Abstract Background: AIDS as well as atherosclerosis are important public health problems. The longer survival among HIV-infected is associated with increased number of cardiovascular events in this population, and this association is not fully understood. Objectives: To identify the frequency of subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV-infected patients compared to control subjects; to analyze associations between atherosclerosis and clinical and laboratory variables, cardiovascular risk factors, and the Framingham coronary heart disease risk score (FCRS). Methods: Prospective cross-sectional case-control study assessing the presence […]

Abstract Background: Sudden cardiac death is the most frequent death mechanism in Chagas disease, responsible for 55% to 65% of the deaths of patients with chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC). The most often involved electrophysiological mechanisms are ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has a beneficial role in preventing sudden death due to malignant ventricular arrhythmias, and, thus the correct identification of patients at risk is required. The association of microvolt T-wave alternans (MTWA) with the appearance […]

Abstract Background: In view of the high mortality for cardiovascular diseases, it has become necessary to stratify the main risk factors and to choose the correct diagnostic modality. Studies have demonstrated that a zero calcium score (CS) is characteristic of a low risk for cardiovascular events. However, the prevalence of individuals with coronary atherosclerotic plaques and zero CS is conflicting in the specialized literature. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of patients with coronary atherosclerotic plaques, their degree of obstruction and […]

Abstract Background: Recent studies have shown a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MSyn) in vegetarians (VEG) despite the inconclusive evidence from others. Objective: To verify the association between diet and other lifestyle characteristics and the prevalence of MSyn, cardiovascular risk factors (CRF), and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in apparently healthy VEG and omnivorous (OMN) men. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 88 apparently healthy men ≥ 35 years, 44 VEG and 44 OMN, were assessed for anthropometric data, blood pressure, blood […]

Abstract Background: The influence of pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy on cryo kinetics during cryoballoon (CB) ablation is unclear. Objective: To investigate the relationship between PV anatomy and cryo kinetics during CB ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: Sixty consecutive patients were enrolled. PV anatomy, including ostial diameters (long, short and corrected), ratio between short and long diameters, ostium shape (round, oval, triangular, and narrow), and drainage pattern (typical, with common trunk, common antrum, ostial branch and supernumerary PV) were evaluated […]

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: In Brazil, population-based researches analyzing prevalence and factors associated with metabolic syndrome (MS), a recognized predictor of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and an important cause of disability and death in the country are scarce. Objective: To evaluate prevalence of MS and its associated factors in Brazilian population. Methods: Secondary analysis of the 2013 National Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey with national representativeness of Brazilian adult population (n = 59,402). MS was the outcome variable, defined from harmonization of cardiology […]

Abstract Background: Exercise training (ET) improves functional capacity in chronic heart failure (HF). However, ET effects in acute HF are unknown. Objective: To investigate the effects of ET alone or combined with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) compared with standard medical treatment during hospitalization in acute HF patients. Methods: Twenty-nine patients (systolic HF) were randomized into three groups: control (Control – only standard medical treatment); ET with placebo NIV (ET+Sham) and ET+NIV (NIV with 14 and 8 cmH2O of inspiratory and expiratory […]

Abstract Percutaneous coronary intervention in chronic total occlusion is a rapidly evolving area, being considered the last frontier of interventional cardiology. In recent years, the development of new techniques and equipment, as well as the training of specialized personnel, increased their success rates, making it the most predictable procedure available. Although the number of randomized and controlled studies is still limited, results from large multicentered registries allow us to safely offer this intervention to patients, as another treatment option along […]

Severe aortic stenosis (AS) is defined as a significant reduction of the aortic valve area (aortic valve area [AVA] ≤ 1.0 cm2) associated with evidence of left ventricular hypertrophic response (aortic jet velocity > 4 m/s or mean gradient between the left ventricle and the aorta > 40 mmHg).–3 However, as Minners et al. have demonstrated, inconsistencies in echocardiographic measurements are extremely frequent in daily clinical practice. In about 30% of the cases evaluated by AS, we found AVA ≤ […]

Clinical data Dyspnea on exertion for two years, progressing to low cardiac output and syncope lately, treated with dobutamine and usual drugs for congestive heart disease (currently using furosemide 40 mg, spironolactone 25 mg and losartan 12.5 mg). Physical examination: Good general condition, eupneic, acyanotic, normal pulse rate in the four limbs. Weight: 70 Kg, Height: 160 cm, blood pressure (right arm): 90/60 mmHg, HR: 94 bpm. […]

Introduction Current guidelines clearly define the subset of heart failure patients who benefit from device implantation. Although first-time trans-venous device implantation has a high success rate, some patients present complex and challenging technical problems. […]

A 34-year-old man was referred to our institution after an echocardiography performed at another center because of tachycardia (atrial flutter), which showed heterogeneous pericardial mass infiltrating the right chambers. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging were performed for more accurate assessment of the exact tumor location, size, and potential infiltration of other cardiac and mediastinal structures. CT () and MR imaging () confirmed an 8-cm ill-defined heterogeneous enhancing pericardial mass infiltrating the anterior and superior walls […]

Dear Editor, We read the article “Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia (NSVT) Episodes Predict Future Hospitalization in ICD Recipients with Heart Failure” written by Uçar et al. with great interest. NSVT identified on routine ICD interrogation should be considered an important clinical event as the authors state in this article. However, we would like to bring attention to some issues related to the article. […]

Caro Editor, Lemos o artigo “Episódios de Taquicardia Ventricular não Sustentada (TVNS) predizem futura hospitalização em receptores de CDI com insuficiência cardíaca”, escrito por Uçar et al., com grande interesse. A TVNS identificada na análise de rotina do CDI deve ser considerada um evento clínico importante, como afirmam os autores neste artigo. No entanto, gostaríamos de chamar a atenção para algumas questões relacionadas ao artigo. […]

Edition of December 2017, vol. 109 (6), Supl. 2, p. 1-34 In the “Atualização das Diretrizes Brasileiras de Valvopatias: Abordagem das Lesões Anatomicamente Importantes”, published as a supplement to the Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia [Arq Bras Cardiol 2017; 109(6Supl.2):1-34], the following corrections should be considered: […]