Background: Among patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome, those with previous coronary artery bypass grafting are a particular subset. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of previous... more
Background: Among patients presenting with an acute coronary syndrome, those with previous coronary artery bypass grafting are a particular subset. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of previous coronary artery bypass grafting in acute coronary syndrome patients and to identify the current trends in their clinical management. Methods: We performed a cohort analysis of patients prospectively enrolled in the Portuguese Registry of acute coronary syndrome between 2010–2019 with known previous coronary artery bypass grafting status. The co-primary endpoints were in-hospital and one-year mortality. Results: A total of 19,334 (962 coronary artery bypass grafting and 18,372 non-coronary artery bypass grafting) and 9402 (479 coronary artery bypass grafting and 8923 non-coronary artery bypass grafting) patients were included in the analyses of in-hospital and mid-term outcomes, respectively. Coronary artery bypass grafting patients were older and had a h...
Research Interests:
Background. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), even though SCD may occur with LVEF > 35%. Family history of unexplained SCD,... more
Background. Sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has been based on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), even though SCD may occur with LVEF > 35%. Family history of unexplained SCD, especially in the young, raises concern about potential inheritable risk factors. It remains largely unknown how genetic tests can be integrated into clinical practice, particularly in the selection of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) candidates. We aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of genetic testing in DCM patients with a class I recommendation for ICD implantation, based on current guidelines. Methods. We included ambulatory stable adult patients with idiopathic or familial DCM with previously implanted ICD. Molecular analysis included 15 genes (LMNA, MYH7, MYBPC3, TNNT2, ACTC1, TPM1, CSRP3, TCAP, SGCD, PLN, MYL2, MYL3, TNNI3, TAZ, and LDB3) using next-generation sequencing. Results. We evaluated 21 patients, 12 (57%) males and 9 (43%) ...
Background: Patients with mid-range ejection fraction (40–49%) are in focus due to the newly defined entity of heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction. Acute coronary syndromes are a major aetiology for heart failure with mid-range... more
Background: Patients with mid-range ejection fraction (40–49%) are in focus due to the newly defined entity of heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction. Acute coronary syndromes are a major aetiology for heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction. We aim to evaluate which therapeutic decisions are associated with inhospital survival benefit in post-acute coronary syndrome patients categorised according to the ejection fraction. Methods and results: The authors analysed a cohort of a multicentre national registry enrolling acute coronary syndrome patients between 2010 and 2016, classified according to their ejection fraction before hospital discharge. Patients with previously known heart failure or with no ejection fraction evaluation were excluded. A total of 9429 patients were included and categorised in three groups: (a) ejection fraction of 50% or greater ( n=6113, 65%); (b) ejection fraction of 40–49% ( n=1926, 20%); and (c) ejection fraction less than 40% ( n=1390, 15...
Research Interests:
A low-risk GRACE score identifies patients with a lower incidence of major cardiac events, however it can erroneously classify patients with severe coronary artery disease as low-risk. We assessed the prevalence, clinical outcomes and... more
A low-risk GRACE score identifies patients with a lower incidence of major cardiac events, however it can erroneously classify patients with severe coronary artery disease as low-risk. We assessed the prevalence, clinical outcomes and predictors of left main and/or three-vessel disease (LM/3VD) in non-ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients with a GRACE score of ≤108 at admission. Using data from the Portuguese Registry on Acute Coronary Syndromes, 1196 patients with NSTEMI and a GRACE score of ≤108 who underwent coronary angiography were studied. Independent predictors of LM/3VD and its impact on in-hospital complications and one-year mortality were retrospectively analyzed. LM/3VD was present in 18.2% of patients. Its prevalence was higher in males and associated with hypertension, diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, heart failure and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Although there were no differences in in-hospital complications, these patients had higher mortality (0.9 vs. 0.0%) and more major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (4.1 vs. 2.5%, p=0.172), and higher one-year mortality (2.4 vs. 0.5%, p=0.005). Independent predictors of LM/3VD were age (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.0, p=0.003), male gender (OR 2.56; 95% CI 1.56-4.17, p<0.001), heart rate (1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03, p<0.001), PAD (OR 3.21; 95% CI 1.47-7.00, p<0.001) and heart failure (OR 3.38; 95% CI 1.02-11.15, p=0.046). LM/3VD was found in one in five patients. These patients had a tendency for higher in-hospital mortality and more MACCE, and higher one-year mortality. Simple clinical variables could help predict this severe coronary anatomy.
In adults, unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy is usually due to sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Fabry disease (FD) is rare but may mimic sarcomeric HCM, and has an adverse prognosis in the absence of specific... more
In adults, unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy is usually due to sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Fabry disease (FD) is rare but may mimic sarcomeric HCM, and has an adverse prognosis in the absence of specific treatment. We aimed to assess cardiologists' awareness of FD based on data from the Portuguese Registry of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. A total of 811 index patients, aged 55 ± 16 years, 486 (59.9%) male, were included. Three groups were characterized: A - 128 patients, 74 (57.8%) male, with pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutation(s) in sarcomeric genes; B - 234 patients, 146 (62.4%) male, with negative genetic testing; and C - 449 patients, 266 (59.2%) male, no genetic testing performed. The groups were compared in terms of whether FD was excluded in the registry. Potential red flags for FD were also analyzed and compared between groups. Patients in group A were younger and more frequently had familial HCM (A - 53.9% vs. B - 20.1% vs. C - 18.3%; p <...
We report the results of the Portuguese Registry of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, an initiative that reflects the current spectrum of cardiology centers throughout the territory of Portugal. A direct invitation to participate was sent to... more
We report the results of the Portuguese Registry of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, an initiative that reflects the current spectrum of cardiology centers throughout the territory of Portugal. A direct invitation to participate was sent to cardiology departments. Baseline and outcome data were collected. A total of 29 centers participated and 1042 patients were recruited. Four centers recruited 49% of the patients, of whom 59% were male, and mean age at diagnosis was 53±16 years. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) was identified as familial in 33%. The major reason for diagnosis was symptoms (53%). HCM was obstructive in 35% of cases and genetic testing was performed in 51%. Invasive septal reduction therapy was offered to 8% (23% of obstructive patients). Most patients (84%) had an estimated five-year risk of sudden death of <6%. Thirteen percent received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. After a median follow-up of 3.3 years (interquartile range [P25-P75] 1.3-6.5 years), 3...
Research Interests:
Despite the known protective cardiovascular effect of aspirin, former studies identified its prior exposure to an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as an independent risk factor for adverse events. However, those studies did not reflect... more
Despite the known protective cardiovascular effect of aspirin, former studies identified its prior exposure to an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) as an independent risk factor for adverse events. However, those studies did not reflect contemporary approaches. In the current study, we determine whether patients exposed to aspirin before an ACS have a worse cardiovascular risk profile and if it predicts higher risk of recurrent cardiovascular events or mortality. A cohort of patients enrolled in a national registry of ACS was analyzed according to prior exposure to aspirin. A propensity score standardized patients according to baseline comorbidities. Multivariable COX regression analysis was performed in unmatched and matched populations for a primary endpoint (composite of all-cause mortality and/or cardiovascular rehospitalization) and two secondary endpoints (all-cause mortality and cardiovascular rehospitalization, separately) at 1-year follow-up. Among 5533 ACS patients, 1763 were ...
Research Interests:
To compare patients without previously diagnosed cardiovascular risk factors) and patients with one or more risk factors admitted with acute coronary syndrome. This was a retrospective analysis of patients admitted with first episode of... more
To compare patients without previously diagnosed cardiovascular risk factors) and patients with one or more risk factors admitted with acute coronary syndrome. This was a retrospective analysis of patients admitted with first episode of acute coronary syndrome without previous heart disease, who were included in a national acute coronary syndrome registry. The patients were divided according to the number of risk factors, as follows: 0 risk factor (G0), 1 or 2 risk factors (G1 - 2) and 3 or more risk factors (G ≥ 3). Comparative analysis was performed between the three groups, and independent predictors of cardiac arrest and death were studied. A total of 5,518 patients were studied, of which 72.2% were male and the mean age was 64 ± 14 years. G0 had a greater incidence of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, with the left anterior descending artery being the most frequently involved vessel, and a lower prevalence of multivessel disease. Even though G0 had a lower Killip clas...
Research Interests:
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is currently considered the gold-standard treatment of acute coronary syndromes with ST-segment elevation (STEMI). However, this is not the reality of many European centers, where thrombolysis is... more
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is currently considered the gold-standard treatment of acute coronary syndromes with ST-segment elevation (STEMI). However, this is not the reality of many European centers, where thrombolysis is performed as primary therapy. To determine, in a STEMI population that performed successful fibrinolytic treatment, if the performance of coronary angiography after the first 24h was associated with more hospital complications, including higher mortality, compared with its performance in the recommended time. Retrospective study, including 1065 patients with STEMI, who performed successful thrombolysis. The population was divided in three groups: A, patients who didn&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;t undergo coronary angiography after successful thrombolysis (n=278; 26.1%); B, patients who underwent coronary angiography in the first 24h after successful thrombolysis (n=127; 11.9%); and C, patients who underwent angiography after the first 24h (n=660; 62.0%). Groups were compared regarding their characteristics and in-hospital complications. Groups B and C had more male patients and had younger patients than group A. Group A presented higher Killip classes at admission, more severe left ventricle dysfunction and a higher number of complications during hospitalization. Logistic regression revealed that: 1) the non-performance of coronary angiography after thrombolysis was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality; and 2) the performance of angiography after the recommended time wasn&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;t associated with higher mortality. Coronary angiography after thrombolysis constitutes an important strategy, whose non-performance carries worse prognosis. The time interval currently recommended of 24h seems clinically acceptable; however, its realization outside the recommended time doesn&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;t seem to lead to higher mortality.
Research Interests:
VIEWING ONLY POSTERS1323Evaluation of right ventricular transverse strain and strain rate in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: a cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking study1333Cardiac resynchronization in ischemic heart failure patients: a comparison between th...more
Introduction: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a constellation of risk factors of metabolic origin that is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several regional studies have been... more
Introduction: The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a constellation of risk factors of metabolic origin that is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several regional studies have been conducted to determine its prevalence, but they are insufficient to determine the situation nationally or to characterize overall cardiovascular risk in Portugal. Objective: To determine the prevalence of MS and each of its components in adult primary health care users in Portugal. Methods: The VALSIM Study, involving 719 general practitioners (GPs), was performed in a primary care setting, based on stratified distribution and proportional to the population density of each region of mainland Portugal and the islands of Madeira and the Azores. The first two adult patients scheduled for an appointment on a given day were invited to participate, irrespective of the reason for the consultation. After informed consent was obtained, a questionnaire on sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data was completed by the GP. A previous diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke or DM was identified by the GP based on medical records. A diagnosis of MS was defined according to the NCEP ATP III criteria. Logistic regression multivariate analysis was used to assess the risk of MS according to age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and region of residence for each gender, and to determine the association of CAD, stroke and DM with gender, age, BMI, WC, blood pressure and previous diagnosis of hypertension (HT), fasting glucose and previous diagnosis of DM. Results: The study included 16,856 individuals (mean age 58.1+/-15.1 years, 18-96 years; 61.62% women). The prevalence of MS adjusted for gender, age and size of region was 27.5% and showed regional variations, being highest in the Alentejo (30.99%) and lowest in the Algarve (24.42%). MS was more common among women and increased with age, BMI and WC. Independent protective factors were residence in the Algarve (odds ratio [OR]: 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.92 p=0.002) or in Lisbon and Tagus Valley (OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.77-0.91, p<0.001), while residence in the Northern (OR: 1.11; 95% CI 1.01-1.21, p=0.03) or Central regions (OR: 1.08; 95% CI 1.002-1.16, p=0.045) was an independent risk factor after correction for gender and age. MS was linked to increased prevalence of HT (OR: 3.88; 95% CI 3.61-4.18, p<0.001), and high blood pressure was the most frequent MS component, particularly in men (93.7%). MS was the most powerful factor associated with a diagnosis of DM, particularly in women (OR 7.23; 95% CI 6.22-8.40, p<0.001). Although there was a strong association between MS and CAD (OR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.01-1.34, p=0.043), the most potent risk factor associated with CVD was HT. Conclusions: The prevalence of MS in Portugal is high (27.5%) and is strongly linked to the occurrence of CVD, and in particular to DM. These results highlight the need to implement preventive strategies for reducing overall cardiovascular risk in the Portuguese population.
Research Interests:
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a pathological phenomenon with a negative impact on outcomes in different clinical scenarios. Its mechanism in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is not completely understood, and measures to prevent it are not... more
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a pathological phenomenon with a negative impact on outcomes in different clinical scenarios. Its mechanism in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is not completely understood, and measures to prevent it are not uniform. We set out to study the incidence, clinical relevance, predictors and possible implications for patient management of AKI in ACS. Using data from a multicenter national registry on ACS, we retrospectively analyzed predictors of AKI and its impact on outcomes (in-hospital complications and one-year mortality). All ACS types were included. AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of ≥0.3 mg/dl (≥26.4 μmol/l) and/or by ≥1.5 times baseline. A total of 7808 ACS patients were included in the analysis, 1369 (17.5%) of whom developed AKI. AKI was shown to be an independent predictor of in-hospital major bleeding (odds ratio [OR] 2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-3.64; p=0.01), mortality (OR 4.72; 95% CI 2.94-7.56; p<0.001) and one-y...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Abstracts1575Extracellular volume associates with outcomes more strongly than native or post-contrast myocardial T11507Cardiac Magnetic Resonance measured Extracellular Volume Independently Predicts Adverse Outcome in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction1457Cardiac MRI Under Percussive ...more
This prospective cohort study compared obstetric, perinatal and postpartum outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic (n = 228) versus (vs.) dichorionic (n = 598) twin pregnancies. Statistical analysis was performed using software SPSS®... more
This prospective cohort study compared obstetric, perinatal and postpartum outcomes of monochorionic diamniotic (n = 228) versus (vs.) dichorionic (n = 598) twin pregnancies. Statistical analysis was performed using software SPSS® v19.0.0.2. Chi square, Fischer's exact, Student's t and Mann-Withney tests were applied. Obstetrical complications rates were 85.5% vs. 75.1% (p < 0.01). Differences were found in preterm premature rupture of membranes (26.3% vs. 19.3%, p < 0.05) and intrauterine growth restriction (19.7% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.01). Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) occurred in 7.9% of monochorionic pregnancies. Vaginal delivery occurred in 47.4% vs. 43.1%. Monochorionic pregnancies had earlier gestational ages at delivery and subsequently lower birthweights (p < 0.01). There was no difference in Apgar scores. Admission rate of at least one of the newborns in intensive care unit (NICU) was 50% vs. 38.9% (p < 0.05). Postpartum complications were simi...
Research Interests:
The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a constellation of risk factors of metabolic origin that is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several regional studies have been conducted to... more
The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a constellation of risk factors of metabolic origin that is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several regional studies have been conducted to determine its prevalence, but they are insufficient to determine the situation nationally or to characterize overall cardiovascular risk in Portugal. To determine the prevalence of MS and each of its components in adult primary health care users in Portugal. The VALSIM Study, involving 719 general practitioners (GPs), was performed in a primary care setting, based on stratified distribution and proportional to the population density of each region of mainland Portugal and the islands of Madeira and the Azores. The first two adult patients scheduled for an appointment on a given day were invited to participate, irrespective of the reason for the consultation. After informed consent was obtained, a questionnaire on sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data was completed by the GP. A previous diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke or DM was identified by the GP based on medical records. A diagnosis of MS was defined according to the NCEP ATP III criteria. Logistic regression multivariate analysis was used to assess the risk of MS according to age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and region of residence for each gender, and to determine the association of CAD, stroke and DM with gender, age, BMI, WC, blood pressure and previous diagnosis of hypertension (HT), fasting glucose and previous diagnosis of DM. The study included 16,856 individuals (mean age 58.1+/-15.1 years, 18-96 years; 61.62% women). The prevalence of MS adjusted for gender, age and size of region was 27.5% and showed regional variations, being highest in the Alentejo (30.99%) and lowest in the Algarve (24.42%). MS was more common among women and increased with age, BMI and WC. Independent protective factors were residence in the Algarve (odds ratio [OR]: 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.92 p=0.002) or in Lisbon and Tagus Valley (OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.77-0.91, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), while residence in the Northern (OR: 1.11; 95% CI 1.01-1.21, p=0.03) or Central regions (OR: 1.08; 95% CI 1.002-1.16, p=0.045) was an independent risk factor after correction for gender and age. MS was linked to increased prevalence of HT (OR: 3.88; 95% CI 3.61-4.18, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001), and high blood pressure was the most frequent MS component, particularly in men (93.7%). MS was the most powerful factor associated with a diagnosis of DM, particularly in women (OR 7.23; 95% CI 6.22-8.40, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001). Although there was a strong association between MS and CAD (OR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.01-1.34, p=0.043), the most potent risk factor associated with CVD was HT. The prevalence of MS in Portugal is high (27.5%) and is strongly linked to the occurrence of CVD, and in particular to DM. These results highlight the need to implement preventive strategies for reducing overall cardiovascular risk in the Portuguese population.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
To assess the prevalence, treatment and control of diabetes mellitus (DM) in primary health care users, to characterize associated cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and effectiveness of their treatment, and to estimate the clinical impact... more
To assess the prevalence, treatment and control of diabetes mellitus (DM) in primary health care users, to characterize associated cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and effectiveness of their treatment, and to estimate the clinical impact of DM on the occurrence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke. The VALSIM Study was performed in a primary care setting and involved 719 general practitioners (GPs), based on stratified distribution and proportional to the population density of each region of mainland Portugal and the islands of Madeira and the Azores. A questionnaire on sociodemographic and clinical data (previous diagnosis of DM, CAD or stroke, antidiabetic and antihypertensive medication and statins) and laboratory tests (lipids and HbA1C) was applied by participating GPs to the first two adult patients scheduled for an appointment on a given day, and blood pressure (BP) was measured. DM was defined as fasting glucose of > or = 126 mg/dl or use of antidiabetic agents. Th...
Research Interests:
To compare definitions of metabolic syndrome (MS) in relation to their association with coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke. We performed a cross-sectional study in a primary care setting, involving 719 general practitioners and... more
To compare definitions of metabolic syndrome (MS) in relation to their association with coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke. We performed a cross-sectional study in a primary care setting, involving 719 general practitioners and based on stratified distribution proportional to the population density. The first two adult patients scheduled for an appointment on a given day were invited to participate, irrespective of the reason for the consultation. A questionnaire was applied to record sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data. A diagnosis of MS was defined according to NCEP-ATP III 2001, NCEP-ATP III 2004, IDF and AHA/NHLBI criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk of CAD and stroke according to gender, age, body mass index, waist circumference, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, hypertension, diabetes and MS according to each definition. The study included 16,856 individuals (age 58.1 +/- 15.1 years). The prevalence of MS adjusted for g...
Research Interests: General Practice, Anthropometry, Comparative Study, Finland, Cholesterol, and 15 moreFemale, Body Mass Index, Clinical Sciences, Aged, Definitions, Adult, Coronary heart disease, Analysis of Variance, Disease Progression, Coronary Artery Disease, Cross Sectional Studies, Epidemiologic Studies, Cohort Studies, health status indicators, and Cardiovascular medicine and haematology
Research Interests:
Quality standards, and subsequently benchmarking, based on patient outcome data are a rational means of assessing the quality of health care. However, variation in patients' baseline clinical risk precludes direct comparison of... more
Quality standards, and subsequently benchmarking, based on patient outcome data are a rational means of assessing the quality of health care. However, variation in patients' baseline clinical risk precludes direct comparison of outcomes across operators, institutions and health care plans. In the years since the advent of interventional cardiology, there has been an enormous increase in the volume of activity and number of operators and centers performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), together with considerable developments in the techniques, materials and adjunctive therapy associated with PCI. PCI outcomes depend on various factors, particularly patient characteristics and disease severity. The use of risk adjustment models to quantify differences in patient outcomes in interventional cardiology has been shown to provide a reliable and balanced comparison of performance and to lead to improvements in quality and safety in this area. The aim of this study was to dev...
Research Interests:
The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a constellation of risk factors of metabolic origin that is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several regional studies have been conducted to... more
The metabolic syndrome (MS) is a constellation of risk factors of metabolic origin that is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several regional studies have been conducted to determine its prevalence, but they are insufficient to determine the situation nationally or to characterize overall cardiovascular risk in Portugal. To determine the prevalence of MS and each of its components in adult primary health care users in Portugal. The VALSIM Study, involving 719 general practitioners (GPs), was performed in a primary care setting, based on stratified distribution and proportional to the population density of each region of mainland Portugal and the islands of Madeira and the Azores. The first two adult patients scheduled for an appointment on a given day were invited to participate, irrespective of the reason for the consultation. After informed consent was obtained, a questionnaire on sociodemographic, clinical and labora...
Research Interests:
Patients with serious mental illness have increased cardiovascular risk factors and excess mortality from cardiovascular disease that are in part favored by adverse effects of treatment. Given the wide geographical variation of vascular... more
Patients with serious mental illness have increased cardiovascular risk factors and excess mortality from cardiovascular disease that are in part favored by adverse effects of treatment. Given the wide geographical variation of vascular atherosclerotic disease there is a recognized need for national studies. The prevalence of risk factors and estimated absolute and relative cardiovascular risk by means of SCORE risk charts were ascertained in 125 schizophrenia outpatients and 1721 age- and gender-matched primary care center users. Patients with schizophrenia have a very high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Higher values were observed for smoking (65.0%), clinical or laboratory dyslipidemia (59.1% and 52.0%), careless diet (78.4%), sedentary lifestyle (64.2%), overweight or obesity (64.2%) and abdominal obesity (50.9%). Lower values were observed for hypertension (25.0%), metabolic syndrome (21.9%), diabetes (9.6%) and alcohol abuse (4.0%). An association risk factor expos...
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests: General Practice, Anthropometry, Comparative Study, Finland, Cholesterol, and 15 moreFemale, Body Mass Index, Clinical Sciences, Aged, Definitions, Adult, Coronary heart disease, Analysis of Variance, Disease Progression, Coronary Artery Disease, Cross Sectional Studies, Epidemiologic Studies, Cohort Studies, health status indicators, and Cardiovascular medicine and haematology
Research Interests: Portugal, Humans, Hemodynamics, Female, Male, and 13 morePropensity Score, Risk factors, Registries, Aged, Middle Aged, Coronary Angiography, Myocardial Infarction, Public health systems and services research, Risk Factors, Coronary Artery Disease, The American, High risk, and Cardiovascular medicine and haematology
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
To evaluate the influence of metabolic syndrome in the effectiveness of antihypertensive treatment and to compare it using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) (2001 and 2004), International... more
To evaluate the influence of metabolic syndrome in the effectiveness of antihypertensive treatment and to compare it using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) (2001 and 2004), International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (AHA-NHLBI) definitions. The VALSIM (Estudo de Prevalência da Síndrome Metabólica) survey was designed as an observational cross-sectional study performed in a primary healthcare setting in Portugal. The first two adult patients scheduled for an appointment on a given day were invited to participate. The treatment effectiveness was evaluated by the occurrence of uncontrolled hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) in patients taking antihypertensive drugs. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between uncontrolled hypertension and metabolic risk factors, with adjustments for age, sex, and pattern of antihypertensive treatment. Among the 16,856 individuals evaluated, 8925-treated hypertensive patients were identified. Only 35.8% of them had controlled hypertension. The risk of poor blood pressure control increased with age, waist circumference, serum levels of triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol. Among treatable risk factors, metabolic syndrome as defined by NCEP-ATP III 2001 diagnostic criteria was the strongest independent predictor of uncontrolled hypertension (odds ratio: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.08-1.41; P=0.002). In opposition, the IDF or AHA-NHLBI definitions of metabolic syndrome failed to identify patients at risk of poor blood pressure control. Metabolic syndrome is associated with lower effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy and the NCEP-ATP III 2001 definition of metabolic syndrome is the one that better identifies patients at risk of poor blood pressure control.
Research Interests: Cardiology, Obesity, Adolescent, Humans, Hypertension, and 15 moreBlood Pressure, Female, Body Composition, Male, Clinical Sciences, Aged, Middle Aged, Outpatients, Adult, Odds ratio, Age Factors, Cross Sectional Studies, Metabolic Syndrome X, Antihypertensive agents, and Cardiovascular medicine and haematology
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
To assess the prevalence, treatment and control of diabetes mellitus (DM) in primary health care users, to characterize associated cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and effectiveness of their treatment, and to estimate the clinical impact... more
To assess the prevalence, treatment and control of diabetes mellitus (DM) in primary health care users, to characterize associated cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and effectiveness of their treatment, and to estimate the clinical impact of DM on the occurrence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke. The VALSIM Study was performed in a primary care setting and involved 719 general practitioners (GPs), based on stratified distribution and proportional to the population density of each region of mainland Portugal and the islands of Madeira and the Azores. A questionnaire on sociodemographic and clinical data (previous diagnosis of DM, CAD or stroke, antidiabetic and antihypertensive medication and statins) and laboratory tests (lipids and HbA1C) was applied by participating GPs to the first two adult patients scheduled for an appointment on a given day, and blood pressure (BP) was measured. DM was defined as fasting glucose of &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 126 mg/dl or use of antidiabetic agents. The study included 16,856 individuals (mean age 58.1 +/- 15.1 years; 61.6% women), of whom 3215 were identified as diabetic. The prevalence of DM adjusted for gender and age in primary health care users was 14.9%, higher in men (M: 16.8%; F: 13.2%), and increased with age. Among the diabetic population, 90.2% were being treated with antidiabetic drugs and 51.7% had HbA1C lower than 7%. Around 91% had high BP (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or = 130/80 mmHg or were taking antihypertensive medication), 39.5% were overweight, 45.1% were obese, 69.3% had abdominal obesity, 71.8% had metabolic syndrome (ATP III criteria), 12% presented CAD and 5% had past history of stroke. The association between these CV risk factors and DM was stronger in women, and the impact of DM on occurrence of CAD and stroke was also higher in women. Among diabetic hypertensives, 78.4% were being treated with antihypertensive drugs, but only 9.3% had BP &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 130/80 mmHg (M: 9.5%; F: 9.1%). Of diabetic patients with CAD, 94.2% were taking antihypertensive medication, but only 9.8% had controlled BP (M: 13.7%; F: 6.1%). Although 59% of the diabetic population were being treated with statins, only 6.7% had total cholesterol &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 200 mg/dl, triglycerides &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 150 mg/dl and HDL-cholesterol &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 60 mg/dl. Of diabetic patients with CAD, 76.5% were being treated with statins, but only 29.4% had total cholesterol &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 175 mg/dl (M: 34.2%; F: 24.1%). The management of DM in a primary care setting in Portugal can and should be improved, since 9.8% of patients are not treated and 48.3% are not controlled. DM has a considerable clinical impact due to its strong association with CAD and stroke. The risk of stroke and CAD is much higher in diabetic women, due firstly to a stronger association of DM with other risk factors in women, and secondly to less aggressive treatment.