Clinical Cardiology Alert – March 1, 2008
March 1, 2008
View Issues
-
Is Stenting Better Than CABG for Left Main Stenosis?
Left main coronary artery stenosis is one of the primary indications for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Recently, a number of non-randomized studies and registries have suggested that stenting, using current techniques and devices, may be a feasible alternative to CABG. -
Invasive vs Conservative Management Strategy for ACS
It remains debatable as to whether individuals who present with a non-ST-segment elevation MI (NSTEMI) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS) should be managed with a selective or elective invasive strategy vs an approach performing angiography in all patients. -
Criteria for ICD Implantation
In this study, goldenberg and colleagues from the MADIT-II study analyzed risk factors for mortality in that trial. MADIT-II was a randomized trial of ICD versus conventional therapy, which included 1232 patients with documented previous myocardial infarctions who had an ejection fraction of ≤ 30%. -
Value of Repeat Stress Testing in Asymptomatic Patients with Positive CT Calcium Scans
Patients with a positive CT scan for coronary calcium often have a stress test. Askew and colleagues from the Mayo Clinic asked whether such patients should undergo repeat stress testing if the first one is negative or low risk? -
Diagnosis of Constrictive Pericarditis
The differentiation of constrictive pericarditis from restrictive cardiomyopathy can be difficult, but the treatment implications are great. -
A New Anticoagulant for Atrial Fibrillation?
Anticoagulation with vitamin k antagonists is the standard recommendation for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and risk factors for stroke. The benefits of warfarin in such patients have been well shown in many clinical trials. Therapy with warfarin, however, is often complicated by the dietary and drug interactions, so that even with frequent monitoring, precise control of the anticoagulation level is difficult. -
Pharmacology Watch
Stop smoking drug Chantix rates stronger warning from FDA; Type 2 diabetes surgery on the way?; Vytorin study inconclusive; Influenza A virus found resistant to Tamiflu; FDA actions. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement