The epidemiology of "asymptomatic" left ventricular systolic dysfunction: implications for screening

Article Abstract:

Congestive heart failure is a progressive disorder that is frequently preceded by asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction. We reviewed the epidemiology, diagnosis, and natural history of asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction and evaluated community-wide screening for this condition as a potential strategy to reduce the incidence of heart failure. Asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction has an estimated prevalence of 3% to 6%, and is at least as common in the community as systolic heart failure. Because it often occurs in the absence of known cardiovascular disease, this condition may go unrecognized and undertreated. In randomized trials, individuals with asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction have high rates of incident heart failure and death. However, little is known about the prognosis of individuals with this condition in the community, who have a substantially lower prevalence of myocardial infarction, have milder degrees of systolic dysfunction, and are older than patients enrolled in clinical trials. Current evidence is inadequate to support community-wide screening for asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction, either with echocardiography or with assays for natriuretic peptides. Given the increasing prevalence of heart failure, additional studies are needed to develop effective strategies to detect and optimally manage individuals with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction in the community.

Diagnosis, Development and progression, Heart diseases, Congestive heart failure, Author Abstract

---

Accuracy of Death Certificates for Coding Coronary Heart Disease as the Cause of Death

Article Abstract:

Death certificates may overestimate the number of deaths caused by coronary heart disease, especially in the elderly. Researchers compared the death certificates of 2,683 people in the Framingham Heart Study with the cause of death determined by a panel of three doctors based on the patients' medical records. According to the doctors, only 758 patients had died from coronary heart disease but the death certificates identified 942 patients who died from coronary heart disease. Compared with the doctors, the death certificate attributed 24.3% more deaths to coronary heart disease overall and more than twice as many deaths to coronary heart disease in patients 85 years of age or older.

Patient outcomes, Mortality, Coronary heart disease, Death, Certification

---

Screening for family and intimate partner violence: recommendation statement.

Article Abstract:

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found no direct evidence that screening for family and intimate partner violence leads to decreased disability or premature death. As a result, the USPSTF could not determine the balance between the benefits and harms of screening for family and intimate partner violence among children, women or older adults.

United States, Legal issues & crime, Government regulation (cont), Government regulation, Legal/Government Regulation, Laws, regulations and rules, Family health, United States. Preventive Services Task Force

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Seroepidemiology of cytomegalovirus in patients with advanced HIV disease: influence on disease expression and survival
• Abstracts: The nursing of a patient following lung volume reduction surgery. Procedure for the assessment of lung function with spirometry
• Abstracts: Is noncentral obesity metabolically benign? Implications for prevention from a population survey. Obesity and estrogen as risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux symptoms
• Abstracts: Smoking and its effects on early-onset periodontitis. Direct association between cardiovascular disease, periodontal bacteria found
• Abstracts: Demyelinating diseases - new pathological insights, new therapeutic targets. Molecular mimicry in multiple sclerosis

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.