Cardiology
Resistant hypertension: A stepwise approachThe authors review the definition and prevalence of resistant hypertension and its diagnostic workup and management, including lifestyle modifications, drugs, and experimental therapies.
- A 50-year-old man presents with shortness of breath
Red flags included low voltage, normal sinus rhythm, and Q waves on electrocardiography, a history of carpal tunnel syndrome, and evidence of renal dysfunction.
- Some complexities of diabetes and the heart
Patients with diabetes are at greater risk of coronary artery disease than their peers without diabetes. That’s straight and simple. But there the simplicity ends.
- Statins may increase diabetes, but benefit still outweighs risk
The weight of the evidence suggests that statin use is associated with an increased risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus, but the magnitude of the effect has varied across studies.
- Decongesting heart failure with diuretics: Easier to prescribe than to fully understand
Digging deep into the pathophysiology of diuretic resistance reveals complex interacting pathways. But none of these pathways can fully explain or be used to safely reverse diuretic resistance.
- How do we maximize diuresis in acute decompensated heart failure?
The initial goal is to maximize loop diuretic therapy using urine output or urinary sodium for guidance. Combination therapy can be used when patients respond poorly to escalating loop diuretic doses.
Atrial fibrillation: Rate control or rhythm control?Rate control has been preferred as the primary approach, but the pendulum is swinging in favor of rhythm control.
- Primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: A case-based approach
The authors present commonly encountered clinical scenarios that pose challenges in decision-making in primary and secondary prevention.
- Xanthomas: Differentiating atherogenic from nonatherogenic
The patient had tendinous xanthomas on the dorsal joints of the hand and eruptive xanthomas on the buttock, as well as xanthoma striatum palmare on the volar aspect of the hand.
- Is exercise restriction necessary in patients with pericarditis?
The authors review current recommendations and illustrate possible approaches through a case scenario.