Matt Reed: Brevard gets more Medicare than most Oct 4, 2009
"Greater availability of such technologies as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, coronary artery bypass graft, angioplasty, cardiac and neonatal intensive-care units . . . is associated with greater per capita use and higher spending.". We can do better. (Florida Today)
Stress associated with stroke Oct 1, 2009
A growing body of evidence suggests that psychological stress contributes to coronary artery disease. However, associations between stress and stroke are less clear. (BioMed Central)
Intern or internist? Oct 1, 2009
We deal with chronic diseases -- hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and chronic bronchitis, chronic infections, a result of stroke. "Stroke and congestive heart failure, she noted, are two of the more common hospital admissions nationally. When those patients are discharged from the hospital, internists try to provide some type of maintenance for them.While internists aren't pediatricians, neither are they... (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease Oct 1, 2009
When evaluating a patient with chronic coronary artery disease, doctors must choose their strategy before catheterization. They may choose immediate catheterization with revascularization, if feasible (revascularization may not be suitable because of disease that is too diffuse or without relevant obstructions, as in the Trial of Invasive. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Social Isolation Worsens Cancer, Mouse Study Suggests Sep 30, 2009
3, 2004) Women with suspected coronary artery disease and smaller social networks die at twice the rate of those who have a larger circle of social contacts, according to a new. (Nov. (Science Daily)
Report: Boston Scientific, Johnson & Johnson Settle Stent Lawsuits Sep 30, 2009
Stents, or medical devices used to remove coronary artery blockages, have become the subject of much litigation, as several firms in the medical device market have launched patent infringement suits to prevent the launch of new stents by competitors, the paper said. Johnson & Johnson announced in a press release that it would record the payment as a special item in its fourth quarter. (Fox News)
Cardiac group, UC Health to partner Sep 26, 2009
The surgeons plan to bring innovative procedures to University Hospital, according to a press release, citing minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafts as an example. Most Read Stories. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
AstraZenecas Brilinta expected to get expedited approval with no major label restrictions Sep 25, 2009
Brilinta also resulted in less bleeding in patients having coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and significantly less fatal non-intracranial bleeding than Plavix, clinicians said. However, one issue they raised is that in non-CABG patients, there was significantly more major bleeding versus Plavix, including more intracranial bleeding and significantly more fatal intracranial bleeding. (FT.com -- Markets)
Minorities Less Likely to Have Blood Pressure Under Control Sep 25, 2009
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 23 (HealthDay News) -- Blacks and Hispanics with a history of stroke or coronary artery disease have higher blood pressure than whites, while Hispanics are less likely to be prescribed medications to control it, a new U.S. study shows ... Researchers evaluated data on blood pressure levels from 517 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey who reported having had either a stroke or coronary artery disease ... "The average person out there has to have... (MEDLINEplus)
Cardica gets 'going concern' opinion Sep 25, 2009
Redwood City-based Cardica (NASDAQ:CRDC) is a provider of automated anastomosis systems for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Earlier this month the company received a delist warning from Nasdaq because it doesn't meet the minimum $10 million stockholders' equity requirement. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Childbearing Increases Chance Of Developing The Metabolic Syndrome Sep 24, 2009
UAB Professor of Preventive Medicine Cora E. Lewis, M.D., M.S.P.H., and colleagues used data collected in the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study to determine the correlation between a higher incidence of the metabolic syndrome among women ages 18-30 at the start of the study who bore at least one child during the 20-year period following. "Pregnancy can have lasting, adverse physiological effects and may result in behavioral changes," Lewis said. (Science Daily)
SPIRIT IV trial shows everolimus stent sets new standard for event-free survival Sep 24, 2009
Everolimus-eluting stent proves signifcantly safer, more effective than paclitaxel-eluting stent in patients with coronary artery disease in clinical study. SAN FRANCISCO, CA SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 Late-breaking data from SPIRIT IV, a large-scale multi-center study of nearly 4,000 patients in the U.S., shows that an everolimus-eluting stent demonstrated enhanced safety and efficacy in the treatment of de novo native coronary artery lesions when compared to a paclitaxel-eluting stent, and showed... (EurekAlert!)
Full Moon Does Not Affect Surgery Outcomes Sep 24, 2009
coronary artery bypass graft surgery. cardiac arrest. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Angina Often Affects Quality of Life Sep 22, 2009
Angina, a tightness or discomfort in the chest caused by narrowing of a coronary artery, can lead to heart attacks. Australian researchers surveyed more than 2,000 chronic angina patients and found that 29 percent of them experienced chest pain at least once a week, despite receiving treatments such as medications, balloon/stent procedures and bypass surgery. (MEDLINEplus)
New type of sirolimus-eluting stent demonstrates superior results Sep 22, 2009
Results from the RES-ELUTION I Trial on the safety and effectiveness of a new sirolimus-eluting stent in the treatment of coronary artery disease (a single atherosclerotic lesion) in native coronary arteries will be presented at the 21st annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) scientific symposium, sponsored by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF). RES-ELUTION I, which began in March 2008, is a multi-center, randomized, single-blind controlled trial comparing the... (EurekAlert!)
Murder case delayed again: Simon may face trial next April in 2007 slaying Sep 18, 2009
Simon was not charged in the death of Bryan Barbaro after an autopsy conducted by the Chief Medical Examiner determined that his death was caused by cardiac arrest related to coronary artery disease. Family members have said they believe Bryan s death was in fact a delayed result of the stress from the gunshot wound, compounded by the emotional trauma of witnessing his brother s last moments. (Winchester Star, MA, MA)
Boston Scientific Announces Schedule of Events at TCT Conference Sep 17, 2009
Patrick W. Serruys, M.D., will present a new assessment of the reproducibility of the SYNTAX Score, a novel angiographic tool used to measure the complexity of coronary artery disease ... SYNTAX is the first randomized, controlled clinical trial comparing percutaneous coronary intervention using drug-eluting stents to coronary artery bypass graft surgery in patients with left main and/or three-vessel disease. (PR Newswire)
A bounty to share Sep 17, 2009
Fiber Diets rich in dietary fiber have been shown to have a number of beneficial effects including decreased risk of coronary artery disease. Excellent vegetable sources are: navy beans, pinto beans, lima beans, soybeans, black eye peas, chick peas, lentils and artichokes. (Brewton Standard, AL)
Oatmeal may help lower cholesterol Sep 16, 2009
Elevated cholesterol levels are linked with an increased risk of developing plaque in the arteries, coronary artery disease and stroke ... To provide related information, I am sending you copies of my Health Reports "Understanding Cholesterol" and "Coronary Artery Disease.". (Erie Times-News, PA)
How Accurate Are Hospital Report Cards? Sep 11, 2009
(June 9, 2008) The study assessed quality of care at the hospital level by analyzing in-hospital deaths after coronary artery bypass surgery to determine the proportion that were potentially preventable. Despite. (Science Daily)
Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Related to IgG4 Periaortitis Sep 10, 2009
A 63-year-old white woman with history of controlled diabetes, hypertension, and coronary artery disease and without any other systemic or inflammatory disease was admitted to the hospital because of recent-onset severe, sharp abdominal pain. During the previous 6 months, she had had mild-to-moderate lower back pain, decreased appetite, and weight. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Cardica Receives NASDAQ Notification of Non-Compliance Sep 5, 2009
Cardica is a leading provider of automated anastomosis systems for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. By replacing hand-sewn sutures with easy-to-use automated systems, Cardica's products provide cardiovascular surgeons with rapid, reliable and consistently reproducible anastomoses, or connections of blood vessels, often considered the most critical aspect of the CABG procedure. (PR Newswire)
The Fix Is In Sep 3, 2009
Doctors do a joblike placing a coronary artery stent, reading an EKG, or spending an hour examining and diagnosing a patient with a complex problem like insomniaand earn something called "relative value units." In 2009, , the stent guy scores about 24 units for his relatively quick procedure, the EKG person gets 0. 5 units for the 10 seconds his job requires, and the poor internist gets only 2. (Slate)
Blog Rx: Prototypes aim to lower health care costs Sep 3, 2009
He described his work on a new ultrasound system that could detect coronary artery disease (CAD) earlier than current angiogram tests at a fraction of their $18,000 costs. Nearly half a million people die each year from plaque buildup in the heart, despite a number of tests used to detect the disease. (EETimes)
Two-Year SYNTAX Data Show Comparable Safety Outcomes for Complex Patients Treated With TAXUS(R) EXPRESS(R) Stents and Bypass Surgery Sep 2, 2009
and BARCELONA, Spain, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: ) today announced two-year data from its SYNTAX clinical trial comparing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using the TAXUS((R)) Express((R)) Paclitaxel-Eluting Coronary Stent System to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery ... The SYNTAX Score is a novel angiographic tool used to measure the complexity of coronary artery disease based on nine anatomic criteria, including lesion frequency,... (PR Newswire)
Iconic plus-size model Emme Sep 1, 2009
"If you're in that range, you are far less likely to suffer from hypertension, coronary artery disease or diabetes, which are leading killers of people in this country," says Amanda Williams Calhoun, a Richmond gynecologist and medical director of the Women's Health Research Institute at Kaiser Permanente of Northern California. The Associated Press contributed to this article. (AZCentral -- Style)
Video: RE-LY Trial Met Primary Outcome for Reducing Incidence of Stroke or Systemic Embolism in Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation Patients Aug 31, 2009
e., previous ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or systemic embolism, left ventricular dysfunction, age greater than or equal to 75 years, age greater than or equal to 65 years with either diabetes mellitus, history of coronary artery disease, or hypertension) were enrolled in the study for two years with a minimum follow-up period of one year. (1). (PR Newswire)
Abbott Launches Next-Generation XIENCE PRIME(TM) Drug Eluting Stent in International Markets Aug 31, 2009
BARCELONA, Spain, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ) today announced at the European Society of Cardiology Congress the widespread availability of its next-generation XIENCE PRIME(TM) Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System for the treatment of coronary artery disease ... XIENCE PRIME is the latest innovation from Abbott's robust vascular research program, which includes clinical trials in coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease ... XIENCE V is indicated for... (PR Newswire)
Obama health reform turns spotlight on Canada Aug 30, 2009
The receptionist swipes their ID to verify their eligibility as Ontario residents for coverage under Canada s universal health care system. Kambli s family medical practice will be reimbursed by the government. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Green Tree cop appeals discipline by chief Aug 28, 2009
Justice Cappy died from coronary artery disease. On May 4, Chief Lisiecki sent an e-mail to the officers and administrative staff reminding them that when they take reports, the information is to remain confidential and is not to be released to anyone without his permission. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Editor-In-Chief of SOBeFiT Magazine, Marta Montenegro, Says Time Magazine's Article 'Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin' Sends the Wrong Message Aug 18, 2009
MONTENEGRO: Beyond just weight loss, exercise has been proven to help PREVENT many diseases, including coronary artery disease, osteoporosis, cancer and others. Not to mention, people who exercise regularly live longer. (PR Newswire)
National Quality Forum Endorses Measures to Improve Medication Safety and Quality Aug 18, 2009
Conditions include diabetes, asthma, coronary artery disease, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and schizophrenia. The endorsed measures for adherence measure things like adherence of antipsychotics among patients with schizophrenia, and medication possession for statin therapy for patients with coronary artery disease. (PR Newswire)
ECMC saluted for coronary care Aug 15, 2009
received high marks from the for its coronary artery disease care ... The awards recognize coronary artery disease, stroke and heart failure treatment. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Food Stamp Use Linked To Weight Gain, Study Finds Aug 13, 2009
The Coronary Artery Risk Development in. . (Science Daily)
Kaiser to eliminate 1,850 jobs Aug 12, 2009
An innovative program that cut cardiac deaths by 73 percent by linking coronary artery disease patients and teams of pharmacists, nurses, primary care doctors, and cardiologists with an electronic health record also kept the patients healthy two years after they left the program by keeping them in touch with their care givers electronically, according to a randomized study by Kaiser Permanente published in The American Journal of Managed Care this month. This is the first randomized study to... (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Sedentary Lives Can Be Deadly: Physical Inactivity Poses Greatest Health Risk To Americans, Expert Says Aug 11, 2009
(July 19, 2006) Couch potatoes who start exercising in later life can still significantly cut their chances of developing coronary artery disease, suggests a small study published ahead of print in Heart. The. (Science Daily)
'India ranks 171/175 in public health spending' Aug 11, 2009
While India ranks among the top 10 countries for communicable disease, it is today, world leader of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery disease. Said Dr H Sudarshan who was part of WHO Commission on Macro Economics and Health: There has been marginal increase in public health spending with National Rural Health Mission, but there is need for increasing health budget and also simultaneously build the capacity of the state to use the allocated budget efficiently... (India Times, India)
Business Buzz, Aug. 6 Aug 8, 2009
The program also addresses coronary artery disease and heart failure. We are proud that the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have chosen Lahey Clinic as an award recipient, said Kinan K. Hreib, MD, PhD, director of Lahey s stroke service. (Burlington Union, MA)
New DNA and RNA aptamers offer unique therapeutic advantages Aug 6, 2009
Aptamer therapeutics presently in clinical development target diseases and applications such as macular degeneration, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and various types of cancer. Kristina W. Thiel, PhD and Paloma H. Giangrande, PhD, from the University of Iowa, present a thorough review of aptamers and aptamer-based therapeutic strategies that have the highest likelihood of success. (EurekAlert!)
Twin Study Examines Associations Between Depression And Coronary Artery Disease Aug 5, 2009
5, 2009) Major depression and coronary artery disease are only modestly related throughout an individual's lifetime, but studying how the two interact over time and in twin pairs paints a more complex picture of the associations between the conditions, according to a new report. For example, the association between coronary artery disease onset and major depression risk is much stronger over time than vice versa ... "While an association between major depression and coronary artery disease has... (Science Daily)
Scientists Program Blood Stem Cells To Become Vision Cells Aug 4, 2009
The success in repairing a damaged layer of retinal cells in mice implies that blood stem cells taken from bone marrow can be programmed to restore a variety of cells and tissues, including ones involved in cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. "To our knowledge, this is the first report using targeted gene manipulation to specifically program an adult stem cell to become a new cell type," said Maria B. Grant, M.D., a professor of pharmacology and... (Science Daily)
Blood Transfusions Associated With Infection Aug 1, 2009
ScienceDaily (July 31, 2009) A study of almost 25,000 coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) patients has shown that receiving blood from another person is associated with a two-fold increase in post-operative infection rates. The research also found considerable hospital variation in transfusion practices. (Science Daily)
Green Tree officer cited for insubordination Jul 31, 2009
Justice Cappy's death was caused by coronary artery disease, according to the Allegheny County medical examiner's office. Three days after the incident, Green Tree Police Chief Andrew Lisiecki sent an e-mail to his officers, scolding them for spreading stories around the community. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
New System May Allow Xenon Use To Protect Brain In Critically Ill Newborns Jul 27, 2009
25, 2006) Scientists have successfully conducted the first clinical trial giving xenon gas to patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in order to safeguard against postoperative brain damage that. (Dec. (Science Daily)
Biomed study looks to spur enrollment Jul 24, 2009
The study, directed by , focuses on ailments such as coronary artery disease, osteo-arthritis, hepatitis C and obesity. The research project is collecting blood and urine samples from participants as well as gathering medical histories and other information. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
HEALTHY EATING: Study says carbs OK, in balance Jul 23, 2009
A case study of one previously healthy man who followed this diet for about two and half years showed an increase in blood cholesterol levels, chest pain associated with blockage of a coronary artery and erectile dysfunction. When he went off the diet, his health improved. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Care for Aging Gracefully Jul 19, 2009
As important as diet and exercise are reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking and losing weight that can lower coronary artery diseases and other vascular problems just as regular exercise beats obesity and sedentary existence. Care for the aging skin. (Suite101.com)
Recalls: Sorbet products, supplements, teethers Jul 18, 2009
The recalled products contain undeclared sibutramine, which is known to increase blood pressure and pulse rate in some patients and may pose a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia or stroke ... The recalled products contain undeclared sibutramine, which is known to increase blood pressure and pulse rate in some patients and may pose a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart... (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Calling All Blue Dogs Jul 18, 2009
"Our survival rates on cancer, malignancies and coronary artery disease," he says, "are so far better because we have available technology and acute intervention, as well as prevention, that those countries don't have.". When will Americans open their eyes. (Human Events Online)
Radiation Dose, Cancer Risk From Coronary Artery Calcium Screening Estimated Jul 17, 2009
Coronary artery calcification is associated with coronary artery disease. "Computed tomography (CT) has been proposed as a tool for routine screening for coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic individuals as part of a comprehensive risk assessment," the authors write as background information in the article ... and now of Kyung Hee University, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea, and colleagues estimated the radiation doses delivered to adult patients undergoing CT screening for coronary... (Science Daily)
Vein Removal Method Linked to Bypass Results Jul 17, 2009
WEDNESDAY, July 15 (HealthDay News) -- A study originally designed for a completely different purpose has unearthed a disturbing finding about coronary artery bypass surgery: The way that the vein used for the bypass is removed from the body appears to affect the long-term outcome of the surgery. People whose veins are removed by the minimally invasive technique called endoscopic harvesting had higher rates of bypass failure, heart attacks and death, according to a report in the July 16 issue of... (MEDLINEplus)
Researchers at Harold Hamm Oklahoma Diabetes Center Stop Diabetes Damage with Vitamin C Jul 11, 2009
The damage, known as endothelial dysfunction, is associated with most forms of cardiovascular disease such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, peripheral artery disease, diabetes and chronic renal failure. By reducing or stopping the damage, patients with diabetes could avoid some of the painful and fatal consequences of the disease that include heart disease, reduced circulation and amputation, kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Statins May Cause Muscle Damage in Some Patients Jul 8, 2009
The drugs, which work in the liver to prevent the formation of cholesterol, are used in the prevention of coronary artery disease. In the new study, 41 percent of those experiencing myopathy were taking simvastatin (Zocor); 31 percent were taking pravastatin (Pravachol); 17 percent were taking atorvastatin (Lipitor); 7 percent were taking fluvastatin (Lescol), and 3 percent were taking rosuvastatin (Crestor). (MEDLINEplus)
XTENT, Inc. Announces That It Has Postponed the Special Meeting of Its Stockholders Jul 8, 2009
XTENT, Inc. is a medical device company focused on developing and commercializing innovative customizable drug eluting stent ("DES") systems for the treatment of coronary artery disease ("CAD"). CAD is the most common form of cardiovascular disease and the number one cause of death in the United States and Europe. (PR Newswire)
Canada approves Covidien imaging agent Jul 7, 2009
Health Canada approved the submission for Covidien s kit for the preparation of Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi Injection, a generic product that can be substituted for rival Dupont s Cardiolite, which is used to detect coronary artery disease. Covidien s Canadian subsidiary filed the abbreviated new drug submission. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Bypass Surgery Has Long-term Benefits For Children With Kawasaki Disease, Study Suggests Jul 5, 2009
ScienceDaily (July 4, 2009) Coronary artery bypass surgery provides long-term benefits for children whose hearts and blood vessels are damaged by Kawasaki disease, Japanese researchers report in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association ... Survival for more than 20 years of children and adolescents after a bypass operation for severe coronary artery involvement secondary to Kawasaki disease is encouraging, said Soichiro Kitamura, M.D., lead author of the study and professor of... (Science Daily)
Many Genetic Contributions To Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder Discovered Jul 3, 2009
Bars representing different study samples show that the same genetic variations that account for risk in both mental disorders account for virtually none of the risk for coronary artery disease, Crohn's disease, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, or Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. (Credit: Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Human Genetic Research, Harvard University. (Science Daily)
Data: NY hospitals fare well in infections Jul 1, 2009
Statewide, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) chest infection rates also declined from 2007, to a risk-adjusted 2. 1 percent. (Albany Business Review, NY)
One In 25 Deaths Worldwide Attributable To Alcohol Jun 28, 2009
15, 2006) Deaths from coronary artery heart disease in Ireland have halved since the mid 1980s, finds research in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community. (Mar. (Science Daily)
Should you even ask? Jun 26, 2009
Four vascular diseases, all related to overweight coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes and hypertension when combined with the depression that inevitably forms in people with chronic diseases, account for more than half our deaths and about 60 percent of our health care spending. Just as bad, while obesity compromises health and creates enormous health cost drags on the system, declines in health compromise business productivity, which in turn hurts competitiveness. (Boston Business Journal, MA)
Eat Well, Live Longer Jun 25, 2009
Researchers from Tufts University and Wake Forest University evaluated the effect of a good diet on the progression of coronary artery disease in 224 postmenopausal women who had the disease when they enrolled in the Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis Study. The better the diet, the slower the progression of disease, they found. (MEDLINEplus)
Migraine with Aura May Lead to Brain Lesions Jun 25, 2009
Recent research has found that migraine with aura is associated with an increased risk of stroke and coronary artery disease, according to background information in the study. Launer and her colleagues followed a group of 4,689 male and female residents of Iceland starting in 1967, when they were middle-aged, and ending between 2002 and 2006, when all participants underwent brain MRIs. (MEDLINEplus)
Bringing Down the House Jun 24, 2009
Britain, for example, that makes precisely these decisions, like limiting drug-eluting stents for coronary artery disease and certain pricey drugs for kidney cancer. And health insurance executives here or fixed global budgets in which a group of health providers gets fixed monthly fees to handle all of a person's health needs. (Slate)
Doc seeks solutions for sexual dysfunction Jun 22, 2009
"It turned out to be that often erectile dysfunction was a harbinger and a predictor of coronary artery disease five years later," Dr. Lewis said. Sexual dysfunction has also been associated with diabetes and could be the first sign that serious problems are developing, he said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Data in on local care Jun 21, 2009
It offers hospital-specific performance information on procedures like abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, removal of the pancreas and coronary artery bypass surgery, and mortality rates for pneumonia, stroke and heart attacks. The report card also evaluates volume for certain surgeries, based on evidence that higher volume results in better outcomes. (Albany Times Union)
