Cardiology Topics
RSSArticles
-
The Value of Stress Testing in Patients with Known Coronary Artery Disease
A comparison of adenosine stress single-photon emission CT, PET, and MRI in stable patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD) showed PET to be more sensitive for detecting invasive fractional flow reserve-identified ischemic lesions. However, the sensitivity was disappointing. Patients with known CAD and new symptoms should be referred directly to invasive coronary angiography.
-
Rivaroxaban Monotherapy for Atrial Fibrillation in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
For patients with atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease, rivaroxaban monotherapy was superior to dual therapy for preventing thrombotic and bleeding events and was associated with a lower mortality rate.
-
Is the Canadian Syncope Risk Score Valid?
Researchers found the Canadian Syncope Risk Score accurately predicts which patients are low risk for discharge. However, since it is driven largely by the physician’s final risk classification at ED discharge, the score’s clinical utility is uncertain.
-
Comparing CT Angiography to Invasive Angiography for Stable Chest Pain Patients
A trial of initial coronary CT angiography vs. invasive angiography revealed outcomes over a median 3.5-year follow-up were similar, but procedure-related complications were more common in the invasive group.
-
What Do You Think Happened?
You are asked to interpret the tracing in the figure without the benefit of any history. What do you think happened? How acute are these findings?
-
Researchers Suggest Checking Blood Pressure in Both Arms
After taking two readings, use the higher measurement for diagnosis. Guidelines recommend this practice, but data were lacking.
-
Is AV Block Complete?
The dual lead rhythm strip in the figure was obtained from an elderly patient with syncope. Is there AV dissociation? Is there complete AV block? This is a challenging tracing because a different diagnosis is suggested by the first five beats in the rhythm strip, compared to the last four beats. -
Another Way Antibiotic Therapy Can Kill You
An analysis revealed fluoroquinolone antibiotic use was associated with later aortic diseases and mortality in patients without known aortic disease.
-
Cardiovascular Problems Could Affect Cognition Later in Life
Young patients with high blood pressure and obesity were more likely to struggle with memory and thinking skills decades later.
-
Modest Improvements in Mortality Rate Disparities in Rural Areas
Black adults living in rural areas in the United States still are more likely to die from diabetes, high blood pressure compared to white adults.