Friday, April 29, 2016

QRISK2: A Reliable Cardiovascular Risk Calculator

(MedPage Today) -- We compare the QRISK2 and the ASCVD risk estimators
via QRISK2: A Reliable Cardiovascular Risk Calculator
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Septal Reduction Volumes; Primary Prevention Meds; 'Smoker's Paradox'

(MedPage Today) -- Cardiovascular Daily wraps up the top cardiology news of the week
via Septal Reduction Volumes; Primary Prevention Meds; 'Smoker's Paradox'
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Drug-Coated Balloons: Where Is the Benefit? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Superiority to regular balloons, stents not yet apparent
via Drug-Coated Balloons: Where Is the Benefit? (CME/CE)
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EndoBreak: Apple's Diabetes App; Pop-Star Soda Controversy

(MedPage Today) -- News and commentary from around the endocrinology world
via EndoBreak: Apple's Diabetes App; Pop-Star Soda Controversy
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Twin Study Ties Psoriasis to Diabetes, Obesity (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Genes linked to psoriasis may play role in other disorders
via Twin Study Ties Psoriasis to Diabetes, Obesity (CME/CE)
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Thursday, April 28, 2016

Cath Lab Recap: Vein Closure Face-Off; MRI-Safe Devices; PCI Giants to Merge

(MedPage Today) -- Interventional cardiology news to note
via Cath Lab Recap: Vein Closure Face-Off; MRI-Safe Devices; PCI Giants to Merge
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A Better Way to Judge Regurgitation After TAVR

(MedPage Today) -- But is novel index the 'golden formula'?
via A Better Way to Judge Regurgitation After TAVR
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Investigational GLP-1 Drug Shows Cardiovascular Benefit

(MedPage Today) -- Novel diabetes drug cut MACE risk in top-line trial results
via Investigational GLP-1 Drug Shows Cardiovascular Benefit
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E-Cigarettes Can Help Smokers Quit, U.K. Group Declares (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Report adds to debate about the benefits and risks of e-cigarettes
via E-Cigarettes Can Help Smokers Quit, U.K. Group Declares (CME/CE)
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Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Outcomes Good With Ad Hoc PCI for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Those with shockable rhythm, especially men, do particularly well
via Outcomes Good With Ad Hoc PCI for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (CME/CE)
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Study: Too Many Centers Doing Too Few Septal Myectomies (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- "The low-volume safety data are unacceptable"
via Study: Too Many Centers Doing Too Few Septal Myectomies (CME/CE)
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Switching Heparins Cuts Low Platelet Risk, Expenses

(MedPage Today) -- Unfractionated heparin "not the bargain it first appears to be"
via Switching Heparins Cuts Low Platelet Risk, Expenses
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Dementia in HIV -- HAND or Alzheimer's? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Case report raises questions about diagnosis and treatment
via Dementia in HIV -- HAND or Alzheimer's? (CME/CE)
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CardioBrief: New HF, Lipid Drugs Off to Very Slow Start

(MedPage Today) -- Heart failure experts divided over how and when to use Entresto
via CardioBrief: New HF, Lipid Drugs Off to Very Slow Start
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EndoAVF & Vascular Access Headline NKF

(MedPage Today) -- New vascular access guidelines expected
via EndoAVF & Vascular Access Headline NKF
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Morning Break: Dense Breast-Density Letters; Mumps on Campus; Zika Funding Near?

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff
via Morning Break: Dense Breast-Density Letters; Mumps on Campus; Zika Funding Near?
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Hike in Heart Risk for Women in Long-Term Shift Work (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Increase modest, waned over time
via Hike in Heart Risk for Women in Long-Term Shift Work (CME/CE)
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Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Clinton Advisor Highlights Candidate's Health Priorities

(MedPage Today) -- Goals include expanded coverage for undocumented; Zika control
via Clinton Advisor Highlights Candidate's Health Priorities
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No Real-World Advantage for Carotid Stenting Over Surgery (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Less-invasive approach not safer in Medicare-linked registry data
via No Real-World Advantage for Carotid Stenting Over Surgery (CME/CE)
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Vancouver Pathway: Express Lane to Discharge After TAVR?

(MedPage Today) -- Length of stay reduced to 1 to 3 days with "excellent" outcomes, center reports
via Vancouver Pathway: Express Lane to Discharge After TAVR?
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CardioBrief: Stent Pioneer's Company Foundering

(MedPage Today) -- Julio Palmaz hasn't been able to recreate his earlier success
via CardioBrief: Stent Pioneer's Company Foundering
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Make the Diagnosis: Dizziness Dilemma

(MedPage Today) -- Case Findings: The patient is a 42-year-old African American man who presents with a complaint of dizziness lightheadedness which occurred when he was standing up to go to the rest room 3 days ago. He denies any previous syncopal episodes. He has medically managed hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cardiomyopathy with last ejection fraction of 35% with defibrillator placement 4 months previous. His ICD did not fire during the episode. His last cardiac catheterization prior to ICD implantation revealed normal coronaries. Patient has been compliant with metoprolol 25 mg twice daily, lisinopril 10 mg daily, atorvastatin 40 mg daily. He denies any new medical regimen. His vital signs are BP 100/80 mm Hg and HR 66/min. His physical examination is normal without any clinical evidence of decompensation. ECG is shown below. What is the next best course of action?
via Make the Diagnosis: Dizziness Dilemma
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Monday, April 25, 2016

CMS Proposes TAVR Payment Cuts

(MedPage Today) -- Other CV procedures to gain slightly in fiscal year starting in October
via CMS Proposes TAVR Payment Cuts
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Consider Unique Ethnicity Among Hispanics With Diabetes

(MedPage Today) -- Health beliefs can vary greatly from one Hispanic culture to another, expert says
via Consider Unique Ethnicity Among Hispanics With Diabetes
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With Age Comes Wisdom -- and Lower Risk from High BP? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- In a hypertensive CKD sample, the elderly had fewer events than younger patients
via With Age Comes Wisdom -- and Lower Risk from High BP? (CME/CE)
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6-Minute Walk Test May Predict Post-MitraClip Death Risk

(MedPage Today) -- Pre-procedural test offers info on severity of underlying conditions
via 6-Minute Walk Test May Predict Post-MitraClip Death Risk
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Make the Diagnosis: Should it stay or should it go?

(MedPage Today) -- Case Findings: An adult presents with an inferior vena caval (IVC) filter that was removed. What is your diagnosis?
via Make the Diagnosis: Should it stay or should it go?
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CardioBreak: Sodium Standards; Hops vs. PCSK9; Medicare $$ Shakeup

(MedPage Today) -- Recent developments of interest in cardiovascular medicine
via CardioBreak: Sodium Standards; Hops vs. PCSK9; Medicare $$ Shakeup
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Thursday, April 21, 2016

Study: Beta-Blockers Effective in HF for Seniors Women (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Meta-analysis included more than 13,000 patients from 11 clinical trials
via Study: Beta-Blockers Effective in HF for Seniors, Women (CME/CE)
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CardioBrief: Diabetes Drug To Be Studied in Heart Failure

(MedPage Today) -- New attention paid to the intersection of heart failure and diabetes
via CardioBrief: Diabetes Drug To Be Studied in Heart Failure
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Cath Lab Recap: External Pacers Reclassified; Extreme Cardiac Monitoring

(MedPage Today) -- Interventional cardiology news to note
via Cath Lab Recap: External Pacers Reclassified; Extreme Cardiac Monitoring
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Precision Medicine Made Easy? Predicting Diabetes Remission

(MedPage Today) -- DiaRem score prognostic for post-bariatric surgery outcomes
via Precision Medicine Made Easy? Predicting Diabetes Remission
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New Model Predicts Death or Readmission After HF

(MedPage Today) -- Study added new determinants, including echocardiography and socioeconomic status
via New Model Predicts Death or Readmission After HF
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Study: Warfarin Still a Good Option for Afib Stroke Prevention (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- But others warn against using these Swedish registry data to guide tx
via Study: Warfarin Still a Good Option for Afib Stroke Prevention (CME/CE)
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CMS Postpones Hospital Star Ratings

(MedPage Today) -- July is new release date
via CMS Postpones Hospital Star Ratings
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Wednesday, April 20, 2016

CardioBrief: No Evidence to Support Screening Young Athletes

(MedPage Today) -- More questions raised about key study suggesting ECG screening can save lives
via CardioBrief: No Evidence to Support Screening Young Athletes
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PCI Use Variation 'Will Always Be With Us' or Will It?

(MedPage Today) -- Persistence says other decision-making processes are at work, and that's okay, cardiologist argues
via PCI Use Variation 'Will Always Be With Us' or Will It?
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SCOTUS Case on False Claims Act Has Implications for Docs

(MedPage Today) -- Result could change pursuit of claim fraud, attorneys say
via SCOTUS Case on False Claims Act Has Implications for Docs
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Stroke Risk After TIA Slashed in Last Decade? (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- International registry shows risk much lower than in studies prior to 2004
via Stroke Risk After TIA Slashed in Last Decade? (CME/CE)
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CardioBrief: Company Betting Big on Genetic Strategy to Resurrect CETP Inhibitor

(MedPage Today) -- But skeptics think CETP inhibitors are a dead end
via CardioBrief: Company Betting Big on Genetic Strategy to Resurrect CETP Inhibitor
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Stenting Risks in Diabetes Not Related to Insulin (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Insulin-treated patients also do better with limus-eluting stents, trial says
via Stenting Risks in Diabetes Not Related to Insulin (CME/CE)
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FFR: It's Not Just About Luminal Narrowing

(MedPage Today) -- Vasodilatory abnormalities also important in stenosis, review says
via FFR: It's Not Just About Luminal Narrowing
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Morning Break: Shorter Life for Whites; Billions at Risk for Zika; Sperm Fraud?

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff
via Morning Break: Shorter Life for Whites; Billions at Risk for Zika; Sperm Fraud?
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Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Doctors Need to See the Forest Not Just the Trees

(MedPage Today) -- Physicians must learn to balance roles as healers, financial stewards, says James C. Salwitz, MD
via Doctors Need to See the Forest, Not Just the Trees
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Stroke Thrombectomy Outcomes Best if Done Within 2.5 Hours (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Efficiency is crucial, SWIFT PRIME substudy finds
via Stroke Thrombectomy Outcomes Best if Done Within 2.5 Hours (CME/CE)
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High Burden of Brain Microbleed May Up tPA Bleeding Risk (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Pre-treatment MRI can serve as independent predictor
via High Burden of Brain Microbleed May Up tPA Bleeding Risk (CME/CE)
by

Make the Diagnosis: Extreme Earache

(MedPage Today) -- Case Findings: A 60-year-old woman presents with a 1-week history of swelling and extreme discoloration on her right ear. What is your diagnosis?
via Make the Diagnosis: Extreme Earache
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Mom's Healthy Post-Baby Diet May Lower HTN Risk (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Women with history of gestational diabetes benefit from eating better
via Mom's Healthy Post-Baby Diet May Lower HTN Risk (CME/CE)
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Nearly Half of Former NFL Players Show Signs of Brain Injury

(MedPage Today) -- MRI scans detect TBI markers in more than 40%
via Nearly Half of Former NFL Players Show Signs of Brain Injury
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Monday, April 18, 2016

Survival Rates Good With VAD for Complicated Acute MI

(MedPage Today) -- Despite being sicker to start, outcomes on par with other VAD patients
via Survival Rates Good With VAD for Complicated Acute MI
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Study: Carotid Imaging Without Prior Stroke Often Has No Clear Indication (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Many asymptomatic seniors fall into gaps in the guidelines
via Study: Carotid Imaging Without Prior Stroke Often Has No Clear Indication (CME/CE)
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CardioBrief: FDA Ends Niacin, Fibrate Combos With Statins

(MedPage Today) -- "In the absence of benefits, there remain only harms"
via CardioBrief: FDA Ends Niacin, Fibrate Combos With Statins
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Study: No Need to Correct Exercise Heart Rate in HF

(MedPage Today) -- Adjustment by pacemaker or meds not linked to exercise capacity
via Study: No Need to Correct Exercise Heart Rate in HF
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Cause of Local Variance in PCI Bleeds Remains a Mystery (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Patient factors, bleeding avoidance strategies account for less than 30% of variation
via Cause of Local Variance in PCI Bleeds Remains a Mystery (CME/CE)
by

CardioBreak: MRI-Safe Afib Monitor; Missing Depression Meds; Hopping in HF

(MedPage Today) -- Recent developments of interest in cardiovascular medicine
via CardioBreak: MRI-Safe Afib Monitor; Missing Depression Meds; Hopping in HF
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Friday, April 15, 2016

FDA: No More Niacin Combos

(MedPage Today) -- Agency pulls plug on niacin plus statin and niacin fenofibric acid
via FDA: No More Niacin Combos
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Physician Heal Thy Self; Fresh Air Benies; E-Cigs Again: What We Heard

(MedPage Today) -- From clean air to e-cigarettes to docs and burnout, here are some of the quotable comments MedPage Today heard this week
via Physician Heal Thy Self; Fresh Air Benies; E-Cigs Again: What We Heard
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Study Links Diabetes Dx to Poor Prognosis

(MedPage Today) -- Shorter lives and with more disabilities
via Study Links Diabetes Dx to Poor Prognosis
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Docs Still Flinching on Advanced Care Planning

(MedPage Today) -- Survey explores barriers to talking to patients about end-of-life decisions
via Docs Still Flinching on Advanced Care Planning
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CV Safety Trial Saga; Lipids' Role in Diabetes; Early Epinephrine Too Common

(MedPage Today) -- Cardiovascular Daily wraps up the top cardiology news of the week
via CV Safety Trial Saga; Lipids' Role in Diabetes; Early Epinephrine Too Common
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Afib Linked to Worse Outcomes After TAVR (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- More than 40% of patients had existing or new-onset afib
via Afib Linked to Worse Outcomes After TAVR (CME/CE)
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Psoriasis Linked With AAA (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Shared inflammatory mechanisms may explain the association
via Psoriasis Linked With AAA (CME/CE)
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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Patients Won't Take Charge of Cutting Health Costs

(MedPage Today) -- Doctors need to take the lead, says Peter Ubel, MD
via Patients Won't Take Charge of Cutting Health Costs
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Podcast: 10th Anniversary for HealthNewsReview.org

(MedPage Today) -- Gary Schwitzer reflects on high points, low points, lessons learned
via Podcast: 10th Anniversary for HealthNewsReview.org
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Cath Lab Recap: Impella OK'd, CIN Device, Non-Invasive FFR

(MedPage Today) -- Interventional cardiology news to note
via Cath Lab Recap: Impella OK'd, CIN Device, Non-Invasive FFR
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Stroke Survival Better at GWTG Hospitals (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Patients also more likely to be discharged to home
via Stroke Survival Better at GWTG Hospitals (CME/CE)
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Heart Transplants: How to Match the Market

(MedPage Today) -- Eileen Hsich, MD, offers a multi-pronged strategy
via Heart Transplants: How to Match the Market
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Make the Diagnosis: Extremity Enigma

(MedPage Today) -- Case Findings: A 56-year-old man with a history of prior cardiac surgery went to urgent care complaining of a fever, chills, and fatigue. He was accompanied by his wife who told the doctor that she thought he appeared increasingly ill over the past few weeks and pointed out the petechiae on his fingers, palms, soles, and toes. What is your diagnosis?
via Make the Diagnosis: Extremity Enigma
by

A Transcatheter Approach to Congenital Heart Procedures?

(MedPage Today) -- Real-time MRI aids in less invasive shunt creation, proof-of-concept animal study shows
via A Transcatheter Approach to Congenital Heart Procedures?
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Americans' Rx Drug Spending Tops $300 Billion

(MedPage Today) -- Slightly smaller increase than in 2014
via Americans' Rx Drug Spending Tops $300 Billion
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Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Bariatric Surgeon Skill Not Tied to Long-Term Outcomes (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Weight loss and obesity-related comorbidity outcomes unrelated to surgeon skill
via Bariatric Surgeon Skill Not Tied to Long-Term Outcomes (CME/CE)
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Teen BMI May Predict Future Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Even those in the high range of normal BMI faced possible heart troubles
via Teen BMI May Predict Future Risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CME/CE)
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Model Predicts Technical Failure of PCI in Chronic Total Occlusion (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- New score could be especially helpful for inexperienced operators, interventionalists say
via Model Predicts Technical Failure of PCI in Chronic Total Occlusion (CME/CE)
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CardioBrief: Diet Drug Loses Another Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial

(MedPage Today) -- More chaos over the weight loss drug Contrave
via CardioBrief: Diet Drug Loses Another Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial
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CardioBrief: Old Trial Strikes New Blow to Traditional Diet Advice

(MedPage Today) -- Replacing saturated fat with vegetable oils lowered cholesterol but didn't improve outcomes
via CardioBrief: Old Trial Strikes New Blow to Traditional Diet Advice
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CV Events Strike Early in Lupus (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Myocardial infarctions can occur even before lupus is diagnosed
via CV Events Strike Early in Lupus (CME/CE)
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PCI Post CABG: Native Arteries Fare Better Than Vein Grafts

(MedPage Today) -- Study found more adverse outcomes when intervening in a bypass graft
via PCI Post CABG: Native Arteries Fare Better Than Vein Grafts
by

Victoza Study in T1D Yields Inconsistent Results (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Researchers puzzle over effect seen at 1.2 mg dose, but not 1.8 mg
via Victoza Study in T1D Yields Inconsistent Results (CME/CE)
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Opinion Makers: Lifestyle Medicine Meets Obamacare

(MedPage Today) -- Dean Ornish, MD, on how the strategy plays into newer models of care
via Opinion Makers: Lifestyle Medicine Meets Obamacare
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Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Accountability Key for Better Health for At-Risk Groups

(MedPage Today) -- Report says providers also must understand population health needs
via Accountability Key for Better Health for At-Risk Groups
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Mr. Trump, Here's Some Health Policy Advice -- From a Physician

(MedPage Today) -- Free-market healthcare won't last long in modern society, says Saurabh Jha, MD
via Mr. Trump, Here's Some Health Policy Advice -- From a Physician
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Occupational Hazards in the Cath Lab: Cataracts, Aches, HTN (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Working conditions not advancing alongside device technology, cardiologists say
via Occupational Hazards in the Cath Lab: Cataracts, Aches, HTN (CME/CE)
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Alzheimer's Disease: Study Patients With Amyloid and Tau Markers (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Patients with both biomarkers show greatest cognitive decline over time
via Alzheimer's Disease: Study Patients With Amyloid and Tau Markers (CME/CE)
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Antibiotic-Resistant Staph: Growing Source of Cardiac Device-Related Infections?

(MedPage Today) -- Methicillin-resistant infections common in explanted leads
via Antibiotic-Resistant Staph: Growing Source of Cardiac Device-Related Infections?
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Morning Break: Wealth and Longevity; Daily Aspirin; LSD Beer

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff
via Morning Break: Wealth and Longevity; Daily Aspirin; LSD Beer
by

Monday, April 11, 2016

Meta-Analysis: IVUS-Guided Stenting Still on Top (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- In DES era, outcomes still better than with angiographic guidance
via Meta-Analysis: IVUS-Guided Stenting Still on Top (CME/CE)
by

CardioBrief: USPSTF Backs Aspirin for Primary Prevention

(MedPage Today) -- But CVD, colon cancer recommendation still has very thin evidence, experts caution
via CardioBrief: USPSTF Backs Aspirin for Primary Prevention
by

SCOT-HEART: Non-Invasive CT Angiography Trumps Stress Testing (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- CT tied to better use of subsequent invasive imaging
via SCOT-HEART: Non-Invasive CT Angiography Trumps Stress Testing (CME/CE)
by

ACC: Afib Often Present Before Stroke in Patients With ICD (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- But less than a quarter were treated with anticoagulants
via ACC: Afib Often Present Before Stroke in Patients With ICD (CME/CE)
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Surgical Cutdown Not Required for Carotid PCI in Infants?

(MedPage Today) -- Carotid access may be suitable for infants and toddlers
via Surgical Cutdown Not Required for Carotid PCI in Infants?
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CardioBreak: Novel PCSK9 Drug, Impella Expansion, Chest Pain Tool

(MedPage Today) -- Recent developments of interest in cardiovascular medicine
via CardioBreak: Novel PCSK9 Drug, Impella Expansion, Chest Pain Tool
by

CardioBrief: FDA Expands Metformin Label

(MedPage Today) -- The drug can now be used in more diabetes patients with reduced kidney function
via CardioBrief: FDA Expands Metformin Label
by

Morning Break: Why Addyi Flopped; Be Scared of Zika; Medical School Racism

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff
via Morning Break: Why Addyi Flopped; Be Scared of Zika; Medical School Racism
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Sunday, April 10, 2016

ACC: Exercise Linked to Better Afib Outcomes (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Ability of atrial fibrillation patients to get up and move pays dividends
via ACC: Exercise Linked to Better Afib Outcomes (CME/CE)
by

Persistent AFib Tied to Less Physical Activity After ICD

(MedPage Today) -- Patients may not report compromised functional status
via Persistent AFib Tied to Less Physical Activity After ICD
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Slow Medicine: ELITE Doesn't Change Our Minds on HRT

(MedPage Today) -- Trial relied on a surrogate marker of heart disease for its primary endpoint
via Slow Medicine: ELITE Doesn't Change Our Minds on HRT
by

Mortality Risk Increased Post Joint Surgery in RA (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Joint surgery linked to short-term mortality and longer-term heart attack and mortality
via Mortality Risk Increased Post Joint Surgery in RA (CME/CE)
by

Saturday, April 9, 2016

10 Questions: Ilona J. Frieden, MD

(MedPage Today) -- 'The structure of the system itself is the biggest barrier'
via 10 Questions: Ilona J. Frieden, MD
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PodMed: A Medical News Roundup From Johns Hopkins (with audio)

(MedPage Today) -- This week's topics include statins for those at intermediate risk for heart disease, fresh fruit consumption in China, atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery, and screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
via PodMed: A Medical News Roundup From Johns Hopkins (with audio)
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D.C. Week: FDA Warns on Diabetes Drugs, White House Shifts Ebola $$ to Zika

(MedPage Today) -- Saxagliptin, alogliptin might raise heart failure risk, agency warns
via D.C. Week: FDA Warns on Diabetes Drugs, White House Shifts Ebola $$ to Zika
by

Mobile Technology May Screen for Afib (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Hand-held devices including smartphones can be adapted to detect arrhythmia
via Mobile Technology May Screen for Afib (CME/CE)
by

Friday, April 8, 2016

Entresto Saga Continues; Ebola vs Zika; Statins in the Water?

(MedPage Today) -- The first week of April was a busy one for medical news, and here is some of what MedPage Today heard
via Entresto Saga Continues; Ebola vs Zika; Statins in the Water?
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Friday Feedback: Does Latest Trial Provide New HOPE for Statin Therapy?

(MedPage Today) -- Results were positive, but are they practice-changing?
via Friday Feedback: Does Latest Trial Provide New HOPE for Statin Therapy?
by

FDA OKs Metformin Drugs for Patients With Kidney Impairment

(MedPage Today) -- The change removes a restriction on metformin compounds
via FDA OKs Metformin Drugs for Patients With Kidney Impairment
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Abdominal Obesity Linked to Atrial Fibrillation (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Korean study finds that arrhythmia may be associated with a person's girth
via Abdominal Obesity Linked to Atrial Fibrillation (CME/CE)
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New Afib Diagnoses Warrant Quick Action (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Patient with recent arrhythmias appear to be at higher mortality risk
via New Afib Diagnoses Warrant Quick Action (CME/CE)
by

Aggressive Prevention Treatment May Improve PAD Outcomes (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Fewer MIs, amputations in risk-reduction program participants
via Aggressive Prevention Treatment May Improve PAD Outcomes (CME/CE)
by

Heart Monitors Allow Afib Patients to Go Off Drugs (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Monitors an option in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
via Heart Monitors Allow Afib Patients to Go Off Drugs (CME/CE)
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Statins in the Spotlight; Leadless Pacemaker; Is TAVR the Future?

(MedPage Today) -- Cardiovascular Daily wraps up the top cardiology news of the week
via Statins in the Spotlight; Leadless Pacemaker; Is TAVR the Future?
by

Morning Break: Trump on Health; Mother Nature's Ambien; Cold or Allergy?

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff
via Morning Break: Trump on Health; Mother Nature's Ambien; Cold or Allergy?
by

Thursday, April 7, 2016

CO2 as Angiography Contrast Agent May Cut Kidney Risk

(MedPage Today) -- Contrast-induced nephropathy rates halved with CO2
via CO2 as Angiography Contrast Agent May Cut Kidney Risk
by

GI Bleeding Linked To Dysfunctional Prosthetic Valves (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Catch-22 for valve repair in patients with high bleeding risk
via GI Bleeding Linked To Dysfunctional Prosthetic Valves (CME/CE)
by

ACC: Placebo Challenge for Statin Intolerance?

(MedPage Today) -- Cardiologists debate whether strategy might work in the clinic too
via ACC: Placebo Challenge for Statin Intolerance?
by

Here's Why You Can't Compare Healthcare to the Airline Industry

(MedPage Today) -- There are big differences between the two, says Suneel Dhand, MD
via Here's Why You Can't Compare Healthcare to the Airline Industry
by

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

PAD Thrombectomy System Checks Out for Safety, Efficacy

(MedPage Today) -- No device-related adverse events in small arterial occlusion trial
via PAD Thrombectomy System Checks Out for Safety, Efficacy
by

Medtronic's Leadless Pacemaker Wins FDA Approval

(MedPage Today) -- Micra demonstrated efficacy in 98% of implanted patients
via Medtronic's Leadless Pacemaker Wins FDA Approval
by

Cardiovascular Death Attributed to Fruit Deficiency

(MedPage Today) -- Big study, credible finding?
via Cardiovascular Death Attributed to Fruit Deficiency
by

ACC: Prophylactic Magnesium Shows Hints of Preventing Post-CABG Afib (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- But clear benefit seen only in one subgroup
via ACC: Prophylactic Magnesium Shows Hints of Preventing Post-CABG Afib (CME/CE)
by

ACC: Watchman, NOACs Similar in Afib Control (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Indirect comparison shows little difference for device versus drugs
via ACC: Watchman, NOACs Similar in Afib Control (CME/CE)
by

Payment Reform: What's at Stake for Cath Lab?

(MedPage Today) -- Experts weigh in on what alternative payment models could bring
via Payment Reform: What's at Stake for Cath Lab?
by

ACC: 'Stepping' Up Competition Is Key to Lifestyle Improvement

(MedPage Today) -- Low cost, but high impact
via ACC: 'Stepping' Up Competition Is Key to Lifestyle Improvement
by

ACC: Stem Cells Improve Outcomes in Ischemic HF

(MedPage Today) -- Phase IIb trial shows benefit double-blind against placebo, but how?
via ACC: Stem Cells Improve Outcomes in Ischemic HF
by

CV Risks Up in Cutaneous Lupus (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Chance of cerebrovascular events three times higher versus controls
via CV Risks Up in Cutaneous Lupus (CME/CE)
by

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Value-Based Insurance Program Raises Compliance (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Employees had more preventive visits, better medication adherence
via Value-Based Insurance Program Raises Compliance (CME/CE)
by

ACC: VNS No Help for 'Hard Outcomes' in Heart Failure

(MedPage Today) -- But quality of life and physical function improved
via ACC: VNS No Help for 'Hard Outcomes' in Heart Failure
by

Saxagliptin, Alogliptin Linked to Heart Failure, FDA Warns

(MedPage Today) -- Decision comes 1 year after FDA advisory committee vote
via Saxagliptin, Alogliptin Linked to Heart Failure, FDA Warns
by

Heart Rate Control or Heart Rhythm Control? It's a Toss-up (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Post-surgery atrial fibrillation can be handled by either approach
via Heart Rate Control or Heart Rhythm Control? It's a Toss-up (CME/CE)
by

NeuroBreak: Subbing N2O for Opioids; No Cognition Label for Antidepressant

(MedPage Today) -- News and commentary from the world of neurology and neuroscience
via NeuroBreak: Subbing N2O for Opioids; No Cognition Label for Antidepressant
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ACC: Novel CIN Drug Goes to the 'Graveyard'

(MedPage Today) -- CMX-2043 did not reduce contrast-induced nephropathy in PCI
via ACC: Novel CIN Drug Goes to the 'Graveyard'
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ACC: No Benefit for Beta-Blocker Before PCI

(MedPage Today) -- IV metoprolol was safe, but disappointing
via ACC: No Benefit for Beta-Blocker Before PCI
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ACC: Monitoring Lung Congestion Tied to Better HF Outcomes

(MedPage Today) -- But validation of mortality and hospitalization findings still needed
via ACC: Monitoring Lung Congestion Tied to Better HF Outcomes
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Monday, April 4, 2016

Embolism Halts Next-Gen Watchman in Europe

(MedPage Today) -- Cause still unknown, not expected to affect device sold in U.S.
via Embolism Halts Next-Gen Watchman in Europe
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Thrombosis Risk Highest With Combined HRT in Menopausal Women (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Study suggests doubled risk compared with estrogen alone
via Thrombosis Risk Highest With Combined HRT in Menopausal Women (CME/CE)
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DANAMI 3: Delayed Stenting, Ischemic Postconditioning Flop in STEMI

(MedPage Today) -- Heart function improves slightly after both strategies, however
via DANAMI 3: Delayed Stenting, Ischemic Postconditioning Flop in STEMI
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ATMOSPHERE: Heart Failure Trial Poisoned By Controversy (CME/CE)

(MedPage Today) -- Aliskiren raised regulatory pandemonium as it crashed in trials
via ATMOSPHERE: Heart Failure Trial Poisoned By Controversy (CME/CE)
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CNN Calls Out 'Cataract Risk' in HOPE-3

(MedPage Today) -- Statins and cataracts: So what?
via CNN Calls Out 'Cataract Risk' in HOPE-3
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Higher Volume TAVR Centers Safer for Patients

(MedPage Today) -- In-hospital mortality tied to institutional volume in national registry data
via Higher Volume TAVR Centers Safer for Patients
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SAPIEN 3 Bests Surgery in 'Intermediate Risk' Patients

(MedPage Today) -- Outcomes better but rates of aortic regurgitation still favor surgery
via SAPIEN 3 Bests Surgery in 'Intermediate Risk' Patients
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ACC: After a Decade, CABG Pulls Ahead of Meds for HF

(MedPage Today) -- Life-saving benefit of CABG now clear in long-term trial follow-up
via ACC: After a Decade, CABG Pulls Ahead of Meds for HF
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ACC: Still No Benefit to CABG, Mitral Valve Fix Combo

(MedPage Today) -- Endpoints at 2 years no better for combination procedure than at 1 year
via ACC: Still No Benefit to CABG, Mitral Valve Fix Combo
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Morning Break: Risky EHRs? Hard Sell for Entresto; More Pricey Drugs

(MedPage Today) -- Health news and commentary from around the Web, gathered by the MedPage Today staff
via Morning Break: Risky EHRs? Hard Sell for Entresto; More Pricey Drugs
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Entresto: Why Is There Silence? We're Not Selling iPhones

(MedPage Today) -- The drug hailed as a true PARADIGM shift, is slow out of the gate
via Entresto: Why Is There Silence? We're Not Selling iPhones
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Saturday, April 2, 2016

ACC: Looking Beyond Statins in LDL Lowering

(MedPage Today) -- New ACC guidance maps a path
via ACC: Looking Beyond Statins in LDL Lowering
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PodMed: A Medical News Roundup From Johns Hopkins (with audio)

(MedPage Today) -- This weeks topics include home care and survival, timing of HRT, Lyme disease and long-term antibiotics, and cardiac procedures before surgery
via PodMed: A Medical News Roundup From Johns Hopkins (with audio)
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D.C. Week: Obama Sets Task Force to Ensure Access to Addiction Tx

(MedPage Today) -- FDA updates its labeling for medical abortion drug mifepristone
via D.C. Week: Obama Sets Task Force to Ensure Access to Addiction Tx
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ACC: BP Tx Alone Not Enough for Primary CV Prevention

(MedPage Today) -- For fairly healthy adults, antihypertensive no help over midterm in HOPE-3 trial
via ACC: BP Tx Alone Not Enough for Primary CV Prevention
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ACC: TAVR Once Again Non-Inferior to Surgery

(MedPage Today) -- No excess stroke or mortality at 2 years in lowest risk trial population yet studied
via ACC: TAVR Once Again Non-Inferior to Surgery
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ACC: HOPE Results Boost Statin Prevention Role

(MedPage Today) -- Mortality and nonfatal events reduced
via ACC: HOPE Results Boost Statin Prevention Role
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