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By John P. DiMarco, MD, PhD
Synopsis: Data are consistent with the concept that autonomic imbalance predisposes persons to life-threatening arrhythmias.
Source: Jouven X, et.al. Heart-Rate Profile During Exercise as a Predictor of Sudden Death. N Engl J Med. 2005;352:1951-1958.
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By Jonathan Abrams, MD
Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
Dr. Abrams serves on the speakers bureau for Merck, Pfizer, and Parke-Davis.
Synopsis: In order to reduce CVD mortality, more active management and prevention of diabetes is needed.
Source: Hu G, et al. The Gender-Specific Impact of Diabetes and Myocardial Infarction at Baseline and During Follow-Up on Mortality From All Causes and Coronary Heart Disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2005;45:1413-1418.
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By Michael H. Crawford, MD
Synopsis: Higher BNP levels predict worse outcomes under medical management and may be useful for decisions regarding surgery.
Source: Detaint D, et al. B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Organic Mitral Regurgitation. Circulation. 2005;111:2391-2397.
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Professor of Medicine, Chief of Clinical Cardiology, University of California, San Francisco
Synopsis: The beneficial effects of drug-eluting stents on coronary artery lumen enhancement are preserved for 4 years after implantation.
Source: Sousa JE, et al. Four-Year Angiographic and Intravascular Ultrasound Follow-Up of Patients Treated with Sirolimus-Eluting Stents. Circulation. 2005:111:2326-29.
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By John P. DiMarco, MD, PhD
Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Dr. DiMarco is a consultant for Novartis and does research for Medtronic and Guidant.
Synopsis: Pulmonary vein isolation is a feasible first-line approach for this treatment of selected patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation.
Source: Wazni OM, et.al. Radiofrequency Ablation vs Antiarrhthymic Drugs as First-Line Treatment of Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation: A Randomized Trial. JAMA. 2005;
293:2634-2640.
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Rifamixin, a nonabsorbed oral antibiotic, is effective for preventing traveler's diarrhea, according to new research.
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