Authors

Unearth a Benefit Plan for Late Bloomers

Cardiac catheterization in higher-risk NSTE-ACS patients: Why is it being underutilized by physicians?

We compared the rates of cardiac catheterization in 2136 non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome patients who were stratified according to their baseline thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) risk score. Higher-risk patients were referred for catheterization at a similar rate as low-risk patients. The main reasons why physicians did not make referrals included (1) clinical trial evidence did not support an early invasive approach and (2) 68% of patients were thought not to be at high enough risk; however, 59% of these patients were found to be higher risk when their baseline TIMI risk scores were recalculated. Patients who were referred for catheterization had better in-hospital and 1-year outcomes. Our findings indicate that a significant opportunity remains to improve upon accurate risk stratification and adherence to an early invasive strategy for higher-risk patients.

Vegetarian Diet Reverses Coronary Artery Disease

This study was a prospective cohort of 198 self-selected, adult patients with documented coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, carotid artery disease, or peripheral arterial disease who followed a strict, plant-based dietary intervention in addition to standard medical therapy. The study examined compliance with diet as well as adverse cardiovascular events in both adherent and nonadherent patients.

Vernakalant: Expanding the antiarrhythmic vernacular

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia, occurring in over 2% of the general population.

Insist on a Higher Wall Street Standard Steven Holt Abernathy

What Are Your Lawsuit Risks? Choosing the Right Asset Protection Plan for You

The specific structure of an asset protection plan must involve a consideration of the details particular to your situation. A plan that works well for one person may be completely wrong for another.

Arm Yourself if You Are Incorporated

Medical Misconduct, Part I: Why You Should Be Worried

Iatrogenic dilated cardiomyopathy and spectrum of current treatment modalities

Our increasing ability to intervene in high-risk patients—with lower risks and greater chances for successful outcomes—is felt across the broad spectrum of cardiovascular disease. This is particularly evident in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

We Should Not Be So Quick to Rush into E-prescribing

An article published January 21 in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) provided several examples of the kind of dangerous thinking that is driving the debate over health IT.

Cardiac magnetic resonance stress tests in coronary heart disease

We evaluated the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) stress testing with direct comparison of adenosine stress first-pass perfusion and dobutamine stress wall motion imaging among 513 subjects with known or suspected coronary heart disease over a median follow-up period of 2.3 years. Positive results on CMR stress testing identified subjects at high risk for subsequent cardiac events (nonfatal myocardial infarction or cardiac death), whereas normal CMR stress test results were associated with a very low annual cardiac event rate.