Cardiology

Subanalysis of a study comparing warfarin and apixaban in patients with atrial fibrillation found that uncontrolled hypertension increased the risk of stroke or systemic embolism in these patients.

A developmental drug lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.

A new guidance document on percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) cites the need for new safety and quality protocols to address the increasing number of PCIs performed at centers with no on-site cardiac surgery backup available.

Nearly 13 million more Americans would be candidates for statin medications to lower cholesterol under the most recent American College of Cardiology-American Heart Association guidelines.

Patients with diabetes often develop thiamine deficiency secondary to elevated blood sugar. This deficiency is so common that some experts have referred to it as an epidemic.

Sodium picosulfate, a commonly prescribed medication for bowel prep prior to colonoscopy, is associated with increased risk of hyponatremia in older adults compared to polyethylene glycol.

Statins can cause diabetes, but other side effects are rare, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Data show improved survival rates and other outcomes are associated with rapid response when cardiac emergencies occur.

Quitting smoking is associated with improved mood and reduced depression, anxiety, and stress.

The device uses sensors to warn of impending heart attack and can stimulate cardiac muscle in patients with atrial fibrillation or other rhythm disorders.

Hyponatremia is associated with increased mortality and rehospitalization in patients hospitalized for heart failure.

The true prevalence of resistant hypertension is unknown, but it is estimated to occur in up to 20% of patients with chronic hypertension.

Thrombosis significantly increases during pregnancy and again during the postpartum period until at least 12 weeks after delivery, according to new research.

Using erythropoietin (EPO) therapy in patients with cardio-renal-anemia syndrome may be associated with more harm than benefit in this population. As new study found a statistically higher mortality rate among EPO users.

Minimally invasive surgical technique for patients with atrial fibrillation who cannot tolerate standard anticoagulant therapy uses sutures to tie off the left atrial appendage and offers increased stroke protection.

Stressing the significant effect heart failure has on quality of life, a study published in Heart found that patients' and their families' lack of knowledge on their condition causes delays in seeking medical attention and an absence of a long-term care plan.

To curb the symptoms associated with Kawasaki Disease, researchers are recommended use of the drug infliximab, according to a study published online in the February 24 issue of The Lancet.

In joint studies, researchers concluded the bacteria Streptococcus sanguinis requires manganese in order to cause endocarditis.

Results of a long-term study indicate that when both parents smoke, children's absorption of secondhand smoke leads to increased artery wall thickness.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new ablation catheter billed by its maker as the first such device on the U.S. market "that enables direct and real-time measurement of contact force" during procedures.

Instead of standard radio wave therapy, doctors are experimenting with alcohol ablations to prevent accidental triggering of arrhythmia.

Recently released guidelines seek to provide clarity to the management of hyponatremia by outlining an evidence-based, patient-centered approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Thomas Dayspring, MD, FACP, FNLA, NCMP, discusses the promises and pitfalls of the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline on the Treatment of Blood Cholesterol to Reduce Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk in Adults.

Family physicians should place as great an emphasis on walking as they do on monitoring medication and laboratory data, and strongly recommend increased ambulatory activity to their patients.

Researchers at Yale University have pinpointed the cells and cellular processes that trigger life-threatening pulmonary hypertension, which have been little understood until now.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new ablation catheter for use in patients with medication-resistant paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Medical researchers have suggested that dairy products protect against metabolic syndrome (MetS), decreasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, altered glucose homeostasis, and dyslipidemia.

New research suggests that patients with allergic rhinitis face significantly lower risks for heart attacks, cerebrovascular disease, and all-cause mortality.

Regular consumption of white fish may reduce the cholesterol concentration, waist circumference, and blood pressure components of metabolic syndrome.

Researchers identify several independent risk factors for the development of severe and/or symptomatic hyponatremia in patients on oxcarbazepine therapy.