Coronary atherosclerotic burden in veteran athletes: The relationship between cardiovascular risk and volume of exercise.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The association between exercise and coronary atherosclerosis still remains unclarified. We aimed to analyze the prevalence of high coronary atherosclerotic burden in veteran athletes, considering cardiovascular (CV) risk and volume of exercise. METHODS: A total of 105 asymptomatic male veteran athletes (48±5.6 years old) were studied. A high coronary atherosclerotic burden was defined as one of the following characteristics in coronary computed tomography angiography: calcium score >100, >75th percentile, obstructive plaques, involving left main, three-vessels or two-vessels including proximal anterior descending artery, segment involvement score >5 or CT-adapted Leaman score ≥5. CV risk was stratified by SCORE2 and volume of exercise by metabolic equivalent task score. RESULTS: Most athletes (n=88) were engaged in endurance sports for 17.1±9.8 years, with a median exercise volume of 66 [IQR 44-103] metabolic equivalent of tasks/hour/week. The mean Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation 2 was 2.8±1.5%; 76.9% of athletes had a low-moderate risk and none a very high risk. High coronary atherosclerotic burden was present in 25.7% athletes. Athletes with high cardiovascular risk and high exercise volume (above the median) showed significantly high coronary atherosclerotic burden compared to those with low-moderate risk and high volume (50.0% vs. 15.6%; p=0.017). Among athletes with low to moderate risk, a high volume of exercise tended to be protective, while in those with low volume, there was similar rate of high coronary atherosclerotic burden, regardless of CV risk. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of higher volume of exercise and high cardiovascular risk revealed the worst association with coronary atherosclerosis in veteran athletes. The relationship between these variables is controversial, but integrating exercise characteristics and risk assessment into preparticipation evaluation is essential.

Interventional cardiology in cancer patients: A position paper from the Portuguese Cardiovascular Intervention Association and the Portuguese Cardio-Oncology Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology.

The field of Cardio-Oncology has grown significantly, especially during the last decade. While awareness of cardiotoxicity due to cancer disease and/or therapies has greatly increased, much of the attention has focused on myocardial systolic disfunction and heart failure. However, coronary and structural heart disease are also a common issue in cancer patients and encompass the full spectrum of cardiotoxicity. While invasive percutaneous or surgical intervention, either is often needed or considered in cancer patients, limited evidence or guidelines are available for dealing with coronary or structural heart disease. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions consensus document published in 2016 is the most comprehensive document regarding this particular issue, but relevant evidence has emerged since, which render some of its considerations outdated. In addition to that, the recent 2022 ESC Guidelines on Cardio-Oncology only briefly discuss this topic. As a result, the Portuguese Association of Cardiovascular Intervention and the Cardio-Oncology Study Group of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology have partnered to produce a position paper to address the issue of cardiac intervention in cancer patients, focusing on percutaneous techniques. A brief review of available evidence is provided, followed by practical considerations. These are based both on the literature as well as accumulated experience with these types of patients, as the authors are either interventional cardiologists, cardiologists with experience in the field of Cardio-Oncology, or both.

The effect of heart failure on gut microbial richness and diversity.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: With recent advances in genome sequencing technology, a large body of evidence has accumulated over the last few years linking alterations in microbiota with cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aimed to compare gut microbial composition using 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequencing techniques in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and stable heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction and patients with CAD but with normal ejection fraction. We also studied the relationship between systemic inflammatory markers and microbial richness and diversity. METHODS: A total of 40 patients (19 with HF and CAD, 21 with CAD but without HF) were included in the study. HF was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. Only stable ambulatory patients were included in the study. Gut microbiota were assessed from the participants' fecal samples. The diversity and richness of microbial populations in each sample were assessed by the Chao1-estimated OTU number and the Shannon index. RESULTS: The Chao1-estimated OTU number and Shannon index were similar between HF and control groups. There was no statistically significant relationship between inflammatory marker levels (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1-beta, endotoxin, C-reactive protein, galectin-3, interleukin 6, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein) and microbial richness and diversity when analyzed at the phylum level. CONCLUSION: In the current study, compared to patients with CAD but without HF, stable HF patients with CAD did not show changes in gut microbial richness and diversity. At the genus level Enterococcus sp. was more commonly identified in HF patients, in addition to certain changes in species levels, including increased Lactobacillus letivazi.

Coronary sinus Reducer device for the treatment of refractory angina: A multicenter initial experience.

INTRODUCTION: The coronary sinus Reducer (CSR) device has emerged as a complementary therapy in patients with severe angina refractory to optimal medical therapy and not amenable to revascularization. Our aim was to assess the safety and efficacy of the CSR in a real-world setting. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with refractory angina (RA) and evidence of myocardial ischemia attributable to the left coronary artery considered unsuitable for revascularization were treated with the CSR at two centers between May 2017 and July 2019. Safety endpoints were procedural success and complications. Efficacy endpoints, assessed at six-month follow-up, were reduction in CCS class, improvement in quality of life (QoL) assessed using the short version of the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ-7), and reduction in antianginal therapy. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients had end-stage coronary artery disease without revascularization targets and three had microvascular disease without epicardial stenosis. Procedural success was achieved in 23 patients, with two device/procedure-related complications and one anatomically-related failure to deliver the device. A total of 24 patients had the device implanted and entered the efficacy analysis. Eighteen patients (75.0%) had a reduction of at least one CCS class, 41.7% had a reduction of at least two classes, and 16.7% became asymptomatic, with a mean reduction in CCS class of 1.3±0.2 (p=0.001) at six-month follow-up. All SAQ-7 domains improved, notably physical limitation (p=0.001), angina frequency (p=0.005) and QoL (p=0.006). There was a mean reduction in anti-ischemic drugs from 3.4±1.1 to 2.9±1.2 (p=0.010). CONCLUSION: In this real-world, multicenter experience, implantation of the CSR was associated with improvement in angina and QoL in patients with RA.

Long-term recurrent events in ST-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease. The impact of different revascularization strategies.

INTRODUCTION: The benefit of complete revascularization (CR) on long-term total event reduction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD), still remains unclear. We assessed the efficacy of three different revascularization strategies on long-term total recurrent events. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 414 consecutive patients admitted with STEMI and MVD who were categorized according to the revascularization strategy used: culprit-vessel-only percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n=163); in-hospital CR (n=136); and delayed CR (n=115). The combined endpoint assessed was all-cause mortality, the total number of myocardial infarctions, ischemia-driven revascularizations or strokes. Negative binomial regression was used to assess the association between the revascularization strategy and total events; risk estimates were expressed as an incidence rates ratio (IRR). RESULTS: At a median follow-up of four years (1.2-6), rates of the combined endpoint per 10 patient-years were 18, 0.8, and 0.6 in culprit-vessel-only PCI, in-hospital CR, and delayed CR strategies, respectively (p<0.001). After multivariable adjustment and when compared with culprit-vessel-only PCI, both in-hospital and delayed CR strategies were significantly associated with a reduction in the combined endpoint (IRR=0.40: 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.25-0.64; p<0.001; and IRR 0.40: 95% CI, 0.24-0.62; p<0.001, respectively). No differences were observed across in-hospital and delayed CR strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Complete revascularization of non-culprit lesions in patients with STEMI and MVD reduces the risk of total recurrent events during long-term follow-up. No differences between in-hospital and delayed CR strategies were found.

Development of deep learning segmentation models for coronary X-ray angiography: Quality assessment by a new global segmentation score and comparison with human performance.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Although automatic artificial intelligence (AI) coronary angiography (CAG) segmentation is arguably the first step toward future clinical application, it is underexplored. We aimed to (1) develop AI models for CAG segmentation and (2) assess the results using similarity scores and a set of criteria defined by expert physicians. METHODS: Patients undergoing CAG were randomly selected in a retrospective study at a single center. Per incidence, an ideal frame was segmented, forming a baseline human dataset (BH), used for training a baseline AI model (BAI). Enhanced human segmentation (EH) was created by combining the best of both. An enhanced AI model (EAI) was trained using the EH. Results were assessed by experts using 11 weighted criteria, combined into a Global Segmentation Score (GSS: 0-100 points). Generalized Dice Score (GDS) and Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC) were also used for AI models assessment. RESULTS: 1664 processed images were generated. GSS for BH, EH, BAI and EAI were 96.9+/-5.7; 98.9+/-3.1; 86.1+/-10.1 and 90+/-7.6, respectively (95% confidence interval, p<0.001 for both paired and global differences). The GDS for the BAI and EAI was 0.9234±0.0361 and 0.9348±0.0284, respectively. The DSC for the coronary tree was 0.8904±0.0464 and 0.9134±0.0410 for the BAI and EAI, respectively. The EAI outperformed the BAI in all coronary segmentation tasks, but performed less well in some catheter segmentation tasks. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully developed AI models capable of CAG segmentation, with good performance as assessed by all scores.

Coronary artery fistulas: A 12-year single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) are rare abnormalities, often detected incidentally during invasive coronary angiography (ICA). While most are clinically silent, they can cause significant morbidity. We aimed to investigate the clinical, angiographic and management features of CAFs in a population undergoing ICA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of all ICAs conducted in our department between May 2008 and January 2020 and selected those with CAFs. Clinical, angiographic, therapeutic and follow-up data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with CAFs (35 male, median age 64 years) were identified among 32 174 ICAs. The majority (n=37) had a single fistula. CAFs arose most frequently from the left anterior descending artery (LAD), followed by the right coronary and left circumflex coronary arteries. The most frequent drainage site was the pulmonary artery. Fourteen patients had fistulas originating from both left and right coronary systems. Seven had concomitant congenital cardiovascular disorders. The majority (n=40) were incidental findings. Chest pain was the most common symptom attributable to CAFs and heart murmur the most frequent sign. Conservative management was the main approach (n=40). Eight patients underwent transcatheter closure and seven underwent surgical ligation (six of those during surgery for another heart condition), with no periprocedural mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the prevalence of CAFs was 0.2%. The majority originated from the LAD and the pulmonary artery was the main drainage site. In patients undergoing intervention, both percutaneous and surgical techniques were safe and effective.

Consensus document on chronic coronary syndrome assessment and risk stratification in Portugal: A position paper statement from the [Portuguese Society of Cardiology's] Working Groups on Nuclear Cardiology, Magnetic Resonance and Cardiac Computed Tomography, Echocardiography, and Exercise Physiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation. / Documento de Consenso sobre Estratificação de Risco Cardiovascular e estudo da doença coronária em Portugal: a posição dos Grupos de Estudo de Cardiologia Nuclear, Ressonância Magnética e Tomografia Computorizada Cardíaca, de Ecocardiografia e de Fisiopatologia do Esforço e Reabilitação Cardíaca.

Despite constant medical evolution, the reimbursement policy of Portuguese National Health Service (NHS) for the study and risk stratification of coronary heart disease has remained unchanged for several decades. Lack of adjustment to contemporary clinical practice has long been evident. However, the recent publication of the European Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic coronary syndromes further highlighted this gap and the urgent need for a change. Prompted by these Guidelines, the Working Group on Nuclear Cardiology, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Cardiac CT, the Working Group on Echocardiography and the Working Group on Stress Pathophysiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology, began a process of joint reflection on the current limitations and how these recommendations could be applied in Portugal. To this end, the authors suggest that the new imaging methods (stress echocardiogram, cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance), should be added to exercise treadmill stress test and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy in the available exam portfolio within the Portuguese NHS. This change would allow full adoption of European guidelines and a better use of tests, according to clinical context, availability and local specificities. The adoption of clinical guidance standards, based on these assumptions, would translate into a qualitative improvement in the management of these patients and would promote an effective use of the available resources, with potential health and financial gains.

Adoption and patterns of use of invasive physiological assessment of coronary artery disease in a large cohort of 40821 real-world procedures over a 12-year period.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Use of invasive physiological assessment in patients with coronary artery disease varies widely and is perceived to be low. We aimed to examine adoption rates as well as patterns and determinants of use in an unselected population undergoing invasive coronary angiography over a long time frame. METHODS: We retrospectively determined the per-procedure prevalence of physiological assessment in 40821 coronary cases performed between 2007 and 2018 in two large-volume centers. Adoption was examined according to procedure type and patient- and operator-related variables. Its association with relevant scientific landmarks, such as the release of clinical trial results and practice guidelines, was also assessed. RESULTS: Overall adoption was low, ranging from 0.6% in patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography due to underlying valve disease, to 6% in the setting of stable coronary artery disease (CAD); it was 3.1% in patients sustaining an acute coronary syndrome. Of scientific landmarks, FAME 1, the long-term results of FAME 2 and the 2014 European myocardial revascularization guidelines were associated with changes in practice. Publication of instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) trials had no influence on adoption rates, except for a higher proportion of iFR use. In 42.9% of stable CAD patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention there was no objective non-invasive evidence of ischemia, nor was physiological assessment performed. Younger operator age (4.5% vs. 4.0% vs. 0.9% for ages <40, 40-55 and >55 years, respectively; p<0.001) and later time of procedure during the day (2.9% between 6 and 8 p.m. vs. 4.4% at other times) were independent correlates of use of invasive physiology. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the low use of invasive physiology in routine practice. The availability of resting indices did not increase adoption. Strategies are warranted to promote guideline implementation and to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.

Impella support for cardiogenic shock and high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention: A single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The use of mechanical circulatory support is increasing in cases of cardiogenic shock (CS) and high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI). The Impella® is a percutaneous ventricular assist device that unloads the left ventricle by ejecting blood to the ascending aorta. We report our center's experience with the use of the Impella® device in these two clinical settings. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective study including all consecutive patients implanted with the Impella® between 2007 and 2019 for CS treatment or prophylactic support of HR-PCI. Data on clinical and safety endpoints were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included: 12 were treated for CS and 10 underwent an HR-PCI procedure. In the CS-treated population, the main cause of CS was acute myocardial infarction (five patients); hemolysis was the most frequent device-related complication (63.7%). In-hospital, cumulative 30-day and one-year mortality were 58.3%, 66.6% and 83.3%, respectively. In the HR-PCI group, all patients had multivessel disease (mean baseline SYNTAX I score: 44.1±13.7). In-hospital, 30-day and one-year mortality were 10.0%, 10.0% and 20.0%, respectively. There were no device- or procedure-related deaths in either group. CONCLUSION: The short- and long-term results of Impella®-supported HR-PCI were comparable to those in the literature. In the CS group, in-hospital and short-term outcomes were poor, with high mortality and non-negligible complication rates.

Exercise-induced left fascicular block: A forgotten sign of coronary disease.

A 55-year-old patient presented with stable angina pectoris with normal physical examination on rest electrocardiogram and cardiac echocardiogram. Treadmill test revealed exercise-induced left posterior fascicular block, which is an uncommon and easily unnoticed marker of coronary artery disease. A dobutamine stress echocardiogram was performed, with a clearly positive result. Coronary angiography revealed critical stenosis in the right coronary artery.

Adoption and patterns of use of invasive physiological assessment of coronary artery disease in a large cohort of 40821 real-world procedures over a 12-year period.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Use of invasive physiological assessment in patients with coronary artery disease varies widely and is perceived to be low. We aimed to examine adoption rates as well as patterns and determinants of use in an unselected population undergoing invasive coronary angiography over a long time frame. METHODS: We retrospectively determined the per-procedure prevalence of physiological assessment in 40821 coronary cases performed between 2007 and 2018 in two large-volume centers. Adoption was examined according to procedure type and patient- and operator-related variables. Its association with relevant scientific landmarks, such as the release of clinical trial results and practice guidelines, was also assessed. RESULTS: Overall adoption was low, ranging from 0.6% in patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography due to underlying valve disease, to 6% in the setting of stable coronary artery disease (CAD); it was 3.1% in patients sustaining an acute coronary syndrome. Of scientific landmarks, FAME 1, the long-term results of FAME 2 and the 2014 European myocardial revascularization guidelines were associated with changes in practice. Publication of instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR) trials had no influence on adoption rates, except for a higher proportion of iFR use. In 42.9% of stable CAD patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention there was no objective non-invasive evidence of ischemia, nor was physiological assessment performed. Younger operator age (4.5% vs. 4.0% vs. 0.9% for ages <40, 40-55 and >55 years, respectively; p<0.001) and later time of procedure during the day (2.9% between 6 and 8 p.m. vs. 4.4% at other times) were independent correlates of use of invasive physiology. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the low use of invasive physiology in routine practice. The availability of resting indices did not increase adoption. Strategies are warranted to promote guideline implementation and to improve patient care and clinical outcomes.

Non-pharmacological treatment of refractory angina: The coronary sinus reducer, the new kid on the block.

Refractory angina is defined as persistent angina (≥3 months) despite optimal medical and interventional therapies. It is increasing in frequency, due to the success of current medical and interventional therapies in improving the prognosis of coronary artery disease. Long-term mortality is similar to that of patients with asymptomatic stable disease, but it affects patients' quality of life, and has a significant impact on health care resources. Several therapeutic targets have been investigated, most with disappointing results. Many of the techniques have been abandoned because of lack of efficacy, safety issues, or economic and logistic limitations to wider applicability. The primary focus of this review is the coronary sinus Reducer, supporting evidence for which, although scarce, is promising regarding safety and efficacy in improving anginal symptoms and quality of life. It is also accessible to virtually all interventional cardiology departments.

Non-pharmacological treatment of refractory angina: The coronary sinus reducer, the new kid on the block. / Tratamento não farmacológico da angina refratária. Dispositivo de redução do seio coronário, uma nova alternativa terapêutica.

Refractory angina is defined as persistent angina (≥3 months) despite optimal medical and interventional therapies. It is increasing in frequency, due to the success of current medical and interventional therapies in improving the prognosis of coronary artery disease. Long-term mortality is similar to that of patients with asymptomatic stable disease, but it affects patients' quality of life, and has a significant impact on health care resources. Several therapeutic targets have been investigated, most with disappointing results. Many of the techniques have been abandoned because of lack of efficacy, safety issues, or economic and logistic limitations to wider applicability. The primary focus of this review is the coronary sinus Reducer, supporting evidence for which, although scarce, is promising regarding safety and efficacy in improving anginal symptoms and quality of life. It is also accessible to virtually all interventional cardiology departments.

A preliminary identification of PIN1 SNP linkage in patients with coronary heart disease from Handan, China.

Our aim was to perform an initial assessment of the polymorphic patterns of the PIN1 gene in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The PIN1-encoded protein (Pin1) suppresses eNOS-NO signaling and may impair cardiovascular function. Blood collection, DNA extraction, PCR amplification and gene sequencing were performed for thirty CHD participants living in central China, focusing on nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Their genetic linkages were revealed and their allele frequencies were compared with SNP data from the NCBI. Three major linkage patterns were identified: [1.rs2287839-5.rs2233682], [3.rs2233679-4.rs1077220-8.rs2287838] and [6.rs889162-7.rs2010457], suggesting correlated involvement in CHD and possible simultaneous genetic origin in ancient times. The frequencies of six SNPs are consistent with the NCBI data, while the frequencies of three SNPs (2.rs2233678, 4.rs1077220 and 9.rs4804461) are not consistent with the NCBI. Especially, the 3.rs2233679-4.rs1077220 linkage is different from other populations worldwide and may be an interesting genetic characteristic of Chinese CHD patients. Predictably, 1.rs2287839, 2.rs2233678, 3.rs2233679 and 5.rs2233682 may be strongly associated with CHD risk, although this requires future verification. The PIN1 SNP linkages lay a new genetic foundation for discovering novel molecular mechanisms of CHD and for exploring PIN1-based targeted treatment of CHD with nitric oxide regulatory therapies in clinical practice.

Enfermagem de reabilitação cardíaca na pessoa com patologia coronária / Cardiac Rehabilitation Nursing in the person with coronary pathology

A investigação em Enfermagem tem vindo a aumentar, contudo é essencial, um investimento na área da reabilitação cardíaca Este trabalho de investigação engloba uma revisão sistemática da literatura e um estudo de campo de cariz qualitativo. Objetivos ­ Analisar os resultados da reabilitação cardíaca na pessoa com patologia coronária. E no estudo de campo, conhecer quais as necessidades de reabilitação cardíaca da pessoa com patologia coronária, na perspetiva da própria pessoa e conhecer como são identificadas as necessidades de reabilitação cardíaca da pessoa com patologia coronária, na perspetiva do enfermeiro. Metodologia ­ Utilizamos as diretrizes metodológicas para revisão de intervenção da Cochrane Handbook e circunscrevemos a pesquisa entre janeiro de 2015 e setembro de 2019, tendo como ponto de partida a pergunta PICO e o protocolo delineado, sendo incluídos 3 ensaios clínicos aleatorizados. Simultaneamente, realizamos um estudo de campo exploratório-descritivo, onde efetuamos entrevistas semiestruturadas a pessoas com patologia coronária e a enfermeiros de cuidados gerais de uma consulta de cardiologia de um hospital da região Norte do país. Resultados ­ Salienta-se o aumento da aptidão cardiorrespiratória e da função ventricular em pessoas com patologia coronária submetidas a reabilitação cardíaca, assim como melhores resultados na distribuição do comportamento físico, após o programa com sessões de ensino. Relativamente, ao estudo de campo, a partir da análise de conteúdo das entrevistas às pessoas com patologia coronária, conclui-se que existe desconhecimento dos programas de reabilitação cardíaca e dos recursos para a prática de exercício físico. Da análise das entrevistas a enfermeiros também, se pode concluir que desconhecem os programas de reabilitação cardíaca, e evidenciam dificuldades na prescrição de exercício físico. Conclusões e Implicações ­ Constatamos que a aptidão cardiorrespiratória e a função ventricular melhoram em pessoas com patologia coronária a cumprir um programa de reabilitação cardíaca, assim como o comportamento físico após o programa, contudo existe um desconhecimento sobre a temática por parte das pessoas entrevistadas, assim como de conteúdos dos programas de reabilitação cardíaca, por parte dos enfermeiros. O que manifesta a necessidade de divulgação da reabilitação cardíaca, bem como de formação específica aos profissionais. Sugere-se integração de enfermeiros especialistas em enfermagem de reabilitação na equipa multidisciplinar.

Nursing research has been increasing, however, an investment in the area of cardiac rehabilitation is essential research includes a systematic review and a qualitative study. Objectives ­ To analyze the results of cardiac rehabilitation in a person with coronary pathology. In the qualitative study know the cardiac rehabilitation needs of a person with coronary disease and know how the cardiac rehabilitation needs are identified from the nurse's perspective. Methodology ­ We used the guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and circumscribed the research between January 2015 and september 2019, taking into account the characteristics of the PICO and the outlined protocol, included 3 randomized trials. Simultaneously, we carried out an exploratory-descriptive study, where we conducted semi-structured interviews, included a persons with coronary disease and nurses, in hospital in the northern region of the country. Results ­ We highlighted the increase in cardiorespiratory fitness and ventricular function in a person with coronary disease, undergone cardiac rehabilitation, as well as the best results in the distribution of physical behavior after the program with education sessions. As for the study, the results of the content analysis of the interviews with people with coronary disease, concluded lack of knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation programs, the influencing aspects of physical exercise and lack of knowledge of the resources for the practice of physical exercise. Also from the analysis of the interviews with nurses concluded such as lack of knowledge about cardiac rehabilitation programs, and show the difficulty in prescribing physical exercise. Conclusions and implications ­ We found that cardiorespiratory capability and ventricular function improve in a person with coronary disease undergoing a cardiac rehabilitation programs, just as physical behavior improves after the program. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the theme on the part of the person interviewed, as well as the content of cardiac rehabilitation programs by nurses. This shows the need to disseminate cardiac rehabilitation, as well as to provide specific training for professionals, and also to suggest the integration of specialist nurses in rehabilitation nursing in the multidisciplinary team.

Ten-year survival of patients undergoing coronary angioplasty with first-generation sirolimus-eluting stents and bare-metal stents.

INTRODUCTION: Compared to bare-metal stents (BMS), drug-eluting stents reduce stent restenosis and improve subsequent revascularization rates. The impact on patients' survival has been the subject of debate. OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term (10-year) survival of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with first-generation sirolimus-eluting stents (SES) in comparison with BMS. METHODS: In a single-center registry, 600 consecutive patients who underwent successful PCI with SES between April 2002 and February 2003 were compared to 594 patients who underwent PCI with BMS between January 2002 and April 2002, just before the introduction of SES. Clinical and procedural data were collected at the time of intervention and 10-year survival status was assessed via the national life status database. RESULTS: All baseline characteristics were similar between groups except for smaller stent diameter (2.84±0.38 vs. 3.19±0.49 mm; p<0.001), greater stent length (18.50±8.2 vs. 15.96±6.10 mm; p<0.001) and higher number of stents per patient (1.95 vs. 1.46, p<0.001) in the SES group. Overall five- and 10-year all-cause mortality was 9.6% (n=110) and 22.7% (n=272), respectively. The adjusted HR for 10-year mortality in patients undergoing PCI with SES was 0.74 (95% CI 0.58-0.94; p=0.013), corresponding to a relative risk reduction of 19.8%. Other than PCI with BMS, older age, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lower ejection fraction were independent predictors of 10-year mortality. CONCLUSION: To date, this is the longest follow-up study ever showing a potential survival benefit of first-generation sirolimus-eluting stents versus bare-metal stents, supporting prior observations on their sustained efficacy and safety relative to contemporary BMS.

Autocuidado da pessoa com doença coronária / Self-care for people with coronary heart disease

O relatório de estágio pretende dar resposta aos objetivos da unidade curricular relatório. Deve estar vertido no documento o percurso realizado ao longo dos estágios, com especial enfase para a atividade major que deu nome a este relatório. A referida atividade centrou-se na pessoa com doença cardiovascular, esta é umas das principais causas de morte em Portugal. Pode ser prevenida, atuar nos fatores de risco comportamentais, relacionados com o estilo de vida, melhora o autocuidado das pessoas com doença coronária. Objetivo: O objetivo geral deste relatório é descrever de forma refletida e fundamentada o processo formativo no decorrer dos estágios 1 e final. Método: Este documento segue a metodologia descritiva. Durante o estágio final foi desenvolvida uma atividade que segue a metodologia de projeto, designada atividade major, que dá nome ao relatório. Foi avaliado o nível de adequação do autocuidado da pessoa com doença coronária através da aplicação da Escala do Autocuidado para a Pessoa com Doença Coronária (EACPDC). Resultados: Salienta-se a grande necessidade que, as pessoas com doença coronária, tem de ensino, apoio e aconselhamento sobre autocuidado. O autocuidado é um componente essencial na gestão da doença coronária. Conclusão: Os objetivos inicialmente definidos foram alcançados, salientando um enriquecimento a nível pessoal e profissional ao nível técnico e científico.

The internship report intends to respond to the objectives of the report curricular unit. It must be included in the document or tracked over the periods, with a special focus on the main activity that gave the name to the report. Active activity centered on people with cardiovascular disease is one of the main causes of death in Portugal. It can be prevented, act on behavioral risk factors, related to lifestyle, improve or self-care of people with coronary disease. Objective: The general objective of this report is to describe the formation process in a reflected and reasoned way during stages 1 and final. Method: This document follows the descriptive methodology. During the final stage, an activity was developed that follows the project methodology, called major activity, which gives the report its name. The self-care adequacy level of the person with coronary disease was assessed through the application of the Self-Care Scale for the Person with Coronary Disease (EACPDC). Results: It highlights the great need that people with coronary heart disease have for teaching, support and counseling on self-care. Self-care is an essential component in the management of coronary heart disease. Conclusion: The objectives initially defined were achieved, highlighting a personal and professional enrichment at the technical and scientific level

Teste cardiopulmonar no diagnóstico de doença coronariana: acurácia da curva do pulso de oxigênio / Cardiopulmonary testing in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease: the accuracy of the oxygen pulse curve

A isquemia miocárdica induzida por esforço em níveis significativos interferiria no aumento no volume sistólico e levaria à deflexão da curva do PuO2. A alteração da resposta curvilínea do PuO2, que resulta em achatamento da curva, demonstraria redução do volume sistólico e/ou falha para aumentar a extração de oxigênio. Em revisão não sistemática da literatura, encontramos poucos relatos sobre a deflexão da curva do PuO2 secundária à isquemia induzida por esforço, totalizando apenas nove estudos em 22 anos, que abrangeram 339 pacientes. A sensibilidade e a especificidade do TE foi de, respectivamente, 46% e 66%; a sensibilidade e a especificidade do TCP atingiram, respectivamente, 51% e 60%, considerando-se a deflexão do PuO2. Quando a deflexão do PuO2 foi associada à relação entre VO2/work rate slope, a sensibilidade e a especificidade atingiram 87% e 74%, respectivamente. No subgrupo com isquemia extensa, o pico do PuO2 foi reduzido em comparação com o subgrupo com isquemia discreta (12,8 ± 3,8 vs. 16,4 ± 4,6 ­ p < 0,05), demonstrando que a deflexão da curva de PuO2 pode estar presente nos casos de isquemia miocárdica extensa. Houve elevação do PuO2 de 11,76 para 13,27 ml/batimento e do slope de PuO2 de 7,05 para 9,25 depois de angioplastia coronariana. Há indícios de que a utilização do teste cardiopulmonar no diagnóstico da doença coronariana pode ser útil, rastreando os casos de maior gravidade

Exercise-induced myocardial ischemia, at significant levels, may interfere in the increase of systolic volume and cause deflection of the PuO2 curve. A change of the curvilinear response of PuO2, which results in a flattening of the curve, demonstrates a reduction of the systolic volume and/or failure to increase the extraction of oxygen. In a non-systematic literature review, we found few publications about the deflection of the PuO2 curve, secondary to exercise-induced ischemia, totaling only nine studies over 22 years, and including 339 patients. The sensitivity and the specificity of the ET were 46% and 66%, respectively; the sensitivity and the sensibility of the CPT reached 51% and 60%, respectively, considering the deflection of PuO2. When the deflection of PuO2 was associated with the relationship between VO2/work rate slope, the sensibility and specificity reached 87% and 74%, respectively. In the subgroup with extensive ischemia, peak PuO2 was reduced as compared to the subgroup with mild ischemia (12.8±3.8 vs. 16.4±4.6 - p < 0.05), showing that there may be a flattening of the curve in cases with extensive myocardial ischemia. There was an increase in PuO2 from 11.76 to 13.27 ml/beat and of the slope of PuO2 from 7.05 to 9.25 following coronary angioplasty. There are indications that the use of cardiopulmonary testing may be useful in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease, detecting more serious cases

Is metabolic syndrome a prognostic marker in patients at high cardiovascular risk? A long-term cohort study. / Será a síndrome metabólica um marcador de prognóstico em doentes com elevado risco cardiovascular? Um estudo de coorte a longo­prazo.

INTRODUCTION: Obese patients are at higher cardiovascular risk in primary prevention. In secondary prevention, an obesity paradox has been reported. We analyzed a cohort of individuals from a previous cross-sectional study on the impact of metabolic syndrome (MS) on coronary artery disease (CAD), aiming to assess the occurrence of cardiovascular events in a long follow-up. METHODS: We analyzed 296 individuals in a mean follow-up of 6.9±2.2 years. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the presence of MS or CAD (defined as ≥70% coronary stenosis). RESULTS: The study population had a mean age of 65±9 years at the beginning of the study; 59.5% were male, 55.7% had MS and 41.6% had CAD. During follow-up 10.1% of the population suffered all-cause death, 3.7% cardiovascular death, 14.2% cardiovascular readmission and 22.0% the composite outcome (mortality, acute coronary syndrome, coronary revascularization, stroke/transient ischemic attack or heart failure admission). There were no significant differences in any type of mortality. Patients with CAD had more readmissions and composite outcomes (log-rank p<0.001 and p=0.001, respectively), but there was no difference according to the presence of MS. Only CAD was an independent predictor of cardiovascular admission (HR 3.21, 95% CI 1.66-6.21) and composite outcomes (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.44-4.02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with high cardiovascular risk or established CAD, the presence of MS is not associated with cerebral or cardiac events in long-term follow-up.