Abstract Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a widely available inflammatory biomarker. Its prognostic role during hospitalization in patients with acute heart failure (HF) remains unclear. Objective: To assess whether CRP measured at hospital admission predicts in-hospital mortality in patients with acute HF admitted to a general public hospital ward. Methods: This prospective study enrolled patients (≥18 years old) admitted to a medical ward with a primary diagnosis of acute HF directly from the emergency department. CRP was measured within 72 […]

Abstract Background: The One-Minute Step Test (1MST) seems to be a useful tool for exploring the component of energy metabolism used in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), but it is still little explored in patients with Heart Failure (HF) in the hospital environment. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of performing 1MST in hospitalized patients with HF. Methods: Data were collected using electronic medical records and evaluative tests from patients with HF. The safety of the 1MST was assessed […]

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Wine consumption has been associated with cardiovascular benefits, which are attributed to the presence of flavonoids. Objectives: To assess the effects of alcoholic and non-alcoholic red wine on endothelial function by measuring variations in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and analyzing changes in arterial diameter, heart rate, and blood pressure. Methods: A randomized, parallel, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 22 participants assessed at 2 distinct time points. Participants […]

Abstract Background: Arrhythmias and Electrocardiography changes in Dengue Fever (DF) cases can mimic electrocardiogram (ECG) appearance of threatening clinical conditions such as myocardial ischemia, albeit no significant ischemic injury at the heart muscle. Case Presentation: We report a case of subsequent cardiac memory (CM) in a 50-year-old female with DF. A 12-lead ECG on admission revealed sinus rhythm with Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB), and it resolved on day 4 of hospitalization. However, deep symmetric T wave inversions (TWI), which […]

Abstract Several anthropometric parameters have been proposed as indicators of health conditions. Some have achieved wide acceptance and applicability. Others, although grounded in solid theoretical frameworks and demonstrating good diagnostic validity, have not gained the same level of recognition. These are referred to here as “unconventional anthropometric indicators”. This article aims to provide a descriptive and conceptual synthesis of these measures, addressing their nuances and applicability. It is a narrative review that discusses the following indicators: Head-to-height index (HHI), Waist-to-Height […]

Abstract Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, posing a significant public health challenge. Thus, analyzing their prevalence over time is crucial. Objective: To perform an epidemiological analysis of emergency hospital admissions due to CVD in Brazil between 2013 and 2023. Methods: This is an ecological, descriptive study based on data from the DATASUS database. Cardiovascular morbidities classified by ICD-10, along with variables such as sex and age group, were selected for analysis. […]

Abstract Background: Large language models (LLMs) have made a significant impact in medicine and demonstrate substantial promise for further development. However, most of the existing research has predominantly centered on English-language tasks with lower medical complexity. This underscores the importance of investigating the performance of state-of-the-art LLMs in more complex specialties, such as cardiology, and in languages beyond English, such as Portuguese. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare leading LLMs based on their performance on the validated cardiology […]

Abstract Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a rare condition that can cause acute myocardial infarction (AMI), especially in young women without risk factors for coronary artery disease. Diagnosis is made by cardiac catheterization, and treatment varies from conservative to surgical approaches, depending on the severity. We report the case of a woman with a history of AMI who underwent initial catheterization without requiring percutaneous coronary intervention due to the absence of an obstructive lesion. Subsequently, the patient presented episodes […]

Abstract The authors describe a case of an infrequent triple association: left pulmonary artery aneurysm (PAA), uncorrected tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), diagnosed in a 45-year-old adult patient during a check-up. The patient refused to undergo surgery and is currently being followed clinically.

Abstract Background: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. A dysfunctional autonomic nervous system may be the underlying cause. However, very few studies have determined the status of cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in both non-hemodialysis and hemodialysis CKD patients. Objectives: The present study intended to determine and compare CAN in both non-hemodialysis and hemodialysis CKD patients of primary renal diagnosis only and its correlation with the progression of the disease. Methods: Non-hemodialysis and hemodialysis […]