Internal Medicine Alert – October 15, 2022

Poor Cardiovascular Health a Predictor for Premature Brain Aging

Worse cardiovascular health at age 36 years can predict worse brain aging and associated cognitive problems later in life.

Statins Plus Ezetimibe vs. Statins Alone

A comparison of rosuvastatin 10 mg/day plus ezetimibe (10 mg/day) to 20 mg/day of rosuvastatin alone showed non-inferiority in three-year major cardiovascular outcomes, with lower LDL cholesterol levels and fewer episodes of drug discontinuation or dose reductions in the combination therapy group.

Understanding Statin-Related Muscle Pain and Cardiovascular Benefits

A review of large-scale, randomized, double-blind trials of statin therapy suggested statins are responsible for only a small excess of muscle pain symptoms in patients taking these drugs.

Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence Among Adult U.S. Women Has Increased

The updated prevalence of urinary incontinence using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data is 60% in community-dwelling women, which is an increase from prior estimates.

Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine (Booster Dose)

The FDA has amended the emergency use authorizations of two leading COVID-19 vaccines. Now, these new bivalent formulations can be used as a single booster dose (after primary or booster vaccination).

Where Are the P Waves?

The ECG in the figure was obtained from a previously healthy young woman with “palpitations.” How would one interpret this two-lead rhythm strip? Is there a conduction disorder?