Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

Contributing Writer https://www.thecardiologyadvisor.com

Tori Rodriguez, MA, LPC, AHC, is an Atlanta-based journalist, licensed psychotherapist, and Ayurvedic health coach, creator of the body-positive wellness company Bettie Page Fitness, and author of 2 books – The Little Book of Bettie: Taking a Page from the Queen of Pinups and Bettie Page: The Lost Years. She holds a BS in psychology from Georgia State University and an MA in counseling psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology. Tori has also managed a medical practice and was instrumental in developing Georgia’s multispecialty telemedicine program. Photograph courtesy of Brooklyn Brat Images.

All articles by Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

Patients are often unaware of their increased CV risk related to RA. One study found 95% of patients with RA stratified as having a high risk of CVD underestimated their risk.17 Data show patients with RA are less likely to report angina symptoms, which increases their chances of an unrecognized MI or sudden cardiac death and decreases their likelihood of getting a needed coronary artery bypass graft.18 Some studies have shown interventions to educate RA patients about their risk of CVD have the potential to increase screening for CV risk by PCPs and treatment.19,20 Results from other studies have been less positive. One trial found although educational interventions improved patients’ understanding of their CV risk and prompted intentions to make lifestyle changes, patients did not carry through with their stated intentions.21 Nevertheless, patients should be made aware of all important aspects of their disease.

CHD

Favoring the Concept of Chronic CAD Over Stable CAD

Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

June 23, 2020

Individuals with CAD who have not experienced a recent CV event are generally considered to have stable CAD.

ACS

Examining Challenges Associated With the Management of ACS in Rural Areas

Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

February 10, 2020

Although mortality rates associated with cardiovascular disease have decreased significantly in high-income countries in recent decades, substantial challenges related to CVD treatment and outcomes persist in rural areas.

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Arrhythmia

Assessing the Risk for Stroke in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

December 17, 2019

According to recent estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke affects more than 795,000 individuals in the United States annually and represents the fifth leading cause of death in the country.1 Stroke is also associated with substantial long-term disability and with costs estimated at $34 billion each year. Atrial fibrillation (AF), which…

General Cardiology

Cardiac Manifestations of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

August 23, 2019

Jemima Albayda, MD, discusses the cardiac complications in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

Dyslipidemia

The “Good Cholesterol” Myth of HDL: A Clinical Update

Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

August 1, 2019

Although high-density lipoprotein cholesterol has been deemed the “good cholesterol,” this label may be misleading and outdated given that there is little evidence to support a causal relationship with CVD risk reduction.

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Pulmonary Vasculature

Widening the Definition and Use of Palliative Care in PAH

Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

April 5, 2019

The most recent CHEST guidelines on pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment support the integration of palliative care, noting significant improvements in outcomes observed in other pulmonary diseases, including lung cancer.

Pulmonary Vasculature

Pediatric PAH Diagnosis and Management: A Clinical Roundtable

Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

April 4, 2019

The optimal treatment approach for pulmonary arterial hypertension in pediatric patients depends upon the severity and underlying etiology of the disease.

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Pulmonary Vasculature

New “Old” Therapies in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Clinical Roundtable

Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

February 28, 2019

In a review of repurposing medications for pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment, dichloroacetate, metformin, and rosiglitazone/pioglitazone had the most preclinical data to support their use.

Practice Management

Point: Dietary Supplements Can Mitigate Poor Diet, Improve Health

Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

February 26, 2019

It is estimated that more than 166 million Americans use dietary supplements and many healthcare providers are unfamiliar with how and whether these substances are regulated by the FDA.

Practice Management

Counterpoint: Dietary Supplements Are Largely Unnecessary

Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

February 26, 2019

Are dietary supplements necessary?

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