Scientific statement from the American Heart Association published online Jan. 19 in Circulation addresses sexual activity and cardiovascular disease.

  

A study published in Hypertension finds that upper limit of normal blood pressure can predict future atrial fibrillation in healthy, middle-aged men.

  

Hemolysis rates were high when drawing coagulation blood samples through a peripheral IV catheter, either at the hub or through extension tubing, according to a study published in the Journal of Emergency Nursing.

  

Physical activity, leisure time, and mild to moderate physical activity during work is associated with a significantly lower risk of myocardial infarction, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal.

  

Using Anticoagulants to Steer Clear of Clots
Nursing2012, February 2012

Anticoagulants oppose coagulation by interfering with the coagulation cascade at various points, depending on the drug. Brush up on your knowledge of heparin, low-molecular-weight heparin, warfarin, and dabigatran. Nursing considerations and patient teaching regarding bleeding precautions, dietary considerations, and follow-up care are included.

Risk Determination after an Acute Myocardial Infarction: Review of 3 Clinical Risk Prediction Tools
Clinical Nurse Specialist: The Journal for Advanced Nursing Practice, January/February 2012

The objective of this study was to provide comprehensive information for the clinical nurse specialist on commonly used risk assessment tools used to estimate risk of a secondary cardiac or noncardiac event and mortality in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Sternal Wound Care to Prevent Infections in Adult Cardiac Surgery Patients
Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, January/March 2012

Sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery can lead to increased length of stay, substantial financial impact, and increased mortality. Learn how a group of nurses formed a working committee to standardize sternal wound care among all staff members on the cardiovascular floors, cardiac care unit, and progressive care unit.

Explanatory Models of Heart Failure Etiology
Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, January/February 2012

Six themes were found in this descriptive, qualitative study to explore the perceived origin of heart failure. Discover how these themes provided insight to guide patient education and to clarify misconceptions and beliefs.

Heart Beats: Recognizing regular narrow-complex tachycardia
Nursing2012 Critical Care, January 2012

A patient presents to the ED with feelings of an intermittent "racing heart" associated with weakness for the past 6 hours. In this article, you’ll learn the appropriate steps to assess and care for this patient. Also included is a handy table on differentiating sinus tachycardia from SVT.

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CALL FOR MANUSCRIPTS

Have you ever thought about being published in a major journal? Now's your chance! Cardiac Insider is currently accepting articles. To submit an article to the journal, follow the new online submission process: http://lwwesubmissions.edmgr.com.

In Our Next Issue:

• Coronary Heart Disease Risk Estimation in Asymptomatic Adults
• Congenital heart defects: TGV and CCTGV