Trends in cigarette smoking and the risk of incident cardiovascular disease among Asian American, Pacific Islander, and multiracial populations.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, and rates of CVD incidence vary widely by race and ethnicity. Cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk of CVD. The purpose of the study was: 1) to examine smoking prevalence over time across Asian and Pacific Islander (API) and multi-race API subgroups; 2) to determine whether the CVD risk associated with smoking differed among these subgroups.

Implementation challenges and successes of a population-based colorectal cancer screening program: a qualitative study of stakeholder perspectives.

Background: Few studies describe system-level challenges or facilitators to implementing population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening outreach programs. Our qualitative study explored viewpoints of multilevel stakeholders before, during, and after implementation of a centralized outreach program. Program implementation was part of a broader quality-improvement initiative.

Change to FIT increased CRC screening rates: evaluation of a US screening outreach program.

Objectives: To compare completion rates of colorectal cancer screening tests within a health maintenance organization before and after widespread adoption of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Methods: Using electronic medical records of 113,901 patients eligible for colorectal cancer screening, we examined test completion during 2 successive time periods among those who received an automated screening outreach call.

Relapse and mortality following cardioversion of new-onset vs. recurrent atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter in the elderly.

Aims: Trials of rate control vs. rhythm control for atrial fibrillation or flutter included few patients with new-onset arrhythmia. Our objective was to assess the relapse rate and the effect of the relapse of new-onset atrial arrhythmias on mortality after direct-current cardioversion (DCCV).

Comparative efficacy of monophasic and biphasic waveforms for transthoracic cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

Background: Transthoracic cardioversion fails to restore sinus rhythm in 6% to 33% of patients with atrial fibrillation. This study sought to determine the relative efficacy of biphasic waveforms compared with monophasic waveforms in the treatment of atrial arrhythmias.

Methods: A total of 912 patients underwent 1022 transthoracic cardioversions between May 2000 and December 2001.

Noninvasive assessment of acute changes in atrial electrophysiology after cardioversion by signal-averaged P-wave electrocardiography.

Background: Atrial remodeling secondary to atrial fibrillation (AF) may be important in the arrhythmogenic process. Unfortunately, the study of electrophysiologic remodeling in humans has been limited by the invasive nature of most tests of electrophysiologic characteristics. We sought to determine whether changes in atrial electrophysiology occur acutely (within the first hour) after cardioversion and whether these changes could be detected noninvasively by measuring the signal-averaged P-wave.