Clinical observation of Qiliqiangxin capsule combined with recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute heart failure / 中华内科杂志

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of Qiliqiangxin capsule combined with recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in acute left heart failure patients 7 days after onset as well as the effects of plasma MDA and ET-1. Methods: In total, 240 hospitalized patients with acute left heart failure from October 2017 to May 2021 were selected from the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Center of Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University and the Department of Cardiology of the Jilin Provincial People's Hospital. They were randomly divided into routine treatment group and combined treatment group, with 120 cases in each group. The routine treatment group was treated with vasodilation, diuresis, cardiotonic and recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide. The combined treatment group was treated with Qiliqiangxin capsules based on the routine treatment group. One week later, the changes in clinical efficacy, ejection fraction, left ventricular commoid diameter, and plasma BNP, MDA, and ET-1 were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. SPSS 11.5 statistical software was used. The measurement data was expressed in x¯±s, the independent sample t-test was used for comparison between groups, and the paired t-test was used for comparison before and after treatment within groups. Counting data was expressed as case (%), and the rank sum test was used for inter-group comparison. Result: In terms of clinical efficacy, the total effective rate of the combined treatment group was significantly higher than that of the conventional treatment group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the routine treatment group, the left ventricular ejection fraction in the combined treatment group was significantly increased (P<0.05). The levels of plasma BNP, MDA and ET-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Qiliqiangxin capsule combined with rhBNP treatment can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of acute heart failure, as well as reduce the lipid peroxidation product MDA content and endothetin ET-1 level in blood. The clinical application value of the Qiliqiangxin capsule needs to be further confirmed by further trials.

Impact of interventional therapy on top of standard drug therapy on left ventricular structure and function in HFrEF patients complicating with middle aortic syndrome caused by Takayasu arteritis / 中华心血管病杂志

Objective: To evaluate the impact of interventional therapy on top of drug therapy on cardiac function and structure in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients complicating with middle aortic syndrome caused by Takayasu arteritis (TA-MAS). Methods: It was a retrospective longitudinal study. The data of patients with TA-MAS and HFrEF, who received interventional therapy on top of drug therapy in Fuwai Hospital from January 2010 to September 2020, were collected and analyzed. Baseline clinical data (including demographic data, basic treatment, etc.) were collected through the electronic medical record system. Changes of indexes such as New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular mass index (LVMI) before and after therapy were analyzed. Results: A total of 10 patients were collected. There were 8 females in this patient cohort, age was (18.4±5.0) years and onset age was (15.3±5.0) years. All 10 patients received standard heart failure medication therapy in addition to hormone and/or immunosuppressive anti-inflammatory therapy, but cardiac function was not improved, so aortic balloon dilatation and/or aortic stenting were performed in these patients. The median follow-up was 3.3(1.3, 5.6) years. On the third day after interventional therapy, the clinical symptoms of the 10 patients were significantly improved, NYHA classfication was restored from preoperative Ⅲ/Ⅳ to Ⅱ at 6 months post intervention(P<0.05). Compared with preoperation, NT-proBNP (P=0.028), LVEDD (P=0.011) and LVMI (P=0.019) were significantly decreased, LVEF was significantly increased (P<0.001) at 6 months after operation. Compared with preoperation, NT-proBNP (P=0.016), LVEDD (P=0.023) and LVMI (P=0.043) remained decreased, LVEF remained increased (P<0.001) at 1 year after operation. Conclusion: Results from short and medium term follow-up show that interventional therapy on top of heart failure drug therpay can effectively improve left cardiac function and attenuate cardiac remodeling in patients with TA-MAS comorbid with HFrEF.

Association between common cardiovascular drugs and depression / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

OBJECTIVE@#Cardiovascular diseases are associated with an increased risk of depression, but it remains unclear whether treatment with cardiovascular agents decreases or increases this risk. The effects of drugs on individual usage are also often unknown. This review aimed to examine the correlation between depression and common cardiovascular drugs, develop more potent interventions for depression in cardiovascular patients, and further research on the bio-behavioural mechanisms linking cardiovascular drugs to depression.@*DATA SOURCES@#The data in this review were obtained from articles included in PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science.@*STUDY SELECTION@#Clinical trials, observational studies, review literature, and guidelines about depression and cardiovascular drugs were selected for the article.@*RESULTS@#We systematically investigated whether the seven most used cardiovascular drugs were associated with altered risk of incident depression in this literature review. Statins have been proven to have antidepressant effects. Some studies believe angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) can exert an antidepressant influence by acting on the renin-angiotensin system, but further clinical trials are needed to confirm this. Beta-blockers have previously been associated with depression, but the current study found no significant association between beta blockers and the risk of depression. Aspirin may have antidepressant effects by suppressing the immune response, but its role as an antidepressant remains controversial. calcium channel blockers (CCBs) can regulate nerve signal transduction by adjusting calcium channels, but whether this effect is beneficial or harmful to depression remains unclear. Finally, some cases have reported that nitrates and diuretics are associated with depression, but the current clinical evidence is insufficient.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Statins have been proven to have antidepressant effect, and the antidepressant effects of ACEIs/ARB and aspirin are still controversial. CCBs are associated with depression, but it is unclear whether it is beneficial or harmful. No association has been found with β-blockers, diuretics, and nitrates.

Síndrome de hiperviscosidade em paciente com mieloma múltiplo / Hyperviscosity syndrome in multiple myeloma patients

O mieloma múltiplo é uma neoplasia progressiva e incurável de células B, caracterizado pela proliferação desregulada e clonal de plasmócitos na medula óssea. A síndrome de hiperviscosidade é uma das complicações relacionadas às gamopatias monoclonais, sendo considerada emergência oncológica. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o quadro clínico de um paciente diagnosticado com mieloma múltiplo que apresentou síndrome de hiperviscosidade, avaliando a prevalência de sinais e sintomas, bem como características fisiopatológicas dessa entidade clínica. Foi revisado o prontuário de um paciente internado na enfermaria da Clínica Médica do Hospital Regional do Cariri (CE) no período de junho a julho de 2018. Além disso, foi realizada revisão de literatura em base de dados (PubMed®) direcionada ao tema proposto. O diagnóstico de mieloma múltiplo foi comprovado por mielograma, sendo prontamente iniciada a corticoterapia e avaliada a resposta clínica após essa terapêutica. Apesar de incomum e menos frequentemente relacionada ao mieloma múltiplo, a síndrome de hiperviscosidade está relacionada a uma grande taxa de mortalidade quando apresenta diagnóstico tardio. A terapia de primeira linha indicada para a síndrome de hiperviscosidade foi a plasmaferese, no entanto, as condições clínicas (instabilidade hemodinâmica) impossibilitaram sua realização. O desfecho deste caso foi o óbito do paciente. Concluiu-se que o diagnóstico precoce e a intervenção terapêutica estão diretamente relacionados à ocorrência de menor incidência de complicações relacionadas ao mieloma múltiplo e à síndrome de hiperviscosidade.

Multiple myeloma is a progressive and incurable B-cell neoplasm characterized by unregulated and clonal proliferation of plasmocytes in the bone marrow. Hyperviscosity syndrome is one of the complications related to monoclonal gammopathies and is considered an oncological emergency. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical condition of a patient diagnosed with multiple myeloma who presented hyperviscosity syndrome, evaluating the prevalence of symptoms and signs, as well as the pathophysiological characteristics of this clinical entity. The medical records of a patient admitted to the Internal Medicine ward of the Hospital Regional do Cariri (CE) from June to July of 2018 were reviewed. In addition, we conducted a literature review in a database (PubMed®) directed to the theme proposed. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma was confirmed by myelogram, and corticosteroid therapy was promptly initiated and the clinical response was evaluated after this therapy. Although uncommon and less frequently related to multiple myeoloma, hyperviscosity syndrome is related to a high mortality rate when diagnosed late. The first line therapy indicated to hyperviscosity syndrome was plasmapheresis; however, the clinical conditions (hemodynamic instability) precluded its performance. The outcome of this case was the patient's death. Thus, it was concluded that early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are directly related to the occurrence of lower incidence of complications related to multiple myeloma and hyperviscosity syndrome.

New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Predictors and Impact on Therapy And Mortality / Fibrilação Auricular de Novo no Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio com Supradesnível do Segmento ST: Preditores e Impacto na Terapêutica e Mortalidade

Abstract Backgrund: New-onset atrial fibrillation complicating acute myocardial infarction represents an important challenge, with prognostic significance. Objective: To study the incidence, impact on therapy and mortality, and to identify predictors of development of new-onset atrial fibrillation during hospital stay for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: We studied all patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction included consecutively, between 2010 and 2017, in a Portuguese national registry and compared two groups: 1 - no atrial fibrillation and 2 - new-onset atrial fibrillation. We adjusted a logistic regression model data analysis to assess the impact of new-onset atrial fibrillation on in-hospital mortality and to identify independent predictors of its development. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: We studied 6325 patients, and new-onset atrial fibrillation was found in 365 (5.8%). Reperfusion was successfully accomplished in both groups with no difference regarding type of reperfusion. In group 2, therapy with beta-blockers and angiotensin-conversion enzyme (ACE) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) was less frequent, 20.6% received anticoagulation at discharge and 16.1% were on triple therapy. New-onset atrial fibrillation was associated with more in-hospital complications and mortality. However, it was not found as an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality. We identified age, prior stroke, inferior myocardial infarction and complete atrioventricular block as independent predictors of new-onset atrial fibrillation. Conclusion: New-onset atrial fibrillation remains a frequent complication of myocardial infarction and is associated with higher rate of complications and in-hospital mortality. Age, prior stroke, inferior myocardial infarction and complete atrioventricular block were independent predictors of new onset atrial fibrillation. Only 36.7% of the patients received anticoagulation at discharge.

Resumo Fundamento: A fibrilação auricular de novo no contexto de infarto agudo do miocárdio representa um importante desafio com potencial impacto prognóstico. Objetivo: Determinar a incidência, impacto na terapêutica e mortalidade, e identificar possíveis preditores do aparecimento de fibrilação auricular de novo durante o internamento por infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. Métodos: Estudamos todos os pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST inseridos consecutivamente de 2010 a 2017 num registro nacional português e comparamos dois grupos: 1 - sem fibrilação auricular; 2- com fibrilação auricular de novo. Efetuamos análise com modelo de regressão logística para avaliar o impacto de fibrilação auricular de novo na mortalidade intra-hospitalar e identificar preditores independentes para o seu aparecimento. Para teste de hipóteses, considerou-se significativo p < 0,05. Resultados: Estudamos 6325 pacientes, dos quais 365 (5.8%) apresentaram fibrilação auricular de novo. Não houve diferença no número de pacientes reperfundidos nem na estratégia de reperfusão. No grupo 2, terapêutica com betabloqueadores e IECA/ARA foi menos frequente, 20.6% tiveram alta sob anticoagulação oral e 16.1% sob terapêutica tripla. A fibrilação auricular de novo associou-se a maior incidência de complicações e mortalidade intra-hospitalar, mas não foi preditor independente de mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Identificamos idade, acidente vascular cerebral prévio, infarto inferior e bloqueio auriculoventricular completo como preditores independentes de fibrilação auricular de novo. Conclusões: A fibrilação auricular de novo continua sendo uma complicação frequente do infarto agudo do miocárdio, estando associada a aumento das complicações e mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Apenas 36.7% desses pacientes teve alta sob anticoagulação.

Farmacoterapia de la insuficiencia cardíaca: análisis de casos de pacientes hospitalizados en un centro de salud privado en Costa Rica / Pharmacotherapy of heart failure: analysis of cases of hospitalized patients in a private health center in Costa Rica

Resumen Introducción y objetivos: La insuficiencia cardíaca es una patología que afecta a la población adulta mundial; se estima que más de 23 millones de personas en el mundo la padecen, siendo esta una de las principales causas de mortalidad cardiovascular. Dicha investigación buscó evaluar la terapia utilizada en un ambiente hospitalario privado y su correlación con respecto a las guías internacionales; todo esto con el fin de proyectar el posible impacto sobre la morbimortalidad del paciente. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional retrospectivo analizando múltiples variables obtenidas de los expedientes físicos y electrónicos de todos los pacientes adultos hospitalizados por insuficiencia cardiaca en el Hos pital Clínica Bíblica enero 2014 y diciembre 2016, para comparar la farmacoterapia utilizada con la definida por las guías terapéuticas seleccionadas. Resultados: Se analizaron 72 pacientes, de los cuales 35% estaba entre 81-90 años, 58% eran hombres; 61% estuvieron hospitalizados entre 1-5 días (61%), 9 ingresaron por rehospitalización y el resto fue por primera vez; 69 fueron egresados y 3 fallecieron. La estrategia terapéutica más utilizada en estos pacientes fue un betabloqueador en conjunto con un antagonista del receptor de angiotensina y un diurético de asa. Un 78% mantuvo un tratamiento adecuado según las guías. Conclusiones: El abordaje farmacoterapéutico de los pacientes con falla cardiaca fue satisfac torio, estuvo en la mayoría de los casos de acuerdo con las guías clínicas, por lo que se podría esperar beneficios en torno a la mortalidad, tiempo de hospitalización y tasa de rehospitalización.

Abstract Pharmacotherapy of heart failure: analysis of cases of hospitalized patients in a private health center in Costa Rica Objective: Heart failure is a disease that affects a highly proportion of the adult population worldwide; about 23 million people endure this ailment, being one of the main causes of cardiovascular mortality. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the correlation between the current therapy in a hospital setting and international guidelines, as well as the impact on morbidity and mortality. Methods: Observational prospective study, to analyze multiple variables from physical and electronic registers from all hospitalized patients for heart failure at Hospital Clínica Bíblica from January 2014 to December 2016, with the intention to compare the prescribed therapy at the hospital with selected therapeutical guidelines. Results: There were 72 patients, from which 35% were between 81 and 90 years old, 58% were men, 61% were hospitalized between 1-5 days, 9 were readmitted and 63 had their first admission, 69 were discharged and 3 perished. Conclusions: The pharmacotherapeutic approach in patients with heart failure has had a satisfactory evolution, and it's according to clinical guidelines, which could have repercussions regarding the reduction of mortality rates, hospitalization stays and rehospitalization rates.

Ranolazina como terapia antianginosa adicional en pacientes con enfermedad coronaria estable sintomática / Ranolazine as an additional antianginal therapy in patients with stable symptomatic coronary artery disease

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad coronaria estable posee varios tratamientos con beneficio probado tanto en mortalidad como en incidencia de eventos agudos. Sin embargo, el control de los síntomas, especialmente en aquellos que no responden a terapia de primera línea, sigue siendo controvertido. Este resumen pretende evaluar el papel de la ranolazina como terapia adicional al tratamiento antianginoso estándar en pacientes que persisten sintomáticos a pesar de éste. MÉTODOS: Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos cuatro revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyeron 16 estudios primarios, todos correspondientes a ensayos aleatorizados, de los cuales cuatro son atingentes para la pregunta específica. Concluimos que en pacientes con enfermedad coronaria estable que persisten sintomáticos a pesar de terapia antianginosa estándar, el tratamiento adicional con ranolazina podría disminuir los episodios de angina semanales pero aumentando la incidencia de efectos adversos, y resulta en poca o nula diferencia en el riesgo de muerte o infarto agudo al miocardio.

INTRODUCTION: There are several effective therapeutic alternatives for stable coronary artery, in terms of prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the best way to achieve symptomatic control is a matter of debate, particularly in those who do not respond to first-line therapy. This summary aims to evaluate the role of ranolazine as an additional therapy to standard antianginal treatment in patients with persistent symptoms. METHODS: To answer this question we used Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified four systematic reviews including 16 studies overall, all of which were randomized trials. We concluded additional treatment with ranolazine might decrease the frequency of anginal episodes but increase adverse effects. It probably has no effect on the risk of death or acute myocardial infarction.

Interações medicamentosas em pacientes com eventos cardiovasculares e suas implicações para a segurança do paciente / Drug interactions in patients with cardiovascular events and their implications for patient safety

O objeto deste estudo é as potenciais interações medicamentosas em prescrições de pacientes hospitalizados com eventos cardiovasculares e sua associação com a ocorrência de eventos adversos relacionados a medicamentos. Para atender tal objeto, foram estabelecidos como objetivos: identificar as potenciais interações medicamentosas em pacientes hospitalizados com eventos cardiovasculares, considerando os horários estabelecidos para administração de medicamentos pelo enfermeiro; avaliar a ocorrência de eventos adversos a medicamentos associados às potenciais interações medicamentosas graves identificadas; e discutir a segurança no uso dos medicamentos, em vista o agendamento de horários para a administração dos medicamentos realizado pelo enfermeiro. Pesquisa de campo, quantitativa, seccional, documental. Foram analisadas 99 prescrições medicamentosas relativas às primeiras 48 horas de internação, obtidas dos prontuários de pacientes hospitalizados no período de abril a junho de 2014 num setor de cardiologia de um hospital público federal. Utilizou-se um instrumento estruturado para a coleta de dados demográficos e clínicos no prontuário e levantamento das medicações nas prescrições, as quais foram submetidas em pares de acordo com o horário agendado para administração pelo enfermeiro para análise no software Micromedex quanto à ocorrência de potenciais interações medicamentosas. Foi aplicada nesta análise estatística descritiva, medidas de tendência central e dispersão e cálculo de razão de chance. Para a identificação dos eventos adversos, realizou-se a análise dos prontuários de pacientes que apresentaram interações medicamentosas classificadas como graves, com o emprego de rastreadores específicos para eventos adversos adaptados. Os pacientes em que estes rastreadores foram identificados tiveram seu caso discutido por painel de especialistas para a definição da ocorrência do evento adverso, com base no emprego de um instrumento- síntese do caso e aplicação do Algoritmo de Naranjo para a análise da causalidade. Os resultados evidenciaram a prevalência do sexo masculino na amostra dos pacientes hospitalizados, com média de idade de 71,7 anos e diagnóstico principal de Insuficiência Cardíaca. Sobre o agendamento de horários, houve predomínio das 06 horas. No serviço diurno, o horário prevalente foi às 18 horas e no serviço noturno às 06 horas. A frequência da ocorrência de potenciais interações medicamentosas graves foi de 38,59%, com maior destaque para os pares sinvastatina + anlodipino e enoxaparina + clopidogrel. O consenso de especialistas classificou três casos prováveis de ocorrência de evento adversos associados às PIM grave. Os danos observados foram relacionados a eventos hemorrágicos e implicaram no prolongamento do tempo de internação desses pacientes. Os resultados da pesquisa em tela reiteram a discussão contemporânea das políticas públicas nacionais e internacionais em torno do uso seguro dos medicamentos. Os achados reiteram a importância do papel do enfermeiro na vigilância do uso dos medicamentos e direcionam ao debate das possíveis intervenções para a melhoria da segurança medicamentosa institucional, tais como o uso de tecnologias como subsídio para a tomada de decisão, o emprego de treinamentos teórico-práticos baseados na simulação realística da prática cotidiana do cuidar; que devem funcionar como barreiras de segurança e promover a qualidade da assistência na clínica do cuidado de enfermagem.

The object of this study is the potential drug interactions in prescriptions of patients hospitalized with cardiovascular events and its association with the occurrence of adverse events related to medications. To meet this object, were established as objectives: to identify potential drug interactions in hospitalized patients with cardiovascular events, considering the schedules established for administering medications by nurse to evaluate the occurrence of adverse drug events associated with potential identified serious drugs interactions; and discuss the safety in the use of medications, in view of scheduling schedules for the administration of the medications performed by the nurse. To evaluate the occurrence of adverse drug events associated with potential identified serious drugs interactions; and discuss the safety in the use of medications, in view of scheduling schedules for the administration of the medications performed by the nurse. Field research, quantitative, sectional, documentary. We analyzed 99 drug prescriptions for the first 48 hours of hospitalization, obtained from the medical records of hospitalized patients in the period from April to June 2014 in a cardiology sector of a federal public hospital. A structured instrument was used to collect demographic and clinical data in the medical records and to survey the medications in the prescriptions which were submitted in pairs according to the scheduled time for administration by the nurse for analysis Micromedex software regarding the occurrence of potential drug interactions. It was applied in this descriptive statistical analysis measures of central tendency and dispersion and calculation of odds ratio. For the identification of adverse events, we performed the analysis of the medical records of patients who presented drug interactions classified as severe, with the use of specific trackers for adapted adverse events. The patients in which these trackers were identified had their case discussed by panel of experts to define the occurrence of the adverse event based on the use of an instrument-synthesis of the case and application of the Naranjo algorithm for causality analysis. The results evidenced the prevalence of males in the sample of hospitalized patients with a mean age of 71.7 years and a major diagnosis of heart failure. On scheduling times, there was a predominance of 6 hours. In the daytime service, the prevailing time was at 18 hours and at night service at 6 hours. The frequency of the occurrence of potential serious drug interactions was 38.59%, with greater emphasis on the Simvastatin + Amlodipine and Enoxaparin + Clopidogrel pairs. The consensus of specialists classified three probable cases of occurrence of adverse events associated with severe PIM. The observed damage was related to hemorrhagic events and implied the prolongation of hospitalization time of these patients. The results of the research on the screen reiterate the contemporary discussion of national and international public policies around the safe use of medications. The findings reiterate the importance of the role of the nurse in the surveillance of medication use and direct the discussion of possible interventions to improve the institutional drug safety, such as the use of technologies as a subsidy for the taking of decision, the use of theoretical-practical training based on the realistic simulation of the daily practice of care; That should function as safety barriers and promote the quality of care in the nursing care clinic.

Impact of Diltiazem Alone versus Diltiazem with Nitrate on Five-Year Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Significant Coronary Artery Spasm

PURPOSE: Calcium channel blockers diltiazem and nitrate have been used as selective coronary vasodilators for patients with significant coronary artery spasm (CAS). However, no study has compared the efficacy of diltiazem alone versus diltiazem with nitrate for long-term clinical outcomes in patients with CAS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2741 consecutive patients without significant coronary artery disease with positive CAS by acetylcholine (Ach) provocation test between November 2004 and May 2014 were enrolled. Significant CAS was defined as a narrowing of >70% by incremental intracoronary injection of 20, 50, and 100 µg of Ach into the left coronary artery. Patients were assigned to either the diltiazem group (n=842) or the dual group (diltiazem with nitrate, n=1899) at physician discretion. To adjust for potential confounders, a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed using the logistic regression model. After PSM analysis, two well-balanced groups (811 pairs, n=1622, C-statistic=0.708) were generated. RESULTS: At 5 years, there were similar incidences in primary endpoints, including mortality, myocardial infarction, revascularization, and recurrent angina requiring repeat coronary angiography between the two groups. Diltiazem alone was not an independent predictor for major adverse cardiovascular events or recurrent angina requiring repeat coronary angiography. CONCLUSION: Despite the expected improvement of endothelial function and the relief of CAS, the combination of diltiazem and nitrate treatment was not superior to diltiazem alone in reducing mortality and cardiovascular events up to 5 years in patients with significant CAS.

Elevated Heart Rate is Associated with Cardiac Denervation in Patients with Heart Failure: A 123-Iodine-MIBG Myocardial Scintigraphy Study / Frequência Cardíaca Elevada está Associada com Desnervação Cardíaca em Pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca: Um Estudo com Cintilografia Miocárdica com 123-Iodo-MIBG

Abstract Background: In the Systolic Heart Failure Treatment With the If Inhibitor Ivabradine Trial (SHIFT), heart rate (HR) reduction with ivabradine was associated with improved survival and reduced hospitalizations in patients with heart failure (HF). The mechanisms by which elevated HR increases mortality are not fully understood. Objective: To assess the relationship of baseline HR with clinical, neurohormonal and cardiac sympathetic activity in patients with chronic HF and elevated HR. Method: Patients with chronic HF who were in sinus rhythm and had resting HR>70 bpm despite optimal medical treatment were included in a randomized, double-blind study comparing ivabradine versus pyridostigmine. This report refers to the baseline data of 16 initial patients. Baseline HR (before randomization to one of the drugs) was assessed, and patients were classified into two groups, with HR below or above mean values. Cardiac sympathetic activity was assessed by 123-iodine-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy. Results: Mean HR was 83.5±11.5 bpm (range 72 to 104), and seven (43.7%) patients had HR above the mean. These patients had lower 6-min walk distance (292.3±93 vs 465.2±97.1 m, p=0.0029), higher values of N-Terminal-proBNP (median 708.4 vs 76.1, p=0.035) and lower late heart/mediastinum rate, indicating cardiac denervation (1.48±0.12 vs 1.74±0.09, p<0.001). Conclusion: Elevated resting HR in patients with HF under optimal medical treatment was associated with cardiac denervation, worse functional capacity, and neurohormonal activation.

Resumo Fundamento: No SHIFT (Systolic Heart Failure Treatment With the If Inhibitor Ivabradine Trial, ou Estudo do Tratamento da Insuficiência Cardíaca Sistólica com o Inibidor de If Ivabradina), a redução da frequência cardíaca (FC) com ivabradina associou-se com melhor sobrevida e redução das hospitalizações em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). Os mecanismos pelos quais a FC elevada aumenta a mortalidade não são totalmente compreendidos. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação da FC basal com atividade clínica, neuro-hormonal e simpática cardíaca em pacientes com IC crônica e FC elevada. Método: Pacientes com IC crônica em ritmo sinusal e FC≥70 apesar de tratamento adequado foram incluídos em um estudo duplo-cego, randomizado, que comparou ivabradina com piridostigmina. Este artigo refere-se a dados basais dos primeiros 16 pacientes. A FC basal (antes da randomização para um dos medicamentos) foi avaliada, e os pacientes classificados em dois grupos, com FC abaixo ou acima dos valores médios. A atividade simpática cardíaca foi avaliada por cintilografia com metaiodobenzilguanidina marcada com iodo 123. Resultados: A FC média foi 83,5±11,5 bpm (intervalo 72 a 104), e sete pacientes (43.7%) tinham FC acima da média. Esses pacientes apresentaram menor distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (292,3±93 vs 465,2±97,1 m, p=0,0029), valores mais altos de N-terminal do pró-BNP (mediana 708,4 vs 76,1, p=0,035) e menor relação coração/mediastino tardia, indicando desnervação cardíaca (1,48±0,12 vs 1,74±0,09, p<0,001). Conclusão: A FC de repouso elevada em pacientes com IC em tratamento médico adequado associou-se com desnervação cardíaca, pior capacidade funcional e ativação neuro-hormonal.

Farmacogenómica: aplicaciones cardiovasculares / Pharmacogenomics: cardiovascular applications

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares constituyen un importante problema de salud pública al ser la principal causa de morbilidad y mortalidad en el mundo. Por ello, existe la creciente necesidad de tratamientos farmacoterapéuticos más eficaces y seguros. Sin embargo, a pesar de que los médicos prescriben fármacos sobre la base de las características farmacológicas del medicamento y la probabilidad de obtener resultados clínicamente reproducibles, muchos de los fármacos son eficaces sólo entre 25-60% de los pacientes. En este sentido es que la Farmacogenómica, a través del estudio de variantes genéticas de proteínas involucradas en la farmacocinética y farmacodinamia de los medicamentos, persigue maximizar su eficacia y seguridad, Este trabajo pretende dar una visión general acerca de farmacogenómica cardiovascular y la posibilidad de utilizar, en la consulta clínica, herramientas genéticas para apoyar la decisión farmacoterapéutica, con el objeto de mejorar la respuesta al tratamiento de enfermedades cardiovasculares, un paso hacia la medicina personalizada en Chile.

Cardiovascular disease is a major public health problem being the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, there is a growing need for safer and more effective pharmacotherapeutic treatments. However, although physicians prescribe drugs based on pharmacological properties of each drug and the probability of obtaining clinically reproducible results, many drugs are effective only in 25-60% of patients. In this respect, pharmacogenomics, through the study of genetic variants of proteins involved in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs, pursues to maximize their efficacy and safety, This paper aims to give an overview of cardiovascular pharmacogenomics and the possibility to use, in clinical practice, genetic tools to support pharmacotherapeutical decisions, in order to improve the response to treatment of cardiovascular diseases, a step toward personalized medicine in Chile.

Microvascular angina: angina that predominantly affects women

In women receiving evaluation for suspected ischemic symptoms, a "normal" diagnosis is five times more common than it is in men. These women are often labeled as having cardiac syndrome X, also known as microvascular angina (MVA). MVA is defined as angina pectoris caused by abnormalities of the small coronary arteries, and is characterized by effort chest pain and evidence of myocardial ischemia with a non-invasive stress test, although the coronary arteries can appear normal or near normal by angiography. MVA patients are often neglected due to the assumption of a good prognosis. However, MVA has important prognostic implications and a proper diagnosis is necessary in order to relieve the patients' symptoms and improve clinical outcomes. The coronary microvasculature cannot be directly imaged using coronary angiography, due to the small diameter of the vessels; therefore, the coronary microvascular must be assessed functionally. Treatment of MVA initially includes standard anti-ischemic drugs (beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, and nitrates), although control of symptoms is often insufficient. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of MVA.

Prognostic value of hyponatremia in heart failure patients: an analysis of the Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in the Relation with Serum Sodium Level in Asian Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure (COAST) study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hyponatremia is a well-known risk factor for poor outcomes in Western studies of heart failure (HF) patients. We evaluated the predictive value of hyponatremia in hospitalized Asian HF patients. METHODS: The Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in the Relation with Serum Sodium Level in Asian Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure (the COAST) study enrolled hospitalized patients with systolic HF (ejection fraction < 45%) at eight centers in South Korea, Taiwan, and China. The relationship between admission sodium level and clinical outcomes was analyzed in 1,470 patients. RESULTS: The mean admission sodium level was 138 +/- 4.7 mmol/L, and 247 patients (16.8%) had hyponatremia defined as Na+ < 135 mmol/L. The 12-month mortality was higher in hyponatremic patients (27.9% vs. 14.6%, p < 0.001), and hyponatremia was an independent predictor of 12-month mortality (hazard ratio, 1.72; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 2.65). During hospital admission, 57% of hyponatremic patients showed improvement without improvement in their clinical outcomes (p = 0.620). The proportion of patients with optimal medical treatment was only 26.5% and 44.2% at admission and discharge, respectively, defined as the combined use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker and beta-blocker. Underuse of optimal medical treatment was more pronounced in hyponatremic patients. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalized Asian HF patients, hyponatremia at admission is common and is an independent predictor of poor clinical outcome. Furthermore, hyponatremic patients receive less optimal medical treatment than their counterparts.

Funtional significance of the intermediate lesion in a single coronary artery assessed by fractional flow reserve

No abstract available.

Prevenção cardiovascular abrangente em pacientes com doença arterial coronária: implementação das diretrizes na prática clínica / Cardiovascular prevention in coronary heart disease patients: guidelines implementation in clinical practice

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a eficácia de um programa de otimização da prática clínica em pacientes com doença arterial coronária para prescrição de medicamentos e documentar a prática clínica vigente quanto aos medicamentos e medidas para a mudança do estilo de vida. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal, seguido de componente longitudinal. Foram incluídos 710 pacientes consecutivos (Fase 1). Após aplicação de ferramentas para melhoria da prática clínica, foram incluídos, após seis meses, 705 pacientes com coleta dos mesmos dados (Fase 2). Foram selecionados aleatoriamente, a partir do primeiro grupo, 318 prontuários para comparação desses mesmos pacientes (Fase 3). RESULTADOS: Comparação entre as Fases 1 e 2: melhora em relação a tabagismo (P=0,019), dislipidemia (P<0,001), hipertensão arterial e atividade física regular (P<0,001). Diferença significativa para inibidores da enzima de conversão da angiotensina - IECA (67,2% vs. 56,8%, P<0,001); antagonistas do receptor da angiotensina II - ARA II (25,4% vs. 32,9%, P=0,002) e betabloqueador (88,7% vs. 91,9%, P=0,047). Comparação entre as Fases 1 e 3: houve redução do peso (P=0,044) e pressão arterial (P<0,001). Em relação à prescrição de medicamentos recomendados, diferença para IECA (64,8% vs. 61,6%, P=0,011) e ARA II (27,0% vs. 31,3%, P=0,035). CONCLUSÃO: Não houve mudança significativa na utilização de medicamentos; entretanto, observou-se melhora significativa em relação ao tabagismo e atividade física na Fase 2; melhora substancial nos níveis de pressão arterial, na comparação tanto entre as Fases 1 e 2 como entre as Fases 1 e 3. A inclusão de enfermeiro treinado para gerenciar o processo foi fundamental. Programas abrangentes de melhoria de qualidade assistencial, provavelmente, devem ser continuados por período de seguimento maior.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the utilization of a clinical improvement program in stable coronary artery disease patients to increase the evidence-proven treatment utilization, and to describe the ongoing clinical practice and lifestyle change counseling. METHODS: Cross-sectional study followed by a longitudinal component in which the tools utilization to improve clinical practice was assessed by means of additional cross-sectional data collection. 710 consecutive patients were included (Phase 1). After tools implementation, within 6 months period, 705 patients were included (Phase 2) for comparative analysis. Randomly, 318 patients from Phase 1 were selected, 6-12 months after the first evaluation (Phase 3). RESULTS: Phase 1 to Phase 2: there were improvement on smoking cessation (P=0.019), dyslipidemia (P<0.001), hypertension and physical activity (P<0.001). There was significant difference on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors - ACEI (67.2% vs. 56.8%, P<0.001); angiotensin II receptor blockers - ARB II (25.4% vs. 32.9%, P=0.002) and beta-blocker (88.7% vs. 91.9%, P=0.047). Phase 1 to Phase 3: there was both weight (P=0.044), and blood pressure reduction (P<0.001). There was statistical significant difference on ACEI (64.8% vs. 61.6%, P=0.011) and ARB II (27.0% vs. 31.3%, P=0.035). CONCLUSION: There was no significant change on the evidence-based pharmacological treatment utilization between pre and post-intervention phases; there was significant improvement concerning smoking and physical activity in phase 2; substantial improvement on blood pressure levels in both comparisons (Phase 1 to 2 and Phase 1 to 3). The inclusion of a case-manager for the process management was crucial for program efficacy. Comprehensive programs for clinical practice should be pursued for longer follow-up period.

Prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências para pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular: estudo REACT / Evidence-based therapy prescription in high-cardiovascular risk patients: the REACT study

FUNDAMENTO: Dados de atendimento ambulatorial ao paciente de alto risco cardiovascular no Brasil são insuficientes. OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil e documentar a prática clínica do atendimento ambulatorial de pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular no Brasil, no que diz respeito à prescrição de terapias baseadas em evidências. MÉTODOS: Registro prospectivo que documentou a prática clínica ambulatorial de indivíduos de alto risco cardiovascular, que foi definido como a presença de um dos seguintes fatores: doença arterial coronariana, cerebrovascular e vascular periférica; diabetes; ou aqueles com pelo menos três dos seguintes fatores: hipertensão arterial, tabagismo, dislipidemia, maiores 70 anos, histórico familiar de doença arterial coronariana, nefropatia crônica ou doença carotídea assintomática. Foram avaliadas características basais e a taxa de prescrição das intervenções medicamentosas e não medicamentosas. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 2.364 pacientes consecutivos, sendo 52,2% do gênero masculino, idade média de 66,0 anos (± 10,1). Dentre os pacientes incluídos, 78,3% utilizavam antiplaquetários, 77,0% estatinas e, dos pacientes com história de infarto do miocárdio, 58,0% receberam betabloqueadores. O uso concomitante destas três classes foi de 34%. Não atingiram as metas preconizadas pelas diretrizes 50,9% dos hipertensos, 67% dos diabéticos e 25,7% dos dislipidêmicos. Os principais preditores de prescrição de terapias com benefício comprovado foram centro com cardiologista e histórico de doença arterial coronariana. CONCLUSÃO: Este registro nacional e representativo identificou hiatos importantes na incorporação de terapias com benefício comprovado, oferecendo um panorama real dos pacientes de alto risco cardiovascular.

BACKGROUND: Data on outpatient care provided to patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil are insufficient. OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile and document the clinical practice of outpatient care in patients at high cardiovascular risk in Brazil, regarding the prescription of evidence-based therapies. METHODS: Prospective registry that documented the ambulatory clinical practice in individuals at high cardiovascular risk, which was defined as the presence of the following factors: coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes, or those with at least three of the following factors: hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, age > 70 years, family history of coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease or asymptomatic carotid artery disease. Basal characteristics were assessed and the rate of prescription of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 2364 consecutive patients were included, of which 52.2% were males, with a mean age of 66.0 years (± 10.1). Of these, 78.3% used antiplatelet agents, 77.0% used statins and of patients with a history of myocardial infarction, 58.0% received beta-blockers. Concomitant use of these three classes of drugs was 34%; 50.9% of hypertensive, 67% of diabetic and 25.7% of dyslipidemic patients did not achieve the goals recommended by guidelines. The main predictors of prescription therapies with proven benefit were centers with a cardiologist and history of coronary artery disease. CONCLUSION: This national and representative registry identified important gaps in the incorporation of therapies with proven benefit, offering a realistic outlook of patients at high cardiovascular risk.

Does rosmarinic acid underestimate as an experimental cardiovascular drug? / Seria o ácido rosmarínico subestimado como droga cardiovascular experimental?

PURPOSE: The rationale of the present review is to analize the activity of Rosmarinus officinalis in the the cardiovascular system METHODS: A MEDLINE database search (from January 1970 to December 2011) using only rosmarinic acid as searched term. RESULTS: The references search revealed 509 references about rosmarinic acid in 40 years (the first reference is from 1970). There is a powerful prevalence of antioxidant and cancer studies. Other diseases are few cited, as inflammation, brain (Alzheimer and Parkinson disease) and, memory; allergy; diabetes; atherosclerosis, and; hypertension. It is necessary to consider the complete absence of studies on coronary artery disease, myocardial ischemia, heart failure or ischemia/reperfusion injury. CONCLUSION: Rosmarinic acid is underestimated as an experimental cardiovascular drug and deserves more attention.

OBJETIVO: A justificativa da revisão é analisar a atividade de Rosmarinus officinalis no sistema cardiovascular MÉTODOS: Uma busca de banco de dados MEDLINE (de janeiro de 1970 a dezembro de 2011), utilizando apenas o ácido rosmarínico como termo pesquisado. RESULTADOS: A busca referências revelou 509 referências sobre o ácido rosmarínico em 40 anos (a primeira referência é de 1970). Há uma prevalência poderoso antioxidante e estudos do câncer. Outras doenças são citados alguns, como o cérebro, inflamação (de Alzheimer e doença de Parkinson) e, a memória, hipertensão, alergia, diabetes, aterosclerose, e. É necessário ter em conta a ausência completa de estudos sobre a doença de artéria coronária, isquemia do miocárdio, insuficiência cardíaca ou isquemia / lesão de reperfusão. CONCLUSÃO: O ácido rosmarínico é subestimado como uma droga experimental cardiovascular e merece mais atenção.