>> The cause of Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest
>> COVID boosters for certain groups
>> Type of treatment for Afib could affect brain
The Med & Mic™ 04.19.23
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
Damar Hamlin Cleared
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin has been medically cleared to return to the game after suffering a cardiac arrest four months ago. His heart stopped as a result of commotio cordis, which is a direct blow during a specific point in the heartbeat cycle. The 25-year-old is participating in voluntary workouts at the team facilities. (Source: AP, J. Wawrow, 4.18.23)
COVID Boosters for Seniors and Immunocompromised
The FDA has authorized an additional dose of COVID vaccine against the omicron variant for people 65 and older and those with weakened immune systems. To be eligible, seniors must have received an omicron-targeted vaccine at least four months prior. Immunocompromised individuals may receive the shot two months after their last dose. COVID continues to kill 1,300 people a week in the U.S. (Source: CNBC, S. Kimball, 4.18.23)
Afib Treatment and Cognitive Function
People with atrial fibrillation who are treated with a procedure to burn away the source of abnormal electrical activity in the heart were less likely to develop thinking troubles compared to those treated with medication. In a prospective, observational study, the odds of cognitive impairment within two years were 36% lower in the radiofrequency catheter ablation group. The study enrolled more than 1,200 older Afib patients from Massachusetts and Georgia. The study couldn’t answer why this difference occurred. The findings were present at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting. (Source: MedPage Today, J. Gever, 4.18.23)
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