Complete Revascularization Versus Treatment of the Culprit Artery Only in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Multicenter Registry.

Background: Data on the management and prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease are limited in Brazil, showing that the available revascularization strategies should be investigated.

Objective: To assess the outcomes of complete revascularization versus treatment of the culprit artery only in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at two medical centers in southern Brazil with a 1-year follow-up after the index procedure.

Inter-observer variation of Syntax score among cardiac surgeons, clinical and interventional cardiologists.

Background: Despite the complexity of SYNTAX score (SS), guidelines recommend this tool to help choosing between coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with left main of three-vessel coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to compare the inter-observer variation in SS performed by clinical cardiologists (CC), interventional cardiologists (IC), and cardiac surgeons (CS).

Methods: Seven coronary angiographies from patients with left main and/or three-vessel disease chosen by a heart team were analyzed by 10 CC, 10 IC and 10 CS.

Telemedicine-supported transition of stable coronary artery disease patients from tertiary to primary health care facilities: protocol for a randomized non-inferiority trial.

Background: Many Brazilian patients with complex diseases who are treated in tertiary referral clinics have been stable for long periods. The main needs of these patients involve monitoring of risk factors and review of drug prescriptions, which could be satisfactorily done in primary care facilities. The goal of this protocol is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of telemedicine services to support the transition of patients with stable chronic coronary artery disease from the tertiary to the primary level of care.

Relationship between vascular endothelium and periodontal disease in atherosclerotic lesions: Review article.

Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease. Recent studies suggest that periodontal infection and the ensuing increase in the levels of inflammatory markers may be associated with myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease. The present article aimed at reviewing contemporary data on the pathophysiology of vascular endothelium and its association with periodontitis in the scenario of cardiovascular disease.

Clinical use of ultrasensitive cardiac troponin I assay in intermediate- and high-risk surgery patients.

Background: Cardiac troponin levels have been reported to add value in the detection of cardiovascular complications in noncardiac surgery. A sensitive cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assay could provide more accurate prognostic information.

Methods: This study prospectively enrolled 142 patients with at least one Revised Cardiac Risk Index risk factor who underwent noncardiac surgery.

The effect of periodontal therapy on C-reactive protein, endothelial function, lipids and proinflammatory biomarkers in patients with stable coronary artery disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Scarce information exists regarding the preventive effect of periodontal treatment in the recurrence of cardiovascular events. Prevention may be achieved by targeting risk factors for recurrent coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with previous history of cardiovascular events. The aim of this trial is to compare the effect of two periodontal treatment approaches on levels of C-reactive protein, lipids, flow-mediated dilation and serum concentrations of proinflammatory and endothelial markers in stable CAD patients with periodontitis over a period of 12 months.

Prognostic value of perioperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in noncardiac surgery.

Background: Preoperative NT-proBNP has been shown to predict adverse cardiac outcomes, although recent studies suggested that postoperative NT-proBNP determination could provide additional information in patients submitted to noncardiac surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic value of perioperative NT-proBNP in intermediate and high risk cardiovascular patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Methods: This study prospectively enrolled 145 patients aged ≥ 45 years, with at least one Revised Cardiac Risk Index risk factor and submitted to intermediate or high risk noncardiac surgery.

Interleukin-18: an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome after 6 months of follow-up.

Background: Interleukin-18 (IL-18), a proinflammatory cytokine, has been associated with atherogenesis and plaque rupture in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Recent studies suggest that IL-18 may have a long-term prognostic value. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between IL-18 levels and major adverse cardiovascular events within 6 months of follow-up in post-ACS patients.

[Cardiovascular prevention in diabetic patients: an evidenced-based review].

Diabetes mellitus is a condition associated with cardiac complications, especially artherothrombotic disease. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of reducing cardiovascular burden on this population by adopting prevention strategies. This article revised clinical evidences on cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention actions, taking into consideration major recommendations in the field.