Someone to Watch Over Meds
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In two studies, researchers explore novel strategies for reducing adverse drug events caused by medication errors.
By Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH
June 3, 2009
Covering:
Murray MD et al., Arch Intern Med 2009 Apr 27; 169:757
Schnipper JL et al., Arch Intern Med 2009 Apr 27; 169:771
DASHing Away from Heart Failure Risk
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Incidence of HF was lowest among Swedish women whose diets most closely matched the DASH diet.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
May 28, 2009
Covering:
Levitan EB et al., Arch Intern Med 2009 May 11; 169:851
Boy, You’ve Got to Carry That Weight (a Long Time) . . .
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Childhood poverty increases allostatic load and decreases memory.
By Jonathan Silver, MD
May 22, 2009
Covering:
Evans GW and Schamberg MA., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009 Apr 21; 106:6545
Hormone Therapy in Women with Premature Ovarian Failure: Is Transdermal Safer Than Oral?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
Results of a small Scottish trial suggest that the answer is yes.
We Are What We Eat
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A MESA analysis reveals substantial differences among four ethnic groups in reaching adherence targets for eight components of the DASH diet.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
May 20, 2009
Covering:
Gao SK et al., Arch Intern Med 2009 Apr 13; 169:702
Diabetes and Hypertension: Diseases Associated with Psoriasis
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Two more systemic diseases are shown to be associated with psoriasis.
By Craig A. Elmets, MD
May 15, 2009
Covering:
Qureshi AA et al., Arch Dermatol 2009 Apr; 145:379
U.S. Trends in Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes, 1999 Through 2006
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Although racial and socioeconomic disparities in disease control persist, insurance coverage appears to narrow the gaps.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
May 13, 2009
Covering:
McWilliams JM et al., Ann Intern Med 2009 Apr 21; 150:505
Heart Failure in an Aging Population
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A new epidemiologic study exposes specific targets for preventive measures.
Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Daily Practice
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A longitudinal analysis of cross-sectional study results reveals an urgent need for effective lifestyle management.
By Beat J. Meyer, MD
April 22, 2009
Covering:
Kotseva K et al., Lancet 2009 Mar 14; 373:929
Brekke M and Gjelsvik B., Lancet 2009 Mar 14; 373:873
An Angiotensin-Receptor Blocker Fails to Prevent Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Despite much hope and promising preliminary data, valsartan performed no better than placebo during 1-year of follow-up.
By Mark S. Link, MD
April 15, 2009
Covering:
Disertori M et al. for the GISSI-AF Investigators., N Engl J Med 2009 Apr 16; 360:1606
Gillis AM., N Engl J Med 2009 Apr 16; 360:1669
Accuracy of Echocardiography in Estimating Pulmonary Artery Pressure
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Echocardiography measurements should be treated as "ballpark estimates" and interpreted in conjunction with other clinical data.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
April 9, 2009
Covering:
Fisher MR et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2009 Apr 1; 179:615
Mutlak D et al., Chest 2009 Jan; 135:115
Behavioral and Circadian Rhythms: Best to Be in Synch
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Misaligned cycles lead to adverse cardiometabolic consequences in this laboratory study.
By Jonathan Silver, MD
April 6, 2009
Covering:
Scheer FAJL et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009 Mar 17; 106:4453
Ramsey KM and Bass J., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009 Mar 17; 106:4069
Percutaneous Renal Nerve Ablation for Persistent Hypertension
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A novel interventional approach appears on the scene.
By Harlan M. Krumholz, MD
March 30, 2009
Covering:
Krum H et al., Lancet 2009 Mar 30
Doumas M and Douma S., Lancet 2009 Mar 30
TIPS for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a large feasibility trial, one small pill had favorable effects on many important risk markers.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
March 30, 2009
Covering:
Yusuf S et al for The Indian Polycap Study (TIPS)., Lancet 2009 Mar 30
Cannon CP., Lancet 2009 Mar 30
SSRIs and Pregnancy: More to Think About
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
SSRI use in late pregnancy is linked to gestational hypertension and preeclampsia.
By Joel Yager, MD
March 30, 2009
Covering:
Toh S et al., Am J Psychiatry 2009 Mar; 166:320
Metabolic Abnormalities Affect BP Response to Dietary Sodium
General Medicine Summary and Comment
People with metabolic syndrome had more-robust responses to salt-restricted diets.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
March 24, 2009
Covering:
Chen J et al., Lancet 2009 Mar 7; 373:829
Does Race Affect Risk for Early Heart Failure?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Findings from the CARDIA study reveal a much higher incidence of heart failure in young blacks than in young whites.
By Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM
March 18, 2009
Covering:
Bibbins-Domingo K et al., N Engl J Med 2009 Mar 19; 360:1179
Peterson E and Yancy CW., N Engl J Med 2009 Mar 19; 360:1172
High Heart Rates, More Heart Attacks
Women's Health Summary and Comment
In postmenopausal women, higher resting heart rate predicted excess risk for coronary events but not stroke.
Unrecognized MI
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A Dutch study used delayed enhancement MRI to assess prevalence of silent MI.
Do Loop Diuretics Increase the Risk for Fractures in Postmenopausal Women?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Findings from the Women’s Health Initiative suggest that they don’t, but many questions remain.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
February 11, 2009
Covering:
Carbone LD et al., Arch Intern Med 2009 Jan 26; 169:132
HYVET Shows Benefits for Treating Hypertension in Healthy Very Old Patients
But, how this finding applies to typical patients outside of studies is unclear.
Short Sleep Duration as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Events
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Sleeping less than 7.5 hours nightly and having nighttime rises in SBP were associated with excess cardiovascular risk in older patients with hypertension.
ACE Inhibitor Plus Calcium Blocker for Hypertension
General Medicine Summary and Comment
This drug combination bested a diuretic-containing regimen in a trial involving older high-risk patients.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
December 16, 2008
Covering:
Jamerson K et al., N Engl J Med 2008 Dec 4; 359:2417
Chobanian AV., N Engl J Med 2008 Dec 4; 359:2485
Beta-Blockers Should Not Be First in Line for Treating Hypertension
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In a meta-analysis, lowering of heart rate was associated with increases in cardiac mortality, risk for nonfatal MI, and heart failure.
By Mark S. Link, MD
December 10, 2008
Covering:
Bangalore S et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2008 Oct 28; 52:1482
Kaplan NM., J Am Coll Cardiol 2008 Oct 28; 52:1490
Cardiogenic Shock in Acute Coronary Syndromes: 10-Year Trends
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Data from a Swiss registry show improvements in in-hospital incidence and in overall mortality.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
December 10, 2008
Covering:
Jeger RV et al., Ann Intern Med 2008 Nov 4; 149:618
