June 19th, 2012
New Uses Found for a Traditional Walking Test
Larry Husten, PHD
The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) can improve risk prediction in people with stable coronary disease, according to a new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The 6MWT may also be cost-effective and — and may help physicians motivate their patients to exercise, suggest the authors. Alexis Beatty and colleagues performed a 6MWT and a treadmill […]
June 18th, 2012
The Grim Impact of Loneliness and Living Alone
Larry Husten, PHD
Two new reports published in the Archives of Internal Medicine throw a spotlight on the grim effects of loneliness and living alone on health. As part of the Health and Retirement Study, 1604 people were followed for 6 years after answering a questionnaire about loneliness. Some 43% reported feeling lonely. Loneliness was associated with significantly increased […]
June 18th, 2012
Sexual Outcomes Following an MI: Let’s Talk About Sex, Doc
Emily M Abramsohn, MPH
Emily Abramsohn discusses her research on sex and mortality after an MI, and how doctors can better communicate with their patients about this issue.
June 18th, 2012
Selections from Richard Lehman’s Literature Review: June 18th
Richard Lehman, BM, BCh, MRCGP
This week’s topics include imaging risks, oral contraceptives and the risk for MI and stroke, smoking and mortality in those aged 60 and older, and wasteful spending on cardiovascular tests.
June 14th, 2012
FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Expanded Indication for Sapien Transcatheter Heart Valve
Larry Husten, PHD
The FDA’s Circulatory System Devices Panel voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to recommend an expanded indication for the Edwards Sapien Transcatheter Heart Valve in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who have high operative risk. The device is currently approved for use only in patients who are not surgical candidates. The committee voted 10-2 that the Sapien device […]
June 12th, 2012
ACC Releases Appropriate Use Criteria for Noninvasive Peripheral Vascular Tests
Larry Husten, PHD
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has published appropriate use criteria (AUC) for peripheral vascular ultrasound and physiological testing. The criteria were developed in coordination with 10 other medical societies. “This is the first systematic and comprehensive evaluation looking at appropriate indications for vascular testing, such as ultrasound or functional testing,” said Emile Mohler III, the […]
June 11th, 2012
FDA Reviewers Raise Questions About Sapien Heart Valve System
Larry Husten, PHD
FDA reviewers have raised a number of questions about the safety and efficacy of the Sapien heart valve system. The review was published online ahead of Wednesday’s meeting of the Circulatory System Devices Panel meeting to evaluate the Sapien system for use in patients eligible but at high risk for aortic valve surgery. The Sapien system was […]
June 11th, 2012
Basal Insulin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fail to Improve Outcomes in Diabetics and Prediabetics
Larry Husten, PHD
A large new study has found no evidence of cardiovascular (CV) benefits for either basal insulin or omega-3 fatty acids in a population of people with diabetes or at risk for diabetes. Results of the ORIGIN (Outcome Reduction with Initial Glargine Intervention) study were presented today at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association […]
June 11th, 2012
Selections from Richard Lehman’s Literature Review: June 11th
Richard Lehman, BM, BCh, MRCGP
This week’s topics include two studies of prognosis: troponin and mortality after non-cardiac surgery and predictors of heart-failure mortality.
June 11th, 2012
The Changing Face of Mitral Valve Surgery
John A. Dodson, MD
A new study of mortality and other trends among Medicare patients who undergo mitral valve surgery may influence whom you choose to refer for this type of procedure.