Abstract: The Inter governmental panel estimates that in a worst case scenario, by 2100 74% of people will be exposed to heat waves (3 consecutive days with temperatures at or above the 95% percentile). This might be the case in up to 40% of days in Santiago. As a consequence of climate change there will also be periods with extremely low temperatures. Both conditions increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Aim: to study the association of extreme temperatures with the incidence of cardiovascular disease (death, myocardial infarction, stroke and out of hospital sudden death). Method: The ISI-Web of Science, Scopus and Nature databases were searched using the terms “heat wave”, “cardiovascular disease” and “extreme heat” for articles published between 2016 and 2021.

Resumen: El panel intergubernamental sobre cambio climático estima que para el año 2100 74% de la población estará expuesta a olas de calor en el peor escenario (definido como 3 días consecutivos con temperaturas igual o sobre el percentil 95 de un periodo de tiempo), abarcando en Santiago hasta 40% de los días de verano con temperaturas extremas. Producto de la crisis climática también pueden ocurrir eventos de frío extremo. Ambos fenómenos constituyen un riesgo para la salud, particularmente para las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Objetivo: Estudiar la asociación entre temperaturas extremas y enfermedades cardiovasculares (mortalidad por enfermedades cardiovasculares, infarto agudo al miocardio, accidente cerebrovascular, hipertensión y paro cardíaco extra hospitalario). Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en los buscadores ISI-Web of Science, Scopus y Nature utilizando los términos de búsqueda heatwave, cardiovascular disease y extreme heat entre los años 2016-2021 incluyendo trabajos que presenten medidas de asociación entre temperaturas extremas (percentil 5 para temperaturas bajas y percentil 90 para temperaturas altas) y enfermedades cardiovasculares, arrojando 130 resultados de los cuales se seleccionaron 19. Resultados: Tanto las temperaturas altas como bajas aumentaron el riesgo de muerte por infarto agudo al miocardio (IAM) (RR: 2,29 [2,18-2,40] y RR: 2,3 [1,2-4,6], respectivamente) y paro cardíaco (OR 3,34 [1,90-3,58] y OR: 1,75 [1,23-2,49], respectivamente). La mortalidad por hipertensión arterial se asoció a temperaturas altas (OR 1,91 [1,2-3,1]), mientras que la mortalidad por enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) en general a bajas (RR: 1,79 [1,64 - 1,95]). En hospitalizaciones por ECV el riesgo por temperaturas altas (P99) fue RR: 1,74 [IC95%: 1,30-2,32]. Se identificaron diferencias por sexo y mayor riesgo en los mayores de 75 años y quienes presentaron exposiciones prolongadas. Conclusión: Hay una fuerte asociación entre hospitalizaciones y muerte por ECV y temperaturas extremas. Las mujeres y los adultos mayores son los más afectados.

Introduction: Several studies warn of the short-term relationship between the use of electronic cigarettes and lung and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to their addictive potential. There are no studies in this regard in Chilean university students. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study measures the prevalence of consumption, risk perception, motivations and attitudes of e-cigarette use in medical students, using an online questionnaire. Results: We analyzed 354 subjects, 32.9% have used electronic cigarettes once in their lives, 6.8% in the last year and 1.1% in the last month. The mean age of onset was 18.0 ± 2.2 years. Regarding positive perceptions towards e-cigarettes: 37.1% believe they help people quit smoking; 39.7% that they are less dangerous than cigarettes and 19.0% that they are less addictive. E-cigarette use was once in a lifetime associated with tobacco use and positive perceptions toward e-cigarettes (effective for quitting smoking and less addictive than cigarettes). The main motivations for consumption were “simply because I do”, “because I like the taste”, “it was recommended to me by a friend/family member” and “because it relaxes me”. Conclusion: It is suggested to ban the promotion of e-cigarettes as a less harmful and addictive option than cigarettes, nor as an alternative to quitting smoking, since scientific evidence is not sufficient to support such claims. This study may contribute to the prevention of e-cigarette use in young populations.

Resumen Diversos estudios advierten de la relación a corto plazo entre el uso de los cigarrillos electrónicos y enfermedades pulmonares, cardiovasculares, además de su potencial adictivo. No existen estudios al respecto en estudiantes universitarios chilenos. Métodos: Este estudio descriptivo transversal, mide la prevalencia de consumo, percepción de riesgo, motivaciones y actitudes del uso de cigarrillos electrónicos en estudiantes de Medicina, mediante un cuestionario online. Resultados: Se analizaron 354 sujetos, 32,9% han utilizado cigarrillos electrónicos alguna vez en la vida, 6,8% en el último año y 1,1% en el último mes. La edad media de inicio fue 18,0 ± 2,2 años. Respecto a las percepciones positivas hacia los cigarrillos electrónicos: 37,1% cree que ayudan a la gente a dejar de fumar; 39,7% que son menos peligrosos que los cigarrillos y 19,0% que son menos adictivos. El consumo de cigarrillos electrónicos alguna vez en la vida se asoció al consumo de tabaco y percepciones positivas hacia cigarrillos electrónicos (efectivo para dejar de fumar y menos adictivos que los cigarrillos). Las principales motivaciones al consumo fueron “simplemente porque sí”, “porque me gusta el sabor”, “me lo recomendó un amigo/familiar” y “porque me relaja”. Conclusión: Se sugiere prohibir la promoción de los cigarrillos electrónicos como una opción menos dañina y adictiva que el cigarrillo, tampoco como alternativa para dejar de fumar, puesto que la evidencia científica no es suficiente para respaldar tales afirmaciones. Este estudio puede contribuir a la prevención de consumo de cigarrillos electrónicos en poblaciones jóvenes.

Background: There is no recent information on the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Chile. Aim: To describe and evaluate the temporal incidence trend of AMI in Chile between 2008 and 2016. Material and Methods: A time series study. We included all AMI cases (ICD10 = I21) that were registered in Chile between 2008 and 2016 in the national hospital discharge and death databases. Rates were stratified according to sex and age group. We calculated crude and standardized rates (direct method). Time trends were evaluated using Prais-Winsten (PW) regression models. Results: There were 132,784 cases of AMI. The mean age of cases was 67 ± 14 years, 67% were men. Crude and standardized rates were 84.4 and 73.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. Standardized incidence increased in total population and women, whose PW coefficients were 0.43 (0.01-0.82; p = 0.045) and 0.26 (0.005-0.47; p = 0.02), respectively. Regarding age, an upward trend was observed in the younger age groups, whose coefficients were 0.20 (0.08 − 0.31; p = 0.004) for cases < 45 years, 1.31 (0.81-1.81; p < 0.01) for cases between 45 and 54 years, and 2.68 (1.31 − 4.04; p = 0.002) for cases between 55 and 64 years. Conclusions: An increase in the number of cases with AMI was observed, especially in younger age groups. This estimation could be useful for planning and evaluating public policies.

Background: Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a therapeutic alternative for patients with inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Aim: To report the initial experience with the “refined BPA technique” with the use of intravascular images. Patients and Methods: Between June 2015 and June 2016 we selected fourteen patients with CTEPH who were considered candidates for BPA. Lesions targeted for treatment were further analyzed using intravascular imaging with optical frequency domain imaging (OFDI). We report the immediate hemodynamic results and four weeks of follow-up of the first eight patients of this series. Results: We performed 16 BPA in eight patients aged 61 ± 14 years (88% women). Mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPm) was 48.6 ± 5.8 mmHg. Success was achieved in seven patients (88%). A mean of 2.3 segments per patient were intervened in 11 sessions (1.6 sessions/ patient). Only one patient developed lung reperfusion injury. No mortality was associated with the procedure. After the last BPA session, PAPm decreased to 37.4 ± 8.6 mmHg (p=0.02). Pulmonary vascular resistance (RVP) decreased from 858,6 ± 377,0 at baseline to 516,6 ± 323,3 Dynes/sec/cm−5 (p<0.01) and the cardiac index increased from 2.4±0.6 at baseline to 2.8±0.3 L/min/m2 (p=0.01). At 4 weeks after the last BPA, WHO functional class improved from 3.3±0.5 to 2.5±0.5 (p<0,01) and six minutes walking distance from 331±92 to 451±149 m (p=0.01). Conclusions: BPA guided by OFDI for the treatment of inoperable CTEPH patients is a safe alternative with excellent immediate hemodynamic and clinical results.

Background: The place of death is a fundamental indicator for the debate on equity and access to health care. Aim: To describe the place of death of the deceased population over 1 year of age in Chile between the years 1997 and 2014. To analyze tendencies in this variable and its association with socio-demographic characteristics. Material and Methods: Time series study covering deaths occurred between 1997 and 2014 in Chile. National death records were used, provided by the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS) of the Chilean Ministry of Health. The following variables were chosen: place of death (home, hospital, other), sex, marital status, age, level of education, activity and area of residence. Temporal trends were evaluated using Prais Winsten regressions. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of the place of death with socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Between 1997 and 2014 there were 1,576,392 deaths, at a mean age of 69 years (p25-p75:60-83 years). No temporal variations in the place of death were observed with the Prais Winsten regression, hospital (P-W coefficient (coef) = 0.06 (confidence intervals (CI): −0.30; 0.19), p = 0.64), home (P-W coef = −0.03 (CI: −0.15; 0.09), p = 0.57), and other places (P-W coef = 0.07; (CI: −0.08 – 0.22), p = 0.32). The multivariate analysis showed that being women under 70 years of age, being married or widowed, having a higher educational level, being inactive and living in a rural area were factors associated with a greater chance of dying at home. Conclusions: No significant temporal variation in the place of death was observed.

Background: The incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) varies according to seasonality, being higher in winter. The effect of sex on this phenomenon is not clear. Aim: To evaluate the effect of seasonality in men and women hospitalized for AMI at different ages. Material and Methods: We included all patients with a primary diagnosis of AMI admitted in public and private hospitals in Chile during 2002-2011 (codes I21-I22, of the tenth international classification of diseases). We obtained data from the National Discharge databases available at the Ministry of Health website. We estimated the number of discharges per month and per seasonality (cold /template), and the Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) with the formula: number of observed cases/expected cases (average annual hospitalizations), stratified by sex and age (< 50 years, 50-64 years, 6574 years, ≥ 75 years). We evaluated the effect of sex with binomial regressions for the different age strata. Results: We assessed 59,557 AMI hospitalizations (69% men, with and without ST elevation segment). May, June and July (austral winter) had a SIR of 1.10; 1.12 and 1.10, respectively. Women had a 20% excess of hospitalizations during cold seasons at any age. In men, the excess of hospitalizations increased from 9% in those aged < 50 years to 21% in those ≥ 75 years (p = 0.043). When comparing women and men, women aged < 50 years showed the higher risk of being hospitalized during cold seasons (adjusted risk ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence intervals 1.01-1.13). Conclusions: Women have a stronger seasonal pattern in AMI hospitalizations than men. While this effect increases with age in men, in women it remains constant at all ages.

Background: A low socioeconomic status is associated with higher overall mortality rates. Aim: To assess the effect of socioeconomic inequalities on survival of patients hospitalized with a first myocardial infarction. Material and Methods: Analysis of hospital discharge and mortality databases of the Ministry of Health. Patients aged over 15 years discharged between 2002 and 2011 with a first myocardial infarction (code I-21, ICD-10) were identified. Their survival was verified with the mortality registry. Survival from 0 to 28 and from 29 to 365 days was analyzed. Socioeconomic status was determined using the type of health insurance, stratified as public insurance (low and medium status) and private insurance (high status). Prais-Winsten trend (P-W) and Cox survival analyses were done. Results: We analyzed 59,557 patients (69% males). Sixty three percent were of low socioeconomic status, 19% medium and 18% high. Between 2002 and 2011 the increase in survival was higher among patients of low socioeconomic status, mainly in women (P-W coefficients 0.58:0.31-0.86 in men and 1.12:0.84-1.41 in women for 0-28 days survival and 0.24:0.09-0.39 in men and 0.48:0.37-0.60 in women for 29-365 days survival, respectively). However, age and year of hospitalization adjusted analysis showed a higher mortality risk among patients of low socioeconomic status at 0-28 days (HR 1.67:1.53-1.83 for men and 1.49:1.34-1.66 for women) and at 29-365 days (HR 2.30:1.75-2.71 for men and 1.90:1.56-1.85 for women). Conclusions: Survival after a myocardial infarction improved in the last decade especially in patients of low socioeconomic status. However, subjects of this stratum continue to have a higher mortality.

Background: Gender may influence the incidence, severity and hospital mortality due to heart failure (HF). Aim: To evaluate the influence of sex on the proportion of patients hospitalized due to heart failure, its incidence and hospital mortality. Methods: Analysis of the hospital discharge database of the Chilean Ministry of Health during 2014. All hospital admissions for HF were considered according to ICD-10 codes, including the discharge diagnosis of congestive HF (I500), left ventricular HF (I501) and non-specified HF (I509). Incidence rates, proportion of discharges due to HF and hospital mortality were calculated according to age and sex. Results: During 2014, there were 1,306,431 discharges from Chilean hospitals. Of these, 125,484 were for cardiovascular disease and 10% of these corresponded to HF (12,825). The incidence rate was slightly higher in men than in women (0.71 and 0.70 per 1,000 admissions respectively). Among patients aged 80 years or more, the prevalence of admissions for HF was higher in women (19.1 and 15.9% respectively, p < 0.01). Hospital mortality was also higher in women (9.7 and 8.6% respectively, p = 0.03). The factors associated with a higher hospital mortality were an age over 80 years (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.11; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.87-2.40; p < 0.01), a length of stay over seven days (OR 1.13; 95%CI: 1.01-1.29; p = 0.04), being admitted to high complexity facilities (OR 1.29; 95%CI: 1.12-1.50; p = 0.01) and being insured by the public national health fund (OR 1.94; 95%CI: 1.54-2.43; p < 0.01). Conclusions: The incidence of hospital admissions due to HF is similar in men and women. There is high hospital mortality, especially in women.

Background: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by a progressive impairment in the subjects’ ability to respond to environmental stress. Frailty is more commonly found in heart failure (HF) patients than in general population and it is an independent predictor of rehospitalization, emergency room visits and death. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of frailty in patients with decompensated HF admitted to four hospitals in Santiago, Chile. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study. Subjects aged 60 or older consecutively admitted for decompensated HF to the study centers between August 2014 and March 2015 were included. Frailty was defined as the presence of three or more of the following criteria: unintended weight loss, muscular weakness, depression symptoms (exhaustion), reduced gait speed and low physical activity. Independent variables were tested for association using simple logistic regression. Variables associated with frailty (p < 0.05) were included in a multiple logistic regression model. Results: Seventy-nine subjects were included. The prevalence of frailty was 50.6%. Frail patients were mostly female (52.6%) and older than non-frail subjects (73.7± 7.9 vs 68.2 ± 7.1; p < 0.003). Independent predictors of frailty were age (Odds raio (OR) 1.10; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.03-1.17), quality of life measured with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (OR 1.07; IC95%: 1.03-1.11), previous hospitalizations (OR 2.56; 95%CI: 1.02-6.43) and number of medications (OR 4.46; 95%CI: 1.11-17.32). Conclusions: The prevalence of frailty in patients admitted to the hospital for decompensated heart failure is high. Age, quality of life, hospitalizations and polypharmacy were factors associated with frailty in this group of participants.

Background: Consumption of illicit drugs (ID) has been associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). There is limited national evidence about the impact of substance use over the clinical presentation, management and outcomes of AMI patients. Aim: To describe the prevalence of ID consumption in patients within the Chilean Registry of Myocardial Infarction (GEMI), comparing clinical characteristics, management and outcome according to consumption status. Material and Methods: We reviewed data from the GEMI registry between 2001 and 2013, identifying 18,048 patients with AMI. The sample was stratified according to presence or absence of previous ID consumption, comparing different demographic and clinical variables between groups. Results: Two hundred eighty five patients (1.6%) had history of ID consumption (cocaine in 66%, cannabis in 35% and central nervous system stimulants in 24.0%). Compared with non-users, ID consumers were younger, predominantly male and had a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, except for tobacco smoking (86.3% and 42.5% respectively, p < 0.01). Among consumers, there was a higher percentage of ST segment elevation (85.2% and 67.8% respectively, p < 0.01) and anterior wall AMI (59.9 and 49.5% respectively, p = 0.01). Additionally, they had a higher rate of primary angioplasty (48.8% and 25.5% respectively, p < 0.01). There was no difference in hospital mortality between groups when stratified by age. Conclusions: A low percentage of patients with AMI had a previous history of ID consumption in our national setting. These patients were younger and had a greater frequency of ST segment elevation AMI, which probably determined a more invasive management.

Background: Socioeconomic status is associated with cardiovascular mortality. Aim: To evaluate the effect of educational level, on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction in Chile. Material and Methods: Cohort study of 3,636 patients aged 63.1 ± 13.2 years, 27% women, hospitalized in 16 centers participating in the Chilean Myocardial Infarction Registry (GEMI) between 2009 and 2012. Vital status was obtained from the National Mortality Database. Patients were divided, according to educational level, in four groups, namely none (no formal education), basic (< 8 years), secondary (8-12 years) and tertiary (> 12 years). Crude and adjusted (age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and treatments) hazard ratios (HR) were estimated using Cox regression models. Results: The distribution by educational level was 3.2% none, 31.8% basic, 43.0% secondary and 22.0% tertiary. During a median follow-up period of 22 months (interquartile range 11-37 years), 631 patients died (17.3%), of whom 198 died during hospitalization (5.5%). The 30 day case-fatality rate according to educational level was 3.4% in tertiary, 4.7% in secondary, 11.9% in basic, 19.1% in none (p < 0.0001). Among patients surviving the first 30 days, the case-fatality rate was 4.4%, 8.6%, 14.6% and 27.0%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The increased risk of death for groups with lower education compared with individuals with tertiary education, persisted in the multivariate analysis with a hazard ratio for secondary education 1.58 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.18-2.10); for basic education 1.90 (95% CI, 1.41-2.47) and for none 3.50 (95% CI, 2.35-5.21). Conclusions: A lower educational level was associated with a worse prognosis in patients with myocardial infarction, even after controlling for potential confounding factors.

Background: Intracoronary delivery of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells is an interesting therapeutic promise for patients with heart failure of different etiologies. Aim: To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of this therapy in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of different etiologies under optimal medical treatment. Patients and Methods: Prospective, open-label, controlled clinical trial. Of 23 consecutive patients, 12 were assigned to autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell intracoronary transplantation, receiving a mean dose of 8.19 ± 4.43 x 10(6) CD34+ cells. Mortality, cardiovascular readmissions and cancer incidence rate, changes in functional capacity, quality of life questionnaires and echocardiographic measures from baseline, were assessed at long-term follow-up (37.7 ± 9.7 months) in patients receiving or not the cells. Results: No significant differences were observed in mortality, cardiovascular readmissions or cancer incidence rate amongst groups. An improvement in functional class and quality of life questionnaires in the transplanted group was observed (p < 0.01). The treated group showed a non-significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction at long-term follow-up (from 26.75 ± 4.85% to 34.90 ± 8.57%, p = 0.059 compared to baseline). There were no changes in left ventricular volumes. We observed no improvement of these variables in the control group. Conclusions: Intracoronary transplantation of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells is feasible and safe in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of diverse etiologies. This therapy was associated to persistent improvements in functional class and quality of life. There was also a non-significant long-term improvement of left ventricular function.

Background: In 2005, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was included in a universal health plan (GES) to reduce inequity in care and optimize its diagnosis and treatment. Aim: To evaluate the effect of GES in risk factor control and therapeutic management among patients with AMI. Material and Methods: A survey was conducted in 2008-2009 in six public hospitals. Patients were identified from a hospital based registry of AMI and evaluated one year later with laboratory tests and an interview. Results: The registry enrolled 534 patients with ST and non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. Of these, 416 patients aged 63 ± 12 years (25% women) were evaluated one year later. Eighty three percent were evaluated by a cardiologist and 37% by a general practitioner. Twenty two percent were evaluated by a nurse and 22% by a nutritionist. At the moment of the interview, 9% smoked, 78% were overweight or obese, 24% performed moderate or vigorous physical activity ≥ 150 min/week, 60% had systolic pressure > 130 mmHg and 63% a diastolic pressure > 80 mmHg. In 30%, LDL cholesterol was > 100 mg/dl and in 43%, triglycerides were > 150 mm/dl. Twenty two percent were diabetic and among them, 52% had a glycosilated hemoglobin > 7%. Forty five percent of non-diabetic patients had a fasting glucose > 100 mg/dl. Ninety three percent were in treatment with aspirin, 86% with statins, 66% with b-blockers, and 73% with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and 20% with clopidogrel. Conclusions: Despite the high proportion of patients in treatment with evidence-based therapy, many do not achieve the targets for risk factor control with the new health care model.

Background: Recent studies indicate that intra-coronary delivery of autologous bone marrow mono-nuclear cells (BMCs) improves the ejection fraction (LVEF) and other clinical markers in patients with heart failure (HF). Aim: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraco-ronary delivery of autologous BMCs in patients with HF in dilated phase under optimal medical treatment. Method: Of 23 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria, 12 were assigned to autologous BMCs intracoronary transplantation, receiving a mean dose of 8.19±4.43 x 106 CD34+ cells (BMCs group). The remaining patients received only standard therapy (control group). All patients were evaluated by Electrocardiogram, Echocardiography, Holter Monitoring, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Stress Testing, Ventricular Late potetials, Heart Rate Variability, and regular clinical examination at baseline and at follow-up (3, 6 and 12 months). Repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni testing were used for statistic analysis. Results: The BMCs group presented a significant increase in EF at sixth months (26.75±4.85 vs. 37.82±6.97%, p=0.001) and 12 months post-transplant (26.75±4.85 vs. 37.27±7.51%, p=0.002). There was a significant improvement in functional (NYHA) in the transplanted group at 6 and 12 months (p<0.001). There were no significant changes concerning left ventricular volumes, heart rate variability and exercise stress testing. We observed no improvement of these variables in the control group. There were no complications related to the BMCs transplant. Conclusions: Intracoronary infusion of auto-logous BMCs, in addition to standard therapy, was associated with significant improvement of left ventricular function at 12 months in patients with HF. We observed no complications relative to the procedure.

Introducción: Estudios recientes indican que el trasplante intracoronario de células mononucleares de médula ósea (BMCs) autólogas, mejoran la fracción de eyección (FEVI) y otros marcadores clínicos en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC). Objetivo: Evaluar la seguridad y eficacia de la administración intracoronaria de BMCs autólogas, en pacientes con insuficiencia cardíaca (IC) en fase dilatada, de diferente etiología y en óptimas condiciones de tratamiento médico. Método: De 23 pacientes consecutivos que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión, 12 fueron asignados a trasplante intracoronario de BMCs autólogas, recibiendo una dosis media de 8.19±4.43 x 10(6) células CD34+ (Grupo trasplantado). Los pacientes restantes sólo recibieron terapia estándar (Grupo control). Todos los pacientes fueron evaluados mediante Electrocardiograma, Ecocardiografía, Holter ECG, RMN Cardíaca, Test de esfuerzo, Potenciales Ventriculares Tardíos, Variabilidad de Frecuencia Cardíaca y evaluación clínica a los 0, 3, 6 y 12 meses. La capacidad funcional (CF) fue evaluada clínicamente y por cuestionarios de calidad de vida. Elanálisis estadístico fue realizado mediante Test Anova, y test de Bonferroni. Resultados: El grupo trasplantado presentó un aumento significativo de la FEVI a los 6 meses (26.75±4.85 vs 37.82±6.97%, p=0.001) mejoría que se mantuvo a los 12 meses (26.75±4.85 vs 37.27±7.51%, p=0.002). Hubo una mejora significativa de la CF en el grupo trasplantado a los 6 y 12 meses (p<0.001). No hubo cambios significativos en los volúmenes de ventrículo izquierdo, así como en las restantes variables estudiadas. En el grupo control no observamos cambios de estas variables. No hubo complicaciones en relación al trasplante de BMCs. Conclusión: En pacientes con IC severa y baja FEVI, el trasplante intracoronario de células BMCs au-tólogas, se asoció a una mejoría significativa de la FEVI y la CF, a los 6 y 12 meses. Adicionalmente, no observamos complicaciones en relación con el procedimiento, lo que confirma la seguridad del trasplante intracoronario de BMCs.