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Biomedical subjects

K Grauer

Publications and source records attributed to K Grauer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Expanding applications of the 12-lead ECG in suspected acute infarction.

In the setting of acute myocardial infarction, the importance of the 12-lead electrocardiogram has increased tremendously. In addition to facilitating diagnosis of acute ischemic syndromes, including acute myocardial infarction, the 12-lead electrocardiogram may provide invaluable assistance in determining which patients are most suitable for thrombolytic therapy, and it may provide information that is useful in prognostic stratification.

Acute Disease

A systematic approach to Holter monitor interpretation.

A systematic approach to the interpretation of ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings facilitates analysis and improves accuracy. The method suggested includes a mnemonic and a standardized interpretation form. The mnemonic facilitates recall of key technical and patient-specific parameters involved in the preparation and evaluation of Holter monitor and other ambulatory electrocardiographic recordings. The standardized interpretation form consolidates essential findings from the study into a practical, easy-to-assimilate format.

Electrocardiography, Ambulatory

Newer antihypertensive agents.

Three recent additions to the list of antihypertensive agents have been approved for use as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Betaxolol hydrochloride (Kerlone) maintains its effect for 24 hours, making it a true once-a-day beta blocker. Penbutolol sulfate (Levatol) is as effective as other beta blockers and diuretics. Doxazosin mesylate (Cardura), a selective alpha 1 blocker, also allows once-a-day dosing and has produced favorable changes in lipid profiles. Two new drug delivery systems, one for verapamil hydrochloride (Verelan) and one for extended-release nifedipine (Procardia XL), allow less frequent dosing and may offer other advantages, such as greater compliance and a more tolerable side-effect profile.

Antihypertensive Agents

Problems of polypharmacy and intercurrent disease.

Preventing lethal sequelae rather than simply controlling blood pressure is the major goal of antihypertensive treatment. By that criterion, there is reason to question the efficacy of current stepped-care protocols. Alternate approaches that incorporate concerns about both intercurrent disease conditions and their multidrug demands are critically examined.

Antihypertensive Agents

New developments in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Since the last revision of the American Heart Association's guidelines in 1985, several new developments of clinical importance have occurred in the field of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. These include enhanced access to and earlier use of defibrillation, the use of high-dose epinephrine when standard doses fail, the assessment of resuscitative efforts with end-tidal CO2 monitoring and the addition of two new drugs, amiodarone (for refractory ventricular fibrillation) and adenosine (for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia). Time will determine the ultimate role of these advancements in the management of cardiac arrest.

Anti-Arrhythmia Agents

The new antimicrobial agents. When they're the best choice and when they're not.

The number of antibiotics available to the clinician for treatment of infectious diseases continues to increase. However, choosing an agent just because it is new is not always cost-effective and may encourage the development of bacterial resistance. The site of infection, pharmacokinetic data, minimum inhibitory concentration, and cost must all be considered in selecting the optimal antimicrobial agent for a particular clinical situation.

Anti-Bacterial Agents

Silent myocardial ischemia: dilemma or blessing?

Developing an optimal strategy for the evaluation and management of patients with silent myocardial ischemia is extremely difficult. Although otherwise healthy, asymptomatic individuals may be at risk of dying suddenly during exercise, neither exercise testing nor Holter monitoring reliably identifies those at greatest risk. In patients with underlying coronary artery disease, silent ischemia increases the risk of an adverse outcome.

Coronary Disease

Computerized electrocardiogram interpretations: are they useful for the family physician?

Computerized electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation programs have become increasingly popular in this country, especially in hospital settings. In general, they reliably calculate heart rate, intervals, and mean QRS axis. When the computer interprets an ECG as normal, it is usually correct. The second opinion provided by computerized readings further benefits the primary care physician by suggesting findings not initially considered, and by forcing careful scrutiny of the original interpretation. Speed of interpretation may be greatly increased, particularly for the more experienced electrocardiographer who has a high volume of tracings to interpret. Each computer statement, however, must be carefully overread by the physician, for failure to do so may result in overlooking significant electrocardiographic findings. It is important that the family physician appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of computerized ECG interpretations so that he or she derives the greatest benefit from this diagnostic tool.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted

The spectrum of anxiety disorders in family practice.

The spectrum ranges from fearful concerns about illness to clinical anxiety disorders, such as phobias, panic attacks, generalized anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and adjustment disorder. Anxiety and fear are often associated with hospitalization, heart disease, insomnia, and somatopsychic syndromes. Determining the cause of the anxiety may help the physician plan the treatment approach. In selected cases, benzodiazepines are useful adjuncts to therapy.

Adjustment Disorders