Re-evaluating the Appropriateness of Non-invasive Arterial Vascular Imaging and Diagnostic Modalities.

Imaging modalities to detect and diagnose vascular disease have become increasingly popular in recent years, owing in large part to their availability and accessibility. The American College of Cardiology Foundation published a two-part Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) guidance document for both peripheral vascular imaging and physiologic testing several years ago. In the years since their publication, a number of important studies have challenged previously held beliefs about appropriateness of vascular diagnostic testing.

Comparative efficiency of exercise stress testing with and without stress-only myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with low-risk chest pain.

Objectives: To compare major adverse cardiac event (MACE), downstream resource utilization, and direct cost of care for low-risk chest pain patients observed in the clinical decision unit (CDU) with exercise treadmill testing (ETT) and with stress-only myocardial perfusion imaging (sMPI).

Background: CDUs are poised to increase efficiency and resource utilization. However, the optimal testing strategy that would assure favorable outcomes while decreasing cost is not defined.

Managing cardiovascular disease risk in patients treated with antipsychotics: a multidisciplinary approach.

Background: The use of antipsychotic medication in the United States and throughout the world has greatly increased over the last fifteen years. These drugs have significant side effect burdens, many of them relating to cardiovascular health.

Objective: To review the available evidence on the major cardiovascular issues that arise in patients taking antipsychotic medication.