“…Patients were divided into groups according to LVEF; without LVSD was diagnosed in patients with a LVEF ≥60%, mild LVSD in those with LVEF <60% and ≥40%, and severe LVSD in those with LVEF <40%, with the last group being defined according to the Brazilian guidelines of severe chronic heart disease [ 23 ]. In cases where LVEF was measured by Radionuclide Ventriculography, patients with LVEF >50%, LVEF between 30% and 50% and LVEF <30%, indicated normal left ventricular systolic function, mild to moderate, and severe LVSD, respectively.…”