Articles related to Cardiology

A faulty control arm makes a new trial for tricuspid valve regurgitation intervention seem positive. But in reality, the results probably aren’t.

Bempedoic acid is currently approved for two patient subgroups. This 3-year, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial examined cholesterol-lowering and CV protective effects in a broader population of approximately 14,000 patients with elevated cholesterol who were unable or unwilling to take statins. The drug was 21% more effective than placebo at reducing LDL in this trial. There was a small but significant reduction in primary events of CV-related death, MI, stroke, or coronary revascularization.

Patients with long COVID may present in primary care with symptoms of palpitations from tachycardia triggered by standing or even limited exertion. Palpitations can be accompanied by other autonomic nervous symptom-associated symptoms such as dizziness, breathlessness, chest pain, sweating, bloating, and fatigue, and patients can find these symptoms debilitating.

Long-term continuous monitoring for atrial fibrillation in older patients yielded an incidental diagnosis of sinus node dysfunction or atrioventricular block with bradycardia in 21% of patients over the age of 70. But the finding was not associated with any increased risk of syncope or sudden death.

The patient’s blood pressure is 110/70 and his pulse is 52. Cardiac auscultation is normal. BMI is 22. The ECG shows sinus bradycardia and voltage criteria for LVH. The QT interval is 400 ms, and there is early repolarization. Review the details of the ECG and echo and determine your diagnosis.

Sibutramine, a serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure that may place individuals with cardiovascular disease at risk.