Cardiac rehabilitation availability and characteristics in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Global Comparison.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to establish availability and characteristics of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), where cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent. METHODS: In this cross-sectional sub-analysis focusing on the 35 LAC countries, local cardiovascular societies identified CR programs globally. An online survey was administered to identified programs, assessing capacity and characteristics. CR need was computed relative to ischemic heart disease (IHD) incidence from the Global Burden of Disease study. RESULTS: ≥1 CR program was identified in 24 LAC countries (68.5% availability; median = 3 programs/country). Data were collected in 20/24 countries (83.3%); 139/255 programs responded (54.5%), and compared to responses from 1082 programs in 111 countries. LAC density was 1 CR spot per 24 IHD patients/year (vs 18 globally). Greatest need was observed in Brazil, Dominican Republic and Mexico (all with >150,000 spots needed/year). In 62.8% (vs 37.2% globally P < .001) of CR programs, patients pay out-of-pocket for some or all of CR. CR teams were comprised of a mean of 5.0 ± 2.3 staff (vs 6.0 ± 2.8 globally; P < .001); Social workers, dietitians, kinesiologists, and nurses were significantly less common on CR teams than globally. Median number of core components offered was 8 (vs 9 globally; P < .001). Median dose of CR was 36 sessions (vs 24 globally; P < .001). Only 27 (20.9%) programs offered alternative CR models (vs 31.1% globally; P < .01). CONCLUSION: In LAC countries, there is very limited CR capacity in relation to need. CR dose is high, but comprehensiveness low, which could be rectified with a more multidisciplinary team.

[Comparison of peak oxygen uptake and VE/VCO2 slope, between children with and without heart failure]. / Comparación del consumo de oxígeno pico y la pendienteVE/VCO2 entre niños con y sin insuficiencia cardiaca (IC).

Heart failure is a health problem associated with disability and mortality. Physicians may stratify the risk of adult patients with heart failure using a cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Until now, in childhood this evaluation has been poorly used. The purpose of this study is to compare the peak oxygen uptake and minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope among children with heart failure versus children without heart disease (control). METHODS: Thirty-eight children with heart failure were compared with 194 children without heart disease. All of them performed cardiopulmonary exercise testing using a symptom-limited ramp protocol. Differences between groups were compared using Chi-squared test, Student's t test, or ANOVA. Any value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Children with heart failure were older, taller, and with a higher prevalence of male gender. This group had also a lower peak oxygen uptake (27 ± 10 ml O2/kg/min) compared to the control group (37 ± 10 ml O2/kg/min); p < 0.001. The minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production was higher in the heart failure group (31 ± 4) than in controls (28 ± 6); p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Children with heart failure showed lower peak oxygen uptake and higher minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope than the control group.

Latin-American guidelines of recommendations at discharge from an acute coronary syndrome.

The diagnostic criteria, treatments at the time of admission, and drugs used in patients with acute coronary syndrome are well defined in countless guidelines. However, there is uncertainty about the measures to recommend during patient discharge planning. This document brings together the most recent evidence and the standardized and optimal treatment for patients at the time of discharge from hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome, for comprehensive and safe care in the patient's transition between care from the acute event to the outpatient care, with the aim of optimizing the recovery of viable myocardium, guaranteeing the most appropriate secondary prevention, reducing the risk of a new coronary event and mortality, as well as the adequate reintegration of patients into daily life.

Los criterios diagnósticos, los tratamientos en el momento de la admisión y los fármacos utilizados en pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo están bien definidos en innumerables guías. Sin embargo, existe incertidumbre acerca de las medidas para recomendar durante la planificación del egreso de los pacientes. Este documento reúne las evidencias más recientes y el tratamiento estandarizado y óptimo para los pacientes al momento del egreso de una hospitalización por un síndrome coronario agudo, para un cuidado integral y seguro en la transición del paciente entre la atención del evento agudo y el cuidado ambulatorio, con el objetivo de optimizar la recuperación de miocardio viable, garantizar la prevención secundaria más adecuada, reducir el riesgo de un nuevo evento coronario y la mortalidad, así como la adecuada reinserción de los pacientes en la vida cotidiana.

[Interdisciplinary management of obesity and overweight in cardiac rehabilitation: review of the Mexican Society for Heart Care (Sociedad Mexicana para el Cuidado del Corazón, SOMECCOR)]. / Manejo interdisciplinario de la obesidad y el sobrepeso en rehabilitación cardiaca: revisión de la Sociedad Mexicana para el Cuidado del Corazón.

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disorder characterized by increased body adiposity with a wide prevalence in our country, at any age, and linked to major adverse consequences, including the development of heart disease. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are interdisciplinary interventions aimed not only at restoring the lost functionality of patients who have suffered a cardiovascular outcome, but also at correcting those risk factors that led to it and that interfere with its adaptive results. Obesity contributes to perpetuating heart disease risk and is often resistant to conventional lifestyle modifications. Objective: Establish guidelines in the recognition of obesity with care guidelines for patients with heart disease within CR programs and their interdisciplinary approach. Method: Through an extensive bibliographical review and after an interdisciplinary discussion, this document was prepared to establish a position on the approach to obesity in the context of CR programs in patients with heart disease. Results and conclusions: Our Society recognizes the interdisciplinary approach of our patients with obesity and heart disease in its primary and secondary prevention, urges precision in its diagnosis and assessment, recommends that its primary axis must be based in the first instance on lifestyle modifications (physical training, nutritional care and psycho-emotional intervention), while pharmacological therapy and bariatric surgery could be coadjuvants in optimizing the results in selected patients.

Antecedentes: La obesidad es un trastorno multifactorial caracterizado por un aumento en la adiposidad corporal, de amplia prevalencia en nuestro país, a cualquier edad y ligada a grandes consecuencias adversas, incluyendo el desarrollo de cardiopatías. Los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca (RC) son intervenciones interdisciplinarias encaminadas no solo a restaurar la funcionalidad perdida de los pacientes que han sufrido un desenlace cardiovascular, sino también a corregir aquellos factores de riesgo que lo propiciaron y que interfieren en los resultados adaptativos del mismo. La obesidad contribuye a perpetuar el riesgo de cardiopatía y suele ser resistente a las modificaciones del estilo de vida de manera convencional. Objetivo: Establecer pautas en el reconocimiento de la obesidad con directrices de atención al paciente con cardiopatía dentro de los programas de RC y su abordaje interdisciplinario. Método: A través de una extensiva revisión bibliográfica y después de una discusión interdisciplinaria, se elaboró el presente documento para fijar una postura sobre el abordaje de la obesidad en el contexto de los programas de RC en pacientes con cardiopatía. Resultados y conclusiones: Nuestra Sociedad reconoce el abordaje interdisciplinario de los pacientes con obesidad y cardiopatía en su prevención primaria y secundaria, insta a la precisión en su diagnóstico y valoración, y recomienda que su eje primario debe estar basado en primera instancia en las modificaciones del estilo de vida (entrenamiento físico, atención nutricional e intervención psicoemocional), en tanto que la terapia farmacológica y la cirugía bariátrica pudieran ser coadyuvantes en la optimización de los resultados en pacientes selectos.

[Third National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Mexico (RENAPREC III-2022)]. / Tercer Registro Nacional de Programas de Rehabilitación Cardiaca en México (RENAPREC III-2022).

Introduction: In Mexico, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as an interdisciplinary intervention with therapeutic impact in patients with heart disease is growing. There is the need to know actual conditions of CR in our country. Objectives: The objective of this National Registry is to follow-up those existing and new CR units in Mexico through the comparison between the two previous registries, RENAPREC-2009 and RENAPREC II-2015 studies. This is a descriptive study focused on diverse CR activities such as assistance training, and certification of health professionals, barriers, reference, population attended, interdisciplinarity, permanence over time, growth prospects, regulations, post-pandemic condition, integrative characteristics, and scientific research. Results: Data were collected from 45 CR centers in the 32 states, 75.5% are private practice units, 67% are new, 33% were part of RENAPREC II-2015, and 17 have continued since 2009. With a better distribution of CR units along the territory, the median reference of candidates for CR programs is 9% with a significant reduction into tiempo of enrollment to Phase II admission (19 ± 11 days). Regarding to previous registries, the coverance of Phases I, II, and III is 71%, 100%, and 93%, respectively; and a coverance increases in evaluation, risk stratification, and prescription, more comprehensive attendance and prevention strategies. Conclusions: CR in Mexico has grown in the past 7 years. Even there is still low reference and heterogeneity in specific processes, there are strengths such as interdisciplinarity, scientific professionalization of specialists, national diversification, and an official society that are consolidated over time.

Introducción: En México, la Rehabilitación Cardíaca (RC) como intervención interdisciplinaria con impacto terapéutico en paciente con cardiopatía está en crecimiento. Existe la necesidad de conocer las condiciones actuales de la RC en nuestro país. Objetivo: El objetivo de este Registro es dar seguimiento comparativo de las unidades nuevas y existentes entre los registros anteriores, RENAPREC-2009 y RENAPREC II-2015. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo centrado en diversas actividades de la RC: formación asistencial y certificación de sus profesionales, barreras, referencia, población atendida, interdisciplinariedad, permanencia en el tiempo, perspectivas de crecimiento, normativa, condición pospandemia, características integradoras e investigación. Resultados: Se recolectaron datos de 45 centros en los 32 estados, 67% son nuevos 75.5% son de práctica privada, 33% fueron parte de RENAPREC II-2015 y 17 desde 2009. Con una mejor distribución de las unidades de RC a lo largo del territorio, la mediana de referencia de pacientes candidatos a RC es ahora del 9% con reducción significativa del tiempo de admisión a Fase II (19 ± 11 días). Respecto a registros anteriores las coberturas de las Fases I, II y III son del 71%, 100% y 93%, respectivamente; con un aumento de la cobertura en evaluación, estratificación de riesgo y prescripción, atención más integral y estrategias de prevención. Conclusiones: La RC en México ha crecido en los últimos 7 años. Si bien aún existe baja referencia y heterogeneidad en procesos específicos, existen fortalezas como la interdisciplinariedad, la profesionalización científica de los especialistas, la diversificación nacional y una sociedad oficial que se consolida en el tiempo.

[Consensus document of the Mexican Society of Cardiology for post-COVID-19 cardiovascular clinical follow-up]. / Consenso de la Sociedad Mexicana de Cardiología para el seguimiento clínico cardiovascular post-COVID-19.

Background: The cardiovascular sequelae by the SARS-COV-2 infection is prevalent in a significant portion of the recovered patients from the acute presentation of the SARS-COV-2. Actually, the clinic cardiac control of the post-acute COVID syndrome has been working out without a well-established protocol, making the appropriate diagnosis of the cardiac diseases produced by the different damage mechanisms from COVID-19. Objectives: Standardize cardiovascular care and the follow up of COVID-19 survivors in the function on disease severity and identify patients who develop SPC-19A for timely care. Materials and methods: Through an extensive bibliographic review, this article has the purpose of provide the necessary information to make possible the early diagnosis and following of the cardiac complications that has been recorded trough the months after the acute disease from COVID-19.

Antecedentes: Las secuelas cardiovasculares ocasionadas por la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) son frecuentes en una importante proporción de los pacientes recuperados del cuadro agudo de la enfermedad. Hasta el día de hoy el seguimiento cardiológico del síndrome agudo post-COVID-19 (SPC-19A) se ha realizado de forma heterogénea y sin directrices que permitan al clínico identificar oportunamente los cambios que preceden a enfermedades cardiológicas derivadas de los distintos mecanismos de daño inducidos por COVID-19. Objetivos: Estandarizar la atención y seguimiento cardiovascular de los supervivientes de COVID-19 en función de la gravedad de la enfermedad e identificar a los pacientes que desarrollen SPC-19A para su atención oportuna. Material y métodos: Mediante una revisión extensa de bibliografía, este documento tiene la intención de unificar y proporcionar la información necesaria para diagnosticar y dar seguimiento a las complicaciones cardiacas que se han documentado en los meses posteriores a la resolución de la COVID-19 aguda.

Influenza and morbidity and mortality risk in patients in Mexico with systemic arterial hypertension alone or with comorbidities: a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study from 2014 to 2020.

OBJECTIVES: In Mexico, patients with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) are excluded from the influenza vaccination programme despite their risk of cardiovascular events as influenza-related complications. We investigated the impact of influenza on morbidity and mortality in patients with SAH. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study that analysed data from early 2014 to mid-2020. SETTING: Data were obtained from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance System in Mexico database. PARTICIPANTS: 32 663 cases of influenza in people aged ≥20 years with a confirmed case of influenza-like illness, severe respiratory infection and/or influenza death were investigated. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Influenza deaths, hospitalisation frequency and the impact on hospitalisation and/or death due to influenza by the SAH variate alone and in combination with diabetes, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and/or smoking, and by vaccination status were assessed. RESULTS: The hospitalisation frequency increased with age. Notably, 46.0% (15 033/32 663) of confirmed influenza cases had at least one comorbidity, with SAH (19.2%; 6260/32 663) and obesity (18.7%; 6106/32 663) being the most prevalent. Most confirmed SAH cases (80.8%; 5057/6260) were in those who had not been vaccinated against influenza. There were 3496 deaths due to influenza (mortality rate, 0.69×1 00 000 inhabitants), with the highest rates seen in those aged ≥80 years (80-89 years, 2.0%; ≥90 years, 3.6%). The case fatality rate due to influenza and SAH was significantly higher than those due to influenza without SAH in those aged <50 years, but not in the other age groups (20-29 years, 9.8%, p<0.0005; 30-39 years, 8.2%, p<0.035; 40-49 years, 17.8%, p<0.0005; vs 15.1%-20.0%, p=0.31-0.99 for those aged ≥50 years). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the need to include SAH in public policies of influenza vaccination as a secondary prevention measure to avoid fatal outcomes.

[Effect of a physical training program on the occurrence of exercise-induced arrhythmias in patients with heart disease]. / Efecto de un programa de entrenamiento físico en la ocurrencia de arritmias inducidas por el ejercicio en pacientes con cardiopatía.

Objective: Although physical training has been associated with an increase in survival, its role in reducing Exercise-induced arrhythmias (EIA) in patients with heart disease has not yet been dilucidated. We aim to compare the effect of physical training on the occurrence of EIA in patients with heart disease. Methodology: We evaluated a retroprospective and self-controlled cohort of patients older than 18 years with heart disease who entered the cardiac rehabilitation program of the National Institute of Cardiology Ignacio Chávez in México, during January 2015 to December 2016. In all patients, cardiovascular risk was stratified, including a cardiopulmonary exercise test, which was also performed at the end of the program. The occurrence of arrhythmias was evaluated before and after the training program. Results: 160 patients were analyzed, of which 126 (79%) were male. The proportion of patients who developed EIA in the first exercise testing was 56% and in the second one was 48%. In the first group 35% of patients did not developed EIA in the second test. Of the 71 patients who did not present EIA at the beginning of the program, twenty (28%) presented arrhythmias at second test. In relation to the effect of the training program on the occurrence of arrhythmias, we could observe that it had a protective effect, with a RR = 0.49 (95% CI: 0.35-0.67, p <0.001). Conclusion: In this study, physical training was associated with a decreased risk of developing EIA.

Cardiovascular evaluation using exercise testing performed with face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 pandemic is associated with high incidence and fatality, however, non-communicable diseases remain a global public health problem with even greater morbidity and mortality. At present, there is a lag in diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart disease, particularly the performance of exercise testing (ET), due to the fear of aerosol generation and viral dissemination. Although some centers carry out the tests with the use of masks, the information is still superficial and preliminary. The objective of the study was to describe the ergometric performance observed when performing exercise tests during the COVID-19 (PANDEMIC-G) pandemic and to highlight the differences with those results carried out in another time, when there was no COVID-19 (NO PANDEMIC). METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out. PANDEMIC-G patients underwent ET between March 2020 and December 2020, once a biological triage was done and all of them wore N95 masks. They were compared to NO PANDEMIC patients that performed an ET between March 2019 and December 2019. Demographic and ergometric variables were presented and analyzed according to their type. All p < 0.05 were considered stochastically significant. RESULTS: A total of 361 ET were studied: 209 (58%) belonged to NO PANDEMIC and 152 (42%) to PANDEMIC-G. The number of ET stopped by dyspnea was greater in PANDEMIC-G (117) than in NO PANDEMIC (8). Exercise tolerance did not show significant changes. Systolic blood pressure, double product, and myocardial oxygen utilization were higher in PANDEMIC-G ET (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In the COVID-era, fewer stress tests were performed, which were suspended more frequently due to dyspnea. Higher values of systolic blood pressure and myocardial oxygen utilization were observed in PANDEMIC-G as well.

OBJETIVO: La pandemia de COVID-19 se asocia con una alta incidencia y letalidad; sin embargo, las enfermedades no transmisibles siguen siendo un problema de salud pública mundial con una morbilidad y mortalidad aún mayores. Actualmente, existe un retraso en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de los pacientes con enfermedades cardíacas, particularmente en la realización de la prueba de esfuerzo (PE), debido al temor a la generación de aerosoles y la diseminación viral. Aunque algunos centros realizan las pruebas con el uso de tapabocas, la información aún es superficial y preliminar. El objetivo del estudio fue describir el desempeño ergométrico observado al realizar pruebas de ejercicio durante la pandemia COVID-19 (PANDEMIC-G) y remarcar las diferencias con las pruebas realizadas antes de ella (NO PANDEMIC). MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio transversal. Los pacientes con PANDEMIC-G se sometieron a PE entre marzo y diciembre de 2020, una vez que se realizó un triaje biológico y todos usaron tapabocas N95. Fueron comparados con pacientes NO PANDEMIC, que realizaron una PE entre marzo y diciembre de 2019. Las variables se presentaron y analizaron según su tipo. Todos los valores de p inferiores a 0.05 se consideraron estocásticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron un total de 361 PE, donde 209 (58%) pertenecían a NO PANDEMIC y 152 (42%) a PANDEMIC-G. El número de PE detenidas por disnea fue mayor en PANDEMIC-G (n = 117) que en NO PANDEMIC (n = 8). La tolerancia al ejercicio no mostró cambios significativos. La presión arterial sistólica, el producto doble y la utilización de oxígeno del miocardio fueron mayores en las PE en el PANDEMIC-G (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONES: En la era COVID se realizaron menos pruebas de esfuerzo, que se suspendieron con mayor frecuencia por disnea. También se observaron valores más altos de presión arterial sistólica y utilización de oxígeno del miocardio en PANDEMIC-G.

Complexus cordis / Complexus cordis

The science-based study of the heart has allowed us to know its structure and function deeply, through the fragmentation and analysis of its parts, following the guidelines that so many achievements have given to us. However, at the time of reassembling those analyzed fragments, we realize that something is missing; the simply sum of the parts is not equal to everything. Thus, for decades, numerous scientists have studied novel strategies that allow us understanding, every natural phenomena from a more inclusive, open and integrative models, which closely address to interactions rather than components. In this way, we can observe how, the behavior of many variables usually transgress the conventional plane and moves towards non-linearity and fractality, making a complex tissue that will maintain its structure while thermodynamically viable. Thus, this document shows the way how, the non-linear study of complex cardiovascular dynamics, begins to give us answers to many questions that the clinical cardiologist poses every day.

El estudio científico del corazón nos ha permitido conocer su estructura y función profundamente, mediante la fragmentación y el análisis de sus partes, atendiendo a las pautas del método que tantos logros nos ha dado. Sin embargo, al momento de volver a ensamblar esos fragmentos analizados nos percatamos de que algo falta; simplemente la suma de las partes no hace al todo. Es así que, desde hace décadas, numerosos científicos han estudiado estrategias novedosas que permitan entender los fenómenos naturales desde modelos más incluyentes, abiertos e integradores, que atiendan con cercanía a las interacciones más que a los componentes. De esta manera, observamos que muchas variables suelen transgredir el plano convencional y parten hacia la no linealidad y la fractalidad, formando un tejido complejo que mantendrá su estructura mientras termodinámicamente sea viable. Así, en este documento se muestra la manera en que el estudio no lineal de la dinámica compleja cardiovascular comienza a darnos luz en muchas de las preguntas que a diario se plantea el cardiólogo clínico.

[National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in México]. / Registro Nacional sobre Programas de Rehabilitación Cardíaca en México (RENAPREC).

Cardiac Rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs are a group of therapeutic maneuvers that can reduce the adverse impact of cardiovascular disease, by using the cardiovascular risk factors reduction, through secondary prevention and exercise training therapy programs. This program started in Mexico in 1944, since then, several health institutions are working on a public or private basis, mainly in an isolated way. This article presents data about fourteen cardiac rehabilitation institutions that answered the first national registry of cardiac rehabilitation programs (RENAPREC) in 2007. On this study, we observed that these centers were mainly private; nevertheless, almost all of the referred population was attended in public health institutions. The core-components for an adequate cardiac rehabilitation attention were satisfied by almost all these centers. The patients used to pay, by their own, this kind of medical practice. In our country, only the 0.58% of the population, that needed to be included on a cardiac rehabilitation program, was covered. This phenomena is due, in one hand, to the reduced number of cardiac rehabilitation centers in Mexico, but on the other hand, it happens because the primary physician do not refer all the eligible patients to this kid of programs. RENAPREC can be one first attempt to consolidate all the activities around the inter-institutional cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programs in our country.

Seventy-five years of cardiovascular rehabilitation in Mexico.

Patients suffering from cardiovascular disease require comprehensive medical attention that involves therapies and procedures necessary to reintegrate them optimally to their personal, family, work and social life. Interventions aimed at achieving these goals are included in cardiac rehabilitation programs. These programs are designed to limit the harmful physiological and psychological effects of heart disease, reduce the risk of sudden death or reinfarction, control cardiovascular symptoms, stabilize or reverse the atherosclerosis process and improve the psychosocial and vocational status of patients. These programs have existed in Mexico since the 1940's and have evolved over the years, adapting to the disease conditions present in our country, starting with therapies to treat patients with rheumatic heart disease until the application of physical exercise in patients with heart failure, complex congenital heart disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension. These activities are of a transdisciplinary nature and involve the integration of cardiologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and nutritionists among others. Currently, these programs have spread throughout the Mexican Republic thanks to rehabilitation cardiologists graduating from the main health institutions in the country such as Health Institutes, Mexican Social Security Institute and Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers. In this document, the origins of rehabilitation from the pre-Hispanic era to the present will be discussed, highlighting the contributions in teaching and research of the physicians who have practiced in this area in the aforementioned institutions.

Los pacientes que sufren una enfermedad cardiovascular requieren de atención médica integral que involucre las terapias y procedimientos necesarios para reintegrarlos de forma óptima a su vida personal, familiar, laboral y social. Las intervenciones dirigidas a alcanzar dichas metas se incluyen en los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca. Estos programas son diseñados para limitar los efectos dañinos tanto fisiológicos como psicológicos de las cardiopatías, reducir el riesgo de muerte súbita o reinfarto, controlar la sintomatología cardiovascular, estabilizar o revertir el proceso de aterosclerosis y mejorar el estado psicosocial y vocacional de los pacientes. Dichos programas existen en México desde la década de 1940 y han evolucionado a lo largo de los años, adaptándose a las condiciones de enfermedad presentes en nuestro país, desde su inicio con terapias para tratar a pacientes cardiopatía reumática hasta la aplicación del ejercicio físico en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca, cardiopatías congénitas complejas o hipertensión arterial pulmonar. Estas actividades son de índole transdisciplinaria e implica la integración de cardiólogos, fisioterapeutas, psicólogos y nutriólogos, entre otros. Actualmente, estos programas se han extendido a lo largo de la República Mexicana gracias a cardiólogos rehabilitadores egresados de las principales instituciones de salud del país, como son los Institutos de Salud, el IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) y el ISSSTE (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales para los Trabajadores del Estado). En este documento se expondrán los orígenes de la rehabilitación, desde la época prehispánica hasta la actual, destacando las contribuciones en docencia e investigación de los médicos que han ejercido en esta área en las instituciones previamente mencionadas.

Seventy-five years of cardiovascular rehabilitation in Mexico.

Patients suffering from cardiovascular disease require comprehensive medical attention that involves therapies and procedures necessary to reintegrate them optimally to their personal, family, work, and social life. Interventions aimed at achieving these goals are included in cardiac rehabilitation programs. These programs are designed to limit the harmful physiological and psychological effects of heart disease, reduce the risk of sudden death or reinfarction, control cardiovascular symptoms, stabilize or reverse the atherosclerosis process, and improve the psychosocial and vocational status of patients. These programs have existed in Mexico since the 1940s and have evolved over the years, adapting to the disease conditions present in our country, starting with therapies to treat patients with rheumatic heart disease until the application of physical exercise in patients with heart failure complexes congenital heart disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension. These activities are of a transdisciplinary nature and involve the integration of cardiologists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and nutritionists among others. At present, these programs have spread throughout the Mexican Republic thank rehabilitation cardiologists graduating from the main health institutions in the country such as health institutes, Mexican Social Security Institute, and Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers. In this document, the origins of rehabilitation from the pre-Hispanic era to the present will be discussed, highlighting the contributions in teaching and research of the physicians who have practiced in this area in the aforementioned institutions.

Los pacientes que sufren una enfermedad cardiovascular requieren de atención médica integral que involucre las terapias y procedimientos necesarios para reintegrarlos de forma óptima a su vida personal, familiar, laboral y social. Las intervenciones dirigidas a alcanzar dichas metas se incluyen en los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca. Estos programas son diseñados para limitar los efectos dañinos tanto fisiológicos como psicológicos de las cardiopatías, reducir el riesgo de muerte súbita o reinfarto, controlar la sintomatología cardiovascular, estabilizar o revertir el proceso de aterosclerosis y mejorar el estado psicosocial y vocacional de los pacientes. Dichos programas existen en México desde la década de 1940 y han evolucionado a lo largo de los años, adaptándose a las condiciones de enfermedad presentes en nuestro país, desde su inicio con terapias para tratar a pacientes cardiopatía reumática hasta la aplicación del ejercicio físico en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca, cardiopatías congénitas complejas o hipertensión arterial pulmonar. Estas actividades son de índole transdisciplinaria e implica la integración de cardiólogos, fisioterapeutas, psicólogos y nutriólogos, entre otros. Actualmente, estos programas se han extendido a lo largo de la República Mexicana gracias a cardiólogos rehabilitadores egresados de las principales instituciones de salud del país, como son los Institutos de Salud, el IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social) y el ISSSTE (Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales para los Trabajadores del Estado). En este documento se expondrán los orígenes de la rehabilitación, desde la época prehispánica hasta la actual, destacando las contribuciones en docencia e investigación de los médicos que han ejercido en esta área en las instituciones previamente mencionadas.

Nature of Cardiac Rehabilitation Around the Globe.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a clinically-effective but complex model of care. The purpose of this study was to characterize the nature of CR programs around the world, in relation to guideline recommendations, and compare this by World Health Organization (WHO) region. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a piloted survey was administered online to CR programs globally. Cardiac associations and local champions facilitated program identification. Quality (benchmark of ≥ 75% of programs in a given country meeting each of 20 indicators) was ranked. Results were compared by WHO region using generalized linear mixed models. FINDINGS: 111/203 (54.7%) countries in the world offer CR; data were collected in 93 (83.8%; N = 1082 surveys, 32.1% program response rate). The most commonly-accepted indications were: myocardial infarction (n = 832, 97.4%), percutaneous coronary intervention (n = 820, 96.1%; 0.10), and coronary artery bypass surgery (n = 817, 95.8%). Most programs were led by physicians (n = 680; 69.1%). The most common CR providers (mean = 5.9 ±â€¯2.8/program) were: nurses (n = 816, 88.1%; low in Africa, p < 0.001), dietitians (n = 739, 80.2%), and physiotherapists (n = 733, 79.3%). The most commonly-offered core components (mean = 8.7 ±â€¯1.9 program) were: initial assessment (n = 939, 98.8%; most commonly for hypertension, tobacco, and physical inactivity), risk factor management (n = 928, 98.2%), patient education (n = 895, 96.9%), and exercise (n = 898, 94.3%; lower in Western Pacific, p < 0.01). All regions met ≥ 16/20 quality indicators, but quality was < 75% for tobacco cessation and return-to-work counseling (lower in Americas, p = < 0.05). INTERPRETATION: This first-ever survey of CR around the globe suggests CR quality is high. However, there is significant regional variation, which could impact patient outcomes.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Availability and Density around the Globe.

BACKGROUND: Despite the epidemic of cardiovascular disease and the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), availability is known to be insufficient, although this is not quantified. This study ascertained CR availability, volumes and its drivers, and density. METHODS: A survey was administered to CR programs globally. Cardiac associations and local champions facilitated program identification. Factors associated with volumes were assessed using generalized linear mixed models, and compared by World Health Organization region. Density (i.e. annual ischemic heart disease [IHD] incidence estimate from Global Burden of Disease study divided by national CR capacity) was computed. FINDINGS: CR was available in 111/203 (54.7%) countries; data were collected in 93 (83.8% country response; N = 1082 surveys, 32.1% program response rate). Availability by region ranged from 80.7% of countries in Europe, to 17.0% in Africa (p < .001). There were 5753 programs globally that could serve 1,655,083 patients/year, despite an estimated 20,279,651 incident IHD cases globally/year. Volume was significantly greater where patients were systematically referred (odds ratio [OR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.35-1.38) and programs offered alternative models (OR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.04-1.06), and significantly lower with private (OR = .92, 95%CI = .91-.93) or public (OR = .83, 95%CI = .82-84) funding compared to hybrid sources.Median capacity (i.e., number of patients a program could serve annually) was 246/program (Q25-Q75 = 150-390). The absolute density was one CR spot per 11 IHD cases in countries with CR, and 12 globally. INTERPRETATION: CR is available in only half of countries globally. Where offered, capacity is grossly insufficient, such that most patients will not derive the benefits associated with participation.

[Influence of rosuvastatin in endothelial function and oxidative stress, in patients with acute coronary syndrome]. / Impacto del uso de rosuvastatina en los primeros días de un síndrome coronario agudo en la fiunción endotelial y el poder oxidativo.

PURPOSE: The endothelial function is the cornerstone of several cardiovascular disease. In this trial we compared how the Nitric Oxide (NO) and Oxidative Stress (OS) serum levels, as surrogate markers of endothelial function, change in patients who received (or not) rosuvastatin during the first seven days of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: Twenty-two patients with ACS (age:66 +/- 9 years, gender: ten female and 12 male) were randomized in two groups. Patients in the first group (G1) received the conventional treatment for an ACS, plus placebo. The other group (G2) additionally received a daily oral dose of 40 mg of rosuvastatin. We measured the blood levels of nitrates and OS in both groups twice: at baseline (admission to Intensive care unit) and seven days after. The statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test or the Chi2 test depending of the variables. Statistical significance was considered with a p < 0.05. RESULTS: Groups (G1 and G2) differed statistically on age (G1=71 years +/- 10 vs. G2 63 +/- 9 years, p=0.04). After 7 days of the ACS onset, ON levels diminished on 21% (p=0.17) in G1, but raised on 24% in the group who re- ceived rosuvastatin (p=0.005), with statistically difference between groups (p=0.005). On the other hand, the OS, augmented statistically on both groups: G1 (17%, p<0.001) and G2 (13%, p<0.001), without any difference between groups (p=0.77). CONCLUSION: The endothelial dysfunction in the first days of an ACS is accentuated, but with the use of rosuvastatina, the endothelial function improves. In contrast, the OS increase in both groups, without differences between groups.

Association between premature ventricular complexes during exercise, long-term occurrence of life-threatening arrhythmia and mortality.

OBJECTIVE: Exercise-induced premature ventricular complexes (EiPVCs) are often considered as benign arrhythmias, although they are associated with a high risk of all-cause death in the general healthy population. However, an intermediate pathophysiological process remains unclear, particularly in patients with known cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to find an association between EiPVCs, the occurrence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (LACO), and all-cause mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. METHODS: This was an observational study of a cohort of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or idiopathic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Stress testing was performed as a part of the routine cardiovascular evaluation. The occurrence of EiPVCs was evaluated during exercise testing (ET). At follow-up, long-term occurrence of LACO was evaluated. A bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS: Out of the total of 1442 patients analysed, 700 (49%) had EiPVCs. During 14 years of following-up after ET, 106 LACO outcomes were observed. Long-term all-cause mortality was 4% (n=61). A bivariate analysis showed that patients with EiPVCs had an increased risk for LACO (RR=2.81, 95% CI; 1.9-4.3, P<.001), and for mortality (RR=2.1, CI95% 1.2-3.4, P<.01). Occurrence of LACO was also associated with a higher mortality risk (RR=5.7, 95% CI; 3.4-9.4, P<.001). After a post hoc analysis, LACO remained as a highly predictive variable for mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients with EiPVCs have a high risk of LACO and all-cause mortality. The presence of LACO could be an intermediate stage between EiPVCs and mortality in subjects with cardiovascular disease.

Manejo interdisciplinario de la obesidad y el sobrepeso en rehabilitación cardiaca: revisión de la Sociedad Mexicana para el Cuidado del Corazón / Interdisciplinary management of obesity and overweight in cardiac rehabilitation: review of the Mexican Society for Heart Care (Sociedad Mexicana para el Cuidado del Corazón, SOMECCOR)

Resumen Antecedentes: La obesidad es un trastorno multifactorial caracterizado por un aumento en la adiposidad corporal, de amplia prevalencia en nuestro país, a cualquier edad y ligada a grandes consecuencias adversas, incluyendo el desarrollo de cardiopatías. Los programas de rehabilitación cardiaca (RC) son intervenciones interdisciplinarias encaminadas no solo a restaurar la funcionalidad perdida de los pacientes que han sufrido un desenlace cardiovascular, sino también a corregir aquellos factores de riesgo que lo propiciaron y que interfieren en los resultados adaptativos del mismo. La obesidad contribuye a perpetuar el riesgo de cardiopatía y suele ser resistente a las modificaciones del estilo de vida de manera convencional. Objetivo: Establecer pautas en el reconocimiento de la obesidad con directrices de atención al paciente con cardiopatía dentro de los programas de RC y su abordaje interdisciplinario. Método: A través de una extensiva revisión bibliográfica y después de una discusión interdisciplinaria, se elaboró el presente documento para fijar una postura sobre el abordaje de la obesidad en el contexto de los programas de RC en pacientes con cardiopatía. Resultados y conclusiones: Nuestra Sociedad reconoce el abordaje interdisciplinario de los pacientes con obesidad y cardiopatía en su prevención primaria y secundaria, insta a la precisión en su diagnóstico y valoración, y recomienda que su eje primario debe estar basado en primera instancia en las modificaciones del estilo de vida (entrenamiento físico, atención nutricional e intervención psicoemocional), en tanto que la terapia farmacológica y la cirugía bariátrica pudieran ser coadyuvantes en la optimización de los resultados en pacientes selectos.

Abstract Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disorder characterized by increased body adiposity with a wide prevalence in our country, at any age, and linked to major adverse consequences, including the development of heart disease. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are interdisciplinary interventions aimed not only at restoring the lost functionality of patients who have suffered a cardiovascular outcome, but also at correcting those risk factors that led to it and that interfere with its adaptive results. Obesity contributes to perpetuating heart disease risk and is often resistant to conventional lifestyle modifications. Objective: Establish guidelines in the recognition of obesity with care guidelines for patients with heart disease within CR programs and their interdisciplinary approach. Method: Through an extensive bibliographical review and after an interdisciplinary discussion, this document was prepared to establish a position on the approach to obesity in the context of CR programs in patients with heart disease. Results and conclusions: Our Society recognizes the interdisciplinary approach of our patients with obesity and heart disease in its primary and secondary prevention, urges precision in its diagnosis and assessment, recommends that its primary axis must be based in the first instance on lifestyle modifications (physical training, nutritional care and psycho-emotional intervention), while pharmacological therapy and bariatric surgery could be coadjuvants in optimizing the results in selected patients.

Third National Registry of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs in Mexico (RENAPREC III-2022) / Tercer Registro Nacional de Programas de Rehabilitación Cardiaca en México (RENAPREC III-2022)

Abstract Introduction: In Mexico, cardiac rehabilitation (CR) as an interdisciplinary intervention with therapeutic impact in patients with heart disease is growing. There is the need to know actual conditions of CR in our country. Objectives: The objective of this National Registry is to follow-up those existing and new CR units in Mexico through the comparison between the two previous registries, RENAPREC-2009 and RENAPREC II-2015 studies. This is a descriptive study focused on diverse CR activities such as assistance training, and certification of health professionals, barriers, reference, population attended, interdisciplinarity, permanence over time, growth prospects, regulations, post-pandemic condition, integrative characteristics, and scientific research. Results: Data were collected from 45 CR centers in the 32 states, 75.5% are private practice units, 67% are new, 33% were part of RENAPREC II-2015, and 17 have continued since 2009. With a better distribution of CR units along the territory, the median reference of candidates for CR programs is 9% with a significant reduction into tiempo of enrollment to Phase II admission (19 ± 11 days). Regarding to previous registries, the coverance of Phases I, II, and III is 71%, 100%, and 93%, respectively; and a coverance increases in evaluation, risk stratification, and prescription, more comprehensive attendance and prevention strategies. Conclusions: CR in Mexico has grown in the past 7 years. Even there is still low reference and heterogeneity in specific processes, there are strengths such as interdisciplinarity, scientific professionalization of specialists, national diversification, and an official society that are consolidated over time.

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