Evaluation of the Accuracy, Credibility, and Readability of Statin-Related Websites: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the greatest burden of mortality worldwide, and statins are the most commonly prescribed drug in its management. A wealth of information pertaining to statins and their side effects is on the internet; however, to date, no assessment of the accuracy, credibility, and readability of this information has been undertaken.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the quality (accuracy, credibility, and readability) of websites likely to be visited by the general public undertaking a Google search of the side effects and use of statin medications.

Hypertriglyceridemia: rationale, design and implementation of the Australian Hypertriglyceridemia Registry.

Purpose Of Review: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), aortic stenosis, hepatic steatosis and pancreatitis. We briefly review the aetiology and treatment of HTG and familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), as well as the implementation of a clinical quality registry for improving care, the Australian Hypertriglyceridemia (AUSTRIG) Registry.

Recent Findings: There is a need to improve the detection of individuals with severe HTG and FCS, who could benefit from more intense and novel treatments to prevent end-organ damage.

Nature versus Number: Monocytes in Cardiovascular Disease.

Monocytes play a key role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) as their influx into the vessel wall is necessary for the development of an atherosclerotic plaque. Monocytes are, however, heterogeneous differentiating from classical monocytes through the intermediate subset to the nonclassical subset. While it is recognized that the percentage of intermediate and nonclassical monocytes are higher in individuals with CVD, accompanying changes in inflammatory markers suggest a functional impact on disease development that goes beyond the increased proportion of these 'inflammatory' monocyte subsets.

Monocyte Subset Recruitment Marker Profile Is Inversely Associated With Blood ApoA1 Levels.

Dyslipidemia promotes development of the atherosclerotic plaques that characterise cardiovascular disease. Plaque progression requires the influx of monocytes into the vessel wall, but whether dyslipidemia is associated with an increased potential of monocytes to extravasate is largely unknown. Here (using flow cytometry) we examined recruitment marker expression on monocytes from generally healthy individuals who differed in lipid profile.

Characterization of Human Monocyte Subsets by Whole Blood Flow Cytometry Analysis.

Monocytes are key contributors in various inflammatory disorders and alterations to these cells, including their subset proportions and functions, can have pathological significance. An ideal method for examining alterations to monocytes is whole blood flow cytometry as the minimal handling of samples by this method limits artifactual cell activation. However, many different approaches are taken to gate the monocyte subsets leading to inconsistent identification of the subsets between studies.

Monocyte inflammatory profile is specific for individuals and associated with altered blood lipid levels.

Background And Aims: Atherogenesis is dependent upon monocyte influx into the vessel wall. In humans, three monocyte subsets exist, the number and function of which are significantly altered in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Whether such alterations arise in individuals with a perturbed lipid profile remains largely unanswered, but is important to delineate, as adoption of a pro-inflammatory state may promote plaque formation.

AUSDRISK - application in general practice.

Background: The Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK) has been promoted since July 2008. We studied its application rate and the profile of a sample of general practice patients within Central West New South Wales from June to December 2010.

Methods: Stage one assessed the awareness and application of AUSDRISK among general practitioners and general practice registrars.

High sensitivity troponin T concentrations in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery: a prospective cohort study.

Objectives: To determine the proportion of noncardiac surgery patients exceeding the published 99th percentile or change criteria with the high sensitivity Troponin T (hs-TnT) assay.

Design And Methods: We measured hs-TnT preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1, 2 and 3 in 325 adults.

Results: Postoperatively 45% (95% CI: 39-50%) of patients had hs-TnT≥14ng/L and 22% (95% CI:17-26%) had an elevation (≥14ng/L) and change (>85%) in hs-TnT.