Background: Hyperlipidemia is a recognized risk factor for incident acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), and no such documented association with pneumonia. However, the influence of hyperlipidemia on long-term mortality after AMI, HF, or pneumonia has not yet been fully understood. The objectives are to estimate the effect of hyperlipidemia and [...]

Background: Heart failure is a deadly epidemic with over 37 million people affected worldwide with a multitude of physical, psychological and financial implications on patients and the healthcare system. The progression of heart failure can be prevented by appropriate and persistent medication therapy however previous research has estimated forty to sixty percent of patients with [...]

Background: Lung ultrasound (LUS) is emerging as a useful diagnostic tool for several lung pathologies. Some studies have found its accuracy in diagnosing pulmonary edema surpasses that of chest x-ray (CXR) but the available evidence is conflicting. CXR currently receives a Class I recommendation by the AHA in the evaluation of decompensated heart failure. Given [...]

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a major public health concern that affects over 5 million adults in the US. HF is among the most common reasons for hospital admissions and presents a considerable cost burden to the medical system. Patients are stabilized and carefully monitored at the hospital but often go home without adequate follow-up [...]

Case Presentation: A 23 month old female with minimal primary care visits presented to the ED after a syncopal episode. She was found to be tachycardic, tachypneic, and hypoxic. Physical exam revealed an irritable, pale child with a 3/6 systolic murmur and hepatomegaly. CBC was significant for a Hgb of 1.5. CXR revealed cardiomegaly. Due [...]

Case Presentation: A 49-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea presented after suffering a cardiac arrest at a local airport. He was reportedly healthy appearing until suddenly slumping over in his chair at the terminal. A bystander determined the patient was pulseless and initiated CPR. He received 3 shocks [...]

Case Presentation: An 87-year-old female with congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, COPD, and chronic kidney disease presented with 3-day-history of diarrhea, worsened dyspnea, leg swelling and weight gain. Vitals signs were temperature 38.3 C, pulse 104, respiration 20-25 and blood pressure 112/46. Examination was significant for bilateral crackles in lungs, irregular [...]