Cardiovascular Disease

CD4+ count and viral load were complementary and were independently associated with increased incidence of AF.

Recommendations consider the whole patient, the spectrum of risks and complications for the patient, and evidence-based approaches to treatment.

Lp(a) is an LDL-like particle that exists in plasma in the VLDL range; its density lies between that of LDL and HDL. Lp(a) increases CV risk.

The ankle-brachial index is a noninvasive screening tool that can improve cardiovascular event risk stratification.

Patients who stop taking statins when rechallenged 1 year later are able to resume the same or a different statin with durable results.

Interruption of anticoagulation with rivaroxaban or warfarin should be bridged with an agent such as low-molecular weight heparin.

Could the left atrial appendage closure device, known as the Watchman, become an alternative to oral anticoagulation for select patients? Here, more on the 2 trials that have introduced the possibility.

Cardiovascular diseases here are patent foramen ovale, interatrial septal aneurysm, myocarditis, aoritis, internal carotid artery dissection, heart-hand syndrome.

Diabetic myonecrosis; Persistent bacterial bronchitis; basal cell carcinoma; statin-drug pleiotropy; spinal epidural abscess

High-potency statin therapy may increase risk of new onset diabetes but also reduces cardiovascular events.

Elevated levels of the biomarker C-reactive protein in patients with HIV infection increased the risk of MI approximately 2-fold.

This condition is a more important risk factor than previously thought and should not be taken lightly.

Some calcium is good for the heart, but too much--through diet or a combination of diet and supplements--can increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Patients with documented atrial fibrillation given intensive yoga instruction had a reduction in symptomatic and asymptomatic AF episodes.

It has been predicted that costs for cardiovascular disease will increase to more than $1 trillion dollars annually in the US by 2030. If statins are effective in preventing heart disease, why are costs still rising?

The explosion of data regarding residual risk and contributions from LDL-P predicts an exciting future. Right now, treatment regimens are in flux awaiting further details on LDL-P interventions and a host of new drugs.

Dark chocolate, tomatoes, and grapeseed oil are just a few of the natural approaches to cardiovascular risk reduction supported by science.

PFO can be detected in 10% to 15% of the population by transthoracic echocardiogram. Autopsy studies show a prevalence of PFO of approximately 26%.

Here: a battle plan to address obesity-the root problem of our current epidemic of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus-that involves kicking a sedentary lifestyle.

The benefits of antihypertensives in the elderly should be unquestioned-especially since SHEP and its revisit. Avoiding them will create more problems. But caution can be exercised with these specific measures.

Stroke survivors who smoke cigarettes are at higher risk for additional strokes, heart attacks, and death than those who never smoked, according to research reported by the American Heart Association.

In patients deemed statin-intolerant, lifestyle changes and alternative classes of drugs should be pursued to lower LDL-C.

Here: a summary of 10 actionable items written specifically for primary care practice to help combat hypercholesterolemia.

Ticagrelor is the newest P2Y12 inhibitor approved to treat patients with unstable angina or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. AHA/ACC guideline update.

The key diagnostic considerations hypokalemia, periodic paralysis, and ischemia should lead the assessment of a patient with acute generalized weakness.

Novel anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban) are gaining wide acceptance over warfarin, for their simplicity of use and proven efficacy.

Statin medications were associated with significant tiredness and exertional fatigue in men and women without cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

Azithromycin has been linked to sudden cardiac death in patients with cardiovascular disease that require an antibiotic.

A genetic analysis questions the benefits of raising HDL-C levels to reduce the risk of MI and of the value of HDL-C as a surrogate marker of risk.

Use of aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease must be based on individual risk-benefit analysis and is not appropriate for patients at low risk.