May Measurement Month 2017: Brazilian results-Americas.

Hypertension is a pathology of high prevalence in the world. In Brazil, it is the main risk factor for the major cause of death in the country, coronary heart disease. The May Measurement Month Campaign in 2017 (MMM17) included a population with representation from all Brazilian states and reflects some of the characteristics of hypertension in Brazil. Questionnaire data were collected and three measures of blood pressure (BP) were performed. The sample consisted of 7260 individuals, 40% were white, 56.4% were women. The average age was 52 years. Diabetes was present in 11.9%, previous myocardial infarction in 4.0% and stroke in 2.7%. About 8.4% were smokers and 26.2% were users of alcoholic drinks. The average BMI was 26.9 kg/m2. Considering the means of the last two measures of BP 47.0% were hypertensive (>140/90 mmHg). Of the individuals who did not use medication, 19.5% were hypertensive and of those who used anti-hypertensive medication 40.0% were uncontrolled. Systolic BP increased with age. The use of alcohol was related to higher BP levels, as well as diabetes and obesity. The MMM17 campaign demonstrated a large number of unknown hypertensives and a high rate of uncontrolled hypertension in Brazil.

A Program to Optimize the Detection of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: The RITMO Study. / Programa para Otimizar a Detecção da Fibrilação Atrial Paroxística: Estudo Ritmo.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrythmia, but still underdiagnosed especially among asymptomatic patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a simple strategy to optimize the identification of AF. METHODS: Asymptomatic patients aged 65 years or older, with hypertension or heart failure (HF), were included. Data were inserted into the REDCap software platform. Patients were assessed for the risk for AF using the Stroke Risk Analysis (SRA) mathematical algorithm, which was applied on a one-hour electrocardiogram (ECG). All patients at high risk for AF were instructed to follow a home ECG protocol for seven days using a portable Kardia 6 (OMRON, AliveCor®). The Kolmogorov-test was used to test the normality of quantitative variables; those with normal distribution were expressed as mean and standard deviation. A p<0.05 was set as statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 423 patients were assessed; 15 were excluded due to absence of SRA, yielding a sample of 408 patients. In 13 (3.2%), AF was identified, 120 (29.4%) were considered at high risk and 275 (67.4%) without increased risk for AF. Of the 120 high-risk patients, 111 successfully completed the seven-day protocol with Kardia; at least one episode of AF was identified in 43 patients. CONCLUSION: The strategy adopted in the RITMO study was shown to be effective in identifying AF in asymptomatic elderly patients with hypertension or HF, with an incidence of 13.7% (56/408).

FUNDAMENTO: A fibrilação atrial (FA) é a arritmia cardíaca sustentada mais frequente, mas ainda é subdiagnosticada especialmente em pacientes assintomáticos. OBJETIVO: Avaliar uma estratégia simples para otimizar a identificação da FA. MÉTODOS: Avaliados indivíduos assintomáticos com 65 anos ou mais, portadores de hipertensão arterial (HA) ou insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Os dados foram inseridos e armazenados em plataforma REDCap. Inicialmente foram realizadas análise de risco de FA com o algoritmo matemático Stroke Risk Analysis (SRA) aplicado em eletrocardiograma (ECG) de 1 hora. Todos os pacientes de alto risco de FA foram orientados a realizar o protocolo de ECG domiciliar por sete dias com o equipamento portátil Kardia 6L OMRON, AliveCor®. O teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov foi usado para verificar a normalidade da distribuição das variáveis quantitativas; aquelas com distribuição normal foram expressas em média e desvio-padrão. Adotou-se como significativo o valor de p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 423 pacientes; 15 foram excluídos por não terem realizado o SRA, resultando em uma amostra de 408 pacientes. A avaliação evidenciou que 13 (3,2%) pacientes apresentaram FA, 120 (29,4%) foram considerados de alto risco para FA e 275 (67,4%) sem risco aumentado. Dos 120 pacientes de alto risco, 111 realizaram adequadamente o protocolo de sete dias com o Kardia, tendo sido identificados um ou mais registros de FA em 43 pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: A estratégia adotada no estudo RITMO mostrou-se eficaz para identificar, com uma incidência de 13,7% (56/408), episódios de FA em pacientes idosos assintomáticos e portadores de HA ou IC.

National Registry of Hypertension Control Evaluated by Office and Home Measurements: The LHAR National Registry. / Registro Nacional do Controle da Hipertensão Arterial Avaliado pela Medida de Consultório e Residencial no Brasil: Registro LHAR.

BACKGROUND: It is known that around 30% of patients have higher blood pressure (BP) values when examined at the office than at home. Worldwide, only 35% of patients with hypertension undergoing treatment have reached their BP targets. OBJECTIVE: To provide epidemiological data on BP control in the offices of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists, considering office and home BP measurement. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of patients with a hypertension diagnosis and undergoing antihypertensive treatment, with controlled BP or not. BP was assayed in the office by a medical professional and at home using home BP monitoring (HBPM). The association between categorical variables was verified using the chi-square test (p<0.05). RESULTS: The study included 2540 patients, with a mean age of 59.7 ± 15.2 years. Most patients were women (62%; n=1575). Prevalence rates of 15% (n=382) for uncontrolled white coat hypertension and 10% (n=253) for uncontrolled masked hypertension were observed. The rate of BP control in the office was 56.3% and at home, 61%. Meanwhile, 46.4% of the patients had controlled BP in and outside of the office. Greater control was observed in women and in the 49-61 years age group. Considering the new DBHA 2020 threshold for home BP control, the control rate was 42.4%. CONCLUSION: BP control in the offices of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists was 56.3%; this rate was 61% when BP was measured at home and 46.4% when considering both the office and home.

FUNDAMENTO: Sabe-se que em torno de 30% dos pacientes apresentam valores de pressão arterial (PA) mais elevados quando examinados no consultório do que em suas residências. No mundo, admite-se que apenas 35% dos hipertensos já tratados tenham alcançado meta pressórica. OBJETIVO: Fornecer dados epidemiológicos sobre o controle da PA nos consultórios, em uma amostra de cardiologistas brasileiros, avaliado pela medida de consultório e monitorização residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA). MÉTODOS: Análise transversal. Observou-se pacientes com diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial, em tratamento anti-hipertensivo, podendo ou não estar com a PA controlada. A PA foi verificada no consultório por profissional médico, e no domicílio através da MRPA. A associação entre variáveis categóricas se deu por meio do teste do qui-quadrado (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 2.540 pacientes, com idade média 59,7 ± 15,2 anos. A maioria dos pacientes eram mulheres (62%; n = 1.575). O estudo mostrou uma prevalência de 15% (n = 382) de hipertensão do avental branco não controlada, e 10% (n = 253) de hipertensão mascarada não controlada. A taxa de controle da PA no consultório foi 56,3%, e no domicílio, de 61%; 46,4% dos pacientes tiveram PA controlada no consultório e fora dele. Observou-se maior controle no sexo feminino e na faixa etária 49-61 anos. Observando o controle domiciliar com o novo ponto de corte das Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão Arterial de 2020, a taxa de controle foi de 42,4%. CONCLUSÃO: O controle pressórico nos consultórios em uma amostra de cardiologistas brasileiros foi de 56,3%; 61% quando a PA foi obtida no domicílio, e 46,4% quando o controle foi observado tanto no consultório como no domicílio.

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Evaluated by Office and Home Blood Pressure Measurements. TeleHBPM Study. / Bloqueadores do Receptor de Angiotensina Avaliados por Medida de Consultório e Residencial da Pressão Arterial. Estudo TeleMRPA.

BACKGROUND: Adequate treatment of arterial hypertension and achieving arterial hypertension goals in are important in reducing cardiovascular outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To describe angiotensin receptor blockers in monotherapy or double combination therapy and the rate of arterial hypertension control. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated patients who were using angiotensin receptor blockers between 2017 and 2020. Those using three or more antihypertensive drugs were excluded. The analyzed variables included sex, age, body mass index, valid home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) measurements, casual and HBPM systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements, blood pressure variability, and antihypertensive and angiotensin receptor blocker class. Paired t, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used, as well as overlapping 95% confidence intervals and a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Of 17,013 patients, 12,813 met the inclusion criteria, 62.1% of whom were female. The mean number of valid measurements was 23.3 (SD, 2.0). The mean HBPM and casual measurements for systolic blood pressure were 126.8 (SD, 15.8) mmHg and 133.5 (SD, 20.1) mmHg (p <0.001), respectively, while those for diastolic blood pressure were 79.1 (SD, 9.7 mmHg) and 83.6 (SD, 11.9) mmHg (p <0.001), respectively. Losartan was the most common angiotensin receptor blocker and resulted in the highest blood pressure values. Combinations of angiotensin receptor blockers with diuretics or calcium channel antagonists resulted in lower blood pressure values. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of the patients used losartan, although it was the least efficient drug for reducing and controlling blood pressure.

FUNDAMENTO: O tratamento adequado e a obtenção das metas na hipertensão arterial são importantes na redução dos desfechos cardiovasculares. OBJETIVOS: Descrever os bloqueadores do receptor de angiotensina (BRA) em monoterapia ou combinação dupla e a taxa de controle da hipertensão arterial. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal que avaliou pacientes em uso de BRA entre 2017 e 2020. Foram excluídos aqueles em uso de três ou mais anti-hipertensivos. As variáveis analisadas foram: sexo, idade, índice de massa corporal, medidas válidas da medida residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA); pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) obtidas pela MRPA e de forma casual; variabilidade pressórica; classe dos anti-hipertensivos e dos BRAs. Foram utilizados testes de t pareado, qui-quadrado e Fisher, além de sobreposição dos intervalos de confiança de 95% com nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: Foram selecionados 17.013 pacientes; destes, 12.813 preencheram os critérios, dos quais 62,1% eram do sexo feminino. O número médio de medidas válidas foi de 23,3 (±2,0), com médias para a PAS de 126,8±15,8 mmHg e 133,5±20,1 mmHg (p < 0,001) e para a PAD de 79,1±9,7 mmHg e 83,6±11,9 mmHg (p < 0,001) pela MRPA e medida casual, respectivamente. Losartana foi o BRA mais utilizado e o que apresentou comportamentos mais elevados da pressão arterial. As combinações de BRA com diuréticos ou com antagonistas de canal de cálcio tiveram menores valores de pressão arterial. CONCLUSÕES: Losartana foi utilizada em mais da metade dos pacientes, apesar de ser a menos eficiente na redução e no controle da pressão arterial.

Performance of the Electrocardiogram in the Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Older and Very Older Hypertensive Patients. / Desempenho do Eletrocardiograma no Diagnóstico da Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda em Hipertensos Idosos e Muito Idosos.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important cardiovascular risk factor, regardless of arterial hypertension. Despite the evolution of imaging tests, the electrocardiogram (ECG) is still the most used in the initial evaluation, however, with low sensitivity. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of the main electrocardiographic criteria for LVH in elderly and very elderly hypertensive individuals. METHODS: In a cohort of hypertensive patients, ECGs and doppler echocardiographies (ECHO) were performed and separated into three age groups: <60 years, Group I; 60-79 years Group II; and ≥80 years, Group III. The most used electrocardiographic criteria were applied for the diagnosis of LVH: Perugia; Pegaro-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duration; Cornell voltage; Cornell voltage duration; Sokolow-Lyon voltage; R of aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duration. In evaluating the performance of these criteria, in addition to sensitivity (Sen) and specificity (Esp), the "Diagnostic Odds Ratios" (DOR) were analyzed. We considered p-value <0.05 for the analyses, with two-tailed tests. RESULTS: In 2,458 patients, LVH was present by ECHO in 781 (31.7%). In Groups I and II, the best performances were for the criteria of Narita, Perugia, (Rm+Sm) x duration, with no statistical differences between them. In Group III (very elderly) the Perugia criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration had the best performances: Perugia [44,7/89.3; (Sen/Esp)] and (Rm+Sm) duration [39.4%/91.3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0.05)], with the best PAIN results:6.8. This suggests that in this very elderly population, these criteria have greater discriminatory power to separate patients with LVH. CONCLUSION: In very elderly hypertensive patients, the Perugia electrocardiographic criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration showed the best diagnostic performance for LVH.

FUNDAMENTO: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é um importante fator de risco cardiovascular, independente da hipertensão arterial. Apesar da evolução dos exames de imagem, o eletrocardiograma (ECG) ainda é o mais utilizado na avaliação inicial, porém, com baixa sensibilidade. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho dos principais critérios eletrocardiográficos para HVE em indivíduos hipertensos idosos e muito idosos. MÉTODOS: Em coorte de hipertensos foram realizados ECGs e EcoDopplercardiogramas (ECO), e separados em três grupos etários: <60 anos, Grupo I; 60-79 anos Grupo II; e ≥80 anos, Grupo III. Os critérios eletrocardiográficos mais utilizados foram aplicados para o diagnóstico da HVE: Perúgia; Peguero-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duração; Cornell voltagem; Cornell voltagem duração; Sokolow-Lyon voltagem; R de aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duração. Na avaliação do desempenho desses critérios, além da sensibilidade (Sen) e especificidade (Esp), foram analisadas as "Odds Ratios diagnóstico" (DOR). Consideramos p-valor <0,05 para as análises, com testes bi-caudais. RESULTADOS: Em 2.458 pacientes, a HVE estava presente pelo ECO em 781 (31,7%). Nos Grupos I e II, os melhores desempenhos foram para os critérios de Narita, Perúgia, (Rm+Sm) x duração, sem diferenças estatísticas entre eles. No Grupo III (muito idosos) os critérios de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração tiveram os melhores desempenhos: Perúgia [44,7/89,3; (Sen/Esp)] e (Rm+Sm) duração [39,4%/91,3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0,05)], com os melhores resultados de DOR:6,8. Isto sugere que nessa população de muito idosos esses critérios têm maior poder discriminatório para separar pacientes com HVE. CONCLUSÃO: Nos hipertensos muito idosos os critérios eletrocardiográficos de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração apresentaram os melhores desempenhos diagnósticos para HVE.

Association of Body Composition with Arterial Stiffness in Long-lived People. / Associação da Composição Corporal com Rigidez Arterial em Longevos.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffness, obesity and sarcopenia correlate with each other and with cardiac outcomes in younger adults. However, there is little evidence of the association between body composition and markers of central arteries stiffness in long-lived people. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between arterial stiffness and body composition in functionally independent long-lived individuals. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the association between markers of arterial stiffness and body composition among participants in a longitudinal cohort of elderly individuals aged 80 years or older who were functionally independent and lived in the community . Body composition measurements were performed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and central circulation parameters (CCP) obtained by a non-invasive oscillometric method through the Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor® device. The central parameters evaluated were: pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation Index (AIx), pulse pressure amplification index (PPAi) and central pulse pressure (cPP). These were correlated to total lean mass (LM) and appendicular lean mass (aLM), body fat percentage, and Baumgartner's Index (BI). The level of significance was set at 5% for all tests. RESULTS: Data from 124 elderly people with a mean age of 87.1 years (SD ± 4.3 years) were analyzed, with 74.2% of women and 57.3% of white. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation of AIx with LM (r = -0.391, p <0.001), aLM (r = -0.378, p <0.001), and BI (r = -0.258, p = 0.004). Also, cPP had an inversely proportional association with LM (r = -0.268, p = 0.003), aLM (r = -0.288, p = 0.001), and BI (r = -0.265, p = 0.003). When assessing the relationship between fat mass and CCP, a statistically significant direct relationship was observed only between AIx and body fat percentage (r = 0.197, p = 0.029). CONCLUSION: In long-lived people, body fat percentage is directly associated with arterial stiffness and inversely associated with the amount of LM. These findings may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

FUNDAMENTO: Pouco se conhece sobre a relação entre sarcopenia e hemodinâmica central em idosos longevos. OBJETIVO: Estudar a relação da rigidez arterial com a composição corporal em idosos longevos. MÉTODOS: A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio da absortometria de Raio X de dupla energia (DEXA) e dos parâmetros de circulação central (PCC) obtidos por método oscilométrico não invasivo, com o Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor®. Os parâmetros centrais avaliados foram: velocidade da onda de pulso (VOP), augmentation index (AIx), índice de amplificação da pressão de pulso (iAPP) e pressão de pulso central (PPc). Estes foram correlacionados com massa magra total (MM) e apendicular (MA), percentual de gordura corporal e índice de Baumgartner (IB). Aceitou-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Participaram 124 longevos, com idade média de 87,1 anos (DP±4,3 anos), sendo 74,2% mulheres e 57,3% brancos. Houve correlação inversa do AIx com as variáveis MM (r = - 0,391, p < 0,001), MA (r= -0,378, p< 0,001) e IB (r = -0,258, p 0,004). A PPc apresentou associação inversa com MM (r= -0,268, p =0,003), MA (r=-0,288, p= 0,001) e IB (r= -0,265, p = 0,003). Houve relação direta apenas entre AIx e percentual de gordura corporal (r= 0,197, p= 0,029). CONCLUSÃO: Em idosos longevos, o percentual de gordura corporal se associa diretamente com a rigidez arterial e tem associação inversa com a quantidade de MM. Esses achados podem estar associados ao maior risco cardiovascular.

Treated Hypertensive Patients Assessed by Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring. TeleMRPA Study. / Hipertensos Tratados e Avaliados por Telemonitoramento Residencial da Pressão Arterial. Estudo TeleMRPA.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive patients undergoing treatment and assessed only by casual blood pressure (BP) measurement may be subject to mistaken decisions. OBJECTIVE: To assess BP behavior by measuring its levels at the office (casual) and at home (HBPM), the behavior of different classes of antihypertensive drugs, and the prevalence of uncontrolled white-coat hypertension (UCWCH) and uncontrolled masked hypertension (UCMH). METHODS: Cross-sectional study assessing patients who underwent BP monitoring in the TeleMRPA platform between 2017 and 2019. The exclusion criteria were: use of no antihypertensive drug; combined use of 3 or more antihypertensive drugs; and use of spironolactone and alpha-2 agonist. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), number of valid BP measurements, means of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) obtained from HBPM and casual measurement, and the classes of antihypertensive drugs. Paired and unpaired t tests, as well as chi-square test, were used. The 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS: This study selected 22 446 patients, 6731 of whom met the inclusion criteria [61.3%, female sex; mean age, 57.8 (±12.6) years; mean BMI, 29.0 (±5.1) kg/m2]. Mean SBP and DBP were 6.6 mm Hg (p<0.001) and 4.4 mm Hg (p<0.001) higher in casual measurement than in HBPM. The rates of BP control were 57.0% in casual measurement and 61.3% in HBPM (p<0.001), and the prevalence of UCWCH and UCMH was 15.4% and 11.1%, respectively. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade was observed in 74.6% of the patients, and 54.8% were on single-drug therapy. CONCLUSIONS: HBPM should be considered for the follow-up of treated hypertensive patients because of the high prevalence of UCWCH and UCMH. Antihypertensive drugs behaved differently in HBPM. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

FUNDAMENTO: Hipertensos tratados avaliados apenas com a medida casual da pressão arterial (PA) podem estar sujeitos a decisões equivocadas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o comportamento da PA pela medida casual e residencial (MRPA), o comportamento das classes de anti-hipertensivos e as prevalências de hipertensão do avental branco (HABNC) e mascarada não-controladas (HMNC). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal que avaliou pacientes pela plataforma TeleMRPA entre 2017 e 2019. Foram excluídos aqueles sem medicamentos, com 3 ou mais, em uso de espironolactona e alfa-2 agonistas. As variáveis analisadas foram: idade, sexo, índice de massa corporal (IMC), número de medidas válidas da PA, médias da PA sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) pela medida casual e MRPA, e as classes de anti-hipertensivos. Utilizados os testes t pareado e não pareado e qui-quadrado. Adotado nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Selecionados 22.446 pacientes, dos quais 6.731 preencheram os critérios, sendo 61,3% do sexo feminino, com idade média de 57,8 (±12,6) anos e IMC médio de 29,0 (±5,1) kg/m2. Os valores médios de PAS e PAD foram 6,6 mmHg (p<0,001) e 4,4 mmHg (p<0,001) maiores na medida casual que na MRPA. As taxas de controle da PA foram de 57,0% pela medida casual e 61,3% pela MRPA (p<0,001), com prevalência de HABNC e HMNC de 15,4% e 11,1%, respectivamente. O bloqueio do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona ocorreu em 74,6% das vezes e 54,8% estavam em monoterapia. CONCLUSÕES: O uso da MRPA deve ser considerado no acompanhamento de hipertensos tratados em virtude das elevadas prevalências de HABNC e HMNC. Os anti-hipertensivos tiveram comportamentos distintos nas medidas domiciliares. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Prevalence of Masked and White-Coat Hypertension in Pre-Hypertensive and Stage 1 Hypertensive patients with the use of TeleMRPA.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of arterial hypertension based on measurements of blood pressure in the office has low accuracy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of masked hypertension (MH) and white-coat hypertension through home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) in pre-hypertensive and stage 1 hypertensive patients. METHOD: Retrospective study, of which sample consisted of individuals with BP ≥ 120/80 mmHg and < 160/100 mmHg at the medical office without the use of antihypertensive medication and who underwent exams on the HBPM platform by telemedicine (TeleMRPA) between May 2017 and September 2018. The four-day MRPA protocol was used, with 24 measurements, using automated, validated, calibrated equipment with a memory function. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1,273 participants, of which 739 (58.1%) were women. The mean age was 52.4 ± 14.9 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 28.4 ± 5.1 kg/m2. The casual BP was higher than the HBPM in 7.6 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 5.2 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP), both with statistical significance (p < 0.001). There were 558 (43.8%) normotensive individuals; 291 (22.9%) with sustained hypertension; 145 (11.4%) with MH and 279 (21.9%) with white-coat hypertension (WCH), with a diagnostic error by casual BP in the total sample in 424 (33.3%) patients. In stage 1 hypertensive individuals, the prevalence of WCH was 48.9%; in prehypertensive patients, the prevalence of MH was 20.6%. CONCLUSION: MH and WCH have a high prevalence rate in the adult population; however, in prehypertensive or stage 1 hypertensive patients, the prevalence is higher. Out-of-office BP measurements in these subgroups should be performed whenever possible to prevent misdiagnosis.

Programa para Otimizar a Detecção da Fibrilação Atrial Paroxística: Estudo Ritmo / A Program to Optimize the Detection of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: The RITMO Study

Resumo Fundamento: A fibrilação atrial (FA) é a arritmia cardíaca sustentada mais frequente, mas ainda é subdiagnosticada especialmente em pacientes assintomáticos. Objetivo: Avaliar uma estratégia simples para otimizar a identificação da FA. Métodos: Avaliados indivíduos assintomáticos com 65 anos ou mais, portadores de hipertensão arterial (HA) ou insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Os dados foram inseridos e armazenados em plataforma REDCap. Inicialmente foram realizadas análise de risco de FA com o algoritmo matemático Stroke Risk Analysis (SRA) aplicado em eletrocardiograma (ECG) de 1 hora. Todos os pacientes de alto risco de FA foram orientados a realizar o protocolo de ECG domiciliar por sete dias com o equipamento portátil Kardia 6L OMRON, AliveCor®. O teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov foi usado para verificar a normalidade da distribuição das variáveis quantitativas; aquelas com distribuição normal foram expressas em média e desvio-padrão. Adotou-se como significativo o valor de p<0,05. Resultados: Foram avaliados 423 pacientes; 15 foram excluídos por não terem realizado o SRA, resultando em uma amostra de 408 pacientes. A avaliação evidenciou que 13 (3,2%) pacientes apresentaram FA, 120 (29,4%) foram considerados de alto risco para FA e 275 (67,4%) sem risco aumentado. Dos 120 pacientes de alto risco, 111 realizaram adequadamente o protocolo de sete dias com o Kardia, tendo sido identificados um ou mais registros de FA em 43 pacientes. Conclusão: A estratégia adotada no estudo RITMO mostrou-se eficaz para identificar, com uma incidência de 13,7% (56/408), episódios de FA em pacientes idosos assintomáticos e portadores de HA ou IC.

Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrythmia, but still underdiagnosed especially among asymptomatic patients. Objectives: To evaluate a simple strategy to optimize the identification of AF. Methods: Asymptomatic patients aged 65 years or older, with hypertension or heart failure (HF), were included. Data were inserted into the REDCap software platform. Patients were assessed for the risk for AF using the Stroke Risk Analysis (SRA) mathematical algorithm, which was applied on a one-hour electrocardiogram (ECG). All patients at high risk for AF were instructed to follow a home ECG protocol for seven days using a portable Kardia 6 (OMRON, AliveCor®). The Kolmogorov-test was used to test the normality of quantitative variables; those with normal distribution were expressed as mean and standard deviation. A p<0.05 was set as statistically significant. Results: A total of 423 patients were assessed; 15 were excluded due to absence of SRA, yielding a sample of 408 patients. In 13 (3.2%), AF was identified, 120 (29.4%) were considered at high risk and 275 (67.4%) without increased risk for AF. Of the 120 high-risk patients, 111 successfully completed the seven-day protocol with Kardia; at least one episode of AF was identified in 43 patients. Conclusion: The strategy adopted in the RITMO study was shown to be effective in identifying AF in asymptomatic elderly patients with hypertension or HF, with an incidence of 13.7% (56/408).

An 18-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study of amlodipine/ramipril combination versus amlodipine monotherapy in the treatment of hypertension: the assessment of combination therapy of amlodipine/ramipril (ATAR) study.

BACKGROUND: A combination of antihypertensive agents of different drug classes in a fixed-dose combination (FDC) may offer advantages in terms of efficacy, tolerability, and treatment compliance. Combination of a calcium channel blocker with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor may act synergistically to reduce blood pressure (BP). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of an amlodipine/ramipril FDC with those of amlodipine monotherapy. METHODS: This 18-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted at 8 centers across Brazil. Patients with stage 1 or 2 essential hypertension were enrolled. After a 2-week placebo run-in phase, patients received amlodipine/ramipril 2.5/2.5 mg or amlodipine 2.5 mg, after which the doses were titrated, based on BP, to 5/5 then 10/10 mg (amlodipine/ramipril) and 5 then 10 mg (amlodipine). The primary end point was BP measured in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. Hematology and serum biochemistry were assessed at baseline and study end. Tolerability was assessed using patient interview, laboratory analysis, and physical examination, including measurement of ankle circumference to assess peripheral edema. RESULTS: A total of 222 patients completed the study (age range, 40-79 years; FDC group, 117 patients [mean dose, 7.60/7.60 mg]; monotherapy, 105 patients [mean dose, 7.97 mg]). The mean (SD) changes in systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), as measured using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and in the physician's office, were significantly greater with combination therapy than monotherapy, with the exception of office DBP (ABPM, -20.76 [1.25] vs -15.80 [1.18] mm Hg and -11.71 [0.78] vs -8.61 [0.74] mm Hg, respectively [both, P = 0.004]; office, -27.51 [1.40] vs -22.84 [1.33] mm Hg [P = 0.012] and -16.41 [0.79] vs -14.64 [0.75] mm Hg [P = NS], respectively). In the ITT analysis, the mean changes in ambulatory, but not office-based, BP were statistically significant (ABPM: SBP, -20.21 [1.14] vs -15.31 [1.12] mm Hg and DBP, -11.61 [0.72] vs -8.42 [0.70] mm Hg, respectively [both, P = 0.002]; office: SBP, -26.60 [1.34] vs -22.97 [1.30] mm Hg and DBP, -16.48 [0.78] vs -14.48 [0.75] mm Hg [both, P = NS]). Twenty-nine patients (22.1%) treated with combination therapy and 41 patients (30.6%) treated with monotherapy experienced > or =1 adverse event considered possibly related to study drug. The combination-therapy group had lower prevalence of edema (7.6% vs 18.7%; P = 0.011) and a similar prevalence of dry cough (3.8% vs 0.8%; P = NS). No clinically significant changes in laboratory values were found in either group. CONCLUSIONS: In this population of patients with essential hypertension, the amlodipine/ramipril FDC was associated with significantly reduced ambulatory and office-measured BP compared with amlodipine monotherapy, with the exception of office DBP. Both treatments were well tolerated.

Registro Nacional do Controle da Hipertensão Arterial Avaliado pela Medida de Consultório e Residencial no Brasil: Registro LHAR / National Registry of Hypertension Control Evaluated by Office and Home Measurements: The LHAR National Registry

Resumo Fundamento Sabe-se que em torno de 30% dos pacientes apresentam valores de pressão arterial (PA) mais elevados quando examinados no consultório do que em suas residências. No mundo, admite-se que apenas 35% dos hipertensos já tratados tenham alcançado meta pressórica. Objetivo Fornecer dados epidemiológicos sobre o controle da PA nos consultórios, em uma amostra de cardiologistas brasileiros, avaliado pela medida de consultório e monitorização residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA). Métodos Análise transversal. Observou-se pacientes com diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial, em tratamento anti-hipertensivo, podendo ou não estar com a PA controlada. A PA foi verificada no consultório por profissional médico, e no domicílio através da MRPA. A associação entre variáveis categóricas se deu por meio do teste do qui-quadrado (p < 0,05). Resultados Foram incluídos 2.540 pacientes, com idade média 59,7 ± 15,2 anos. A maioria dos pacientes eram mulheres (62%; n = 1.575). O estudo mostrou uma prevalência de 15% (n = 382) de hipertensão do avental branco não controlada, e 10% (n = 253) de hipertensão mascarada não controlada. A taxa de controle da PA no consultório foi 56,3%, e no domicílio, de 61%; 46,4% dos pacientes tiveram PA controlada no consultório e fora dele. Observou-se maior controle no sexo feminino e na faixa etária 49-61 anos. Observando o controle domiciliar com o novo ponto de corte das Diretrizes Brasileiras de Hipertensão Arterial de 2020, a taxa de controle foi de 42,4%. Conclusão O controle pressórico nos consultórios em uma amostra de cardiologistas brasileiros foi de 56,3%; 61% quando a PA foi obtida no domicílio, e 46,4% quando o controle foi observado tanto no consultório como no domicílio.

Abstract Background It is known that around 30% of patients have higher blood pressure (BP) values when examined at the office than at home. Worldwide, only 35% of patients with hypertension undergoing treatment have reached their BP targets. Objective To provide epidemiological data on BP control in the offices of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists, considering office and home BP measurement. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of patients with a hypertension diagnosis and undergoing antihypertensive treatment, with controlled BP or not. BP was assayed in the office by a medical professional and at home using home BP monitoring (HBPM). The association between categorical variables was verified using the chi-square test (p<0.05). Results The study included 2540 patients, with a mean age of 59.7 ± 15.2 years. Most patients were women (62%; n=1575). Prevalence rates of 15% (n=382) for uncontrolled white coat hypertension and 10% (n=253) for uncontrolled masked hypertension were observed. The rate of BP control in the office was 56.3% and at home, 61%. Meanwhile, 46.4% of the patients had controlled BP in and outside of the office. Greater control was observed in women and in the 49-61 years age group. Considering the new DBHA 2020 threshold for home BP control, the control rate was 42.4%. Conclusion BP control in the offices of a sample of Brazilian cardiologists was 56.3%; this rate was 61% when BP was measured at home and 46.4% when considering both the office and home.

Bloqueadores do Receptor de Angiotensina Avaliados por Medida de Consultório e Residencial da Pressão Arterial. Estudo TeleMRPA / Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Evaluated by Office and Home Blood Pressure Measurements. TeleHBPM Study

Resumo Fundamento O tratamento adequado e a obtenção das metas na hipertensão arterial são importantes na redução dos desfechos cardiovasculares. Objetivos Descrever os bloqueadores do receptor de angiotensina (BRA) em monoterapia ou combinação dupla e a taxa de controle da hipertensão arterial. Métodos Estudo transversal que avaliou pacientes em uso de BRA entre 2017 e 2020. Foram excluídos aqueles em uso de três ou mais anti-hipertensivos. As variáveis analisadas foram: sexo, idade, índice de massa corporal, medidas válidas da medida residencial da pressão arterial (MRPA); pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) obtidas pela MRPA e de forma casual; variabilidade pressórica; classe dos anti-hipertensivos e dos BRAs. Foram utilizados testes de t pareado, qui-quadrado e Fisher, além de sobreposição dos intervalos de confiança de 95% com nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados Foram selecionados 17.013 pacientes; destes, 12.813 preencheram os critérios, dos quais 62,1% eram do sexo feminino. O número médio de medidas válidas foi de 23,3 (±2,0), com médias para a PAS de 126,8±15,8 mmHg e 133,5±20,1 mmHg (p < 0,001) e para a PAD de 79,1±9,7 mmHg e 83,6±11,9 mmHg (p < 0,001) pela MRPA e medida casual, respectivamente. Losartana foi o BRA mais utilizado e o que apresentou comportamentos mais elevados da pressão arterial. As combinações de BRA com diuréticos ou com antagonistas de canal de cálcio tiveram menores valores de pressão arterial. Conclusões Losartana foi utilizada em mais da metade dos pacientes, apesar de ser a menos eficiente na redução e no controle da pressão arterial.

Abstract Background Adequate treatment of arterial hypertension and achieving arterial hypertension goals in are important in reducing cardiovascular outcomes. Objectives To describe angiotensin receptor blockers in monotherapy or double combination therapy and the rate of arterial hypertension control. Methods This cross-sectional study evaluated patients who were using angiotensin receptor blockers between 2017 and 2020. Those using three or more antihypertensive drugs were excluded. The analyzed variables included sex, age, body mass index, valid home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) measurements, casual and HBPM systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements, blood pressure variability, and antihypertensive and angiotensin receptor blocker class. Paired t, chi-square, and Fisher's exact tests were used, as well as overlapping 95% confidence intervals and a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). Results Of 17,013 patients, 12,813 met the inclusion criteria, 62.1% of whom were female. The mean number of valid measurements was 23.3 (SD, 2.0). The mean HBPM and casual measurements for systolic blood pressure were 126.8 (SD, 15.8) mmHg and 133.5 (SD, 20.1) mmHg (p <0.001), respectively, while those for diastolic blood pressure were 79.1 (SD, 9.7 mmHg) and 83.6 (SD, 11.9) mmHg (p <0.001), respectively. Losartan was the most common angiotensin receptor blocker and resulted in the highest blood pressure values. Combinations of angiotensin receptor blockers with diuretics or calcium channel antagonists resulted in lower blood pressure values. Conclusions More than half of the patients used losartan, although it was the least efficient drug for reducing and controlling blood pressure.

DOENÇA CORONARIANA SINTOMÁTICA EM IDOSA COM HIPERTENSÃO ARTERIAL RESISTENTE VERDADEIRA / SYMPTOMATIC CORONARY DISEASE IN ELDERLY WOMAN WITH TRUE RESISTANT ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Caso clínico de uma paciente idosa, com diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial há mais de 10 anos previamente controlada evoluindo com sintomas sugestivos de doença arterial coronariana sintomática em conjunto com descontrole da hipertensão arterial. Durante o seguimento foi possível confirmar o diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial resistente não controlada e a possível associação com descompensação da doença coronariana na forma de equivalente anginoso. Após ajuste medicamentoso, levando em consideração o risco cardiovascular individual da paciente e a avaliação geriátrica, as metas pressóricas e o controle sintomático da lesão de órgão-alvo foram alcançados com sucesso. Destaca-se a importância do diagnóstico preciso da hipertensão arterial resistente assim como seu controle, em especial na população idosa onde a prevalência de comorbidades e lesões de órgão alvos é maior

Clinical case of an elderly patient, diagnosed with hypertension for more than 10 years, previously controlled, evolving with symptoms suggestive of symptomatic coronary artery disease simultaneously with uncontrolled hypertension. During follow-up, it was possible to confirm the diagnosis of uncontrolled resistant arterial hypertension and the possible association with decompensated coronary disease in the form of anginal equivalent. After medication adjustment, taking into account the patient's individual cardiovascular risk and geriatric assessment, blood pressure goals and symptomatic control of target organ damage were successfully achieved, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis of resistant hypertension as well as its control in particular in the elderly population, where the prevalence of comorbidities and target organ damage is higher

Desempenho do eletrocardiograma no diagnóstico da hipertrofia ventricular esquerda em hipertensos idosos e muito idosos / Performance of the electrocardiogram in the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in older and very older hypertensive patients

Resumo Fundamento: A hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) é um importante fator de risco cardiovascular, independente da hipertensão arterial. Apesar da evolução dos exames de imagem, o eletrocardiograma (ECG) ainda é o mais utilizado na avaliação inicial, porém, com baixa sensibilidade. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho dos principais critérios eletrocardiográficos para HVE em indivíduos hipertensos idosos e muito idosos. Métodos: Em coorte de hipertensos foram realizados ECGs e EcoDopplercardiogramas (ECO), e separados em três grupos etários: <60 anos, Grupo I; 60-79 anos Grupo II; e ≥80 anos, Grupo III. Os critérios eletrocardiográficos mais utilizados foram aplicados para o diagnóstico da HVE: Perúgia; Peguero-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duração; Cornell voltagem; Cornell voltagem duração; Sokolow-Lyon voltagem; R de aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duração. Na avaliação do desempenho desses critérios, além da sensibilidade (Sen) e especificidade (Esp), foram analisadas as "Odds Ratios diagnóstico" (DOR). Consideramos p-valor <0,05 para as análises, com testes bi-caudais. Resultados: Em 2.458 pacientes, a HVE estava presente pelo ECO em 781 (31,7%). Nos Grupos I e II, os melhores desempenhos foram para os critérios de Narita, Perúgia, (Rm+Sm) x duração, sem diferenças estatísticas entre eles. No Grupo III (muito idosos) os critérios de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração tiveram os melhores desempenhos: Perúgia [44,7/89,3; (Sen/Esp)] e (Rm+Sm) duração [39,4%/91,3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0,05)], com os melhores resultados de DOR:6,8. Isto sugere que nessa população de muito idosos esses critérios têm maior poder discriminatório para separar pacientes com HVE. Conclusão: Nos hipertensos muito idosos os critérios eletrocardiográficos de Perúgia e (Rm+Sm) x duração apresentaram os melhores desempenhos diagnósticos para HVE.

Abstract Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important cardiovascular risk factor, regardless of arterial hypertension. Despite the evolution of imaging tests, the electrocardiogram (ECG) is still the most used in the initial evaluation, however, with low sensitivity. Objective: To evaluate the performance of the main electrocardiographic criteria for LVH in elderly and very elderly hypertensive individuals. Methods: In a cohort of hypertensive patients, ECGs and doppler echocardiographies (ECHO) were performed and separated into three age groups: <60 years, Group I; 60-79 years Group II; and ≥80 years, Group III. The most used electrocardiographic criteria were applied for the diagnosis of LVH: Perugia; Pegaro-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duration; Cornell voltage; Cornell voltage duration; Sokolow-Lyon voltage; R of aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duration. In evaluating the performance of these criteria, in addition to sensitivity (Sen) and specificity (Esp), the "Diagnostic Odds Ratios" (DOR) were analyzed. We considered p-value <0.05 for the analyses, with two-tailed tests. Results: In 2,458 patients, LVH was present by ECHO in 781 (31.7%). In Groups I and II, the best performances were for the criteria of Narita, Perugia, (Rm+Sm) x duration, with no statistical differences between them. In Group III (very elderly) the Perugia criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration had the best performances: Perugia [44,7/89.3; (Sen/Esp)] and (Rm+Sm) duration [39.4%/91.3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0.05)], with the best PAIN results:6.8. This suggests that in this very elderly population, these criteria have greater discriminatory power to separate patients with LVH. Conclusion: In very elderly hypertensive patients, the Perugia electrocardiographic criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration showed the best diagnostic performance for LVH.

Hipertensos Tratados e Avaliados por Telemonitoramento Residencial da Pressão Arterial. Estudo TeleMRPA / Treated Hypertensive Patients Assessed by Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring. TeleMRPA Study

Resumo Fundamento: Hipertensos tratados avaliados apenas com a medida casual da pressão arterial (PA) podem estar sujeitos a decisões equivocadas. Objetivos: Avaliar o comportamento da PA pela medida casual e residencial (MRPA), o comportamento das classes de anti-hipertensivos e as prevalências de hipertensão do avental branco (HABNC) e mascarada não-controladas (HMNC). Métodos: Estudo transversal que avaliou pacientes pela plataforma TeleMRPA entre 2017 e 2019. Foram excluídos aqueles sem medicamentos, com 3 ou mais, em uso de espironolactona e alfa-2 agonistas. As variáveis analisadas foram: idade, sexo, índice de massa corporal (IMC), número de medidas válidas da PA, médias da PA sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD) pela medida casual e MRPA, e as classes de anti-hipertensivos. Utilizados os testes t pareado e não pareado e qui-quadrado. Adotado nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Selecionados 22.446 pacientes, dos quais 6.731 preencheram os critérios, sendo 61,3% do sexo feminino, com idade média de 57,8 (±12,6) anos e IMC médio de 29,0 (±5,1) kg/m2. Os valores médios de PAS e PAD foram 6,6 mmHg (p<0,001) e 4,4 mmHg (p<0,001) maiores na medida casual que na MRPA. As taxas de controle da PA foram de 57,0% pela medida casual e 61,3% pela MRPA (p<0,001), com prevalência de HABNC e HMNC de 15,4% e 11,1%, respectivamente. O bloqueio do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona ocorreu em 74,6% das vezes e 54,8% estavam em monoterapia. Conclusões: O uso da MRPA deve ser considerado no acompanhamento de hipertensos tratados em virtude das elevadas prevalências de HABNC e HMNC. Os anti-hipertensivos tiveram comportamentos distintos nas medidas domiciliares. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Abstract Background: Hypertensive patients undergoing treatment and assessed only by casual blood pressure (BP) measurement may be subject to mistaken decisions. Objective: To assess BP behavior by measuring its levels at the office (casual) and at home (HBPM), the behavior of different classes of antihypertensive drugs, and the prevalence of uncontrolled white-coat hypertension (UCWCH) and uncontrolled masked hypertension (UCMH). Methods: Cross-sectional study assessing patients who underwent BP monitoring in the TeleMRPA platform between 2017 and 2019. The exclusion criteria were: use of no antihypertensive drug; combined use of 3 or more antihypertensive drugs; and use of spironolactone and alpha-2 agonist. The variables analyzed were: age, sex, body mass index (BMI), number of valid BP measurements, means of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) obtained from HBPM and casual measurement, and the classes of antihypertensive drugs. Paired and unpaired t tests, as well as chi-square test, were used. The 5% significance level was adopted. Results: This study selected 22 446 patients, 6731 of whom met the inclusion criteria [61.3%, female sex; mean age, 57.8 (±12.6) years; mean BMI, 29.0 (±5.1) kg/m2]. Mean SBP and DBP were 6.6 mm Hg (p<0.001) and 4.4 mm Hg (p<0.001) higher in casual measurement than in HBPM. The rates of BP control were 57.0% in casual measurement and 61.3% in HBPM (p<0.001), and the prevalence of UCWCH and UCMH was 15.4% and 11.1%, respectively. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade was observed in 74.6% of the patients, and 54.8% were on single-drug therapy. Conclusions: HBPM should be considered for the follow-up of treated hypertensive patients because of the high prevalence of UCWCH and UCMH. Antihypertensive drugs behaved differently in HBPM. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0)

Associação da Composição Corporal com Rigidez Arterial em Longevos / Association of Body Composition with Arterial Stiffness in Long-lived People

Resumo Fundamento Pouco se conhece sobre a relação entre sarcopenia e hemodinâmica central em idosos longevos. Objetivo Estudar a relação da rigidez arterial com a composição corporal em idosos longevos. Métodos A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio da absortometria de Raio X de dupla energia (DEXA) e dos parâmetros de circulação central (PCC) obtidos por método oscilométrico não invasivo, com o Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor®. Os parâmetros centrais avaliados foram: velocidade da onda de pulso (VOP), augmentation index (AIx), índice de amplificação da pressão de pulso (iAPP) e pressão de pulso central (PPc). Estes foram correlacionados com massa magra total (MM) e apendicular (MA), percentual de gordura corporal e índice de Baumgartner (IB). Aceitou-se nível de significância de 5%. Resultados Participaram 124 longevos, com idade média de 87,1 anos (DP±4,3 anos), sendo 74,2% mulheres e 57,3% brancos. Houve correlação inversa do AIx com as variáveis MM (r = - 0,391, p < 0,001), MA (r= -0,378, p< 0,001) e IB (r = -0,258, p 0,004). A PPc apresentou associação inversa com MM (r= -0,268, p =0,003), MA (r=-0,288, p= 0,001) e IB (r= -0,265, p = 0,003). Houve relação direta apenas entre AIx e percentual de gordura corporal (r= 0,197, p= 0,029). Conclusão Em idosos longevos, o percentual de gordura corporal se associa diretamente com a rigidez arterial e tem associação inversa com a quantidade de MM. Esses achados podem estar associados ao maior risco cardiovascular.

Abstract Background Arterial stiffness, obesity and sarcopenia correlate with each other and with cardiac outcomes in younger adults. However, there is little evidence of the association between body composition and markers of central arteries stiffness in long-lived people. Objective To evaluate the relationship between arterial stiffness and body composition in functionally independent long-lived individuals. Methods This is a cross-sectional analysis of the association between markers of arterial stiffness and body composition among participants in a longitudinal cohort of elderly individuals aged 80 years or older who were functionally independent and lived in the community . Body composition measurements were performed using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and central circulation parameters (CCP) obtained by a non-invasive oscillometric method through the Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor® device. The central parameters evaluated were: pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation Index (AIx), pulse pressure amplification index (PPAi) and central pulse pressure (cPP). These were correlated to total lean mass (LM) and appendicular lean mass (aLM), body fat percentage, and Baumgartner's Index (BI). The level of significance was set at 5% for all tests. Results Data from 124 elderly people with a mean age of 87.1 years (SD ± 4.3 years) were analyzed, with 74.2% of women and 57.3% of white. There was a statistically significant inverse correlation of AIx with LM (r = -0.391, p <0.001), aLM (r = -0.378, p <0.001), and BI (r = -0.258, p = 0.004). Also, cPP had an inversely proportional association with LM (r = -0.268, p = 0.003), aLM (r = -0.288, p = 0.001), and BI (r = -0.265, p = 0.003). When assessing the relationship between fat mass and CCP, a statistically significant direct relationship was observed only between AIx and body fat percentage (r = 0.197, p = 0.029). Conclusion In long-lived people, body fat percentage is directly associated with arterial stiffness and inversely associated with the amount of LM. These findings may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.