An assessment of neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio in patients suspected of acute coronary syndrome.

Background: Leukocytes total count is an independent risk marker for cardiovascular events. The ratio between neutrophils and lymphocytes (N/L) count has been investigated as a new predictor for cardiovascular risk, although its diagnostic role when assessing patients suspected of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) condition is not yet known.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic power of N/L ratio in patients who have been admitted at a Chest Pain Unit (CPU) with the suspicion of ACS.

Myocardial infarction associated with the use of a dietary supplement rich in ephedrine in a young athlete.

Dietary supplements containing ephedrine and other alkaloids related to ephedrine are largely consumed in various countries, with the purpose of energetic stimulation and weight loss. Despite the fact that it is not approved for marketing in Brazil, these products may be freely purchased over the Internet or at gyms/fitness centers. We report the case of a young athlete with no risk factors for cardiovascular disease who experienced a myocardial infarction during the period in which he used an ephedrine-rich supplement.