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Brain natriuretic peptide (bnp), also called b-type natriuretic peptide, is mainly secreted by the cardiac ventricles during increased ventricular wall stress. BNP plasma concentration provides important information on the prognosis in patients with heart failure, myocardial infarction, and acute coronary syndromes without ST-segment elevation.
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The Infection Risk of Acid-Suppressing Drugs; Is Rosuvastatin As Safe As Other Statins?; Which Estrogen Preparation is the Safest?; FDA Actions.
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This multicenter prospective observational study reveals that transfusion practice in the critically ill has not changed in the past decade. 44% of ICU patients receive transfusions, and transfusions continue to be associated with worse clinical outcomes.
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Post hoc analysis of 3 large multicenter trials of patients with acute coronary syndromes demonstrates a strong association between transfusion and mortality.
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Tissue Doppler echocardiography can distinguish between constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy.
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Doppler echocardiography can estimate SVR, and is particularly accurate at identifying a low SVR.
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Focal left atrial tachycardias are an important complication after pulmonary vein isolation.
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During the last few years, chronic kidney disease has been increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. An American Heart Association Scientific Statement reviewing this subject was published last fall.