Association between Morning Surge and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Obese Hypertensive Patients

BACKGROUND

Weight gain can trigger mechanisms that increase blood pressure. Nevertheless, obesity causes structural changes in the myocardium, including increased ventricular mass, atrial dilatation, and diastolic and systolic dysfunction. Additionally, blood pressure variations, like morning surge (MS) in obese hypertensive patients may have clinical relevance in cardiovascular events. Although morning blood pressure surge is a physiological phenomenon, excess MS can be considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate MS values and their association with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and nocturnal dipping (ND) in obese and non-obese hypertensive patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study that evaluated BP measurements by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and the presence of LVH by echocardiography in 203 hypertensive outpatients, divided into two groups: 109 non-obese and 94 obese hypertensives patients. The significance level was set at 0.05 in two-tailed tests.

RESULTS

A MS above 20 mmHg by ABPM was detected in 59.2% of patients in the non-obese group and 40.6% in the obese group. LVH was found in 18.1% and 39.3% of patients in the non-obese and obese groups, respectively, p<0.001. In the "obese group", it was observed that a MS>16 mmHg was associated with LVH, [prevalence ratio: 2.80; 95%CI (1.12-6.98), p=0.03]. For the non-obese group, the cut-off point of MS for this association was >22 mmHg.

CONCLUSION

High MS was positively associated with LVH, with a particular behavior in the hypertensive obese group.

Pharmacoinvasive Strategy in Elderly Up to 75 Years or Non-Elderly: Analysis of Biochemical and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters

BACKGROUND

Pharmacoinvasive strategy is an alternative when primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not feasible.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of early pharmacoinvasive strategy on the infarct size and left ventricular ejection fraction in elderly and non-elderly patients. The role of inflammatory markers was also examined.

METHODS

Patients (n=223) with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were prospectively included and submitted to pharmacological thrombolysis in the first six hours, and underwent coronary angiogram and PCI when necessary, in the first 24 hours. Blood samples were collected in the first day (D1) and after 30 days (D30). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) was performed at D30. Significance was set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

Elderly and non-elderly patients showed similar percentage of infarcted mass (13.7 [6.9-17.0] vs. 14.0 [7.3-26.0], respectively, p=0.13) (median [interquartile range]). However, elderly patients had better left ventricular ejection fraction (53 [45-62] vs. 49 [39-58], p=0.025). Titers of interleukin (IL)1beta, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 did not differ between D1 and D30, but elderly patients had higher titers for IL-18 at D1 and D30. Absolute numbers of B and T lymphocytes were similar in both groups at D1 and D30, but elderly patients had higher neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio at D30. Multivariate linear regression analysis of cMRI outcomes in the whole population showed that the independent predictors were not different between elderly and non-elderly patients.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacoinvasive strategy in elderly patients was associated with small differences in inflammatory parameters, similar infarct size and better left ventricular function than non-elderly patients.

Pharmaco-invasive Strategy in Myocardial Infarction: Descriptive Analysis, Presentation of Ischemic Symptoms and Mortality Predictors

BACKGROUND

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is defined by symptoms accompanied by typical electrocardiogram changes. However, the characterization of ischemic symptoms is unclear, especially in subgroups such as women and the elderly.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the typification of ischemic symptoms, temporal metrics and observe the occurrence of in-hospital outcomes, in the analysis of predictive scores, in patients with STEMI, in a drug-invasive strategy.

METHODS

Study involving 2,290 patients. Types of predefined clinical presentations: typical pain, atypical pain, dyspnea, syncope. We measured the time between the onset of symptoms and demand for care and the interval between arrival at the medical unit and thrombolysis. Odds-ratios (OR; CI-95%) were estimated in a regression model. ROC curves were constructed for mortality predictors. The adopted significance level (alpha) was 5%.

RESULTS

Women had a high prevalence of atypical symptoms; longer time between the onset of symptoms and seeking care; delay between arrival at the emergency room and fibrinolysis. Hospital mortality was 5.6%. Risk prediction by Killip-Kimball classification: AUC: [0.77 (0.73-0.81)] in class ≥II. Subgroups studied [OR (CI-95%)]: women [2.06 (1.42-2.99); p=0.01]; chronic renal failure [3.39 (2.13-5.42); p<0.001]; elderly [2.09 (1.37-3.19) p<0.001]; diabetics [1.55 (1.04-2.29); p=0.02]; obese 1.56 [(1.01-2.40); p=0.04]: previous stroke [2.01 (1.02-3.96); p=0.04] correlated with higher mortality rates.

CONCLUSION

Despite higher mortality rates in some subgroups, significant disparity persists in women, with delays in symptom recognition and prompt thrombolysis. We highlight the applicability of the Killip-Kimball score in prediction, regardless of the clinical presentation.

Accuracy of Post-thrombolysis ST-segment Reduction as an Adequate Reperfusion Predictor in the Pharmaco-Invasive Approach

Fundamento

A intervenção coronária percutânea primária é considerada o “padrão-ouro” para reperfusão coronária. Entretanto, quando não disponível, a estratégia fármaco-invasiva é método alternativo, e o eletrocardiograma (ECG) tem sido utilizado para identificar sucesso na reperfusão.

Objetivos

Nosso estudo teve como objetivo examinar alterações no segmento-ST pós-lise e seu poder de prever a recanalização, usando os escores angiográficos TIMI e blush miocárdio (MBG) como critério de reperfusão ideal.

Métodos

Foram estudados 2.215 pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com supra-ST submetidos à fibrinólise [(Tenecteplase)-TNK] e encaminhados para angiografia coronária em até 24 h pós-fibrinólise ou imediatamente encaminhados à terapia de resgate. O ECG foi realizado pré-TNK e 60 min-pós. Os pacientes foram categorizados em dois grupos: aqueles com reperfusão ideal (TIMI-3 e MBG-3) e aqueles com reperfusão inadequada (fluxo TIMI <3). Foi definido o critério de reperfusão do ECG pela redução do segmento ST >50%. Consideramos p-valor <0,05 para as análises, com testes bicaudais.

Resultados

O critério de reperfusão pelo ECG apresentou valor preditivo positivo de 56%; valor preditivo negativo de 66%; sensibilidade de 79%; e especificidade de 40%. Houve fraca correlação positiva entre a redução do segmento-ST e os dados angiográficos de reperfusão ideal (r = 0,21; p <0,001) e baixa precisão diagnóstica, com AUC de 0,60 (IC-95%; 0,57-0,62).

Conclusão

Em nossos resultados, a redução do segmento-ST não conseguiu identificar com precisão os pacientes com reperfusão angiográfica apropriada. Portanto, mesmo pacientes com reperfusão aparentemente bem-sucedida devem ser encaminhados à angiografia brevemente, a fim de garantir fluxo coronário macro e microvascular adequados.

Performance of the Electrocardiogram in the Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Older and Very Older Hypertensive Patients

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an important cardiovascular risk factor, regardless of arterial hypertension. Despite the evolution of imaging tests, the electrocardiogram (ECG) is still the most used in the initial evaluation, however, with low sensitivity.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of the main electrocardiographic criteria for LVH in elderly and very elderly hypertensive individuals.

METHODS

In a cohort of hypertensive patients, ECGs and doppler echocardiographies (ECHO) were performed and separated into three age groups: <60 years, Group I; 60-79 years Group II; and ≥80 years, Group III. The most used electrocardiographic criteria were applied for the diagnosis of LVH: Perugia; Pegaro-Lo Presti; Gubner-Ungerleider; Narita; (Rm+Sm) x duration; Cornell voltage; Cornell voltage duration; Sokolow-Lyon voltage; R of aVL ≥11 mm; RaVL duration. In evaluating the performance of these criteria, in addition to sensitivity (Sen) and specificity (Esp), the "Diagnostic Odds Ratios" (DOR) were analyzed. We considered p-value <0.05 for the analyses, with two-tailed tests.

RESULTS

In 2,458 patients, LVH was present by ECHO in 781 (31.7%). In Groups I and II, the best performances were for the criteria of Narita, Perugia, (Rm+Sm) x duration, with no statistical differences between them. In Group III (very elderly) the Perugia criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration had the best performances: Perugia [44,7/89.3; (Sen/Esp)] and (Rm+Sm) duration [39.4%/91.3%; (Sen/Esp), p<0.05)], with the best PAIN results:6.8. This suggests that in this very elderly population, these criteria have greater discriminatory power to separate patients with LVH.

CONCLUSION

In very elderly hypertensive patients, the Perugia electrocardiographic criteria and (Rm+Sm) x duration showed the best diagnostic performance for LVH.

Association of Body Composition with Arterial Stiffness in Long-lived People

Fundamento

Pouco se conhece sobre a relação entre sarcopenia e hemodinâmica central em idosos longevos.

Objetivo

Estudar a relação da rigidez arterial com a composição corporal em idosos longevos.

Métodos

A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio da absortometria de Raio X de dupla energia (DEXA) e dos parâmetros de circulação central (PCC) obtidos por método oscilométrico não invasivo, com o Mobil-O-Graph 24h PWA Monitor®. Os parâmetros centrais avaliados foram: velocidade da onda de pulso (VOP), augmentation index (AIx), índice de amplificação da pressão de pulso (iAPP) e pressão de pulso central (PPc). Estes foram correlacionados com massa magra total (MM) e apendicular (MA), percentual de gordura corporal e índice de Baumgartner (IB). Aceitou-se nível de significância de 5%.

Resultados

Participaram 124 longevos, com idade média de 87,1 anos (DP±4,3 anos), sendo 74,2% mulheres e 57,3% brancos. Houve correlação inversa do AIx com as variáveis MM (r = - 0,391, p < 0,001), MA (r= -0,378, p< 0,001) e IB (r = -0,258, p 0,004). A PPc apresentou associação inversa com MM (r= -0,268, p =0,003), MA (r=-0,288, p= 0,001) e IB (r= -0,265, p = 0,003). Houve relação direta apenas entre AIx e percentual de gordura corporal (r= 0,197, p= 0,029).

Conclusão

Em idosos longevos, o percentual de gordura corporal se associa diretamente com a rigidez arterial e tem associação inversa com a quantidade de MM. Esses achados podem estar associados ao maior risco cardiovascular.

[Duchenne muscular dystrophy: electrocardiographic analysis of 131 patients]

BACKGROUND

Cardiac involvement is known to occur in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The electrocardiogram (ECG) shows some typical changes in DMD, which makes it a useful test for the diagnosis of cardiac lesion in this disease.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the electrocardiographic changes in patients with DMD and to correlate these changes with the age of the population studied.

METHODS

ECG of 131 patients diagnosed with DMD were examined. Several electrocardiographic variables were analyzed, and the patients were divided into two groups - one with and one without changes, for each variable studied. The correlation between the two groups and the age of the patients was analyzed. Garson's criteria were used to establish the electrocardiographic parameters of normality.

RESULTS

ECG was abnormal in 78.6% of the patients. All showed normal sinus rhythm. The following percentages were found for the main variables studied: short PR interval = 18.3%; abnormal R waves in V1 = 29.7%; abnormal Q waves in V6 = 21.3%; abnormal ventricular repolarization = 54.9%; abnormal QS waves in inferior and/or upper lateral wall = 37.4%; conduction disturbances in right bundle branch = 55.7%; prolonged QT C interval = 35.8%, and wide QRS = 23.6%. Unpaired t test was used to establish the correlation between age and the electrocardiographic variables studied in the two groups. Statistically significant differences were found only for the abnormal repolarization variable.

CONCLUSION

Electrocardiographic abnormalities are common in DMD, revealing early cardiac involvement. Only the abnormal ventricular repolarization variable was more frequent, however at a lower age range (p < 0.05).

Electrocardiographic changes by accidental hypothermia in an urban and a tropical region

BACKGROUND

Hypothermia is defined as a condition in which core temperature (rectal, esophageal, or tympanic) reaches values below 35 degrees C. This may be accidental, metabolic, or therapeutic. The accidental form is frequent in cold-climate countries and rare in those with tropical or subtropical climate. The aim of this study was to evaluate electrocardiographic changes of patients with accidental hypothermia.

METHODS

In 59 patients with hypothermia, the following electrocardiogram parameters were analyzed: rhythm and heart rate (HR), P-wave characteristics, PR-interval duration, QRS-complex duration, presence of J wave and its location characteristics, polarity, voltage, aspect and its correlation with the degree of hypothermia, changes in T wave regarding its polarity and characteristics, duration of the QT interval corrected for HR using both Bazett and Friderica formulas, and possible presence of both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias were independently and blindly analyzed in the tracings by experienced cardiologists.

RESULTS

In 6 patients, electrocardiogram was normal. Sinus bradycardia was observed in 52.5% of the patients. J wave was present in 51 patients, and its voltage correlated inversely and was statistically significantly with the core temperature. Changes in T wave were observed in 47.4% of the cases. QT interval, adjusted for HR, was prolonged in 72.8% of the cases. Idioventricular rhythm was found in 6 cases, total atrioventricular block in 3 cases, and junctional rhythm and atrial fibrillation in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Electrocardiogram changes in accidental hypothermia are frequent and characteristic for this entity improving diagnosis in usually unconscious patients, and in many cases, it may be the diagnostic clue in patients with conscience deficit in emergency units, even in patients from a tropical climate where the population at risk may be exposed to temperatures below 20 degrees C.

Effects of 24-h shift work in the emergency room on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring values of medical residents

BACKGROUND

Medical residency is marked by long work hours and shift work. The acute effects of these factors on the blood pressure (BP) of medical residents have not been adequately evaluated.

METHODS

A total of 61 medical residents underwent to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) during a 24-h shift work in the emergency room (ER) and during a common working day.

RESULTS

Both mean 24-h systolic and diastolic BP (DBP) and mean diastolic BP readings during sleep were higher during the 24-h shift work in the ER than during common working day (117 v 113 mm Hg, P < .05; 73 v 69 mm Hg, P < .05; and 61 v 58 mm Hg, P < .05, respectively). Abnormally high mean BP readings were more frequent during the 24-h shift work in the ER than in common working day (19 v 8, P < .05). Pressure load, nocturnal BP fall and pulse pressure values were similar in these two different working situations.

CONCLUSION

Working in the ER on a 24-h shift leads to abnormal BP behavior in medical residents, thus suggesting that this type of work may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.