Heart Disease In Brazil Research Articles

Temporal Trends of Age-Adjusted Mortality Rates for Rheumatic Heart Disease in Brazil From 2000 to 2021.

Background Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a chronic cardiovascular condition stemming from an infectious origin, posing a substantial health burden, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions. It starts with acute rheumatic fever (ARF), a complication following group A Streptococcus infection, leading to heart valve damage and, over time, structural heart abnormalities. RHD contributes to premature deaths, especially in low-middle-income countries. Although the incidence and prevalence have generally reduced globally due to antibiotics and improved healthcare, it remains a significant public health concern in Brazil, echoing its prevalence in many developing nations around the world. RHD stands as a poignant testament to the intersection of socio-economic disparities and healthcare challenges within Brazil's diverse population. In Brazil, despite advancements in healthcare, RHD continues to impact communities, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced prevention strategies, access to quality healthcare services, and heightened awareness to combat this preventable, yet persistent, cardiac condition. Understanding the epidemiological landscape and socio-cultural factors influencing RHD in Brazil is crucial for developing targeted interventions aimed at mitigating its burden on individuals, families, and the healthcare system at large. Thus, our study focuses on analyzing age-related mortality rates linked to ARF and chronic RHD (ARHD) in Brazil from 2000 to 2021, particularly examining gender disparities. Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study employed a descriptive time-series approach, utilizing comprehensive nationwide data from Brazil spanning from 2000 to 2021 to assess trends in diverse age groups, among both sexes, enabling a detailed analysis of temporal patterns. Mortality data, extracted and categorized meticulously, were subjected to Joinpoint statistical analyses enabling comparative assessments, with average annual percent change (AAPC) and annual percent change (APC) serving as key metrics to quantify and interpret trends over the analyzed period. Results The acute RHD (ARHD)-related mortality declined over the analyzed years supported by AAPC, with higher mortality reduction in females. The age-adjusted mortality rate for "males and females" decreased from 78 to 67 deaths/100,000 from 2000 to 2021. Female mortality dropped from 85 to 69/100,000, and male mortality decreased from 73 to 63/100,000 over the same period. For ARHD, male age groups (20-29, 60-69, 70-79, 80+) showed declining mortality, while the 30-59 age group exhibited an upward. Females AAMR for chronic RHD (CRHD) decreased across all age groups, with significant reductions in the 80 years and above age group from 2000-2002 (APC: -11.94*) and steadily from 2002 onwards (APC: -1.33). Conclusions Our study revealed an overall decline in mortality rates for both acute and CRHD across both sexes. Females consistently exhibited higher mortality rates and a more pronounced reduction compared to males in both acute and CRHD. In ARHD, males experience the highest mortality in the 50-59 age group, while females have a peak in the 40-49 age group. The 60-69 age group had the highest mortality in CRHD for both sexes. Conversely, the 20-29 age group displayed the lowest mortality in CRHD, and the 80-89 age group had the lowest mortality in ARHD.

Rheumatic heart disease in Brazil: ten years of epidemiological analysis in the child population

Rheumatic heart disease in Brazil: ten years of epidemiological analysis in the child population

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, content validation, and clinical feasibility of the nutritional pathway for infants with congenital heart disease before surgery

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to translate and validate the Nutritional Pathway for Infants with Congenital Heart Disease before Surgery British nutritional protocol into Brazilian Portuguese and test its clinical feasibility for specialized clinicians in Brazilian hospitals. MethodThe translation and validation process followed strict methodological standards over the following steps: 1) initial translation; 2) synthesis; 3) back-translation; 4) expert committee content validation, and pre-test clinical feasibility with 30 health professionals. Data were collected through the Research Electronic Data Capture software data system, and then extracted and analyzed through statistical analysis software. ResultsThe culturally adapted version was considered equivalent to the original. In the first round, 82% agreement was achieved, and after consensus, there was 100% agreement among the experts. Regarding the ease of use of the protocol in clinical practice, the instrument obtained a minimum agreement rate of 93.4% and a 0.92 content validity index. ConclusionsThe results indicate that the instrument adapted to Brazilian Portuguese has high content validity, and high reliability among the experts, suggesting a high level of accuracy of the instrument and cultural adaptation for Brazilian culture and medical systems. It was easily understandable by health professionals, as well as simple to apply in clinical practice. The Nutritional protocol for preoperative infants with congenital heart disease can reproduce the outcomes found in the pilot of this instrument carried out in the United Kingdom, which may promote better pre-surgical nutritional status for infants with congenital heart disease in Brazil.

Profile of children and adolescents affected by chronic rheumatic heart disease in Brazil

Profile of children and adolescents affected by chronic rheumatic heart disease in Brazil

The burden of ischaemic heart disease in Brazil from 1990 to 2019 and the association between temporal changes and socioeconomic level

Abstract Introduction The burden of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) has declined in several countries, although IHD remains the leading cause of death globally. Brazil is a large country with high inequality in income distribution across different regions. Purpose This study sought to evaluate the burden of IHD in Brazil from 1990 to 2019, as well as the relationship between temporal changes and socioeconomic level of the Federative Units. Methods Estimates of prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to IHD were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. We used databases from the Ministry of Health of Brazil to obtain the number of hospitalisations from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the context of the public service. The Socio-demographic Index (SDI), a composite indicator of income per capita, average educational attainment, and fertility rate in females younger than 25 years, was used as a measure of socioeconomic status. Rates with 95% uncertainty intervals are reported. Results In 2019, the age-standardised prevalence rate of IHD was 1,709 (1,466–1,994) per 100,000 inhabitants. This rate remained stable from 1990 to 2019 (percent change: −1.1 [−2.6–0.5]). The estimate of deaths from IHD in 2019 was 171,246 (156,180–180,511), corresponding to 12% (11%-13%) of total deaths in the country (the leading cause) and 43% of all cardiovascular deaths. In 2019, the age-standardised mortality rate due to IHD was 75 (68–79) per 100,000. The unadjusted mortality rate due to IHD mildly increased from 2005 to 2019, while the age-standardised rate continuously decreased from 1990 to 2019 (cumulative percent change: −53 (−55 to −50, Figure 1). A negative correlation was observed between the change in age-standardised mortality rate from IHD in the period and the 2019 SDI (Figure 2). In 2019, the age-standardised DALY rate due to IHD was 1,563 (1,472–1,636) per 100,000. This DALY rate was equivalent to 5.7% (5.1%-6.3%) of total DALYs, meaning that IHD was the second most common cause of DALYs in Brazil in females and males. From 1990 to 2019, the crude DALY rate per 100,000 remained fairly stable, and the age- standardised DALY rate per 100,000 gradually declined (−50% [−52% to −48%]). There was a negative correlation between the change in age-standardised DALY rate from IHD in the period and the SDI (r2 0.59, p-value <0.01). The number of hospital admissions for ACS remained stable from 2008 to 2019 (33 per 100,000 in 2019). The number of hospitalisations due to AMI increased from 25 per 100,000 in 2008 to 39 per 100,000 in 2019 (percent change: 52%). Conclusions While age-standardised mortality, DALY rates continuously decreased from 1990 to 2019, the burden of IHD in Brazil remains high, probably due to ageing and population growth. Reductions in age-standardised mortality, DALY rates over time tend to be more pronounced in more developed regions. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Mortality rate (per 100,000)Change in mortality rate and SDI

Changes in the pattern of valvular heart disease following the epidemiological transition in Brazil from 1990 to 2019: data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study

Abstract Introduction Valvular heart disease is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular death in Brazil, with a great contribution of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), the most socially driven etiology. However, as socioeconomic conditions improved, an increasing contribution of non-rheumatic valvular heart disease (NRVD) is being observed. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the changes in trends of prevalence, mortality and burden of RHD and non-rheumatic valvular heart disease in Brazil from 1990 to 2019, according to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study estimates. Methods We used available vital registration data, epidemiological survey data, and hospital claims data to estimate the cause-specific mortality rate, prevalence, and burden of RHD and NRVD using the GBD modelling framework. Burden estimates in Brazil were estimated for each sex, 5-year age group, federal unit, and year from 1990 to 2019. We also explored the correlation of disease burden and the sociodemographic index (SDI). Results From 1990 to 2019, age-standardized prevalence of RHD increased slightly (2.1% (95%UI 0.2–4.0)) in Brazil, from 899.6 (95%UI 699.8–1119.1) to 918.5 (95%UI 716–1142.5) per 100,000, remaining higher in women in the whole period. In contrast, age-standardized prevalence of NRVD had a marked 54.3% increase from 25.3 (95% UI 22.4–27.8) per 100,000 in 1990 to 39 (95% UI 33.9–44.6) per 100,000 in 2019. The percent change was considerably higher for men compared to women (105.9% vs. 20.9%). For mortality, age-standardized rates attributable to RHD significantly decreased 59.4%, from 2.8 (95%UI 2.7–3.0) to 1.2 (95%UI 1.1–1.2) per 100,000, whereas NRVD had a less pronounced 16.2% decrease in the period. However, crude NRVD mortality increased (51.9% (95%UI 39.8–62.7)), with a considerable contribution of older ages, noticeably over 70 years (17.2% (95%UI 5.4–27.4)), specifically driven by calcific aortic valve disease mortality, with a marked 17% (95%UI 2.0–38.5) increase in the elderly. RHD dropped from 12th to 10th in the mortality ranking, while aortic and mitral degenerative diseases rose in the period (Figure 1). There was a significant negative correlation between the percent change in age-standardized RHD mortality rates and SDI in 1990 (r=−0.41, p=0.03) and in 2019 (r=−0.44, p=0.02), and an opposite trend for NRVD, with positive correlations in 1990 (r=−0.55, p=0.003), and 2019 (r=−0.58, p=0.001), suggesting that SDI was a major driver for the observed trends. Conclusion Mortality and disease burden attributable to RHD decreased significantly in Brazil over the past decades, still with a stable prevalence trend. This contrasts with increasing prevalence and crude mortality estimates for NRVD, especially in older ages, and driven by degenerative conditions. Changes in mortality rates strongly correlated with SDI, depicting the effects of socioeconomic markers of the pattern of valve disease in Brazil. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): This study used data from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This work was supported by the Brazilian Ministry of Health through resource transfer from the National Health Fund. Figure 1. Ranking of mortality rates.

Hospital Admissions and Mortality in Patients with Rheumatic Heart Disease in Brazil: An Analysis from 2008 to 2018

Introduction: The Rheumatic Fever (RF) is a systemic inflammatory disease, caused by Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, predominating in children and adolescents. The clinical manifestations are varied and included in Jones Criteria for diagnosis. The cardiac manifestations are the most relevant, causing severe sequelae such as valvulitis. The RF is still a major public health problem in developing countries despite its primary prophylaxis being simple and effective if well applied. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate the number of hospital admissions and deaths in Brazil from 2008 to 2018. Methodology: Cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative, documentary study with database provided by the Health Informatics Department of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (DATASUS). Results: In the studied period, a higher prevalence was observed among females (48,232 hospitalizations) and in the adult age group (59,270 hospitalizations and 3972 deaths). The total number of hospitalizations was 83,209 and the total number of deaths was 6572. The total mortality rate was 7.84. The region with the highest number of hospitalizations was the Southeast (22,863 hospitalizations). The total amount spent in hospitalizations was R$879,676,458.63, with an average value per hospitalization of R$ 10,496.21. The average length of stay was 12.7 days. Conclusion: Rheumatic heart disease is an important cause of hospitalizations in Brazil. Measures of early diagnosis and adequate treatment should be strongly stimulated.

Temperature variability and hospitalization for ischaemic heart disease in Brazil: A nationwide case-crossover study during 2000–2015

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested a potential relationship between temperature variability (TV) and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) but the nature and strength differ between studies. We quantify the association between TV and risk of hospitalization for IHD across Brazilian regions and examine how the relationship varies across important population subgroups. MethodsData on hospitalization for IHD and meteorological parameters were collected from 1814 cities during 2000–2015. TV was defined as the standard deviation of daily minimum and maximum temperatures during exposure days. City-specific estimates were quantified using a time-stratified case-crossover approach, and then pooled at the national level using a random-effect meta-analysis. Stratified analyses were performed by region, sex and three age-groups. ResultsThere were 2,864,904 IHD hospitalizations during 2000–2015. The estimate of TV effect was strongest on 0–1 days' exposure: odds ratio was 1.019 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.013–1.025] per 5 °C increase in TV. The relationship was stronger in men [1.025 (95%CI: 1.017–1.033)] than in women [1.011 (95%CI: 1.002–1.019)] and in successively older age groups [1.034 (95%CI: 1.018–1.050)]. Regional differences existed, with the association only apparent in the most ageing parts of Brazil. ConclusionsExposure to TV is associated with increased risk of hospitalization for IHD, particularly in men and in older age groups. Our findings add to the growing evidence regarding the potential impact of climatic factors on important health outcomes.

Self-reported medical diagnosis of heart disease and associated risk factors: National Health Survey.

To analyze the risk factors associated with the self-reported medical diagnosis of heart disease in Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study, analyzing information from 60,202 adult participants of the Brazilian National Health Survey in 2013. Heart disease was defined by self-reported medical diagnosis of heart disease. We analyzed associations between the occurrence of disease and sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions and lifestyle. A hierarchical binary logistic regression model was used. The prevalence of self-reported diagnosis of heart disease in Brazil was 4.2% (confidence interval of 95% [95%CI] 4.0 ‒ 4.3) and was associated with females (odds ratio [OR] = 1.1; 95%CI 1.1 ‒ 1.1), people 65 years old or older (OR = 4.7; 95%CI 3.3 ‒ 5.6), poor or very poor health conditions (OR = 4.1; 95%CI 3.5 ‒ 4.6) and fair health conditions (OR = 2.4; 95%CI 2.2 ‒ 2.7), hypertensive individuals (OR = 2.4; 95%CI 2.2 ‒ 2.7), those with increased cholesterol (OR = 1.6; 95%CI 1.5 ‒ 1.8), overweight individuals (OR = 1.5; 95%CI 1.4 ‒ 1.8) and obese individuals (OR = 2.0; 95%CI 1.7 ‒ 2.2), sedentary behavior (OR = 1.5; 95%CI 1.02 ‒ 2.1), former smokers (OR = 1.4; 95%CI 1.3 ‒ 1.6) or current smokers (OR = 1.2; 95%CI 1.03 ‒ 1.3) and the consumption of fruits and vegetables 5 or more days each week (OR = 1.5; 95%CI 1.1 ‒ 1.5). The importance of knowledge on the prevalence of heart disease and associated risk factors in the present Brazilian epidemiological context must be emphasized because it guides actions to control and prevent cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death in Brazil and worldwide.

Burden of ischemic heart disease mortality attributable to physical inactivity in Brazil.

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVE To analyze if the burden of ischemic heart disease mortality trend attributed to physical inactivity in Brazil differs from the global estimates.METHODS Databases from the Global Burden of Disease Study for Brazil, Brazilian states, and global information were used. We estimated the summary exposure value for physical inactivity, the total number of deaths, and the age-standardized death rates for ischemic heart disease attributed to physical inactivity in the years 1990 and 2015, and the population-attributable fraction. Data were presented according to sex.RESULTS The Brazilian population was found to have a risk of exposure to physical inactivity varying between 70.4% for men and 75.7% for women in the year of 1990. This risk of exposure was similar in 2015. In men, the mortality rate from ischemic heart disease attributed to physical inactivity decreased in 2015 by approximately 24% around the world and 45% in Brazil. For women, this decrease was in 31% around the world and 45% in Brazil. The states of Southern and Southeastern Brazil presented lower mortality rates due to ischemic heart disease attributed to physical inactivity. If physical inactivity were eliminated in Brazil, mortality from ischemic heart disease would be reduced by 15.8% for men and 15.2% for women.CONCLUSIONS Over 25 years, the risk of exposure to physical inactivity in Brazil did not change and was high compared to global estimates. The decrease in ischemic heart disease mortality results from the improvement of health services in Brazil and the control of other risk factors. Approximately 15% of deaths from ischemic heart disease in Brazil could be avoided if people met the recommendations for physical activity.

EXERCISE TOLERANCE, PULMONARY FUNCTION, RESPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE.

ABSTRACTObjective: Despite the high prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in Brazil, the occurrence of functional impairment in children and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate exercise tolerance, respiratory muscle strength, lung function, and quality of life of children and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease. Methods: Cross-sectional study, conducted from August to December 2014 with children and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease aged 8 to 16 years. The participants, after completing the socioeconomic, clinical, and quality of life questionnaires were tested by spirometry, manovacuometry and in a 6-minute walk test. The variables and their reference values were compared using the paired Student’s t-test. Comparisons between predicted and observed walking distance were done also by Student’s t-test, consdiering the categorization of the participants. Correlations between these differences and quantitative variables were assessed by Pearson’s coefficient, being significant p<0.05. Results: All 56 participants had a walked distance lower than predicted (p<0.001). The differences between predicted and observed distances were positively correlated with the baseline heart rate (r=0.3545; p=0.007). Expiratory muscle strength was also lower than the predicted values (p<0,001). Regarding quality of life assessment, the mean scores were 70, 77 and 67% for general, physical, and psychosocial aspects, respectively. Conclusions: Children and adolescents with rheumatic heart disease have reduced exercise tolerance, which is related to their higher baseline heart rate; they also show impaired expiratory strength and quality of life.

PS280 The Impact of Human Development Index on Heart Valvular Surgery Mortality of 42,352 Patients With Rheumatic Heart Disease in Brazil

PS280 The Impact of Human Development Index on Heart Valvular Surgery Mortality of 42,352 Patients With Rheumatic Heart Disease in Brazil

Down syndrome: Prevalence and distribution of congenital heart disease in Brazil.

Down syndrome is the most common genetic disorder, affecting 1/700 live births. Among the clinical findings, one constant concern is the high prevalence of congenital heart disease. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and profile of congenital heart disease among patients attended at a Down syndrome outpatient clinic in southern Brazil between 2005 and 2013. Cross-sectional study conducted in a referral center. Data were retrospectively gathered from the medical files of 1,207 patients with Down syndrome, among whom 604 (50.0%) had been diagnosed with congenital heart disease. These data were subjected to descriptive analysis using the Statistica software. Among the 604 patients with congenital heart disease, 338 (55.8%) were male and 269 (44.5%) were female. The most common heart diseases were atrial septal defect in 254 patients (42.1%); total atrioventricular septal defect in 91 (15.1%); atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect in 88 (14.6%); ventricular septal defect in 77 (12.7%); patent ductus arteriosus in 40 (6.6%); patent foramen ovale in 34 (5.6%) patients; tetralogy of Fallot in 12 (2%); and other diseases in 8 (1.3%). Pulmonary hypertension was present in 57 (9.4%). Out of the total, 150 patients (24.8%) underwent cardiac surgery. The high prevalence of congenital heart disease among the patients at the Down syndrome outpatient clinic (50%) was similar to findings from other studies and justifies investigation during the neonatal period, so as to decrease mortality and morbidity.

The association between mood and anxiety disorders, and coronary heart disease in Brazil: a cross-sectional analysis on the Brazilian longitudinal study of adult health (ELSA-Brasil).

Background: Associations between major depressive disorder (MDD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) have been established, and these associations increase risk of future morbidity and mortality. Prior research has been carried out in high-income countries. Here we examine associations between the mood and anxiety disorders, and CHD in a large cohort at baseline from Brazil, a country facing a variety of challenges that may affect these associations.Methods: Participants included 15,105 civil servants aged 35 to 74 at baseline (2008–2010) from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). CHD (N = 721) included self-reported angina pectoris (n = 305), myocardial infarction (n = 259) and coronary revascularization (n = 239). Hierarchical logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate odds ratios and confidence intervals.Results: Major findings indicate that comorbid MDD and anxiety disorders (n = 434) are associated with a threefold increase in CHD, MDD alone (n = 170) with a twofold increase in CHD, while generalized anxiety disorder alone (n = 1,394) and mixed anxiety and depression disorder (n = 1,844) – symptoms present, but diagnostic threshold not reached – are associated with a 1.5-fold increase in CHD, after full adjustment for covariates.Conclusion: The association with CHD is greatest in those with psychiatric comorbidity, while associations were also observed in MDD and generalized anxiety disorder without comorbidity. While findings are limited by the cross-sectional design of the study, given the known risks associated with comorbidity of the mood and anxiety disorders with CHD, findings reinforce the importance of comprehensive health assessment in Brazil.

The Association between Antidepressant Medications and Coronary Heart Disease in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Analysis on the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brazil).

Background: Recent studies have highlighted associations between use of antidepressant medications and coronary heart disease (CHD). Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) are not recommended in patients with CHD as they may increase morbidity and mortality. However, this class of antidepressants is freely prescribed in public health pharmacies, while access to other classes of antidepressants is restricted in Brazil. Here, we examine the associations between antidepressant use and prevalent CHD in a large cohort from Brazil.Methods: Participants included 14,994 civil servants aged 35–74 years from the baseline assessment of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). CHD (n = 710) included stable angina, myocardial infarction, and coronary revascularization. Univariate (unadjusted) and multivariate (adjusted) logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate odds ratios and confidence intervals.Results: After full adjustment for covariates, TCA use (n = 156) was associated with a twofold increase in prevalent CHD, relative to non-use (n = 14,076). Additional sensitivity analysis revealed a threefold association for myocardial infarction (OR: 2.96, 95% CI: 1.41–6.21) and coronary revascularization (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.28–6.66). There were no significant associations between antidepressant use and stable angina pectoris.Conclusion: Findings highlight a strong association between TCA use and prevalent CHD. While the cross-sectional design is an important limitation of the present study, findings have important implications for the treatment of cardiac patients in Brazil.

Epidemiology of congenital heart disease in Brazil.

IntroductionCongenital heart disease is an abnormality in the structure or cardiocirculatory function, occurring from birth, even if diagnosed later. It can result in intrauterine death in childhood or in adulthood. Accounted for 6% of infant deaths in Brazil in 2007.ObjectiveTo estimate underreporting in the prevalence of congenital heart disease in Brazil and its subtypes.MethodsThe calculations of prevalence were performed by applying coefficients, giving them function rates for calculations of health problems. The study makes an approach between the literature and the governmental registries. It was adopted an estimate of 9: 1000 births and prevalence rates for subtypes applied to births of 2010. Estimates of births with congenital heart disease were compared with the reports to the Ministry of Health and were studied by descriptive methods with the use of rates and coefficients represented in tables.ResultsThe incidence in Brazil is 25,757 new cases/year, distributed in: North 2,758; Northeast 7,570; Southeast 10,112; South 3,329; and Midwest 1,987. In 2010, were reported to System of Live Birth Information of Ministry of Health 1,377 cases of babies with congenital heart disease, representing 5.3% of the estimated for Brazil. In the same period, the most common subtypes were: ventricular septal defect (7,498); atrial septal defect (4,693); persistent ductus arteriosus (2,490); pulmonary stenosis (1,431); tetralogy of Fallot (973); coarctation of the aorta (973); transposition of the great arteries (887); and aortic stenosis 630. The prevalence of congenital heart disease, for the year of 2009, was 675,495 children and adolescents and 552,092 adults.ConclusionIn Brazil, there is underreporting in the prevalence of congenital heart disease, signaling the need for adjustments in the methodology of registration.

Mortality by heart failure and ischemic heart disease in Brazil from 1996 to 2011.

BackgroundCirculatory system diseases are the first cause of death in Brazil.ObjectiveTo analyze the evolution of mortality caused by heart failure, by ischemic heart diseases and by ill-defined causes, as well as their possible relations, in Brazil and in the geoeconomic regions of the country (North, Northeast, Center-West, South and Southeast), from 1996 to 2011.MethodsData were obtained from DATASUS and death declaration records with codes I20 and I24 for acute ischemic diseases, I25 for chronic ischemic diseases, and I50 for heart failure, and codes in chapter XIII for ill-defined causes, according to geoeconomic regions of Brazil, from 1996 to 2011.ResultsMortality rates due to heart failure declined in Brazil and its regions, except for the North and the Northeast. Mortality rates due to acute ischemic heart diseases increased in the North and Northeast regions, especially from 2005 on; they remained stable in the Center-West region; and decreased in the South and in the Southeast. Mortality due to chronic ischemic heart diseases decreased in Brazil and in the Center-West, South and Southeast regions, and had little variation in the North and in the Northeast. The highest mortality rates due to ill-defined causes occurred in the Northeast until 2005.ConclusionsMortality due to heart failure is decreasing in Brazil and in all of its geoeconomic regions. The temporal evolution of mortality caused by ischemic heart diseases was similar to that of heart failure. The decreasing number of deaths due to ill-defined causes may represent the improvement in the quality of information about mortality in Brazil. The evolution of acute ischemic heart diseases ranged according to regions, being possibly confused with the differential evolution of ill-defined causes.

Prevalence of Heart Disease Demonstrated in 60 Years of the Brazilian Archives of Cardiology

Considering the historical and academic relevance of the Brazilian Archives of Cardiology (ABC), as its MEDLINE indexing began in 1950, it was assumed as a hypothesis that the analysis of the publications over the last 60 years could reflect the changing trends of heart disease in Brazil.The study data were collected using a program developed for this purpose, allowing the automatic extraction of information from the MEDLINE database. The study information were collected by searching "Brazilian Archives of Cardiology AND selected parameter in English". Four observational groups were determined: (1) major groups of heart diseases (coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathies); (2) relevant diseases in clinical practice (cardiac arrhythmias, cor pulmonale, myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure); (3) cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis); and (4) group determined due to the growing trend of publications on congestive heart failure seen in previous groups (congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, rheumatic heart disease and Chagasic heart disease)All publications within the established groups were described, highlighting the increasing importance of heart failure and diabetes as risk factors. A relatively easy search was carried out, using the computer program developed for literature search covering six decades. Emphasizing the limitations of the study, we suggest the existence of an epidemiological link between cardiac diseases that are prevalent in Brazil and the publications of the Brazilian Archives of Cardiology.

Fetal Interventions for Congenital Heart Disease in Brazil

Fetal interventions have been performed for some congenital heart diseases. However, these procedures have not gained wide acceptance due to concerns about their efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to report on a preliminary experience with fetal cardiac interventions in Brazil. Twenty-two cardiac interventions were performed in 21 fetuses. Thirteen fetuses had critical aortic stenosis (CAS), 4 had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and intact interatrial septum or small patent foramen ovale, 1 had pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (IVS), and 3 had critical pulmonary stenosis (CPS). The main outcome variables evaluated were technical success and procedural complications as well as pregnancy and postnatal outcomes. Success was achieved in 20 of 22 procedures (91%) with 1 failed aortic and 1 failed pulmonary valvuloplasties. There was 1 fetal death. No maternal complications occurred. One patient with CAS, severe mitral regurgitation, and hydrops died postnatally within 5 months of age. All patients with HLHS and restrictive atrial septum died after interventional or surgical procedures and prolonged hospitalizations. All patients with CPS/IVS survived and achieved a biventricular (BV) circulation after neonatal valvuloplasty and ductal stenting. A BV circulation was achieved in 4 of 8 patients with CAS and evolving HLHS (one still in utero), including 2 with initial borderline left ventricles (LV) in whom surgical LV overhaul was performed at 9 months of age. In this preliminary experience, the feasibility of fetal cardiac interventions and their outcomes were similar to those previously reported.

Cell therapy in Brazil: time for reflection

Cell therapy in Brazil: time for reflection