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Dietary Sodium Restriction in Patients With Heart Failure
Posted By: 
Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
July 08, 2022
There are about 6.2 million adults in the United States living with heart failure (HF), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is well known that in patients with HF, high sodium intake can lead to frequent exacerbations, and, for years, sodium and fluid restrictions to prevent fluid overload and adverse outcomes have been first-line nonpharmacologic strategies recommended for patients with HF by several expert guidelines—even without national consensus. While restr... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Pulmonary Medicine
Bleeding Risk with Apixaban and Systemic Fluconazole Use
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
July 06, 2022
We, as healthcare professionals, are aware that we must check for drug interactions in our patients taking multiple medications. In the specific setting of a... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Pulmonary Medicine
Cardiovascular Risk in Rheumatic Inflammatory Disease
Posted By: Shannon Ghizzoni, PA-C
May 24, 2022
It is well documented that those with rheumatic inflammatory diseases have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). That risk may vary by individua... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Rheumatology
The Latest on Heart Failure: Clinical Trials Summary
Posted By: 
Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
April 29, 2022
Too often, we are faced with hectic workdays that lead into hectic home lives—when we clock out from work, we head back home to spending time with family,... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Universal Screening for Afib in Primary Care: Feasible but not Productive
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
April 08, 2022
Recent data from the VITAL-AF study has provided insight into the efficacy of universal point-of-care screenings with single-lead ECG in primary care setting... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Preventive Medicine
MINOCA: Looking for the Myocardial Infarction Culprit
Posted By: 
Laura Ross, PA-C
March 01, 2022
A 45-year-old female presents to the ER with chest pain, ST elevation on EKG, and a troponin of 2.5 ng/mL. She is rushed to the catheterization lab for a cor... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
Posted By: Laura Ross, PA-C
February 22, 2022
February is American Heart Month, and there are so many reasons to celebrate! One important cause is the annual recognition of Heart Valve Disease Awareness... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Plant-based Diet to Lower Blood Pressure?
Posted By: Laura Ross, PA-C
January 21, 2022
Hypertension is 1 of the major risk factors for heart disease and stroke, affecting approximately one-third of adults in developed countries. Treatment optio... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Preventive Medicine
Arterial Occlusion, Part 2: Evaluation
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
December 17, 2021
The initial evaluation of a patient with suspected arterial occlusion begins with the physical exam. Start by observing the patient's gait if they are a... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Arterial Occlusion, Part 1
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
December 10, 2021
Today we are going to discuss arterial occlusion, as I have seen multiple lawsuits brought against advanced practice providers (APPs) for missed diagnoses of... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Curbside Consultations
New and First Ever Chest Pain Guidelines Released
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
November 19, 2021
There's exciting news in the world of cardiovascular medicine! A multi-joint medical society (2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR) has published the "Guide... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
STEMI Mimics: Part 2, Left Bundle Branch Block
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
August 20, 2021
Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is the second most common STEMI mimic. The ECG pattern includes an elevated ST segment at baseline, making it impossible to u... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
STEMI Mimics: Part 1, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
August 18, 2021
As advanced practice providers, we are expected to be able to discern dangerous rhythms on the ECG—such as the dreaded ST-segment elevation myocardial infa... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Get Your Patients With Heart Failure to Rehab!
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
July 27, 2021
Treatment for heart failure (HF) is established, but always growing. The profiles of patients who get HF vary, but one thing that is consistent is that the d... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
An Overview of Non-Compaction Cardiomyopathy
Posted By: 
Ylenia A. Quiaoit, DNP, ACNP-BC
July 23, 2021
Non-compaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) carries a significant risk of malignant arrhythmias, thromboembolic events, and left ventricular dysfunction. This post... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Infiltrative Diseases of the Heart: A Brief Overview
Posted By: Ylenia A. Quiaoit, DNP, ACNP-BC
July 20, 2021
Infiltrative diseases affecting the heart muscle and function are lesser-known causes of heart failure but are considered major etiologies of cardiomyopathie... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Significance of Atypical Transient Ischemic Attacks
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
May 18, 2021
It is comprehensively recognized that the diagnosis of transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) can be difficult. While classic symptoms (motor weakness, dysphasia,... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Rhythm Control Versus Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
May 14, 2021
It is a well-established fact that atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia; it can cause significant physical and emotional symptoms... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Kidney Function and Hypertension in Heart Failure: They Go Hand in Hand
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
May 11, 2021
We all have been educated numerous times about the need to control hypertension in all patients with that diagnosis. This is particularly in patients with he... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Sacubitril/Valsartan and Heart Failure: Improvement of Health Status
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
May 07, 2021
For the last few years, we have seen a number of continuing education sessions and articles related to advances in the treatment of heart failure (HF). One o... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
COVID-19 Infection: Matters of the Heart
Posted By: Ylenia A. Quiaoit, DNP, ACNP-BC
April 20, 2021
Though the respiratory tract is the main target of COVID-19, its potential impact on the cardiovascular (CV) system is a very serious matter, portending a hi... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Infectious Diseases
Diagnosis and Management of Anemia and Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure
Posted By: Ylenia A. Quiaoit, DNP, ACNP-BC
April 16, 2021
The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) heart failure (HF) guidelines recommend that routine baseline assessment for all pati... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Anemia, Iron Deficiency, and Heart Failure: What Clinicians Need to Know
Posted By: Ylenia A. Quiaoit, DNP, ACNP-BC
April 13, 2021
Anemia and iron deficiency are common and important comorbid conditions in patients with heart failure (HF). These conditions are mediators of poor clinical... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Yamaguchi Syndrome
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
March 05, 2021
Yamaguchi syndrome, or apical (Ap) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), is a subtype of HCM that primarily affects the left ventricular apex. The diagnosis of... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Common ECG Manifestations of COVID-19
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
March 02, 2021
Since the inception of the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the focus has been on the respiratory system, but COVID-19 can also cause a multitude of cardiac compli... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Infectious Diseases
Major Stroke Prevention: A New Use for a Well-Known Medication
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
February 19, 2021
Strokes can have a devastating impact on the long-term survival and function of our patients. Therapies to treat them have been well established, and there h... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Understanding Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Posted By: 
Richard S. Pope, PA-C, MPAS
February 12, 2021
Color changes in patients' fingertips during cold weather can be confusing. It is important to distinguish Raynaud's phenomenon, as it can be associated with... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Rheumatology
Not so FAST! Febuxostat vs Allopurinol Showing Equal Safety – Results of the FAST Trial in Europe
Posted By: Richard S. Pope, PA-C, MPAS
February 09, 2021
Optimal management of gout requires urate-lowering therapy; two commonly prescribed therapies for this are febuxostat and allopurinol. However, since 2018, t... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Rheumatology
Out of the Woods? Considerations and Follow-up for When COVID Goes Away
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
December 18, 2020
As we approach the 1-year mark of COVID becoming globally prominent, we are, unfortunately, also getting into the next surge of cases. At some point, this de... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Infectious Diseases, Public Health
Management of Resistant Hypertension in Primary Care
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
December 08, 2020
We all understand that hypertension remains the world's leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, disability, and ultimately, death. Even with... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
September 15, 2020
I had a patient the other day who came in intoxicated and tried to "school" me on the benefits of alcohol. Yes, there are some potential heart-healthy benefi... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Substance Abuse
The Basics of Diuretic Resistance in Heart Failure
Posted By: Ylenia A. Quiaoit, DNP, ACNP-BC
September 04, 2020
Increasing severity of congestion is the main reason patients with heart failure (HF) seek medical care. Extracellular fluid volume expansion is central to t... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: An Overview
Posted By: Ylenia A. Quiaoit, DNP, ACNP-BC
September 01, 2020
Heart failure (HF) is a complex, disabling, and prevalent disease. According to the American Heart Assocation (AHA) Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2020... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Clinical Trials: Why This Matters for Practitioners
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
May 26, 2020
As we look to improve the treatment and quality of life of our patients with heart failure, we often use relevant labs to help us determine the extent of the... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
The Cardiovascular Impact of COVID-19
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
April 03, 2020
On Wednesday, March 18th, the American College of Cardiology held a we... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Infectious Diseases
New Cholesterol Drug Soon to Make It to the United States
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
January 31, 2020
Normally, when a new drug hits the United States market you will see a small market spike of curiosity. As we continually seek ways to improve the health and... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Preventive Medicine
Better Sleep Linked to Reduced Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke Risk
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
January 10, 2020
We all know that sleep is crucial for heart health. Research has shown that regardless of a person's age, weight, smoking habits, and exercise l... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Preventive Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine
Intermittent Fasting
Posted By: 
Susan Tiso, DNP, FNP-BC
December 20, 2019
If you think about how humans have been eating for centuries, it has likely included some "natural" intermittent fasting. For examp... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Miscellaneous, Preventive Medicine, Public Health
Circadian Rhythms and Metabolic Syndrome
Posted By: Susan Tiso, DNP, FNP-BC
December 17, 2019
As researchers explore the complex relationship of circadian rhythm and metabolic syndrome, they are searching for root causes and best treatment approaches Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Miscellaneous, Preventive Medicine, Public Health
The Continued Study of an Old Drug: Aspirin
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
December 13, 2019
It started out by taking extract from the willow tree and using it as a medicinal agent well over 150 years ago. Today, this extract, now transformed into ac... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Miscellaneous
Heart Disease and Cancer Risk
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
November 22, 2019
According to data to be presented this month at the American Heart Association's (AHA) 2019 Scientific Sessions, heart attack survivors may hav... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
November is Diabetes Awareness Month
Posted By: 
Lawrence Herman, PA-C, MPA
November 15, 2019
Along with the colder weather and the promise of holiday season, November brings us the opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes. Both type 1 and type 2... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, NPs & PAs, Practice Management/Career, Preventive Medicine, Public Health
Trans Fatty Acids Now Also Linked to Higher Risk of Dementia
Posted By: Lawrence Herman, PA-C, MPA
November 12, 2019
Consumption of trans fats in high levels has been linked to coronary artery disease, diabetes and more. Now, a team of Japanese researchers have specifically... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Neurology, Preventive Medicine
Left Main Coronary Artery Occlusion: ST Elevation in aVR
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
October 18, 2019
During my ECG training, we were taught that the findings from lead aVR were only important for supportive evidence of pericarditis. I subsequently learned di... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
New Statement Related to Hospitalized Heart Failure Patients
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
October 01, 2019
The American College of Cardiology has issued a new Expert Consensus Decision Pathway for the management of patients with heart failure. This newly released... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Health Policy and Trends, NPs & PAs
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (Part 2)
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
September 06, 2019
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) often expand slowly over time and usually without symptoms, making them difficult to detect. Some aneurysms never rupture. Ma... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (Part 1)
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
September 03, 2019
Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are located above the diaphragm, may involve one or more aortic segments (aortic root, ascending aorta, arch, or descending a... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Are Chemicals Making Us Fat?
Posted By: Susan Tiso, DNP, FNP-BC
August 07, 2019
Holistic health proponents are advocating to get rid of our so-common use of plastics for environmental as well as health reasons. For example, did you ever... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Preventive Medicine
Energy Drinks Tied to QTc Prolongation
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
July 26, 2019
Consuming caffeinated energy drinks is associated with QTc interval prolongation, which is a risk factor for torsades de pointes, according to a small study... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
Palliative Care for Heart Failure: An Early Discussion Would Benefit Patients
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
July 19, 2019
As clinicians, we care for patients over the course of a lifetime and often face the reality of patients who are challenged with end-of-life (EOL) decision m... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
No Difference in Outcomes and Treatment No Matter the Etiology—Analysis from PARADIGM-HF Trial
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
July 16, 2019
Heart failure (HF) is a complicated disease state with multiple, staged therapies. Over the last couple of years, addition of a sacubitril/valsartan combinat... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic
CHAMPS HF - We All Can do Better!
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
June 14, 2019
Many of us manage patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction, or HFrEF. The management of this patient population is complex, and most pati... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Preventive Medicine
Hypertension in the Pediatric Population
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
May 07, 2019
The prevalence of systemic hypertension (HTN) in the pediatric population is now commonly observed to be increasing, especially in view of the growing popula... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Health Policy and Trends, Preventive Medicine
Cardiovascular Health Promotion—A Must Read for PAs and NPs
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
April 23, 2019
PAs and NPs are encouraged to read a recent issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology on cardiovascular health and promotion. This... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Preventive Medicine
Was the Apple Heart Study Virtually Useless?
Posted By: 
Lawrence Herman, MPA, PA-C
April 12, 2019
My wife absolutely loves her Apple Watch and would admit that it is like her crack cocaine: she feels compelled to close all of her rings daily, even when we... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Preventive Medicine
Fluoroquinolone Use and the Potential Risk for Aortic Aneurysm or Dissection
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
April 05, 2019
Fluoroquinolones have long been a popular class of antibiotics for use in a myriad of infections. There are even newer fluoroquinolones that have been develo... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Infectious Diseases
Aspirin Use for ASCVD Prevention
Posted By: Ben Taylor, PA-C, PhD, DFAAPA
April 02, 2019
For decades aspirin has been a staple of primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in at-risk populations, based on recommendation... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic, Preventive Medicine
Caution: Population Is Having More Heart Attacks at a Younger Age
Posted By: Daniel Thibodeau, MHP, PA-C
March 15, 2019
This March, the American College of Cardiology will meet in New Orleans for their annual scientific assembly, and one major discussion will be the growing pe... Continue Reading
Filed under: Cardiometabolic