Abstract Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare condition that can cause acute myocardial infarction (AMI), especially in young women without risk factors for coronary artery disease. Diagnosis is made by cardiac catheterization, and treatment varies from conservative to surgical approaches, depending on the severity. We report the case of a woman with a history of AMI who underwent initial catheterization without requiring percutaneous coronary intervention due to the absence of an obstructive lesion. Subsequently, the patient presented episodes […]

Abstract Background The success of acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) treatment is time-dependent, requiring prompt access, diagnosis, and immediate medical intervention. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the care of patients with STEMI. Objective To analyze delay times and clinical outcomes of patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This retrospective observational study included patients with STEMI undergoing PPCI from June 2019 to July 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic period […]

Abstract Background Right ventricle (RV) involvement in inferior wall myocardial infarction (IWMI) is considered a strong predictor of in-hospital mortality and complications. However, assessment of RV involvement and function remains challenging due to difficulties in chamber visualization. Objective This study aimed to assess RV involvement in patients with IWMI using myocardial wall velocity (tissue Doppler imaging) and strain rate parameters with conventional echocardiographic indices, evaluating RV function and its correlations with in-hospital mortality and morbidity. Methods An observational study was […]

Abstract Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) promotes endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation, and it is associated with shorter long-term survival and unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Objectives To investigate the factors associated with the risk of OSA in the aftermath of STEMI. Methods A cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted with 145 individuals with STEMI in a large Brazilian teaching hospital. Anthropometric measurements were performed in addition to collecting sociodemographic/clinical data and lifestyle habits. The STOP-BANG […]

Abstract Background Shock index (SI) and age shock index (ASI) are less frequently used for assessment of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and their reported cut-off points are controversial. Objectives We aimed to define proper cut-off value of these indices for MACE prediction among Iranian patients with STEMI. Methods This study was in the context of the ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Cohort in Isfahan (SEMI-CI) study. SI and ASI were calculated by division […]

Introduction The ongoing pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections led to more than 101,371,256 cases and 2,817,659 deaths globally by January 28, 2021. Although many infections have mild and self-limiting symptoms, around 15% of adults develop severe pneumonia requiring supplementary oxygen treatment, and approximately 5% progress to respiratory failure and require prolonged mechanical ventilation. When this occurs, there is a high rate of mortality and complications, overloading health systems, especially intensive care units. Social isolation has […]

Abstract Background: Risk stratification on admission of patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is considered a clear strategy for effective treatment, early intervention, and survival. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors for in-hospital mortality from cardiac causes after STEMI. Methods: Observational, retrospective, longitudinal study, with a quantitative approach, based on data from the medical records of individuals diagnosed with STEMI treated at the Emergency Room of a large hospital in the state of […]

In chronic diseases, the Quality of Life (QoL) is one of the most important patient-reported outcomes. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide and ischemic heart disease represents an important health burden. In a large population-based cohort, individuals with self-reported previous myocardial infarction (MI) presented worse self-perceived health statuses in all domains, particularly in mobility and anxiety / depression. However, QoL was not independently associated with MI but instead was associated with age, sex and number of comorbidities, […]