White Coat Hypertension Risky

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that untreated white coat hypertension (WCH, isolated elevated office blood pressure [BP]), but not treated white coat effect (WCE, treated WCH), is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. The analysis included 27 observational studies, comprising 25 786 participants with untreated […]


Sleep Irregularity Linked to Metabolic Abnormalities

A US cross-sectional and prospective analysis suggested that increased variability in sleep duration and timing was associated with higher prevalence and incidence of metabolic abnormalities even after considering sleep duration and other lifestyle factors. Participants completed 7-day actigraphy from 2010 to 2013 and were prospectively followed throughout 2016 to 2017. […]


Anger/Stress Triggered AF Risk Lower with β-Blockers

A prospective, controlled, electronic diary–based US study suggests that anger or stress can trigger atrial fibrillation (AF), but use of β-blockers is associated with greatly attenuated risk. The study included 91 patients (mean age 59) with a history of paroxysmal or persistent AF recorded their rhythm on event monitors at […]


Low Cholesterol Good for Vessels but Bad for Nerves?

A cross-sectional, prospective cohort study in Germany suggests that low serum cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN). The study included 100 T2D patients (mean age 64.6 years; 68 male) from June 1, 2015, to March 31, 2018. Quantification of the nerve’s […]


As-Needed Budesonide–Formoterol on Par with Maintenance Therapy for Mild Asthma

A 52-week, randomized, open-label, controlled trial revealed that budesonide–formoterol used as needed was superior to albuterol used as needed and on par with budesonide maintenance for the prevention of asthma exacerbations. A total of 675 patients were randomly assigned to the albuterol (100 μg as needed for asthma symptoms) group; […]


Glucosamine Supplement Linked to Lower CVD Risk

A UK prospective cohort study suggested that habitual use of glucosamine supplement to relieve osteoarthritis pain might also be related to lower risks of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) events. The study enrolled 466 039 participants from 2006 to 2010. During a median follow-up of 7 years, there were 10 204 incident CVD events, […]