Protocolo de estratificação de risco para investigação clínica: calculadora de risco de disfunção endotelial

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction represents one of the early events in cardiovascular pathological processes and, due to its potentially reversible nature when identified early, constitutes a prognostic marker of great clinical relevance. The aim of this study was to develop a risk stratification system for endothelial dysfunction, based on risk factors widely described in scientific literature. The methodology used was based on a prototyping model guided by a review of previous studies, culminating in the selection of 27 risk factors. Among the main factors, the following stand out: age, sex, hypertriglyceridemia, family history of premature coronary artery disease (first-degree relatives), diabetes mellitus, hyperglycemia, perceived psychological stress, smoking, changes in inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-α), autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases, chronic kidney failure, elevated homocysteine levels, hypercholesterolemia, increased fibrinogen, obesity, and sleep apnea. The results indicated a high acceptance of the tool among the healthcare professionals who participated in the evaluation, reflecting the trend of incorporating technological solutions into clinical practice. However, it is worth noting that the sample of participants was limited, which may restrict the generalization of the findings. Nevertheless, relevant suggestions for improvements focused on usability and user experience were raised. These findings reinforce the role of digital systems as allies in clinical decision-making and highlight the importance of future studies with broader scope and more diverse samples. The adoption of technologies like this enables a more effective, accessible, and preventive approach to assessing endothelial risk, fostering significant advances in personalized and preventive medicine.