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Use of ß-blockers is associated with reduced risk of
fracture. The magnitude of reduction is similar to that seen with use of thiazides.
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Treatment of systolic hypertension in older patients with systolic blood pressure of at least 160 mm Hg is supported by strong evidence. The evidence to support treatment of patients to the level of 140 mm Hg or those with baseline SBP of 140 to 159 mm Hg is less strong; thus, these treatment decisions should be more sensitive to patient preferences and tolerance of therapy.
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A retrospective study of 24,112 patients with coronary heart disease showed increased 30-day mortality in patients who received one or more blood transfusions for anemia compared to comparable patients not transfused.
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B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker released by cardiac ventricular myocytes. Its usefulness is mainly in the emergency room for the evaluation of acute dyspnea, to evaluate for cardiac failure. BNP may have usefulness as a screening test for preclinical heart disease, for risk stratification and for guidance with therapy.
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Although regular aspirin use reduces the risk for colorectal adenoma formation as shown in previous randomized-controlled trials, the protective effect now seems to be greatest at substantially higher doses (> 14 standard tablets/week) than currently recommended for cardiovascular prophylaxis.
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The FDA has approved a combination product of amlodipine and atrovastatin for the treatment of patients with comorbid hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
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The ECG shown in the Figure was obtained in the emergency department (ED) from a 61-year-old woman with a history of significant hypertension. She was alert, oriented, and not in acute distress at the time this tracing was recorded, although she was markedly hypertensive and experiencing some chest pain. No prior ECG was available. The patient was treated in the ED with several doses of Adenosine and eventually converted to sinus rhythm. Your thoughts on the rhythm and the management?
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The NIH has halted the estrogen-alone wing of the Womens Health Initiative a year before its scheduled end.
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Diets low in red meat and fish and high in vegetables and low-fat dairy products are associated with a decrease in the incidence of gout.
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A clinical prediction rule helps identify patients with knee pain who might benefit from orthopedic surgery.
