Table of contents
June 2007 Volume 4 No 6
Editorial
Viewpoints
CRP has little incremental value over traditional cardiovascular risk factors in risk stratification
290In this Viewpoint, Michael Farkouh and colleagues question the evidence that C-reactive protein (CRP) is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events. They suggest that failure to adjust for all components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in previous studies has bought into question the value of CRP over established traditional risk factors. The authors postulate that CRP is only a marker of the MetS and has limited incremental value in cardiovascular risk stratification.
Programmed ventricular stimulation for risk stratification in patients with tetralogy of Fallot: a Bayesian perspective
292Programmed ventricular stimulation has been proposed as a method of risk stratification in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot. In this Viewpoint, Paul Khairy reveals how Bayes' theorem can be used to identify patients most likely to benefit from programmed ventricular stimulation, and to demonstrate that routine electrophysiological testing is unnecessary.
Research Highlights
Screening can identify unsuspected coronary stenoses after mediastinal irradiation
294A simple score can predict 2-day stroke risk after transient ischemic attack
294Dedicated hospital units more effective for acute stroke care
295Exposure to fine airborne particulates increases the risk of a cardiovascular event in women
295A network meta-analysis of the effects of antihypertensive agents on incident diabetes
296Ultrafiltration—a highly effective treatment for hypervolemic heart failure
296Aspirin therapy is safe in cancer patients with ACS and thrombocytopenia
296Factors underlying superior hypertension control in the US
297Symptomatic venous thromboembolism risk decreases during anticoagulant prophylaxis
297Five years on: no cognitive or cardiac benefits of off-pump CABG surgery
298Wireless monitoring of pulmonary artery pressure
298Carvedilol is superior to metoprolol for prevention of vascular effects in heart failure
299Practice Points
Microvolt T-wave alternans: an effective approach to risk stratification in ischemic cardiomyopathy?
300Does prolonged clopidogrel therapy improve outcome in patients with drug-eluting or bare-metal stents?
302Can an evidence-based intervention reduce the rate of bloodstream infections in patients with venous catheters?
304Total aortic root replacement versus valve-sparing surgery: providing a basis for comparison
306Reviews
Evaluation and management of transient ischemic attack: an important component of stroke prevention
310The causes of transient ischemic attack (TIA) are identical to those for stroke; however, there are many unresolved issues regarding acute treatment for TIA. Here Mai Nguyen-Huynh and S Claiborne Johnston review the recent literature on stroke risk after TIA and the guidelines on evaluation and treatment.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio0889 | Full Text | PDF (228K)
Pulmonary arterial hypertension: current therapeutic strategies
319Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was once a lethal condition. As the number of therapeutic options available has risen, however, the treatment of PAH has evolved considerably. In this Review, Aniket Puri, Michael McGoon and Sudhir Kushwaha consider the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of PAH in relation to presently available and novel emerging therapies, including combination therapy, that hold promise for treatment as well as disease modification.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio0890 | Full Text | PDF (289K)
Surgery Insight: the dilated ascending aorta—indications for surgical intervention
330In light of advances in imaging technology, awareness of the clinical significance of thoracic aortic aneurismal disease has increased in recent years and allowed earlier diagnosis. In this Surgery Insight, James Davies and Thoralf Sundt examine the indications for surgical intervention on the dilated aorta, particularly the ascending segment. They discuss the management options currently available and provide their clinical recommendations for follow-up.
doi:10.1038/ncpcardio0885 | Full Text | PDF (417K)
Case Study
Native triple-valve endocarditis caused by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus sanguis
340doi:10.1038/ncpcardio0906 | Full Text | PDF (216K)
