The American journal of medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Physiological effects and tolerance of wearing surgical and N95 masks during sleep in normal individuals and patients with mild-moderate obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized crossover trial.
In certain situations, masks are worn during sleep to prevent respiratory infections. However, the effects of mask wearing on cardiopulmonary function during sleep are unknown. This study aimed to determine whether wearing masks during sleep has an impact on cardiopulmonary function, including in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. ⋯ Wearing masks during sleep at night does not adversely affect cardiopulmonary function but they can be uncomfortable, especially the N95 mask. Thus, in circumstances where wearing N95 masks during nocturnal sleep proves intolerable, we recommend the use of surgical masks as a more comfortable alternative.
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In the Western world, sales of alcoholic beverages are skyrocketing. Alcohol (ethanol) is consumed for its transient euphoric effects but is a risk factor for the development of heart disease. Here, we review the possible association between alcohol consumption and atrial fibrillation. ⋯ These include studies of individuals drinking only moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages (aka the "French paradox") on the one hand, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after binge drinking ("holiday heart syndrome") on the other hand. The evidence available in the literature suggests that hypertension, structured heart disease of any form, neurohumoral stress, and cardiometabolic disorders all favor the development of atrial fibrillation triggered by alcohol. We also suggest that alcohol should be classified as a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation, and also for heart disease in general.
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Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalizations from heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. However, SGLT2i therapy's potential effects on the risks of dementia and Parkinson's disease are not well established, with conflicting results based on observational studies. Hence, we sought to evaluate the association between SGLT2i and the risk of dementia and Parkinson's disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease. ⋯ Our study suggests that there is no significant association between SGLT2i use and the risk of dementia, its subtypes, and Parkinson's disease when compared with the control groups.
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Review
Human Papillomavirus as Non-Traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Fact or Fiction? Part 1.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States and worldwide, with more than 42 million Americans infected with types of HPV that are known to cause disease. Although the link between HPV and the development of a variety of cancers has been strongly established, recent literature has demonstrated a potential association between HPV and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. ⋯ In this 2-part series, we discuss the emerging relationship between HPV and cardiovascular disease. In part 1, we focus on the pathophysiology of HPV infection and potential mechanisms for the development of cardiovascular disease.