ABSTRACT
Background: Cardiovascular mortality is decreasing but remains the leading cause of death world-wide. Respiratory infections such as influenza significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Despite of proven benefits, influenza vaccination is not fully implemented, especially in Latin America. Objective: The aim was to develop a regional consensus with recommendations regarding influenza vaccination and cardiovascular disease. Methods: A multidisciplinary team composed by experts in the management and prevention of cardiovascular disease from the Americas, convened by the Inter-American Society of Cardiology (IASC) and the World Heart Federation (WHF), participated in the process and the formulation of statements. The modified RAND/UCLA methodology was used. This document was supported by a grant from the WHF. Results: An extensive literature search was divided into seven questions, and a total of 23 conclusions and 29 recommendations were achieved. There was no disagreement among experts in the conclusions or recommendations. Conclusions: There is a strong correlation between influenza and cardiovascular events. Influenza vaccination is not only safe and a proven strategy to reduce cardiovascular events, but it is also cost saving. We found several barriers for its global implementation and potential strategies to overcome them.
Subject(s)
Cardiology , Cardiovascular Diseases , Influenza, Human , Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control , Consensus , Humans , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Influenza, Human/prevention & control , Latin America/epidemiology , United States , VaccinationABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate the impact of the implementation of the Infarction Code strategy in patients with acute myocardial infarction diagnosis. Methods: Consecutive patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction ≤12 hours of evolution, were included in the infarction code strategy, before (Group I) and after (Group II). Times of medical attention and major cardiovascular events during hospitalization were analyzed. Results: 1227 patients were included, 919 men (75%) and 308 women (25%) with an average age of 62 ± 11 years. Among Group I and Group II, percutaneous coronary intervention reperfusion therapy changed (16.6% to 42.6%), fibrinolytic therapy (39.3% to 25%), and patients who did not receive any form of reperfusion therapy (44% to 32.6%; p < 0.0001). Times of medical attention decreased significantly (door-to-needle time decreased from 92 to 72 minutes, p = 0.004; door-to-balloon time decreased from 140 to 92 minutes, p < 0.0001). Kidney failure (24.6% vs. 17.9%; p = 0.006), major complications (35.3% to 29.3%), and death (21% vs. 12%; odds ratio: 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.38-0.71; p = 0.004). also decreased. Conclusion: The Infarction Code strategy improved treatment, times of medical attention and decreased complications and death in these patients.
