From May 1st to 10th, 1997, the First Brazilian Seminar on Cardiovascular Epidemiology, was held in the city of Gramado (RS), in the manner in which the World Federation of Cardiology has been promoting in various parts of the world since 1968 with The title Ten-Day International Didactic Seminars on Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Prevention. The initiative came from the Scientific Advisory Board of the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidade Federal of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and the Cardiology […]

Justifications The review of the need of fasting for lipid profile analysis (total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, non-HDL-C, and triglycerides [TG]) is based on the following grounds: […]

Abstract Background: Childhood obesity is associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Increased intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery is linked to the initiation and progression of the chronic inflammatory processes implicated in cardiovascular disease. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays an important role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix and, consequently, in the development, morphogenesis, repair and remodeling of connective tissues. Objectives: (i) to determine and compare the concentrations of MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase […]

Abstract Background: Abnormal ankle-brachial index (ABI) has been found to be a strong predictor of mortality in some hemodialysis populations in studies with relatively short periods of follow-up, lower than 2 years. Objective: This study aimed to assess the predictive value of abnormal ABI as a risk factor for death among patients on maintenance hemodialysis after a 5-year follow-up. Methods: A total of 478 patients on hemodialysis for at least 12 months were included in the study. ABI measurement was […]

Abstract Background: The effects of chronic exposure to exercise training on vascular biomarkers have been poorly explored. Objective: Our study aimed to compare the amounts of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and endothelial (EMP) and platelet (PMP) microparticles between professional runners and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-five half-marathon runners and 24 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. EPCs (CD34+/KDR+, CD133+/KDR+, and CD34+/CD133+), EMP (CD51+) and PMP (CD42+/CD31+) were quantified by flow-cytometry. All blood samples were obtained after 12 […]

Abstract Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental illnesses in psychiatry, being considered a risk factor for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Objective: To assess the prevalence of MDD in ACS patients, as well as to analyze associated factors through the interdependence of sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical variables. Methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, case-series study conducted on patients hospitalized consecutively at the coronary units of three public hospitals in the city of Rio de Janeiro over a […]

Abstract Background: Physical exercise is an important tool for the improvement of endothelial function. Objective: To assess the effects of acute dynamic resistance exercise on the endothelial function of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: Ten minutes after exercise, the aorta was removed to evaluate the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS1177) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and to generate concentration-response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) and to phenylephrine (PHE). The PHE protocol was […]

Abstract Background: Radiofrequency ablation of renal sympathetic nerve (RDN) shows effective BP reduction in hypertensive patients while the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: We hypothesized that abnormal levels of norepinephrine (NE) and changes in NE-related enzymes and angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 (ACE2), angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) and Mas receptor mediate the anti-hypertensive effects of RDN. Methods: Mean values of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Plasma and renal norepinephrine (NE) […]

Abstract Background: Prognostic factors are extensively studied in heart failure; however, their role in severe Chagasic heart failure have not been established. Objectives: To identify the association of clinical and laboratory factors with the prognosis of severe Chagasic heart failure, as well as the association of these factors with mortality and survival in a 7.5-year follow-up. Methods: 60 patients with severe Chagasic heart failure were evaluated regarding the following variables: age, blood pressure, ejection fraction, serum sodium, creatinine, 6-minute walk […]

Abstract Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) indices may detect autonomic changes with good diagnostic accuracy. Type diabetes mellitus (DM) individuals may have changes in autonomic modulation; however, studies of this nature in this population are still scarce. Objective: To compare HRV indices between and assess their prognostic value by measurements of sensitivity, specificity and predictive values in young individuals with type 1 DM and healthy volunteers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, physical and clinical assessment was performed in 39 young […]

Introduction Regular physical activity practice benefits individuals of all ages, sexes and ethnicities. If on one hand the practice of moderate exercise is considered a healthy activity that favors the cardiovascular system, on the other, high-intensity exercise for a long period can increase the risk for sudden death (SD). Even considering the huge number of individuals exercising daily, SD in that context is rare. However, the prevention of SD can be difficult and it has significant repercussion, mainly among young […]

Preliminary considerations Free animals have been and will always be active, with confinement or sedentary styles considered unnatural. Humankind, as it is known today, was able to set off from central regions and, through its own means of locomotion (exercise) spread across far areas of the planet. Seeking food and water, running from predators, from childhood to old age, have always been linked to exercise. Indeed, a sedentary lifestyle is very recent in the history of humankind. Before approaching the […]

Complementary examinations Electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm and no signs of cavitary overload. The QRS complex had RS morphology in V1, qRs in V6. AP: +50°, AQRS: +80°, AT: +40°. Chest X-ray showed normal cardiac area (cardiothoracic index: 0.46). The pulmonary vascular net was normal and the medial arch was rectified. […]

Introduction Despite technical advances and accumulated experience, complications continue being a concern for patients implanted with permanent pacemakers. Several leadless pacemaker systems have now been developed in order to reduce the rate of complications in patients implanted with conventional transvenous pacemaker. […]

Female patient, 45 years-old, reported dyspnea on routine efforts with 6 months of evolution with dry cough. Previously healthy she refused to take regular medication. According to the physical examination, she had a heart rate of 105 bpm, blood pressure of 90x60mmHg, respiratory frequency 30 incursions per minute, arterial saturation of 88%, slow capillary filling time, rhythmic sounds, diastolic rumble murmur (+++/6) in mitral focus and bibasal pulmonary crepitations. Chest X-Ray showed a discreet widening of the mediastinum. Chest CT […]

The study by Silva et al. presented the results of a series of cases from a single-center registry of implantable cardiac devices, including 28 implantations of isolated cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and 14 associated to resynchronization (CRT-ICD), in addition to procedures for generator replacement and handling of electrode cable. ICD and CRT-ICD implantations were considered the strongest predictors of re-admission into the hospital during a six-month period after the surgical procedure, although it is not clear whether there was adjustment by […]

July issue of 2016, vol. 107 (1), pages. 77-80 In the Case Report “Anatomopathological Aspects of Acute Chagas Myocarditis by Oral Transmission”, pages 77-80, by authors Dilma do Socorro Moraes de Souza, Marialva TF Araujo, Paulo da Silva Garcez, Julio Cesar Branco Furtado, Maria Tereza Sanches Figueiredo, Rui M.S. Povoa, please be aware that the correct spelling for Paulo da Silva Garcez is Paulo Roberto Silva Garcez dos Santos. […]