Cardiovascular disease
Article Abstract:
Survival rates in patients with congestive heart failure have improved partly due to the use of alpha blockers and ACE inhibitors. Reteplase is a new thrombolytic drug that compares favorably to streptokinase in improving survival rates in people who have had a heart attack. Researchers are also comparing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in the treatment of coronary artery disease. Both procedures appear to be equally effective, although patients who receive PTCA often have more subsequent procedures and medications. Cholesterol-lowering drugs can lower mortality in patients with coronary artery disease and may also prevent the disease in men with high cholesterol levels. It is estimated that there are twice as many cardiologists as managed care may require and a survey found that 12% of cardiology residents had not found a position.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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Is it time to pull the pulmonary artery catheter?
Article Abstract:
If physicians are unwilling to conduct a randomized clinical trial of the Swan-Ganz catheter, the FDA should ban its use. The Swan-Ganz catheter is inserted into the pulmonary artery to monitor heart function in critically ill patients. It was first introduced in 1970 and can be done at the bedside. It is routinely performed but there have been no clinical trials of its benefits. In contrast, many observational studies have found increased mortality rates in patients who are catheterized. A 1996 study confirmed this even though catheterized patients were not more seriously ill than those not catheterized.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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The Pulmonary Artery Catheter -- Friend, Foe, or Accomplice?
Article Abstract:
Right heart catheterization does not appear to be useful in treating heart attack patients or for monitoring surgery patients at high risk of heart problems. This technique is used to monitor a patient's heart function, but several studies have shown that it may actually harm patients.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2001
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