Based on the assumption that a classification system is a very critical subject and may significantly improve the prediction of individual responses to treatment and related diseases, we proposed 16 years ago a classification for endothelial dysfunction including etiological, functional, and evolutionary aspects (). […]

Abstract Background: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) were developed to improve the long-term results of percutaneous coronary intervention, restoring vasomotion. Objectives: To report very late follow-up of everolimus-eluting Absorb BVS (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, USA) in our center. Methods: Observational retrospective study, in a single Brazilian center, from August 2011 to October 2013, including 49 patients submitted to Absorb BVS implantation. Safety and efficacy outcomes were analyzed in the in-hospital and very late follow-up phases (> 2 years). Results: All 49 […]

Abstract Background: Despite knowing that resveratrol has effects on blood vessels, blood pressure and that phytostrogens can also improve the endothelium-dependent relaxation/vasodilation, there are no reports of reveratrol’s direct effect on the endothelial function and blood pressure of animals with estrogen deficit (mimicking post-menopausal increased blood pressure). Objective: To verify the effect of two different periods of preventive treatment with resveratrol on blood pressure and endothelial function in ovariectomized young adult rats. Methods: 3-month old female Wistar rats were used […]

Background: A few decades ago, patients with Chagas disease were predominantly rural workers, with a low risk profile for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). As urbanization has increased, they became exposed to the same risk factors for CAD of uninfected individuals. Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) has proven to be an important tool in CAD diagnosis. Despite being a potentially arrhythmogenic method, it is safe for coronary patients without Chagas disease. For Chagas disease patients, however, the indication of DSE in […]

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography coupled with speckle-tracking echocardiographic (STE) capability is a novel methodology which has been demontrated to be useful for the assessment of left atrial (LA) volumes and functional properties. There is increased scientific interest on myocardial deformation analysis in adult patients with corrected tetralogy of Fallot (cTOF). Objectives: To compare LA volumes, volume-based functional properties and strain parameters between cTOF patients and age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Methods: The study population consisted of 19 consecutive adult patients […]

Background: Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and its proper control can prevent the high morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. Objective: To assess the degree of compliance of antihypertensive prescriptions with the VI Brazilian Guidelines on Hypertension and the blood pressure control rate in primary care. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted between August 2011 and November 2012, including 332 adults ? 45 years registered in the Family Doctor Program in Niteroi and selected randomly. The […]

Background: Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular outcomes. Primary health care (PHC) physicians should be prepared to act appropriately in the prevention of cardiovascular risk factors. However, the rates of patients with control of blood pressure (BP) remain low. The impact of the reclassification of high BP by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) can lead to different medical decisions in PHC. Objective: To evaluate the agreement between the BP measured by a conventional method by PHC physicians and […]

Background: According to common belief, most myocardial infarctions (MIs) are due to the rupture of nonsevere, vulnerable plaques with < 70% obstruction. Data from recent trials challenge this belief, suggesting that the risk of coronary occlusion is, in fact, much higher after severe stenosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not acute ST-elevation MIs result from high-grade stenoses by evaluating the presence of coronary collateral circulation (CCC). Methods: We retrospectively included 207 consecutive patients who had […]

Background: Isotonic blood volume expansion (BVE) induced alterations of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity in the heart and blood vessels, which can be modulated by serotonergic pathways. Objective: To evaluate the effect of saline or serotonergic agonist (DOI) administration in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) on cardiovascular responses after BVE. Methods: We recorded pulsatile blood pressure through the femoral artery to obtain the mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR) and the sympathetic-vagal ratio […]

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) may perfect respiratory and cardiac performance in patients with heart failure (HF). The objective of the study to establish, through systematic review and meta-analysis, NIV influence on functional capacity of HF patients. A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized studies was carried out through research of databases of Cochrane Library, SciELO, Pubmed and PEDro, using the key-words: heart failure, non-invasive ventilation, exercise tolerance; and the free terms: bi-level positive airway pressure (BIPAP), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), […]

Electrophysiological procedures use high-cost multipolar electrode catheters which can be reprocessed. The reuse thereof has been performed by electrophysiology services in Europe, United States, Latin America and also in our midst. In fact, prior studies have proved that there is an actual cost decrease, and have also attested to the safety and efficacy of such practice,– observing rates of complication and therapeutic results similar to the ones obtained with first-use electrophysiology devices. The growing concern with sustainability and no waste, […]

Clinical aspects The patient was a 26-year-old male, reporting prophylaxis for rheumatic fever from the age of 12 years to 17 years, who, at the age of 24 years, developed dyspnea on heavy exertion, which improved with medication. However, after two years, dyspnea worsening and edema occurred (April 19, 2013). The clinical and laboratory assessments before the referral revealed cardiopathy with ventricular dilatation. The echocardiogram evidenced left ventricular systolic and diastolic diameters of 60 mm and 44 mm, respectively, and […]

Introduction Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in young adults is frequently caused by inherited cardiac diseases, particularly cardiomyopathies and ion channelopathies. Genetic testing can be essential in the follow-up of survivors and today´s genetic diagnostics may include the parallel analysis of several SCA related genes, most commonly those associated with ion channelopathies and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HC). We present the case of a young survivor of SCA, carrier of double heterozygosity for mutations in the SNC5A and MYBPC3 genes, illustrating the complexity […]

This case report describes a 75-year-old male patient presenting with persistent cough. His chest X-ray showed a right-sided paratracheal opacification. A thoracic CT ( and ) was subsequently performed to better characterize the radiographic findings. The exam revealed a Neuhauser Vascular Anomaly, that pertains a right-sided aortic arch and lusorian artery. […]

To the Editor, I have read with great interest the article entitled “Early Markers of Atherosclerotic Disease in Individuals with Excess Weight and Dyslipidemia” by Menti et al. recently published in Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia 2016; 106: 457-63. The investigators reported that fibrinogen is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in individuals with excess weight. […]

Ao Editor, Li, com grande interesse, o artigo intitulado “Marcadores Precoces de Doença Aterosclerótica em Indivíduos com Excesso de Peso e Dislipidemia”, de Menti et al., recentemente publicado nos Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia 2016;106:457-63. Os investigadores relataram que o fibrinogênio está associado a aterosclerose subclínica em indivíduos com excesso de peso. […]