19/March/2022 Top Medical Bulletin

Here are top medical stories for today:

Intensive blood pressure control associated with cerebral blood flow   

The association of intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) control vs standard control with whole-brain cerebral blood flow was investigated by a study published in JAMA Neurology. The study found that Intensive vs standard antihypertensive treatment was associated with increased, rather than decreased, cerebral perfusion, most notably in participants with a history of cardiovascular disease.

Restoring Sinus Rhythm reduces valvular regurgitation

Cardiac chamber remodeling in atrial fibrillation (AF) reflects the progression of cardiac rhythm and may affect functional regurgitation. Study aimed to explore the 3-dimensional echocardiographic variables of cardiac cavity remodeling and the impact on functional regurgitation in patients with atrial fibrillation with/without sinus rhythm restoration at 12 months. It was highlighted that the management of atrial fibrillation should focus on restoration of sinus rhythm to induce anatomical and functional (4 chambers) cardiac cavity reverse remodeling and reduce severity of functional regurgitation.

LDL-C lowering by statins & CVD reduction- Any link?

Statins are now commonly prescribed by doctors, with one third of adults over the age of 50 taking statins, according to previous research. The new findings in Journal of American Medical Association contradict this theory, finding that this relationship was not as strong as previously thought. Instead, the research demonstrates that lowering LDL-C using statins had an inconsistent and inconclusive impact on Cardiovascular Disease outcomes such as myocardial infarction (MI), stoke, and all-cause mortality. The researchers go on to suggest that this updated information should be communicated to patients through informed clinical decision-making and updated clinical guidelines and policy.

Do pets have a positive effect on you?

Owning a pet, like a dog or cat, especially for five years or longer, may be linked to slower cognitive decline in older adults, according to a preliminary study released, February 23, 2022, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 74th Annual Meeting being held in person in Seattle, April 2 to 7, 2022 and virtually, April 24 to 26, 2022.

"Prior studies have suggested that the human-animal bond may have health benefits like decreasing blood pressure and stress," said study author Tiffany Braley, MD, MS, of the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor and a member of the American Academy of Neurology. "Our results suggest pet ownership may also be protective against cognitive decline."

Do pets have a positive effect on your brain health?