Abstract Background: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism has been associated with different clinical and echocardiographic parameters in patients with heart failure (HF). However, no studies have been investigated such association with HF caused by Chagas disease. Objectives: To perform a genetic study to evaluate the frequency of ACE polymorphism in patients with HF caused by Chagas disease attending a university hospital in the central-west region and its association with echocardiographic findings. Methods: Descriptive study of ACE polymorphism (I/D) and echocardiographic […]

Abstract Background: Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion may be an alternative therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with contraindication for anti-coagulation therapy. However, the influence of LAA occlusion on left atrial (LA) performance has not been studied. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the influence of percutaneous LAA occlusion device on LA function by transthoracic echocardiography plus speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE). Methods: We included 16 patients undergoing percutaneous LAA closure with adequate echocardiographic window for the study of LA mechanics. […]

Abstract Background: Virtual reality is an alternative therapeutic resource to be inserted into cardiovascular rehabilitation, stimulating the practice of physical activity through man-machine interaction. Objective: To compare the effects of conventional and virtual reality cardiac rehabilitation on body composition and functional capacity in patients with heart disease. Methods: Randomized clinical trial with 27 cardiac patients divided into conventional rehabilitation group (CRG) and virtual reality rehabilitation group (VRG). They underwent a rehabilitation program with 60-minute training sessions twice a week for […]

Abstract Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is defined as the death of cardiomyocytes due to prolonged ischemia, caused by thrombosis and / or vasospasm on an atherosclerotic plaque. Objective: To determine the incidence of patients with myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty; characterize the anthropometric variables and identify the risk factors in this population. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational, retrospective study in which we collected secondary data from medical records of a hospital in a city in the state of […]

Abstract Background: Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a well-known predictor of mortality in patients with valvular heart disease (VHD). The assessment of RV function is often difficult due to complex geometry and hemodynamic factors. We aim to analyze RV function in patients with severe mitral and/or aortic valve disease using two-dimensional strain (2DS) imaging and conventional echocardiographic parameters, comparing it with right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) measured by three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE). Methods: Fifty-three patients with severe mitral and/or aortic VHD […]

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the world and physical inactivity represents an important risk factor. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of physical inactivity in the adult population and its effects on blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid profile. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study with stratified simple random sampling was conducted in 1,717 adults divided by age groups: 18-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and ≥ 70 years. The participants answered the physical activity […]

Abstract Background: No previous study has evaluated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) in more than one region in Venezuela. Objective: To determine the prevalence of MS in three Venezuelan regions. Methods: From 2006 to 2010, a total of 1,320 subjects aged ≥ 20 years were selected by multistage stratified random sampling from the regions of Lara State (western region), Mérida State (the Andean region), and Capital District (Capital Region). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis were obtained from […]

Abstract Background: In coronary procedures, although the radial approach protects patients from hemorrhagic complications, it is technically more complex than the femoral approach. Objectives: To test the hypothesis that the radial approach is the procedure of choice in ACS patients due to the high risk of bleeding; and to identify independent predictors of the choice for radial access. Methods: Patients admitted for ACS who underwent invasive coronary procedure were included. We registered the type of access (femoral or radial) chosen […]

Abstract Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) can cause damage to several physiological systems. Objectives: To compare and characterize the effects of aerobic exercise training (ET) performed by swimming with those of ET performed on a treadmill on the skeletal muscle and heart of rats with DM1. Methods: 41 male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: nondiabetic control (CTR), diabetic control (DMC), diabetic trained on the treadmill (DMT), and diabetic trained by swimming (DMS). The trained groups performed aerobic […]

Abstract Background: Rheumatic carditis is a challenge for treatment and secondary prophylaxis, due to severe valve sequelae. Objective: To evaluate the cases of rheumatic carditis in patients under 18 years old treated with corticosteroids. Methods: An observational, longitudinal and retrospective study was carried out on the profile of patients, in the period of 2000-2015. We selected those who received corticosteroid therapy at immunosuppressive doses, for the treatment of carditis and were aged 5 to 18 years. Data were extracted from […]