Table of Contents
From the Editor
- Back to the basics on pressure and fat
Sometimes we may be too smart about the nuances of clinical science and get distracted from our goal of improving patient outcomes.
Review
The two faces of the ‘good’ cholesterolOrdinarily anti-inflammatory and protective, HDL sometimes becomes pro inflammatory. Thus, the functional properties—not simply the level—may need to be considered and optimized.
Editorial
- Exposing the complexity of HDL
HDL is a heterogeneous population of particles, and we should not be surprised if these particles differ in their effect on the arterial wall.
Review
- Update on adolescent immunization: Pertussis, meningococcus, HPV, and the future
Preteens and teenagers will be getting more shots. The extra visits will give us another opportunity to talk to these young people about high-risk behavior.
Patient Information
Medical Grand Rounds
- Short-term prognosis after a TIA: A simple score predicts risk
This article discusses the defining features of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and their immediate evaluation and management.
Review
- Diagnostic strategies for suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension: A primer for the internist
If not recognized early, pulmonary arterial hypertension can have devastating consequences. Recent advances have led to improved diagnostic strategies.
- What is adequate hypertension control? Having your dinner and dessert too
Controlling the blood pressure per se should be our primary concern (“dinner”), while choosing agents that may have added benefit in specific situations is secondary (“dessert”).
Commentary
“Although I knew then that we were in for a big change, I did not anticipate the total impact.”
In the September 2007 issue, Dr. Michael Lauer rejected the recently proposed Screening for Heart Attack prevention and Education (SHAPE) guidelines. The authors of the SHAPE guidelines would like to address his arguments.