Anxiety worsens prognosis in patients with coronary artery disease.

Objectives: This study examined the effect of anxiety on mortality and nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Background: Inconsistent data exist regarding the impact of anxiety on the prognosis of patients with CAD.

Methods: The authors conducted a prospective cohort study at an outpatient cardiology clinic of 516 patients with CAD (mean age 68 years at entry, 82% male) by administering the Kellner Symptom Questionnaire annually.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor-associated angioedema of the stomach and small intestine: a case report.

This is a case report on a 45-year old African-American female with newly diagnosed hypertension, who was started on a combination pill of amlodipine/benazapril 10/5 mg. The very next day, she presented at the emergency room (ER) with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Physical exam, complete metabolic panel, and hemogram were in the normal range.

Long-term outcomes of optimized medical management of outpatients with stable coronary artery disease.

The objective of this study was to assess long-term clinical outcomes and their correlates in medically managed outpatients with stable angina pectoris, healed myocardial infarction (MI), or documented asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD). Management strategy emphasized maximally tolerated medical therapy and modification of coronary risk factors. Referral to invasive coronary interventions followed stricter criteria than standard published guidelines.

Usefulness of statin drugs in protecting against atrial fibrillation in patients with coronary artery disease.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is prevalent in the elderly, in patients with hypertension, and in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We hypothesized that statin therapy might be effective in preventing AF in patients with CAD and examined this hypothesis in a sample of patients with chronic stable CAD without AF, followed prospectively at a large outpatient cardiology practice. The association between statin use and the risk of developing AF was examined univariately and then with adjustment for potential confounding factors.

Long-term statin use and psychological well-being.

Objectives: We sought to study the effect of long-term statin use on psychometric measures in an adult population with underlying coronary artery disease (CAD).

Background: Previous studies have suggested associations between cholesterol lowering and psychological well-being.

Methods: Study subjects were recruited from an outpatient cardiology clinic.