Sometimes, more is not better, as researchers report in a new study of implantable defibrillators, devices that use electrical shocks to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in people with potentially life-threatening heart arrhythmias. In research published today in JAMA, investigators found… Read More ›
San Francisco—When a cardiologist uses percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to implant a stent to restore blood flow to the heart, having on-site cardiac surgery available if an emergency arises has been considered preferable, even required in some states. But data… Read More ›
About half of high-risk cardiac devices approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were approved without comparative data on whether they provide better outcomes than other treatment options, found an analysis published online in JAMA. Advances in medical… Read More ›
Los Angeles—Most cardiologists listening to late-breaking findings of a clinical trial presented here at the annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association (AHA) likely expected to hear that chelation therapy does not help prevent future cardiovascular problems in patients… Read More ›
In theory, being able to see which hospitals and physicians best deliver care for various conditions would likely help individuals choose where to receive their health care. But in practice, public reporting of outcomes data can be problematic because it… Read More ›
Updated US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings that use of cholesterol-lowering statins can increase the risk of developing diabetes, liver injury, cognitive problems, and muscle injury for some patients have renewed criticism about overuse of this class of medications…. Read More ›
Individuals with stable coronary artery disease, or stable angina, experience chest pain on exertion when narrowed or blocked arteries reduce the supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. Current treatment calls for lifestyle changes and optimal medical therapy that… Read More ›
Inadvertant overdoses and other adverse events associated with blood thinners and diabetes medications are important contributors to emergency hospitalization among US patients older than 64 years, according to an analysis published online in the New England Journal of Medicine today…. Read More ›
Using computed tomography (CT) scans to detect signs of cardiovascular disease may be more likely than use of stress tests to lead to more testing and invasive procedures, according to a study published in this week’s issue of JAMA. Traditionally,… Read More ›
ORLANDO, Fla—Although the process of getting informed consent is intended to inform patients of the potential benefits and risks of a therapy or a procedure, too often it feels like a mere formality that is conducted by health care workers… Read More ›
