Imaging associations enhance the understanding of ECG abnormalities in male Brazilian football players: findings from the B-Pro Foot ECG study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of abnormal ECG findings and their association with imaging results in male Brazilian football players. METHODS: The 'B-Pro Foot ECG' is a multicentre observational study conducted in 82 Brazilian professional clubs. It analysed 6125 players aged 15-35 years (2496 white, 2004 mixed-race and 1625 black individuals) who underwent cardiovascular screening from 2002 to 2023. All ECGs were reviewed by two experienced cardiologists in the athlete's care. Those with abnormal findings underwent further investigations, including a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was subsequently performed based on TTE findings or clinical suspicion. RESULTS: In total, 180 (3%) players had abnormal ECGs and 176 (98%) showed normal TTE results. Athletes aged 26-35 years had a higher prevalence of abnormal ECGs than younger athletes (15-25 years). Black players had a higher prevalence of T-wave inversion (TWI) in the inferior leads than white players (2.6% vs 1.4%; p=0.005), as well as in V5 (2.9%) and V6 (2.1%) compared with white (1.2% and 1.0%; p<0.001) and mixed-race (1.5% and 1.2%; p<0.05) players, respectively. TTE parameters were similar across ethnicities. However, four out of 75 players with inferolateral TWI showed abnormal TTEs and CMR findings consistent with cardiomyopathies. CMR also showed cardiomyopathies or myocarditis in four players with inferolateral TWI and normal TTEs. In total, nine (0.1%) athletes were diagnosed with cardiac diseases and were followed for 40±30 months, with no cardiac events documented. CONCLUSION: This study found a 3% prevalence of abnormal ECGs in male Brazilian football players. Inferolateral TWI was associated with cardiac pathologies confirmed by CMR, even in athletes with a normal TTE.

Real-World Assessment of an Ultrathin Strut, Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Submitted to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (INSTEMI Registry). / Avaliação no Mundo Real de um Stent Eluidor de Sirolimus de Hastes Ultrafinas em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST Submetidos à Intervenção Coronária Percutânea Primária (Registro INSTEMI).

BACKGROUND: The current gold standard of coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) consists of metal alloys with thinner struts and bioresorbable polymers. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to compare an ultrathin strut, sirolimus-eluting stent (Inspiron®) with other third-generation DES platforms in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: We analyzed data from a STEMI multicenter registry from reference centers in the South Region of Brazil. All patients were submitted to primary PCI, either with Inspiron® or other second- or third-generation DES. Propensity score matching (PSM) was computed to generate similar groups (Inspiron® versus other stents) in relation to clinical and procedural characteristics. All hypothesis tests had a two-sided significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: From January 2017 to January 2021, 1711 patients underwent primary PCI, and 1417 patients met our entry criteria (709 patients in the Inspiron® group and 708 patients in the other second- or third-generation DES group). After PSM, the study sample was comprised of 706 patients (353 patients in the Inspiron® group and 353 patients in the other the other second- or third-generation DES group). The rates of target vessel revascularization (OR 0.52, CI 0.21 - 1.34, p = 0.173), stent thrombosis (OR 1.00, CI 0.29 - 3.48, p = 1.000), mortality (HR 0.724, CI 0.41 - 1.27, p = 0.257), and major cardiovascular outcomes (OR 1.170, CI 0.77 - 1.77, p = 0.526) were similar between groups after a median follow-up of 17 months. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that Inspiron® was effective and safe when compared to other second- or third-generation DES in a contemporary cohort of real-world STEMI patients submitted to primary PCI.

FUNDAMENTO: O padrão-ouro atual dos stents farmacológicos (SF) coronários consiste em ligas metálicas com hastes mais finas e polímeros bioabsorvíveis. OBJETIVOS: Nosso objetivo foi comparar um stent eluidor de sirolimus de hastes ultrafinas (Inspiron®) com outras plataformas de SF de terceira geração em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) primária. MÉTODOS: Analisamos dados de um registro multicêntrico de IAMCSST de centros de referência da Região Sul do Brasil. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à ICP primária, seja com Inspiron® ou outro SF de segunda ou terceira geração. Foi calculado pareamento por escore de propensão (PEP) para gerar grupos semelhantes (Inspiron® versus outros stents) em relação às características clínicas e do procedimento. Todos os testes de hipótese tiveram um nível de significância bilateral de 0,05. RESULTADOS: De janeiro de 2017 a janeiro de 2021, 1.711 pacientes foram submetidos à ICP primária, e 1.417 pacientes preencheram nossos critérios de inclusão (709 pacientes no grupo Inspiron® e 708 pacientes no grupo dos outros SF de segunda ou terceira geração). Após PEP, a amostra do estudo foi composta por 706 pacientes (353 pacientes no grupo Inspiron® e 353 pacientes no grupo dos demais SF de segunda ou terceira geração). As taxas de revascularização do vaso alvo (odds ratio [OR] 0,52; intervalo de confiança [IC] 0,21 a 1,34; p = 0,173), trombose de stent (OR 1,00; IC 0,29 a 3,48;p = 1,000), mortalidade (hazard ratio 0,724; IC 0,41 a 1,27; p = 0,257) e os desfechos cardiovasculares maiores (OR 1,170; IC 0,77 a 1,77; p = 0,526) foram semelhantes entre os grupos após um acompanhamento mediano de 17 meses. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos achados mostram que o stent Inspiron® foi eficaz e seguro quando comparado a outros SF de segunda ou terceira geração em uma coorte contemporânea do mundo real de pacientes com IAMCSST submetidos à ICP primária.

Functional assessment based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing in mild heart failure: A multicentre study.

AIMS: In this multicentre study, we compared cardio-pulmonary exercise test (CPET) parameters between heart failure (HF) patients classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I and II to assess NYHA performance and prognostic role in mild HF. METHODS AND RESULTS: We included consecutive HF patients in NYHA class I or II who underwent CPET in three Brazilian centres. We analysed the overlap between kernel density estimations for the per cent-predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO2 ), minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2 ) slope, and oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) by NYHA class. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess the capacity of per cent-predicted peak VO2 to discriminate between NYHA class I and II. For prognostication, time to all-cause death was used to produce Kaplan-Meier estimates. Of 688 patients included in this study, 42% were classified as NYHA I and 58% as NYHA II, 55% were men, and mean age was 56 years. Median global per cent-predicted peak VO2 was 66.8% (IQR 56-80), VE/VCO2 slope was 36.9 (31.6-43.3), and mean OUES was 1.51 (±0.59). Kernel density overlap between NYHA class I and II was 86% for per cent-predicted peak VO2 , 89% for VE/VCO2 slope, and 84% for OUES. Receiving-operating curve analysis showed a significant, albeit limited performance of per cent-predicted peak VO2 alone to discriminate between NYHA class I vs. II (AUC 0.55, 95% CI 0.51-0.59, P = 0.005). Model accuracy for probability of being classified as NYHA class I (vs. NYHA class II) across the spectrum of the per cent-predicted peak VO2 was limited, with an absolute probability increment of 13% when per cent-predicted peak VO2 increased from 50% to 100%. Overall mortality in NYHA class I and II was not significantly different (P = 0.41), whereas NYHA class III patients displayed a distinctively higher death rate (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chronic HF classified as NYHA I overlapped substantially with those classified as NYHA II in objective physiological measures and prognosis. NYHA classification may represent a poor discriminator of cardiopulmonary capacity in patients with mild HF.

Avaliação no Mundo Real de um Stent Eluidor de Sirolimus de Hastes Ultrafinas em Pacientes com Infarto do Miocárdio com Supradesnivelamento do Segmento ST Submetidos à Intervenção Coronária Percutânea Primária (Registro INSTEMI) / Real-World Assessment of an Ultrathin Strut, Sirolimus-Eluting Stent in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Submitted to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (INSTEMI Registry)

Resumo Fundamento O padrão-ouro atual dos stents farmacológicos (SF) coronários consiste em ligas metálicas com hastes mais finas e polímeros bioabsorvíveis. Objetivos Nosso objetivo foi comparar um stent eluidor de sirolimus de hastes ultrafinas (Inspiron®) com outras plataformas de SF de terceira geração em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMCSST) submetidos à intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) primária. Métodos Analisamos dados de um registro multicêntrico de IAMCSST de centros de referência da Região Sul do Brasil. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à ICP primária, seja com Inspiron® ou outro SF de segunda ou terceira geração. Foi calculado pareamento por escore de propensão (PEP) para gerar grupos semelhantes (Inspiron® versus outros stents) em relação às características clínicas e do procedimento. Todos os testes de hipótese tiveram um nível de significância bilateral de 0,05. Resultados De janeiro de 2017 a janeiro de 2021, 1.711 pacientes foram submetidos à ICP primária, e 1.417 pacientes preencheram nossos critérios de inclusão (709 pacientes no grupo Inspiron® e 708 pacientes no grupo dos outros SF de segunda ou terceira geração). Após PEP, a amostra do estudo foi composta por 706 pacientes (353 pacientes no grupo Inspiron® e 353 pacientes no grupo dos demais SF de segunda ou terceira geração). As taxas de revascularização do vaso alvo (odds ratio [OR] 0,52; intervalo de confiança [IC] 0,21 a 1,34; p = 0,173), trombose de stent (OR 1,00; IC 0,29 a 3,48;p = 1,000), mortalidade (hazard ratio 0,724; IC 0,41 a 1,27; p = 0,257) e os desfechos cardiovasculares maiores (OR 1,170; IC 0,77 a 1,77; p = 0,526) foram semelhantes entre os grupos após um acompanhamento mediano de 17 meses. Conclusão Nossos achados mostram que o stent Inspiron® foi eficaz e seguro quando comparado a outros SF de segunda ou terceira geração em uma coorte contemporânea do mundo real de pacientes com IAMCSST submetidos à ICP primária.

Abstract Background The current gold standard of coronary drug-eluting stents (DES) consists of metal alloys with thinner struts and bioresorbable polymers. Objectives Our aim was to compare an ultrathin strut, sirolimus-eluting stent (Inspiron®) with other third-generation DES platforms in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods We analyzed data from a STEMI multicenter registry from reference centers in the South Region of Brazil. All patients were submitted to primary PCI, either with Inspiron® or other second- or third-generation DES. Propensity score matching (PSM) was computed to generate similar groups (Inspiron® versus other stents) in relation to clinical and procedural characteristics. All hypothesis tests had a two-sided significance level of 0.05. Results From January 2017 to January 2021, 1711 patients underwent primary PCI, and 1417 patients met our entry criteria (709 patients in the Inspiron® group and 708 patients in the other second- or third-generation DES group). After PSM, the study sample was comprised of 706 patients (353 patients in the Inspiron® group and 353 patients in the other the other second- or third-generation DES group). The rates of target vessel revascularization (OR 0.52, CI 0.21 - 1.34, p = 0.173), stent thrombosis (OR 1.00, CI 0.29 - 3.48, p = 1.000), mortality (HR 0.724, CI 0.41 - 1.27, p = 0.257), and major cardiovascular outcomes (OR 1.170, CI 0.77 - 1.77, p = 0.526) were similar between groups after a median follow-up of 17 months. Conclusion Our findings show that Inspiron® was effective and safe when compared to other second- or third-generation DES in a contemporary cohort of real-world STEMI patients submitted to primary PCI.

Aerobic exercise and telomere length in patients with systolic heart failure: protocol study for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a syndrome that leads to fatigue and reduced functional capacity due to disease-related pathophysiological mechanisms. Aerobic exercise (AERO) plays a key role in improving HF outcomes, such as an increase in peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). In addition, HF promotes cell senescence, which involves reducing telomere length. Several studies have shown that patients with a worse prognosis (i.e., reduced VO2 peak) also have shorter telomeres. However, the effects of AERO on telomere length in patients with HFrEF are still unknown. In an attempt to fill this gap, we designed a study to determine the effects of 16 weeks of aerobic training (32 sessions) on telomere length in HFrEF patients. METHODS: In this single-center randomized controlled trial, men and women between 50 and 80 years old will be allocated into two different groups: a moderate-intensity aerobic training and a control grouTelomere length, functional capacity, echocardiographic variables, endothelial function, and walking ability will be assessed before and after the 16-week intervention period. DISCUSSION: Understanding the role of physical exercise in biological aging in HFrEF patients is relevant. Due to cell senescence, these individuals have shown a shorter telomere length. AERO can delay biological aging according to a balance in oxidative stress through antioxidant action. Positive telomere length results are expected for the aerobic training group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03856736 . Registered on February 27, 2019.

The Role of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Patients With Heart Failure, Regardless of Diabetes Status: Focus on Cardiovascular Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To provide clinical guidance and an overview of the available data on the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), regardless of the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). DATA SOURCES: We searched the MEDLINE database via PubMed (from January 2015 to November 2020) for the following key terms: SGLT2 inhibitors, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors, SGLT2i, heart failure, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: To be included in the review, the articles needed to assess the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in the heart failure (HF) scenario. DATA SYNTHESIS: There is consistent evidence that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events and hospitalization in patients with HFrEF, even in the absence of T2DM. On May 5, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved dapagliflozin for adults with HFrEF, regardless of the presence of T2DM, even in those patients on standard therapy, including an angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE: The SGLT2 inhibitors are well tolerated, and their once-daily dosing without the need for adjustments is convenient. These drugs can be considered a major breakthrough in pharmacotherapy for HF, providing physicians with a new treatment approach to reduce major clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: SGLT2 inhibitor therapy reduces CV death and hospitalizations in HFrEF patients regardless of T2DM. The decision to prescribe this class of drugs should not be determined by glycemic status.

Expanding benefits from cardiac resynchronization therapy to exercise-induced left bundle branch block in advanced heart failure.

Indications of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) do not include exercise-induced left bundle branch block, but functional impairment could be improved with CRT in such cases. A 57-year-old woman with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction 23%) presented with New York Heart Association Class IV and recurrent hospitalizations. During heart transplant evaluation, a new onset of intermittent left bundle branch block was observed on the cardiopulmonary exercise test. CRT was implanted, and 97% resynchronization rate was achieved. In 12 month follow-up, both clinical and prognostic exercise parameters improved. In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and no left bundle branch block at rest, exercise test can uncover electromechanical dyssynchrony that may benefit from CRT.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing may not predict appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapies in heart failure patients.

Background: The prognostic value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) variables for major cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure (HF) is widely established. However, the prognostic value of these variables as predictors of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapies has not been sufficiently well addressed. This study aimed to evaluate CPET variables such as peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), relationship between change in minute ventilation (VE) and carbon dioxide output (VCO2) during incremental exercise (VE/VCO2 slope) and exercise-related periodic breathing (EPB) as appropriate ICD therapy predictors in HF patients.Methods: We retrospectively assessed 61 HF patients who underwent CPET and had ICD implanted for primary prevention. Patients were followed for 767 ± 601 days. Primary outcome was appropriate ICD-delivered therapy, either anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP) or shock.Results: The sample consisted mostly of male patients (65.6%), with severe ventricular dysfunction (mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 27 ± 6%). The primary outcome occurred in 20 patients (32%). There were no significant differences in VO2 peak (17.7 ± 4.1 and 16.9 ± 4.5 mL/kg/min), VE/VCO2 slope (39.7 ± 8.4 and 39.6 ± 10.2) or EPB prevalence (20% and 19.5%) in patients with or without appropriate ICD therapy. According to Cox regression analysis, none of the CPET variables were significant predictors of appropriate ICD therapy.Conclusions: In this cohort study of HF patients, CPET variables did not predict appropriate ICD therapies. Further studies with large number of patients are warranted to address this issue.

Increased atherothrombotic markers and endothelial dysfunction in steroid users.

BACKGROUND: The use of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) may be associated with changes in atherothrombotic markers and endothelial function. The purpose of this study was to compare atherothrombotic markers and endothelial function of AAS users and non-users. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Ten athletes who were users of AAS (confirmed by urine analysis) and 12 non-user athletes were evaluated. Body weight, blood pressure, exercise load (hours/week), complete blood count (CBC), platelets, fibrinogen, lipids, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone and estradiol were measured. Endothelium-dependent and independent functions were assessed by brachial artery ultrasound. RESULTS: AAS users had higher body mass and blood pressure (p < 0.05). Platelet count was higher whereas HDL-cholesterol was lower in AAS users compared with non-users (p < 0.05). Levels of hs-CRP were higher in AAS users (p < 0.001). Follicle-stimulating hormone was suppressed in all users and not suppressed in non-users (p < 0.001). Compared with non-users, flow-mediated dilation was significantly reduced in AAS users (p = 0.03), whereas endothelium-independent function was similar in both groups. Additionally, flow-mediated dilation was positively associated with levels of HDL- cholesterol (r = 0.49, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: AAS users present important changes in blood lipids as well as in inflammatory markers, which are compatible with increased cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, this profile is accompanied by a reduction in the endothelial function.

Inspiratory muscle strength as a determinant of functional capacity early after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

UNLABELLED: Stein R, Maia CP, Silveira AD, Chiappa GR, Myers J, Ribeiro JP. Inspiratory muscle strength as a determinant of functional capacity early after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a 6-day postoperative in-hospital cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program on inspiratory muscle strength and its potential association with improved functional capacity after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Tertiary public hospital in Brazil. PARTICIPANTS: Men (N=20) after CABG were randomized to cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (n=10; age, 64+/-8y) or to usual care (n=10; age, 63+/-7y). INTERVENTIONS: Ten subjects underwent a 6-day postoperative in-hospital program, which included the use of expiratory positive airway pressure mask and bronchial hygiene techniques, coupled with progressive distance walking and calisthenics as well as cardiopulmonary training. Ten controls were followed by their own physicians and received routine nursing assistance but were not exposed to any specific respiratory or motor physical intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressure were measured by a pressure transducer, and the highest pressure obtained in 6 measurements was used for analysis (before surgery, and 7 and 30d after surgery). The six-minute walk test (6MWT) was performed 7 days after surgery, and maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed 30 days after CABG. RESULTS: After randomization, clinical and functional characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. Rehabilitation resulted in maintenance of maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax) measured at 7 and 30 days postoperatively, respectively (from 68+/-19% at baseline to 58+/-22% and to 61+/-22% predicted), while it was significantly reduced in the control group. 6MWT distance was longer 7 days after CABG in rehabilitation subjects (416+/-78m) than controls (323+/-67m). Peak oxygen uptake (Vo(2)peak) at day 30 was also higher (28%) in the rehabilitation group and was correlated with PImax (r=.90). CONCLUSIONS: A 6-day rehabilitation program attenuated the postoperative reduction in respiratory muscle strength and also improved the recovery of functional capacity after CABG. The correlation between PImax and Vo(2)peak during the late postoperative period suggests that inspiratory muscle strength is an important determinant of functional capacity after CABG.

Association of anemia with clinical outcomes in stable coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Although anemia is pathophysiologically associated with myocardial ischemia, there are scarce data on its clinical impact in patients with stable coronary artery disease on contemporary treatment. This study aims to describe the prevalence of anemia, and its association with symptoms and outcomes in this population. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study in stable documented coronary artery disease patients. Anemia criteria was hemoglobin (Hb) <12 g/dl in women and <13 g/dl in men. Hemoglobin levels were divided in quartiles (Q) adjusted for sex. Major events included acute coronary syndromes, stroke and cardiovascular deaths. Secondary outcomes were presence of angina and chronic use of nitrates. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the independent effect of anemia on clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Among 310 patients, 71 (23%) met criteria for anemia. After a mean follow-up of 44+/-23 months, hemoglobin levels had a marked association with occurrence of major events (27% in Q1, 7% in Q2, 8% in Q3 and 12% in Q4; P<0.01). In multivariate analysis, anemia was independently associated with an increased risk of death [hazard ratio (HR) 6.5, 95% confidence interval (1.7-24.2)], major events [HR 3.3 (1.7-6.5)] and revascularization procedures [HR 2.3 (1.3-4.1)]. Persistent of angina symptoms (32 vs. 18%, P=0.01) and chronic use of nitrates (35 vs. 21%, P=0.02) were also more frequent among patients with anemia at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stable ischemic heart disease, presence of anemia, even mild, is associated with a worse prognosis. Strategies aiming at identifying reversible causes of anemia or new treatments should be evaluated in prospective clinical trials.