We thought we had this down, right? We take low dose aspirin every day to help fight our risk of cancer and heart disease. Wrong. At least according to a recent analysis of nine trials involving more than 100,000 people. Aspirin can lower our risk of first heart attack or stroke by 10%. Of course, discussing your medication regimen with your health care provider is essential prior to making any changes.

Findings related to potassium levels in a new study by the in the Journal of the American Medical Association challenge the current clinical guidelines. Monitoring potassium levels post MI (myocardial infarction AKA heart attack) is routine. Current guidelines recommend serum levels of 4.0 – 5.0 mEq/L. The study found better survival among those people whose level was 3.5 – 4.5 mEq/L. Will the guidelines change based on this study?

Acute limb ischemia is recent onset (less than 14 days) of decreased limb perfusion that endangers life and/or limb. It is a medical emergency whose management options depends on the individual case. American Journal of Medical Sciences has a guide for medical/surgical management.

Research showed empathy, the ability to understand a person’s situation, perspective and feelings, has declined in medical students and residents. The future physicians are showing signs of not being able to relate to their patients.

Despite updated guidelines on the treatment of hypertension, the American Heart Association recently found uncontrolled blood pressure was common. There have been improvements in identification of hypertensive patients and increased numbers of hypertensives taking medications. The AHA concluded additional efforts were required to treat hypertension.

Yes. Up to 60% of hospital staff’s uniforms are colonized with potentially pathogenic bacteria including drug-resistant bacteria.

Source: American Journal of Infection Control