The American journal of medicine
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Multicenter Study
Use of the HEAR Score for 30-Day Risk-Stratification in Emergency Department Patients.
The 2021 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association chest pain guidelines recommend risk scores such as HEAR (History, Electrocardiogram, Age, Risk factors) for short-term risk stratification, yet limited data exist integrating them with high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT). ⋯ HEAR scores are of limited value in those with baseline hs-cTnT
99th percentile to define short-term prognosis. In those with baseline quantifiable hs-cTnT within the reference range (<99th percentile), a higher risk (>1%) for 30-day MACE exists even in those with low HEAR scores. With serial hs-cTnT measurements, HEAR scores overestimate risk when hs-cTnT remains <99th percentile. -
Reduced lung function has been linked to cardiovascular disease, but population-based evidence on the relationship between lung function decline and coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression is rare. ⋯ A faster decline in FVC or FEV1 during young adulthood is independently associated with an increased risk of CAC progression in midlife. Maintaining optimal lung function during young adulthood may improve future cardiovascular health.
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Imported fire ants aggressively sting humans, leading to a variety of local and systemic effects. Fire ants display a behavioral adaptation to survive flooding, called "rafting," bringing humans into even more contact with fire ants. ⋯ These results confirm that fire ant rafts formed during flooding present a potential hazard to persons walking, wading, or boating in those areas. We suggest that these rafts are an under-appreciated health hazard. It is reasonable to assume that people in flooded areas occasionally contact these floating rafts and are stung multiple times. We provide preliminary prevention/protection recommendations for health professionals, to be shared with their patients and the general public.