Background and Aims: The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (Hif1) is a major regulator of the hypoxic response after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It is known that mammalian hearts have limited regeneration capacity. Over the last years, molecular therapies have sought to enhance Hif1 expression to induce angiogenesis and cell survival. In the present research we evaluated the Hif1a/Hif3a relation in the transcriptomes of infarcted mice belonging to the regenerative (R) and non-regenerative (NR) evolutionary stages. Methods: The bulk RNA-Seq files were retrieved from GEO (GSE123868). The heart samples were taken at 1.5, 3 and 7 days post-AMI for both neonatal (R) and infant mice (NR) and non-infarcted mice at equal times. The files were processed on UseGalaxy employing the FastQC/HISAT/featurecount pipeline. Differential gene expression and gene ontology analysis was performed with edgeR/PathFindR. Results: Bulk analysis showed that at 1.5 days post AMI, R mice had significant lower expression of Hif1a (logFC: -1.24) and higher expression of Hif3a (logFC: 2.15) when compared to NR mice (p < 0.001). Gene ontology analysis showed a significant alteration of the biological process named positive regulation of angiogenesis at 1.5 days (FE: 1.54; p <0.05) and 7 days (FE: 1.87; p <0.05) post-AMI in genes with differential expression between R and NR stages. Conclusions: This study shows that within the first 36 hours post-AMI Hif1a expression is down-regulated in R mice. This temporary silencing is associated with a higher expression of Hif3a in the R infarcted mice. These results support the existence of a Hif1a/HIif3a relation that may fine-tune the positive regulation of angiogenesis post-AMI.

Background and Aims: Lack of adherence is one of the main limitations for the implementation of pharmacological treatment in cardiovascular prevention. The objective of this study was to establish the level of adherence of patients receiving cardiovascular medication. Methods: Observational, descriptive, prospective study, carried out in the framework of a Health institution in Argentina. We included patients over 18 years of age who attended to the cardiology consultation. Patients not receiving cardiovascular medication were excluded. The eight-question Morisky-Green Test was used as a validated scale to assess adherence. Those patients who obtained results with less than six points were considered non-adherent. Results: A total of 214 pacs completed the survey (mean age 65 ± 13, 50.4% female). Regarding cardiovascular risk factors, 62% presented high blood pressure, 27% high cholesterol, 53% reported having smoked, of which 12.1% reported being active smokers. 15% had a history of ischemic heart disease. When asked “Do you sometimes forget to take your medicine?” 31.3% were satisfied that they were. 12.6% responded that they have sometimes taken fewer pills or have stopped taking them without telling their doctor. 15% of the total admitted not remembering their medications, and 7.5% had not taken their entire medication the day before. Low adherence was observed in 44 patients (20.7%). Table 1 shows the characteristics of adherent and non-adherent pac. We observed an association between female sex and non-adherence. Conclusions: In our study, 1 out of 5 patients showed low adherence. These results constitute a call of attention for cardiologists treating cardiovascular risk factors.

Background and Aims: The persistence of symptoms beyond acute COVID-19 is known as Post-COVID syndrome (PCS). There is controversy regarding its physiopathology and characterisation. The purpose of this work is to describe the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, along with inflammatory conditions in patients (pat) with PCS.

Background and Aims: Worldwide, there is an increase in the proportion of older adults. Knowing the characteristics of this population is decisive in cardiovascular health care. The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences between sex among cardiovascular risk factors prevalence, in primary prevention older patients. Methods: In an observational design, we analyzed data from patients (pat) who attended a health prevention program in Argentina. Participants of both sexes older than 70 years and with no history of cardiovascular disease were included. The clinical history was used as a source for the collection of general data, anthropometric measurements and laboratory values. The NCEP criteria were used to define the presence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS). Doppler ultrasound was used to assess the presence of carotid plaques. Results: A total of 725 pat were included (49.1% female). Women were older (74.3 ± 4.3 yo vs. 73.9 ± 4 yo; p< 0.01). Male pat had a higher prevalence of hypertension (61% vs. 54%; p< 0.05), diabetes mellitus (17.9% vs. 12.6%; p< 0.05) and former smoking (17.6% vs. 28.4%; p<0.005). There were similar frequence of smoking (M 7% vs. W 6.2%; p=ns), use of statins (M 32.8% vs. W 31.4%; p=ns) and obesity (M 36% vs. W 33%; p=ns). The prevalence of MS were also similar (M 41.2% vs. W 35.6%; p=ns). Carotid plaques were more frequent in men (M 84.8% vs. W 74.2%; p<0.005). Conclusions: Older people, particularly men, are at increased cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis are frequent in this age group.

Background and Aims: Cardiovascular therapy has been shown to reduce the rate of major events. However, lack of adherence to treatment compromises its effectiveness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the patient’s perception about the use of cardiovascular medication. Methods: Observational, descriptive, prospective study, carried out in the framework of a Health institution in Argentina. We included patients over 18 years of age who attended to the cardiology consultation. The validated scale "The Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire" (BMQ) were used. Results: A total of 268 pac completed the survey. The average age was 64 ± 14, 122 (45.5%) were female. In the general BMQ questionnaire, 33.8% considered that physicians use too many medications, 42.6% stated that if physicians had more time in the consultation would prescribe less medication. As to the perception of eventual harm, 19.5% affirmed that patients should stop their treatment for a while from time to time, 19.2% that most medications are addictive, and 12.7% that natural remedies are safer. When asked about the use of aspirin and statins in primary prevention, 53% considered that aspirin would be beneficial in this context, while only 27% said the same regarding statins (p < 0.0001). In the question about if the benefits of these drugs outweigh the risks, 46.8% responded affirmatively for aspirin and 26% for statins (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: We detected negative perceptions regarding cardiovascular medication, also it was observed that they perceived greater benefits with the use of aspirin than with statins. Our results highlight the necessity to optimize education in cardiovascular prevention

Background and Aims: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) represents the most common CVD. Recently it was shown that human Muse cells (hMuse) are mobilized to the general circulation in patients with AMI and this proved to be a benign predictor of remodeling and ventricular function. Our objective was to study the changes in gene expression involved in differentiation, proliferation and angiogenesis events at seven days of a transplantation with human Muse cells in the infarction area of an sheep model of AMI.

Abstract Introduction Aortic stenosis (AS) patients are heterogeneous. The relationship between stenosis severity, transvalvular flow state and gradients is conflictive and non-linear. Objective To evaluate the relationship between transvalvular flow state and gradients with the anatomopathological aortic valve characteristics and perioperative morbimortality among patients (pt) submitted to aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods We analyzed 516 pt with symptomatic severe AS (effective valve area <1 cm2) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (>50%) submitted to AVR. Perioperative mortality and a combined endpoint (death, low cardiac output syndrome and acute renal injury) were analyzed dividing the population by transvalvular flow (35 ml/m2) and mean gradient (40 mmHg), both measured by echocardiography. A morphologic evaluation of 383 operatively excised native cardiac valves was performed. Valvular thickening and calcification were categorized in mild, moderate and severe. Results Male subjects represented 52.9% (283 pt). Mean age were 69±11.5 years. Pt showed a mean ejection fraction of 61±4.8%, the peak gradient was 86.2±24 mmHg, and mean gradient was 53±18 mmHg. Cardiac low output syndrome (normal flow (NF) – 14%, low flow (LF) – 23%; p<0,02), IABP (NF 1,8%, LF 6%, p<0,02) and perioperative mortality (NF 2,7%, LF 7%, p<0,02) were more frequent in low flow pt (185 – 35%). Bicuspid valves represented 24.5% of the whole population. Bicuspid patients were younger 64±9 vs 73±12 years (p<0.05) and had more moderate–severe calcification (MSC) 93.4% vs 75.6% (p<0.05). No difference was found in moderate -severe thickening (MSTh) and MSC when analyzing the population by flow (35 ml/m2). On the contrary, low gradient pt (<40mmHg) had lower MSC and MSTh. (Table) Finally, 4 groups were considered: normal flow–high gradient NFHG (52.2%), normal flow–low gradient NFLG (12%), low flow–high gradient LFHG (25.5%) and low flow–low gradient LFLG (10.1%). A trend toward more perioperative events was seen in the LF-LG group despite less calcified and thickened valves. (Figure) Table 1 Normal Flow Low Flow P value Normal gradient Low gradient P value M-S thickening 143 (58.1%) 80 (58.3%) NS 186 (62.4%) 37 (43.5%) 0.0018 M-S calcification 195 (79.2%) 119 (86.8%) NS 263 (88.2%) 51 (60%) <0.05 Bicuspid valve 62 (25%) 32 (23%) NS 62 (25.2%) 32 (23.3%) NS M-S: Moderate-Severe. Figure 1 Conclusions In our population of severe symptomatic AS with preserved ejection fraction submitted to AVR, low gradient pts had less calcified and thickened valves. LFLG pts presented a trend towards more perioperative events despite having less valvular calcification.

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of subclinical aortic atheromatosis, as well the clinical aspects of the affected patients (pts).

Aim: To investigate the presence of mutations in the main gene associated to the development of HF (LDLR) through the genetic analysis of a group of patients identified as 'index case' among those who attend the HUFF lipid service with clinical diagnosis of HF. Also, to determine the ancestral composition of the studied population.

Objectives: Hyperlipidemia (HLP) aggravates the accelerated atherosclerotic process induced by the artery or vein endothelium detachment during revascularization procedures. Therefore, we investigated whether vessels that healed in normolipidemic conditions were able to recover the resistance to the deleterious effects of HLP.

Objectives: Arterial hypertension (AHT) is a major cause of left ventricular hypertrophy and is closely related to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Statins have been shown to reduce cardiac hypertrophy and improve symptoms of heart failure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the molecular basis of left ventricular hypertrophy inhibition by Rosuvastatin in a renovascular hypertensive model.

Objectives: Aortic valve sclerosis (AS) is a frequent finding in echocardiographic examination. Different studies have supported a link between this initial aortic damage and atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of aortic sclerosis and the presence of atherosclerosis in different arterial territories.

Objectives: Oxidized LDL lipoproteins (LDLox) are a proatherogenic risk factor and are precursors of atheromatous plaque formation. Several investigations have shown that thyroid hormones can influence lipoprotein oxidation in patients (pat) with thyroid pathologies. However, the existence of this association in euthyroid subjects is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration in euthyroid subjects without hypercholesterolemia is associated with serum LDLox concentration.

Objectives: Elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] are a recognized cardiovascular risk factor. Different documents recommend the measurement of Lp(a) in populations of elevated cardiovascular risk. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in different cardiovascular risk groups from a Lipid Clinic in Argentina.

Introduccion Existe evidencia epidemiologica que vincula factores de riesgo cardiovascular con la estenosis valvular aortica. Recientemente se ha demostrado el desarrollo de estenosis valvular aortica en un modelo de hipertension arterial en animales. Planteamos la hipotesis de que el tratamiento con rosuvastatina modifica esta transformacion. Objetivo Evaluar el efecto de la rosuvastatina sobre el desarrollo de estenosis valvular aortica. Material y metodos Se instrumentaron conejos NZ machos (n = 43) con el modelo 1-rinon 1-clip de Goldblatt para generar hipertension arterial. Los animales fueron aleatorizados a: HT (n = 17) que no recibio otro tratamiento, HT+R (n = 14) tratado con rosuvastatina 2,5 mg/kg/dia y HT+R+C (n = 12) tratado con rosuvastatina 2,5 mg/kg/dia + suplemento de colesterol dietetico para mantener los niveles basales de colesterol plasmatico. Un grupo control (GC) fue sometido a cirugia simulada (n = 15). Las caracteristicas de la valvula aortica se midieron por ecografia en condiciones basales y a los 3 y a los 6 meses de hipertension arterial. Resultados A los 6 meses de seguimiento, los incrementos de PAS y PAD fueron mas elevados en HT (49% y 40%, respectivamente; p < 0,001) en comparacion con los grupos tratados con rosuvastatina (PAS = 23% y 25%; PAD = 28% y 26%; p < 0,001 para HT+R y HT+R+C, respectivamente). El colesterol total se redujo el 45,7% (p < 0,01) solo en HT+R. El espesor valvar se incremento en HT (0,50 ± 0,01 vs. 0,62 ± 0,02 mm; p < 0,01), sin mostrar diferencias en HT+R y HT+R+C. Finalmente, el area valvular aortica mostro una reduccion en HT (0,277 ± 0,024 vs. 0,208 ± 0,014 cm2; p < 0,05), sin cambios en HT+R y HT+R+C y un aumento no significativo en el GC (0,264 ± 0,022 vs. 0,32 ± 0,016 cm2; p = 0,07). Conclusiones La rosuvastatina atenua la progresion de la estenosis valvular aortica generada por hipertension arterial. Esta proteccion podria ser mediada por efectos no hipolipemiantes de estas drogas.

Background There is epidemiological evidence associating cardiovascular risk factors with aortic valve stenosis. The development of aortic valve stenosis has been recently demonstrated in a hypertensive animal model. We hypothesize that treatment with rosuvastatin modifies this transformation. Objective To evaluate the effect of rosuvastatin on the development of aortic valve stenosis. Material and Methods Hypertension was induced in 43 male NZ rabbits by a onekidney, one-clip Goldblatt procedure. The animals were randomly  randomly assigned to 3 groups: HT (n=17) without treatment; HT+R (n=14) treated with rosuvastatin 2.5 mg/kg/day and HT+R+C (n=12) treated with rosuvastatin 2.5 mg/kg/day + cholesterol-enriched diet to keep baseline cholesterol levels. A control group (CG) underwent sham surgery (n=15). The characteristics of the aortic valve were measured by echocardiography at baseline, 3 and 6 months after inducing hypertension. Results After 6 months of follow-up, SBP and DBP presented greater increase in the group HT (49% and 40%, respectively; p <0.001) compared to groups treated with rosuvastatin (SBP = 23% and 25%; DBP = 28% and 26%; p <0.001 for HT+R and HT+R+C, respectively). Total cholesterol decreased by 45.7% (p <0.01) only in HT+R group. The aortic valve became thickened in the HT group (0.50 ± 0.01 vs. 0.62 ± 0.02 mm; p <0.01); there were no significant differences in HT+R and HT+R+C. Finally, the aortic valve area was reduced in HT (0.277 ± 0.024 vs. 0.208 ± 0.014 cm 2 ; p <0.05), had no differences in HT+R and HT+R+C, and presented a non-significant increase in CG (0.264 ± 0.022 vs. 0.32 ± 0 .016 cm 2 ; p=0.07). Conclusions Rosuvastatin slows the progression of aortic valve stenosis caused by hypertension. This protection might be independent of the lipid-lowering effect of the drug.