The American journal of medicine
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Reduced lung function has been linked to cardiovascular disease, but population-based evidence on the relationship between lung function decline and coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression is rare. ⋯ A faster decline in FVC or FEV1 during young adulthood is independently associated with an increased risk of CAC progression in midlife. Maintaining optimal lung function during young adulthood may improve future cardiovascular health.
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Renal denervation is not a cure for hypertension. Although more recent sham-controlled trials were positive, a significant minority of patients in each trial were unresponsive. The optimal patient or patients need to be defined. ⋯ It is uncertain what is the optimal denervation methodology: radiofrequency, ultrasound, or ethanol injection. Radiofrequency requires targeting the distal main renal artery plus major branches and accessory arteries. Although denervation appears to be safe, conclusive data on quality of life, improved target organ damage, and reduced cardiovascular events/mortality are required before denervation can be generally recommended.