Hypertension encompasses a preventable risk factor associated with a significant global burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature death. Its prevalence is rising worldwide due to population aging, unbalanced diets, and sedentary, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Prevalence data in Brazil vary according to the database. However, about 30% of adults present blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or more, with CVD representing 22.6% premature passing. This link between hypertension and CVDs-related deaths highlights the relevance of blood pressure control. […]

Introduction Rheumatic fever (RF) is a prevalent condition in developing countries, accounting for a cardiac mortality of rate 7.9% in Brazil (DATASUS). Cases of rheumatic fever are often underdiagnosed and recognized only after permanent valve damage due to previous carditis. Secondary prevention of RF aims to limit the development and/or progression of valvular lesions and their complications. However, even on therapy with benzathine penicillin every 21 days, patients may experience recurrence of acute RF, making diagnosis a greater challenge. The […]

Abstract Background: Due to its poor prognosis and mortality rates, heart failure (HF) has been recognized as a malignant condition, comparable to some cancers in developed countries. Objectives: To compare mortality from HF and prevalent cancers using data from a nationwide database in Brazil. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study using secondary data obtained from Brazilian administrative databases of death records and hospitalization claims maintained by the Ministry of Health. Data were analyzed according to main diagnosis, year of […]

Abstract Background: Uncontrolled blood pressure has been associated with poor adherence to drug treatment. Objectives: To assess blood pressure control in hypertensive patients attending primary health centers after implementation of a pharmaceutical follow-up program in a city of the north of Brazil. Methods: Observational, cross sectional, descriptive study with 163 hypertensive patients attending public primary health care centers – one located on the riverside and one in the urban area of the city of Santarem, western Pará, Brazil. Adherence to […]

Abstract Background: The 9p21 region is the most relevant locus associated with coronary heart disease in different populations. However, there are no studies that prove that this region is a risk factor in the Venezuelan population. Objectives: To analyze whether or not the 9p21 rs1333049 polymorphism is a risk factor for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Venezuelan patients, as well as to investigate its correlation with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), age of occurrence, type and severity of infarction, and the […]

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, including among physicians. Professional peculiarities increase cardiovascular risk in this population, making it relevant to analyze mortality in the medical population (MPop) and non-medical population (NMPop). Objectives: To compare the CVD mortality coefficient (MC) in between MPop and NMPop in Brazil by analyzing the epidemiological profile and the main causes of deaths from CVD. Methods: Time-series study with data obtained from the Mortality Information System of the Federal […]

Abstract Background The neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the nervous system. NPY acts as a potent stimulator of angiogenesis, inflammation, and adipogenesis, through the NPY 2 receptor (NPY2R). Changes in the NPY signaling pathway have been linked to Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). Objectives The purpose of this study is to determine the association between variants in the NPY and NPY2R genes, as well as the severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods Approximately 221 […]

Abstract Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is a disease with high morbimortality and an increasing incidence. With improved diagnosis and treatment, a number of epidemiological changes have been reported over time. Objectives We sought to describe the epidemiological profile, mortality predictors, and analysis of a possible microbiological transition in patients admitted to three tertiary centers in Brazil. Methods In this cross-sectional retrospective study, data from 211 patients with definite or probable IE were analyzed according to the modified Duke criteria between […]

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide and in all regions of Brazil. Racial, cultural, and environmental factors contribute to different prevalence rates of risk factors and presentations of the disease. Differences have been found between Whites, Hispanics, Asians, and Afro-descendants, and even within each race, due to migratory movements. , Changes in the socio-demographic profile of migrant populations have resulted in health transitions, considering the country of origin (some of them with a high risk for certain […]

According to the recently published “Cardiovascular Statistics – Brazil 2020”, mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is proportionally higher in women compared to men. The INTERHEART study demonstrated that the population attributable risk for myocardial infarction associated with modifiable risk factors of smoking, alcohol use, high-risk diet, and physical inactivity, was significantly higher among women than men. Evidence from the VIRGO study (Variation in Recovery: Role of Gender on Outcomes of Young Acute Myocardial Infarction [AMI] Patients) indicates that both health […]