Clinical Practice Guidelines Part 1: Why and How Are They Developed

Clinical practice guidelines find extensive usage worldwide amongst both researchers and clinicians. In 2021, I had the opportunity to act as one of the trainee members of two guideline groups of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) with the experience being transformative. The following will be a multi-part series on the why’s … Read more

PCSK9: From Bench to Bedside

The proatherogenic role of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is well established and reduction of LDL cholesterol is one of the central pillars of management and prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The prevention of atherosclerotic events directly correlates with the reduction in LDL cholesterol and growing evidence supports the notion that the lower the LDL, the … Read more

Mental stress may lead to poor cardiovascular outcomes

The presence of mental-stress-induced myocardial ischemia is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death and nonfatal myocardial infarction, as per an interesting study published in JAMA Network by researchers from Emory University.1 Several studies have revealed the correlation between acute mental stress and the onset of myocardial ischemia seen on myocardial perfusion imaging, strengthening … Read more

Sleep and Ideal Cardiovascular Health

During the AHA’s Scientific Session 2021, heart health, defined by the Life’s Simple 7 metric, was often woven into health equity conversations. Empirical evidence consistently supports AHA’s recognition of these seven risk factors that people can avoid or improve on through lifestyle changes to help achieve ideal cardiovascular health. Regardless of how challenging this goal … Read more

The tension between generalizability and inclusivity in population research

As I have continued my journey in epidemiologic research, one of my primary aims is to illuminate health disparities within my projects. Currently located in New York City, identifying diverse populations is hardly an issue. However, I have thought more about populations around the United States as I apply to PhD programs and consider the … Read more

Electronic Cigarette Customization Matters.

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are increasingly popular as an alternative to standard ‘combustion’ cigarettes.  ENDS come in a large variety of forms and offer adulterant choices that enhance the user’s experience, such as flavors, humectants, and nicotine in different concentrations. There is a common perception that vaping is a safer alternative to traditional tobacco … Read more

Zooming In: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on PhD Interviews

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to multiple layers of academia, including the biological and biomedical sciences PhD admissions process in the United States. Typically, prospective applicants are selected to interview in-person at the destination campus not only as a part of the evaluation process, but also as an opportunity for the applicants to … Read more

A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association on the Management of Cardiovascular Risk Factors for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate, with more than 34 million Americans suffering from diabetes1. Patients with type 2 diabetes make up 90% to 95% of total diabetes cases1. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the principal cause of death and disability in type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients2. American Heart Association … Read more