theheart.org - trusted cardiology news and opinions

COMFORTABLE-AMI: Bioerodable polymer DES trumps bare metal in STEMI

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:50:23 EDT

The trial is the first randomized controlled trial to show a safety advantage of a DES, investigators say.

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COMPARE II: Nobori biolimus stent matches everolimus stents in all-comers

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:15:12 EDT

While equal to the market-leading Xience/Promus stents in terms of efficacy and safety, the Nobori failed to show an edge where many hope stents with bioerodable polymers will have their...

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Apixaban cuts stroke risk in all types of AF, says ARISTOTLE

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:30:43 EDT

The trial also had something to say about the degree of stroke risk according to type of atrial fibrillation—that is, whether paroxysmal or permanent/persistent.

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FDA panel recommends lorcaserin for obesity

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:45:31 EDT

The Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA has recommended approval of lorcaserin to treat obesity in certain populations.

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William O'Neill goes home to lead new structural heart group at Henry Ford

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:45:40 EDT

Dr William O'Neill is moving from Miami to Detroit to lead a new center for structural heart disease at Henry Ford Hospital.

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TAVI to treat surgical valve failure shows potential, with caveats

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:30 EDT

The largest series to date looking at use of a transcatheter valve to treat the failure of a surgically implanted prosthetic has found high rates of survival at one year, but enough in the way of...

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Resuscitation rates in out-of-hospital arrests are woeful

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:30:05 EDT

Resuscitation rates in out-of hospital cardiac arrest are woefully low, new US research finds, fueled by poor use of bystander CPR and AED employment, which does show some variability according to...

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FDA: MS drug fingolimod gets CVD warnings

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:30:36 EDT

The agency completed review of a patient death after the first dose of fingolimod and has updated contraindications and monitoring recommendations for patients with multiple sclerosis.

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Without warfarin, Watchman still prevents strokes, says registry

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:15:50 EDT

Patients with AF implanted with the left atrial appendage occluder in the earlier PROTECT-AF trial took warfarin the first six weeks; but in warfarin-contraindicated patients, Watchman still protects...

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FAME II: FFR pinpoints stable CAD patients who fare worse with OMT

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:00:00 EDT

Preliminary data showing urgent revascularizations to be more than 10 times higher in patients treated with optimal medical therapy instead of PCI were what prompted the data safety and monitoring...

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Stress echo in asymptomatic patients after revascularization "not worth it"

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:15:50 EDT

In an observational study of asymptomatic patients who had PCI or CABG and then had a treadmill stress echo, the test did identify at-risk patients. But the patients who then went on to have a repeat...

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High percentage of New York state PCI cases are for indications of uncertain appropriateness

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 EDT

Since recent studies have found wide variation from center to center in the percentage of revascularizations categorized as appropriate by the national appropriate-use criteria, researchers in New...

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"Sweet spot" for echo-guided CRT lead placement explored in trial

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:45:37 EDT

Device therapy meets personalized medicine: optimal lead positions are different for every patient, but once the leads are in, how close is close enough?

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New guidance for young people with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:00:11 EDT

The "first-of-its-kind" consensus statement should help clarify which young people should undergo catheter ablation, authors of the document say.

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New angiography appropriateness criteria are SCAI's latest "quality tool"

Sun, 13 May 2012 16:30:35 EDT

A multisociety group led by the ACC and SCAI has released new appropriate-use criteria for diagnostic catheterization intended to help clinicians determine when cardiac catheterization is a...

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Data gathering for Sunshine Act delayed

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:15:19 EDT

The CMS says that drug and device makers will not have to start collecting data on payments to physicians until 2013.

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RAAFT 2: Catheter ablation can be first line of defense against paroxysmal AF

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:30:16 EDT

Recurrences were less common for patients who underwent catheter ablation vs antiarrhythmic drug therapy, but it took the right connections for catheter therapy to come out on top.

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Moderate coffee intake protects against stroke

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:45:51 EDT

A new meta-analysis finds that one to three cups of coffee a day may reduce the risk of stroke in the general population and that an even higher intake of up to six cups a day also seems to offer...

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Ixmyelocel-T cell therapy may help DCM patients

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:00:28 EDT

Cell therapy could be an attractive adjunct for patients with ongoing heart-failure symptoms despite optimal medical and device therapy. A new study shows that a therapy derived from the patient's...

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Taking STEMI patients to PCI hospitals saves time and lives

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:45:16 EDT

A new study has found that patients taken directly to a PCI hospital were reperfused an average of 31 minutes faster than patients first taken to a hospital without PCI capability, which was...

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Riata revelations: ICD lead failure rates, mechanisms take HRS center stage

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:30:34 EDT

Next chapter in the Riata recall story: how often do the leads fail, and why? In one of many Riata-related presentations at the Heart Rhythm Society meeting, the rate was about 2% per patient year....

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Robots set to invade interventional world

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:15:27 EDT

Robotic control devices have become an established part of the surgical field, enabling procedures to be less invasive than ever before. Can the same technology make an impact in coronary...

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Femoral vs radial access: Rivals or complements?

Thu, 10 May 2012 17:00:35 EDT

Over the past few years, transradial coronary interventional access has gone from a small niche to one of the dominant topics at the SCAI annual meeting. Do the results of the RIVAL trial mean this...

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Whistleblower suit claiming pioglitazone cover-up implicates Nissen, Cleveland Clinic

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:15:38 EDT

Dr Helen Ge, a former employee at Takeda, alleges she was fired for repeatedly trying to flag as "serious" the congestive heart failure event reports she was reviewing for the company. She has filed...

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Telemonitoring by pharmacists boosts BP control

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:45:00 EDT

Initial findings from a US study employing an unusual approach to blood-pressure management—whereby pharmacists monitor patients by phone and can make alterations to their therapy—are...

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CMO accused by California cardiologists retires

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:30:50 EDT

Dr Alfonso Ba�uelos, one of four defendants in a case brought by two California cardiologists—who allege their superiors at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center ignored their concerns about...

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Pfizer stops promoting Lipitor in US

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:30:21 EDT

The product lost its patent protection in the US last November.

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MRI with pacers, ICDs: Safe, a few minor issues, says MagnaSafe registry

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:44 EDT

Although MRI in device patients may alter some programming and impedance levels temporarily, the scans are associated with few if any important clinical problems, interim analysis of the study...

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Waist-hip ratio excels at SCD risk prediction in ARIC cohort

Thu, 10 May 2012 08:45:07 EDT

Greater waist-to-hip ratio—but not two more common obesity measures—meant a higher sudden death risk independently of diabetes, CV disease, and heart failure in the community-based...

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Older female AF patients have higher stroke risk

Wed, 09 May 2012 17:00:02 EDT

Less aggressive care following warfarin prescription is a possible explanation, researchers say.

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ICD shutoff? Yes, say patients, in certain end-of-life scenarios

Wed, 09 May 2012 16:00:00 EDT

Nearly three-quarters of patients with an ICD would consider shutting it off in specific situations.

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BP and lipid tests in pharmacies could boost risk-factor control

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:15:25 EDT

A nationwide campaign in Portugal—whereby pharmacy customers were encouraged to have their BP, cholesterol, and BMI assessed in-store—has demonstrated that this kind of approach is...

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Mark Midei's appeal for license reinstatement denied

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:50:05 EDT

A Maryland judge has turned down Dr Mark Midei's appeal to get back his Maryland medical license.

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Dr David Rosenbaum dies, age 54, of pancreatic cancer

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:00:51 EDT

On Wednesday, Rosenbaum will be awarded a Heart Rhythm Society Lifetime Achievement Award at the HRS 2012 meeting; his name is found throughout the HRS program, where he was scheduled to give a...

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New IOM report addresses obesity prevention

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:30:00 EDT

Obesity threatens to undo other health achievements made over the past century, authors warn.

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Dr Douglas Zipes explains his rare Riata editorial

Mon, 07 May 2012 17:50:30 EDT

In the latest twist in the Riata lead story, the Heart Rhythm editor in chief published a rare editorial saying he was "compelled to speak out" in defense of the peer-review process that led to his...

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Pulse-pressure amplification study reveals gender differences in cardiovascular risk

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:30:22 EDT

A new large-scale study shows peripheral pulsatility amplification is independently associated with cardiovascular mortality and that aortic stiffness is a more important factor in women's...

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Roche stops dalcetrapib trial for lack of benefit

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:40:06 EDT

Roche has halted the phase 3 trial of dalcetrapib after the interim analysis found the drug was not providing benefit to stable coronary heart disease patients.

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Present-day efforts to aid quit-smoking attempts are substandard, says expert

Mon, 07 May 2012 10:15:01 EDT

Smoking-cessation expert Dr Andrew Pipe said that tobacco addiction is the most monumental of the modifiable cardiovascular risk factors but that the clinical approaches to dealing with smokers are...

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EUROACTION PLUS: Varenicline aids in smoking cessation

Mon, 07 May 2012 09:45:00 EDT

In a follow-up to EUROACTION, with the exception that the patients had the option of receiving varenicline, researchers show that a comprehensive, family-based program can reduce smoking rates in...

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Cheese, please: Could a little Grana Padano drop your BP?

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:15:25 EDT

Contrary to the idea that cheese, conventionally quite high in sodium and fat, is not that good for cardiovascular health, a small Italian study finds that Grana Padano might lower blood pressure.

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No advantage for warfarin in heart failure: WARCEF published

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:00:27 EDT

The authors of a commentary say this large randomized study has provided clinicians with clear answers regarding aspirin vs warfarin in heart failure.

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WHF defends Dubai WCC, reimburses Israelis denied visas

Fri, 04 May 2012 13:35:21 EDT

The World Heart Federation is apologizing to Israeli cardiologists who, at the last minute, were denied visas to attend the WCC 2012 in Dubai. One of the Israelis who attended, however, has spoken...

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More adverse events seen on dabigatran vs warfarin

Fri, 04 May 2012 13:15:32 EDT

UPDATED // A new study in patents switched from warfarin to dabigatran has shown a high rate of events necessitating discontinuation of the new drug.

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Anhedonia, not depression or anxiety, linked with death following ACS

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:45:11 EDT

A psychological condition that results in a loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, anhedonia is associated with an increased long-term risk of death in patients with ACS, new research...

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Bypass moderate coronary lesions? Taking sides in the debate

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:30:07 EDT

When is it worth bypassing moderate coronary lesions? In the pathophysiology of CAD progression, as in politics, whether right or left seems to make a difference.

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Lifestyle-based primary-prevention program results in weight loss, other changes

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:00:27 EDT

The multidisciplinary program includes physicians, nurses, physical-activity specialists, social workers, dieticians, and targeted patients referred by family physicians as high risk for...

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PET/CT attuned to calcium "age" may identify active plaque

Thu, 03 May 2012 17:00:29 EDT

Noninvasive assessment of coronary plaque biology could greatly improve the identification of metabolically active plaques and risk prediction, so researchers in Scotland are leading the development...

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New ESC cardiovascular disease guidelines emphasize primary prevention

Thu, 03 May 2012 14:00:21 EDT

The guidelines are intended to keep the car engine running before any problems occur, according to the experts. Prevention and education should ideally start with young parents and continues with...

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Energy drinks up BP and heart rate; calls for regulation

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 EDT

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // A small study illustrates that energy drinks can cause increased blood pressure, tachycardia, and arrhythmias, with those who consume these beverages on a habitual basis...

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Some valve patients are too sick for TAVI or surgery

Wed, 02 May 2012 17:40:11 EDT

Most of the discussion of PARTNER trial and early rollout of transcatheter valves focused on differentiating TAVI candidates from patients better suited to surgical valve replacement. While experts...

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Lives, money saved by protocol-guided transfusion use at cardiac surgery

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:00:08 EDT

The bottom line can benefit, if clinical gains aren't enough reason for wide-scale implementation of guidelines for blood-product use with cardiac surgery.

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Risk of stroke high when anticoagulant drugs are stopped

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:30:58 EDT

Analysis of the ROCKET AF trial shows patients are at high risk of stroke when they stop their anticoagulants, underscoring the importance of anticoagulation coverage during the transition to a...

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Ideal blood-pressure goals? "We have no idea"

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:00:36 EDT

Evidence is lacking for many of the issues that need to be addressed in the field of hypertension, not least the ideal blood-pressure goal for different groups of individuals, experts told the ESH...

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More data support pulse oximetry in newborns

Tue, 01 May 2012 18:30:00 EDT

Review of data on the test in 230�000 babies provides "compelling evidence" for its use for screening for congenital heart defects in clinical practice.

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CMS restricts TAVI coverage to experienced operators

Tue, 01 May 2012 17:20:15 EDT

UPDATED // The coverage policy, which largely echoes the draft decision released in February, emphasizes the importance of the "heart-team" approach, in which surgeons and interventionalists...

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Small study links Tasers to cardiac arrest

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:45:16 EDT

UPDATED // Several case reports have cast doubt on the safety of electronic control devices, commonly known by the brand name Taser. A new study looks at eight cases where a person subdued by one of...

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Current CTA studies predict CAD risk in symptomatic, not asymptomatic patients

Tue, 01 May 2012 15:00:53 EDT

New studies based on CONFIRM registry data of patients presenting with symptoms suggesting CAD show that coronary CT angiography provides incremental risk stratification, experts say. The usefulness...

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Older LVAD risk score not effective in current era

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:30:34 EDT

The destination therapy risk score provided poor discrimination of mortality for LVAD patients receiving the device as a bridge to transplant and modest discrimination for patients who receive LVADs...

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CURE-AF: Success up as LA size declines for RF ablation at cardiac surgery

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:15:05 EDT

But arguably the trial's most important results, according to one expert, underscored a key difficulty in studying surgical procedures.

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Mixed findings with vitamin D in hypertension

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:30:18 EDT

A small, short-term study looking at the effects of high-dose vitamin D on blood pressure in hypertensive subjects in Denmark during the winter months has shown somewhat discrepant results.

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Long-term cancer risks from cardiac imaging radiation remain unknown

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:15:44 EDT

Despite a dramatic reduction in radiation doses from coronary computed-tomography angiography scans—from about 20 mSv to less than 2 mSv over the past eight years—long-term cancer risks...

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Friend or foe? Uric acid a "probable cause" of CVD

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:00:47 EDT

Using a unique approach, Israeli researchers have shown that people with so-called "normal" levels of uric acid have a 50% higher risk of hypertension and an almost doubling of diabetes, compared...

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Beware valve involvement in device-related infective endocarditis

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:00:42 EDT

A number of factors were related to higher mortality, but all seemed to have a common thread, in a large international study of infective endocarditis associated with implanted devices.

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MicroRNAs shown to regenerate cardiac cells

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:00:31 EDT

Researchers at Duke University have successfully demonstrated that fibroblast scar tissue present in the heart after injury can be converted into cardiomyocytes, by injecting the heart with microRNA...

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IMS 3 trial of mechanical embolectomy in stroke stopped

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:30:02 EDT

Investigators are disappointed at the move to suspend a trial that they hoped would demonstrate effectiveness of mechanical embolectomy, a stroke therapy increasingly used even without this evidence.

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Positive vote from FDA advisors for subcutaneous ICD

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:35:59 EDT

The FDA's Circulatory System Devices Panel voted seven to one in favor of Cameron Health's premarket approval application for its subcutaneously implanted defibrillator.

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DES or bare-metal stents for primary PCI? New meta-analysis provokes debate

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:30:38 EDT

UPDATED // Long-term outcomes with first-generation drug-eluting stents in primary PCI for STEMI show that they have benefits over and above bare-metal stents, say the authors of a new meta-analysis....

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CHA2DS2-VASc score gives best prediction of stroke risk in AF

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:30:55 EDT

Another study has suggested that the newer CHA2DS2-VASc score may be more suitable than the CHADS2 score, particularly in those at lower risk.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA advisors: Benefits trump risks for HeartWare ventricular assist pump

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:15:27 EDT

The agency revealed little beforehand about which way it was leaning, but its advisory panel, despite disappointment with some of the data, ultimately favored the device's approval.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Rise of "hard-core" smokers warrants tailored approaches

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:30:11 EDT

Tobacco-control legislation, a powerful tool for reducing the number of smokers the world over, may also have the unintended consequences of driving up the numbers of so-called "hard-core...

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Moderate alcohol consumption post-MI lowers risk of mortality

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:00:37 EDT

Drinking up to two drinks per day was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, but the relationship was U-shaped and diminished if individuals...

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Variation in dual- vs single-chamber-ICD use highlights missing data

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:45:11 EDT

For patients without an indication for a pacemaker, expert opinions vary on the merits of dual- vs single-chamber implantable defibrillators. One expert says there is a critical need for more...

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Both hyper- and hypothyroidism linked to CV events

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:00:39 EDT

Treatment of hypothyroidism with levothyroxine may reduce this risk, at least in younger patients, new data suggest.

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ApoA size independently associated with MI

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:30:40 EDT

The relationship between apoA and MI exists even after adjustment for lipoprotein (a).

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Roche recalls two troponin I assays

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:15:27 EDT

The US Food and Drug Administration issued a class I recall today for the Elecsys troponin I and Elecsys troponin I STAT immunoassays because of concerns about falsely low results.

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CARGO 2: AlloMap transplant-rejection test works in Europe

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:00:38 EDT

Researchers hope the findings will lead to wider European use of the gene-expressing profiling test, which they say could mean fewer surveillance endomyocardial biopsies.

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Cardiologists still earning big bucks, but work frustration abounds

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EDT

US cardiologists earned an average of $314�000 in 2011, with the highest earners being cardiologists working in a single-specialty group practice. Of the responders to the Medscape survey, 54% of...

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Topol is most influential physician executive in new US poll

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:00:09 EDT

Dr Eric Topol, editor in chief of theheart.org, has been voted the number one most influential physician executive of 2012 in a poll run by Modern Healthcare, a US publication covering healthcare...

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Dabigatran cuts ICH mortality vs warfarin: RE-LY analysis

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:00:21 EDT

Actually, once intracranial hemorrhage struck, mortality was about the same in the trial's different groups. But fewer ICHs with dabigatran made for big drop in ICH mortality overall.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Raise the bar for starting primary prevention, cardiologists argue

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:00:46 EDT

When primary prevention is launched prior to prospective trials evaluating hard outcomes, there remains a possibility that the campaign is instituted in error, authors of a new paper argue, citing...

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Court dismisses Mark Midei's defamation suit

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:00:43 EDT

The Baltimore Sun is reporting that Midei's suit against St Joseph Medical Center and its parent organization—seeking $60 million in compensation, plus up to $540 million in other costs and...

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Diabetes/statin link probed in EFFECT cohort

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:00:44 EDT

Digging into five years' worth of follow-up data, investigators found no differences in new-onset diabetes related to statin dose.

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Mall rates? Silent CV risk factors abound in Dubai shoppers

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:30:23 EDT

Physicians in Dubai have leveraged the Gulf city's best-known asset to shine a light on what they say is a sweeping lack of awareness about cardiovascular risk factors and how to keep them in control.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDG PET/CT can identify infections around implanted device

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:30:05 EDT

Infections around cardiovascular implantable electronic devices are often difficult to diagnose but important to identify, since extraction is not always simple. So researchers in Quebec tested F-FDG...

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ACE inhibitors better ARBs in new meta-analysis in hypertensives

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:45:41 EDT

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // ACE inhibitors reduced deaths by 10% in a new meta-analysis in hypertensive patients already receiving good, contemporary therapy. In contrast, ARBs had a neutral effect on...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cutting, taxing salt would trim CVD deaths by 3% in half the world

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:30:10 EDT

A new study modeling the impact of a mere 10% reduction in sodium content in processed foods, combined with adding a 40% tax to salty products in 19 low- and middle-income countries, could lead to...

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Statin therapy prior to CABG reduces the risk of postoperative AF

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 16:45:43 EDT

Despite the findings, investigators are cautious in their interpretation of the results, noting that patients primarily were treated with atorvastatin and mainly underwent coronary artery bypass...

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No aliskiren with ACE inhibitors, ARBs in some patients: FDA

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:30:56 EDT

Aliskiren-containing BP drugs in combination with ACE inhibitors and ARBs are now contraindicated for patients with diabetes based on the aborted ALTITUDE study, the FDA announced.

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Hands off my wife! Bahrain AED survey points to CPR barriers

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:00:49 EDT

Controversial findings from a small, survey-based study conducted in the Middle East suggest that Arab men would "not accept" men of other nationalities performing CPR, chest compressions, or...

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Lung cancer? Yep, but smokers, globally, are less aware of CVD risks

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:30:10 EDT

Even more striking, smokers were largely unaware that secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and stroke among nonsmokers, a number that spiked even higher when nonsmokers were...

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AIM-HIGH fell short, leaving experts looking for reasons in new review

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:00:46 EDT

The new review attempts to reconcile the disconnect between AIM-HIGH and other positive studies with niacin, particularly since the study failed to support the popular HDL-increasing hypothesis.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ADA/EASD issue new hyperglycemia management guidelines

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 17:00:25 EDT

The American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes have issued a joint position statement on hyperglycemia, emphasizing patient-specific treatment.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

XAMOS: Rivaroxaban in real-world orthopedic prophylaxis

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:45:30 EDT

The trial is said to confirm the benefits shown in the RECORD phase 3 trial program.

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TIPS 2: Full-dose polypill boosts efficacy, with no increased side effects

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:15:07 EDT

The polypill tested in the large, primary-prevention TIPS trial included half-dose formulations of blood-pressure and lipid-lowering drugs, in the hopes of boosting tolerance. Now TIPS 2 shows that a...

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Marked gender disparities in CVD treatment, outcomes seen in CREATE registry

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:00:00 EDT

Not only are women experiencing ACS in India less likely to receive appropriate care, they are also more likely to die following treatment, a new analysis shows.

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Endovascular AAA repair safer than open repair in the long run, Medicare data show

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:15:57 EDT

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair reduced 30-day and in-hospital mortality in randomized controlled trials compared with open surgical repair but has not been shown to improve long-term...

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Medicare Part D coverage gap leads to cardiovascular drug discontinuation

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:00:14 EDT

Compared with Medicare beneficiaries who received financial assistance to compensate for the gap in coverage, those who reached the Part D spending threshold and received no financial help were...

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ESC issues position paper on new anticoagulants

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:15:30 EDT

The ESC's Working Group on Thrombosis is enthusiastic about the new drugs in AF, but it is not so impressed with their use in ACS.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

AHA: No evidence that gum disease causes CHD

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EDT

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association pours cold water on the idea that periodontal disease contributes to atherosclerotic vascular disease.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

SCD risk increased in blacks with HTN, genetics may be key: LIFE analysis

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:30:18 EDT

Their elevated sudden-death risk was independent of a range of clinical and ECG risk factors, suggesting that "other factors must be playing a role," concluded researchers from the decade-old trial.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Tough sell: WCC 2012 course coaxes trainees toward preventive cardiology

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:15:57 EDT

How to convince young doctors to get involved in CVD prevention, when other areas of cardiology are so alluring—and more lucrative? That's a central conundrum underpinning a trainee course...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Report validates risk of high-dose simvastatin

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EDT

Published as a letter to the editor in the Journal of the American Medical Association, a brief report confirms the higher risk of rhabdomyolysis in patients treated with high-dose simvastatin.

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Sleeve gastrectomy reduces diabetes, CV risk factors

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:30:05 EDT

Sleeve gastrectomy trumps traditional medical therapy for diabetes reduction in an Italian study.

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Igaki-Tamai stent safe out to 10 years

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:15:35 EDT

Long-term data of 50 patients treated with the first fully bioabsorbable stent implanted in the coronary arteries shows the stent to be safe out to 10 years and associated with MACE rates similar to...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Maryland set to establish independent review system for PCI

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:45:13 EDT

The Maryland chapter of the ACC has successfully lobbied the state's legislature to improve oversight of cath labs in the state, although the bill does not include the accreditation requirements the...

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Italian soccer player dies on the pitch

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:00:03 EDT

An Italian soccer player died of cardiac arrest during a match, just a few weeks after a player in England survived a similar incident.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Salt content variable in fast food in different countries

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EDT

Large variations were observed in the salt content between different products, as well as between the same products in different countries.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

AF patients admitted to the hospital on weekends have worse outcomes

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:00:34 EDT

Previous studies have found that MI patients admitted to the hospital on the weekend generally fare worse than patients arriving during the week, so researchers looked at the same question with...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Abiomed's newest Impella pump earns CE Mark

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:00:09 EDT

Abiomed has announced that its Impella cVAD temporary circulatory support device has been approved for sale in Europe.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Five OSU cardiologists earned $1-million bonuses in 2011

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:45:56 EDT

The five electrophysiologists earned $1.3 million in bonus pay in 2011, pushing two of the cardiologists over the $2-million mark in total compensation that year. Only Thad Matta, the men's...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CPR training sessions offered during the Boston Marathon race exposition

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EDT

The Boston Athletic Association, in conjunction with the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, will be providing free CPR demonstrations for runners, family members, and spectators...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Higher HbA1c levels predict better outcomes in advanced heart failure with diabetes

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:15:10 EDT

But not in patients with heart failure without diabetes, observed researchers, who suggest that a midrange rather than very low HbA1c target may be reasonable in some patients with heart failure.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

No mortality risk for losartan vs candesartan seen in heart failure

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 10:00:24 EDT

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // Nothing is rotten in the state of Denmark when it comes to the ARB losartan, compared with candesartan, in patients with heart failure—unlike what had seemed true in...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ECGs refine risk prediction in seniors, but clinical benefit and cost uncertain

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:00:18 EDT

Traditional coronary disease risk factors provide a less accurate estimate of risk in older adults than in middle-aged adults, so researchers tested whether electrocardiographic abnormalities that...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Mobile stroke unit cuts time to treatment

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:40 EDT

Ambulances specially equipped with a CT scanner, laboratory, and telemedicine connection cut "door-to-needle" time in half.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA adds VTE risk to drospirenone BCP labels

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:15:49 EDT

Despite inconsistent epidemiologic studies, the FDA has concluded that drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives may be linked to a higher risk of venous thromboembolism.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Decision aid leads more patients to skip stress tests

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EDT

Cardiac stress testing in patients at low risk for acute coronary syndrome leads to false-positive test results, so researchers have developed a pictograph that explains patients' risk of acute...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Should statins be used in primary prevention? JAMA gets in on the debate

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EDT

Introduced by the JAMA editors to encourage discussion and debate, the inaugural "dueling viewpoints" kicks off its new series by considering the clinical question of whether or not a healthy...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Hospitals launch medical practices to lure well-insured

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EDT

America's hospitals are busier than ever expanding into new and affluent geographic markets to lure well-insured patients, a strategy that could drive up costs as well as jeopardize independent...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

How Big Pharma thwarts generics: The case of fenofibrate

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:45:41 EDT

Authors of a new study argue that physicians could play a bigger role in encouraging the use of generics in order to bring costs down for patients and the healthcare system as a whole. Policy changes...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA: Medtronic CRT-Ds get NYHA 2 HF indication

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:30:04 EDT

Following the majority opinion of an advisory panel last year, the FDA has expanded the indication for Medtronic CRT-D devices to patients with NYHA class 2 heart failure, an LVEF of 30% or less,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

St Jude: Retract "Riata deaths" journal report

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:30:24 EDT

UPDATED // It's urging the peer-reviewed Heart Rhythm to pull a recent analysis of deaths associated with the company's Riata ICD leads, which alleged they are prone to shorting out. The company has...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Persistent high cholesterol more likely in countries with poorer healthcare systems

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:30:13 EDT

An international study found that patients with diagnosed high cholesterol or reported use of lipid-lowering agents were more likely to have persistent high cholesterol if they lived in countries...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PCI bests meds in stable CAD, but message is "do better meds"

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EDT

Is optimal medical therapy a pipe dream, at least right now? An analysis of clinical-practice data from NY State reopens the COURAGE-oriented debate.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA reiterates warning on HeartMate II outflow graft hazard

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:30:00 EDT

Thoratec is advising customers of potential for malfunction of the HeartMate II LVAD's outflow graft and has updated the device's labeling to help surgeons avoid the problem.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Many left ventriculographies are unnecessary

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:45:00 EDT

Modern noninvasive imaging of the left ventricle makes traditional left ventriculography obsolete and redundant in many cases, but it is still a common part of angiography procedures.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Incomplete revascularization makes for worse outcomes out to one year

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:00:09 EDT

The residual SYNTAX score, which is derived from the SYNTAX score used to assess coronary anatomic severity and complexity and calculated after coronary revascularization, was a strong predictor of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dr Gary Gibbons named director of the NHLBI

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EDT

Currently at the Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, Gibbons will begin his new role as director of the NHLBI this summer. He is taking over for Dr Susan Shurin, who was named acting director...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cancer diagnosis ups risk of CV death, suicide

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EDT

A diagnosis of cancer can be so traumatic it can trigger adverse health consequences apart from the cancer, including cardiovascular death.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Mitral regurgitation: Early hazard, later gains following TAVI

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EDT

Mortality in the first 30 days is higher among patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation undergoing transcatheter valve implantation. After the first month, however, MR tends to be...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Medical societies list 45 dubious tests, therapies

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EDT

The American College of Cardiology is one of nine societies that each identified five tests and procedures that are common but often unnecessary, running up the cost of care and sometimes harming a...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

heartwire's Lisa Nainggolan picks up AHCJ award

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:15:00 EDT

Nainggolan's feature story "Lost in transition: The looming epidemic of grown-up congenital heart disease" has placed third in the Association of Health Care Journalists' annual journalism awards in...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

St Jude stops sales of CRT leads with possible insulation problem

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:15:00 EDT

St Jude Medical is warning physicians to look out for externalized conductors on some of its QuickSite and QuickFlex CRT leads and will stop selling the models possibly affected by this issue.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Sleep-deprived doctors safely perform PCI in small, single-center study

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EDT

In this single-center study, researchers did not find any evidence that middle-of-the-night procedures adversely affect the safety and efficacy of PCIs performed the next day by the same operator.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Statin therapy changes plaque composition fast

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 17:15:00 EDT

Some studies have shown that statin therapy can cause nonatherosclerotic coronary plaques to regress, so the YELLOW trial investigators are trying to determine whether statins can modify the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Longer HF hospitalizations cut risk of readmission in analysis

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:45:09 EDT

Within and outside the US, hospital length of stay was inversely related to 30-day readmissions. But another country had both the longest hospitalizations and the lowest readmission rate.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Waist measurements linked with lipids, BP, in youth

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:45:35 EDT

In multivariate regression models that adjusted for age and sex, increasing waist-to-height ratios were significantly associated with worsening lipid profiles across BMI strata, with the strongest...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cardiologist becomes dean at University of Alberta

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:00:19 EDT

The University of Alberta has named Dr Douglas Miller as its permanent dean of medicine after a turbulent period that began when the former dean was accused of plagiarizing a speech.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CPR may save people with unshockable arrhythmias

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:30:25 EDT

The 2010 American Heart Association cardiopulmonary-resuscitation guidelines emphasize uninterrupted chest compressions, an approach shown in several studies to save lives of people in so-called...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

TWENTE published: Resolute matches Xience V stent

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EDT

The Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent was shown to be noninferior to the Xience everolimus-eluting stent in the treatment of "real-world" patients with complex lesions and when used for off-label...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Arrhythmic risk can stay elevated even after improved LVEF

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:00:59 EDT

Could an LVEF that has risen above 35% since ICD implantation indicate less need for a replacement device?

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Oral anticoagulants in the real world: Bleeding rates and medical costs compared

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:45:35 EDT

Two separate experiences with dabigatran from different US centers showing very different results, and new cost-effectiveness analyses with the new drugs were reported in a poster session at last...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Low BMI may up complication, mortality risk at ICD implantation

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:15:52 EDT

Some simple precautions might help prevent the two most common complications that were seen in underweight patients.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Rivaroxaban gets NICE nod in UK for AF

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:30:31 EDT

In its final draft guidance, the UK National Institute for Clinical Excellence has recommended rivaroxaban as an option for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in people with atrial...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Comparison of risk-assessment strategies favors "statins for all"

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 07:45:01 EDT

The multiple approaches to risk-stratifying patients at risk for coronary disease help to identify which patients should take statins, but the comparative cost and effectiveness of these strategies...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Solid four-year safety and efficacy data with biodegradable-polymer DES

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:30:15 EDT

Treatment with the biodegradable-polymer drug-eluting stents significantly reduced the risk of target lesion revascularization 18% and stent thrombosis 44% compared with the Cypher stent. The...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New analysis extends dabigatran MI signal to other thrombin inhibitors

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EDT

A new meta-analysis of trials of dabigatran and its almost-forgotten, long-lost cousin, ximelagatran, shows that there is a signal of increased MI with use of direct thrombin inhibitors. The novel...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA advisors: "Safe" obesity drugs need to prove absence of cardiovascular risk

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:57 EDT

If the FDA follows the recommendations, drug companies will have to either conduct phase 2 to 3 trials or do meta-analyses that rule out excess cardiovascular risk for new obesity drugs that do not...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Low rate of residual stroke with warfarin

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:10:44 EDT

A contemporary meta-analysis of trial data shows a 1.66% annual rate of stroke with current use of warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Antipsychotics linked to MI risk in dementia patients

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:30:12 EDT

Antipsychotic medications are associated with a modest and time-limited increase in risk for MI in elderly patients with dementia.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Riata ICD lead failures: Focus shifts to short-circuit risk

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:45:29 EDT

Abraded insulation and exposed cables were only the beginning of the leads' safety issues. They haven't been implanted in well over a year, but lots of people still have them.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

RAPID GENE: Point-of-care genetic test singles out clopidogrel nonresponders

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:00:42 EDT

Patients in the RAPID GENE test, randomized to undergo point-of-care gene testing, then given prasugrel instead of clopidogrel if found to be carriers of the CYP2C19*2 allele, were significantly less...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA committee members grapple with cardiovascular risks in obesity drugs

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:00:37 EDT

In day one of a two-day meeting, members of the FDA Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee heard from experts in obesity, diabetes, cardiology, and statistics. Later today, the panel...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Non-HDL-C levels linked to risk of cardiovascular events

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:00:31 EDT

LDL-C levels have traditionally been used to determine when to start statin therapy, but a new meta-analysis suggests that non-HDL-C might be a better target.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Figure-8-shaped vena cava filter shows promise

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 10:00:35 EDT

The Crux vena cava filter was 98% successful in the RETRIEVE clinical trial, and its designers hope it will avoid the problems that have plagued other vena cave filters in recent years.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

MOPETT: Is half-dose thrombolysis feasible for moderate PE?

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 16:30:08 EDT

New results from a pilot trial suggest that a half dose of the thrombolytic tPA, in combination with a reduced anticoagulation regime, could be used to successfully treat around 70% of patients...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New oral anticoagulants in AF: What to do in clinical practice

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:45:51 EDT

In a talk entitled "Putting it all together: What should we do now?" Prof John Camm attempted to make some recommendations on how the new drugs should be incorporated into clinical practice.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

BCIS-1: IABP associated with a long-term reduction in mortality

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:30:52 EDT

Researchers report that the elective use of IABP during PCI was associated with a 34% reduction in the risk of death after a median follow-up of 51 months. They were cautious in interpreting the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ASCERT CABG, PCI analysis: Lower mortality with surgery

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // Four-year survival was significantly better with bypass surgery than PCI for patients with two- and three-vessel stable CAD. Did the analysis adequately control for risk,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

IMMEDIATE: EMS-given GIK fails to slow unstable angina's march to MI

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // Out-of-hospital glucose-insulin-potassium, administered by emergency medical services in the first hours of a suspected ACS event, failed to reduce the progression of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ROMICAT II: CT-first ACS strategy matches current practice

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // Results of the 1000-patient ROMICAT II trial provide more evidence that screening chest-pain patients with computed tomography saves time without a noticeable risk of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ISSUE-3: DDD pacing can help suppress asystolic neurally mediated syncope

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:10:00 EDT

Patient selection was likely the key to the success of pacemaker therapy, according to researchers: all randomized patients had shown what was considered likely to be that form of syncope during...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New monoclonal antibody to PCSK9 impresses with LDL-cholesterol reductions

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:15:20 EDT

Among a group of patients treated with atorvastatin who still had elevated cholesterol levels, treatment with the new compound reduced LDL cholesterol by more than 70% from baseline. Researchers...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Start lowering LDL in childhood, new study suggests

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:15:00 EDT

Results of a "natural" randomized trial using genetic data suggest that lowering LDL early in life has a much greater potential to reduce heart disease than starting treatment later in life.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Most ICD implants appropriate, more detailed chart notes may be needed

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EDT

An audit of a suburban New York hospital highlighted a gap between national coverage determination directives for ICD implants and clinical practice based on medical judgment and more updated...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

EINSTEIN PE: Rivaroxaban equals standard therapy, halves major bleeding

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:00:17 EDT

The new oral factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban proved equivalent to standard care of LMWH plus vitamin-K antagonist for the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism in the EINSTEIN PE study reported...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

STAMPEDE: Bariatric surgery betters standard diabetes treatment in the obese

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EDT

UPDATED // Findings from two randomized trials showed that bariatric surgery was considerably better than traditional medical therapy for controlling type 2 diabetes in obese patients, independent of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CORONARY: Off-pump and on-pump CABG give similar short-term outcomes

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

The largest study ever to compare the two techniques has shown similar 30-day results for the primary end point. Differences in secondary end points may drive decisions on an individual basis until...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Transcatheter valves in inoperable patients at two years: PARTNER B

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

Two-year outcomes in the PARTNER B trial, testing transcatheter aortic-valve replacement against best medical care in inoperable patients, have now been published.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CCTA-first ER strategy safely discharges more patients: ACRIN/PA

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

UPDATED // Most patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected acute coronary syndrome are not suffering from it, so CCTA, with its high negative-predictive value, is an attractive...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PARTNER A: Even mild paravalvular leaks linked with higher mortality at two years

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

UPDATED // A phenomenon virtually unheard of in the surgical valve-replacement era, paravalvular leaks were linked with higher mortality, although overall mortality rates were no different between...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

MI in pregnancy "a different entity"

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 07:30:14 EDT

MI in pregnancy or in the postpartum period creates a host of issues that are different from a conventional heart attack, data from a new survey of such cases show.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Renal-denervation debate centers on response time

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EDT

CORRECTED // A session updating attendees on the latest findings from studies on renal denervation for severe resistant hypertension attracted much attention today.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Low levels of LDL cholesterol predate cancer cases by nearly two decades

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:45:00 EDT

The analysis, which used data from the Framingham Heart Study and included patients not currently taking lipid-lowering medications, puts a kibosh on hypotheses suggesting that cancer causes low...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Black and white athletes need separate screening guidelines

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:30:04 EDT

Preparticipation cardiac screening for athletes leads too many false positives, especially in black athletes, so a group in England has refined the screening process to account for racial differences...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

BRIDGE ACS: Quality initiative leads to more evidence-based ACS care

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

BRIDGE-ACS evaluated how a coordinated education strategy could improve the Brazilian hospitals' adherence to evidence-based medicine for acute coronary syndromes.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

C-PORT E nine-month results: Elective PCI doesn't need surgery safety net

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

UPDATED WITH INTERVIEW // Consistent with the trial's already-reported six-week outcomes, the rate of major adverse complications at nine months was about the same regardless of the presence of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

INFUSE-AMI: Intracoronary abciximab, not thrombectomy, reduces infarct size

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // The intracoronary administration of abciximab delivered to the infarct lesion site resulted in a significant, albeit modest, reduction in infarct size in patients...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dick Cheney gets a new heart

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:15:31 EDT

Former vice president Dick Cheney received a heart transplant today, according to a statement released by his office. He is currently recovering in the intensive care unit of Inova Fairfax Hospital...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dr Eric Peterson to take the reins at Duke Clinical Research Institute

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 19:00:55 EDT

The accomplished outcomes researcher and clinician has been named the new DCRI director, as the current director heads to Stanford later this year.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Patients with high calcium score more likely to lose weight, take statins

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EDT

Researchers showed patients the calcium in their coronary arteries using scans to find out whether actually seeing coronary disease would motivate more patients to take statins or lose weight.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

TAVI registry updates ADVANCE the field, raise hopes for lower stroke rates

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:25:34 EDT

Low stroke rates in two registries tracking outcomes for the two leading transcatheter valves are raising hopes that the cerebrovascular events that concerned people in the pivotal PARTNER trial may...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Anti-inflammatory bindarit cuts in-stent late loss with bare-metal stents

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EDT

Although the drug was superior to placebo, investigators say in-stent late loss needs to decline further for bindarit, an anti-inflammatory compound that selectively inhibits monocyte chemotactic...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

GIFT exome analysis unearths two new genes related to platelet function

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 15:20:38 EDT

A different kind of genetic analysis, whole exome sequencing, of some of the participants in the GRAVITAS trial has led to the discovery of two new genes believed to be critical to platelet function....

For complete story visit theheart.org.

RESET: Three months of DAPT with Endeavor stent safe as conventional DAPT

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:45:19 EDT

Treatment with aspirin and thienopyridine therapy for three months with the Endeavor stent was noninferior to standard 12-month dual antiplatelet therapy in patients treated with other DES in terms...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

TRA 2�P-TIMI 50: Future possible for vorapaxar in patients with prior MI?

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // The novel antiplatelet agent may have a net clinical benefit in selected secondary-prevention patients, particularly those with a prior MI without a history of stroke or...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FOCUS-CCTRN: Negative trial, but hints for future of cell therapy in heart failure

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EDT

The largest study to date of autologous bone-marrow-cell therapy in patients with chronic ischemic heart failure has shown no significant effect on the prespecified end points but did suggest an...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Everolimus DES: Stent-thrombosis advantage vs bare-metal stents in meta-analysis

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:45:02 EDT

Stents like the widely used Xience V showed a lower rate at one year and at other time points compared with bare-metal stents and some other drug-eluting stents in 50�000-patient meta-analysis.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cardiologists are happy(ish), married non-tweeters, survey reveals

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EDT

Cardiologists, for the most part, drive Japanese cars, believe in a higher power, and are moderately savvy when it comes to social media. Those are just some of the cardiology pearls from a recent...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Poor prognosis for big between-arm BP differences in primary care

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:30:29 EDT

The first research to look specifically at how interarm differences in systolic blood pressure in a primary-care setting relate to future outcomes has found that those with a double-digit difference...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Investigational antibody to PCSK9 reduces LDL-cholesterol levels

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EDT

Three new phase 1 studies of an investigational human monoclonal antibody specific to PCSK9 significantly reduced LDL-cholesterol levels in a group of healthy volunteers and in subjects with familial...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Latest Canadian AF guidelines encourage new oral anticoagulants

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:30:07 EDT

The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has updated its guidelines on atrial fibrillation to reflect some major new findings that have been reported during the past year or so.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Circulating endothelial-cell test may predict plaque ruptures

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EDT

A group at Scripps Translational Science Institute is developing a blood test that uses circulating endothelial cells to spot a plaque rupture in progress.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Orthostatic hypotension ups risk of HF by 50%

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:44 EDT

New data from the ARIC study show that those with orthostatic hypotension have a higher risk of developing heart failure over 17 years of follow-up.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Higher death rate with "off-pump" vs "on-pump" CABG: Cochrane review

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:30:21 EDT

The authors conclude that CABG should be routinely performed "on pump," and "off-pump" surgery should be reserved for patients with contraindications to aortic cannulation.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Another study questions epinephrine for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EDT

Any short-term gains from giving the drug come with a high cost later, suggest adjusted analyses of a massive national CPR registry.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

No benefit of vitamin E in heart failure

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EDT

The addition of vitamin E did reduce the risk of developing heart failure with a normal ejection fraction, but these results need to be confirmed in larger studies, say investigators.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Renal patients with ACS don't benefit from antiplatelets

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 11:30:36 EDT

In the first-ever meta-analysis to mine antiplatelet trials for specific data on kidney-disease patients, researchers find that there is little evidence of benefit for agents such as clopidogrel in...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Merck abandons oral vernakalant

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:30:23 EDT

The decision is based on its "assessment of the regulatory environment and projected development timeline," according to company officials.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Nonphysicians pinpoint those at high CVD risk in rural India

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EDT

Employing nonphysician healthcare workers to go into villages in India, spot those at high risk of CVD, and recommend appropriate therapies holds promise as a way of tackling the CVD epidemic...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Drug-coated balloon reduces restenosis over long term

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EDT

The paclitaxel-coated balloon showed promise as a treatment for in-stent restenosis in early trials, but whether the results would hold up over the long term was not evident until the release of the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

What's going to be hot at ACC 2012

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:00:51 EDT

There are 18 late-breaking clinical trials, many addressing unresolved issues with already-approved products or procedures. Outside the main tent, the program offers debates, live and taped cases, a...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Life on a 12-hour charge: Seeking community in the LVAD age

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:45:08 EDT

For people living with a left ventricular assist device, knowing a few simple tricks can make life a bit easier. Others with LVADs make good teachers, but increasingly, LVAD recipients are looking...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Soccer star's cardiac arrest�prompts screening questions

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EDT

The dramatic collapse and resuscitation attempts following the cardiac arrest of a 23-year-old UK soccer player, Fabrice Muamba, this weekend have prompted calls for wider cardiac screening of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.