Brazil and Portugal have a great deal in common, and they are bound by strong ties, with a history that began to be written over five centuries ago. They share a language, although there are pronounced differences in accent, as well as vocabulary. Air traffic between both countries is intense (much lower during the Covid-19 pandemic), and citizens from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean inhabit or visit cities on the other side. Finally, Portuguese blood runs in the veins […]

Abstract Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can cause obstruction in the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), and be responsible for the onset of limiting symptoms, such as tiredness. When such symptoms are refractory to pharmacological treatment, interventionist alternative therapies can be useful, such as septal ablation through the infusion of alcohol in the coronary artery or through myectomy. Recently, the use of a radiofrequency (RF) catheter for endocardial septal ablation guided by electroanatomic mapping has proven to be efficient, despite the […]

Abstract Background The Himalayan salt (HS) has become a popular alternative for the traditional table salt (TS) due to its health benefit claims, particularly for individuals with arterial hypertension. However, despite the increase in HS consumption, there is still a lack of clinical evidence to support a recommendation for its consumption by health professionals. Objective This cross-over study aimed to compare the impact of HS and TS intake on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and urinary […]

Abstract Background Schistosomiasis is a Neglected Tropical Disease which may lead to cardiovascular (CV) complications. However, the CV involvement in schistosomiasis has yet to be fully elucidated due to the limited number of cases and lack of reliable evidence, as schistosomiasis typically occurs in locations without adequate infrastructure for robust data collection. Objective This systematic review aims to assess cardiovascular implications of schistosomiasis, including in the diagnosis and treatment, and propose an algorithm for screening of CV manifestations. Methods A […]

Abstract Background Coronary tomography angiography (CTA) has been mainly used for chest pain evaluation in low-risk patients, and few data exist regarding patients at intermediate risk. Objective To evaluate the performance of serial measures of sensitive troponin and CTA in intermediate-risk patients. Methods A total of 100 patients with chest pain, TIMI risk scores of 3 or 4, and negative troponin were prospectively included. All patients underwent CTA and those with coronary stenosis ≥ 50% were referred to invasive coronary […]

Abstract Background Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in post-menopausal women. Although menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is a very effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms during this period, the influence of this therapy on blood pressure is not yet clear. Objective To evaluate the relationship between the use of MHT and hypertension in participants of the ELSA-Brasil. Methods A cross-sectional study using the baseline ELSA-Brasil data in a cohort of 2,138 women who had experienced natural […]

Abstract Background Several studies have evaluated echocardiographic abnormalities as predictors of cardiovascular risk; however, none have associated the global cardiovascular risk with echocardiographic abnormalities in the Brazilian population. Objective This study evaluates the association between the global cardiovascular risk (ASCVD score) and three echocardiographic abnormalities: left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), and increased left atrium (LA) volume. Methods The study population was composed of participants from ELSA-Brasil who underwent echocardiography between 2008 and 2010 (n = 2973). […]

Abstract Background Some studies have shown a higher prevalence of deaths in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) during hospitalization for COVID-19. Objectives To assess the impact of high cardiovascular risk in patients hospitalized in intensive care for COVID-19 Methods Retrospective study with patients admitted to an intensive care unit, with a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR, and with at least one troponin measurement during hospitalization. The criteria for defining high cardiovascular risk (HCR) patients were: history of established […]

Abstract Background Some patients with COVID-19 present myocardial injury. Objective To detect myocardial injury in critically ill paediatric patients, and to compare cardiac involvement between children with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and children with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Methods All COVID-19 children admitted to a referral intensive care unit were prospectively enrolled and had a two-dimensional echocardiogram (2D-TTE) and a cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assay within the first 72 hours. For statistical analysis, two-sided p < 0.05 was considered […]

Abstract Background COVID-19 has impacted how people receive health care for many conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. Objectives To examine perceptions of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants regarding their health behaviors and information needs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. Methods In this cross-sectional study, a 27-item questionnaire, developed by the investigators, was administered online to participants from two CR programs. Questions included health literacy (HL; using the Brief Health Literacy Screening Tool), technology use, perceptions before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, […]

Abstract Background Aortic stiffness is established as a marker of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides a comprehensive assessment of aortic stiffness and myocardial ischemia in a single examination. However, prognostic data concerning aortic stiffness in elderly patients remain limited. Objective To determine the prognostic value of aortic stiffness using CMR-based pulse wave velocity (PWV) in elderly patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods This study enrolled consecutive patients aged >70 referred for adenosine stress perfusion […]

Abstract After fourteen decades of medical and technological evolution, infective endocarditis continues to challenge physicians in its daily diagnosis and management. Its increasing incidence, demographic shifts (affecting older patients), microbiology with higher rates of Staphylococcus infection, still frequent serious complications and substantial mortality make endocarditis a very complex disease. Despite this, innovations in the diagnosis, involving microbiology and imaging, and improvements in intensive care and cardiac surgical techniques, materials and timing can impact the prognosis of this disease. Ongoing challenges […]

Introduction Long QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3) is a highly lethal channelopathy. It is associated with delayed closing of sodium channels, resulting from mutations in the SCN5A gene, with an autosomal dominant pattern, responsible for 7-10% of all long QT syndromes (LQTSs). The initial presentation can have a wide spectrum, from asymptomatic to sudden death in the first year of life. The addition of class IB sodium channel blocker (mexiletine) to propranolol or nadolol is considered a gene-guided treatment, as […]

Clinical case 72-year-old male patient with a past medical history of arterial hypertension, non-insulin-dependent diabetes, active tobacco consumption and chronic stable angina (coronary angiography showed severe stenosis in small size obtuse marginal branch). He also had a history of alcohol consumption, pancreatic calcification and renal lithiasis, without a history of Cancer, Sepsis or Tuberculosis to justify these diffuse calcifications. He presented to the outpatient cardiology clinic complaining of angina and dyspnea New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II. His electrocardiogram […]

Introduction Orthotopic heart transplantation is the current treatment of choice for selected patients with end-stage heart failure. With the improvement of surgical techniques and the efficiency of new immunosuppressive treatments, short-term survival has markedly improved throughout the years. However, these patients still suffer from important comorbidities caused by chronic transplant complications such as rejection, coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and malignancy. Rhythm disorders are common in heart transplant patients and in some circumstances, they can be the first clinical manifestation of […]

A 66-year-old man with a history of palpitations suggestive of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia was referred for CT angiography (CTA) for exertional dyspnea etiology investigation. ECG-gated cardiac CT was performed using the 64-slices dual-source Somatom Go Scanner. CTA showed the normal origin of the right and left main coronary arteries, and there was no evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. The proximal right coronary artery (RCA) had a normal epicardial course, but mid-RCA was noted to penetrate the right atrial wall […]

Dear editor, I read with interest the article published by Costa et al.1 The use of statins in cardiometabolic protection promoted by physical training of moderate-intensity in an aquatic environment has been little studied, mainly from the clinical point of view. However, as described by Costa et al.,1 strength training in an aquatic environment combined with statins has been an effective increase in promoting metabolic adaptations and a reduction in lipid levels. The prognostic predictors associated with the risk of […]

December 2021 Issue, vol. 117(6), pages 1093-1103 In the Original Article “Antihypertensive Activity of Sauromatum guttatum Mediated by Vasorelaxation and Myocardial Depressant Effects”, with DOI: https://doi.org/10.36660/abc.20200055, published in the journal Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia, 117(6):1093-1103, in page 1093, correct the author’s name Rabia Bibi to Bibi Rabia. […]