Internal Medicine Alert – October 15, 2011
October 15, 2011
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New Guidelines for the Management of Extracranial Carotid Arterial Disease
Duplex ultrasonography should be used in asymptomatic patients with known or suspected carotid arterial stenosis and should be considered for use in asymptomatic patients who have symptomatic peripheral arterial disease, coronary artery disease, or an atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm, and even in the asymptomatic patients who simply are at high cardiovascular risk. -
Progression of Diastolic Dysfunction Predicts Incident Heart Failure
The authors conclude that in a population-based cohort undergoing 4 years of follow-up, the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction increased and that diastolic dysfunction was associated with development of heart failure during 6 years of subsequent follow-up. -
Sleep-Disordered Breathing is a Risk Factor for Dementia
Sleep-disordered breathing is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may prevent or slow this process. -
Indacaterol Inhalation Powder (Arcapta Neohaler)
An ultra long-acting, orally-inhaled beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) has been approved for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Indacaterol is formulated as a dry powder and is the first beta2-agonist to be dosed once-daily. It is marketed by Novartis as Arcapta™. -
Clinical Briefs By Louis Kuritzky, MD
It has been customary to ask patients on warfarin, once controlled and stable, to return on a monthly basis for recheck. -
A WCT with 'P' Waves?
Interpret the 12-lead ECG shown above obtained from a hemodynamically stable patient with underlying heart disease and new-onset palpitations. Despite the apparent QRS widening is this sinus tachycardia (arrow pointing to 'P waves' in lead II)?