J Am Heart Assoc.: September 26, 2013 Racial Differences in the Prevalence and Outcomes of Atrial Fibrillation Among Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure Background The intersection of heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) is common, but the burden of AF among black patients with HF is poorly characterized. We sought to determine the prevalence […]
MNT: Sept. 26, 2013 AMSTERDAM – Investigators are reporting widespread underuse of anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are at high risk of stroke, despite the fact that such therapy is known to decrease stroke risk in this population. The findings were released at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2013 […]
CIRCULATIONAHA: September 23, 2013 Background—AF ablation has tremendous progress with respect to innovation, efficacy and safety. However limited data exists regarding burden and trends in adverse outcomes arising from this procedure. The aim of our study was to examine frequency of adverse events due to Atrial Fibrillation (AF) ablation and influence of operator and hospital volume […]
AHA Stroke: September 5, 2013 Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health problem. It is defined by decreased kidney function (characterized by a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2) and kidney damage characterized by albuminuria or proteinuria.1 To standardize definitions and facilitate risk stratification, 5 different stages of severity have […]
AHA Stroke: August 6, 2013 Background and Purpose—We investigated the sensitivity and reliability of MRI susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) compared with routine MRI T2*-weighted gradient-recalled echo (GRE) for cerebral microbleed (CMB) detection. Methods—We used data from a prospective study of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (n=9; mean age, 71±8.3) and healthy non–cerebral amyloid angiopathy controls (n=22; mean age, 68±6.3). […]
AHA Stroke: July 25, 2013 Background and Purpose—To assess the effects of intensive and moderate public education on knowledge of early stroke symptoms among a general Japanese population. Methods—Information on early stroke symptoms was distributed by leaflet 12× and by booklet twice in an intensive intervention area >22 months, and by leaflet and booklet once each in […]
AHA Stroke: July 23, 2013 Background and Purpose—In Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic Syndrome with low HDL/High Triglycerides: Impact on Global Health Outcomes (AIM-HIGH) trial, addition of extended-release niacin (ERN) to simvastatin in participants with established cardiovascular disease, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high triglycerides had no incremental benefit, despite increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Preliminary analysis […]
CDC: 9/26/13 Introduction Quality improvement collaboratives are a popular model used to address gaps between evidence-based practice and patient care. Little is known about use of such collaboratives in emergency medical services, particularly for improving prehospital stroke care. To determine the feasibility of using this approach to improve prehospital stroke care, we conducted a pilot […]
STROKEAHA: September 24, 2013 Background and Purpose—Patients with any type of stroke managed in organized inpatient (stroke unit) care are more likely to survive, return home, and regain independence. However, it is uncertain whether these benefits apply equally to patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. Methods—We conducted a secondary analysis of a systematic review of […]
J NeuroIntervent Surg: 9/23/13 Stroke center designation is an integral component of maintaining the systems of care for cerebrovascular diseases.1 Organization of hospitals into efficient vehicles of healthcare delivery helps improve clinical outcomes.2 The approval of IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) highlighted the need for specialized stroke centers able to quickly mobilize all […]
