Articles related to Cardiology

A meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine has concluded that the link between statin-induced LDL lowering and reduction of CV outcomes may not be as robust as previously assumed. According to the researchers, the absolute risk reduction associated with statin use for all-cause mortality was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.4-1.2), whereas for MI it was 1.3% (95% CI, 0.9-1.7) and for stroke it was 0.4% (95% CI, 0.2-0.6). Absolute risk reduction figures were slightly higher for secondary prevention than for primary prevention.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is taking issue with the US Senate’s recently passed legislation that will make daylight saving time (DST) permanent starting in 2023. AASM cautions that this permanent change would lead to health risks that include adverse cardiovascular events, mood disorders, and motor vehicle crashes. The group advocates for establishing permanent standard time instead.

Both immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and VEGF receptor inhibitors are approved for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatment and can cause cardiovascular events (CVs). This randomized study of avelumab plus axitinib vs. sunitinib used prospective monitoring of LVEF and serum cardiac biomarkers to assess for the development of major adverse CV events. The results indicate patients with high baseline troponin T levels and who receive combination ICI and VEGF receptor inhibitor therapy should be monitored closely for adverse cardiac events.

An interesting case study in BRASH (bradycardia, renal failure, atrioventricular blockade, shock, and hyperkalemia) syndrome highlights Rare Disease Day, which took place on 2/28/22. After reviewing the patient’s history and symptoms, would you agree on the diagnosis?

Can you determine the appropriate case management for a 68-year-old man who is evaluated for an episode of syncope and repeated episodes of near-fainting when standing and working on his tractor? On physical examination, vital signs are normal. Supine blood pressure is 124/78 mm Hg, and pulse rate is 76/min. After the patient stands for three minutes, standing blood pressure is 88/68 mm Hg, and pulse rate is 94/min. The remainder of the examination is normal. How would you proceed?

A new cohort study has found physical, mental, and cognitive symptoms in patients one year after being treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) for COVID-19. The study involved an exploratory multicenter prospective cohort study that included 246 patients who were alive one year following ICU treatment for COVID-19. Three-quarters of patients reported physical symptoms, 1/4 reported mental symptoms, and about 15% reported cognitive symptoms a year after being hospitalized with the respiratory illness.