In the News


Study finds masked and white coat hypertension prevalent and associated with higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events

Both white coat hypertension and masked hypertension were independently associated with increased biomarkers for organ damage, as well as higher risk of cardiovascular events compared with normal blood pressure, even after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

ACP offers recommendations on ‘concierge’ medicine

One recommendation states that physicians in all types of practices must honor their professional obligation to provide nondiscriminatory care, serve all classes of patients who are in need of medical care, and seek specific opportunities to observe their professional obligation to care for the poor.

MKSAP Quiz: referral for newly diagnosed hypertension

A 48-year-old man with newly diagnosed hypertension is referred for an echocardiogram to assess findings of left ventricular hypertrophy noted on the electrocardiogram. He is asymptomatic, and his medical history is unremarkable other than hypertension. His only medication is chlorthalidone. Following a physical exam, cardiac exam, and transthoracic echocardiogram, what is the most appropriate management based on this patient's echocardiographic findings?

Central obesity may increase mortality risk in those with normal BMI

Body mass index is limited as a sole measure of adiposity in clinical practice, in part because it makes no distinction between fat and lean mass, an editorial noted.

Macrolide antibiotics may be associated with a small increased risk for cardiovascular complications

While the absolute risks for sudden cardiac death and ventricular tachyarrhythmias were small, macrolides are 1 of the more commonly used antibiotic groups in many countries, and millions of patients are prescribed these drugs annually.

Annals of Internal Medicine hosts story slam Nov. 18

Invited and volunteer participants will share their most thought-provoking and entertaining stories about the experience of doctoring, and the audience will vote on their favorite story.

ACP and Consumer Reports release new series of patient-centered articles on health topics

Topics include the importance of adult immunizations, how to manage your health by knowing your numbers such as blood pressure and which health screenings to get, and the most appropriate setting to seek care when you're sick or healthy.

ICD-10 isn't just the problem, it's also the symptom

Yul Ejnes, MD, MACP, continues his monthly column at KevinMD.com, in a post about how ICD-10 reflects an “absurdly complicated payment ‘non-system’” and calls for “alternatives that make getting the diagnosis right more important than selecting the correct code.”

Vote for your favorite entry

ACP Internist Weekly's cartoon caption contest continues. Readers can vote for their favorite caption to determine the winner.