinical trials with stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. OBJECTIVES: Assess the eligibility of outpatients with chronic heart failure for the trials DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-reduced, and PARADIGM-HF, while exploring potential differences among study populations. METHODS: By reviewing medical records, we determined the eligibility rate for each study and evaluated the incidence of heart failure hospitalizations and all-cause mortality during this period. RESULTS: A total of 446 patients were included in the cohort. Approximately 75% would be ineligible for the trials, mainly because of their comorbidities. Ineligible patients had a higher all-cause mortality, but a similar incidence of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Approximately 1 in 4 patients from a heart failure clinic in Medellin, Colombia would meet the eligibility criteria for the DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-reduced, and PARADIGM-HF trials. These findings highlight the need to complement randomized clinical trials with real-world data.

A Nationwide Initiative to Improve Cardiology Quality: The Best Practice in Cardiology Program in Brazil. / Uma Iniciativa Nacional de Melhoria da Qualidade em Cardiologia: O Programa de Boas Práticas em Cardiologia no Brasil.

BACKGROUND: A Nationwide Initiative to Improve Cardiology Quality: The Best Practice in Cardiology Program in Brazil ACEI/ARB: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker; LVEF: left ventricular ejection fraction; LVSD: left ventricular systolic dysfunction; AF: atrial fibrillation; PT/INR: prothrombin time/international normalized ratio. BACKGROUND: Despite significant progress in improving the quality of cardiovascular care, persistent gaps remain in terms of inconsistent adherence to guideline recommendations. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effects of implementing a quality improvement program adapted from the American Heart Association's Get with the Guidelines™ initiative on adherence to guideline-directed medical therapy for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), atrial fibrillation (AF), and heart failure (HF). METHODS: We examined demographics, quality measures, and short-term outcomes in patients hospitalized with ACS, AF, and HF enrolled in the Best Practice in Cardiology (BPC) Program from 2016 to 2022. RESULTS: This study included 12,167 patients in 19 hospitals in Brazil. Mean age was 62.5 [53.8-71] y/o; 61.1% were male, 68.7% had hypertension, 32.0% diabetes mellitus, and 24.1% had dyslipidemia. Composite score had a sustainable performance in the period from baseline to the last quarter: 65.8±36.2% to 73± 31.2% for AF (p=0.024), 81.0± 23.6% to 89.9 ± 19.3% for HF (p<0.001), and from 88.0 ± 19.1 to 91.2 ±14.9 for ACS (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The BPC program is a quality improvement program in Brazil in which real-time data, obtained using cardiology guideline metrics, were implemented in a quality improvement program resulting in an overall sustained improvement in AF, HF, and ACS management.