Browse Clinical Cardiology Articles by Topic

Early Cardiac Catheterization After Resuscitation From Cardiac Arrest

In this first-ever randomized trial about comatose patients without ST-segment elevation who have been resuscitated from cardiac arrest, immediate coronary angiography showed no benefit over delayed coronary angiography in terms of 90-day survival.

Team-Based Approach Associated With Better Outcomes in Cardiogenic Shock

Implementation of a standardized, team-based approach to cardiogenic shock resulted in improved 30-day survival compared to historical controls.

Management of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection

In the largest study to date about patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection who underwent follow-up angiography, 95% of those who underwent repeat cath more than 30 days later showed spontaneous angiographic healing.

Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on Survival in Patients With Severe Mitral Regurgitation

A large observational study of patients with severe mitral valve regurgitation due to flail leaflets revealed that atrial fibrillation at entry was associated with excess mortality.

Who Needs a TEE Prior to Atrial Fibrillation Cardioversion?

A study of patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter undergoing transesophageal echocardiography showed a left atrial appendage thrombus in 8% overall and 4% in those appropriately anticoagulated.

Medication First? Ablation First? Either Way, Make Weight Loss a Priority

Weight loss management and aggressive risk factor modification associated with slowing or even reversal of atrial fibrillation progression.

Withdrawal of Medical Therapy Associated With Relapse in Recovered Dilated Cardiomyopathy

In patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and recovered ejection fraction, discontinuation of heart failure medical therapies was associated with a 44% risk of relapse within six months.

Left Ventricular Unloading During Venoarterial ECMO in Cardiogenic Shock

In a series of patients with cardiogenic shock, the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a percutaneous left ventricular unloading device was associated with better-than-expected outcomes.

Combination Drug Therapy for Hypertension

A large regional database study from Italy demonstrated that initial combination therapy for newly diagnosed hypertension results in fewer major adverse cardiovascular events at one year compared to monotherapy.

Safety and Efficacy of HEART Score Use in the ED

A prospective observational study of 30-day outcomes in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes triaged in EDs before and after the implementation of the HEART score showed that there were fewer hospitalizations and a very low risk of death or myocardial infarction among low-risk patients who were discharged without further cardiac testing.