Abstract Background: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the healthcare of patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Brazil remains unclear. Objective: Provide a descriptive analysis of clinical profiles, time intervals, performance metrics, and outcomes in patients with STEMI before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Among a cohort of 193 patients with STEMI diagnosed in five emergency departments within a single Brazilian healthcare network, 187 patients were included between January 2017 and April 2021 and stratified […]

Abstract Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of conditions, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, and abdominal obesity, associated with increased cardiovascular risk. In the elderly population, the prevalence of MS varies widely depending on region, lifestyle, and diagnostic criteria. Understanding the components that contribute most to MS can aid in targeted health interventions. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MS and identify which components most influence its diagnosis among older adults. Methods: This is an epidemiological, cross-sectional study […]

Abstract Introduction: Cardiac surgery is a procedure that requires great assistance and care. In this way, patients are sent to the intensive care unit (ICU), where they are connected to mechanical ventilation (MV). Prolonged treatment of these patients worsens clinical outcomes and leads to mortality. Objective: To evaluate the impact of MV time on patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. After surgery, patients were admitted to the ICU and connected to MV. The entire ventilation […]

Abstract Background: Considering the uncertainty regarding the cardiovascular safety of anabolic steroid use, we believe that the use of advanced echocardiography techniques, such as speckle tracking, may contribute more objectively to the analysis of cardiotoxicity induced by these substances. Objectives: To compare, through speckle tracking, the echocardiograms of bodybuilders who abuse anabolic steroids with those who do not use these substances. Methodology: This work is a retrospective, observational study that analyzed echocardiograms performed on bodybuilders followed up in an outpatient […]

Abstract Background: Low functional health literacy in anticoagulated patients using warfarin has been widely discussed in medical literature. Objective: To identify the quality of oral anticoagulation (QOA) over time and to analyze the association between this variable and functional health literacy. Methods: Prospective cohort study conducted at an anticoagulation clinic (AC) in Minas Gerais, in a high-complexity hospital. The study included 81 patients, whose data were collected by direct consultation of medical records or by asking questions while patients were […]

Abstract Background: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation-Induced Consciousness (CPRIC) is rare and poorly understood, impacting the effectiveness of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). In Brazil, investigating the prevalence and characteristics of CPRIC is essential in order to improve protocols and properly train health professionals and firefighters. Objectives: To investigate the occurrence of CPRIC and to verify the knowledge and experience of health professionals and firefighters concerning this phenomenon. Methods: This work was a cross-sectional observational study conducted with 507 professionals from different regions of Brazil […]

Abstract Background: The prevalence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) is 27%. PFO is related to paradoxical embolism, which can cause ischemic stroke. Ischemic stroke without an identifiable cause is common, accounting for up to 40% of cases, and PFO is frequently found in these patients. The prevalence of PFO is almost 3 times higher in elderly patients with ischemic stroke without identified etiology, suggesting that these patients may also benefit from PFO closure. Objectives: The primary objective was to assess […]

Abstract Background: Childhood and adolescent obesity has been increasing, particularly in countries with greater social vulnerability. Given this context, assessing schoolchildren from Bahia’s backlands — a region known for its low-income population — is essential. Objective: To assess the frequency of overweight and obesity and their association with high blood pressure (BP) in children from urban and rural areas in four municipalities in the backlands of Bahia. Methods: This study is part of a project evaluating the impact of a […]

Abstract Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an intricate clinical syndrome that significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality. Despite extensive advancements, research on markers of severity in CHF remains scarce. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate procalcitonin (PCT) and D-dimer as severity predictors in CHF. Methods: CHF patients were included in this retrospective single-center study between January to December 2022. The population group was randomized and classified as stages I to IV based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) […]

Abstract Background: Elderly patients are more likely to develop cardiovascular events. Tools for risk stratification serve as support to prevent threats of events and assess eligibility for statin use. Objectives: Evaluate the degree of concordance between tools for cardiovascular risk stratification in elderly patients. Methods: Cross-sectional, observational, descriptive, analytical study, with secondary data from 124 medical records of patients treated at a geriatric outpatient clinic in the South of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Variables present in the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk […]