MedWorm: Cardiology

BP difference between arms points to peripheral vascular disease

MedWire News - Hypertension — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:07:02 +0100

A difference of 10 to 15 mmHg in systolic blood pressure between the left and right arm is associated with an increased risk for peripheral vascular disease and mortality, results of a systematic review and meta-analysis show. (Source: MedWire News - Hypertension)

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‘Reassess patients’ before replacing ICDs

MedWire News - Heart Failure — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:07:02 +0100

Not all individuals with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator should receive a new generator when the device’s power reserve is running low, its leads become defective, or its system infected, say authors. (Source: MedWire News - Heart Failure)

Atrial fibrillation linked to adverse outcomes after PCI

MedWire News - Cardiology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:07:01 +0100

Patients with periprocedural atrial fibrillation are at an increased risk for adverse outcomes after undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, research suggests. (Source: MedWire News - Cardiology)

Editorial Board

International Journal of Cardiology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:06:20 +0100

(Source: International Journal of Cardiology)

Potential clinical applications of halichondrins in breast cancer and other neoplasms

Vascular Health and Risk Management — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:05:29 +0100

Ortega V, Cortes J (Source: Vascular Health and Risk Management)

Early VTE Therapy OK After Brain Bleed (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:43:01 +0100

HOUSTON --The risk of re-bleeding after intracranial hemorrhage did not increase when patients received early prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE), a retrospective review showed. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

Leptin in Anorexia and Cachexia Syndrome

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Leptin is a product of the obese (OB) gene secreted by adipocytes in proportion to fat mass. It decreases food intake and increases energy expenditure by affecting the balance between orexigenic and anorexigenic hypothalamic pathways. Low leptin levels are responsible for the compensatory increase in appetite and body weight and decreased energy expenditure (EE) following caloric deprivation. The anorexia-cachexia syndrome is a complication of many chronic conditions including cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and aging, where the decrease in body weight and food intake is not followed by a compensatory increase in appetite or decreased EE. Crosstalk between leptin and inflammatory signaling known to be activated in these condi...

Antihypertensives vs Alternative Options for PrehypertensionAntihypertensives vs Alternative Options for Prehypertension

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:13 +0100

The definition of hypertension has evolved over the years, but how has our core thinking regarding treatment changed? Future Cardiology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Soda Linked to Lung Disease (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Allergy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:13:00 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- More bad news for soda lovers: in addition to obesity and heart disease, the sugary drinks may be tied to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Australian researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Allergy)

The interaction of ageing and lung disease.

Chronic Respiratory Disease — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:06:02 +0100

This article explores the structural and physiological changes that occur in the ageing lung, and the impact that lung disease and other co-morbidities may have on it. The major changes associated with ageing are reduced lung elasticity, respiratory muscle strength and chest wall compliance, all of which may be influenced by impaired lung growth in early childhood and adolescence. The resultant reduction in diffusing capacity may not be relevant in a fit older adult, but co-morbidities may interact to cause breathlessness and impairments in quality of life. Lung function declines with age, but forced vital capacity (FVC) begins to decline later than forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) and at a slower rate. This results in a natural fall in the FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio...

Molecular Link Established Between Genetic Defect And Heart Malformation

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

UNC researchers have discovered how the genetic defect underlying one of the most common congenital heart diseases keeps the critical organ from developing properly. According to the new research, mutations in a gene called SHP-2 distort the shape of cardiac muscle cells so they are unable to form a fully functioning heart. The study also shows that treatment with a drug that regulates cell shape rescues the cardiac defect, pointing to therapeutic avenues that could one day benefit Noonan syndrome patients... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Vessel-Forming Stem Cells Derived From Amniotic Fluid To Help Fix Infant Hearts

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Researchers at Rice University and Texas Children's Hospital have turned stem cells from amniotic fluid into cells that form blood vessels. Their success offers hope that such stem cells may be used to grow tissue patches to repair infant hearts. "We want to come up with technology to replace defective tissue with beating heart tissue made from stem cells sloughed off by the infant into the amniotic fluid," said Rice bioengineer Jeffrey Jacot, who led the study. "Our findings serve as proof of principle that stem cells from amniotic fluid have the potential to be used for such purposes... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Spinning Sessions Trigger The Same Biochemical Indications As Heart Attacks

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

A short spinning session can trigger the same biochemical indications as a heart attack - a reaction that is probably both natural and harmless, but should be borne in mind when people seek emergency treatment for chest pain, reveals a study from the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Heart attacks increase the secretion of enzymes known as cardiac biomarkers, which can be measured using a simple blood test. This is important for rapid diagnosis and initiation of treatment... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

For Atrial Fibrillation Patients At Risk For Stroke, Easy-To-Use Blood Thinners Likely To Replace Coumadin

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Within a few years, a new generation of easy-to-use blood-thinning drugs will likely replace Coumadin for patients with irregular heartbeats who are at risk for stroke, according to a journal article by Loyola University Medical Center physicians. Unlike Coumadin, the new drugs do not require patients to come in to the clinic on a regular basis to check the dose. Nor do the drugs require extensive dietary restrictions. First author Sarkis Morales-Vidal, MD, and colleagues describe the new drugs in a review article in the February issue of the journal Expert Reviews... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Following Heart Attack, Low Levels Of Lipid Antibodies Increase Complications

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Coronary patients with low levels of an immune system antibody called anti-PC, which neutralises parts of the 'bad' cholesterol, run a greater risk of suffering complications following an acute cardiac episode and thus of premature death. This according to new research from Karolinska Institutet published in the scientific periodical The International Journal of Cardiology... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Vorapaxar Meets End Point But Ups Bleeding Vorapaxar Meets End Point But Ups Bleeding

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:18:14 +0100

In its second phase 3 trial, Merck's novel antiplatelet agent reduced ischemic events but increased bleeding, including ICH. Results looked more promising in patients without a history of stroke. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Systolic Heart Function, Kidney Filtration and the Number of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques in Lean and Overweight Patients

Karger Publishers — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Cardiorenal Med 2012;2:110-116 (DOI:10.1159/000335561) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Bivalirudin Safe After Fondaparinux in PCI PatientsBivalirudin Safe After Fondaparinux in PCI Patients

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:46:35 +0100

Recent studies have shown that ACS patients on fondaparinux prior to PCI should switch to another anticoagulant prior to the procedure to avoid thrombus. The SWITCH III trial compares bivalirudin and unfractionated heparin in a small group of these patients. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Braile Biomedica Launches Transapical Valve Braile Biomedica Launches Transapical Valve

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:41:46 +0100

A Brazilian group says they're encouraged by the early results with their transapical transcatheter aortic valve. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

CTO Bodes Ill in NSTEMI PatientsCTO Bodes Ill in NSTEMI Patients

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:33:38 +0100

Swedish researchers examined SCAAR to determine the prognostic significance of a chronic total occlusion in an artery other than the infarct-related one of non-ST-elevation-MI patients. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Generalists Need Education on HF Treatment Generalists Need Education on HF Treatment

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:27:37 +0100

A unique study trying to drill down into why cardiologists seem to gain better outcomes than generalists when treating heart failure has identified a number of reasons that this is the case. But generalists--who treat the majority of HF--have to deal with older and sicker patients, confounding the issue. The authors hope the work will act as a catalyst to improve HF care. Heartwire (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Braile Biomédica launches transapical valve

theHeart.org — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:30:12 +0100

A Brazilian group says they're encouraged by the early results with their transapical transcatheter aortic valve. (Source: theHeart.org)

Wake-up stroke patients may still benefit from thrombolysis

theHeart.org — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:00:01 +0100

A new study shows tPA was safe for patients who woke up with stroke symptoms, a population not normally treated since they could exceed the 4.5-hour window. (Source: theHeart.org)

Merck Drug Cuts CV Risk, Increases Bleeds

MedPage Today Public Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:38:22 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- The investigational anticoagulant vorapaxar significantly reduced cardiovascular events, but at the expense of intracranial hemorrhage, according to top-line results announced today by drugmaker Merck. (Source: MedPage Today Public Health)

How Functional Foods May Help Your Heart

WebMD Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:11:39 +0100

In the quest for a healthy heart, can foods fortified with calcium, omega-3s, plant sterols, and other nutrients help? (Source: WebMD Health)

Generalists need education on HF treatment

theHeart.org — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:00:09 +0100

A unique study trying to drill down into why cardiologists seem to gain better outcomes than generalists when treating heart failure has identified a number of reasons that this is the case. But generalists—who treat the majority of HF—have to deal with older and sicker patients, confounding the issue. The authors hope the work will act as a catalyst to improve HF care. (Source: theHeart.org)

Quitting Smoking May Halve Risk of Oral Health Problems

The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Smokers four times more likely to develop oral conditions, such as mouth cancers, gum disease, study finds (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology)

Everyday Foods Add Up to Major Salt Problems: CDC

The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Ten food types, including bread, account for higher risk of heart disease, stroke, report says (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology)

SWITCH III: Bivalirudin is as safe as heparin after fondaparinux in PCI patients

theHeart.org — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:30:10 +0100

TRA 2°P: Vorapaxar meets end point but ups bleeding

theHeart.org — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:20:03 +0100

Is Economy Class Air Travel Linked To Blood Clot Risk? Apparently Not

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0100

"Economy Class Syndrome" is a myth, your risk of developing a blood clot during a long-distance economy trip by plane is not higher than in first class, researchers report in an article published in Chest. The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) has issued new evidence-based guidelines which address some of the risk factors linked to DVT (deep vein thrombosis) - it says that there is no compelling evidence linking economy class air travel to the development of DVT... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Warfarin Fails to Reduce Stroke in HF Patients (CME/CE)

MedPage Today State Required CME — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:20:45 +0100

NEW ORLEANS (MedPage Today) -- Warfarin was statistically equal to aspirin in reducing death or stroke in heart failure patients, but increased GI bleeds, a randomized trial found. (Source: MedPage Today State Required CME)

Stenting Seldom Done for Left Main Disease (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:53:45 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Percutaneous coronary intervention is used for only a fraction of patients with unprotected left main coronary artery stenosis, researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

Aspirin, Plavix Not Good Stroke Prevention Combo (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:45:17 +0100

NEW ORLEANS (MedPage Today) -- Combining clopidogrel (Plavix) with aspirin did not prevent more small strokes, and even increased the risk of bleeding and death, researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

Even for the Overweight, Exercise Helps the Heart

The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0100

Study finds changes in physical fitness affect disease risk at any weight (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology)

Avoid Window Seats to Cut Risk for In-Flight Blood Clots: Study

The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0100

Experts say DVTs can strike any immobilized passenger, not just those in economy class (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology)

CTO, even in non-infarct-related artery, bodes ill in NSTEMI patients

theHeart.org — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:45:51 +0100

Is residential rehabilitation better (or as good as) ambulatory rehabilitation?

European Society of Cardiology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:36:04 +0100

Paul Dendale comments on the study by O. Mittag et al, evaluating the medium-term effects of cardiac rehabilitation in Germany, published in European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.Read the comment by Paul Dendale. Topics: Cardiovascular Disease Prevention - Risk Assessment and Management, Rehabilitation and Exercise Physiology (Source: European Society of Cardiology)

Three day course on Cardiac Pacing, ICD and Cardiac Resynchronisation

European Society of Cardiology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:26:54 +0100

There are still seats available for those who would like to attend this three day EHRA course in Vienna, Austria from 8-10 March. Participants should have some experience with device follow-up to attend this course. The information provided will serve as a structured basis for the preparation of the EHRA certification examination. Topics: Arrhythmias (Source: European Society of Cardiology)

Panel: Getting effective treatments to patients more quickly

Cardiovascular Business News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:16:59 +0100

BOSTON—Advancements in healthcare have allowed the average lifespan to reach approximately 80 years, but longer lives mean receiving more and spending more forhealthcare. While modern advancements in healthcare, whether in the realm of health IT or pharmaceuticals, may have the ability to reduce these costs, establishing their use in practice can be difficult. A panel of healthcare professionals gathered at the 2012 Harvard Business School Conference on Feb. 4 to discuss this dilemma. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

Guideline Nixes Aspirin for DVT Prevention in Travelers (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:15:47 +0100

(MedPage Today) -- Clinicians should not recommend that all travelers use aspirin for prevention of deep vein thrombosis during long plane trips, according to a new recommendation. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

Positron to distribute strontium-82 from Russia

Cardiovascular Business News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:23:05 +0100

Positron, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Manhattan Isotope Technology (MIT), has executed a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Nuclear Research (INR) of Troitsk, Russia. MIT and INR will collaborate on strontium-82 production beginning with a pharmaceutical ingredient validation exercise in 2012. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

New BHF Professor

BHF National News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Meet Professor Kinya Otsu, a heart failure expert (Source: BHF National News)

Troponin I Accuracy for AMI in ED Within 3 Hours of Chest PainTroponin I Accuracy for AMI in ED Within 3 Hours of Chest Pain

Medscape Today Headlines — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:19:59 +0100

Can a quicker point-of-care troponin assessment speed up chest pain evaluation -- with sufficient accuracy? American Heart Journal (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

A systematic review on use of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for treatment of obesity

Obesity Reviews — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:43:24 +0100

SummaryObesity is a major health hazard and despite lifestyle modification, many patients frequently regain any lost body weight. The use of western anti‐obesity drugs has been limited by side effects including mood changes, suicidal thoughts, and gastrointestinal or cardiovascular complications. The effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine including Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and acupuncture provide an alternative established therapy for this medical challenge. In this systematic review, we used standard methodologies to search, review, analyse and synthesize published data on the efficacy, safety and relapse of weight regain associated with use of CHM and acupuncture. We also examined the rationale, mechanisms and potential utility of these therapies. A total of 12 e...

Meaningful Use Risk Analysis: Does Yours Measure Up? 02.24, 11:15am-12:15pm

Cardiovascular Business News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:35:25 +0100

Organizations pursuing meaningful use incentive dollars must meet a myriad of requirements including the security risk analysis. This session covers a framework for conducting yearly security risk analysis/assessments. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

EP MU Readiness and Attestation: What are the Key Ingredients for Success? 02.23, 9:45-10:45am

Cardiovascular Business News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:26:36 +0100

Learn how UMass Memorial developed a comprehensive MU EP strategy and attestation project plan for a physician-centric community and transitioned practices to workflows focused on data entry and collection. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

Chocolate and cocoa may improve heart health

MedWire News - Lipidology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:03:36 +0100

Chocolate and cocoa consumption may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, research suggests. (Source: MedWire News - Lipidology)

CRT: FDA sheds light on percutaneous heart valve approval process

Cardiovascular Business News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:01:07 +0100

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Sonna M. Patel-Raman, of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, explained the FDA application process for new medical devices, such as transcatheter heart valves, from pre-submission to investigational device exemption (IDE) to application submission during a Feb. 6 presentation at the Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT) meeting. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

The Pathway To Losing Fat Is Heavily Influenced By A Hormone Produced In The Heart

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

It's well known that exercising reduces body weight because it draws on fat stores that muscle can burn as fuel. But a new study at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham) suggests that the heart also plays a role in breaking down fat. In their study, published February 6 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Sheila Collins, Ph.D. and colleagues detail how hormones released by the heart stimulate fat cell metabolism. These hormones turn on a molecular mechanism similar to what's activated when the body is exposed to cold and burns fat to generate heat... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Ready, Set, Measure: Michigan Prepares to Harness Meaningful Use: 02.22, 8:30am-9:30am

Cardiovascular Business News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:32:01 +0100

This presentation discusses a framework for managing incentive payments by states participating in the EHR Incentive program while also considering the groundwork for measuring meaningful use demonstrated by their providers. (Source: Cardiovascular Business News)

Even for the Overweight, Exercise Helps the Heart

MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Even for the Overweight, Exercise Helps the HeartCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/7/2012 10:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/7/2012 (Source: MedicineNet High Blood Pressure General)

Certain Cancer Drugs May Have Fatal Side Effects: Analysis

MedicineNet Heart General — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Certain Cancer Drugs May Have Fatal Side Effects: AnalysisCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/6/2012 6:06:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 2/7/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Heart General)

New Scoring Method May Help Predict Stroke Outcome

MedicineNet Heart General — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: New Scoring Method May Help Predict Stroke OutcomeCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/6/2012 6:06:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 2/7/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Heart General)

Insomnia

MedicineNet Heart General — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: InsomniaCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 6/6/2005Last Editorial Review: 2/7/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Heart General)

Even for the Overweight, Exercise Helps the Heart

MedicineNet Cholesterol General — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Even for the Overweight, Exercise Helps the HeartCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/7/2012 10:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/7/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Cholesterol General)

Metformin Preferred Drug for Type 2 Diabetes, Experts Say

MedicineNet Cholesterol General — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Metformin Preferred Drug for Type 2 Diabetes, Experts SayCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/6/2012 6:06:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 2/7/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Cholesterol General)

New Scoring Method May Help Predict Stroke Outcome

MedicineNet Cholesterol General — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: New Scoring Method May Help Predict Stroke OutcomeCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/6/2012 6:06:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 2/7/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Cholesterol General)

Management and outcome of severely elevated blood pressure in primary care: A prospective observational study.

Swiss Medical Weekly — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:36:02 +0100

CONCLUSION: The majority of 164 patients who presented with acutely and severely elevated blood pressure (BP >180 +/or >110 mm Hg) to their GPs was asymptomatic, had pre-existing hypertension and was managed in GP's office unless a hypertensive emergency was present. At three month follow-up mean systolic BP was still above target values. PMID: 22287296 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Swiss Medical Weekly)

Heart Failure, Osteoporosis Go ‘Hand-in-Hand’: Researchers

The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Cardiac condition raises the risks of falls and may contribute to bone-density loss (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Cardiology)

Ten‐year Angiographic Result of a Large Right Coronary Artery Fistula Treated Percutaneously: Many Questions Remain Unanswered