Background: The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) population has been steadily growing in the United States over the past decade. Several reports suggested higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the transgender population, including higher rates of human immunodeficiency virus infection, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse, smoking and mood disorders. Our [...]

Background: Despite the consistently proven benefits of cardioprotective medications, medication adherence (MA) remains a challenge in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Studies suggest that up to 50% of patients with CAD are nonadherent to medications, with patient knowledge, beliefs, and expectations playing a vital role. We aimed to assess patient-related medication non-adherence (MNA) factors in [...]

Background: Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) is a common anatomic modality for detection of cardiac ischemia in the setting of chest pain hospitalizations. However, invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is the gold standard for diagnosing ischemic coronary artery disease. Research showed that CCTA has a high sensitivity but lacks the specificity and accuracy component of Fractional [...]

Case Presentation: A 68-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and possible interstitial lung disease presented with one week of worsening midsternal chest pain, diaphoresis and nausea. Initial vitals were unremarkable. Exam revealed bibasilar crackles but no murmur, gallop, elevated jugular venous pressure or abdominal tenderness. An electrocardiogram showed no acute ischemic changes. Initial troponin [...]

Case Presentation: A 33-year-old patient with a history of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requiring 2 cardiac stents at the age of 30, presented with intermittent substernal chest pressure.  He denied a previous history of nicotine, alcohol, or recreational drug use, and related having an uncle with premature coronary arterial disease (CAD). His physical exam was [...]

Case Presentation: A 77-year-old female with a history of hypertension and diabetes, presented to the ER with sudden syncope. She reported severe retrosternal chest pain, associated with nausea and vomiting. She stated she has been under extreme emotional stress due to sudden death of a family member. Examination was remarkable for hypotension (70/40 mmhg), cold [...]

Case Presentation: A 49-year-old male with a history of OSA on CPAP, Parkinson’s disease, hyperlipidemia, and obesity presented to the emergency department with a three-week history of progressive dyspnea on exertion (DOE) and abdominal pain on exertion that radiated into his chest, neck, and jaw that resolved after rest. He had an intentional 50-lb weight [...]