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The study authors reviewed observational data on chocolate consumption and the risk of cardiometabolic disease, and found strong evidence of a protective effect. The wide variety of methods employed across studies, among other issues, make cause and effect assumptions premature, though they do fall in line with previous data suggesting chocolate's health benefits.
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an irregular, disorganized, electrical activity of the atria.1 It is characterized by uncoordinated atrial activity that leads to inefficient atrial contraction and impaired ventricular filling, which leads to hemodynamic and mechanical functional impairments.
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It has been customary to ask patients on warfarin, once controlled and stable, to return on a monthly basis for recheck.
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The authors conclude that in a population-based cohort undergoing 4 years of follow-up, the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction increased and that diastolic dysfunction was associated with development of heart failure during 6 years of subsequent follow-up.
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Sleep-disordered breathing is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may prevent or slow this process.
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Duplex ultrasonography should be used in asymptomatic patients with known or suspected carotid arterial stenosis and should be considered for use in asymptomatic patients who have symptomatic peripheral arterial disease, coronary artery disease, or an atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm, and even in the asymptomatic patients who simply are at high cardiovascular risk.
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An ultra long-acting, orally-inhaled beta2-adrenergic agonist (LABA) has been approved for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Indacaterol is formulated as a dry powder and is the first beta2-agonist to be dosed once-daily. It is marketed by Novartis as Arcapta™.
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Interpret the 12-lead ECG shown above obtained from a hemodynamically stable patient with underlying heart disease and new-onset palpitations. Despite the apparent QRS widening is this sinus tachycardia (arrow pointing to 'P waves' in lead II)?
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In most communities in the United States, hepatitis C (HEPc) treatment is provided by gastroenterologists. Because HEPc is now the most common cause of end-stage liver disease, and unless trends reverse will continue to be so for the foreseeable future, it is important that identification of HEPc infection be continued vigorously in the primary care community, since most at-risk persons see primary care clinicians as their point of initial contact with the health care system.
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In the Medicare population, obesity was not associated with mortality, except for those with a BMI of at least 35. However, both overweight and obesity were associated with new or worsening disability within 2 years.
