Introduction Arterial hypertension (AH) is one of the main modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, as it causes increased arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction since early stages. Sympathetic hyperactivity and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) are among the major pathophysiological mechanisms of AH, in addition to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and imbalances in the nitric oxide (NO) availability. The increase in endothelial permeability in response to low NO synthesis explains the correlation of AH with atherosclerosis […]

Abstract Background The diet’s inorganic nitrate (NO3–) may provide a physiological substrate for reducing nitrate (NO2–) to NO independent of the endothelium. Studies suggest that inorganic NO3– has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. Objective This study evaluated the acute effects of 500 mL nitrate-rich beetroot juice (BRJ; containing 11.5mmol NO3–) on blood pressure and endothelial function in treated hypertensive patients. Methods A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted in treated hypertensive patients (n=37; women=62%) who underwent clinical and nutritional evaluation […]

Abstract Background: Sustained high blood pressure can lead to vascular remodeling and endothelial cell injury, which may explain the endothelial dysfunction found in hypertensive individuals. Exercise training can improve vascular health in individuals with cardiovascular risk, but little is known about its effects in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. Objective: To review the literature showing evidence of changes in endothelial function in response to different modalities of exercise training in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of […]

Abstract Background: Several anthropometric indexes have been proposed to determine the association between overweight and cardiovascular risk factors. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between body adiposity and microvascular reactivity in hypertensive patients under antihypertensive therapy. Methods: Treated hypertensive patients aged 40 to 70 were submitted to evaluation of anthropometric indexes: conicity (CI), body adiposity (BAI), visceral adiposity (VAI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Participants were divided by the terciles of fat percentage (%F) obtained by bioelectrical impedance. The patients underwent microvascular […]

Abstract Background: Cell-derived microvesicles (MVs) are vesicles released from activated or apoptotic cells. However, the levels of MVs in myocardial infarction have been found inconsistent in researches. Objective: To assess the association between MVs and myocardial infarction by conducting a meta-analysis. Methods: A systematic literature search on PubMed, Embase, Cochran, Google Scholar electronic database was conducted. Comparison of the MVs levels between myocardial infarction patients and healthy persons were included in our study. Standard Mean Difference (SMD) and 95% confidence […]