Review: Dabigatran Comparable to Warfarin for Nonvalvular A-Fib
Linked to lower risk of intracranial bleeding, but higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding
Low-Dose Chlorthalidone Beats HCTZ for Ambulatory BP Control
Reduces mean 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure, while 12.5-mg hydrochlorothiazide does not
No Beneficial Effects Seen for Cyclosporine A in Reperfused MI
Does not improve ST-segment resolution, hs-cTnT, clinical outcomes, or LV remodeling
Alternative Payment Models Can Help Improve Patient Care
Seven models described that address three physician needs, including ability to deliver high-value service
~1% of Physicians Account for One-Third of Malpractice Claims
A few doctors account for disproportionately large number of paid malpractice claims
Home Visits May Help Reduce Cardiac Surgery Readmissions
Two visits from cardiac surgery PAs tied to fewer hospital readmissions after surgery
Overweight, Obesity Linked to Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
Increased risk of SCD with electrocardiogram abnormalities, even in normal-weight individuals
Prednisolone Therapy Induces Procoagulant State
Ten days of treatment linked to increase in peak thrombin, velocity index, PAI-1, and vWF
Pulse Pressure Linked to Multiple Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes
After adjustment for multiple variables, PP linked to all outcomes except stroke, cardiovascular death
Possibility for Health Care Legislation Changes in 2016
Bipartisan issues could be on agenda, including elimination of proposed tax on medical devices
