Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Oct 2014
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyAmiodarone, anticoagulation, and clinical events in patients with atrial fibrillation: insights from the ARISTOTLE trial.
Amiodarone is an effective medication in preventing atrial fibrillation (AF), but it interferes with the metabolism of warfarin. ⋯ Amiodarone use was associated with significantly increased stroke and systemic embolism risk and a lower time in the therapeutic range when used with warfarin. Apixaban consistently reduced the rate of stroke and systemic embolism, death, and major bleeding compared with warfarin in amiodarone-treated patients and patients who were not on amiodarone.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Oct 2014
Fasting levels of high-sensitivity growth hormone predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality: the Malmö Diet and Cancer study.
Both pathological excess and deficiency of growth hormone (GH) are associated with cardiovascular mortality. ⋯ Higher values of hs-GH were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Oct 2014
National trends in the utilization of short-term mechanical circulatory support: incidence, outcomes, and cost analysis.
The number of alternatives to intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation in the treatment of anticipated and established acute circulatory failure is growing. Despite the clinical importance and significant cost of short-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices, the state of their present use has not been analyzed on a national scale. ⋯ Use of short-term MCS in the United States has increased rapidly, whereas rates of in-hospital mortality have decreased. These changes have taken place in the context of declining hospital costs associated with short-term MCS.