International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences

IJCS

A scientific publication of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, dedicated to disseminating scientific research in Cardiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, with an international reach and published in English.

ISSN (printed): 2359-4802 ISSN (online): 2359-5647

Article Submission

Scimago (SJR 2025): 0.195
Qualis (2021-2024): B3

Current issue

2026

Volume 39

Issue 0

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Featured Articles

Original Article

Inflammatory and Atherogenic Markers as Predictors of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Veysi Can et al. Fuat Polat

Abstract

Background:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with inflammation playing a key role in its pathophysiology. Inflammatory biomarkers may offer valuable insights into disease mechanisms and risk stratification, potentially informing therapeutic decisions.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the association between key inflammatory markers — C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) — and both the presence and severity of coronary artery stenosis (CAS) in patients with suspected CAD undergoing coronary angiography.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 767 patients referred for coronary angiography due to suspected CAD. The primary outcome was the presence of significant CAS. Demographic data, medical history, and blood samples were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive methods and regression modeling as well as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine optimal cutoff values for biomarkers, with area under the curve (AUC) used to assess predictive performance. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Of the 767 patients (mean age 58.3±12.4 years; 56.7% men), 496 had significant CAS (≥ 50%) and 271 had nonsignificant CAS (< 50%). Levels of CRP (0.44 vs. 0.13 mg/dL, p = 0.01) and NLR (2.6 vs. 2.0, p = 0.05) were significantly higher in patients with CAS. No significant difference was observed for PLR (129.4 vs. 118.6, p = 0.13). In multivariable analysis, CRP (OR = 1.188, p = 0.044) and NLR (OR=1.567, p = 0.03) were identified as independent predictors of significant CAS. However, ROC curve analysis showed limited discriminative ability for both CRP (AUC = 0.526) and NLR (AUC = 0.510), with values only slightly above chance.

Conclusion:

Increased levels of CRP and NLR are significantly associated with CAS and may serve as potential biomarkers for detecting CAD.

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Original Article

Effects of Noninvasive Electrostimulation on Symptoms of lower Limb Peripheral Arterial Disease: a Systematic Review

Ana Paula Ferreira et al. Ana Flávia Ferreira Plinio dos Santos Ramos Thiago Casali Rocha Djalma Rabelo Ricardo

Abstract

Background:

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is primarily characterized by intermittent claudication (IC), a symptom resulting from insufficient oxygen supply to skeletal muscles during physical activity. IC manifests as discomfort in the lower limbs during exertion due to muscle ischemia and is typically relieved by rest.

Objectives:

To evaluate the effects of noninvasive electrostimulation on walking distance and claudication-related pain in individuals with lower limb PAD.

Methods:

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Clinical trials published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were selected from the MedLine, PEDro, and SciELO databases up to December 2024. The search strategy was guided by the PICO framework, using descriptors related to “peripheral artery disease,” “intermittent claudication,” and “noninvasive electrostimulation.” Studies were included if they involved human participants diagnosed with PAD and presenting with Fontaine stage II intermittent claudication.

Results:

Seven clinical trials involving a total of 314 participants (mean age: 66.8 ± 3.6 years) were included. Four types of noninvasive electrostimulation were identified: neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), functional electrical stimulation (FES), and electroacupuncture. Most studies reported that electrostimulation improved both pain-free and maximum walking distances, as well as reduced claudication symptoms.

Conclusion:

Noninvasive electrostimulation appears to be a promising adjunctive therapy for individuals with peripheral arterial disease, offering potential benefits in symptom relief and walking capacity. Given its safety, low cost, and ease of application, this intervention may serve as a practical strategy to complement traditional treatment approaches. However, further high-quality clinical trials are needed to establish standardized protocols and optimize clinical outcomes.

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Original Article

Left Versus Right Radial Access in Elderly Patients for Coronary Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Anna Loise da Cruz Gonçalves et al. Deivyd Vieira Silva Cavalcante Brenda de Adonai Rodrigues Martins Caroline de Oliveira Fischer Bacca Júlia Gonçalves Gadelha Suelen Queiroz Gabriel Erzinger Octávio Drummond Guina

Abstract

Background:

Radial artery access is widely used in coronary procedures, but the optimal choice between left (LRA) and right (RRA) radial access remains controversial, especially in older patients.

Objective:

Compare LRA and RRA in patients ≥ 70 years undergoing coronary procedures.

Methods:

This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and randomized clinical trials (RCTs), adopting a significance level of 5% for all statistical analyses. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central for studies comparing LRA and RRA in patients aged ≥ 70 years. The main outcomes were fluoroscopy time, contrast volume, and procedure difficulty.

Results:

We included 1,094 patients from 4 studies, of which 3 were RCTs. Among them, 821 (75%) patients underwent the procedure via RRA. The LRA group showed a significantly shorter fluoroscopy time (standard mean difference [MD]: −0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.67 to −0.42; p < 0.01; I² = 80%), and there was a significant reduction in the contrast volume between the groups, favoring LRA (MD: −13.04 milliliters; 95% CI: −18.0 to −8.20; p < 0.01; I² = 0%). However, there was no significant difference in the perceived difficulty level between the groups (risk ratio [RR]: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.61 to 1.73; p = 0.92; I² = 0%).

Conclusion:

LRA is associated with a significantly shorter fluoroscopy time, suggesting a greater efficiency in terms of radiation exposure. These findings imply that, while LRA may offer some efficiency benefits, the choice between LRA and RRA should consider other clinical and technical factors, such as operator preference and experience.

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Original Article

Innovative Health Education Strategies: Training Professionals in Hypertension and Diabetes Care in Primary Health Care

Thiago Barbabela de Castro Soares et al. Priscila Lenita Candida dos Santos Regina Márcia Faria de Moura Daisy Motta-Santos Reginaldo Gonçalves Polianna Delfino Pereira Daniella Nunes Pereira Clara Rodrigues Alves de Oliveira Lilian Cristina Rezende Aline Cristine Souza Lopes Milena Soriano Marcolino

Abstract

Background:

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide, and behavioral changes are a cornerstone of their prevention and treatment. However, implementing such changes can be challenging, and the use of validated protocols may support this process.

Objectives:

To develop, implement, and evaluate a continuing education protocol for primary care professionals focused on creating and monitoring action plans for the care of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods:

The strategy involved 20 hours of in-person workshops and 15 hours of online training, based on Ministry of Health guidelines and covering topics such as physical activity, nutrition, and lifestyle. Evaluation was conducted through the development of team-based action plans and the administration of a satisfaction questionnaire.

Results:

The model was implemented in five municipalities, with 166 healthcare professionals participating in the in-person workshops. All teams developed action plans to implement the covered topics within their local contexts. The workshops on physical activity, nutrition, and lifestyle change were mostly rated as “good,” “very good,” or “excellent.” The most frequently mentioned terms in the qualitative assessments were “content,” “knowledge,” and “practices.” The strategy proved feasible, and partnerships with local public institutions enabled the active involvement of health professionals in proposing solutions to identified issues ().

Conclusion:

The action plans were tailored to local realities and reflected a high level of satisfaction with both the content and the hands-on approach of the sessions.

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Erratum

ERRATUM: Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries: Clinical Profile, Diagnostic Investigation, and Outcomes in a Tertiary Center Cohort

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Original Article

Evaluation of Different Pharmacological Strategies and Intracranial Compliance in Hypertensive Patients

Thiago Oliveira Costa et al. Sayuri Inuzuka Mikaelle Costa Correia Matheus Martins da Costa … Priscila Valverde de Oliveira Vitorino Gustavo Frigieri Ana Luíza Lima Sousa Weimar Kunz Sebba Barroso

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Original Article

Prognostic Value of QTc Interval and Other Ventricular Repolarization Parameters in Acute Stroke

Catarine Benta Lopes dos Santos et al. Sérgio Ferreira de Ferreira Filho Marcelo Angst Anderson Donelli da Silveira … Sheila Cristina Ouriques Martins Mauricio Pimentel

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Case Report

Multivessel Coronary and Cerebral Vasospasm in a Post-Acute Myocardial Infarction Patient

Mateus Amorim Aboboreira et al. Julio Paiva Maia Vitória Burin Borges Felipe Hideaki Ueda Marcos Franchetti

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Case Report

Rare Occurrence of Syncope and Nodal Rhythm Caused by Left Anterior Descending Myocardial Bridge

Elma Kandic et al. Elif Vrajnko Nikola Manev Bozin Shopov Biljana Zafirovska Taleska

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Original Article

Physical-Functional Profile of Obese Individuals With or Without Metabolic Syndrome Classified by Cardiovascular Risk

Daniela Barreto de Moraes et al. Vanessa Kelly da Silva Lage Joyce Noelly Vitor Santos Jaqueline de Paula Chaves Freitas … Ana Carolina Barbosa Farnezi Gabriele Teixeira Gonçalves Maria Thereza Otoni Figueiró Tamara Cunha Thyago José Silva Jousielle Márcia dos Santos Elizabethe Adriana Esteves Alessandro Sartorio Redha Taiar Ana Cristina Rodrigues Lacerda Vanessa Amaral Mendonça

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Case Report

Fascicular Ventricular Tachycardia in a Pediatric Patient: Case Report

Jessica Laureano Martins et al. Moises Galdino Barros Daniel Moreira Costa Moura

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Review Article

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With Ridaforolimus-Eluting Stents in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-Analysis

Edmundo Damiani Bertoli et al. Christian Ken Fukunaga Vinicius Martins Everton Victor Belmiro da Silva … Ricardo Fonseca Oliveira Suruagy Motta Eric Katsuyama Isabela Tonon Floriano Marcos Danillo Oliveira Cristina Silveira Luis Augusto Dallan Marcelo Harada Ribeiro

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Erratum

ERRATUM: Efficacy of Cardiac Myosin Inhibitors in Symptomatic Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: An Updated Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

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Editor-in-Chief

Wolney de Andrade Martins

Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ – Brazil

Associate Editors

Ana Carolina do A. H. de Souza

Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts – USA

Christianne Bretas Vieira Scaramello

Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Fausto J. Pinto

Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa – Portugal, Portugal

Fernando Augusto Alves da Costa

Hospital Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo, Clínica Paulista de Doenças Cardiovasculares, São Paulo, SP – Brasil

Fernando Stuardo Wyss Quintana

Servicios y Tecnología Cardiovascular de Guatemala – Guatemala

Guilherme Vianna e Silva

Texas Heart Institute, Houston, Texas – USA

Isabel Cristina Britto Guimarães

Departamento de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia (FMB), Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA – Brazil

Maria Alexandra Arias Mendoza

Instituto Nacional de Cardiología – Mexico

Maria Sanali Moura de Oliveira Paiva

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN – Brazil

Miguel Mendes

Hospital de Santa Cruz, Carnaxide – Portugal

Ovidiu Constantin Baltatu

Universidade Anhembi Morumbi, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

Pedro Adragão

Hospital da Luz, Lisbon – Portugal

Ricardo Alkmim Teixeira

Hospital Renascentista, Pouso Alegre, MG – Brazil, Brazil

Ricardo Mourilhe-Rocha

Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ – Brazil

Sandro Cadaval Gonçalves

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Hospital Moinhos de Vento e Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS – Brazil

Solange Amorim Nogueira

Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein (HIAE), Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein (FICSAE), São Paulo, SP – Brazil

Thais Rocha Salim

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Assistant Editor

Cristiano Marciano Duarte

Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Medicina, Botucatu, SP – Brazil, Brazil

Guest Editor

Marcus Vinicius Simões

Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP – Brazil

ABC Family of Journals Board

Alvaro Avezum Junior

Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Medicina (FMUSP), São Paulo, SP – Brazil

Angelo Amato Vincenzo de Paola

Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP – Brazil

Evandro Tinoco Mesquita

Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ – Brazil, Brazil

Germano Emílio Conceição Souza

Hospital Regional São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil

Gláucia Maria Moraes de Oliveira

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ – Brazil, Brazil

Marcelo Dantas Tavares de Melo

Universidade Federal da Paraíba, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil

Wolney de Andrade Martins

Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, RJ – Brazil

Message from the Editor

The International Journal of Cardiovascular Sciences (IJCS) is an official journal of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology. IJCS mission is to publish manuscripts about cardiovascular issues, emphasizing original manuscripts, covering epidemiology aspects, multidisciplinary studies, evaluations…

full message

Most Active Reviewer for the Month of August – Irving Bispo

Reviewers

September 8, 2026 by apiki

Most Active Reviewer for the Month of August – Irving Bispo

Most Active Reviewer for the Month of July – Mauro Alves

Reviewers

August 18, 2026 by apiki

Most Active Reviewer for the Month of July – Mauro Alves

Brazilian Study Evaluates the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health in Older Adults

Uncategorized

August 6, 2026 by apiki

Brazilian Study Evaluates the Impact of Exercise on Cardiovascular Health in Older Adults

A multicenter study demonstrated significant improvements in functional capacity and quality of life among patients over the age of 65 who participated in a structured physical activity program. The findings reinforce the role of secondary prevention in promoting healthy aging.