Top stories in cardiology: USPSTF says evidence insufficient regarding ECG to diagnose atrial fibrillation; diverse diets not necessarily healthy

Among the top stories in cardiology are the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations that there was insufficient evidence regarding ECG to screen for for atrial fibrillation patients aged 65 years and older with previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, and a report that suggests diverse diets may not be the healthiest ones.

Other top stories included a novel high-sensitivity troponin T protocol that accurately ruled out myocardial infarction in patients who visited an ED, a report that suggested coronary artery calcium scoring was useful in shared decision making regarding statin therapy use and more. – by Jake Scott

USPSTF: Evidence insufficient on benefits, risks of ECG to diagnose atrial fibrillation

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found inadequate evidence assessing the benefits and harms of screening for atrial fibrillation with ECG in patients aged 65 years and older with previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, according to a recommendation statement published in JAMA. Read more.

Novel protocol with high-sensitivity troponin T accurately rules out myocardial infarction

A novel high-sensitivity troponin T protocol accurately ruled out myocardial infarction in patients who visited an ED, according to a research letter published in Circulation. Read more.

A merican Heart Association: Diverse diets not necessarily healthy

Encouraging people to eat a variety of foods may have the unintended consequence of consumption of more unhealthy foods, according to a science advisory from the American Heart Association. Read more.

Cardiac monitoring may benefit in high-risk breast cancer

Heart failure is an uncommon complication of breast cancer treatment, but cardiac monitoring should be conducted in certain high-risk patients, according to a study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. Read more.

C oronary artery calcium scores aid in shared decision making

Coronary artery calcium scoring is a useful tool for shared decision making for the use of statin therapy, according to a presentation at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology Congress on CVD. Read more.