Cardiovascular disease prevention: matching evidence-based algorithms with individualized care.

The appropriate use of statins in primary prevention remains a matter of debate. Although statins reduce cardiovascular events at all levels of baseline risk, they are associated with rare but important side effects including incident diabetes. Herein, we review strategies for statin allocation ranging from strict "evidence-based" adherence to randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) entry criteria to more "personalized" risk assessment using high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), coronary artery calcification (CAC), or genetic testing.

Catheter Ablation of Long Standing Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Lessons Learned.

Atrial fibrillation has evolved from being a novel unproven procedure to being an important treatment option for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation ablation is an appropriate treatment option for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation, particularly if they have failed one or more trials of antiarrhythmic drug therapy. While much has been learned about the optimal technique and outcomes for catheter ablation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation; catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients with long standing persistent atrial fibrillation remains in its infancy.

Implantable cardioverter defibrillator lead-related methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis: Importance of heightened awareness.

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) septicemia is associated with high morbidity and mortality especially in patients with immunosuppression, diabetes, renal disease and endocarditis. There has been an increase in implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) with more cases of device-lead associated endocarditis been seen. A high index of suspicion is required to ensure patient outcomes are optimized.

The Duration of Impella 2.5 Circulatory Support and Length of Hospital Stay of Patients Undergoing High-risk Percutaneous Coronary Interventions.

Background: To evaluate the impact of duration of Impella 2.5 support (Abiomed, Danvers, MA) on hospitalization of patients after high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There has been a continuous increase in prevalence of coronary artery disease with more patients needing PCI during acute myocardial infarction.