The American journal of medicine
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Concentrations of cardiac troponin predict risk of cardiovascular disease and death in the general population. There is limited evidence on changing patterns of cardiac troponin in the years preceding cardiovascular events. ⋯ Fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events are preceded by slowly increasing concentrations of cardiac troponin, independently of established cardiovascular risk factors. Our results support the use of cTnI measurements to identify at-risk subjects who progress to subclinical and later overt cardiovascular disease.
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United States health systems face unique challenges in transitioning from volume-based to value-based care, particularly for academic institutions. Providing complex specialty and tertiary care dependent on servicing large geographic areas, and concomitantly meeting education and research academic missions may limit the time and resources available for focusing on the care coordination needs of complex local populations. ⋯ We postulate that the transition from volume to value in population health requires all health care organizations to advance and formalize infrastructure in 3 core areas: organizational capabilities; provider engagement; and engagement of the patient, family, and community. Although these apply to all organizations, for academic health systems, this transition must also be interwoven with the other domains of the tripartite mission.
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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.