Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy guidelines released from the American College of Cardiology Foundation and the American Heart Association.

New guidelines sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommend screening children as young as 9 years old for high cholesterol.

Most major infections after cardiac surgery occur after hospital discharge.

Patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation during hospitalization for severe sepsis are at increased risk of in-hospital stroke and death.

Deactivation of ICDs at the End of Life: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practices and Provider and Patient Attitudes
AJN, American Journal of Nursing, October 2011

The purpose of this systematic review was to identify factors that delay implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) deactivation discussions and to identify ways to promote timely deactivation discussions and thus foster better patient-centered, end-of-life care for people with ICDs.

Healthcare Needs of Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: Study of the Patient Perspective
Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, November/December 2011

This study investigated adult congenital heart disease patient-reported barriers to medical care, healthcare behaviors, and concerns regarding medical, psychosocial, and lifestyle matters.

Cardiac Output, Blood Pressure Variability, and Cognitive Decline in Geriatric Cardiac Patients
Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation & Prevention, September/October 2011

There is now overwhelming evidence that chronic cardiovascular disease impairs neurocognitive function even when clinically manifest stroke is not evident. Researchers in this study investigated the effect of several important cardiac indices on the rate of decline in Attention-Executive-Psychomotor function.

Understanding Pacemaker Rhythms: Part 3
Nursing2011 Critical Care, November 2011

The last article in this series about pacemaker rhythms covers "ugly" rhythms, which represent normal pacemaker function despite their bizarre appearance, and in some cases actually protect the patient.

Changes in Myocardial Infarction-Specific Sexual Counseling by Cardiac Nurses
Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing, November/December 2011

A comparison of MI-specific sexual counseling across 2 periods (1994 and 2009) is the focus of this article. Discover what improvements have been made and learn recommendations for the future.

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Outpatient Infusion Services: 2012 Documentation & Coding Update

Be ready when changes take effect January 1! Professionals in hospitals like yours are voicing questions and concerns about what will happen with Medicare coding and documentation rules for outpatient infusion services in 2012. Join us for this December 8 webcast, which will examine next year's changes, providing expert analysis and interpretation - how you'll be impacted on a daily basis. The response to last year's webcast was phenomenal. Don't miss this opportunity to gain essential insights into the new year! To register: Click here, or call MedLearn at 1-800-252-1578. Receive a 10% discount when you enter the following discount code: LPCINF12

 

 

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:

• Health Literacy and Self-care of Patients with Heart Failure
• Distinguishing a Heart Attack from the Broken Heart Syndrome (Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy)