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Background: The recent inclusion of polypills-fixed-dose combinations of antihypertensive medicines and a statin with or without aspirin-in the World Health Organization's Essential Medicines List (EML) reiterates the potential of this approach to improve global treatment coverage for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Although there exists extensive evidence on the effectiveness, safety and acceptability of polypills, there has been no research to date assessing the real-world availability and affordability of polypills globally. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey, based on the WHO/Health Action International methodology, in 13 countries around the world. In the surveyed countries, we first ascertained whether any polypill was authorised for marketing and/or included in EMLs and clinical guidelines. In each country, we collected retail and price data for polypills from at least one public-sector facility and three private pharmacies using convenience sampling. Polypills were considered unaffordable if the lowest-paid worker spent more than a day's wage to purchase a monthly supply. Results: Polypills were approved for marketing in four of the 13 surveyed countries: Spain, India, Mauritius and Argentina. None of these countries included polypills in national guidelines, formularies, or EMLs. In the four countries, no surveyed public pharmacies stocked polypills. In the private sector, we identified seven unique polypill combinations, marketed by eight different companies. Private sector availability was 100% in Argentina and Spain. Most combinations (n = 5) identified were in India. Combinations found in India and Spain were affordable in the local context. A lowest-paid government worker would spend between 0.2 (India) and 2.8 (Mauritius) days' wages to pay the price for one month's supply of the polypills. Polypills were likely to be affordable if they were manufactured in the same country. Conclusion: Low availability and affordability of polypills in the public sector suggest that implementation remains poor globally. Context-specific multi-disciplinary health system research is required to understand factors affecting polypill implementation and to design and evaluate appropriate implementation strategies.

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PURPOSE: Nut-enriched diets are related to improve lipid and inflammatory biomarkers in meta-analyses in the context of primary cardiovascular prevention. However, primary studies on secondary cardiovascular prevention are scarce and controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of nut supplementation on lipid and inflammatory profiles in individuals with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and the frequency of adverse events. METHODS: Six databases were used for research: PubMed, EMBASE, BVS, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov, until February 2023, with no language restrictions. We performed random-effects meta-analyses to compare nut-enriched diets vs. control diets for pre-post intervention changes. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system assessed the evidence's certainty. RESULTS: From the 5187 records identified, eight publications containing data referring to five randomized clinical trials involving 439 participants were included in the final analyses. The nuts evaluated were almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, and mixed nuts, with doses ranging between 5 g and 85 g (median: 30 g/day). The intervention time varied between 6 and 12 weeks. Compared to nut-free diets, nut intake did not have a statistically significant effect on lipid profile biomarkers, except on the atherogenic index (MD: -0.32 [95% CI -0.58 to -0.06], I2 = 0% - moderate certainty of the evidence). Similarly, there was no effect of nuts on inflammatory profile biomarkers. It was not possible to aggregate data on adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Nut supplementation did not change lipid and inflammatory profiles in the secondary cardiovascular prevention setting.

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Objective: To analyse the incidence and risk of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), level of risk factor control, treatment persistence and cost of the CNIC polypill version containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 100 mg, atorvastatin 20 mg (A20), and ramipril 2.5, 5.0 or 10 mg in secondary cardiovascular prevention patients. Method: Subanalysis of the observational, retrospective, multicentre, NEPTUNO study in patients treated for two years with the CNIC polypill A20, the same monocomponents as single drugs, equipotent drugs, and other therapies. Results: 922 patients were included in each group. The risk of recurrent MACE was lower among CNIC A20 polypill users than all others (21%, 23% and 26% increased risk among the monocomponents, equipotent or other therapy cohorts, respectively; p < 0.05). The magnitude of the mean change in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as the increase in the proportion of patients achieving target goals, was also greater among patients treated with the CNIC A20 polypill than in any of the other cohorts (all p < 0.001). Treatment persistence was significantly higher in patients treated with the CNIC A20 polypill (p < 0.001) and was a less costly strategy than any other therapeutic option. Conclusions: In patients in secondary cardiovascular prevention, the CNIC A20 polypill (ASA 100 mg, atorvastatin 20 mg, and ramipril 2.5, 5.0 or 10 mg) constitutes a valid therapeutic option with similar benefits and outcomes to the version of the polypill with atorvastatin 40 mg.

Objetivo: Analizar la incidencia y el riesgo de eventos adversos cardiovasculares mayores (MACE) recurrentes, el nivel de control de factores de riesgo, la persistencia al tratamiento y el coste de la versión de la polipíldora CNIC que contiene 100 mg de ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS), 20 mg de atorvastatina (A20) y 2.5/5.0 ó 10 mg de ramipril en pacientes en prevención cardiovascular secundaria. Método: Subanálisis del estudio observacional, retrospectivo y multicéntrico NEPTUNO en pacientes tratados durante 2 años con la polipíldora CNIC A20, los mismos monocomponentes por separado, medicamentos equipotentes uotras terapias. Resultados: Se incluyeron 922 pacientes en cada grupo. El riesgo de sufrir un MACE recurrente en el grupode polipíldora CNIC A20 fue menor que en todas las demás cohortes (21%, 23% y 26% de aumento del riesgo en las cohortesde monocomponentes, equipotentes u otras terapias, respectivamente; p < 0.05). La magnitud del cambio en el colesterol unidoa lipoproteínas de baja densidad y la presión arterial, así como el incremento en la proporción de pacientes que alcanzaron losobjetivos establecidos, fueron mayores en los pacientes tratados con la polipíldora CNIC A20 que en cualquiera de las otrascohortes (p < 0.001). La persistencia al tratamiento fue mayor en los pacientes tratados con la polipíldora CNIC A20 (p < 0.001)y esta estrategia resultó ser menos costosa que cualquier otra opción terapéutica. Conclusiones: En pacientes en prevencióncardiovascular secundaria, la polipíldora CNIC A20 (AAS 100 mg; atorvastatina 20 mg; ramipril 2.5/5.0 ó 10 mg) constituye unaopción terapéutica válida con beneficios y resultados similares a la versión de la polipíldora con 40 mg de atorvastatina.

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Resumo Fundamento Alcançar as metas nutricionais estabelecidas pelas sociedades científicas é um desafio constante e nem sempre alcançado. Objetivo Investigar a adequação alimentar de indivíduos com doença cardiovascular (DCV), participantes do Programa Alimentar Brasileiro Cardioprotetor residentes da região Nordeste do Brasil, segundo as recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC). Métodos Análise transversal com dados do estudo de implementação da Dieta Cardioprotetora Brasileira (DICA BR) que avaliou indivíduos com DCV, atendidos em centros especializados em saúde cardiovascular em oito estados do Nordeste. O consumo alimentar foi obtido por recordatório alimentar de 24 horas e a adequação da dieta seguiu as recomendações da SBC. Foram considerados significantes valores de p < 0,05. Resultados Foram estudados 647 pacientes, com média (desvio padrão) de idade de 63,1 (9,4) anos, sendo 50,2% do sexo feminino. Na avaliação da ingestão alimentar, observou-se baixa adequação de carboidratos (52,3%), proteínas (70,9%), lipídios (38,8%) e fibras (22,4%). Observou-se que a maioria das mulheres consumia dieta hipoproteica (59,2%) e idosos tinham maior inadequação no consumo de carboidratos (52,6%). Em relação a ingestão de sódio, os homens apresentaram maior ingestão (72,9%), enquanto os idosos apresentaram redução de 13%. Além disso, foi demonstrado que os homens ingeriam mais fibras (28,1%) e indivíduos com maior escolaridade tinham um consumo elevado de ácidos graxos saturados (70,5%). Conclusões A maioria dos indivíduos não alcançou as metas dietoterápicas preconizadas para prevenção cardiovascular secundária. Os achados do presente estudo reforçam a necessidade de implementação de estratégias estruturadas, a fim de estimular hábitos alimentares saudáveis nesses indivíduos.

Abstract Background Achieving nutritional goals established by scientific societies is a constant challenge and not always achieved. Objective To investigate the dietary adequacy of individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD), participants in the Cardioprotective Brazilian Food Program residing in the Northeast region of Brazil, according to the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC). Methods Cross-sectional analysis with data from the study implementing the Brazilian Cardioprotective Diet (DICA BR), which evaluated individuals with CVD treated in specialized cardiovascular health centers in eight states in the Northeast region. Food consumption was obtained by 24-hour dietary records and dietary adequacy followed SBC recommendations. Values of p < 0.05 were considered significant. Results 647 patients were studied, with a mean (standard deviation) age of 63.1 (9.4) years, 50.2% of whom were female. When evaluating food intake, a low adequacy of carbohydrates (52.3%), proteins (70.9%), lipids (38.8%), and fiber (22.4%) was observed. It was observed that the majority of women consumed a low-protein diet (59.2%) and the elderly had a greater inadequacy in carbohydrate consumption (52.6%). Regarding sodium intake, men had a higher intake (72.9%), while the elderly showed a 13% reduction. Furthermore, it was shown that men ate more fiber (28.1%) and individuals with higher education had a high consumption of saturated fatty acids (70.5%). Conclusions Most individuals did not achieve the recommended dietary therapy goals for secondary cardiovascular prevention. The findings of the present study reinforce the need to implement structured strategies to encourage healthy eating habits in these individuals.

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CONTEXT: Nut-enriched diets have a positive impact on cardiovascular risk factors, such as body mass, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. However, studies in individuals undergoing secondary cardiovascular prevention show controversial results. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review with meta-analysis assessed the effect of nut supplementation on anthropometric, glycemic, and blood pressure indices in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as well as the frequency of adverse events. DATA SOURCES: Six databases were used for the search-PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, BVS (Biblioteca Virtual da Saude), Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov-until February 2023, with no language restrictions. DATA EXTRACTION: The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions methodology and the PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Setting/design) strategy were used. Seven independent reviewers were involved in data extraction and resolution of disagreements. Certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. DATA ANALYSIS: From 5187 records identified, 6 publications containing data referring to 5 randomized clinical trials (n = 436) were included in the final analyses. The nuts evaluated were almonds, pecans, Brazil nuts, and mixed nuts, with portions that varied between 5 g and 85 g (median: 30 g/day). The intervention period varied between 6 and 12 weeks. The nuts had no effect on fasting glucose and anthropometric indices, although the certainty of the evidence for most of these outcomes was low or very low. They also had no effect on systolic (mean difference [MD]: -1.16 mmHg [95% CI, -5.68 to 3.35], I2 = 0%-moderate certainty of evidence) or diastolic (MD: 0.10 mmHg [95% CI, -2.30 to 2.51], I2 = 0%-high certainty of evidence) blood pressure. It was not possible to aggregate data on adverse events. CONCLUSION: Nut supplementation had no effect on blood pressure, fasting glucose, or anthropometric profile in the context of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020163456.

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INTRODUCTION: Despite the increased use of telehealth interventions, low-level evidence supports their use for behavior change and self-management in stroke secondary prevention. Therefore, this overview of systematic reviews (SRs) critically appraises and consolidates the evidence about theoretically-informed telehealth interventions in stroke secondary prevention. METHODS: Two phases were conducted independently by two reviewers. Phase-1 included SRs contemplating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) implementing telehealth interventions with individuals post-stroke, targeting cardiovascular events, risk-reducing health behaviors or physiological risk factors. Phase-2 interrogated RCTs from these SRs that implemented theoretically-informed interventions. Best-evidence synthesis of published meta-analyses and new meta-analyses of theoretically-informed interventions were conducted. GRADE evidence was applied. RESULTS: In Phase-1 (15 SRs), best-evidence synthesis identified telehealth interventions as effective in reducing recurrent angina and recurrent stroke rates (both with very low GRADE), improving medication adherence (low GRADE), physical activity participation (very low GRADE), and blood pressure targets (very low GRADE), reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) (moderate GRADE) and low-density lipoprotein levels (very low GRADE). In Phase-2 (14 RCTs), new meta-analyses identified theoretically-informed telehealth interventions as effective in improving medication adherence (SMD: 0.38; 95%CI: 0.13-0.64; I²: 72%, low GRADE) and healthy eating (SMD: 0.38; 95%CI: 0.15-0.60; I²: 38%, low GRADE), and decreasing SBP (MD: -9.19; 95%CI: -5.49 to -12.89; I²: 0%, moderate GRADE). DISCUSSION: Telehealth demonstrates utility in stroke secondary prevention, notably in SBP reduction. High-quality RCTs are required given the lack of current evidence supporting theoretically-informed telehealth interventions addressing primary outcomes of secondary prevention, and the low certainty evidence identified for health behavior change.

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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent arrhythmia and is related with significant morbidity, mortality and costs. In spite of relevant advances in the prevention of embolic events and rhythm control, little has been done to reduce its prevalence, progression and impact, since it increases with ageing as well as with common risk factors such as alcohol intake, tobacco use and stress as well as with arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, sleep apnea, kidney failure, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, ischemic heart disease and stroke, among other important comorbidities. Fortunately, new evidence suggests that lifestyle modifications and adequate risk factors and comorbidities control could be effective in primary and secondary AF prevention, especially in its paroxysmal presentations. This is why a multidisciplinary approach integrating lifestyle modifications, risk factors and comorbidities control, is necessary in conjunction with rhythm or rate control and anticoagulation. Unfortunately, that holistic approach strategy is not considered, is scarcely studied or is subtilized in general clinical practice. The present statement's objectives are to: 1) review the relationship between habits, risk factors and illnesses with AF, 2) review the individual and common physiopathology mechanisms of each one of those conditions that may lead to AF, 3) review the effect of control of habits, risk factors and co-morbidities on the control and impact of AF, and 4) supply guidelines and recommendations to start multidisciplinary and integrative AF treatment.

La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia más frecuente y se asocia con importante morbilidad, mortalidad y costos. A pesar de los grandes avances en la prevención de eventos embólicos y en el control del ritmo, poco se ha realizado para reducir su prevalencia, progresión e impacto, debido a que incrementa con la edad y con la presencia de múltiples factores de riesgo muy comunes en la población, como obesidad, sedentarismo, alcoholismo, tabaquismo y estrés, así como con hipertensión arterial sistémica, diabetes mellitus, insuficiencia cardiaca, apnea del sueño, enfermedad renal crónica, enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, cardiopatía isquémica y enfermedad vascular cerebral, entre otra comorbilidad importante. Afortunadamente, nuevas evidencias demuestran que las modificaciones en el estilo de vida y el control adecuado de los factores de riesgo y de la comorbilidad pueden ser efectivos en la prevención primaria y secundaria de la FA, en especial en sus formas paroxísticas; para ello, es necesario un manejo multidisciplinario que integre las modificaciones en el estilo de vida, el manejo de los factores de riesgo y el control de la comorbilidad en el tratamiento de la FA en conjunto con el control del ritmo o de la frecuencia y la anticoagulación. Por desgracia, en la práctica clínica estas estrategias a menudo no se tienen en cuenta, son infrautilizadas y poco estudiadas. Los objetivos del presente posicionamiento son: 1) revisar la relación de los factores de riesgo y la comorbilidad con la FA, 2) revisar los mecanismos fisiopatológicos de cada una de estas condiciones, 3) revisar el impacto del control de los factores de riesgo y de la comorbilidad en el control y en el impacto de la FA, y 4) proporcionar guías y recomendaciones para la puesta en práctica de programas de tratamiento multidisciplinario e integral en pacientes con FA.

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Resumo Fundamento: As diretrizes da Sociedade Europeia de Cardiologia recomendam um nível de colesterol LDL (LDL-C) < 55 mg/dL para pacientes com doença cardiovascular estabelecida. Embora a fórmula de Friedewald ainda seja amplamente utilizada para estimar o LDL-C, a fórmula mais recente de Martin-Hopkins mostrou maior precisão. Objetivos: Nosso objetivo foi avaliar: A) a proporção de pacientes que atingiram a meta de LDL-C e as terapias utilizadas em um centro terciário; B) o impacto da utilização do método de Martin-Hopkins em vez do método de Friedewald na proporção de pacientes controlados. Métodos: Estudo transversal monocêntrico, incluindo pacientes consecutivos pós-infarto do miocárdio, acompanhados por 20 cardiologistas, em um hospital terciário. Os dados foram coletados retrospectivamente de consultas clínicas realizadas após abril de 2022. Para cada paciente, os níveis de LDL-C e o atingimento das metas foram estimados a partir de um perfil lipídico ambulatorial, utilizando as fórmulas de Friedewald e Martin-Hopkins. Um valor-p bicaudal < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo para todos os testes. Resultados: Foram incluídos 400 pacientes (com 67 ± 13 anos, 77% do sexo masculino). Utilizando a fórmula de Friedewald, a mediana de LDL-C sob terapia foi de 64 (50-81) mg/dL, e 31% tinham LDL-C dentro da meta. Estatinas de alta intensidade foram usadas em 64% dos pacientes, 37% estavam em uso de ezetimiba e 0,5% estavam em uso de inibidores de PCSK9. A terapia combinada de estatina de alta intensidade + ezetimiba foi utilizada em 102 pacientes (26%). A aplicação do método de Martin-Hopkins reclassificaria um total de 31 pacientes (7,8%). Entre aqueles considerados controlados pela fórmula de Friedewald, 27 (21,6%) teriam LDL-C estimado por Martin-Hopkins acima da meta. Conclusões: Menos de um terço dos pacientes pós-infarto do miocárdio apresentaram LDL-C dentro da meta. A aplicação da fórmula de Martin-Hopkins reclassificaria um quinto dos pacientes presumivelmente controlados no grupo de pacientes não controlados.

Abstract Background: The European Society of Cardiology guidelines recommend an LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) < 55 mg/dL for patients with established cardiovascular disease. While the Friedewald equation to estimate LDL-C is still widely used, the newer Martin-Hopkins equation has shown greater accuracy. Objectives: We aimed to assess: A) the proportion of patients reaching LDL-C goal and the therapies used in a tertiary center; B) the impact of using the Martin-Hopkins method instead of Friedewald's on the proportion of controlled patients. Methods: A single-center cross-sectional study including consecutive post-myocardial infarction patients followed by 20 cardiologists in a tertiary hospital. Data was collected retrospectively from clinical appointments that took place after April 2022. For each patient, the LDL-C levels and attainment of goals were estimated from an ambulatory lipid profile using both Friedewald and Martin-Hopkins equations. A two-tailed p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests. Results: Overall, 400 patients were included (aged 67 ± 13 years, 77% male). Using Friedewald's equation, the median LDL-C under therapy was 64 (50-81) mg/dL, and 31% had LDL-C within goals. High-intensity statins were used in 64% of patients, 37% were on ezetimibe, and 0.5% were under PCSK9 inhibitors. Combination therapy of high-intensity statin + ezetimibe was used in 102 patients (26%). Applying the Martin-Hopkins method would reclassify a total of 31 patients (7.8%). Among those deemed controlled by Friedewald's equation, 27 (21.6%) would have a Martin-Hopkins' LDL-C above goals. Conclusions: Less than one-third of post-myocardial infarction patients had LDL-C within the goal. Applying the Martin-Hopkins equation would reclassify one-fifth of presumably controlled patients into the non-controlled group.

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Objective: To evaluate whether patients older than 60 years admitted for fracture treatment had a history of previous fracture, a diagnosis of osteoporosis, or were under treatment for bone fragility. Methods: Retrospective study including 100 patients older than 60 years with fracture. Fracture location, bone densitometry within the past two years, previous diagnosis and osteoporosis treatment, and previous fracture within the past five years were assessed. Using Fisher's test, it was evaluated whether there was an association between previous fracture and osteoporosis treatment. Results: The most prevalent fracture was in the proximal femur (48%). Of the patients, 18% had fracture in the last five years, with 22% of them diagnosed with osteoporosis, and 22% under treatment. Previous fracture in the last five years was not associated with having a diagnosis of osteoporosis, having had bone densitometry, or being under treatment for osteoporosis. Conclusion: Among patients with previous fracture, only 22% were aware of their diagnosis of osteoporosis, and less than 25% of them were under bone fragility treatment. Previous fracture in the past five years had no association with having a diagnosis of osteoporosis, having had bone densitometry, or being on osteoporosis treatment. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

Objetivo: Avaliar se os pacientes com mais de 60 anos internados para tratamento de fraturas têm história de fratura prévia, diagnóstico de osteoporose ou se estão em tratamento para fragilidade óssea. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo que inclui 100 pacientes maiores de 60 anos com fratura. Avaliamos a localização da fratura, a densitometria óssea nos últimos dois anos, o diagnóstico e os tratamentos anteriores de osteoporose, assim como a presença de fratura prévia nos últimos cinco anos. Através de testes de Fisher avaliamos se houve associação entre fratura prévia e tratamento de osteoporose. Resultados: A fratura mais prevalente foi na extremidade proximal do fêmur (48%). Do total de pacientes, 18% tiveram fratura nos últimos cinco anos, sendo que 22% deles tinham diagnóstico de osteoporose e 22% estavam em tratamento. Fratura prévia nos últimos cinco anos não teve associação com diagnóstico de osteoporose, realização de densitometria óssea ou tratamento para osteoporose. Conclusão: Entre os pacientes com fratura prévia, apenas 22% estavam cientes do diagnóstico de osteoporose, e menos de 25% deles estavam em tratamento para fragilidade óssea. Não houve associação de fratura prévia nos últimos cinco anos com diagnóstico de osteoporose, realização de densitometria óssea ou tratamento para osteoporose. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Retrospectivo.