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American College of
Cardiology
March 17-20, 2002
Dr. Paustian;
Julie Liston R.N., C.C.R.N and Willie Wilcox, R.C.V.T. attended
the American College of Cardiology meeting in Atlanta, Georgia
from March 17-19. They had an opportunity to attend a number of
different lectures as well as a chance to view firsthand the
latest technology in the field of cardiology.
All agreed that
the most informative discussion was a series of lecturers on the
topic of "Diabetes is a Cardiovascular Disease." This
informative series of talks provided information that both
Pioglitazone and Rioglitazone therapies help to reduce the
incidence of cardiovascular disease in individuals with
diabetes. A fascinating talk on intravascular ultrasound
studies performed in coronary arteries demonstrated how
substantial cholesterol plaquing may occur in the walls of
coronary arteries with very little evidence by cardiac
catheterization. The study drove home the point that
substantial vascular disease may develop in individuals with
diabetes and the arteriograms in these individuals may remain
normal. It pointed out the need to aggressively manage
individuals with diabetes even in the absence of symptoms of
cardiovascular disease.
Interesting discussions were also held regarding the management
of individuals with cardiomyopathies. Newer data again
reiterated the benefits of the drug Carvedilol in this
particular disease entity. Although rather voluminous data
supports its use in this condition, it still remains
underutilized.
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