Jo Ann LeQuang

Nema Research (United States) United States of America

Jo Ann LeQuang, MPH, began her medical writing career at Intermedics, a pacemaker company based in Texas. She was the International Director of Marketing Communications at the Cardiac Rhythm Management Division of St. Jude Medical, which has since been acquired by Abbott. She has contributed to the Nuts & Bolts of Cardiac Pacing series by the late Thomas Kenny, RN, and numerous educational and training books on pacing and paced ECG interpretation, including some CME activities. She embarked on a freelance medical writing career in 2003 and has been an author or medical editor contributor on over 100 peer-reviewed medical articles. She resides in Texas.

3books edited

4chapters authored

Chapters authored

Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation Patients

By Peter Magnusson, Joseph V. Pergolizzi Jr, Randall K. Wolf, Morten Lamberts and Jo Ann LeQuang

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and may cause thromboembolic events, typically stroke. Advances in pharmacological approaches to anticoagulation and groundbreaking large randomized controlled trials of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have changed the paradigm of anticoagulation therapy. Furthermore, observational studies support the efficacy and safety of NOAC. Few studies address the differences among NOACs, but prescriptions should be based on a thorough understanding of their pharmacological differences, including interactions, side effects, reversibility, and practical approach. In a subset of patients with AF, warfarin may still be the preferable option. Consequently, an individualized approach to oral anticoagulation is crucial.

Part of the book: Epidemiology and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

The Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator

By Peter Magnusson, Joseph V. Pergolizzi and Jo Ann LeQuang

The wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) is a rechargeable external device that can be worn under the clothing all day long and protects the wearer from potentially life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias. When a dangerous arrhythmia is detected, the WCD can deliver high-energy shocks. The WCD has been shown to be effective in accurately detecting and appropriately treating ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF). It is intended for temporary use as a bridge to an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), heart transplantation, or left ventricular assist device; patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction may benefit from the WCD while their condition improves. It can be used temporarily after explant of an ICD until reimplantation is deemed possible. In select patients with myocardial infarction, a WCD may be useful during the immediate period after infarction. It is indicated for use when a permanently implanted ICD must be explanted because of infection; the patient can use the WCD until the infection resolves, and a new ICD can be implanted. The role of the WCD is emerging as an important therapeutic option to protect patients at elevated risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Part of the book: Sudden Cardiac Death

Sudden Cardiac Death in Hereditary Dilated Cardiomyopathy

By Marianna Leopoulou, Jo Ann LeQuang, Joseph V. Pergolizzi and Peter Magnusson

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by the phenotype of a dilated left ventricle with systolic dysfunction. It is classified as hereditary when it is deemed of genetic origin; more than 50 genes are reported to be related to the condition. Symptoms include, among others, dyspnea, fatigue, arrhythmias, and syncope. Unfortunately, sudden cardiac death may be the first manifestation of the disease. Risk stratification regarding sudden death in hereditary DCM as well as preventive management poses a challenge due to the heterogeneity of the disease. The purpose of this chapter is to present the epidemiology, risk stratification, and preventive strategies of sudden cardiac death in hereditary DCM.

Part of the book: Sudden Cardiac Death

Postoperative Pain Control Following Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Implantation

By Peter Magnusson, Jo Ann LeQuang and Joseph V. Pergolizzi

Postoperative pain following cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) surgery may not always be adequately treated. The postoperative pain trajectory occurs over several days following the procedure with tenderness and limited arm range of motion lasting for weeks after surgery. Pain control typically commences in the perioperative period while the patient is in the hospital and may continue after discharge; outpatients may be given a prescription and advice for their analgesic regimen. It is not unusual for CIED patients to be discharged a few hours after implantation. While opioids are known as an effective analgesic to manage acute postoperative pain, growing scrutiny on opioid use as well as their side effects and potential risks have limited their use. Opioids may be considered for appropriate patients for a short course of treatment of acute postoperative pain, but other analgesics may likewise be considered.

Part of the book: Cardiac Rhythm Management

Jo Ann LeQuang

Chapters authored

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