Elderly – ABC CARDIOL

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Original Article

Sex Differences in Outcomes of ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients Submitted to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Victoria B. Milan et al. Yasmin F. S. Alves Guilherme P. Machado Gustavo Neves de Araujo … Ana Maria Krepsky Angelo Chies Matheus Niches Julia Fracasso Sandro Cadaval Goncalves Marco Wainstein Carisi Anne Polanczyk

Abstract

Background

Several studies have shown that women are usually undertreated and have worse outcomes after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), hence the need to investigate questions related to sex in Brazil to better deal with the problem.

Objective

To determine whether female sex is still associated with adverse events in a contemporary cohort of patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of STEMI patients submitted to pPCI in a tertiary university hospital between March 2011 and December 2021. Patients were categorized into groups based on their sex at birth. The primary clinical outcome was long-term MACCE. Patients were followed-up for up to five years. All hypothesis tests had a two-sided significance level of 0.05.

Results

Among 1457 patients admitted with STEMI in the study period, 1362 were included and 468 (34.4%) were women. Female patients had a higher prevalence of hypertension (73% vs. 60%, p <0.001), diabetes (32% vs. 25%, p=0.003) and Killip class 3-4 at hospital admission (17% vs. 12%, p=0.01); TIMI risk score was higher among women (4 [2, 6] vs. 3 [2, 5], p<0.001). In-hospital mortality was not different between groups (12.8% vs. 10.5%, p=0.20). In-hospital MACCE (16.0% vs. 12.6%, p=0.085) and long-term MACCE (28.7% vs. 24.4%, p=0.089) were numerically higher in women, with borderline significance. After multivariate analysis, female sex was not associated with MACCE (HR = 1.14; 95% CI 0.86 – 1.51; p = 0.36).

Conclusion

In a prospective cohort of STEMI patients submitted to pPCI, female patients were older and had more comorbidities at baseline, but no significant differences were found in terms of long-term adverse outcomes.

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Original Article

Is Age Associated with Complications of Atrial Fibrillation Catheter Ablation?

Carlos Volponi Lovatto et al. Vinicius Louback Baldon Júlia Henriques Fabrício Vassallo … Eduardo Serpa Aloyr Simões Hermes Carloni Christiano Lemos Cunha Dalbian Gasparini Roberto Barbosa Osmar Araujo Calil Renato Giestas Serpa Luiz Fernando Machado Barbosa

Abstract

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia, and its prevalence increases with age. The management of AF in the elderly is challenging, as it is normally associated with comorbidities and frailty. AF catheter ablation (CA) is a safe and superior alternative to antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) for the maintenance of sinus rhythm.

Objectives

To evaluate the rate of complications associated with CA for AF across different age groups.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 219 patients who underwent CA for AF between 2016 and 2020 were divided into 3 age groups: less than 60 years, 60 to 70 years, and > 70 years. All the included patients underwent radiofrequency ablation using an electroanatomic mapping system. Categorical variables were evaluated with chi-square and Fisher’s test, and continuous variables were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and post-hoc Tamhane’s T2. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant.

Results

We found an overall total complication rate of 4.6%. The total complication rate was 3.3% in patients 70 years (p = 0.742). No deaths occurred.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the AF CA-related complications when comparing the patients by age group.

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Original Article

Prognostic Value of Adenosine Stress Perfusion Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Older Adults with Known or Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Yodying Kaolawanich et al. Thananya Boonyasirinant

Abstract

Background:

There is limited data on the prognostic value of stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in older adults.

Objective:

To determine the prognostic value of adenosine stress CMR in older individuals with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods:

Between 2010 and 2015, consecutive patients aged 65 years or older referred for adenosine stress CMR were followed for the occurrence of severe cardiac events (cardiac death and nonfatal myocardial infarction) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) that also included hospitalization for heart failure and ischemic stroke. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the prognostic value of myocardial ischemia, with p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results:

After a mean follow-up period of 50.4 months in 324 patients (48% male, 73±7 years), 21 severe cardiac events and 52 MACE occurred. Patients with myocardial ischemia (n=99) had significantly higher rates of severe cardiac events (HR 5.25 [95% CI 2.11-13.04], p<0.001) and MACE (HR 3.01 [95% CI 1.75-5.20], p<0.001) than those without ischemia. Multivariable analysis determined ischemia as an independent predictor of severe cardiac events (HR 3.14 [95% CI 1.22-8.07], p=0.02) and MACE (HR 1.91 [95%CI 1.02-3.59], p=0.04). Ischemia provided an incremental prognostic value over clinical factors and left ventricular ejection fraction for predicting severe cardiac events and MACE (p<0.01 for both). No severe adverse events occurred during or immediately after CMR examinations.

Conclusion:

Adenosine stress CMR is safe and has prognostic value in older adults with known or suspected CAD.

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Original Article

Prognostic Value of Aortic Stiffness using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in The Elderly with Known or Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Yodying Kaolawanich et al. Thananya Boonyasirinant

Abstract

Background

Aortic stiffness is established as a marker of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides a comprehensive assessment of aortic stiffness and myocardial ischemia in a single examination. However, prognostic data concerning aortic stiffness in elderly patients remain limited.

Objective

To determine the prognostic value of aortic stiffness using CMR-based pulse wave velocity (PWV) in elderly patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

This study enrolled consecutive patients aged >70 referred for adenosine stress perfusion CMR including PWV between 2010 and 2014. Patients were followed up for occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiac mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, late revascularization (>180 days after CMR), and ischemic stroke. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the predictors of MACE. A p-value of <0.05 is considered statistically significant.

Results

Mean PWV was 13.98±9.00 m/s. After a median follow-up period of 59.6 months in 263 patients (55% female, 77±5 years), 61 MACE occurred. Patients with elevated PWV (>13.98 m/s) had significantly higher rates of MACE (HR 1.75; 95% CI 1.05-2.94; p=0.03) than those with non-elevated PWV (<13.98 m/s). Multivariate analysis demonstrated diastolic blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), myocardial ischemia, and elevated PWV as independent predictors for MACE (p<0.05 for all). PWV provided an incremental prognostic value over clinical data, LVEF, and ischemia (increased global chi-square=7.25, p=0.01).

Conclusion

Aortic stiffness using CMR is a strong and independent predictor of cardiovascular events in elderly patients with known or suspected CAD.

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IJCS

Editorial

Clinical Characteristics and Mid-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis and Those not Eligible for TAVI

Gilberto Eder de Oliveira Júnior et al. Rogerio Sarmento-Leite

Aortic stenosis is an insidious disease with a long-term period of latency. It progresses rapidly after symptoms appear, esulting in a high mortality rate (approximately 50% in the first 2 years) in untreated symptomatic patients, with sudden death being common in these individuals.

Approximately 30% of the patients aged 75 years or over are not candidates for surgical procedure due to their advanced age, female sex, functional class, operatory emergency, ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension, previous heart surgery, associated coronary artery disease, among others. In the age range of patients in their 80s, those who remain in clinical treatment have a survival rate of 65.8% in the first year and 41.8% in the second year of follow-up.

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Editorial

Active Assessment of Sleep and Depression for elderly Patients in the Outpatient Cardiology Setting: What Are We Waiting for?

Ana Vitória Vitoreti Martins et al. Luciano F. Drager

The relationships between sleep disturbances, depression and cardiovascular disease have gained growing interest in the last decades. Most evidence available suggests that several sleep disturbances (including sleep deprivation, insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea) are not only innocent bystanders, but may contribute to increase the cardiovascular risk.^– The prevalence and impact of sleep disorders may vary depending on some clinical characteristics (for instance: age, gender and comorbidities). Aging is clearly a risk factor for developing sleep disturbances; consistent evidence have shown greater number of complaints associated with sleep with aging, including insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea.^, The reduction in the number of hours of sleep and poor sleep quality may impair multiple domains related to the quality of life in the elderly.^– Similarly, depression is associated with several cognitive and cardiovascular consequences. Based on the biological plausibility linking sleep disorders and depression with cardiovascular risk,^, and the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases among elderly, it is reasonable to assume that sleep disorders add to the high cardiovascular burden observed in this subset of patients.

In this issue of the Arquivos de Brasileiro de Cardiologia, Lopes et al. reported a prospective cohort study of 160 elderly patients (between 60 and 98 years old) aiming to estimate the risk of death and cardiovascular events after eight years of follow-up (from 2009 to 2017) in those who presented insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness detected at baseline. Excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep quality and presence of depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Epworth Sleepiness scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Sheikh and Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale, respectively.

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Original Article

Does Advanced Age Reduce the Typicality of Clinical Presentation in Patients with Acute Chest Pain Related to Coronary Artery Disease?

Pedro Henrique Correia Filgueiras et al. Antônio Maurício Cerqueira Junior Gabriela Oliveira Bagano Vitor Calixto de Almeida Correia … Fernanda Oliveira de Andrade Lopes Thiago Menezes Barbosa de Souza Leticia Lara Fonseca Lara Queiroz Kertzman Yasmin Falcon Lacerda Marcia Noya Rabelo Luis Claudio Lemos Correia

Abstract

Background

According to traditional diagnosis thinking, very elderly individuals are more predisposed to develop atypical symptoms in acute coronary syndromes.

Objective

To test the hypothesis that very elderly individuals are more predisposed to atypical chest pain manifestations due to obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

The Registry of Thoracic Pain includes patients admitted with acute chest pain. Firstly, the typicality index of this clinical manifestation was constructed: the sum of 12 symptom characteristics (8 typical and 4 atypical symptoms). In the subgroup of patients with coronary etiology, the typicality index was compared between octogenarian and non-octogenarian individuals. Statistical significance was defined by p<0.05.

Results

958 patients were included in the registry, and 486 (51%) had a supposedly coronary etiology. In this group, 59 (12%) octogenarians (age 84±3.5, 50% men) were compared to 427 patients aged <80 (60±12 years, 71% men). The typicality index in octogenarians was 3.42±1.92, which is similar to that of non-octogenarians (3.44±1.74; p=0.92 in univariate analysis and p=0.80 after adjustment for sex by analysis of variance — ANOVA). There was also no statistically significant difference when the sample was divided into median age (62 years; 3.41±1.77 vs. 3.49 ± 1.77; p=0.61). There was no statistically significant linear association between age and typicality index (r=- 0.05; p=0.24). Logistic regression analysis for prediction of CAD in the general sample of 958 patients showed no interaction of typicality index with numeric age (p=0.94), octogenarians (p=0.22) or age above median (p=0.74).

Conclusion

In patients with acute chest pain of coronary etiology, advanced age does not influence the typical clinical presentation.

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Editorial

Mitral Regurgitation and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: Are There Any Other Prognostic Implications?

Antonio de Santis

There is a variable prevalence of moderate to severe mitral regurgitation (13 to 74%) in patients with severe degenerative aortic stenosis.^– In elderly and frail patients, this association can generate clinical dilemmas in cardiological practice: should I submit my patient to combined valve surgery, exposing him to higher morbidity and mortality, or contemplate only the severe aortic stenosis with a less aggressive treatment represented by the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)? The variable degrees of severity associated with the commonly functional etiology (up to 80%) of the associated mitral regurgitation, places aortic valve stenosis in a high prominent position at this clinical hierarchy, with a resultant predilection for performing TAVR in these scenarios. In fact, some studies showed an improvement in the mitral regurgitation severity after TAVR, especially in patients with functional etiology and without pulmonary hypertension or atrial fibrillation.^–

The impact of baseline mitral regurgitation on patients undergoing TAVR is still controversial. Toggweiler et al. found that moderate to severe baseline mitral regurgitation in patients undergoing TAVR was associated with higher early mortality rates (first 30 days), with no difference in late mortality. Conversely, Barbanti et al., using data from the randomized Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valve (PARTNER) trial cohort A, found that moderate to severe baseline mitral regurgitation was associated with higher late mortality only in the surgical aortic valve replacement group, with no prognostic implication in the TAVR group.

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Editorial

Is There a Second Wind for Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors in Elderly Diabetic Females with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, or are We on Thin Ice?

Ana Teresa Timóteo

The standard of care in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is double antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), with a combination of aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor. Prasugrel and ticagrelor are the preferred P2Y12 inhibitors because they have a more rapid onset of action, greater potency, and are superior to clopidogrel in terms of clinical outcomes. They should be maintained over 12 months unless there are contraindications, such as excessive risk of bleeding. The choice of treatment should be a balanced decision, considering the ischemic and bleeding risks. Most of the trials evaluating glycoprotein (Gp) IIb/IIIa inhibitors in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary PCI pre-date the era of routine oral DAPT pre-treatment, particularly in the setting of potent oral platelet inhibitors. At that time, they demonstrated a reduction in the incidence of ischemic events, but at the expense of a consistent increase in major bleeding. Presently, there is no compelling evidence for an additional benefit of the routine use of a Gp IIb/IIIa strategy in primary PCI patients that receive DAPT treatment, particularly with ticagrelor. The use of Gp IIb/IIIa inhibitors should be considered for bailout therapy in the event of angiographic evidence of a large thrombus, slow- or no-reflow, and other thrombotic complications, although this strategy has not been addressed in randomized controlled trials. Also, intracoronary administration is not superior to its intravenous use.

Elderly patients are at high-risk of bleeding and other complications from acute therapies, not only because of their age, but because they have more often renal dysfunction and more co-morbidities. Diabetes is also a frequent comorbidity in STEMI patients. Diabetic patients have more diffuse atherosclerotic disease and are at higher risk of death and complications, including repeated revascularization after PCI. In fact, diabetic patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction have a worse prognosis, and the presence of diabetes amplifies the risk of any cardiovascular event, as shown in many previous studies of acute coronary syndrome treatment.^,, However, in the current context of the use of oral P2Y12 inhibitors, there is no indication that antithrombotic pharmacotherapy should differ between diabetics and patients without diabetes undergoing revascularization.^,

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Original Article

Association between Central Obesity and Biochemical Markers of Cardiometabolic Risk in Elderly Attended in Geriatric Ambulatory – Lagarto/SE

Ana Caroline de Souza Almeida et al. Carolina Cunha de Oliveira Emanuelle Dias Costa Adenilda Queiroz S Deiró

Abstract

Backgroud:

Central obesity, especially visceral adipose tissue (VAT), represents a health risk due to its endocrine and metabolic capacity, contributing to the development of the atherogenic profile and strongly associating with cardiovascular morbimortality.

Objective:

To identify the association between central obesity and biochemical markers of cardiometabolic risk in elderly patients treated at a geriatric outpatient clinic in Lagarto-SE.

Method:

This is a cross-sectional study of 159 elderly people of both sexes. Central adiposity was considered an independent variable, identified by measuring the Waist Circumference (WC). Total Cholesterol (TC), LDL-c, HDL-c, non-HDL-c, triglycerides, glycemia and Castelli I and II indices were considered dependent variables. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to evaluate the association between central obesity and biochemical markers of cardiometabolic risk. Those with p < 0.20 were used in the bivariate regression analysis, adopting a 95% confidence interval.

Results:

Mean age was 70.9 ± 7.5 years. Central obesity was present in 43.2% of males and 56.8% of females (p = 0.002). There was statistically significant association between HDL-c, HDL-C and Castelli I Index and central obesity. Individuals with central obesity are 2.48 and 3.13 times more likely to develop changes in HDL-C and Castelli I index, respectively.

Conclusion:

There is an association between central obesity and biochemical markers of cardiometabolic risk in the elderly.

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Artigo Original

Frequency of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction by mitral doppler in healthy elderly individuals

Luiz Sérgio Alves-Silva et al. Edmundo José Nassri Câmara Carlos Alfredo Marcílio de Souza

BACKGROUND: Healthy elderly individuals present alterations in mitral Doppler velocities, which are characteristic of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction with impaired relaxation. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of LV diastolic dysfunction by mitral Doppler in healthy elderly individuals and identify clinical and echocardiographic characteristics associated to this finding. METHODS: Seventy-three apparently healthy individuals (64% women, aged 60 to 80) were carefully selected and submitted to clinical, laboratory and Doppler-echocardiographic assessment, with particular regard to the characteristics of the mitral flow. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients (45%) presented an impaired LV relaxation pattern (group I), characterized by the association between the maximum velocities of the mitral wave flow (E/A ratio) 240 ms, and 40 (55%) with a normal pattern (group II). Group I presented a larger aortic root diameter (32.1±4.2 vs 30.3±3.3 mm; p=0.044) and a longer PR interval (156±22 vs 139±23 ms; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: A large proportion of individuals aged 60 to 80 years present normal diastolic function at the Doppler-echocardiographic assessment of the mitral flow. Healthy elderly individuals with impaired LV relaxation filling have a larger aortic root diameter and longer PR interval.

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Artigo Original

Use of digoxin in elderly patients admitted to a geriatric unit of a general hospital

Ulisses Gabriel de Vasconcelos Cunha et al. Maira Tonidandel Barbosa Emylucy Martins Paiva Paradela Flávio Gomes Carvalho

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of digoxin use as well as its indications in elderly patients at the time of admission to a geriatric unit of a general hospital. METHODS: One hundred and thirty elderly patients aged 65 and over (mean age = 80±9 years), 100 women and 30 men were consecutively investigated. Each patient was submitted to a thorough clinical investigation, laboratory work-up, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and doppler echocardiogram. The use of digoxin was considered appropriate, questionable or inappropriate. RESULTS: At the time of admission to the geriatric unit 27.6% of the patients were receiving digoxin. The indication was considered appropriate in 36.1%, questionable in 11,1% and inappropriate in 52.7%. CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of digoxin use in elderly patients admitted to a geriatric unit of a general hospital. In most cases its indications were considered inappropriate or questionable. Due to the increased risk of digitalis intoxication in this age group the drug should be prescribed under more strict indications.

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Original Article

Mechanical versus biological aortic valve implants in the elderly. A comparison of early and mid-term results

Lars I. Thulin et al. Johan L. Sjögren

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to compare, in a non randomized study, the surgical outcome in elderly patients with mechanical (Group 1; n=83) and bioprosthetic valve implants (Group 2; n=136). METHODS: During a three year period, 219 patients >75 years underwent Aortic Valve Replacement. The groups matched according to age, sex, comorbidity, valve pathology and concomitant Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. Follow-up was a total of 469 patient-years (mean follow-up 2.1 years, maximum 4,4 years). RESULTS: Operative mortality was zero and the overall early mortality was 2.3 % (within 30 days). Actuarial survival was 87.5 ± 4.0% and 66.1 ± 7.7% (NS) at 4 years in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. Freedom from valve-related death was 88.9 ± 3.8% in Group 1 and 69.9±7.9% (NS) in Group 2 at 4 years. CONCLUSION: Aortic Valve Replacement in the elderly (>75 years) is a safe procedure even in cases where concomitant coronary artery revascularization is performed. Only a few anticoagulant-related complications were reported and this may indicate that selected groups of elderly patients with significant life expectancy may benefit from mechanical implants .

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Original Article

The Bambuí health and aging study (BHAS). Prevalence of intermittent claudication in the aged population of the community of Bambuí and its associated factors

Valéria Maria de Azeredo Passos et al. Sandhi Maria Barreto Henrique Leonardo Guerra Josélia Oliveira Araújo Firmo … Pedro Guatimosim Vidigal Maria Fernanda Furtado Lima-Costa

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of intermittent claudication in the aged population of Bambuí, Brazil, and to identify the factors associated with this disease. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study of the aged population ( > or = 60 years of age) of Bambuí. Participants were interviewed and examined, after written consent. Intermittent claudication was defined based on a standardized questionnaire. Analysis was performed using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 1,742 elderly living in Bambuí, 1,485 (85.2%) were enrolled in the study. Thirty-seven individuals (2.5%) with intermittent claudication were identified: 28 (1.9%) males and 9 (0.6%) females. Their age brackets were: 16 (1.08%) individuals between 60 and 69 years of age, 17 (1.15%) between 70 and 79 years, and 4 (0.27%) > or = 80 years. A significant association between intermittent claudication and the following characteristics was found: male sex (OR=5.1; CI 2.4-11.0), smokers (OR=3.1; CI 1.2-8.5), ex-smokers (OR=3.4; CI 1.3-8.7), and more than 2 hospital admissions in the last 12 months (OR=2.8; CI 1.1-7.2). CONCLUSION: Disease prevalence was similar to that of other countries. The association between intermittent claudication and smoking strengthens the significance of tobacco in peripheral artery disease pathogenesis. The association of intermittent claudication and a higher number of hospital admissions suggests greater morbidity in the elderly affected.

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Original Article

Pharmacological Therapy for Myocardial Infarction in the Elderly: An 8-year Analysis

Márcia Regina Pinho Makdisse et al. Andrea de M. Matsushita Iran Gonçalves Júnior Odete Miranda … Ana Cristina Gomes Monica M. Cartocci Silvia Covre Antonio Carlos de Camargo Carvalho

OBJECTIVE:To assess the changes in the medicamentous treatment of elderly patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction occurring over an 8-year period. METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed 379 patients above the age of 65 years with acute myocardial infarction who were admitted to the coronary unit of a university-affiliated hospital from 1990 to 1997. The patients were divided into 2 groups, according to the period of time of hospital admission as follows: group 1 – from 1990 to 1993; and group 2 – from 1994 to 1997. RESULTS:The use of beta-blockers (40.8%chi 75.2%, p<0.0001) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (42% chi59.5%, p=0.001) was significantly greater in group 2, while the use of calcium antagonists (42% chi 18.5%, p<0.0001) and general antiarrhythmic drugs (19.1% chi 10.8%, p=0.03) was significantly lower. No significant difference was observed in regard to the use of acetylsalicylic acid, thrombolytic agents, nitrate, and digitalis in the period studied. The length of hospitalization was shorter in group 2 (13.4±8.9 days chi 10.5±7.5 days, p<0.001). The in-hospital mortality was 35.7% in group 1 and 26.6% in group 2 (p=0.07). CONCLUSION: Significant changes were observed in the treatment of elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction, with a greater use of beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and a lower use of calcium antagonists and antiarrhythmic drugs in group 2. The length of hospitalization and the mortality rate were also lower in group 2, even though the reduction in mortality was not statistically significant.

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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

Hyperhomocysteinemia as a risk factor for coronary atherosclerotic diseases in the elderly

Claudia Felícia Gravina-Taddei et al. Michel Batlouni Camila Sarteschi Valéria T Baltar … Nívea A.C Salvarini Marcelo C Bertolami José Eduardo M. R Sousa

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic disease in elderly individuals METHODS: A case-control study with 172 elderly individuals, 88 belonging to control group and 84 to case group, who showed coronary angiography requested for clinical indications. Quantitative coronary angiography was performed in 91% of the patients. Homocysteinemia was assessed in a continuous and categorized way, through univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: When analyzed continuously, in univariate analysis, it was verified that case group elderly individuals showed an average homocysteinemia levels significantly higher than the control group individuals’ (14.33±4.59 µmol/l against 11.99±4.59 µmol/l, p=0.015). In multivariate analysis, continuous homocysteinemia was associated to the risk rate for coronary artery disease of 1.07 for each 1 µmol/l increase of homocysteine level. Na increase of 5 µmol/l corresponded to the risk rate of 1.40. When analyzed in categorized way, the values found over percentile 75 of control group (14 µmol/l) were defined as hyperhomocysteinemia. Hyperhomocysteinemia was found in 34% of elderly individuals, being 37.3% in control group and 62.7% in case group (p= 0.009). In multivariate analysis, hyperhomocysteinemia constituted an independent risk factor for coronary atherosclerotic disease for elderly individuals, with a risk rate for coronary artery disease of 2.03, confidence interval 95%, 1.02-4.03. CONCLUSION: Hyperhomocysteinemia was an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease in elderly individuals.

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Artigo Original

Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in calcified nodes of stenosed aortic valves

Marilia Harumi Higuchi-dos-Santos et al. Humberto Pierri Maria de Lourdes Higuchi Amit Nussbacher … Sueli Palomino Nadia Vieira Sambiase José Antonio Franchini Ramires Maurício Wajngarten

OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) are present in aortic valve stenosis (AS). METHODS: Immunohistochemistry was utilized to identify CP antigens, in situ hybridization to identify MP DNA, and electron microscopy was used to evaluate the following three groups: Normal – 11 normal autopsy valves; Atherosclerosis – 10 autopsy valves from patients with systemic atherosclerosis and no AS; and AS – 14 surgical specimens of AS analyzed in 3 sub-regions: AS-Preserved – peripheral, preserved regions; AS-Fibrosis – peri-calcified fibrotic tissue; and AS-Calcification – calcified nodules. RESULTS: The positive area fraction of CP antigen median values were 0.09, 0.30, 0.18, 1.33, and 3.3 in groups Normal, Atherosclerosis, AS-Preserved, AS-Fibrosis, and AS-Calcification, respectively. CP density was significantly greater in Atherosclerosis and AS-Calcification than in Normal (P<0.05). Within the AS group, the amount of CP was greater in the Calcification and Fibrosis regions (P<0.05). MP-DNA positive area fraction (median values) were 0.12, 0.44, 0.07, 0.36, and 1.52 in groups Normal, Atherosclerosis, AS-Preserved, AS-Fibrosis, and AS-Calcification, respectively. The amount of MP-DNA was greater in AS-Calcification than in Normal (P<0.05). Within the AS group, MP-DNA was in larger quantity in the Calcification and Fibrosis regions (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: AS Calcified nodes present higher concentration of CP and MP suggesting that these bacteria may be associated with the development of calcification and inflammation. This adds novel similarities between AS and the atherosclerosis process, which may have infection mechanisms involved.

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Artigo Original

Myocardial revascularization without extracorporeal circulation in patients over 75 years of age: analysis of immediate results

Rodrigo Milani et al. Paulo Brofman Alexandre Varela Jose Augusto Souza … Maximiliano Guimarães Rafael Pantarolli Alexandre Barbosa Laura Barbosa Thaise Sandri Luiz Gustavo Emed Fernanda Ceccon Francisco Maia

OBJECTIVE: To assess the immediate results of myocardial revascularization surgery without extracorporeal circulation in a group of patients over 75 years of age. METHODS: From January 2001 to December 2003, 193 (121 men and 72 women) patients with ages ranging from 75 to 94 years, corresponding to 100% of the coronary surgeries performed in patients over the age of 75 years, underwent myocardial revascularization without extracorporeal circulation. Their hospitalization data were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Arterial hypertension was present in 174 (90%), dyslipidemia in 115 (59%), smoking in 89 (46%), and diabetes in 57 (29%). Ninety-six (49.7%) patients had had a previous myocardial infarction, 53 of whom (27.4%) had experienced an acute ischemic event in a period < 30 days after surgery. Critical obstructive lesions in 3 or more coronary vessels were present in 156 (80.95%) patients, while 30 (15%) patients had an important obstruction of the left main coronary artery, and 30 (15%) patients had an ejection fraction < 30%. The score obtained according to the EUROSCORE ranged from 3 to 18, with an expected mortality rate for the group of 7.54±2.69%. The total number of distal anastomoses was 639. Seven (3.62%) patients died, 3 due to bronchopneumonia, 1 due to mediastinitis, 1 due to metabolic causes, 1 due to cardiogenic shock, and another died suddenly after refixation of a sternal dehiscence. Reoperation due to bleeding, orotracheal reintubation, and prolonged mechanical ventilation were factors associated with an increase in mortality. CONCLUSION: The surgery adopted for myocardial revascularization was associated with a low mortality rate, a low complication index, and a short length of stay at the hospital.

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Cardiovascular diseases in the elderly: analysis of the behavior of mortality in a municipality in the Southern Region of Brazil from 1979 to 1998

Thais Aidar de Freitas Mathias et al. Maria Helena Prado de Mello Jorge Ruy Laurenti

OBJECTIVE: To know the behavior of mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in the elderly living in the municipality of Maringá, in the Brazilian state of Paraná. METHODS: The causes of death over 20 years were studied according to sex, age, and groupings of the International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th Revisions, using the mortality database of the Ministry of Health. RESULTS: In regard to total deaths in the elderly, the proportional mortality due to cerebrovascular disease and ischemic heart disease decreased 42.5% and 34.4%, respectively, while that due to hypertension increased 119%, increasing from 2.1% to 4.6%. A 51.2%, 44.6%, and 12.5% decrease occurred, respectively, in the risk of death due to cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, and other forms of heart disease. For cerebrovascular disease and ischemic heart disease, the decrease in the estimate of the risk of death was greater among women, while for the other forms of heart disease, the decrease was greater among men. In regard to age groups, the risk of death increases as age advances for each cardiovascular disease in both sexes. CONCLUSION: Cardiovascular diseases continue to play an important role in morbidity and mortality in the elderly population, requiring even greater effort from health care providers for their prevention and treatment.

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Strategy for identifying an efficient dosage of beta-blocker for elderly patients with myocardial ischemia and preserved left ventricular function

João Batista Serro-Azul et al. Mauricio Wajngarten Amit Nussbacher Maria C. Giorgi … José C. Meneghetti Marco A. de Oliveira Rubens Abe Creusa Dal Bó Humberto Pierri Otávio Gebara

OBJECTIVE: To assess the strategy of titration for prescribing an efficient dosage of propranolol to reduce myocardial ischemia in the elderly. METHODS: The study comprised 14 elderly men (73.6 ± 5.3 years) with stable coronary heart disease documented on coronary cineangiography, ischemic response to exercise testing, and preserved left ventricular function. Titration was performed to identify the dosage of propranolol that would cause a 15% reduction in heart rate at the end of a 50 W load (corresponding to normal daily activities in the elderly) in weekly exercise tests. Synchronous scintigraphic study of the cardiac chambers was performed at rest and during exercise prior to and after propranolol use. RESULTS: The reductions in heart rate with the 50 W load and at rest were similar (21% vs 20%; P=0.5100). Propranolol improved the duration of exercise (12.2 ± 2.0 min vs 13.1 ± 1.8 min; P=0.0313) and abolished the changes in the ST segment induced by exercise in 8 (57%) patients. At rest, the ejection fraction was not modified by the beta-blocker. During maximum exercise, propranolol reduced the end-systolic volume index and increased ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: The strategy of using beta-blockers to reduce heart rate by 15% with a 50 W load is safe and beneficial in the elderly patient with myocardial ischemia and preserved ventricular function. The dose of beta-blocker used reduced myocardial ischemia and improved tolerance to exercise without hampering ventricular performance during maximum exercise.

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Exercise stress testing is useful, safe, and efficient even in patients aged 75 years or older

Luciano Janussi Vacanti et al. Luciano B H Sespedes Maíra de Oliveira Sarpi

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and hemodynamic variables obtained with exercise testing in elderly patients SW >75 years. METHODS: This study assessed 100 patients aged 75-94 years (80±4 years) undergoing symptom-limited exercise testing, 65% of whom were asymptomatic, 25% had nonanginal chest pain, and 10% had typical precordialgia. Of the 100 patients, 32% were males, 50% were hypertensive, 36% were dyslipidemic, 14% were diabetic, and 9% had had previous coronary artery disease. A ramp-adaptation of the Bruce protocol (ramped Bruce protocol) was used, preceded by a 1-minute warm-up with no treadmill incline and a velocity of 1.0 mph. RESULTS: No complications were observed, and 92% of the tests were efficient. On average, the patients reached 95% of the maximum heart rate predicted. The mean duration of the test and the mean metabolic equivalent reached were, respectively, 6.8 ±2 minutes and 6.6 ±2.3 METs. Eleven patients had a hyperreactive inotropic response, and 37% of the sample had noncomplex ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. Eighteen percent of the tests were positive for myocardial ischemia. The patients with typical precordialgia had more ischemic responses than did those with nonanginal chest pain or those who were asymptomatic: 70% vs 16% (P<0.001) and 70% vs 10% (P<0.01), respectively. CONCLUSION: The symptom-limited exercise test is useful, safe, and efficient for analyzing ischemic and hemodynamic responses, even in very elderly individuals.

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Acute myocardial infarction: predictors of mortality at a public hospital in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará state

Demóstenes Gonçalves Lima Ribeiro et al. Pedro José Negreiros de Andrade José Nogueira Paes Júnior Lurildo Ribeiro Saraiva

OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical and demographic predictors of in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction with elevation of the ST segment in a public hospital, in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará state, Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective study of 373 patients experiencing their first episode of acute myocardial infarction was carried out. Of the study patients, 289 were discharged from the hospital (group A) and 84 died (group B). Both groups were analyzed regarding: sex; age; time elapsed from the beginning of the symptoms of myocardial infarction to assistance at the hospital; use of streptokinase; risk factors for atherosclerosis; electrocardiographic location of myocardial infarct; and Killip functional class. RESULTS: In a univariate analysis, group B had a greater proportion of the following parameters as compared with group A: non-Killip I functional class; diabetes; age >70 years; infarction of the inferior wall associated with right ventricular impairment; time between symptom onset and treatment at the hospital >12 h; anteroseptal or extensive anterior infarction; no use of streptokinase; and no tobacco use. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, only non-Killip I functional class, diabetes, and age >70 years persisted as independent factors for death. CONCLUSION: Non-Killip I functional class, diabetes, and age >70 years were independent predictors of mortality in acute myocardial infarction with elevation of the ST segment.

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Risk factors for atherosclerosis in an elderly out patient population in the City of São Paulo

Yolanda Maria Garcia Alencar et al. Eurico Thomaz de Carvalho Fº Sérgio Márcio Pacheco Paschoal José Antonio Esper Curiati … Chiu Ping Wong Júlio Litvoc

OBJECTIVE: To analyze in out clinic elderly patients of both sexes for the prevalence of risk factors for atherosclerosis and study their association with the complications of atherosclerosis. METHODS: Five hundred and sixteen outpatients, 152 men and 364 women, 60 years or older, were studied. The prevalences of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking and obesity were determined in both sexes and compared using the chi-square test. The association between these factors and the presence of atherosclerotic complications was analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: The comparative analysis of the factors in both sexes showed that hypertension, total cholesterol > or = 240mg/dL, LDL-cholesterol > or = 160mg/dL, and body mass index >27.5 were more frequent among women, but HDL-cholesterol or = 250mg/dL and diabetes mellitus. After adjustment of the variables in the regression model, we observed that in the total of elderly patients, risk factors for complications of atherosclerosis were: triglycerides > or = 250mg/dL, hypertension, and male sex. Among men, the risk factors were: LDL-cholesterol > or = 160mg/dL, diabetes mellitus, HDL-cholesterol or = 250mg/dL and hypertension. CONCLUSION: The results showed that, in the elderly, the risk factors for atherosclerosis persist, but with different behaviors between men and women. The study suggests that the relative importance of the risk factors can change with the aging process.

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