July 2014

When managing patients with atrial fibrillation, internists use antiarrthymic strategies that significantly differ from those utilized by cardiologists, though both types of physicians similarly diverge from treatment guidelines.

Heinrich von Staden, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Classics and History of Science in the School of Historic Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study and one of the world's foremost authorities on ancient science and medicine, describes how ancient medical concepts apply to modern practice.

Agent Orange exposure several decades earlier may increase morbidity from various diseases, some of which have rarely been explored in previous epidemiologic studies.

Although small-bowel capsule endoscopy is often used to evaluate unexplained abdominal pain, a new analysis has found the procedure's diagnostic yield is limited.

New research on the link between antihypertensive medications and atrial fibrillation suggests diuretics may trigger new cases of the condition, while angiotensin-converting enzymes may protect against it.

"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." While this statement attributed to Voltaire is less true today than it was in the philosopher's time, there is still a familiar ring to it.