Abstract Background The most common clinical presentation of pulmonary hypertension (PH) includes exertional dyspnea, signs of systemic congestion, and syncope. Angina pectoris can also be a relevant manifestation, especially in cases where the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is externally compressed by a dilated pulmonary artery. However, significant gaps remain regarding the most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for coronary obstruction in this clinical scenario. Objectives To assess the feasibility and impact of coronary angioplasty with stent implantation on symptom […]

Abstract Background Osteoarthritis is a prevalent type of arthritis characterized by chronic degenerative changes in the musculoskeletal system, which can result in joint damage and chronic pain. Objective This study was to investigate the associations between the endothelial activation and stress index (EASIX) and the increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and all-cause mortality among patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis. Methods The cohort study encompassed 2028 individuals aged 40-79 years with osteoarthritis, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition […]

Abstract Background Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation carries a risk of esophageal thermal injury (ETI), which can lead to severe complications. Objective To evaluate three luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring strategies and assess their effectiveness in reducing the incidence of ETI. Methods Patients with AF were randomized into three PVI groups according to the temperature monitoring strategy: no LET monitoring (Group 1), LET monitoring with a single-sensor probe (SSP) thermometer (Group 2), and LET monitoring with […]

Abstract Background Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) remains a significant public health challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries. It disproportionately affects non-white populations in underprivileged regions and may lead to rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which has high morbidity and mortality. Objectives Analyze hospitalizations and deaths related to ARF in Brazil between 2008 and 2022, highlighting regional and demographic inequalities. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study analyzing hospitalization and mortality data caused by ARF from 2008 to 2022 in Brazil, collected […]

Abstract Background Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an irreversible cardiovascular complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by detrimental cardiac remodeling. Orientin, a water-soluble flavonoid present in many medicinal plants, exerts various pharmacological effects. Objectives To investigate the cardioprotective effects of orientin in diabetic conditions and elucidate the mechanisms associated with non-coding RNAs. Methods The streptozotocin-induced DCM model was established by a combined use of streptozotocin and a high-fat diet. Cardiac structure and function in diabetes mellitus mice were evaluated using histological and […]

Abstract Background Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) is a rare autosomal recessive disease, with massive accumulation of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides in many organs, leading to hepatosplenomegaly, microvesicular steatosis, cirrhosis and premature death. Early recognition is crucial for timely enzyme replacement therapy. Objectives To screen for LAL-D in subjects with dyslipidemias and/or liver disease at an outpatient lipid clinic. Methods We retrospectively assessed records from 2,018 adults and children using a screening algorithm including ALT/AST elevation >1.5 x upper limit […]

Introduction Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, significantly impacts global healthcare due to its association with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization., Catheter ablation has emerged as a cornerstone treatment for AF, offering rhythm control and symptomatic relief., Among contemporary ablation strategies, very high-power short-duration (vHPSD) radiofrequency (RF) ablation is valued for its efficiency and precision, while pulsed field ablation (PFA), a non-thermal technique utilizing electroporation, has gained attention for its potential to minimize collateral tissue damage.– […]

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, with substantial social and economic impacts. These conditions are frequently associated with comorbidities, including renal dysfunction. Objectives To evaluate the association between creatinine clearance and the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes within 1 year in patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods This prospective cohort study included patients hospitalized for their first AMI. Creatinine clearance was assessed in relation to cardiovascular outcomes, including recurrent AMI, stroke, and cardiovascular death. […]

ABSTRACT Background: The 2017 Brazilian Guideline on Dyslipidemias recommends a low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) target of

Lipids and cardiovascular disease (CVD) Lipid metabolism involves a wide range of complex pathways that play key roles in both normal physiology and disease. Lipids are essential for maintaining cell membrane integrity and supporting energy balance and metabolic homeostasis. Among them, cholesterol has drawn particular attention for its strong association with CVD.– While cholesterol is vital for several physiological functions — such as those related to nervous system structure and steroid hormone production — its role in the development of […]

Introduction Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare Philadelphia chromosome–negative myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the clonal proliferation of multipotent bone marrow progenitor cells, leading to erythrocytosis and increased red blood cell mass. It may coexist with other hematologic disorders. PV results in blood hyperviscosity, which predisposes patients to thrombosis — the most common and clinically significant complication of PV. Post-PV myelofibrosis (post-PV MF) represents an advanced stage in the natural progression of PV. In patients with post-PV MF, thrombosis also remains […]

Abstract Whipple’s endocarditis is a rare infectious condition caused by the bacterium Tropheryma whipplei. Although its systemic form is the most widely recognized, the infection exhibits a broad spectrum of extraintestinal manifestations, with blood culture-negative infective endocarditis being the most common form of cardiac involvement. The case presented in this study underscores the importance of clinical investigation for accurate diagnosis and the application of appropriate treatment.

To Editor The early detection of asymptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) is considered essential for preventing thromboembolic events and the progression of heart failure. Numerous wearable devices have been developed to facilitate this objective. The authors employed stroke risk analysis (SRA), a method that stratifies the risk of paroxysmal AF through the evaluation of electrocardiogram data. This algorithm proved effective in screening patients with asymptomatic paroxysmal AF, with 29.4% of participants categorized as high-risk. Among these high-risk individuals, AF was detected […]

To the Editor, We read with great interest the article by Ternes et al., recently published in the Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia, with its accompanying insightful editorial., This multicentre prospective cohort study of consecutive patients across three centres in Brazil provided valuable insights into the predictors of atrial arrhythmia recurrence following first-time catheter ablation. It highlighted its clinical setting in a middle-income country and reported outcomes similar to those in high-income countries. However, the results must be interpreted cautiously, and […]

June 2025 Issue, vol. 122(6):e20240586 In the Review Article “Direct Oral Anticoagulants versus Aspirin for Secondary Stroke Prevention in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials”, with DOI: , published in the journal Arquivos Brasileiros de Cardiologia, Arq Bras Cardiol. 2025; 122(6):e20240586, on page 1, change the name of the author Thomas Costa Alexandre to: Thomaz Alexandre Costa. […]

Abstract Cardiovascular medicine has witnessed remarkable breakthroughs, yet even highly regarded interventions can be undermined by flawed reasoning, excessive mechanistic assumptions, and the selective reporting of data. This article examines crucial pitfalls in contemporary cardiology, such as medical reversals, the impact of spin, and how bayesian methods can offer greater clarity in evaluating evidence, as they integrate prior knowledge with new data to generate more probabilistic, context-driven conclusions. This review advocates for a measured, critical approach to research appraisal, cautioning […]