Clinical Cardiology Alert – June 1, 2008
June 1, 2008
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Lipid Levels in ACS
It has long been taught that lipid levels measured during hospitalization for an acute illness will be artificially low because of an acute-phase metabolic reaction. Consequently, many physicians wait weeks after hospitalization to measure lipids when they have returned to baseline levels and then start appropriate lipid lowering therapy. -
Everolimus-Eluting Stent Compared to Paclitaxel-Eluting Stent
Sirolimus — and paclitaxel-eluting stents have been available for use in the United States since 2003 and have a well-known safety and efficacy profile. However, these drug and polymer combinations are applied to older generation stents, which are less deliverable than the newer generation stents. -
PET/CT Imaging Correlations and Outcomes
The introduction of hybrid pet/ct scanners has raised the issue of the benefits of adding CT coronary calcification measurements to stress testing in intermediate risk patients. -
Frequency of Inappropriate ICD Shocks
Inappropriate shocks from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) continue to be a major problem. In this study, the MADIT II investigators review the experience in that study with inappropriate shocks in a primary prevention, post-myocardial infarction cohort. -
Transvenous Pacemaker/ICD Lead Extraction
In this paper, jones and colleagues from the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston report a seven-year experience with transvenous extraction of pacemakers and ICD leads. -
Metabolic Syndrome: Risk for CAD
Metabolic syndrome (ms) is an accepted risk factor for adverse coronary events as well as mortality. It has been associated with accelerated coronary atherosclerosis, which is typically subclinical. -
Pharmacology Watch
Pioglitazone and heart disease; ARBs manufacturers spend millions to show the non-inferiority of their products compared to less expensive, generic ACE inhibitors; some athletes turn to growth hormone because it is difficult to detect; FDA Actions -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement