HEART Score vs EDACS for Chest Pain
In this head-to-head comparison between HEART and EDACS, EDACS identified 10% more patients as low risk with a nearly identical negative predictive value for major adverse cardiac events at 60 days.
Fast PEA | Slow PEA – Survival Difference
There is a difference between PEA rhythms. Slow rates of electrical activity had the usual dismal prognosis. But those with electrical rates >60 had survival and favorable neurological outcome comparable to VF/VT, 22% and 15% respectively.
Hyperoxia Post-arrest, NNH = 8
This study gives high quality evidence that hyperoxia post-arrest is harmful. For each hour of hyperoxia (PaO2 >300), risk of poor neurological outcome rose by 3%. Number needed to harm was 8.
High Sensitivity Troponin and Renal Disease
In patients with renal disease (GFR <60) presenting with possible acute coronary syndrome, high-sensitivity troponin (hs-TN) can still be used to identify those who are low-risk. But the overall percentage deemed low risk was much lower, as was specificity, in patients with renal impairment.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Athletes – Can We Prevent It?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is very rare during sports activities 0.76/100,000. They found only 3 cases that could have been identified by a sports physical prior to competition. NNT = 146,000.
What’s Faster Than CCTA? You Are
This retrospective dredge of the ROMICAT-II trial found that clinical evaluation alone had decreased length of stay (LOS) and appeared to be just as safe with respect to major adverse coronary events as those who had non-invasive testing, with lower cost and radiation exposure.
130/80 Is Hypertension? Our Take on New HTN Guidelines
The AHA has published new guidelines replacing the JNC guidelines for management of hypertension. Here is what you need to know.
Any Troponin Is a Bad Troponin
Among patients with no alternative medical explanation, a measurable yet stable high sensitivity troponin (hsTn-T) was a prognosticator for mortality, MI, and hospitalization for heart failure.
How to Tell VT From SVT with Aberrancy – Mattu, Brady, Tabas, Ferguson Teach Us
The differential of wide complex tachycardia (WCT) includes ventricular tachycardia (VT) and supraventricular tachycardia with aberrant conduction (SVT-AC). The summary below provides some tips for differentiating the two. However, if you are unsure it is always prudent to assume VT until proven otherwise.
AHA Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines – What You Need to Know
The AHA has released new guidelines for management of ventricular arrhythmias. Here is what you need to know.