The American journal of medicine
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The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) increases with age; older patients are more likely to develop severe disease. Common symptoms of GERD in the elderly include dysphagia, vomiting, and respiratory problems. ⋯ Overall, proton pump inhibitors seem to be safe for both short- and long-term therapy in elderly patients with GERD. Antireflux surgery may be safe and effective in a subset of elderly patients with GERD.
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Review
The relationship between retinal microvascular abnormalities and coronary heart disease: a review.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States despite decades of advancement in its diagnosis and treatment. Because of the limitations of traditional risk stratification for heart disease, evaluation of the retinal vasculature has been proposed as an easily and safely measured adjunct to commonly used screening methods. ⋯ We outline details of the most recent large epidemiologic studies and discuss their potential implications for clinical practice. Finally, we propose a change to the current guidelines regarding the screening of "low-risk" women, a group that is often failed by traditional evaluation algorithms.
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Management of peptic ulcer disease has improved over the past few decades. However, the widespread use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and low-dose acetylsalicylic acid means that the burden of peptic ulcer disease remains a relevant issue. ⋯ Peptic ulcer disease significantly impairs well-being and aspects of health-related quality of life, and is associated with high costs for employers and health care systems.
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Management of peptic ulcer disease has improved over the past few decades. However, the widespread use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and low-dose acetylsalicylic acid means that the burden of peptic ulcer disease remains a relevant issue. ⋯ Peptic ulcer disease significantly impairs well-being and aspects of health-related quality of life, and is associated with high costs for employers and health care systems.