Browsing by Author "Dores, H"
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- Air Pollution and Cardiovascular Diseases: a Position PaperPublication . Caldeira, D; Franco, F; Bravo Baptista, S; Cabral, S; Cachulo, MC; Dores, H; Peixeiro, A; Rodrigues, R; Santos, M; Timóteo, AT; Vasconcelos, J; Gonçalves, LAir pollution is one of the main environmental risk factors for health and is linked to cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In this position paper, we discuss the main air pollutants and how they can promote the development of cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular events. We also summarise the main evidence supporting the association between air pollution and cardiovascular events, such as coronary events (acute coronary syndromes/myocardial infarction; chronic coronary syndromes), stroke, heart failure and mortality. Some recommendations are made based on these data and the European Society of Cardiology guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention, acknowledging that it is important to increase awareness and literacy on this topic in Portugal.
- Developments in Sports Cardiology: The Way to a Brighter FuturePublication . Viegas, JM; Dores, H; Freitas, A; Cavigli, L; D’Ascenzi, F
- Mandatory Criteria for Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: 2018 Guidelines from the Portuguese Society of CardiologyPublication . Abreu, A; Mendes, M; Dores, H; Silveira, C; Fontes, P; Teixeira, M; Santa Clara, H; Morais, JCardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a multidisciplinary process for patients recovering after an acute cardiac event or with chronic cardiovascular disease that reduces mortality and morbidity and improves quality of life. It is considered a cost-effective intervention and is expressly indicated in the guidelines of the major medical societies. In Portugal, only 8% of patients discharged from hospital after myocardial infarction are included in CR programs. In Europe overall, the percentage admitted to CR programs is 30%, while in the USA it is 20-30%. In view of the underuse of CR in Portugal, we call the attention of the health authorities to the need to increase the number and national coverage of CR programs, while maintaining high quality standards. The aim is for all patients resident in Portugal who are eligible for CR programs to have the same opportunities for access and attendance. In order to preserve the benefits and safety of this intervention, CR needs to be performed according to international guidelines. The fact that various initiatives in this field have been developed by different professional groups, some of them non-medical, that do not follow the European guidelines, has prompted us to prepare a series of norms defining mandatory criteria for CR, based on current knowledge and evidence. In this way we aim to ensure that the required increase in the number of CR programs, linked in a national network of CR centers, does not detract from the need to maintain their efficacy and quality. These criteria should serve as the basis for the future accreditation of CR centers in Portugal.
- “O Meu Coração Bate Saudável” – Results From a Pilot Project for Health Education in Portuguese ChildrenPublication . Timóteo, AT; Cachulo, MC; Dinis, P; Negrão, L; Barreiros-Mota, I; Dores, H; Gonçalves, LIntroduction and objectives: Childhood offers an excellent window of opportunity to start interventions to promote behavioral changes before unhealthy lifestyles become established, leading to cardiovascular diseases. The goal of this pilot educational project for children is the promotion of healthy lifestyles and cardiovascular health. Methods: This project was implemented in 4th grade children and included teacher-led classroom activities, a lesson given by a cardiologist and a practical lesson with dietitians. The teacher received a manual containing information on the topics to be discussed in class with the pupils and the children received a book that addresses cardiovascular risk factors and prevention. The components included were diet (D), physical activity (PA) and human body and heart awareness (BH). At the beginning and at the end of the schoolyear, a questionnaire was applied to the children to assess knowledge (K), attitudes (A) and habits (H) on these topics. Results: A total of 73 children from two schools from an urban district public school in Lisbon, in a low to medium income area, participated in the project. Following the intervention, there was a 9.5% increase in the overall KAH score, mainly driven by the PA component (14.5%) followed by the BH component (12.3%). No improvement was observed for component D. The benefits were also more significant in children from a lower income area, suggesting that socioeconomic status is a determinant in the response obtained. Conclusions: An educational project for cardiovascular health can be implemented successfully in children aged 9 years, but longer and larger studies are necessary.