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Noninvasive assessment of coronary artery bypass grafts with 64-slice computed tomographic angiography

We evaluated the accuracy of the 64-slice computed tomography (CT) angiography scanner in subjects who were scheduled to undergo invasive angiography for possible stenosis in coronary artery bypass grafts. Results showed that the improved resolution of CT scanners with 64-slice technology allowed for a precise delineation of bypass graft occlusion or stenosis. It permitted an accurate noninvasive assessment of bypass grafts, even in subgroups of subjects with suboptimal scan conditions, such as those with arrhythmias or higher heart rates.

Cruise the River of Kings in Bangkok

Swing Away with the Fat-Pitch Approach

Drowning in the Sargasso Sea of Health Information: Help Is on the Way

In his July 2009 editorial, Dr. Robert C. Like, MD, MS, wrote about the importance of creating "communities of practice" and the increasing role of the Web and collaboration in facilitating the development of learning networks. Here, he continues this discussion by sharing some perspectives from the field of library science about the impact of the Internet on clinical practice and public health.

CDC Reports Increased Flu Rates to End 2018

The reported rate of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness increased to 4.1%—well above the national baseline of 2.2%, and 1.5% greater than the rate reported midway through December.

What is heparin rebound? Exploring the parallel meanings that have existed for over 45 years

In journals for cardiac surgeons and anesthesiologists, the term heparin rebound has predominantly described an anticoagulant condition. In journals for cardiologists and internists, however, the term has been used to describe a procoagulant state. Because precision is one of the fundamental rules in medicine, it may be helpful to foster a more precise understanding of this term.

Understand the Various Types of CDs

Sometimes, I Don't Know Why I Even Bother

Well, I really do know why I bother with all of the hassle and red tape that is the hallmark of modern medicine – I do it for my patients.

Disaster Tax Relief

After C-Section, Non-Opioids Can Reduce Both Pain and Opioid Use

Pain management protocols for women undergoing C-sections, that include a non-opioid option such as EXPAREL, can help improve pain management and reduce the need for opioids.

Ways to Improve Care in Low Health-Literate Diabetes Patients

Prediction of coronary artery disease in patients with diabetes and albuminuria

We developed a set of equations to predict the risk or probability of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) in 10 years among American Indians. The equations are based on the significant risk factors identified in the Strong Heart Study, a longitudinal study of cardiovascular disease in American Indians. The equations can be used in patient education and to evaluate the efficacy of CAD prevention and intervention programs.

Unusual appearance of a left ventricular mural thrombus

Postpartum cardiomyopathy is a serious disorder that can present from the third trimester to up to 5 months after pregnancy. Although spontaneous resolution of cardiac function occurs in more than half of patients (over a period of 6-12 months), the balance is left with persistent cardiac dysfunction. Cardiac dysfunction results in signs and symptoms of left heart failure, formation of apical or left ventricular thrombi, and arrhythmias and requires management similar to that in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Plan for Your Family's Financial Future

Vernakalant: Expanding the antiarrhythmic vernacular

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

Alcohol consumption in men with hypertension

We assessed the association between the incidence of coronary heart disease and alcohol consumption among hypertensive men enrolled in the Health "Professionals" Follow-Up Study. Moderate alcohol consumption (1 to 2 drinks per day) was associated with a lower risk of myocardial infarction, as in the general population, but was not associated with the risks of stroke, total mortality, or mortality from cardiovascular causes. These results show that men with hypertension who drink moderately may not need to change their drinking habits.