Abstract Background: The impact of alcohol consumption on the development of myocardial ischemia remains uncertain. Studies diverge whether low to moderate alcohol consumption provides cardioprotection or whether it is a risk factor for myocardial ischemia. Objective: To study the relationship between low to moderate alcohol consumption and myocardial ischemia on exercise stress echocardiography (ESE). Methods: Cross-sectional study with 6,632 patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease undergoing ESE between January/2000 and December/2015. The patients were divided into two groups: […]

Abstract Background: Mechanical ventilation (MV) and extracorporeal circulation (ECC) are associated with a decline in pulmonary mechanics that may affect gas exchange. Objective: To evaluate the impact of pulmonary mechanics on MV duration and gas exchange in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery. Methods: This was a cohort study in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. All patients underwent evaluation of pulmonary mechanics (static compliance and airway resistance) and arterial blood gas analysis upon admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and […]

Abstract Background: Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) represents the most relevant worsening factor and one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Objectives: To analyze trends in the mortality rate associated with hypertensive diseases in Brazil from 2010 to 2014, for states as well as regions. Methods: An epidemiological study was performed from aggregate data obtained in populational strata. Cartographic data of the Brazilian territory in “shapefile” were provided by IBGE. Records of mortality associated with arterial hypertension were obtained […]

Abstract Background: Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with age being an independent risk factor for mortality in patients submitted to surgical revascularization. Objective: To evaluate the mortality risk predictors in patients older than 70 years submitted to myocardial revascularization. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of a cardiac surgery database. Logistic regression was used to assess independent death predictors. Results: A total of 372 patients submitted to surgical revascularization from 2004 to 2012 were […]

Abstract Background: Approximately 20 to 40% of patients with heart failure do not respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). To improve patient selection, phase analysis by myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (GSPECT) was developed. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and scintigraphic response of patients with heart failure (HF) submitted to CRT using GSPECT. Method: This was an interventional study that included consecutive patients assessed by GSPECT four weeks prior to CRT implantation and six months after it for comparison. These patients also […]

Abstract Background: The importance of scientific validation of supporting techniques to various treatments is unquestionable. In this context, the influence of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) on natriuresis and lipolysis and its interaction with oral contraceptives still need to be investigated. Objectives: To evaluate the acute effect of MLD on natriuresis and lipolysis in young women using or not oral contraceptives. Methods: Twenty-nine non-users of oral contraceptives and 29 oral contraceptive users, self-reported healthy, sedentary, normal weight women were enrolled. Analyses […]

Abstract Background: Mediastinitis is a severe post-median sternotomy infection with poor prognosis, even with early diagnosis and treatment. Objectives: To evaluate the profile of patients submitted to sternotomy, identify the risk factors for the development of mediastinitis and evaluate the bacteriological diagnosis of patients with this infection. Methods: Case-control study carried out in a large hospital in Belo Horizonte (MG, Brazil) in patients submitted to median sternotomy, from January 2015 to January 2018. The sample consisted of 65 patients, of […]

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Myocardial revascularization surgery may be indicated for the relief of symptoms and to reduce mortality. However, surgery is a costly procedure and the impact of the number of cardiovascular risk factors on the cost of the procedure has not been established. Objectives: To identify the impact of risk factors for coronary artery disease on myocardial revascularization surgery cost. Methods: We selected 239 patients undergoing myocardial revascularization surgery at […]

Abstract Background: By observing the high prevalence of failures in the surgical treatment of myocardial revascularization (MR), with the use of the Left Internal Thoracic Artery (LITA) as a graft, evidenced by the international literature, it was sought to demonstrate the prevalence of lesions that would not allow the use of LITA as a graft in myocardial revascularization surgery, with possible alteration in the surgical management performed by the cardiac surgeon, and reduction of the morbimortality of these patients. Objectives: […]

Abstract Background: Acute myocardial infarction is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the world, and one of the factors with the greatest prognostic impact is early specialist care, but there are still many factors that delay patient’s arrival at the hospital. Objective: To correlate social, educational, cognitive and clinical factors with time to hospital arrival after the onset of acute myocardial infarction’s first symptoms. Methods: Time interval to search for medical care was measured by patient’s […]