CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne
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For the first 30 years after carotid endarterectomy was first developed, anecdotal evidence was used to identify patients with internal carotid artery disease for whom this procedure would be appropriate. More recently, the appropriateness of carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic patients and asymptomatic subjects has emerged from 7 randomized trials. Risk of stroke and benefit from the procedure are greatest for symptomatic patients with at least 70% stenosis of the internal carotid artery. ⋯ These limitations counter any potential benefit. Another trial is in progress and may identify subgroups of asymptomatic subjects who would benefit. Meanwhile, most individuals without symptoms fare better with medical care.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Evaluation of a community-based automated blood pressure measuring device.
Automated devices are widely available in the community for people to measure their blood pressure. We assessed the accuracy and reproducibility of a brand of community-based automated device against the standard mercury sphygmomanometer. ⋯ Neither automated device met the AAMI or BHS criteria for accuracy while in use in the community, and neither performed as well in the community as in the laboratory.