Background: The use of Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED), such as the Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), is increasing. The number of leads may vary according to the device. Lead placement in the left ventricle increases surgical time and may be associated with greater morbidity after hospital discharge, an event that is often confused with the underlying disease severity. Objective: To evaluate the rate of unscheduled emergency hospitalizations and death after implantable device surgery stratified by […]

Background: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a standard procedure for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) not responsive to previous treatments, that has been increasingly considered as a first-line therapy. In this context, perioperative screening for risk factors has become important. A previous study showed that a high left atrial (LA) pressure is associated with AF recurrence after ablation, which may be secondary to a stiff left atrium. Objective: To investigate, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, if LA stiffness could […]

Background: Comparison between percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using stents and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) remains controversial. Objective: To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis of PCI using Stents versus CABG in randomized controlled trials. Methods: Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized trials comparing PCI using Stents versus CABG for multi-vessel and unprotected left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD). 15 trials were found and their results were pooled. Differences between trials were considered significant if p < 0.05. Results: […]

Background: Despite its great relevance, there are no studies in our country evaluating the application of the 2012 guidelines for the appropriate use of cardiac diagnostic catheterization. Objective: To analyze the adequacy of coronary angiography performed in two hospitals in the southern region of Brazil. Methods: This is a multicenter cross-sectional study, which analyzed indications, results and proposals for the treatment of 737 coronary angiograms performed in a tertiary hospital with multiple specialties (Hospital A) and a tertiary cardiology hospital […]

Background: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) show deficit in thermal balance during physical exercise. Objective: To assess the effects of low-intensity physical exercise training on thermal balance of hypertensive rats undergoing an acute exercise protocol. Methods: Sixteen-week-old male Wistar rats and SHR were allocated into four groups: control Wistar rats (C-WIS), trained Wistar (T-WIS), control SHR (C-SHR) and trained SHR (T-SHR). Treadmill exercise training was performed for 12 weeks. Blood pressure, resting heart rate and total exercise time was measured before […]

Background: Obesity can be characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation and is associated with an excesso production of reactive oxygen species, factors that contribute to coronary heart disease and other cardiomyopathies. Objective: To verify the effects of resistance exercise training on oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters on mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: 24 Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups: standard diet (SD), SD + resistance exercise (SD + RE), diet-induced obesity (DIO), DIO + RE. […]

Background: The use of autonomic modulation as a predictor of cardiovascular risk in women with breast cancer is important. Objective: To evaluate the cardiac autonomic modulation of postmenopausal women using aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer treatment, as well as its relation with the following biochemical variables. Methods: Postmenopausal women who did not have breast cancer (n = 33) and postmenopausal women with breast cancer (n = 15). For evaluation of the autonomic modulation the heart rate was recorded beat-to-beat for […]

Background: Primary angioplasty (PA) with placement of either bare metal or drug-eluting stents (DES) represents the main strategy in the treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Diabetic patients, however, represent a special population in STEMI, with high rates of restenosis and unfavorable clinical outcomes, and with the use of DES, level of evidence A and indication class II, being indicated to reduce these damages. Objectives: To evaluate the DES rate of use in patients with STEMI and in the subgroup […]

Selected clinically stable patients with heart failure (HF) who require prolonged intravenous inotropic therapy may benefit from its continuity out of the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to report on the initial experience and safety of a structured protocol for inotropic therapy in non-intensive care units in 28 consecutive patients hospitalized with HF that were discharged from ICU. The utilization of low to moderate inotropic doses oriented by a safety-focused process of care may reconfigure their role as a […]

Chronic hyperglycemia is the key point of macro- and microvascular complications associated with diabetes mellitus. Excess glucose is responsible for inducing redox imbalance and both systemic and intrarenal inflammation, playing a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease, which is currently the leading cause of dialysis in the world. The pathogenesis of the disease is complex, multifactorial and not fully elucidated; many factors and mechanisms are involved in the development, progression and clinical outcomes of the disease. Despite […]