Abstract Changes in ventricular repolarization are associated with ventricular arrhythmias and higher mortality. The association between a non-dipper blood pressure pattern and changes in ventricular repolarization remains controversial. This study sought to compare ventricular repolarization measurements (QT interval, QTc, Tp-Te, Tp-Te/QT, and QTd) in hypertensive dippers and non-dippers. Secondary objectives are to compare measurements between controlled and uncontrolled hypertensive patients, as well as resistant and non-resistant hypertensive patients. This observational, cross-sectional study involved patients monitored in a Hypertension Service. The […]

Abstract Background In patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), addition of posterior wall isolation (PWI) to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is controversial. Objective Compare PVI plus PWI versus PVI alone in patients with persistent AF. Methods We searched PubMed (by MEDLINE), Embase, LILACS, CENTRAL (by Cochrane Library), and Clinicaltrials.gov databases for randomized trials comparing PVI + PWI and PVI alone in persistent AF. The outcomes were: (i) AF recurrence; (ii) composite of recurrent atrial arrhythmias (i.e., AF, atrial tachycardia, or […]

Introduction The development of chest pain associated with intermittent left bundle branch block (LBBB) in the absence of coronary artery disease has been described in the literature as painful left bundle branch block syndrome. The mechanism responsible for the chest pain is unknown, but the main current hypothesis is related to acute cardiac dyssynchrony. In this syndrome, the LBBB occurs when the cycle length is equal to or less than the refractory period of the left bundle, mainly during physical […]

Abstract Background: The catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is performed less frequently in women. In addition, there is divergent information in the literature regarding the effectiveness and safety for the ablative procedure to females. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes in men and women undergoing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) ablation. Methods: Cohort study of patients undergoing first-ever PAF catheter ablation procedure refractory to antiarrhythmic drugs. The information was taken from patients’ […]

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus is a severe chronic disease leading to systemic complications, including cardiovascular dysfunction. Previous cell therapy studies have obtained promising results with the use bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells derived from healthy animals (MSCc) in diabetes animal models. However, the ability of MSC derived from diabetic rats to improve functional cardiac parameters is still unknown. Objectives: To investigate whether bone-marrow-derived MSC from diabetic rats (MSCd) would contribute to recover metabolic and cardiac electrical properties in other diabetic […]