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Copeptin, Tied to Vasopressin Activity, May Be Risk Predictor in Chronic Heart Failure
The C-terminal fragment of vasopressin prohormone rivals and may surpass the natriuretic peptides as risk predictors, according to researchers.
Heartwire, July 2008
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CME
Muscular Strength in Men Linked to Lower All-Cause and Cancer Mortality
A study shows that muscular strength is linked with death from all causes and cancer.
Medscape Medical News, July 2008
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CME
Heavy Drinking Ups Stroke Deaths in Both Sexes, Quadruples CHD Mortality in Women
A Japanese study shows that heavy drinking in men is associated with increased mortality from stroke and that women have a 4-fold increased risk for death from coronary heart disease.
Medscape Medical News, July 2008
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U.S. Health Care Is a Mess, Candidates Agree
Barack Obama and John McCain agree that the U.S. health care system is a mess. They agree Americans spend too much and get too little for it, and they agree that 47 million Americans without health insurance need coverage.
Reuters Health Information, July 2008
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Increased Carotid Distension an Independent Predictor of Coronary Events
B-mode ultrasonography is a simple, noninvasive way to assess carotid distension, which is an independent predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the elderly, French researchers report in the July issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
Reuters Health Information, July 2008
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Routine Clopidogrel Before Angiography No Advantage in Subsequent PCI
In patients with stable angina who might be candidates for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), there appears to be no benefit to clopidogrel pretreatment before they undergo elective angiography.
Reuters Health Information, July 2008
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Rosiglitazone US Labeling Updated to Include ADOPT Findings
The trial showed better glycemic control with rosiglitazone than with metformin or glyburide.
Heartwire, July 2008
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CME
Mild Blood-Pressure Elevations in Young Adulthood Linked to Coronary Calcium in Later Life
Findings suggest that prehypertension in young adults is not merely a harbinger of hypertension later on but may in and of itself increase the risk for coronary artery disease decades later.
Medscape Medical News, July 2008
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Surgical Maestro DeBakey Dies at Age 99
World-renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr Michael DeBakey has died at age 99. In a career spanning more than seven decades, DeBakey will be remembered as many things: an original and inspiring medical inventor and pioneering surgeon as well as a great teacher and a medical statesperson.
Heartwire, July 2008
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Patients Often Report Hospital Adverse Events Not Found in Medical Record
New research suggests that there may be a disconnect between patients and hospitals when it comes to reporting adverse events.
Reuters Health Information, July 2008
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Lapatinib Appears Safe in Patients With Breast Cancer
Pooled data from 44 studies indicate that the tyrosine kinase EGFR and HER2 inhibitor lapatinib exhibits low cardiotoxicity in cancer patients.
Reuters Health Information, July 2008
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AAP Revises Cholesterol Screening Guidelines for Children
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued revised guidelines for lipid screening and cardiovascular health in childhood, reflecting increased childhood obesity rates.
Medscape Medical News, July 2008
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CME
Alpha-Linolenic Acid Reduces Risk of Nonfatal MI
One study found that alpha-linolenic acid is protective against cardiovascular disease, whereas another study found that linoleic acid prevents high blood pressure.
Medscape Medical News, July 2008
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CME/CE
Extracorporeal Life Support Improves Survival in Cardiac Arrest
Extracorporeal life support combined with conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation roughly doubles survival vs resuscitation alone in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest, a new study suggests.
Medscape Medical News, July 2008
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CME
Diabetes Risk Directly Related to Glucose Level, Even Within Normal Range
New research suggests that the risk for the development of type 2 diabetes is increased with plasma glucose levels much less than the current cutoff value for defining impaired fasting glucose.
Medscape Medical News, July 2008
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Resynchronization Results Comparable in Patients With or Without Atrial Fibrillation
New research suggests that cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) provides similar benefits to heart failure patients in atrial fibrillation or sinus rhythm.
Reuters Health Information, July 2008
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Mutation in Gene for ANP Causes Familial AF
US researchers have found that a mutation in the gene that encodes atrial natriuretic peptide appears to be responsible for hereditary atrial fibrillation, the first time a hormone has been found to be associated with AF. The results could have important implications for a drug discovery program, say the researchers.
Heartwire, July 2008
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Maintain Beta Blockers at Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure, Registry Confirms
Data from a "real-world" population support what guidelines recommend based on atypical clinical-trial experiences, researchers say.
Heartwire, July 2008
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Smoking Trumps Omega-3s to Drive Up Atherosclerosis Rates in Alaskan Eskimos
Study authors say that the public-health message about smoking risks is likely not reaching Alaska Eskimos, who are also becoming more sedentary and eating fewer omega-3-rich traditional foods. Subclinical atherosclerosis is much higher in this group than in age-matched populations elsewhere in the US.
Heartwire, July 2008
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CME
Antihypertensive Treatment in Very Elderly Patients May Reduce Dementia Risk
Results from a substudy of the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial suggest that lowering blood pressure in individuals 80 years and older might reduce the risk for dementia.
Medscape Medical News, July 2008
