Peri-Noncardiac Op Exposure to ß-Blockers Improves Outcome
For patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery with two or more Revised Cardiac Risk Index factors, early exposure to β-blockers is associated with improved 30-day postoperative outcome.
Pediatric HIV Antiretroviral Treatment Cardioprotective
HIV-infected children treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have better cardiac function than untreated children.
One-Year Survival Up for Critical Congenital Heart Defects
For infants with critical congenital heart defects (CCHDs), one-year survival has improved over time, with an increased risk of mortality associated with earlier diagnosis, low birth weight, and maternal age.
Amiodarone Treatment Is Linked to Higher Cancer Risk
Amiodarone treatment for arrhythmias is associated with a higher risk of developing cancer, particularly in males and with increasing dose.
What You Need To Know About Pharmacogenomics
Nursing2013, March 2013Recent studies have shown that a patient's response to drug therapy, including adverse drug reactions, can be strongly influenced by the patient's genetic makeup. Pharmacogenomics, or tailoring medications to a patient's genomic information, is a significant and growing area of research with the potential to improve patient outcomes.
Evidenced-Based Pharmacotherapy for Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation
Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, June 2013The goal of treatment for atrial fibrillation is to maintain heart rate or rhythm control and stroke prevention through anticoagulation. With appropriate management, an improvement of symptoms and a reduced morbidity from stroke or heart failure can be achieved.
Five Alive: Using Mock Code Simulation to Improve Responder Performance during the First 5 Minutes of a Code
Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, June 2013More than 250 nurses have participated in the Five Alive course since its initiation in March 2011. The participants have expressed more confidence in recognizing a declining patient health status after the simulation. They have also demonstrated a marked improvement in time to CPR and defibrillation.
Heart Matters: Detecting Decompensated Heart Failure
Nursing Made Incredibly Easy!, June 2013Acute decompensated heart failure, marked by pulmonary edema, is a medical emergency. Chronic decompensation is less obvious and often presents as lethargy and malaise, a reduction in exercise tolerance, and increasing breathlessness on exertion.
Disease-Specific Quality of Life—Patient Acceptance: Racial and Gender Differences in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, June 2013The purpose of this study was to investigate factors (demographic, clinical, psychosocial, and religiosity) related to patients' ICD acceptance and to examine racial and gender differences in ICD acceptance.