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BACKGROUND: Large observational studies have shown that small, dense LDL subfractions are related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This study assessed the effects of two highly effective lipid-lowering therapies in the atherogenic subclasses of lipoproteins in subjects with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: Patients of both sexes admitted with their first myocardial infarction and submitted to pharmacoinvasive strategy (N = 101) were included and randomized using a central computerized system to receive a daily dose of simvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg or rosuvastatin 20 mg for 30 days. Intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions were analysed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Lipoprint System) on the first (D1) and 30th days (D30) of lipid-lowering therapy. Changes in LDL and IDL subfractions between D1 and D30 were compared between the lipid-lowering therapies (Mann-Whitney U test). RESULTS: The classic lipid profile was similar in both therapy arms at D1 and D30. At D30, the achievement of lipid goals was comparable between lipid-lowering therapies. Cholesterol content in atherogenic subclasses of LDL (p = 0.043) and IDL (p = 0.047) decreased more efficiently with simvastatin plus ezetimibe than with rosuvastatin. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid-lowering therapy with simvastatin plus ezetimibe was associated with a better pattern of lipoprotein subfractions than rosuvastatin monotherapy. This finding was noted despite similar effects in the classic lipid profile and may contribute to residual cardiovascular risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02428374, registered on 28/09/2014.

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Hypertension is a pathology of high prevalence in the world. In Brazil, it is the main risk factor for the major cause of death in the country, coronary heart disease. The May Measurement Month Campaign in 2018 (MMM18) included a population with representation from all Brazilian states and reflects some of the characteristics of hypertension in Brazil. Questionnaire data were collected and three measures of blood pressure (BP) were performed. The sample consisted of 12 413 individuals, 59.1% were white, 51.3% were women. The average age was 54. ± 16.0 years. Diabetes was present in 11.6%, previous myocardial infarction in 5.9%, and previous stroke in 2.7%. Current smokers were 9.3% and 12.4% were regular drinkers. The average body mass index was 27.3 ± 4.5 kg/m2. After multiple imputations, 67.9% were hypertensive (>140/90 mmHg). Of the individuals who were not taking antihypertensive medication, 27.9% were hypertensive and of those taking antihypertensive medication, 40.3% were uncontrolled. Systolic BP increased with age. The MMM18 campaign demonstrated a large number of unknown hypertensives and a high rate of uncontrolled hypertension in Brazil, unfortunately in keeping with 2017 findings.

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Background The involvement of the autonomic nervous system is one of the mechanisms proposed to explain the progression of myocardial lesion in Chagas disease. Evidences have shown changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system since the acute phase of the disease, and studies to clarify the pathophysiological and prognostic value of these changes are needed. Objetives To assess blood pressure profile by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in normotensive patients with acute Chagas disease (ACD) without apparent cardiac damage, and the influence of the infection on nocturnal blood pressure fall. Methods ABPM was performed with 54 patients with ACD and a control group composed of 54 age- and sex-matched normotensive individuals. The alpha level of significance (type I error rate) was set at 5%. Results In the total of 54 patients, 74.0% did not show nocturnal fall in systolic blood pressure, 53.7% did not show nocturnal fall in diastolic blood pressure, and lack of both nocturnal fall in SBP and DBP was observed in 51.8% (*p<0.05). In 12.9% of patients, there was an increase in SBP and in 18.5% increase in DBP (p<0.05). Conclusions In patients with acute Chagas disease, a significant absence of the physiological fall in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed during sleep, and some of the patients showed nocturnal increase in these parameters. These findings suggest autonomic changes in the acute phase of Chagas disease. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):711-715).

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Resumo Fundamento O acometimento do sistema nervoso autônomo é um dos mecanismos propostos para explicar a progressão da lesão miocárdica na doença de Chagas. Evidências indicam alterações do sistema nervoso simpático e parassimpático desde a fase aguda, e estudos são necessários para se entender os aspectos fisiopatológicos e o valor prognóstico dessas alterações. Objetivo Analisar o comportamento da pressão arterial pela monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA) em pacientes normotensos com doença de Chagas aguda (DCA) sem envolvimento cardíaco aparente, e a influência da infecção no descenso fisiológico do sono. Métodos Foi realizado a MAPA em 54 pacientes com DCA e utilizado um grupo controle de 54 indivíduos normotensos, pareados para idade e sexo. O nível de significância adotado foi para um erro tipo I (alfa) de 5%. Resultados Em um total de 54 pacientes com DCA ocorreu ausência de descenso sistólico do sono em 74,0%*, ausência de descenso diastólico do sono em 53,7%*, e ausência de descenso sistólico e diastólico do sono (51,8%)*, (*p<0,05). Em 12,9% ocorreu ascensão sistólica da pressão no sono e em 18,5% ascensão diastólica (p<0,05). Conclusão Em pacientes com Doença de Chagas aguda, houve ausência significativa do descenso fisiológico da pressão arterial durante o sono, tanto da pressão arterial sistólica quanto a diastólica, e alguns pacientes apresentaram ascensão noturna desses parâmetros. Esses achados sugerem alterações autonômicas na doença de Chagas desde a fase aguda. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):711-715)

Abstract Background The involvement of the autonomic nervous system is one of the mechanisms proposed to explain the progression of myocardial lesion in Chagas disease. Evidences have shown changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system since the acute phase of the disease, and studies to clarify the pathophysiological and prognostic value of these changes are needed. Objetives To assess blood pressure profile by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in normotensive patients with acute Chagas disease (ACD) without apparent cardiac damage, and the influence of the infection on nocturnal blood pressure fall. Methods ABPM was performed with 54 patients with ACD and a control group composed of 54 age- and sex-matched normotensive individuals. The alpha level of significance (type I error rate) was set at 5%. Results In the total of 54 patients, 74.0% did not show nocturnal fall in systolic blood pressure, 53.7% did not show nocturnal fall in diastolic blood pressure, and lack of both nocturnal fall in SBP and DBP was observed in 51.8% (*p<0.05). In 12.9% of patients, there was an increase in SBP and in 18.5% increase in DBP (p<0.05). Conclusions In patients with acute Chagas disease, a significant absence of the physiological fall in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed during sleep, and some of the patients showed nocturnal increase in these parameters. These findings suggest autonomic changes in the acute phase of Chagas disease. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):711-715)

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OBJECTIVES: This prospective, randomized, open-label study aimed to compare the effects of antihypertensive treatment based on amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide on the circulating microparticles and central blood pressure values of hypertensive patients. METHODS: The effects of treatments on circulating microparticles were assessed during monotherapy and after the consecutive addition of valsartan and rosuvastatin followed by the withdrawal of rosuvastatin. Each treatment period lasted for 30 days. Central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity were measured at the end of each period. Endothelial, monocyte, and platelet circulating microparticles were determined by flow cytometry. Central blood pressure values and pulse wave velocity were recorded at the end of each treatment period. RESULTS: No differences in brachial blood pressure were observed between the treatment groups throughout the study. Although similar central blood pressure values were observed during monotherapy, lower systolic and diastolic central blood pressure values and early and late blood pressure peaks were observed in the amlodipine arm after the addition of valsartan alone or combined with rosuvastatin. Hydrochlorothiazide-based therapy was associated with a lower number of endothelial microparticles throughout the study, whereas a higher number of platelet microparticles was observed after rosuvastatin withdrawal in the amlodipine arm. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar brachial blood pressure values between groups throughout the study, exposure to amlodipine was associated with lower central blood pressure values after combination with valsartan, indicating a beneficial interaction. Differences between circulating microparticles were modest and were mainly influenced by rosuvastatin withdrawal in the amlodipine arm.

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OBJECTIVES: This prospective, randomized, open-label study aimed to compare the effects of antihypertensive treatment based on amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide on the circulating microparticles and central blood pressure values of hypertensive patients. METHODS: The effects of treatments on circulating microparticles were assessed during monotherapy and after the consecutive addition of valsartan and rosuvastatin followed by the withdrawal of rosuvastatin. Each treatment period lasted for 30 days. Central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity were measured at the end of each period. Endothelial, monocyte, and platelet circulating microparticles were determined by flow cytometry. Central blood pressure values and pulse wave velocity were recorded at the end of each treatment period. RESULTS: No differences in brachial blood pressure were observed between the treatment groups throughout the study. Although similar central blood pressure values were observed during monotherapy, lower systolic and diastolic central blood pressure values and early and late blood pressure peaks were observed in the amlodipine arm after the addition of valsartan alone or combined with rosuvastatin. Hydrochlorothiazide-based therapy was associated with a lower number of endothelial microparticles throughout the study, whereas a higher number of platelet microparticles was observed after rosuvastatin withdrawal in the amlodipine arm. CONCLUSIONS: Despite similar brachial blood pressure values between groups throughout the study, exposure to amlodipine was associated with lower central blood pressure values after combination with valsartan, indicating a beneficial interaction. Differences between circulating microparticles were modest and were mainly influenced by rosuvastatin withdrawal in the amlodipine arm.

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BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-chromosome-linked genetic disorder (locus Xp21). Involvement of the cardiovascular system is characterized by fibrous degeneration/replacement of myocytes with consequent ventricular hypertrophy and arterial hypertension. OBJECTIVE: To assess, by using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the behavior of blood pressure variables in children and adolescents with a confirmed diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. METHODS: Prospective observational cohort study, which selected 46 patients followed up on an outpatient basis, divided according to age groups. Blood pressure was classified according to the age percentile. The monitoring interpretation includes systolic and diastolic blood pressure means, systolic and diastolic blood pressure loads, and nocturnal dipping. The blood pressure means were calculated for the 24-hour, wakefulness and sleep periods. Nocturnal dipping was defined as a drop in blood pressure means during sleep greater than 10%. The significance level adopted was p < 0.05. RESULTS: Nocturnal dipping for systolic blood pressure was present in 29.9% of the participants. Approximately 53% of them had attenuated nocturnal dipping, and 15%, reverse nocturnal dipping. The age groups of 9-11 years and 6-8 years had the greatest percentage of attenuation, 19.1% and 14.9%, respectively. Regarding diastolic blood pressure, nocturnal dipping was identified in 53.2% of the children, being extreme in 27.7% of those in the age group of 6-11 years. CONCLUSIONS: The early diagnosis of blood pressure changes can allow the appropriate and specific therapy, aimed at increasing the life expectancy of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

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Abstract Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy is an X-chromosome-linked genetic disorder (locus Xp21). Involvement of the cardiovascular system is characterized by fibrous degeneration/replacement of myocytes with consequent ventricular hypertrophy and arterial hypertension. Objective: To assess, by using 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, the behavior of blood pressure variables in children and adolescents with a confirmed diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Methods: Prospective observational cohort study, which selected 46 patients followed up on an outpatient basis, divided according to age groups. Blood pressure was classified according to the age percentile. The monitoring interpretation includes systolic and diastolic blood pressure means, systolic and diastolic blood pressure loads, and nocturnal dipping. The blood pressure means were calculated for the 24-hour, wakefulness and sleep periods. Nocturnal dipping was defined as a drop in blood pressure means during sleep greater than 10%. The significance level adopted was p < 0.05. Results: Nocturnal dipping for systolic blood pressure was present in 29.9% of the participants. Approximately 53% of them had attenuated nocturnal dipping, and 15%, reverse nocturnal dipping. The age groups of 9-11 years and 6-8 years had the greatest percentage of attenuation, 19.1% and 14.9%, respectively. Regarding diastolic blood pressure, nocturnal dipping was identified in 53.2% of the children, being extreme in 27.7% of those in the age group of 6-11 years. Conclusions: The early diagnosis of blood pressure changes can allow the appropriate and specific therapy, aimed at increasing the life expectancy of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Resumo Fundamento: A distrofia muscular de Duchenne é alteração genética determinada por alteração no braço curto do cromossomo X (locus Xp21). O envolvimento do sistema cardiovascular caracteriza-se por degeneração/substituição fibrótica dos miócitos com consequente hipertrofia ventricular e hipertensão arterial. Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento de variáveis pressóricas em crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico confirmado, pela monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial por 24 horas. Métodos: Estudo coorte prospectivo e observacional, com seleção de 46 pacientes em acompanhamento ambulatorial, agrupados por faixa etária. A classificação da pressão arterial deu-se conforme o percentil de idade. Na interpretação da monitorização, foram incluídas as médias de pressão arterial sistólica, pressão arterial diastólica, as cargas pressóricas sistólicas e diastólicas e o descenso do sono. As médias pressóricas foram calculadas para o período de 24 horas, vigília e sono. O descenso noturno foi definido como a queda maior que 10% para as médias durante o sono. O nível de significância adotado foi de p < 0,05. Resultados: O descenso noturno para a pressão sistólica esteve presente em 29,9%. Aproximadamente 53% dos participantes apresentaram descenso atenuado e 15%, descenso invertido. As faixas etárias 9 a 11 anos e 6 a 8 anos concentraram o maior percentual de atenuação do descenso, 19,1% e 14,9%, respectivamente. Para a pressão diastólica, o descenso esteve presente em 53,2%, e encontramos 27,7% com descenso acentuado na faixa etária de 6 a 11 anos. Conclusões: Considerando nossos achados, o diagnóstico precoce das anormalidades pressóricas pode ser ferramenta valiosa para a identificação e instalação de terapêutica apropriada visando aumento da sobrevida desses pacientes.

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FUNDAMENTO: Sabe-se que vários fatores interferem na sensibilidade do Eletrocardiograma (ECG) no diagnóstico da Hipertrofia Ventricular Esquerda (HVE), sendo o gênero e a massa cardíaca alguns dos principais. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do sexo na sensibilidade de alguns dos critérios utilizados para a detecção de HVE, de acordo com a progressão do grau de hipertrofia ventricular. MÉTODOS: De acordo com o gênero e com o grau de HVE ao ecocardiograma, os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: HVE leve, moderada e severa. Avaliou-se a sensibilidade do ECG para detectar HVE entre homens e mulheres, conforme o grau de HVE. RESULTADOS: Dos 874 pacientes, 265 eram homens (30,3 por cento) e 609, mulheres (69,7 por cento). Os critérios [(S + R) X QRS], Sokolow-Lyon, Romhilt-Estes, Perúgia e padrão strain mostraram alto poder discriminatório no diagnóstico de HVE entre homens e mulheres nos três grupos de HVE, com desempenho superior na população masculina e destaque para os escores [(S + R) X QRS] e Perúgia. CONCLUSÃO: A sensibilidade diagnóstica do ECG é maior com o aumento da massa cardíaca. O exame é mais sensível entre homens, destacando-se os escores [(S + R) X QRS] e Perúgia.

BACKGROUND: Several factors are known to interfere with electrocardiogram (ECG) sensitivity when diagnosing Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), with gender and cardiac mass being two of the most important ones OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of gender on the sensitivity of some of the criteria used to detect LVH, according to the progression of ventricular hypertrophy degree. METHODS: According to gender and the degree of LVH at the echocardiogram, the patients were divided in three groups: mild, moderate and severe LVH. ECG sensitivity to detect LVH was assessed between men and women, according to the LVH degree. RESULTS: Of the 874 patients, 265 were males (30.3 percent) and 609, females (69.7 percent). The [(S + R) X QRS], Sokolow-Lyon, Romhilt-Estes, Perugia and strain criteria showed high discriminatory power in the diagnosis of LVH between men and women in the three groups with LVH, with a superior performance in the male population and highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. Conclusion: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores.

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BACKGROUND: Several factors are known to interfere with electrocardiogram (ECG) sensitivity when diagnosing Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), with gender and cardiac mass being two of the most important ones OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of gender on the sensitivity of some of the criteria used to detect LVH, according to the progression of ventricular hypertrophy degree. METHODS: According to gender and the degree of LVH at the echocardiogram, the patients were divided in three groups: mild, moderate and severe LVH. ECG sensitivity to detect LVH was assessed between men and women, according to the LVH degree. RESULTS: Of the 874 patients, 265 were males (30.3%) and 609, females (69.7%). The [(S + R) X QRS], Sokolow-Lyon, Romhilt-Estes, Perugia and strain criteria showed high discriminatory power in the diagnosis of LVH between men and women in the three groups with LVH, with a superior performance in the male population and highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. Conclusion: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic sensitivity of the ECG increases with the cardiac mass. The examination is more sensitive in men, highlighting the importance of the [(S + R) X QRS] and Perugia scores.

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As the average human lifespan is increasing worldwide, ischemic stroke became one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity, particularly in emerging countries. Significant decrease in the rates of first and recurrent stroke using statins has been established in large clinical trials and in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Interestingly, observational studies reported that cholesterol levels were only weakly associated with ischemic stroke, suggesting that other potential mechanisms for vascular protection should be implicated. Indeed, beyond lipid changes, some properties of these drugs, related to inflammation, hemostasis, endothelial function, plaque stabilization, and more recently, to the mobilization of endothelial cells, have been proposed. In addition, recent meta-analysis also revealed that statins decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Taken together, all these benefits can contribute for stroke prevention by statins.

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AIM: Based on evidence that ionizing radiation can ameliorate chronic and autoimmune diseases in patients and experimental animals, we investigated the effects of radiation on the induction and development of experimental atherogenesis. METHODS: Male New Zealand rabbits were divided into 5 groups and given an atherogenic diet for 90 days. Peritoneal and thoracic areas (9 Gy) were irradiated on the 1st and 45th days for groups 1 and 2, the 45th day for groups 3 and 4, and not at all for group 5. Prior to irradiation, the peritoneal cavity of animals from groups 1 and 3 was washed with buffered saline. Cells collected by peritoneal washing were reinfused into the peritoneal cavity of the same animal after irradiation. Animals from groups 2 and 4 were intraperitoneally injected with saline as a control. RESULTS: Despite similar lipid profiles among the experimental groups, the percentage of aortas covered by plaques was remarkably reduced (p<0.001) among animals submitted to irradiation (groups 2 and 4). These differences were completely abolished in irradiated animals reconstituted with their own peritoneal cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings point to an important role of resident inflammatory peritoneal cells in experimental atherogenesis.

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BACKGROUND: Oxidized lipoproteins and antibodies anti-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (anti-oxLDL) have been detected in human plasma and in atherosclerotic lesions. However, the role of these autoantibodies in the maintenance of vascular health or in the pathogenesis of acute vascular insults remains unclear. We examined the relationship of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-oxLDL antibodies with cardiovascular disease risk markers in stable subjects and in patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: Titers of human anti-oxLDL antibodies were measured in hypertensive subjects in primary prevention (n=94), without other risk factors, and in individuals after a recent ACS event who also had metabolic syndrome (n=116). Autoantibodies against copper ion oxidized LDL were measured by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Anti-oxLDL titers were higher in hypertensive patients and these subjects presented lower high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) than those with ACS (p<0.0001). We found significant correlations between anti-oxLDL and hs-CRP (r=-0.284), body mass index (r=-0.256), waist circumference (r=-0.368), apolipoprotein B (r=-0.191), glucose (r=-0.303), systolic blood pressure (r=0.319), diastolic blood pressure (r=0.167), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=0.224) and apolipoprotein A1 (r=0.257) (p<0.02 for all). After multiple linear regression hs-CRP, fasting glucose and waist circumference remained independently and inversely associated with anti-oxLDL. CONCLUSIONS: Acute inflammatory and metabolic conditions decrease titers of human antibodies of IgG class against oxidized LDL, and that circulating anti-oxLDL antibodies could be associated with a protective role in atherosclerosis.

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