The selection by a scientific journal’s editor-in-chief and associate editors of a manuscript for publishing is mainly, although not exclusively, based on the opinion of the manuscript’s reviewers. This process is known as peer review and consists on the manuscript’s assessment by experts in the area, who judge the scientific merit of the manuscript submitted to the journal. This process is expected to accept the better science for publishing, while refusing that of lower merit. Other standards and rules followed […]

Abstract Background: Some small studies have related higher levels of thyrotropin (TSH) to potentially worse prognosis in acute coronary syndromes. However, this relationship remains uncertain. Objective: To analyze the outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndromes in relation to the value of TSH at admission. Methods: Observational and retrospective study with 505 patients (446 in group I [TSH ≤ 4 mIU/L] and 59 in group II [TSH > 4 mIU/L]) with acute coronary syndromes between May 2010 and May 2014. […]

Abstract Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common autosomal dominant disorder, characterized by a high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and a high risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Objective: To evaluate clinical and anthropometric characteristics of patients with the familiar hypercholesterolemia (FH) phenotype, with or without genetic confirmation of FH. Methods: Forty-five patients with LDL-C > 190 mg/dl were genotyped for six FH-related genes: LDLR, APOB, PCSK9, LDLRAP1, LIPA and APOE. Patients who tested positive for any of these […]

Abstract Background: Previous data has shown that patients in the indeterminate form of Chagas disease may present myocardial fibrosis as shown on through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, there is little information available regarding the degree of severity of myocardial fibrosis in these individuals. This variable has the potential to predict the evolution of Chagas’ disease into its cardiac form. Objectives: To describe the frequency and extent of myocardial fibrosis evaluated using an MRI in patients in the indeterminate form, […]

Abstract Background: Simplified projected aortic valve area (EOAproj) is a valuable echocardiographic parameter in the evaluation of low flow low gradient aortic stenosis (LFLG AS). Its widespread use in clinical practice is hampered by the laborious process of flow rate (Q) calculation. Objetive: This study proposes a less burdensome, alternative method of Q calculation to be incorporated in the original formula of EOAproj and measures the agreement between the new proposed method of EOAproj calculation and the original one. Methods: […]

Abstract Background: The high cardiotoxicity morbidity and mortality rates associated with the antineoplastic therapy for breast cancer could be reduced with the early use of cardioprotective drugs. However, the low sensitivity of left ventricular ejection fraction limits its use in that preventive strategy. New parameters, such as global longitudinal strain, are being used in the early detection of contractile function changes. Objectives: To assess the incidence of cardiotoxicity in patients treated for breast cancer, the independent factors associated with that […]

Abstract Background: The uninterrupted use of oral anticoagulation (OAC) with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for electrophysiology procedures has been more and more recommended. The clinical practice in our service recommends the continuous use of these drugs for atrial flutter ablation. There is little evidence as to the uninterrupted use of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) in this scenario. Objective: To compare the rates of complications related with the uninterrupted use of different types of oral anticoagulants in patients referred […]

Abstract Background: Blood pressure (BP) variability can be evaluated by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (24h-ABPM), but its concordance with results from finger BP measurement (FBPM) has not been established yet. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare parameters of short-term (24h-ABPM) with very short-term BP variability (FBPM) in healthy (C) and diabetic-hypertensive (DH) subjects. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 51 DH subjects and 12 C subjects who underwent 24h-ABPM [extracting time-rate, standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV)] and […]

Abstract Background: Individuals with a family history of systemic arterial hypertension (FHSAH) and / or prehypertension have a higher risk of developing this pathology. Objective: To evaluate the autonomic and vascular functions of prehypertensive patients with FHSAH. Methods: Twenty-five young volunteers with FHSAH, 14 normotensive and 11 prehypertensive subjects were submitted to vascular function evaluation by forearm vascular conductance(VC) during resting and reactive hyperemia (Hokanson®) and cardiac and peripheral autonomic modulation, quantified, respectively, by spectral analysis of heart rate (ECG) […]

Abstract Background: Data on the current situation of nuclear medicine practices in cardiology in Brazil are scarce. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recommended eight “good practices” to minimize patients’ ionizing radiation exposure during myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS). Objectives: To assess the adoption of the eight good practices in MPS in Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study with data obtained by use of a questionnaire. All hypothesis tests performed considered a significance level of 5%. Results: We observed that 100% of […]

Abstract Background: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is an idiopathic disorder defined by the occurrence of acute heart failure during late pregnancy or post-partum period in the absence of any other definable cause. Its clinical course is variable and severe cases might require heart transplantation. Objective: To investigate long-term outcomes after heart transplantation (HT) for peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Methods: Out of a single-center series of 1938 HT, 14 HT were performed for PPCM. We evaluated clinical characteristics, transplant-related complications, and long-term outcomes, in […]

Abstract Heart transplantation (HTx) is considered an efficient and gold-standard procedure for patients with end-stage heart failure. After surgery, patients have lower aerobic power (VO2max) and compensatory hemodynamic responses. The aim of the present study was to assess through a systematic review with meta-analysis whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can provide benefits for those parameters. This is a systematic review with meta-analysis, which searched the databases and data portals PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and Wiley until December […]

Clinical aspects The patient had syncope episodes since the age of 20 years, and heart failure since the age of 30 years, undergoing cardiac transplantation at the age of 36 years. Since symptom onset, heart disease with marked left ventricular dilatation and moderate dysfunction was detected. The exercise test revealed frequent ventricular arrhythmia. His syncope episodes were attributed to malignant ventricular arrhythmias, and a cardioverter defibrillator was implanted. […]

Introduction Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD) is a heart muscle disorder that is characterized pathologically by fibrofatty replacement of the right (and sometimes left) ventricular myocardium. In 30-90% of cases, it is an inherited condition, with an autosomal dominant form of transmission. Disease expression is variable. In this article, we discuss a rare case of fetal ARVD and its difficult prenatal diagnosis, only confirmed at post-natal autopsy. […]

A 74-year-old woman with a history of membranous glomerulonephritis and a recent diagnosis of mediastinal adenopathy was admitted to the emergency department with acute heart failure. She complained of progressive dyspnea and weakness in the last week. Physical examination revealed hypotension, tachypnea, jugular vein distention, and desaturation. The most relevant laboratory findings were: anemia, lymphocytopenia, lactic acidosis, and increased lactate dehydrogenase. An electrocardiogram showed rapid atrial fibrillation and low-voltage QRS complexes. An echocardiogram revealed severe pericardial effusion and diffuse heterogeneous […]