The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of inspiratory muscle exercise (IME) on metabolic and hemodynamic parameters, cardiac autonomic modulation and respiratory function of older women with metabolic syndrome (MS). For this, sixteen older women with MS and 12 aged-matched controls participated of the present study. Two days before and 2 days after the main experiment, fasting blood samples (i.e., total cholesterol, triglycerides and blood glucose), cardiac autonomic modulation (i.e., heart rate variability), and respiratory muscle function were obtained and evaluated. The sessions of physical exercise was based on a IME, which was performed during 7 days. Each session of IME was performed during 20 min, at 30% of maximal static inspiratory pressure. In the results, MS group presented higher levels of triglycerides, blood glucose, and systolic blood pressure when compared to control group. IME was not able to change these variables. However, although MS group showed impaired respiratory muscle strength and function, as well as cardiac autonomic modulation, IME was able to improve these parameters. Thus, the data showed that seven days of IME are capable to improve respiratory function and cardiac autonomic modulation of older women with MS. These results indicate that IME can be a profitable therapy to counteracting the clinical markers of MS, once repeated sessions of acute IME can cause chronical alterations on respiratory function and cardiac autonomic modulation.

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Background: In general, postmenopausal women present higher mortality, and worse prognosis after myocardial infarction compared to men, due to estrogen deficiency. After MI, cardiovascular alterations occur, such as the autonomic imbalance and the pro-inflammatory cytokines increase. In this sense, therapies that aim to minimize deleterious effects caused by ischemia are important. Aerobic training has been proposed as a promising intervention in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, some studies have attempted to identify potential biomarkers for cardiovascular deseases or specifically for myocardial infarction. For this purpose, metabolomics has been used as a tool in the discovery of cardiovascular biomarkers. Objective: Therefore, the objective of this work is to discuss the changes involved in ovariectomy, myocardial infarction, and aerobic training, with emphasis on inflammation and metabolism.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is a global health crisis that has culminated in thousands of deaths. In order to reduce the spread of Sars-CoV-2 virus, governments of several countries have adopted social isolation as a strategy. However, social isolation has culminated in deleterious effects for the population’s health, including increased physical inactivity, stress and, consequently, adverse changes in body composition, cardiorespiratory capacity, muscle strength, physical functionality, and vascular events, which are increasingly pointed out as the main determinants of cardiovascular health. Staying physically active during lockdown is a challenge, especially for the population with a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19 who are still encouraged to maintain social distance until there is a vaccine available. Strategies to avoid physical inactivity, and reduce stress levels can promote cardiovascular protection, and must be considered during COVID-19 time. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to discuss the risks of physical inactivity and stress for the cardiovascular system during the COVID-19 pandemic and propose strategies to protect cardiovascular health. Conclusion: A home-based training protocol could be an interesting and effective strategy for the population who need to remain physically active and safe at home.