Cardiology

Incentivizing the smoking cessation process increases the adherence rates, according to findings published in the American Journal of Public Health.

This limited systematic review found some evidence of benefit of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation and little evidence of significant adverse outcomes.

As electronic health records become more or less mandatory, the question moves from how widely they are adopted by practices across the country to whether the new versions are more effective than the old pen-and-paper way of doing business.

A 35 year-old man with a history of hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea and obesity presents to clinic with complaints of non-cardiac chest discomfort. He is requesting refills of his blood pressure medications. His insurance changed 6 months ago and he has not had them since. The nurse performs the intake vital signs and reports that the patient has a blood pressure of 280/150 mmHg.

Cardiologists have discussed the pros and cons of drug-eluting stents (DES) for several years. Some evidence seems to indicate that DES reduce risk of restenosis or ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization. They may, however, be more prone than bare metal stents to late (beyond 1 year) and sudden coronary artery occlusion.

Results of a new study are significant since asymptomatic, aggressive heart disease is the most common cause of death in patients with diabetes.

Diabetes, particularly poorly controlled diabetes, seems to be associated with late-life dementia. Study results show that African Americans with longstanding diabetes are at risk for accelerated cognitive decline.

The ESC Congress 2014 was one of the largest meetings in the history of the society, with more than 30,300 delegates in attendance at 27 clinical Hot Line presentations; 15 clinical trial updates; 19 registry studies; 4 new guidelines; and 4597 abstracts presented. Cardiology Review profiles 7 presentations.

In this issue of Cardiology Review, we cover a wide variety of topics while saying hello to the winter of 2014.

Clinicians are most likely to prescribe amiodarone when they see patients who have recurrent ventricular dysrhythmias; paroxysmal supraventricular dysrhythmias including atrial fibrillation and flutter; and or need sinus rhythm maintenance after electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation.

Also known as alternate day fasting, "zigzag" caloric cycling calls for the dieter to eat the number of calories required to maintain weight one day, and then 25% of his or her energy needs on the fast day. Studies have shown that individuals who are compliant with this pattern can lose 4% to 8% of their body weight over 8 to 12 weeks.

This is a time of great change and uncertainty on many fronts in health care, and in cardiology in particular. From new research casting doubts on previously promising procedures (eg, the results from the Symplicity HTN-3 trial released at the 2014 ACC meeting that called into question the usefulness of renal denervation for treating resistant hypertension) to the continued chaos and turmoil surrounding the implementation and future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it seems the news raises more questions than it answers.

In this edition of Clinical Forum, we asked 3 Cardiology Review editorial board members to comment on the role of beta-blockers in patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

The optimal duration of DAPT following PCI with drug-eluting stents remains dubious.

Does this study raise more questions than it answers?

Is the final word on high-dose niacin finally in?

This review presents up-to-date evidence regarding the noncardiovascular effects associated with statins, both adverse and beneficial.

What is the relationship between physical activity, leisure time, and a person's overall health.

Choosing the revascularization strategy is a complex decision for the Heart Team and patient.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at whether the prescription, which also required the patient continuously monitor their coagulation, was the best option. The study focused on whether mechanical left atrial appendage would be preferable for patients going forward.

Despite previous research suggesting HIV patients have an increased likelihood of suffering from a heart attack, kidney failure, or cancer, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health investigators showed the age they encounter these conditions were similar to their uninfected counterparts.

Research indicates that patients with type 2 diabetics mellitus and low testosterone levels are 6 times more likely than those with normal testosterone levels to have increased carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) and decreased endothelial function.

Dronabinol, commonly used as a nausea treatment, could be effective treatment for non-cardiac chest pain patients.

Glucose intolerances may be linked to non-caloric artificial sweeteners, according to research published in Nature.

HDL cholesterol may have atheroprotective qualities, according to a report from The New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers have shown that testosterone replacement therapy reduces the complications associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in androgen-deficient, overweight men.

Despite much evidence that atrial fibrillation (AF) greatly increases the risk of cognitive decline, a review of research to date finds little compelling support for any particular strategies to minimize that risk.

Men of all ages are experiencing the difficulties that come with cardiovascular health including erectile dysfunction. A recent study was conducted looking at the link between the two conditions and what can be done to improve their treatment.

When cocaine users seek medical attention at a hospital regularly used scans may miss some hidden damage done to the patient's heart. A new study looked at other areas that could help maintain their longterm health.

Early reports from the Safety and Appropriateness of Growth hormone treatments in Europe (SAGhE) project noted increased cardiac and cerebrovascular mortality in adults who were treated for stature problems as children. In addition, other studies have linked stroke risk to short stature in general, hypothesizing that shorter people have increased metabolic risks.