Abstract Background: It is estimated that more than 30% of the Brazilian population has systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), and mostly as an uncontrolled disease. The most recent Brazilian Guideline of Hypertension recommends the practice of self-measurement of blood pressure (BP) as one of the strategies for a better control of SAH, but there is no consensus about the efficiency of this tool. Objective: To assess the control of SAH and the practice of non-targeted self-measured BP (SMBP) among hypertensive users […]

Abstract Background Arterial stiffness and hypertension are strong predictors of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are first-line antihypertensive agents in reducing blood pressure and arterial stiffness. Objective The objective of this study was to compare the effects of ACEI and ARB in reducing arterial stiffness and preventing target organ damage in patients with hypertension. Methods This observational study included 654 participants who attend routine consultations at an outpatient hypertension clinic in 2 […]

Some anesthetic agents administered during general anesthesia can cause heart rhythm disorders, mainly associated with autonomic imbalance. Off-target cardiac sodium channel blockade is considered the canonical mechanism behind cardiotoxicity. Lidocaine, the most common local anesthetic, produces a transient loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic function when the drug is injected or applied close to neural tissues; furthermore, it has a good safety margin before reaching toxic blood levels. However, care must be taken to keep track of the total dose […]

Abstract Background Refractory hypertension (RfH) is a severe phenotype of resistant hypertension (RH) linked to higher risk of stroke and other adverse cardiovascular events, but knowledge about it is still lacking. Objectives To evaluate the association between RfH and stroke. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in a referral clinic for patients with severe hypertension in the period from 2018 to 2020. RH was defined as uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) despite the use of 3 antihypertensive agents, including a diuretic, […]

Abstract Background In view of the absence of effective therapy for COVID-19, many studies have been conducted seeking to identify determining factors for the development of severe forms, aiming to direct efforts to avoid the worst outcomes in patients susceptible to severe conditions. One of the main comorbidities associated with complicated forms of the disease is systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). Objective To assess aspects of the clinical, demographic, laboratory, and radiological characteristics of hypertensive patients with COVID-19 to contribute to […]

Hypertension is a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors, defined by blood pressure levels in which the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks. The global prevalence of hypertension is approximately 1.3 billion adults. The blood pressure control rates in developing countries in 2019 were 23% in women and 18% in men. Treatments range from lifestyle modification, medication treatment, and use of medical devices. The prevalence of resistant arterial hypertension is estimated between 12% to 15% among patients with hypertension. […]

Overall, weight gain and obesity are consequences of chronic energy imbalance, in which energy intake exceeds energy expenditure and leads to excessive energy (fat) storage. If gluten is a causative factor for weight gain, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, and studies on non-coeliac individuals are scarce. Over recent years, gluten free diet (GFD) has become popular as books and social media have suggested that gluten consumption causes overweight and metabolic syndrome (MS) parameters. However, data supporting such statement are often […]

Abstract Background In most cases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) is preventable through primary prevention and control of traditional risk factors, such as smoking cessation, regular physical activity, and adherence to healthy dietary patterns. The assessment of diet quality of ACVD patients would be important for a dietary intervention. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate diet quality of ACVD patients and its association with clinical conditions. Methods This cross-sectional study was nested within a randomized clinical trial entitled “Programa Alimentar Cardioprotetor […]

Hypertension is a chronic disease with high prevalence in Brazil and worldwide. It is estimated that approximately 31% of the world population has blood pressure levels ≥ 140/90 mmHg or uses antihypertensive medication. Hypertension is also the main risk factor with an independent, linear, and continuous association for cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, in turn, are the leading cause of death, hospitalizations, and outpatient care worldwide, including in developing countries such as Brazil. With aging, hypertension becomes an even more significant […]

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a chronic condition that is highly prevalent worldwide. It occurs without symptoms in most individuals and represents the main modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The adoption of behaviors that do not involve medication, such as changes in lifestyle and regular practice of physical exercise, along with strict adherence to prescribed medication, is a major challenge in the treatment of this disorder., The guidelines of the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology […]