2006;86(3) – ABC CARDIOL

Artigo Original

NT Pro-BNP levels in pericardial diseases and how they are used as complementary evaluation method of diastolic restriction. Inititial experience

Fábio Fernandes et al. Izabel José de Almeida Félix J. A. Ramires Paula C. Buck … Vera M. C. Salemi Bárbara M. Ianni Rogério Rabelo Charles Mady

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether NT pro-BNP levels are high in patients reporting pericardial diseases, as well as to investigate how they relate to diastolic dysfunction echocardiographic measures. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were split into two groups: 1) pericardial effusion (PE): 15 patients; 2) constrictive pericaditis (CP): 10 patients. A control group was made up with 30 individuals reporting no heart disease. Pericadial effusion was evaluated by bidimensional echocardiogram, with restriction evaluated by pulsed Doppler of mitral flow. CP diagnosis was confirmed by MRI. NT pro-BNP levels were measured by immunoassay and detected by electrochemiluminescence. RESULTS: From the 15 PD patients, 14 reported relevant PD, and only 1, moderate PD. Log NT pro-BNP was shown to be higher in PD (p <0.05), with log mean of 2.31 pg/ml and CP (p <0.05), with log mean of 2.67 pg/ml, when compared to control group, log mean of 1.32 pg/ml. No difference was reported between PD and CP (p = 0.149). The NT pro-BNP log showed to be correlated to peak velocity of the E wave (r = 0.845; p = 0.001) and with E/A (r=0.717; p= 0.003). CONCLUSION: NT pro-BNP is shown to have increased in pericardial diseases, and is associated to diastolic dysfunction. It may serve as an additional method in quantifying restriction.

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Editorial

A challenging assignment

Fábio Vilas-Boas

EDITORIAL

A challenging assignment

[…]

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Artigo Original

Different patterns for the 6-minute walk test as a test to measure exercise ability in elderly with and without clinically evident cardiopathy

Clênia Oliveira Araújo et al. Márcia R.P. Makdisse Paulo A.T. Peres Antônio Sérgio Tebexreni … Luis R. Ramos Andréa M. Matsushita Antônio C. Carvalho

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the correlation between peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), from cardiopulmonary test with the distance covered in the six-minute walk test (6MWT) in healthy elderly and with myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Thirty individuals were studied, with age range 65 – 87 years (76, 03± 4,75), divided into 2 groups: Group I – 14 with clinically evident coronary heart disease (CHD) and Group II – 16 without clinically evident CHD. They were submitted to cardiopulmonary test (CPT) and 2 types of 6MWT, standard test 6MWTs. Variables measure at rest and exertion were heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR), blood pressure (BP), distance covered (DC), and Borg’s rate subjective perceived exertion (RPE). RESULTS: The study showed significant, strong correlation between distances covered for both 6MWT, and (VO2peak) obtained from cardiopulmonary test (CPT) for all elderly included in the study. When comparing the 6MWT with physiotherapist support (6MWTphy) and without support (6MWTw), statistically significant difference was observed, with higher average values of the DC, of the RH and RR and Borg’s RPE in the 6MWTphy, both of the groups. Addtionally, the RH reached at final the exertion in 6MWTphy was similar to that obtained in CPT (p<0,05) suggesting that the 6MWT stimulates higher cardiovascular performance. CONCLUSION: 6MWTw, adopted a worldwide, by being submaximal imposes lower cardiovascular overburden as compared to 6MWTphy and is probably safer for elderly who are cardiopaths.

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Artigo Original

Influence of Diabetes Mellitus on immediate results of coronary stent: National Center for Cardiovascular Interventions (CENIC) data analysis

Isaac Moscoso et al. Lázaro Claudiovino Garcia Gilvan Oliveira Dourado Maria Fernanda Z. Mauro … Paulo Caramori Wilson Coelho Valter Lima Ronaldo Bueno José A. Mangione

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to investigate the influence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) on immediate results after coronary stenting implantation (CSI) according to clinical presentation. METHODS: Between January, 1997 and December, 2003, 11,874 diabetic patients underwent CSI, as recorded by CENIC database: 7,386 (62.3%) had chronic coronary disease (CCD); 3,142 (26.4%) acute coronary syndrome with non-ST segment elevation (ACSNST); and 1,346 (11.3%), reported acute myocardial infarction (AMI), with ST Segment elevation. Those groups were compared with 48,103 non-diabetics: 30,980 (64.5%) with CCD; 10,938 (22.7%), with non-elevated ST segments and unstable angina; and 6,185 (12.8%), with AMI. RESULTS: Diabetic patients presented worse clinical and angiographic characteristics. Diabetics with CCD showed similar incidence of MACE as compared to non-diabetics (0.98% x 0.91%, p=0.5971); however, diabetics with ACSNST and AMI reported higher incidence of events: 2.76% x 1.46% (p<0.0001) and 7.87% x 4.1% (p<0.0001), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed DM to act as independent risk predictor for larger adverse events under non-elevated ST segment and unstable angina (ACSNST) (OR: 1.92 CI: 1.46-2.52 p<0.0001) and with AMI (OR: 2.0 CI: 1.57-2.54 p<=0.0001) and no influence for CCD (OR: 1.08 CI: 0.83-1.42 p=0.5470 CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients with CCD reported similar outcome as compared to the non-diabetics; however, those with ACSNST and AMI presented higher incidence of major adverse cardiac events during hospital stay.

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Artigo Original

Renal function outcome in acute myocardial infarction as a prognostic factor of in-hospital events and at one-year follow-up

Eduardo Pimenta et al. Rui Fernando Ramos Carlos Gun Elizabeth S. Santos … Ari Timerman Leopoldo S. Piegas

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of renal dysfunction at admission or during hospitalization in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-four patients with AMI were assessed between January 2000 and December 2001. Renal function was monitored by serum creatinine (Cr) measurement at admission and peak level during hospitalization. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) was estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula. In-hospital and one-year morbidity and mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age of the population studied was 62.2 ± 13.5, and 73% of the patients were male. Renal function was more reduced in male patients and in those with systemic arterial hypertension and prior CABG. Multivariate analysis showed higher hospital mortality rates associated with increased peak serum Cr levels (OR: 1.18 95% CI:1.18-2.77 p = 0.006), decreased baseline CrCl (OR:0.96 95% CI:0.93-0.99 p = 0.025) and peak CrCl (OR:0.96 95% CI:0.92-0.99 p = 0.023). Percent difference between baseline CrCl and the lowest CrCl obtained during hospitalization also indicated higher mortality rates (OR: 1.04 95% CI: 1.00-1.07 p = 0.033). No change was observed in the one-year morbidity and mortality from worsening of renal function. CONCLUSION: Renal dysfunction at admission and its deterioration during hospitalization have proved to be a major prognostic marker for immediate poor outcome.

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Artigo Original

Monocytosis is an independent risk marker for coronary artery disease

Abrahão Afiune Neto et al. Antonio de Pádua Mansur Solange Desirée Avakian Everly P. S. G. Gomes José Antonio F. Ramires

OBJECTIVES: Inflammation and activation of immune system cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This study analyzes the white blood count, including neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils, of patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: The white blood cell count was analyzed in 232 patients without diabetes between the ages of 15 and 88. One hundred and forty-two patients were angiographically diagnosed with CAD (57 with stable CAD and 85 with AMI) and compared to 90 control individuals. The control and CAD groups were similar in respect to age, body mass index, family history, smoking habits, hypertension, HDL and LDL (all variables with p > 0.25). RESULTS: The univariate analysis revealed a higher prevalence of leukocytosis in the CAD group, which in turn was higher in the AMI patients than the stable CAD patients. The same trend was observed for monocytes. However, the distribution of all other cells in the complete blood count (CBC) was similar. Multivariate analysis using the logistic regression method with the stepwise (all variables) and backward models (p < 0.25), showed that monocytosis was an independent variable for CAD and AMI. CONCLUSION: The number of monocytes, one of the most important components of the inflammatory process in the atherosclerosis plaque was an independent risk marker for CAD and AMI.

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Artigo Original

Gender influence on the immediate and medium-term progression after primary percutaneous coronary intervention and analysis of independent risk factors for death or events

Rodrigo Trajano Sandoval Peixoto et al. Edison Carvalho Sandoval Peixoto Marcello Augustus Sena Angelo Leone Tedeschi … Ivana Picone Borges Maurício Bastos Freitas Rachid

OBJECTIVE: Determine gender-related differences and risk factors for death and events, both in-hospital and at six-month evolution, of patients admitted within the first twelve hours of ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction and who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention. METHODS: Between July 1998 and December 2000, 199 consecutive patients were enrolled in the study, with elevation myocardial infarction and without cardiogenic shock, outcome, in-hospital and six-month progression were studied. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were similar in both groups, except that women were older than men (67.04 ± 11.53 x 59.70 ± 10.88, p < 0.0001). In-hospital mortality was higher among women (9.1% x 1.5%, p = 0.0171), as was the incidence of major events (12.1% x 3.0%, p = 0.0026). The difference in mortality rates remained the same at six months (12.1% x 1.5%, p = 0.0026). The multivariate analysis predicted death: female gender and an age over eighty years, and major events and/or stable angina multivessel: disease and severe ventricular dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Female gender and an age over eighty years were independent predictors of mortality, six months of patients who had undergone primary percutaneous intervention.

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Artigo Original

Study of the prevalence and multiplicity of cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive individuals from the city of Brusque, SC, Brazil

Nilton Rosini et al. Marcos José Machado Hermes Toros Xavier

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and multiplicity of additional risk factors (RF) in a population sample of hypertensive smokers, diagnosed and enrolled at the Hiperdia Program of the Ministry of Health, in the city of Brusque, SC, Brazil. METHODS: Determination of the anthropometrical parameters and laboratory variables recognized as cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: Elevated prevalence of RF in addition to systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and smoking, configuring the multiplicity that concurs with a marked elevation of the risk of cardiovascular events in this population sample. CONCLUSION: In hypertensive populations, the prevention, identification and RF control measures must be implemented; computerized programs such as the Hiperdia/MS can help in patients’ follow-up, allowing a more stringent multidisciplinary approach, especially regarding the analysis of the attainment of treatment goals and the subsequent decrease of cardiovascular risk.

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Artigo Original

Comparative study between intermittent (Müller Reanimator) and continuous positive airway pressure in the postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting

Andréa Pires Müller et al. Márcia Olandoski Rafael Macedo Constantino Costantini Luiz César Guarita-Souza

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of the use of intermittent and continuous positive airway pressure in postoperative patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. METHODS: This study included forty patients divided into two groups: one undergoing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP Group), and the other undergoing intermittent pressure (Müller Resuscitator Group). The patients were evaluated in relation to the several study variables at the following time points: preoperative, 3rd, 24th, and 48th hours. RESULTS: The patient groups were homogeneous in relation to the several demographic and clinical variables. The values of pO2, pCO2 and sO2 were within normal limits and no significant differences were found between the groups. Regarding respirometry, the groups showed significant differences in the tidal volume and respiratory rate at the 48th postoperative hour. Dyspnea and use of accessory muscle in postoperative assessments were found with a significantly higher frequency in patients undergoing CPAP. Patients undergoing Müller Resuscitator had a normal chest radiograph more frequently than did patients undergoing CPAP. CONCLUSION: Both devices were shown to be able to keep pO2, pCO2, and sO2 values within normal limits. However, when the objective was pulmonary reexpansion with less imposed workload, the Müller Resuscitator was more effective because of its prompter action and consequently lower levels of dyspnea, respiratory rate (RR) and use of accessory muscle were observed.

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Artigo Original

Electrical cardioversion and myocardial injury: evaluation by new cardiac injury markers

Elizabete Silva dos Santos et al. Marcos Paulo Pereira Luiz Minuzzo Dalmo A. R. Moreira … Rui Ramos Álvaro Avezum Ari Timerman Leopoldo S. Piegas

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate, based on the evolution of new biochemical markers of cardiac damage, if electrical cardioversion (ECV) causes myocardial injury. METHODS: Seventy-six patients (P) submitted to elective ECV for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter were evaluated. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK), CK-MB activity, CK-MB mass, myoglobin and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were measured before, and 6 and 24 hours after ECV. RESULTS: ECV was successful in 58 P (76.3%). Cumulative energy (CE) was up to 350 joules (J) in 36 P, from 500 to 650 J in 20 P and from 900 to 960 J in 20 P; the mean energy delivered being 493 J (± 309). The levels of cTnI remained within normal limits in all 76 P. The increase of cumulative energy led to an elevation of CPK levels (> p value = 0.007), CK-MB activity (> p value = 0.002), CK-MB mass (> p value = 0.03), and myoglobin (> p value = 0.015). A positive correlation between the cumulative energy and CPK peaks was observed (r = 0.660; p < 0.001), CK-MB activity (r = 0.429; p < 0.0001), CK-MB mass (r = 0.265; p = 0.02), and myoglobin (r = 0.684; p < 0.0001), as well as between the number of shocks and the CPK peaks (r = 0.770; p < 0.001), CK-MB activity (r = 0.642; p < 0.0001), CK-MB mass (r = 0.430; p < 0,0001), and myoglobin (r = 0.745; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: ECV does not cause myocardial injury detectable by cTnI measurement. Elevations of CPK, CK-MB activity, CK-MB mass and myoglobin result from skeletal muscle injury and are positively correlated with the CE delivered or with the number of shocks.

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Atualização

Blood pressure profile along the arterial tree and genetics of hypertension

Luiz Aparecido Bortolotto et al. Michel E. Safar

UPDATE

Blood pressure profile along the arterial tree and genetics of hypertension

[…]

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Artigo Original

Correlation between biochemical markers and coronary angiography in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes

Cynthia Karla Magalhães et al. Aristarco Gonçalves de Siqueira Filho José Geraldo de Castro Amino Mônica Nolasco

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the correlation between biochemical markers (TNI, CRP and fibrinogen) and anatomical coronary angiographic findings in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS). METHODS: One blood sample was obtained to test for markers, and coronary angiography was performed within the first 72 hours after hospitalization. Univariate analysis was used to search for correlations between the 3 markers and the angiographic findings in the group of patients with an identified ischemia-related artery (IRA), and multivariate analysis was performed to investigate the correlation between these markers and the presence of unstable atherosclerotic lesions solely in the group with a coronary obstruction >50%. RESULTS: Prospective study conducted with 84 patients, 65.5% of whom were men. In the IRA-identified group, blood levels of the three markers were higher than in the groups with no IRA-identified or with normal coronary arteries. The analysis used to evaluate the IRA-identified group showed significant correlations between TIMI flow and TN-I (p = 0.006), unstable atherosclerotic lesions and TN-I and fibrinogen (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively), and multivessel disease and CRP (p = 0.0005). The multivariate analysis showed that CRP, fibrinogen and TN-I were independent predictors of unstable atherosclerotic lesions (p = 0.002; p = 0.003 and p = 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSION: In NSTE-ACS patients, TN-I, CRP and fibrinogen blood levels within the first 10 hours after hospitalization correlated with coronary angiographic findings.

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Artigo Original

Effects of cimetidine on chronotropic response to cardiopulmonary exercise t esting

Gicela Risso Rocha et al. Ricardo Stein Márcio R. Guimarães Jorge Pinto Ribeiro

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that the administration of cimetidine will modify the chronotropic response to exercise testing through a random clinical trial. METHODS: The study selected 24 eligible healthy subjects, ages between 20 and 68 years, not athletes, who agreed to undergo cardiopulmonary exercise testing after the administration of placebo and 400 mg of cimetidine twice a day for one week. The tests were performed on a treadmill using a ramp protocol and direct analysis of the expired gases. Peak, resting and anaerobic threshold heart rate were recorded. RESULTS: The twenty subjects studied were equally distributed across sex with mean (± SD) age 43 ± 11 years. Tests on placebo and on cimetidine presented similar duration (578 ± 90 sec vs 603 ± 131 sec) and similar peak oxygen uptake (35 ± 8 ml/kg.min vs 35 ± 8 ml/kg.min). Cimetidine administration had no significant effect on resting heart rate (75 ± 10 bpm vs 74 ± 8 bpm), heart rate at peak exercise (176 ± 12 bpm vs 176 ± 11 bpm), and on the difference between the peak and the resting heart rates – delta HR (101 ± 14 bpm vs 101 ± 13 bpm). CONCLUSION: The administration of cimetidine for 7 days has no significant effect on the chronotropic response to exercise testing.

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