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 […]

Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by periods of relapse and remission, with the potential to damage multiple organs depending on disease activity and individual susceptibility. Valvular heart disease is one of the cardiac manifestations associated with SLE. Lutembacher syndrome (LS) is an exceedingly rare clinical syndrome defined by the presence of a combination of congenital or acquired ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) and congenital or acquired mitral stenosis (MS). First reported by Lutembacher in […]

Percolation appears as a ubiquitous phenomenon in nature, with significant practical relevance in the study of networks. Its origins connect to the pioneering work of Paul Flory in 1940 and the foundational research of Broadbent and Hammersley in 1957, which established its intricate mathematical principles,, incorporating concepts from probability, physics, and graph theory. In a network composed of nodes and edges, understanding how percolation operates enables researchers to evaluate the effects of adding or removing an edge or a node […]

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: 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: 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: 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: 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) […]

Introduction The presence of ST-segment elevation in two or more contiguous leads indicates a current subepicardial lesion that often requires early intervention, either by angioplasty or thrombolytic therapy., ST elevation, only in aVR, may also indicate the presence of an acute infarction. This finding was first made by Wellens et al. However, this is not always true, and physicians should be aware of the details surrounding changes in Right Vector amplification (aVR). The medical literature has a wide range of […]

Abstract Background: The present study describes the prevalence of excess weight, obesity, and high blood pressure (BP) in children from a Brazilian semiarid region (Sertão) and its association with lipid profile and area of residence. Objective: To describe the prevalence of excess weight, obesity, and high BP in children, as well as the association between these variables, lipid profile, and area of residence. Methods: Thi work is a cross-sectional study conducted with schoolchildren, aged 6 to 10 years, from three […]