Prehypertension and the Continuum of Stroke Risk
Neurology Summary and Comment
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Prehypertension, especially in the higher range, is associated with incident stroke.
By Philip B. Gorelick, MD, MPH
October 18, 2011
Covering:
Lee M et al., Neurology 2011 Oct 4; 77:1330
Severe Psoriasis Increases Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
Dermatology Summary and Comment
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Two newly published cohort studies have again linked severe psoriasis to cardiovascular disease.
By Jeffrey P. Callen, MD
September 30, 2011
Covering:
Mehta NN et al., Am J Med 2011 Aug; 124:775
Ahlehoff O et al., Eur Heart J 2011 Aug 12
Hemodynamic Response to Intubation with the Airway Scope vs. the Macintosh Laryngoscope
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
Response was less with the Airway Scope in normotensive patients, but no difference was noted in hypertensive patients.
Migraine, Pregnancy, and Blood Pressure
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Migraine was associated with slightly higher blood pressures during pregnancy; obese migraineurs were at highest risk for preeclampsia.
Contemporary Treatment Improves Outcomes of Recent-Onset Cardiomyopathy
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Only one quarter of patients completely recover systolic function, but death and the need for transplantation are relatively rare.
An Implantable Device for Resistant Hypertension Performs Well in a Randomized Trial
Cardiology Summary and Comment
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Baroreflex activation therapy safely lowered systolic blood pressure in patients who had hypertension despite taking an average of five antihypertensive drugs.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
September 7, 2011
Covering:
Bisognano JD et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2011 Aug 9; 58:765
Fewer Visits, Fewer Meds, More Risk Factors Hamper Hypertension Control
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Two decades of U.S. population-based data increase our understanding of uncontrolled or treatment-resistant hypertension and point toward improvement in healthcare strategies.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
September 7, 2011
Covering:
Egan BM et al., Circulation 2011 Aug 30; 124:1046
An Ounce of Prevention . . . Is Money in the Bank
Cardiology Summary and Comment
An economic modeling analysis based on U.K. data adds to the growing evidence base supporting population-wide initiatives to reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events: Disparities Between Rich and Poor
Cardiology Summary and Comment
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A worldwide survey of the use of evidence-based drugs in community settings reveals many gaps; bridging them will require tough decisions.
Clinic-Based BP Measurement Is Inaccurate for Diagnosing Hypertension
General Medicine Summary and Comment
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Compared with ambulatory blood pressure measurements, those obtained in the clinic or at home are far less accurate.
Measuring Blood Pressure: Once Is Not Enough
General Medicine Summary and Comment
The optimal number of readings was four or five.
Check the Pulse: Elevated Resting Heart Rate Is a Risk Factor for Elevated BP in Boys
In an observational study, elevated resting heart rate was significantly associated with high blood pressure — independent of obesity — in male children and adolescents.
By Louis M. Bell, MD
June 8, 2011
Covering:
Fernandes RA et al., J Pediatr 2011 Apr; 158:634
No Benefit of Aspirin or Statins in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Neither reduced thromboxane B2 levels nor improved lipid profiles had any effect on 6-minute walk distances.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
June 8, 2011
Covering:
Kawut SM et al. on behalf of the ASA-STAT Study Group., Circulation 2011 May 18
Accuracy of Doppler Echocardiography in Pulmonary Hypertension
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In some cases, this technique overestimated or underestimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure substantially.
Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers Aren't Associated with Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes
General Medicine Summary and Comment
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In contrast to results from a 2004 study, a meta-analysis showed no excess risk.
What Hath COURAGE Wrought? No Change in Practice
Cardiology Summary and Comment
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Many patients with stable coronary artery disease are still not receiving optimal medical therapy before undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
White-Coat Effect Accounts for One Third of Resistant Hypertension Cases
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring reveals the prevalence and characteristics of true versus white-coat resistant hypertension.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
May 18, 2011
Covering:
de la Sierra A et al., Hypertension 2011 May; 57:898
Is Lower Salt Intake Dangerous?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
In a controversial study, low-salt diets were associated with elevated cardiovascular disease mortality.
Can We Delay Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer Disease?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Control of vascular risk factors may lower the conversion rate.
Guidelines: Extracranial Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease
Neurology Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
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Experts address the appropriate use of contemporary imaging and revascularization techniques and identify important gaps in the evidence base to guide future research.
HIV Independently Associated with Heart Failure Risk
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Observational data suggest that heightened vigilance and aggressive risk-factor management are warranted to prevent HF in HIV-infected individuals.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
May 4, 2011
Covering:
Butt AA et al., Arch Intern Med 2011 Apr 25; 171:737
Hypertension Associated with Psoriasis Is Difficult to Treat
Dermatology Summary and Comment
The mechanism behind this association remains unknown.
Screening Children for Silent Cardiac Conditions
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
A study with implications for clinicians who prescribe stimulants and other psychotropic drugs to children
Hypertension Often Is Unrecognized in Young Women
Women's Health Summary and Comment
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Hypertension was less likely to be diagnosed in obstetrics and gynecology clinics than in medicine clinics.
By Eleanor Bimla Schwarz, MD, MS
April 7, 2011
Covering:
Schmittdiel J et al., Hypertension 2011 Apr; 57:717
An ARB for Hypertensive Patients with Acute Stroke?
General Medicine Summary and Comment
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The angiotensin-receptor blocker candesartan didn't improve outcomes.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
March 24, 2011
Covering:
Sandset EC et al., Lancet 2011 Feb 26; 377:741
