Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Cardiology for April 2020. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Symptomatic Health Care Staff in U.K. Screened for COVID-19
THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Screening symptomatic health care workers for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is feasible during the pandemic, according to a research letter published online April 22 in The Lancet.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
NT-proBNP Does Not Improve Evaluation of Syncope in the ED
THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For adult emergency department (ED) patients with syncope, serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) does not improve prognostication above the Canadian Syncope Risk Score (CSRS), according to a study published online April 28 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Men Have More Serious Disease, Higher Death Rate From COVID-19
THURSDAY, April 30, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with COVID-19, male gender is associated with worse outcomes, independent of age, according to a study published online April 29 in Frontiers in Public Health.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
David Shulkin, M.D., on COVID-19 Financial Consequences for Health Care System
MONDAY, April 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Health care organizations are facing hard financial decisions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but an end is in sight as some are beginning to slowly open back up around the country, according to David Shulkin, M.D. Shulkin, who served as ninth secretary for Veterans Affairs and is former president and CEO of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, spoke with HealthDay during a live stream on the HealthDay YouTube channel and live blog.
More Information
KIMT3 Article
Primary PCI Remains Standard of Care for STEMI During COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains the standard of care for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a consensus statement published online April 20 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Remain Unaware of CV Risk
WEDNESDAY, April 29, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have low awareness about associated cardiovascular (CV) risk, according to a study published online April 20 in ACR Open Rheumatology.
Nearly Half of U.S. Population Breathes Unhealthy Air
TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Climate change continues to make air pollution worse, with 45.8 percent of the U.S. population living in counties with unhealthy ozone or particle pollution, according to the American Lung Association (ALA) 21st annual State of the Air report.
Rare, Serious Illness May Occur in Children With COVID-19
TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Abdominal pain, gastrointestinal complaints, and heart inflammation are among the symptoms in children with a rare syndrome that may be linked to COVID-19, British health officials say.
Social Inequality May Contribute to Poor Metabolic, Bone Health
TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Social factors might be significant contributors to coexisting metabolic syndrome (MetS) and osteoporosis (OP) in postmenopausal women, according to a study published online April 20 in Menopause.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Job Strain Linked to Increase in Risk for PAD Hospitalization
TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Job strain is associated with a 1.41-fold increase in the average risk for peripheral artery disease (PAD) hospitalization, according to a study published online April 28 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Upward Income Mobility Tied to Worse Cardiometabolic Health
TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Upward income mobility is associated with lower perceived stress and fewer depressive symptoms but with higher rates of metabolic syndrome, according to a study published online April 28 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
45.4 Percent of U.S. Adults at Risk for Complications With COVID-19
TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — An estimated 45.4 percent of U.S. adults may have an increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to chronic conditions, according to a study published in the August issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Adding High-Dose Chloroquine Not Advised for Severe COVID-19
TUESDAY, April 28, 2020 (HealthDay News) — High-dosage chloroquine diphosphate (CQ) has potential safety hazards when used as adjunctive therapy for patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19, according to a study published online April 24 in JAMA Network Open.
Roadmap Developed for Resuming Elective Surgery During COVID-19
MONDAY, April 27, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A roadmap for resuming elective surgery after new cases of COVID-19 begin to wane is presented in a joint statement published by the American College of Surgeons and other societies.
Mobile BP Monitoring Does Not Change Outcomes After Myocardial Infarction
MONDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The use of smartphone-enabled health monitoring devices after myocardial infarction yields similar blood pressure control when compared with regular follow-up visits, according to a study published online April 16 in JAMA Network Open.
HTN, Obesity, Diabetes Common in U.S. COVID-19 Patients
FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The most common comorbidities among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the New York City area are hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, according to a study published online April 22 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
FDA Warns About Treating COVID-19 With Unproven Drugs
FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Malaria drugs touted by some as potential “game changers” against COVID-19 are actually too dangerous for general use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Americans on Friday.
Prevalence of Hypertension in U.S. 45.4 Percent in 2017 to 2018
FRIDAY, April 24, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In 2017 to 2018, 45.4 percent of adults had hypertension, with prevalence higher among men than women, according to an April data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
Chronic Conditions, Obesity Common in Fatal Cases of EVALI
THURSDAY, April 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Chronic conditions, including asthma, mental health conditions, and obesity, are common among fatal cases of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI), according to a study published in the April 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Yoga Cuts Testosterone in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
THURSDAY, April 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A mindful yoga intervention reduces testosterone levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a study published online April 14 in the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
ACEIs/ARBs Not Linked to Severity or Mortality of COVID-19
THURSDAY, April 23, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hypertension hospitalized with COVID-19 infections, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs)/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are not associated with the severity or mortality of COVID-19, according to a brief report published online April 23 in JAMA Cardiology.
Scoring System Helps Guide Surgical Care During COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A scoring system for medically necessary time-sensitive (MeNTS) procedures can facilitate decision making and triage in the setting of COVID-19, according to a study published online April 9 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Heart Rate Variability Related to Risk for Incident Diabetes
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Altered heart rate variability (HRV) may be related to risk for incident diabetes in young Asian adults, according to a study published online April 16 in Diabetes Care.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
2015 to 2018 Saw High Total Cholesterol for 11.4 Percent of U.S. Adults
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 11.4 percent of adults had high total cholesterol during 2015 to 2018, according to an April data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
ST-Segment Elevation Described in Patients With COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with COVID-19 who have ST-segment elevation, indicating potential acute myocardial infarction, there is considerable variability in presentation, and prognosis is poor, according to a letter to the editor published online April 17 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Premature Mortality Rates Up for CAD in Women From Rural U.S.
WEDNESDAY, April 22, 2020 (HealthDay News) — According to the findings of two studies published online April 20 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, coronary artery disease (CAD) mortality rates have increased among women from rural areas, while social determinants of health (SDOH) increase the risk for 90-day mortality after heart failure hospitalization.
Abstract/Full Text – Bossard (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text – Sterling (subscription or payment may be required)
USPSTF Notes Evidence Lacking for BP Screening in Children
TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that there is currently insufficient evidence to evaluate the balance of benefits and harms of screening children and adolescents for high blood pressure. These findings form the basis of a draft recommendation statement, published April 21 by the USPSTF.
Draft Evidence Review
Draft Recommendation Statement
Comment on Recommendation Statement
Cardiac Cath Lab STEMI Activations Drop During Pandemic
TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a 38 percent reduction in U.S. cardiac catheterization laboratory ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) activations, according to a research letter published online April 10 in the Journal of the American College of Cariology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Most Older Adults With New Dementia Die Within Five Years
TUESDAY, April 21, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most community-dwelling older adults with newly identified dementia die or are admitted to a long-term care home within five years, according to a study published online April 20 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Hypertension in Pregnancy Ups Risk for Mental Disorder in Child
MONDAY, April 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Maternal hypertensive pregnancy disorders are associated with increased risk in offspring for any childhood mental disorder, according to a study published online April 20 in Hypertension.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Benefit of Social Distancing Outweighs Economic Impact
MONDAY, April 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The economic benefits of lives saved through social distancing substantially outweigh the value of the projected losses to the U.S. economy, according to a study to be published in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Removal of Flavored E-Cigarette Products Likely Ineffective
FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Juul sales recovered within weeks following a dip after the company withdrew some flavored products from stores, even surpassing sales before the withdraw, according to a study published online April 16 in the American Journal of Public Health.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Higher Nighttime Blood Pressure Tied to Worse Vascular Disease
FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Higher nighttime blood pressure may exacerbate the detrimental effects of hypertension on cerebrovascular health and cognitive abilities among middle-aged individuals, according to a study published online April 15 in Neurology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Higher Vitamin D From Food May Protect Against Heart Disease
FRIDAY, April 17, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Consuming foods high in vitamin D may have heart-protective effects, according to a Greek study published online April 7 in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
BP Levels Influence Racial Differences in Cognitive Decline
THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Black individuals’ higher cumulative blood pressure (BP) levels may influence racial differences in cognitive decline, according to a study published online April 13 in JAMA Neurology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Guidance Developed for Treating Cardiac Arrest During COVID-19
THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In a document entitled “Interim Guidance for Basic and Advanced Life Support in Adults, Children, and Neonates With Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19,” published online April 9 in Circulation, recommendations are presented for treating victims of cardiac arrest during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Telehealth Usage Was Growing Among Internists Prior to COVID-19
THURSDAY, April 16, 2020 (HealthDay News) — There is wide variation in the use of telehealth among internal medicine physicians and subspecialists, according the “2020 American College of Physicians (ACP) Member Survey About Telehealth Implementation.”
Heavy Wildfire Smoke Tied to Higher Risk for Cardiac Arrest
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Risk for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest increases by 70 percent with exposure to heavy wildfire smoke, according to a study published online April 15 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
SARS-CoV-2 Contamination of Air, Surfaces Examined in ICU, Wards
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Considerable severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) contamination of air and object surfaces is reported in intensive care units (ICUs) and general coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wards (GW), according to a study published online April 10 in Emerging Infectious Diseases, a publication of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CDC: Overall Prevalence of Self-Reported Hypertension 32.4 Percent
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The overall prevalence of self-reported hypertension is 32.4 percent, with prevalence higher among men than women and among blacks, according to research published in the April 10 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Kidney Injury Up During Pregnancy-Related Hospitalizations
WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The rates of pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (AKI) hospitalizations increased during the last decade, according to a study published in the March issue of the American Journal of Nephrology.
Medical Masks May Be Sufficient During COVID-19 Routine Care
TUESDAY, April 14, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Use of medical masks, such as surgical or procedural masks, does not increase the risk for viral infection or respiratory illness, and their use may serve as a protective measure in instances of N95 respirator shortages, according to the results of a meta-analysis published online April 4 in Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses.
High Rates of Appropriate E-Consults Seen Across Specialties
MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The rates of appropriate electronic consultations (e-consults) are high across specialties, according to a study published online April 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Most Home BP Devices Available Online Are Not Validated
MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most home blood pressure (BP) devices available online are nonvalidated, and they are sold at a lower cost than validated ones, according to a study published online April 13 in Hypertension.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Prehospital Triage System Improves Stroke Care
MONDAY, April 13, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A new pretransport triage system improves stroke care, according to a study published online April 6 in JAMA Neurology.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Middle-Age Lifestyle Changes Can Cut Women’s Stroke Risk
FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Even in middle age, women can make lifestyle modifications that can substantially lower their stroke risk, according to a study published online April 9 in Stroke.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Adult Smoking, Cessation Tied to Smoking Intensity in Adolescence
FRIDAY, April 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence rates of smoking and cessation in adulthood are associated with levels of childhood smoking intensity, according to a study published in the April 9 issue of the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Heavy Drinking Tied to Larger Waist Lines, Higher Stroke Risk
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Heavy drinkers who continue drinking into old age have significantly larger waistlines and increased stroke risk, according to a study published online March 31 in Addiction.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Celiac Disease May Slightly Increase Mortality Risk
WEDNESDAY, April 8, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with celiac disease have a small but statistically significantly increased mortality risk compared with controls, according to a study published in the April 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Most COVID-19 Fatalities Are Men Over 50 With Chronic Disease
TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most fatal cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occur in men aged older than 50 years with noncommunicable chronic diseases, according to a study published online April 3 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Genetic Testing Does Not Enhance Heart Disease Risk Prediction
TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Genetic testing is not better at predicting coronary heart disease risk compared with conventional risk factors, according to a study published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
‘Mod’ E-Cigarette Users Smoke More Cigarettes One Year Later
TUESDAY, April 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Baseline modifiable (mod) electronic cigarette device users smoke more cigarettes at one-year follow-up than vape pen users, according to a study published online April 6 in Pediatrics.
Initial Invasive Strategy No Better in Stable Coronary Disease
MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — For patients with stable coronary disease and moderate-to-severe ischemia, an initial invasive strategy does not improve outcomes, but it may improve angina-related health status, according to two studies published online March 30 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text – Maron (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text – Spertus (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Majority of Physicians Report Serious Concerns About COVID-19
MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — According to a national survey conducted by Harvard Medical School, the RAND Corporation, and Doximity, practicing physicians currently report substantial concerns about supplies, the government response, and availability of testing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Heart Disease Risk Up for First-Time Mothers With Preeclampsia
MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — First-time mothers with preeclampsia are at a higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Women’s Health.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Recent Decline in Heart Attacks Greater in Men Than Women
MONDAY, April 6, 2020 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of heart attacks is decreasing, but the trend seems to have slowed in women, according to a study recently published in Circulation.
Unemployed Workers Less Likely to Be Uninsured Post-ACA
THURSDAY, April 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Following implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), unemployed workers were less likely to be uninsured, and uninsurance rates decreased more in states with Medicaid expansion, according to a report from the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Weight Loss Modest for Most Macronutrient Diets
THURSDAY, April 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Most macronutrient diets result in modest weight loss and improvements in cardiovascular risk factors over six months, according to a review and meta-analysis published online April 1 in The BMJ.
Rural Doctors Can Be Trained to Treat Advanced Heart Failure
THURSDAY, April 2, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) who live remotely can be successfully managed with specialized training and cooperation between local physicians and specialty medical centers, according to a study published in the April issue of JACC: Heart Failure.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Severe COVID-19 Risk Up With Existing Health Conditions in U.S.
WEDNESDAY, April 1, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In the United States, individuals with underlying health conditions have an increased risk for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to research published in the March 31 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Copyright © 2020 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
