Top stories in cardiology: Role of critical care cardiologists in COVID-19, data support hypertension treatment recommendations during pandemic
In a recent report, experts discuss how critical care cardiologists can help providers treating patients with COVID-19 improve health care delivery and implement telemedicine to optimize the efficacy and safety of working amid ICU capacity surges. It was the top story in cardiology last week.
Another top story was about new data that support recommendations from several cardiology societies that renin-angiotensin system inhibitors should continue to be used in stable patients who are at risk for, are being evaluated for or have COVID-19. Previously, there had been speculation that the drugs could exacerbate COVID-19.
Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:
Critical care cardiologists suited to help combat COVID-19
Critical care cardiologists may be uniquely experienced to help manage clinical manifestations of the virus that causes COVID-19 and supplement the staff of noncardiac and COVID-19-specific ICUs, according to a report published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Read more.
Renin angiotensin system inhibition may not negatively affect patients with COVID-19
ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists did not affect the severity of or mortality from COVID-19 in patients with hypertension who were hospitalized for the disease, according to a brief report published in JAMA Cardiology. Read more.
E-cigarette use on the rise among US adults across subgroups
Between 2016 and 2018, the use of e-cigarettes increased among U.S. adults, with nearly 1 in 20 reporting daily or frequent use of vaping products, according to findings presented at the virtual American College of Cardiology scientific sessions. Read more.
Decision support system on medication safety made free amid COVID-19 pandemic
The Arizona Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics announced that its web-based decision support system for medication safety will be free to medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.
Nearly half of NCAA Division I female athletes have elevated BP
Nearly half of women who participated in NCAA Division I athletics had elevated BP or stage I or stage II hypertension, according to a study presented at the virtual American College of Cardiology Scientific Session. Abnormal BP was most prevalent among women who played softball and not at all prevalent in gymnasts. Read more.