Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

F de Padua

Publications and source records attributed to F de Padua.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

[Coronary artery disease, myocardial perfusion and ventricular function in Q-wave and non-Q-wave myocardial infarcts].

Controversy remains in considering non-Q wave myocardial infarction (NQMI) a distinct pathophysiological entity of Q wave myocardial infarction (QMI). In order to analyze the severity of coronary artery disease, extension of myocardial scar or myocardial ischemia and ventricular function, 78 consecutive patients with QMI and 32 with NQMI, mean age 55.4 +/- 8.5, not submitted to thrombolytic therapy, were studied. Coronary angiography, exercise thallium scintigraphy and radionuclide ventriculography were performed in all at least within 3 months of a prior myocardial infarction. In the present study the occurrence of QMI was significantly more frequent in older patients than NQMI. There was no prevalence of occlusion either in the right, left circumflex or left anterior descending coronary arteries in both groups. Ejection fraction, degree of occlusion and presence of collateral circulation showed an equal prevalence in QMI and NQMI patients. A higher incidence of multivessel disease was found in NQMI that had less necrosis than QMI patients. The prevalence of exercise induced thallium-201 redistribution defects within the infarct zone was substantially higher and involved more scar segments in NQMI patients. Physiological and clinical consequences of coronary thrombosis depends on the size and the number of diseased arteries, the approach the pathophysiologic consequences of coronary disease in terms of fractal structure has been suggested. A pronounced heterogeneity in regional myocardial blood flow in a fractal branching arterial network may be responsible for the pathophysiologic differences of coronary thrombosis between Q-wave and non Q-wave infarction.

Adult↗

Community-based stroke prevention: a Portuguese challenge.

Stroke is the leading cause of death in Portugal, accounting for about 20% of total mortality, despite a 25% decline in death rates from cerebrovascular diseases between 1980 and 1989. Epidemiological observations demonstrating that the high rates of cerebrovascular disease are accompanied by high levels of blood pressure have raised considerable interest concerning the primary prevention of hypertension. Excess salt consumption is considered to have an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Since salt is widely consumed by the Portuguese population, priority has been given to salt reduction for the primary prevention of hypertension. Community-based programs have demonstrated that it is possible to improve lifestyles, for instance by reducing high salt intake. Integrated and multifactorial interventions have promoted health and better treatment of hypertension as well as better control of concomitant risk factors. As a consequence of the population aging, there is a high probability of an increase in stroke occurrence. The present and future number of stroke survivors, requiring both acute and long-term care, will increase the social and economic burden. It is important to raise the awareness of politicians and the public so that both the prevention and management of patients with stroke will be given high priority.

Adult↗