theHeart.org

Sen Grassley questions top medical schools about ghostwriting

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:15:28 EST

As part of his mission to see more financial transparency in medicine, Sen Grassley has asked eight top US medical schools about their policies on ghostwriting.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Stroke incidence related to PCI steady over 15 years

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:13 EST

Mayo Clinic researchers report that their stroke rate related to PCI has stayed steady for the last 15 years, something they interpret as good news, given that substantially older, sicker patients...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ALLHAT investigators report 10-year follow-up and stand by diuretics as first step antihypertensive treatment

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:00:01 EST

New 10-year mortality and morbidity data confirm the original trial conclusions, they say, that while amlodipine and lisinopril are not superior to chlorthalidone on any outcome, chlorthalidone is...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Oral anticoagulants REDEEMed? Daily dabigatran "safe" with dual antiplatelets after MI

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:00:11 EST

A dose-finding study saw what were characterized as low bleeding rates associated with triple-drug antithrombotic therapy that included the oral anticoagulant dabigatran in patients with a recent ACS...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

EFFECT: Public reporting of hospital performance improves quality of care?

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:00:55 EST

Publicly released report cards based on hospital performance did not result in a measurably greater systemwide improvement in two composite AMI or CHF process-of-care indicators in a Canadian study....

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Kenneth Baughman killed while jogging at AHA

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:30:46 EST

UPDDATED // Dr Kenneth Baughman, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, died Monday morning in Orlando, FL, when he was struck by a car while out for a morning run.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

BARI 2D cost-effectiveness analysis favors medication over PCI for less severe CVD in diabetic patients

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:45:07 EST

New data from the BARI 2D trial comparing medical therapy vs revascularization in diabetics shows higher up-front costs of revascularization are only partially offset by long-term savings.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Ticagrelor effects unraveled in new phase 2 trials

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:00:52 EST

New and unique phase 2 data add to the growing body of evidence explaining the pharmacologic effects of the new antiplatelet agent ticagrelor.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CT-STAT: CT angiography rules out CAD faster and cheaper than standard care

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:45:38 EST

The use of coronary CT angiography in the emergency room can successfully triage at-risk chest-pain patients and can do so faster and less expensively than standard diagnostic testing.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Baseline function data from STICH no help in pinpointing patients who benefit from SVR

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:45:20 EST

Measures of left ventricular dysfunction or wall motion identified by different imaging modalities at baseline offer no clues as to whether a subset of patients treated with surgical ventricular...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ACC/AHA focused update of guidelines for STEMI, PCI

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

The latest evidence for the treatment of STEMI and PCI has been incorporated into a fast-track update of US guidelines. But questions remain about the quality of some of the evidence informing the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

JCHF: Are low doses of carvedilol effective in heart failure?

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

Doses of carvedilol as low as 2.5 mg daily may be effective in Japanese patients with heart failure, according to this study. But experts said the trial was far too small to draw any meaningful...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Niacin not beneficial in patients at goal with statins: NIA Plaque

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST

The addition of niacin to statin therapy in secondary-prevention patients resulted in a significant improvement in lipids but failed to significantly alter atherosclerotic disease progression as...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CDC data show LDL screening rate remains stagnant; many who could benefit go without lipid-lowering drugs

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:45:53 EST

Editorialists discuss simplifying LD-management guidelines in light of a CDC study in which two-thirds of subjects who are at high risk for developing coronary disease within 10 years and eligible...

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RE-LY: Post hoc analysis confirms benefit of dabigatran relative to warfarin at all INR levels

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:30:06 EST

A new analysis confirms that regardless of INR control achieved across participating centers, dabigatran remained noninferior at the lower dose and superior at the higher dose to warfarin for...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cardiologists shocked by new FDA alert on clopidogrel-PPI interaction

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:45:02 EST

The FDA has issued a new warning on an interaction between clopidogrel and the PPI omeprazole and other drugs that inhibit the CYP2C19 enzyme, just weeks after the only randomized trial on this issue...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Statins do not eliminate risk of low HDL-cholesterol levels

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST

Researchers say a new study shows that statins don't alter the risks associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels and that raising HDL cholesterol 10�mg/dL could prevent an additional eight MIs per...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Anthracycline cardiotoxicity appears limited in breast cancer in the short term

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:15:44 EST

No significant incidence of short-term cardiac toxicity was observed in breast-cancer patients on dose-dense anthracycline regimens, but longer-term follow-up is needed.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

POPE: No benefit of diclofenac on pericardial effusion

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:33 EST

Mean pericardial effusion grade postcardiac surgery was not reduced with 14 days of treatment with the NSAID.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CASCADE: No significant benefit of clopidogrel in reducing graft disease after CABG

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:00:24 EST

Dual antiplatelet therapy did not significantly reduce vein graft intimal hyperplasia compared with aspirin alone over 12 months.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

HEAAL: High-dose trumps low-dose ARB for heart failure in the ACE-inhibitor intolerant

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:15:58 EST

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // The randomized trial, which compared losartan dosages of 150 mg/day and 50 mg/day, "makes a strong case for the value of incremental inhibition of the renin-angiotensin...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FAIR-HF: Symptom improvement, functional gains follow correction of iron deficiency in heart failure

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // The randomized, placebo-controlled study's intriguing wrinkle: the benefits after 24 weeks of treatment with an injectable form of iron were independent of whether the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

HeartMate II continuous-flow VAD sets new benchmark in destination-therapy trial

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // Thoratec's HeartMate II continuous-flow VAD keeps about half of patients alive and stroke- or reintervention-free after two years in pivotal destination therapy trial.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Bypassing the blues: How simple collaborative care can help tackle depression after CABG surgery

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:45:23 EST

Depression after coronary artery bypass surgery is often overlooked by physicians but is associated with worse outcomes. A new US study illustrates a simple telephone-based approach to tackle this,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Postop anemia in high-CV-risk patients: No CV gains from fixed hemoglobin target in trial

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:45:01 EST

A randomized trial found no protection from in-hospital cardiovascular events with a strategy of blood transfusions to maintain hemoglobin above 10 g/dL, compared with a more conservative approach to...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

RECORD AF: Better success with rhythm control, but no difference in outcomes

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:00:40 EST

New registry data presented this week showed that cardiologists are more likely to select rhythm control over rate control for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, and this strategy is more likely...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Massachusetts data show similar STEMI PCI outcomes in hospitals with or without surgery

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:15:48 EST

Data from a Massachusetts registry add to the growing evidence that hospitals without bypass-surgery capabilities can match the acute coronary intervention outcomes of surgery-on-site centers.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cangrelor in CHAMPION: What went wrong?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:15:27 EST

Discussion is abounding on why cangrelor did not show benefit over clopidogrel despite the fact that it did inhibit platelet activity more effectively.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Plasma renin activity associated with cardiovascular events and mortality in HOPE

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST

Patients with elevated baseline plasma renin activity levels had a twofold increased risk of total or cardiovascular mortality compared with those with low levels, and the strength of the association...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Medical device correction issued for Cardiac Science AEDs

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:24 EST

AEDs manufactured by Cardiac Science are undergoing a nationwide voluntary medical device correction because of the potential failure of these devices to deliver therapy during use.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

REPLACE registry finds 15.3% six-month complication rate with pacer and ICD lead replacements

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:30:42 EST

The REPLACE registry finds "sobering" comprehensive risk rates with pacemaker and ICD upgrades.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PRINCE: Prehospital intranasal cooling after cardiac arrest feasible, may improve survival

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:45:41 EST

A device that allows therapeutic hypothermia to begin in the field has been shown to be safe and its use feasible in treating out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Good news continues for ticagrelor in PLATO STEMI subanalysis

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST

Ticagrelor, an investigational antiplatelet agent, may become a new standard of care for the management of patients with STEMI heading for primary PCI, said the lead investigator of the STEMI subset...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ARBITER 6-HALTS: HDL raising with niacin superior to ezetimibe

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST

Extended-release niacin is superior to ezetimibe in its effect on carotid intima-media thickness. While experts say the trial tells clinicians little about ezetimibe, it is a big win for niacin given...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PACE: BiV pacing protects against RV pacing's adverse ventricular effects in randomized trial

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:30:23 EST

In patients with conventional indications for pacing and normal systolic function, preservation of synchrony with biventricular pacing prevented the adverse remodeling effects of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

POPULARity contest: For platelet function assays, what works, what doesn't

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:15:02 EST

None of the eight platelet assays studied were able to predict bleeding, but four of the eight, based on ADP-induced platelet aggregation, produced results that correlated with adverse CV outcomes....

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PEPCAD-3: Paclitaxel-coated-balloon/stent system misses mark in de novo coronary lesions

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:30:25 EST

Inflation of the paclitaxel-delivering balloon followed by a bare-metal stent failed a randomized noninferiority test against the Cypher sirolimus-eluting stent in previously untreated coronary...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FRANCE: Transcatheter-valve registry permits "observation" of CoreValve, Sapien differences

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:45:44 EST

Results from one of the first registries to evaluate contemporary use of both the Edwards Sapien transcatheter valve and the CoreValve bioprosthesis show that complication rates are low and similar,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Canadian confusion: Primary-care docs lack knowledge of CVD risk factors, prevention

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:00:30 EST

Family doctors and general practitioners in Canada are confused about cardiovascular risk assessment in primary prevention, a new survey reveals.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Two-year EXPIRA results suggest mechanical aspiration with primary PCI may reduce mortality

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 09:00:03 EST

Two-year follow-up results from the EXPIRA study show mechanical thrombectomy during primary PCI improves myocardial perfusion and may reduce mortality.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Experienced operators can switch easily and rapidly to radial-access PCI: RAPTOR

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST

Experienced interventional cardiologists can rapidly shift their practice from the femoral-artery to the radial-access approach, with no increase in procedure time and radiation exposure for PCI....

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CHAMPION: Negative trials but some positive angles for cangrelor?

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

Although neither CHAMPION-PCI nor CHAMPION-PLATFORM showed significant reductions in the primary end point with this new IV antiplatelet agent, some positive effects were seen, suggesting that the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Natural ventricular rate a powerful risk predictor in ICD trial

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:15:47 EST

It's routinely assessed but underappreciated as a risk marker: the natural, unpaced heart rate of patients with implanted defibrillators was a strong, independent predictor of poor clinical outcomes...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

William Ganz, innovative cardiologist, scientist, and inventor, dies

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:15:08 EST

Pioneering interventional cardiologist William Ganz dies.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

SGR repair bill failure could cool physician support for healthcare reform

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:58 EST

Now that the US House of Representatives has passed a healthcare reform bill, organized medicine anticipates another vote—possibly next week—on a second bill that would rewrite Medicare's...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

DES fractures occur more often than thought

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:15:57 EST

A new postmortem study using high-resolution imaging has found that fractures in drug-eluting stents may be more common than thought. However, the majority of such fractures appear to be low-grade...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Total- and HDL-cholesterol levels, not triglycerides, predict vascular risk

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:00:40 EST

Clinicians can simplify their existing risk-assessment tools by measuring either total- and HDL-cholesterol levels or apolipoproteins, and this assessment can effectively be done in patients who did...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ASTRAL finds no benefit of revascularization over medical therapy alone for renal-artery stenosis

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

Percutaneous revascularization of atherosclerotic renal arteries improves patency, but its benefits on renal function have been evaluated only in small studies. The 806-patient ASTRAL trial found no...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA investigating external-defib energy levels

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:45:30 EST

The agency is following up on 14 reports over the past three years of unsuccessful defibrillation/cardioversion attempts from a 200-J device followed by successful therapy from a 360-J unit.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Regions with high rates of carotid-stenting adoption have poorer outcomes

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:15:28 EST

Results from a new study suggest that, as the use of carotid artery stenting has become more widespread following expanded Medicare coverage, overall revascularization outcomes have worsened.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

What's going to be hot at AHA 2009?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:00:54 EST

Anticipation is building for full trial results from ARBITER 6-HALTS, plus a better understanding of what went wrong with cangrelor in the CHAMPION trials. Also in the lineup are updates from PLATO,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Walking speed predicts CV mortality in older people

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST

Fast walkers should find themselves less likely to succumb to cardiovascular death, according to a new French study in older adults. Measuring general fitness in this way could easily be incorporated...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

No benefits of aspirin for primary prevention in diabetics, meta-analysis suggests

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:15:54 EST

Most guideline documents recommend aspirin for primary prevention in people with diabetes, but a new meta-analysis has found no benefit of the widely used drug across a range of different...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Clopidogrel effects in men vs women

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:15:59 EST

A new meta-analysis has suggested that clopidogrel reduces cardiovascular events and increases bleeding in both men and women, without significant differences between the sexes.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

One in four discharged after heart-failure hospitalization are back within a month

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

What's behind the high rehospitalization rate, the same one seen year after year, for patients discharged after a hospitalization for heart failure, in an analysis covering three years of Medicare...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Class I recall of CardioVations EndoClamp catheters

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:45:21 EST

Edwards's September 24 recall of balloon catheters used in bypass surgery has been categorized as a class I recall by the FDA.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Echocardiographic evidence of PAH often doesn't trigger referral to a specialist

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:48 EST

Only one in four patients with echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension is being referred for further evaluation.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Ambrisentan effective long-term for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

New data from the extension phase of two pivotal trials of the endothelin-receptor antagonist ambrisentan support its use as part of a long-term strategy for the treatment of pulmonary arterial...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CT angiography shows coronary plaque progression

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

Coronary plaque burden in patients with acute chest pain increases significantly over two years. A new Harvard study evaluates CTA as a tool to follow the progression.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Obesity may top hypertension as risk factor for LA enlargement

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

Obesity and hypertension were major independent risk factors for left atrial enlargement (itself a risk factor for atrial fibrillation) in an observational, population-based study, but obesity was...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

DE-MRI shows which myocardial injury is irreversible

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

Distinguishing myocardial scarring with MRI may help predict LV functional recovery.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

US House passes healthcare reform bill

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:00:15 EST

In the face of near-unanimous Republican opposition and a last-ditch effort to change the bill, the US House of Representatives voted in favor of legislation to overhaul the nation's healthcare...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Interventional cardiologist Donald Baim dies

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:22:01 EST

UPDATED // Interventional cardiologist Dr Donald Baim, chief medical and scientific officer at Boston Scientific, has died.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Latest European and US STEMI guidelines compared and contrasted

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:15:26 EST

The latest recommendations for the treatment of ST-elevation MI issued by American cardiology associations and the European Society of Cardiology are compared and contrasted in a new paper.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Enrollment halts in randomized trial of CPR for out-of-hospital arrest

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:39 EST

No survival differences after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were seen at a preliminary DSMB review in the ROC PRIMED trial, which compared early vs delayed post-CPR assessment for defibrillation and...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Medicaid access to smoking cessation falls short

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:30:46 EST

A national survey shows that although the majority of state Medicaid programs offer coverage for some form of tobacco-dependence treatment, most fall far short of a stated mandate to provide...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Serum phosphorous, kidney function predict CAC

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

The Spokane Heart Study finds a connection between kidney function, serum phosphorus, and the risk of coronary artery calcification.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Low-cholesterol/cancer studies should "dispel lingering doubts" of causal link

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:15:24 EST

Two new papers should help put to rest concerns that low serum cholesterol levels may increase cancer risk.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Not all metabolic syndrome is created equal: Framingham Offspring analysis

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:45:03 EST

The syndrome (defined by ATP III criteria) can predict increased cardiovascular and mortality risk or not, depending on which three of five risk factors contributed to the diagnosis, a cohort study...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Prehospital triage "immediately successful" in boosting rates of thrombolytic therapy for stroke

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:00:44 EST

Toronto researchers report that a citywide prehospital protocol raised their rates of thrombolytic treatment to among the highest in North America, underlining, they say, the critical importance of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Better survival in hospitalized flu patients on statins

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:30:28 EST

Statin users hospitalized for influenza experienced a 54% lower risk of death compared with patients not taking statins.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Off-pump CABG shows no benefit over on-pump approach: ROOBY study

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

A 2203-patient randomized trial of off-pump vs on-pump CABG surgery found no differences in neuropsychological outcomes and worse overall outcomes for the off-pump group at one-year follow-up.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

VELETI in print: Plaque sealing of SVGs a strategy "ahead of its time"?

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:30:23 EST

The imaging study was the first to show that stenting a non-flow-limiting stenosis of an SVG may help slow or halt the accelerated atherosclerosis that takes place in these vessels. An accompanying...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Adding fuel to the J-curve fire; debate is reignited

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:30:56 EST

More discussion about the J-curve in hypertension is published this week; one expert believes the undue attention being paid to this subject might discourage doctors from treating high blood pressure...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

No CV risk reduction with B vitamins posttransplant

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:15:27 EST

In keeping with all the other evidence showing no effects of homocysteine-lowering with B vitamins, the FAVORIT study now confirms that this lack of benefit is also seen in renal-transplant...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Another in-hospital CV risk marker: 24-hour shifts with overnight on-call duty

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:45:43 EST

Long work shifts with nighttime on-call duty, with the inevitable interruptions of sleep, are associated with ECG, blood-pressure, and biochemical changes associated with increased cardiovascular...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CAC scoring plus SPECT provide long and short view of cardiac risk

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:51 EST

UPDATED // An 1126-patient trial shows that SPECT and CAC scoring imaging tests are independent and complementary predictors of short- and long-term cardiac risk, respectively.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Interventional cardiologist sues hospital under Whistleblower's Act

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:15:34 EST

Dr David Gossman has filed a lawsuit claiming that he was fired for complaining about ties between the hospital and some of its senior staff with the medical device company Medtronic.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

US updates advice on perioperative beta-blocker use in noncardiac surgery

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:30:32 EST

A US update on the perioperative use of beta blockers for noncardiac surgery is, says the lead author, "similar" to recent European guidance on this issue.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA expands exenatide use; warns of renal-failure risk

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:15:00 EST

The FDA has issued a warning about exenatide the same day the agency approved its first-line use along with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CMS set to cut Medicare physician fees for cardiovascular imaging

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:45:09 EST

The 2010 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule released by the CMS makes major cuts to several cardiovascular imaging services.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CORONA analysis reopens door for statins in heart failure

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:45:33 EST

Statins for heart failure? After they failed to show much effect in two large randomized trials? Yes—maybe; at least in patients with ischemic heart failure who start the drugs early enough,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Combined home/GP hypertension control program successful in Pakistan

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST

A synergistic approach of educating general practitioners about hypertension control together with a program to send lay workers into people's homes to educate them about the management of high blood...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Advocates build support for Canadian Heart Health Strategy in a difficult environment

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:15:59 EST

Supporters of the Canadian Heart Health Strategy and Action Plan continue to solicit support from physicians and the public for a comprehensive strategy for improving Canadian's heart health at both...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

No TREAT: Darbepoetin alfa fails to reduce CV or renal events in anemic diabetics with CKD

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:41:45 EDT

No differences were seen between groups, except in strokes, which were twice as high in the active-treatment group. Anticipated improvements in fatigue scores were modest and not clinically...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Blood type of pig may be factor in longevity of porcine replacement heart valves

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:45:00 EDT

Researchers in Ottawa find that the longevity of porcine replacement heart valves may depend partly on whether the blood type of the patient matches the blood type of the valve's "original owner."

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Imaging study shows plaque regression with niacin vs placebo

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EDT

Just weeks before ARBITER-HALTS�6 results come out at AHA 2009, an MRI study suggests that niacin is better than placebo in statin-treated patients with low HDL, at least for reducing carotid wall...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Lifestyle-based diabetes prevention seen to endure for at least a decade

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EDT

The protective effects of diet modification, exercise, and other lifestyle changes against new-onset diabetes showcased in the three-year Diabetes Prevention Program continued out to 10 years in a...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Combination drugs for weight loss

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:30:33 EDT

Two studies presented this week have shown positive effects on weight loss using a combination of agents.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Benefits of targeted lead placement with CRT devices supported by long-term mortality data

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:00:55 EDT

An additional year of data from the INCREMENTAL study showed that echo-targeted LV lead positioning increased the likelihood of a response to device therapy by about 40% over standard lead placement....

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CRP predicts mortality and MI, but not stroke

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:54 EDT

A new analysis from the Northern Manhattan Study finds that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was modestly associated with mortality and MI but not ischemic stroke in this multiethnic population,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

First trial of viral-derived protein agent shows promise as anti-inflammatory ACS therapy

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:45:16 EDT

Inflammatory responses contribute to coronary plaque rupture, thrombosis, and vascular occlusion. Some viruses have proteins that interfere with these inflammatory responses. Researchers have...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Sex differences in changing MI prevalence, mortality challenge conventional wisdom

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:30:28 EDT

Two well-known observational registries highlight such changes in women and men over a decade or more: Do women younger than 55 still have an advantage over men in the same age group?

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Underutilization of ICDs in CABG patients is worst in women and elderly, Halifax study shows

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:45:37 EDT

Only 101 of 1169 post-bypass-surgery patients eligible for an ICD got one over a 13-year period in Nova Scotia.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Schizophrenia plus diabetes linked with higher CAD yet lower revascularization rates

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:30:56 EDT

Individuals with schizophrenia and diabetes—as opposed to diabetes only—have a greater risk of CAD but a smaller likelihood of receiving CABG or PCI, a large cohort study suggests.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Bariatric surgery fails to reduce risk of MI long term

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:30:14 EDT

After a median follow-up of 12 years, MI rates were essentially the same among those treated with surgery and those who received conventional care for weight loss.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Non-CV mortality also important in dialysis patients

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:15:19 EDT

Physicians may tend to overlook risk factors for noncardiovascular mortality in patients starting dialysis, since the emphasis in the past has always been on cardiovascular risk, researchers say.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Lorcaserin passes weight-loss and valvular hurdles in BLOSSOM study

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:15:27 EDT

Among overweight patients, including those with preexisting echocardiographic valvulopathy, the average weight loss was approximately 5 kg with lorcaserin. Importantly, there were no concerns raised...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Contrary to common belief, women feel same heart-attack symptoms as men

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:30:23 EDT

Women and men have the same rates of chest pain and other classic symptoms during ACS, although women are more likely to experience some other symptoms such as jaw and neck pain.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Stent pioneer Julio Palmaz urges DES makers to "learn from mistakes of the past"

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:00:38 EDT

Speaking at the 30th anniversary of the GISE Congress, Palmaz said he'd never believed drug elution was the way forward for stents and outlined his theories for why coatings of any kind disrupt the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Blood products should be used conservatively in heart-surgery patients, trial shows

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:15:25 EDT

Administration of blood products to stable patients post-cardiac surgery increases their risk of death, renal failure, and sepsis, according to new research.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ACCORD update: "One size fits all" may not be best glucose-lowering strategy

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:00:02 EDT

While post hoc analyses of ACCORD data suggest there are subgroups of diabetic patients who may not benefit from an aggressive glucose-lowering approach, similar analyses with ADVANCE data did not...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Experts weigh in on calorie lists on menus, despite "mixed" science

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:45:21 EDT

Results showing that people eat less when they know how many calories are in that Big Mac are mixed, but experts say that menu labeling provides only upside, with no public-health cost, and that over...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Distribution of body fat important in VTE

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EDT

The distribution of body fat, as well as the amount, is important when it comes to the risk of venous thromboembolism, Danish researchers have discovered.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

NRMI data raise more questions about PCI in nonsurgery centers

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:00:23 EDT

A new analysis of national registry data suggests that the superior outcomes of NSTEMI patients in hospitals with open-heart-surgery capabilities vs those without it are due to their size, procedure...

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Less exposure to cardiovascular risk factors with intensive diabetes intervention: Look AHEAD

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EDT

Intensive lifestyle intervention in the management of diabetes produces sustained weight loss and improvements in fitness, as well as improvements in glycemic control, systolic blood pressure, and...

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New MESA data: Pericardial fat a better predictor of CHD than BMI

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT

Pericardial fat, which is found around the heart, predicts future CHD events and may even be a better predictor of these than conventional obesity measures, such as BMI and waist circumference, a new...

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NT-proBNP "remarkable predictor" of incident atrial fibrillation

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:30:37 EDT

The fact that elevated baseline NT-proBNP levels predict a diagnosis of AF even 16 years later suggests that peptide elevations precede the onset of arrhythmia, according to the researchers.

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New model connects low-dose radiation to CVD risk

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:30:21 EDT

Data from Japanese atomic-bomb survivors and people exposed to radiation in their jobs show that even low doses of ionizing radiation may contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. British...

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Look at absolute event rates when interpreting trial results

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:30:19 EDT

The low event rate in the RECORD trial of rosiglitazone has led some to question the validity of the results.

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NHLBI director Nabel named new president of Brigham and Women's Hospital

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:15:16 EDT

Brigham and Women's/Faulkner Hospitals in Boston names Dr Elizabeth G Nabel as its next president, effective January 1, 2010.

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GLP-1 analog liraglutide promising in obesity

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EDT

A drug originally developed to treat diabetes may have promise as an obesity therapy, a new study shows. Those taking liraglutide, a GLP-1 analog, lost more weight than those on an established...

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HCM transmitted by sperm donation: A case report

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:45:36 EDT

The donor, who was later shown to be affected by a novel beta-myosin heavy-chain mutation that causes HCM, is responsible for at least nine children known to be genetically affected with HCM.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Glucose lowering in type 2 diabetes to prevent CVD remains controversial but still important

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:45:51 EDT

Although the case for intensive glucose lowering in diabetic patients to prevent CVD is not straightforward, glucose control is still important for other reasons, and blood pressure and lipid control...

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Simple cooling methods improve neurologic outcomes after cardiac arrest, new review confirms

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:00:03 EDT

A new literature review confirms that conventional cooling methods work safely to improve survival and reduce brain damage after cardiac arrest.

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New analyses from ECASS 3 support use of tPA up to 4.5 hours after stroke

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:30:55 EDT

Investigators show benefits of thrombolysis after stroke across a variety of subgroups; although not all end points reached statistical significance, trends favored treatment with tPA. The message,...

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Iloprost prevents contrast-induced nephropathy in high-risk patients undergoing coronary intervention

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:00:34 EDT

Intravenously administered iloprost, a prostacyclin analog, may help prevent contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with renal dysfunction undergoing coronary procedures, a new pilot study suggests.

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Current risk equations may overestimate CVD risk in diabetic patients

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:00:31 EDT

Researchers using different international databases report that the Framingham and UKPDS risk equations overestimate the probability of CV events in diabetic patients.

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Cardiovascular disease increases risk of hip fracture

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EDT

Swedish researchers have confirmed a link between stroke and subsequent hip fracture in older people and identified for the first time that a diagnosis of heart failure also increases the risk for...

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Just one-third of heart-failure patients receive aldosterone antagonists

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EDT

Just one-third of hospitalized HF patients who meet the criteria for an aldosterone antagonist receive the drugs upon discharge. On the plus side, few patients with contraindications are prescribed...

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Omega-3s no help to SSRI-treated CHD patients

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EDT

The researchers suggest further study is still needed, as it is unclear whether higher doses of omega-3 fatty acids or setraline, longer treatment, or a different ratio of EPA to DHA would produce...

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Data from 1.23 million patients confirms warfarin increases mortality in trauma patients

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:45:55 EDT

Warfarin use is rising in both older and younger patients. How much does the anticoagulant contribute to the risk of traumatic injuries?

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Thiazolidinediones have a role for appropriate diabetic patients

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:45:38 EDT

After 10 years of clinical use of TZDs, "we are still at the beginning," and randomized controlled trials shed light on their use in appropriate diabetic patients, speakers at a diabetes symposium...

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Statin drugs lower costs and complications of aortic surgery

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:30:57 EDT

There are significant cost savings with statin therapy before abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and the complication rate is less than half that of patients who do not receive preop statins.

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ACE inhibitors of benefit in ischemic heart disease patients with preserved LV function

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT

Patients with ischemic heart disease and preserved LV function on standard therapy will gain additional benefit from taking ACE inhibitors, a new review concludes. The same cannot be said for ARBs, a...

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Expanded indication for telmisartan

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:30:16 EDT

The drug can now be used to reduce the risk of MI, stroke, or death from cardiovascular causes in patients 55 years of age or older who are intolerant to ACE inhibitors but at high risk for...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

TYCOON: One year of dual-antiplatelet therapy with DES isn't enough

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:45:34 EDT

New results from an Italian registry reopen the question of how long drug-eluting stent recipients should stay on a dual antiplatelet regimen to prevent late thrombosis.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Transfusion in acute HF: No extra mortality risk

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:00:10 EDT

Blood transfusions for anemia in acute decompensated heart failure don't exacerbate outcomes, as may happen in some ACS cases, suggests a one-year experience of hospitals in Israel. On the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Rosuvastatin cleared for pediatric FH

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:30:01 EDT

The FDA has approved rosuvastatin for use in children aged 10 to 17 years old with familial hypercholesterolemia.

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Smoking bans reduce the risk of acute coronary events: IOM report

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:00:09 EDT

IOM report confirms the cardiovascular benefit of implementing a ban on smoking in public places. The reduction in acute MI, anywhere from 6% to 47%, typically occurs quickly, often within 12 months...

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Zero CAC score not 100% reassuring in those presenting to ER with chest pain

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:45:08 EDT

In those presenting to the ER with chest pain, a prior zero calcium score cannot completely rule out a coronary obstruction, a new analysis of the MESA study has shown. This is likely due to the...

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No link seen between heart failure and coffee intake

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:15:02 EDT

With few studies in the literature specifically looking at the issue, a prospective, population-based study in Sweden has found no significant rise or fall in risk of heart-failure hospitalization or...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Can statins prevent and treat infection?

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:45:36 EDT

Results from a new meta-analysis show the pleiotropic effects of statins are useful in the treatment and prevention of different infections, including bacteremia, pneumonia, and sepsis.

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Endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm reduces short-term mortality

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:15:51 EDT

The OVER study of abdominal aortic aneurysm shows that endovascular grafting has a lower mortality rate at 30 days than traditional open surgery.

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Racial background woefully underreported in CV trials

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:15:10 EDT

Two-thirds of the 156 trials considered by the AHA in preparing a recent guideline failed to even record the ethnic backgrounds of participants, a new study has found. The researchers call for the...

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New COI disclosure form for all ICMJE journals

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:15:57 EDT

The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors has adopted a new uniform disclosure form for reporting conflicts of interest.

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Expert council focuses on left main PCI: Guideline changes suggested

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:45:22 EDT

The group argues that the data are substantive enough for left main PCI to be a class IIb indication or even a class IIa indication in selected patients without coexisting multivessel disease. In...

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A fish tale with merit: Omega-3 PUFAs underrated for heart failure

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:30:27 EDT

Are the data not shouting loud enough, or is cardiology hard of herring? Omega-3 fatty acids may have only a modest treatment effect in heart failure, but they've performed swimmingly in randomized...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Scripps starts routine genetic testing for clopidogrel responsiveness

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:00:05 EDT

Scripps Health has announced that it is now offering patients undergoing elective stenting a test for the gene variants associated with an inability to convert clopidogrel to its active metabolite so...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Hospital efficiency gauged by resource use vs outcomes

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EDT

An analysis of Medicare data from heart-failure patients at six California hospitals challenges the notion advanced by some studies that hospital efficiency can be measured by looking back at...

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Diuretics effective as second-line therapy for hypertension

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:00:48 EDT

Diuretics, especially hydrochlorothiazide, are as effective when given as second-line therapy for high blood pressure as they are when used as initial treatment, according to the first review to look...

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Hopes build for natriuretic-peptide risk stratification before noncardiac surgery

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:00:10 EDT

Could a preoperative blood assay take the place of imaging studies or other more costly assessments of cardiovascular risk? A meta-analysis suggests yes. A massive randomized trial is looking into it...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Genetic variant again linked with statin side effects

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT

Carriers of the SLCO1B1*5 allele are at a twofold increased risk of mild statin-induced side effects, and the majority of these individuals had normal creatine-kinase levels.

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Glucocorticoids seen to double risk of atrial arrhythmias

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EDT

In a case-control study from Denmark, the risk of atrial fibrillation or flutter was significantly increased with current but not previous use of glucocorticoids for chronic obstructive pulmonary...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Vernakalant converts AF to sinus rhythm postsurgery

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:15:03 EDT

The drug, however, is still not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Target HbA1c levels still the subject of much debate, but tailored therapy should be the aim

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:45:25 EDT

Diabetologists are trying to tease out the best message to convey when it comes to target HbA1c levels for primary-care physicians and other nonspecialists who might be treating patients with type 2...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

High adherence to antihypertensive therapy lowers cardiovascular risk

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:30:36 EDT

Newly diagnosed hypertensive individuals who stuck to their antihypertensive therapy had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events than low adherers.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

EULAR: CV risk management in inflammatory arthritis

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:45:12 EDT

The European League Against Rheumatism has issued 10 recommendations for cardiovascular risk management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA clears colesevelam for FH in kids

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:00:39 EDT

The FDA has approved an expanded indication for colesevelam tablets and a new powder for oral suspension as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce LDL-C levels in boys and postmenarchal girls aged...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Coronary thrombosis�the culprit is not just plaque rupture

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:45:48 EDT

Clots derived from a different source—erosions of the arterial wall—may be an important cause of MI and sudden death, particularly in younger women, who may need a different approach to...

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New joint statement streamlines definition of metabolic syndrome

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:45:46 EDT

The statement from the International Diabetes Federation, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the American Heart Association, among others, formalizes the definition of the metabolic...

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New review confirms homocysteine lowering does not prevent CVD events

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:30:45 EDT

The latest review to look at the effects of homocysteine lowering with vitamin-B supplementation has come to much the same conclusions as most other studies and analyses in this field.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Experts debate bariatric surgery as a cure for diabetes

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:15:54 EDT

Under the some-say-misguided term "metabolic" surgery, gastric bypass is now being used in some instances to treat diabetics who are not considered morbidly obese. Experts say the mostly...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

IRIS confirms: No survival gains from early post-MI primary-prevention ICDs

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT

Defibrillators implanted within a month of acute MI may prevent sudden cardiac deaths, but they don't reduce overall mortality, according to a trial that supports current guidelines based primarily...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Elizabeth Taylor tweets about experimental MitraClip procedure

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:00:04 EDT

The MitraClip will likely go before the FDA early next year, meaning that Taylor's experience with the device will form a small (and anonymous) part of the FDA's deliberations.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Lupus anticoagulant a major risk factor for stroke and MI in young women

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:00:40 EDT

Results of the RATIO study suggest lupus anticoagulant, but not anticardiolipin or antiprothrombin antibodies, is associated with increased stroke risk and to a lesser extent MI.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Mercury/blood-pressure link should guide fish choices

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:45:03 EDT

An association seen between mercury levels and blood pressure, even after considering omega-3s and selenium, has researchers warning about the need to weigh the risks and benefits of fish consumption...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Counseling and education fail to reduce prehospital delays in ACS

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EDT

Even among patients with documented ischemic heart disease, an intensive program of education and counseling about the importance of seeking treatment quickly does not lead to reductions in...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Incidental findings on cardiac CT costly and rarely clinically significant

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:15:01 EDT

Among nearly 1000 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac CT, 41% had noncardiac incidental findings, but just 1.2% of these were clinically significant. While another 7% were "indeterminate,"...

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China death toll due to hypertension worse than predicted

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:15:24 EDT

The first prospective study using real data to inform the number of people suffering from and dying due to high blood pressure in China finds the problem is much worse than previously thought. A...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Thiazolidinediones once again linked to fracture risk

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:30:18 EDT

Risk appeared to be similar in men and women, with exposure to either rosiglitazone or pioglitazone, and across a range of fracture sites. The longer the duration of exposure to the drugs, the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Simple, fixed-dose drug bundle may lower MI and stroke risk

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:15:41 EDT

A bundle of medium doses of a statin and an ACE inhibitor appears to lower CV risk in high-risk individuals, an observational study suggests, but critics caution that these are early days.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Acute heart-failure prediction model blends clinical gestalt with natriuretic peptides

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT

Its developers say the prediction model for guiding management of patients presenting with dyspnea can make a difference when clinicians aren't sure about the diagnosis based on clinical signs. An...

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20�000-patient DAPT clinical trial starts enrolling with eight industry sponsors on board

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:45:09 EDT

The trial, rumored to cost more than $100 million, is a first for collaboration: eight drug and device companies are backing the trial, along with the FDA. The study is powered to detect a difference...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Philips recalls thousands of AEDs

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:00:59 EDT

The automatic external defibrillators were distributed by Philips Medical and Laerdal Medical with model numbers M3860A, M3861A, M3840A, and M3841A.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Hypoglycemia associated with increased risk of MI among US veterans with diabetes

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:45:19 EDT

Close attention should be paid to diabetes patients who experience an episode of hypoglycemia, because a new case-control study suggests a 65% increased risk of MI in the immediate two-week aftermath...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Next up: Drug-eluting stents for erectile dysfunction

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:45:26 EDT

In what may be the first clinical trial to test a DES in the pudendal artery, investigators at nine sites are looking at whether pudendal stenting is safe and effective in men who have failed PDE-5...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Stroke reduction with dronedarone shown in post hoc analysis

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:15:19 EDT

Investigators say that although the analysis raises the possibility that a drug with antiarrhythmic activity could reduce the risk of stroke, dronedarone is not a replacement for oral anticoagulant...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Insulin glargine and cancer: Association, no causal link

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:00:18 EDT

That was the conclusion of a recent panel of experts, perhaps alleviating concerns raised by several recent studies. �

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New heparin standards reduce potency of drug 10%

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:30:34 EDT

The Food and Drug Administration is asking clinicians to be aware of the change, particularly in settings where an immediate anticoagulant effect is clinically important.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New "principles" on authorship and COI from PhRMA get mixed response

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:00:10 EDT

The "Principles on Conduct of Clinical Trials and Communication of Clinical Trial Results" echo recent standards set by medical journal editors, but some observers say the document, which has no...

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Wealthy Americans more likely to benefit from statin therapy than poor

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:45:51 EDT

In the past 30 years, wealthier Americans, who were once more likely to have high total- and LDL-cholesterol levels than poorer individuals, now have a significantly better lipid profile. Statins,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

HORIZONS analysis: 600-mg clopidogrel load preferable in primary PCI

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:00:46 EDT

The higher dose was associated with a reduced rate of ischemic events without an increase in bleeding in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

REVERSE, MADIT-CRT make case for extending CRT to mild heart failure: Should guidelines change?

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:30:49 EDT

Now in print after having been presented at meetings, the REVERSE randomized trial's European-cohort two-year results are consistent with the recently published, much larger MADIT-CRT trial in...

For complete story visit theheart.org.