Cardiomiopatias no serviço de cardiologia com ênfase no papel do cobre

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of copper in cardiomyopathies. The investigation was carried out from August 2011 to December 2012 in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Forty seven patients participated in the study, with the age ranging from 30 to 87 years. Analytical determinations were performed by the author at the Laboratory of Mineral Metabolism using the Atomic Absorption technique. In parallel laboratory data were collected which included complete hemogram, electrolytes and biochemical indicators. Forty seven patients participated in the study, with the age ranging from 30 to 87 years. Analytical determinations were performed by the author at the Laboratory of Mineral Metabolism using the Atomic Absorption technique. In parallel laboratory data were collected which included complete hemogram, electrolytes and biochemical indicators. The cardiomyopathies were classified on the basis of Doppler electrocardiograms. The proportion male/female was higher for dilated (DC) and isquemic (IC) as compared to the hypertrophic (HC) form. The ethnic proportion between whites and browns was 1:1 for DC, 0.8 for IC and 2 for CH. The incidence of the cardiomyopathies in the sample under consideration was as follows: DC – 49%; IC – 38% and HC – 13%. Despite the differences in the percentage of white blood cells and thrombocytes, their absolute content expressed in numbers did not exceed those accepted as normal. There was a significant difference in glucose metabolism between DC and IC. As for lipid metabolism, renal function and plasma electrolytes, there was no significant difference found between the three forms of cardiomyopathies. In relation to copper concentrations, no differences have been found between DC, IC and HC, but all the three concentrations in Campo Grande were higher than the values accepted as normal proceeding from the average international and Brazilian sources. These high levels may be related to an increase in cardiomyopathies as such, together with an augmentation owing to the location where the study was carried out. High copper levels detected to a certain degree may be considered as a chemical marker for myocardial involvement.