Abstract Background: Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and both first (VT1) and second (VT2) thresholds have been used as reference points for exercise prescription in different populations. Objective: We aimed to test the hypothesis that exercise prescription, based on VTs determined by treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), is influenced by the rate of increase in treadmill workload. Methods: Nine healthy individuals underwent two CPETs, followed by two sessions of submaximal exercise, both in randomized order. For the “speed” protocol, there was […]

Abstract Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent problem that affects the quality of life, prognosis and survival of patients with heart failure (HF). In the management of ED, physical exercise is a therapeutic strategy that reduces disease-related symptoms and optimizes drug use. However, the repercussions of physical exercise on ED in individuals with HF still need to be elucidated. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of physical exercise on erectile function (EF) […]

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death globally and most CVD can be prevented by addressing their risk factors, such as an unhealthy diet. Many authors have studied the benefits of nut consumption on CVD. Nuts contain high amounts of vegetable protein, unsaturated fatty acids, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals and many other bioactive compounds, like phytosterols and phenolic compounds, which are able to reduce cholesterol levels and promote antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing cardiovascular risks. This review […]

Indroduction The prevalence of chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), cancer, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders have been increasing in the world population. However, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. According to the Barker’s Theory (1993), hormonal, nutritional or environmental changes during critical periods of development such as gestation, lactation or adolescence may result in changes to the basic functions of the human body in childhood and “program” […]

Circumference measures, also called perimetry, are part of the anthropometric evaluation. Important Brazilian guidelines, as well as the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC), have considered the abdominal circumference values as a point of reference to classify the risk for cardiovascular disease development. However, what is the adequate terminology that should be used to quantify the increased cardiovascular disease risk: abdominal circumference or waist circumference? […]

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality today. Despite its wide distribution, it presents particularly prevalent in certain groups of individuals, particularly when exposed to a higher degree of inflammation, giving increased cardiovascular risk. Rheumatic diseases expose their holders to this increased cardiovascular risk condition; however only recently have been associated with spondyloarthritis, particularly ankylosing spondylitis (AS). For being a classically autoimmune disease related to HLA histocompatibility system, AS may present phenotypic variations in different […]

Abstract Background: Maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) in healthy individuals decreases approximately 10% per decade of life, and such decrease is more pronounced after the seventh decade. Objectives: To assess functional capacity of individuals aged 75 years or older, submitted to ergometric test and transthoracic echocardiogram exam, by means of metabolic equivalent (MET) and VO2 max measurements. Methods: A total of 381 patients (205 women; 79 ± 3.7 years) were evaluated. Exclusion criteria were: presence of left ventricular (LV) systolic […]

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: 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 With the advent of the antiretroviral therapy (ART), people infected with HIV are experiencing a significant increase in life expectancy. However, as this population ages, the morbidity and mortality due to events not related to HIV infection and/or treatment become increasingly clear. Cardiovascular diseases are among the major causes of death, and, thus, understanding the factors that trigger this situation is necessary. This review article will assess how the intrinsic and extrinsic factors related to HIV, ART and the […]