Calcium-Channel Blockers and Chronic Eczematous Eruptions of the Aged
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Findings confirm the association of CCBs with chronic eczematous eruptions of "unknown" cause in patients 50 years and older.
Could Vitamin D Supplementation Lower Blood Pressure in Blacks?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a small randomized trial, supplementation had a small but significant dose-related effect on systolic blood pressure.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
May 8, 2013
Covering:
Forman JP et al., Hypertension 2013 Apr; 61:779
Reducing Salt Intake Lowers Blood Pressure and Is Associated with Lower Cardiovascular-Related Mortality
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Lower salt intake is linked to lower risk for stroke, stroke-related mortality, and coronary heart disease–related mortality.
Hydrochlorothiazide vs. Chlorthalidone for Treating Hypertension
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Risk for death or adverse cardiovascular events appears to be similar, but electrolyte abnormalities are more likely with chlorthalidone.
Chlorthalidone or Hydrochlorothiazide: Does It Make a Difference?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a large, propensity-matched, cohort study, the two diuretics were equally effective, but electrolyte abnormalities were more common with chlorthalidone.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
April 24, 2013
Covering:
Dhalla IA et al., Ann Intern Med 2013 Mar 19; 158:447
Thiazides Might Be Less Cardioprotective in Lean Than in Overweight Hypertensive Patients
General Medicine Summary and Comment
But amlodipine was equally effective in lean and overweight patients.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
March 21, 2013
Covering:
Weber MA et al., Lancet 2013 Feb 16; 381:537
Messerli FH and Bangalore S., Lancet 2013 Feb 16; 381:512
Spironolactone for HF with Preserved LVEF Improves Diastolic Function — But Not Symptoms
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a randomized trial, significant echocardiographic improvements failed to translate into favorable clinical outcomes.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
March 13, 2013
Covering:
Edelmann F et al., JAMA 2013 Feb 27; 309:781
Cleland JGF and Pellicori P., JAMA 2013 Feb 27; 309:825
Vascular Changes During the Menopausal Transition
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Adverse carotid artery remodeling accelerates during late perimenopause.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
March 7, 2013
Covering:
El Khoudary SR et al., Menopause 2013 Jan; 20:8
Pai JK and Manson JE., Menopause 2013 Jan; 20:1
Dual Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System Doesn't Prevent Mortality
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Results of a meta-analysis argue against use of dual therapy.
The Use of Propranolol for Infantile Hemangioma: Consensus Recommendations
Dermatology Summary and Comment
These guidelines will help optimize the safe use of this valuable hemangioma treatment until results of controlled studies become available.
By Mary Wu Chang, MD
February 22, 2013
Covering:
Drolet BA et al., Pediatrics 2013 Jan; 131:128
β-Blockers Improve Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure and Low Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In a meta-analysis, no β-blocker was superior to any other.
Olmesartan vs. Olmesartan plus a Calcium-Channel Blocker
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In a randomized trial, researchers found no difference between these two regimens in cardiovascular outcomes.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
February 14, 2013
Covering:
Ogawa H et al., Am J Med 2012 Oct; 125:981
Kim-Mitsuyama S et al., Kidney Int 2013 Jan; 83:167
Antihypertensive Therapy plus Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Contribute to Risk for Kidney Injury
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Free
Triple therapy (a diuretic + an angiotensin-converting–enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin-receptor blocker + an NSAID) was associated with excess risk.
Another Inflammatory Disease Linked to Thrombosis?
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Dermatomyositis may be associated with increased risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, but sketchy data preclude a definitive conclusion.
Should Patients' Weight Affect the Choice of Antihypertensive Therapy?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a subanalysis of ACCOMPLISH trial data, overweight or obesity was associated with improved survival in one treatment arm, but not the other.
Use of RAS Antagonists Reduces Mortality in Some Patients with HFPEF
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a large registry study, significant improvements in survival were evident in patients with EFs less than 50%.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
January 2, 2013
Covering:
Lund LH et al., JAMA 2012 Nov 28; 308:2108
Fang JC., JAMA 2012 Nov 28; 308:2144
What Are the Benefits of Aldosterone Antagonists in Real-World HF Treatment?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a study of registry data, these agents were associated with reductions in HF hospitalization but not mortality or cardiovascular readmission.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
January 2, 2013
Covering:
Hernandez AF et al., JAMA 2012 Nov 28; 308:2097
Fang JC., JAMA 2012 Nov 28; 308:2144
Guidelines for the Management of Stable Ischemic Heart Disease
Cardiology Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
Free
New recommendations inform treatment strategies that balance life-saving interventions with symptom relief.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
December 19, 2012
Covering:
Fihn SD et al., Circulation 2012 Dec 18; 60:e44
Hypertension in the Oldest Old
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Among 85- to 90-year-olds, high blood pressure was associated with less cognitive and physical decline.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
November 29, 2012
Covering:
Sabayan B et al., J Am Geriatr Soc 2012 Nov; 60:2014
What Is the Best Time Window for Delivery in Women with Gestational Hypertension?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Inducing labor at 38 to 39 weeks presented the lowest maternal and fetal risks.
Ultrafiltration for ADHF Underperforms in Patients with Cardiorenal Syndrome
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
In the CARRESS trial, the procedure was less effective than a diuretic-based approach for preserving renal function.
Intensive and Standard BP Targets in Patients with Longstanding Type 2 Diabetes
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Intensive blood pressure control lowered stroke risk but not risk for myocardial infarctions.
Calculating Patients' Lifetime Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Is it more practical than the 10-year risk estimates we're accustomed to using?
Overweight and Obese Children Have Excess CV Risk
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Meta-analysis reveals associations between high body-mass index and multiple adverse cardiovascular risk factors.
Mortality Increases as Renal Function Declines, Regardless of Comorbid Diabetes or Hypertension
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Kidney function is an important prognostic indicator.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
October 23, 2012
Covering:
Mahmoodi BK et al., Lancet 2012 Sep 24
Fox CS et al., Lancet 2012 Sep 24
