Introduction Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction has a prevalence of 10% in anterior myocardial infarctions and up to 50% in inferior myocardial infarctions. It is responsible for cardiogenic shock secondary to an acute coronary syndrome in 5% of cases. In patients with myocardial infarction, RV dysfunction is an important prognostic factor of mortality, ventricular arrhythmias, mechanical complications, cardiogenic shock, stent thrombosis, and increased in-hospital and one-year mortality. – Tajima et al. investigated RV function, its association with exercise tolerance, and the […]

Abstract Background Hypertension is a known risk factor for developing heart failure. However, there is limited data to investigate the association between morning blood pressure surge (MBPS), dipping status, echocardiographic parameters, and hospital admissions in patients with systolic heart failure. Objectives To evaluate the relationship between morning blood pressure surge, non-dipper blood pressure pattern, echocardiographic parameters, and hospital admissions in patients with systolic heart failure. Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 206 consecutive patients with hypertension and a left ventricular […]

Abstract Background The mortality rate of Brazilian people with haemophilia (PwH) is decreasing, but the relative incidence of deaths associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing. Objectives We aimed to describe the CVD risk score of PwH according to Pooled Cohort Equations Risk (PCER) Calculator tool and its treatment recommendations. We also compared the PCER estimates with the respective Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Methods This cross-sectional study included male PwH ≥ 40 years treated at the Comprehensive Haemophilia Treatment Centre […]

Introduction Adult overweight and obesity are associated with reduced life expectancy and increased premature death. Several interrelated mechanisms play an important role in the development of arterial hypertension in obesity, often contributing to target organ damage, including cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney disease. Obesity-related comorbidities are facilitated by and contribute to a high prevalence of arterial hypertension in the obese population,, by mechanisms including insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, autonomous nervous system, and activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).– In […]

Introduction The main goal of cardiovascular rehabilitation is to improve cardiorespiratory fitness using aerobic exercise (AE). The general recommendation for the practice of physical exercise, according to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, is 150 minutes per week divided into 3 to 5 weekly sessions. The appropriate practice of physical exercise aims to reduce blood pressure, risk of cardiovascular events and risk of mortality in cardiovascular patients., The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is the reference test to assess cardiorespiratory function and […]

Introduction Heart failure (HF) is detected in 1-2% of adults. Its incidence increases with age. While it is 1% in individuals aged < 55 years, it is approximately 10% in individuals aged > 70 years. According to the latest guideline, HF is basically divided into 3 classes: HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), HF with mild-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF), and HF with low ejection fraction (HFlEF). Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction presents clinically with symptoms of HF and a […]

Abstract Background Despite reports of reduced physical fitness in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), no specific performance evaluations for activities of daily living have been conducted. Objectives The aim was to compare the activities of daily living, quality of life, posture, physical fitness and physical activity levels of children with CHD with healthy controls (HC). Methods The study included 30 children aged 6-14 diagnosed with moderate or severe CHD and 30 age-sex-matched HC. The sociodemographic and clinical data of […]

Abstract Background The long-term effects of mild COVID-19 on physical, cognitive, and mental health are not yet well understood. Objective The purpose of this paper is to describe the protocol for the ongoing “Post-COVID Brazil” study 2, which aims to evaluate the factors associated with health-related quality of life and long-term cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular outcomes one year after a mild episode of symptomatic COVID-19. Methods The “Post-COVID Brazil” study 2 is a prospective multicenter study that plans to enroll 1047 […]

Abstract Background Despite no evidence showing benefits of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine with or without azithromycin for COVID-19 treatment, these medications have been largely prescribed in Brazil. Objectives To assess outcomes, including in-hospital mortality, electrocardiographic abnormalities, hospital length-of-stay, admission to the intensive care unit, and need for dialysis and mechanical ventilation, in hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine, and to compare outcomes between those patients and their matched controls. Methods A retrospective multicenter cohort study that included consecutive laboratory-confirmed […]

Abstract Background Normal-weight obesity (NWO) is characterized by normal body mass index (BMI) but high body fat percentage (%BF) that increases the risks of cardiometabolic comorbidities. Accurate assessment and interpretation of body composition data are necessary to reduce these risks. Objectives To compare the cardiometabolic profile of individuals with NWO and normal %BF and evaluate the associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 222 Brazilian adults from a university community, of whom 157 had NWO and 65 […]

Hypertension (HTN) is the most prevalent chronic disease in the entire world, being one of the most significant cardiovascular risks factors. Among several variables controlling blood pressure (BP), those directly interacting with neural mechanisms involve multiple areas of the central nervous system. The relationship between brain activity and HTN has been demonstrated by neurophysiological studies on animals showing that direct electrical or chemical stimulation of different structures of the brainstorm and cerebral cortex can significantly modify BP and heart rate.– […]

Introduction Fatal ventricular arrhythmias have an increased incidence in the case of structural heart diseases such as ischemic cardiomyopathy. It is known that ventricular premature contractions (PVCs) originating from Purkinje fibers can induce polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PMVT) and, subsequently, ventricular fibrillation (VF) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy., Ventricular arrhythmias associated with Purkinje usually do not respond to conventional antiarrhythmic drugs. Catheter ablation is a favorable and life-saving treatment strategy for VF triggered by Purkinje fibers. […]

Introduction Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has established itself as the treatment of choice for octogenarian patients with aortic stenosis. Broadly speaking, TAVI with a minimalist approach (M-TAVI) refers to the performance of the procedure under conscious sedation and local anesthesia, percutaneous femoral access, monitoring with transthoracic echocardiography, and early mobilization. Studies have indicated the safety of M-TAVI with hospital discharge within 24 hours after the procedure, with reduced hospital costs,,which is a relevant aspect from the perspective of national […]

The Hypertension Guidelines of the Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC), Brazilian Society of Hypertension (BSH), and Brazilian Society of Nephrology (BSN) recommend the use of loop diuretics to replace thiazides in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 4 and 5, who have glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≤ 30ml/min/1.73m2. These guidelines are in line with other guidelines, such as the European Hypertension Guideline (ESC/ESH 2018), which states that thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics are less effective in patients with GFR < [...]

Abstract Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation, an effective and safe adjuvant treatment recommended to patients with coronary artery disease, is scarcely applied to patients with refractory angina (RA) due to difficulties related to safety, trainning prescription and their clinical management. This case report presents an instance of a “no-option” patient with RA, who was included in a 12-week exercise program, in sessions consisted of 40 minutes of treadmill aerobic exercise, three times a week, and intensity prescribed between ischemic/angina threshold and ventilatory […]

Abstract Atrial septal defects (ASD) account for approximately 6%-10% of congenital heart defects, with an incidence of 1 in 1,500 live births.1 Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is more common and is present in more than 20%-25% of adults.2 Clinical syndromes associated with ASD and PFO are variable, and their implications are targeted by pediatric and adult medicine, neurology, and surgery. Additional interest in the anatomy of the interatrial septum (IAS) has increased substantially over the last two decades. Additionally, percutaneous […]