Systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia in relation to body mass index: evaluation of a Brazilian population

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia in a Brazilian population in relation to body mass index. METHOD: Retrospective evaluation of 1213 adults (mean age: 45.2 ± 12.8; 80.6% females) divided into groups according to body mass index [normal (18.5 - 24.4 kg/m²); overweight (25 - 29.9 kg/m²); grade 1 obesity (30 - 34.9 kg/m²); grade 2 obesity (35 - 39.9 kg/m²), and grade 3 obesity (> 40 kg/m²)]. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia were analyzed in each group. The severity of cardiovascular risk was determined. High-risk patients were considered those reporting 2 or more of the following factors: systemic hypertension, HDL < 35 mg/dL, total cholesterol > 240 mg/dL, triglycerides > 200 mg/dL when HDL < 35 mg/dL, and glycemia > 126 mg/dL. Moderate-risk patients were those reporting 2 or more of the following factors: systemic hypertension, HDL < 45, triglycerides > 200 mg/dL, and total cholesterol > 200 mg/dL. RESULTS: The prevalence of systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-cholesterol levels increased along with weight, but the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia did not. The odds ratio adjusted for gender and age, according to grade of obesity compared with patients with normal weight were respectively 5.9, 8.6, and 14.8 for systemic hypertension, 3.8, 5.8, and 9.2 for diabetes mellitus and 1.2, 1.3, and 2.6 for hypertriglyceridemia. We also verified that body mass index was positively related to cardiovascular high risk (P < .001) CONCLUSION: In our population, cardiovascular risk increased along with body mass index.

Hypertension in employees of a University General Hospital

PURPOSE: To find out the prevalence of hypertension in employees of the Hospital and relate it to social demographic variables. METHODS: Blood pressure measurement was performed with a mercury sphygmomanometer, using an appropriate cuff size for arm circumference, weight, and height in a population sample of 864 individuals out of the 9,905 employees of a University General Hospital stratified by gender, age, and job position. RESULTS: Hypertension prevalence was 26% (62% of these reported being aware of their hypertension and 38% were unaware but had systolic/diastolic blood pressures of >140 and/or >90 mm Hg at the moment of the measurement). Of those who were aware of having hypertension, 51% were found to be hypertensive at the moment of the measurement. The prevalence was found to be 17%, 23%, and 29% (P <.05) in physicians, nursing staff, and "others", respectively. The univariate analysis showed a significant odds ratio for the male gender, age >50 years, work unit being the Institute of Radiology and the Administration Building, educational level 10 years, and body mass index >30 kg/m². The multivariate logistic regression model revealed a statistically significant association of hypertension with the following variables: gender, age, skin color, family income, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension prevalence was high, mainly in those who were not physicians or members of the nursing staff. High-risk groups (obese, non-white, men, low family income) should be better advised of prevention and early diagnosis of hypertension by means of special programs.

Prevalência e fatores associados à sintomatologia depressiva em idosos residentes no Nordeste do Brasil

OBJETIVO: Analisar a influência de fatores sociodemográficos, de saúde física, capacidade funcional e função cognitiva sobre a sintomatologia depressiva de idosos do município de Santa Cruz, no Rio Grande do Norte. MÉTODOS: Estudo com delineamento transversal de base populacional, incluindo 310 idosos, acima de 60 anos, residentes na zona urbana da cidade, nos quais se aplicou a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS-15).Aanálise estatística foi realizada com nível de significância p = 0,05, com cálculo da respectiva odds ratio (OR) na regressão logística binária. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se uma prevalência de 25,5% de sujeitos considerados casos de depressão, nos quais, a partir de análise multivariada, verificou-se associação significativa com idade acima de 75 anos (p = 0,046), analfabetismo (p = 0,037), má percepção de saúde (p < 0,001) e dependência para atividades instrumentais da vida diária (AIVD) (p = 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: As variáveis idade acima de 75 anos, analfabetismo, má percepção de saúde e dependência para AIVD estiveram associadas de forma independente à presença de sintomatologia depressiva nos idosos da nossa população. Os autores discutem que a identificação de fatores que influenciam o surgimento de sintomas depressivos em idosos constitui passo fundamental para o planejamento das ações que visem reduzir os efeitos dessa enfermidade na qualidade de vida dessas pessoas.

Associação entre depressão, níveis de dor e falta de apoio social em pacientes internados em enfermarias de clínica médica

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre depressão, níveis de dor e falta de apoio social em pacientes clínicos internados. MÉTODOS: Em um estudo transversal, 1.147 adultos admitidos nas enfermarias de clínica médica de um hospital universitário foram selecionados por randomização e avaliados durante a primeira semana de internação. Foram utilizados: Subescala Cognitivo-afetiva do Inventário Beck de Depressão (BDI-13), Índice Charlson de Comorbidade Física e escalas numéricas para avaliar dor e percepção de gravidade física. Foram considerados deprimidos os pacientes que pontuaram acima de 10 no BDI-13. Investigou-se apoio social por meio da pergunta direta: "Com quantos parentes ou amigos você se sente à vontade e pode falar sobre tudo ou quase tudo?". Foram considerados como tendo falta de apoio social os pacientes que relataram ter menos que quatro parentes ou amigos confidentes. Foram utilizados os testes T de Student, Qui-quadrado e Regressão Logística. RESULTADOS: Dos 1.147 pacientes, 25,3% apresentavam depressão. Escolaridade [odds ratio (OR): 0,96; intervalo de confiança (IC): 0,89-0,96; p < 0,001], renda familiar (OR: 0,92; IC: 0,86-0,99; p = 0,018), maior intensidade de dor (OR: 1,04; IC: 1,00-1,08; p = 0,036), falta de apoio social (OR: 2,02; IC: 1,49-2,72; p < 0,001) e percepção de maior gravidade física (OR: 1,07; IC: 1,02-1,13; p = 0,008) se associaram independentemente à depressão. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes clínicos deprimidos relatam mais falta de apoio social e dor, mesmo após controlar para variáveis confundidoras sociodemográficas e clínicas.

Por que a letalidade hospitalar do infarto agudo do miocárdio é maior nas mulheres?

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência da idade, da gravidade da doença e das intervenções terapêuticas na maior letalidade hospitalar do infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) em mulheres. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, envolvendo 388 pacientes com IAM (50 óbitos). Foram avaliadas, como possíveis explicações para a associação entre sexo e letalidade hospitalar do IAM, as variáveis: idade (<60 vs > ou = 60 anos), duração de sintomas, classe de Killip, tipo de IAM (com ou sem ondas Q), comorbidades, história de acidente vascular cerebral e intervenções terapêuticas para o IAM (ácido acetil-salicílico, betabloqueadores e agentes trombolíticos). Modelos de regressão logística foram usados para avaliar a influência de potenciais variáveis confundidoras na associação entre sexo e letalidade hospitalar do IAM. RESULTADOS: A letalidade hospitalar do IAM foi mais alta em mulheres (19,5% vs 9,4%) do que em homens (odds ratio (OR)= 2,34; IC 95%= 1,12-4,47). Embora as mulheres fossem significantemente (p<0,01) mais idosas, a associação entre sexo e morte reduziu-se em apenas 15% após ajuste para idade (OR= 1,99; IC 95 %= 1,07-3,67). Esta associação tornou-se mais fraca ao se considerar a gravidade da doença na admissão (OR= 1,84; IC 95%= 0,90-3,74) e intervenções terapêuticas para o IAM (OR= 1,50; IC= 0,67-3,38). CONCLUSÃO: Diferenças de idade não podem explicar completamente a maior letalidade do IAM em mulheres. A gravidade da doença na admissão e diferenças de abordagem terapêutica devem desempenhar importante papel na maior letalidade hospitalar do IAM em mulheres.

Difference in the in-hospital mortality of unstable angina pectoris between men and women

PURPOSE: To assess differences in the in-hospital mortality (HM) rate between men and women with unstable angina pectoris (UA) according to age, depression of the ST segment, history of previous acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and risk factors for coronary heart disease. METHODS: From October 96 to March 98, 261 patients with UA were selected. Logistic regression models were developed to adjust the association between sex and HM for possible influence of covariables, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and familial history of early coronary heart disease. RESULTS: HM due to UA was approximately three times higher in women (9.3%; 12/129) than in men (3.0%; 4/132) accounting for a relative risk of 3.07; 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.02-9.27. In logistic regression models, the association between sex and death was not significantly altered when the following parameters were considered: age, depression of the ST segment, history of previous AMI and risk factors for coronary heart disease. The nonadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the distinct covariables were 3.28 (CI 95%=1.03-10.45) and 3.14 (CI = 95% = 0.88-11.20), respectively. CONCLUSION: Similarly to AMI, HM in UA is higher in women than in men. Age, risk factors for coronary heart disease, and depression of the ST segment in the electrocardiogram on patients' admission to the hospital did not significantly influence the association between sex and death.

Myocardial revascularization with coronary endarterectomy. Stratification of risk factors for early mortality

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for mortality related to myocardial revascularization when performed in association with coronary endarterectomy. METHODS: We assessed retrospectively 353 patients who underwent 373 coronary endarterectomies between January '89 and November '98, representing 3.73% of the myocardial revascularizations in this period of time. The arteries involved were as follows: right coronary artery in 218 patients (58.45%); left anterior descending in 102 patients (27.35%); circumflex artery in 39 patients (10.46%); and diagonal artery in 14 patients (3.74%). We used 320 (85.79%) venous grafts and 53 (14.21%) arterial grafts. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality among our patients was 9.3% as compared with 5.7% in patients with myocardial revascularizations without endarterectomy (p=0.003). Cause of death was related to acute myocardial infarction in 18 (54.55%) patients. The most significant risk factors for mortality identified were as follows: diabetes mellitus (p=0.001; odds ratio =7.168), left main disease (<0.001; 9.283), female sex (0.01; 3.111), acute myocardial infarction (0.02; 3.546), ejection fraction <35% (<0.001; 5.89), and previous myocardial revascularization (<0.001; 4.295). CONCLUSION: Coronary endarterectomy is related to higher mortality, and the risk factors involved are important elements of a poor outcome.

Bundle branch and atrioventricular block as complications of acute myocardial infarction in the thrombolytic era

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence of intraventricular and atrioventricular conduction defects associated with acute myocardial infarction and the degree of in hospital mortality resulting from this condition during the era of thrombolytic therapy. METHODS: Observational study of a cohort of 929 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction. Multivariate analysis by logistic regression. Was used. RESULTS: Logistic regression showed a greater incidence of bundle branch block in male sex (odds ratio = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.02-3.42), age over 70 years (odds ratio = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.68-5.00), anterior localization of the infarction (odds ratio = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.03-3.65). There was a greater incidence of complete atrioventricular block in inferior infarcts (odds ratio = 2.59, 95% CI 1.30-5.18) and the presence of cardiogenic shock (odds ratio = 3.90, 95% CI = 1.43-10.65). Use of a thrombolytic agent was associated with a tendency toward a lower occurrence of bundle branch block (odds ratio = 0.68) and a greater occurrence of complete atrioventricular block (odds ratio = 1.44). The presence of bundle branch block (odds ratio = 2.45 95% , CI = 1.14-5.28) and of complete atrioventricular block (odds ratio = 13.59, 95% CI = 5.43-33.98) was associated with a high and independent probability of inhospital death. CONCLUSION: During the current era of thrombolytic therapy and in this population, intraventricular disturbances of electrical conduction and complete atrioventricular block were associated with a high and independent risk of inhospital death during acute myocardial infarction.

Effectiveness of primary angioplasty in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. Analysis of in-hospital and late outcomes in 135 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate early and late evolution of patients submitted to primary coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: A prospective study of 135 patients with acute myocardial infarction submitted to primary transcutaneous coronary angioplasty (PTCA). Success was defined as TIMI 3 flow and residual lesion <50%. We performed statistical analyses by univariated, multivariated methods and survival analyze by Kaplan-Meier. RESULTS: PTCA success rate was 78% and early mortality 18,5%. Killip classes III and IV was associated to higher mortality, odds ratio 22.9 (95% CI: 5,7 to 91,8) and inversely related to age <75 years (OR = 0,93; 95% CI: 0.88 to 0.98). If we had chosen success flow as TIMI 2 and had excluded patients in Killip III/IV classes, success rate would be 86% and mortality 8%. The survival probability at the end or study, follow-up time 142 ± 114 days, was 80% and event free survival 35%. Greater survival was associated to stenting (OR = 0.09; 0.01 to 0.75) and univessel disease (OR = 0.21; 0.07 to 0.61). CONCLUSION: The success rate was lower and mortality was higher than randomized trials, however similar to that of non randomized studies. This demonstrated the efficacy of primary PTCA in our local conditions.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring of patients with heart failure: a new prognosis marker

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between 24-hour ambulatory arterial blood pressure monitoring and the prognosis of patients with advanced congestive heart failure. METHODS: We studied 38 patients with NYHA functional class IV congestive heart failure, and analyzed left ventricular ejection fraction, diastolic diameter, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data. RESULTS: Twelve deaths occurred. Left ventricular ejection fraction (35.2±7.3%) and diastolic diameter (72.2±7.8mm) were not correlated with the survival. The mean 24-hour (SBP24), waking (SBPw), and sleeping (SBPs) systolic pressures of the living patients were higher than those of the deceased patients and were significant for predicting survival. Patients with mean SBP24, SBPv, and SBPs > or = 105mmHg had longer survival (p=0.002, p=0.01 and p=0.0007, respectively). Patients with diastolic blood pressure sleep decrements (dip) and patients with mean blood pressure dip <=6mmHg had longer survival (p=0.04 and p=0.01, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, SBPs was the only variable with an odds ratio of 7.61 (CI: 1.56; 3704) (p=0.01). Patients with mean SBP<105mmHg were 7.6 times more likely to die than those with SBP > or = 105 mmHg CONCLUSION: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring appears to be a useful method for evaluating patients with congestive heart failure.

Primary coronary angioplasty in 9,434 patients during acute myocardial infarction: predictors of major in- hospital adverse events from 1996 to 2000 in Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To verify the results after the performance of primary coronary angioplasty in Brazil in the last 4 years. METHODS: During the first 24 hours of acute myocardial infarction onset, 9,434 (12.2%) patients underwent primary PTCA. We analyzed the success and occurrence of major in-hospital events, comparing them over the 4-year period. RESULTS: Primary PTCA use increased compared with that of all percutaneous interventions (1996=10.6% vs. 2000=13.1%; p<0.001). Coronary stent implantation increased (1996=20% vs. 2000=71.9%; p<0.001). Success was greater (1998=89.5% vs. 1999=92.5%; p<0.001). Reinfarction decreased (1998=3.9% vs. 99=2.4% vs. 2000=1.5%; p<0.001) as did emergency bypass surgery (1996=0.5% vs. 2000=0.2%; p=0.01). In-hospital deaths remained unchanged (1996=5.7% vs. 2000=5.1%, p=0.53). Balloon PTCA was one of the independent predictors of a higher rate of unsuccessful procedures (odds ratio 12.01 [CI=95%] 1.58-22.94), and stent implantation of lower mortality rates (odds ratio 4.62 [CI=95%] 3.19-6.08). CONCLUSION: The success rate has become progressively higher with a significant reduction in reinfarction and urgent bypass surgery, but in-hospital death remains nearly unchanged. Coronary stenting was a predictor of a lower death rate, and balloon PTCA was associated with greater procedural failure.

Socioeconomic aspects of spousal concordance for hypertension, obesity, and smoking in a community of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to evaluate the environmental role in the distribution of hypertension, obesity, and smoking and spousal concordance for the presence/absence of these 3 cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a community in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The households were randomly selected. Odds ratios were estimated to measure spousal concordance, across socioeconomic levels.. RESULTS: Overall a significant aggregation of all 3 risk factors was present. The crude odds ratio for hypertension was 1.78 (95%CI=1.02-3.08); for obesity, it was 1.80 (95%CI=1.09-2.96); and for smoking, it was 3.40 (95% CI=2.07-5.61). The spousal concordance for hypertension decreased significantly (p<0.001) from the lower to the higher educational level. In the case of obesity and smoking, the opposite was observed, although p-values for the linear trend were 0.10 and 0.08, respectively. CONCLUSION: In lower socioeconomic levels, couples are more concordant for hypertension and discordant for smoking. For hypertension and smoking, education seems to be a discriminant stronger than income, but for obesity the 2 socioeconomic indicators seem to represent different aspects of the environmental determinants of risk factor distribution.

Predictive factors of complications after coronary stent implantation

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictive factors of complications after implantation of coronary stents in a consecutive cohort study. METHODS: Clinical and angiographic characteristics related to the procedure were analyzed, and the incidence of major cardiovascular complications (myocardial infarction, urgent surgery, new angioplasty, death) in the in-hospital phase were recorded. Data were stored in an Access database and analyzed by using the SPSS 6.0 statistical program and a stepwise backwards multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: One thousand eighteen (mean age of 61±11 years, 29% females) patients underwent 1,070 stent implantations. The rate of angiographic success was 96.8%, the rate of clinical success was 91%, and the incidence of major cardiovascular complications was 7.9%. The variables independently associated with major cardiovascular complications, with their respective odds ratio (OR) were: rescue stent, OR = 5.1 (2.7-9.6); filamentary stent, OR = 4.5 (2.2-9.1); first-generation tubular stent, OR = 2.4 (1.2-4.6); multiple stents, OR = 3 (1.6-5.6); complexity of the lesion, OR = 2.4 (1.1-5.1); thrombus, OR = 2 (1.1-3.5). CONCLUSION: The results stress the importance of angiographic variables and techniques in the risk of complications and draw attention to the influence of the stent's design on the result of the procedure.

Raça e lesão de órgãos-alvo da hipertensão arterial em pacientes atendidos em um ambulatório universitário de referência na cidade de Salvador

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a raça do paciente estaria associada à presença de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda, acidente vascular cerebral e insuficiência renal crônica em hipertensos atendidos em ambulatório de referência em Salvador-BA. MÉTODOS: Analisados dados de 622 pacientes com o primeiro atendimento em ambulatório de hipertensão, entre 1982 e 1986, e identificados os com história prévia ou seqüela de acidente vascular cerebral, hipertrofia ventricular esquerda ou insuficiência renal (creatinina sérica > 1,4 mg/dL). Modelos de regressão logística foram utilizados para estimar odds ratio (OR) da associação entre raça (mulatos ou negros vs brancos) e lesão de órgãos-alvo de hipertensão, ajustadas para sexo e idade. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos pacientes foi 53,8±14,3 anos, 74,1% mulheres. Quanto à raça, 15,1% eram brancos, 65,9% mulatos e 19,0% negros. Acidente vascular cerebral foi significantemente mais freqüente em negros ou mulatos do que em brancos (odds ratio ajustada (ORa)=3,44; intervalo de confiança (IC) 95%=1,23-9,67). Quanto às associações envolvendo raça com os eventos hipertrofia ventricular esquerda e insuficiência renal as ORa não foram estatisticamente significantes, mas foram consistentes com maior prevalência de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda e insuficiência renal em negros e mulatos. CONCLUSÃO: Negros e mulatos hipertensos têm maior risco de lesão de órgão alvo do que brancos, com diferença racial maior para acidente vascular cerebral não fatal. Deve ser avaliada se diferenças raciais em mortalidade relacionada a complicações da hipertensão influenciam as associações observadas entre raça e lesão de órgãos-alvo.

Complicações da hipertensão arterial em homens e mulheres atendidos em um ambulatório de referência

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se o sexo se associa à hipertrofia ventricular esquerda, ao acidente vascular cerebral e à insuficiência renal em hipertensos atendidos em ambulatório de referência. MÉTODOS: Dados de 622 hipertensos, admitidos com diagnóstico de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda baseado no eletrocardiograma, de insuficiência renal, na creatinina > 1,4 mg/dl, e de acidente vascular cerebral em história pregressa e exame físico. Regressão logística foi utilizada para estimar odds ratio da associação entre sexo e lesão de órgãos-alvo da hipertensão, ajustadas para raça, idade e sua duração. RESULTADOS: A média das idades foi 48,4±13,8 anos, 74,1% eram mulheres, 84,9% mulatos ou negros. Quase a metade dos homens e mais de 40% das mulheres apresentavam pelo menos um evento definido com lesão órgão-alvo. Insuficiência renal foi maior nos homens, OR ajustada (ORa) = 2,73; (p=0,002). Nos pacientes brancos, a freqüência de acidente vascular cerebral foi significantemente (p=0,017) maior nos homens (4/33) do que nas mulheres (0/56) e, na análise para idade > 49 anos, a prevalência de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda foi significantemente maior em homens, ORa = 1,99; (p=0,024). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos sugerem maior prevalência de insuficiência renal em homens do que em mulheres, de acidente vascular cerebral em homens brancos do que em mulheres brancas, e de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda em homens do que em mulheres com idade > 49 anos.