The American journal of medicine
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Multicenter Study
N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide in the early evaluation of suspected acute myocardial infarction.
Myocardial ischemia is a strong trigger of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) release. As ischemia precedes necrosis in acute myocardial infarction, we hypothesized that NT-proBNP might be useful in the early diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction. ⋯ Use of NT-proBNP improves the early diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction.
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Review Meta Analysis
Isolated aerobic exercise and weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Aerobic exercise is a common nonpharmacological intervention for the management of obesity. However, the efficacy of isolated aerobic exercise at promoting weight loss is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of isolated aerobic exercise programs in overweight and obese populations. ⋯ Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise programs of 6-12 months induce a modest reduction in weight and waist circumference in overweight and obese populations. Our results show that isolated aerobic exercise is not an effective weight loss therapy in these patients. Isolated aerobic exercise provides modest benefits to blood pressure and lipid levels and may still be an effective weight loss therapy in conjunction with diets.
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Review
Medical therapy versus myocardial revascularization in chronic coronary syndrome and stable angina.
Coronary artery disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Angina is encountered frequently in clinical practice. ⋯ Recent trials have shown that although revascularization is slightly better in controlling symptoms, optimal medical therapy that includes aggressive risk factor modification is equally effective in reducing the risk of future coronary events and death. On the basis of the available data, it seems appropriate to prescribe optimal medical therapy in most patients with coronary artery disease and stable angina, and reserve myocardial revascularization for selected patients with disabling symptoms despite optimal medical therapy.