theHeart.org - Lipid/Metabolic

Music, like laughter, benefits heart health

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:15:18 EST

Listening to enjoyable music may be good for cardiovascular health in the same way that laughter is beneficial, new research suggests. (American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.)

APPROACH: Rosiglitazone doesn't affect atherosclerosis progression in diabetics with CV disease

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:00:51 EST

The thiazolidinedione, given for 18 months, didn't appear to reverse or slow disease progression compared with the same duration of treatment with a sulfonylurea, according to the IVUS-based study. Investigators point to hints that that rosiglitazone may have slowed atherosclerosis in such patients with longer-established diabetes. (American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.)

FIT HEART: Novel family-based intervention a good idea, but better methods needed

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:00:18 EST

A new study in which the family members of patients hospitalized for cardiovascular disease were given CVD risk screening and lifestyle advice has shown that it is useful to take advantage of such "motivational moments." But the results could be improved upon, illustrating that it is difficult to change behavior in the "toxic environment" of the US, said the discussant. She stressed that better interventions—such as adopting the Mediterranean diet—are urgently needed. (Mosca L et al. Circ Cardiovasc Qual Outcomes; published online before print November 12, 2008. American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.)

Higher nonfasting triglycerides associated with increased ischemic stroke risk

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:00:39 EST

A new observational study finds an association between higher levels of nonfasting triglycerides and increasing risk for ischemic stroke. (Freiberg JJ et al. JAMA 2008; 300:2142-2152. American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.)

Hibiscus tea reduces blood pressure

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:30:07 EST

Results of a small randomized trial show that hibiscus tea given three times daily reduced systolic blood pressure by about 7 mm Hg in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive subjects. (American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.)

Revascularization, MI, and mortality benefits at three years in diabetic patients treated with drug-eluting stents

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:45:32 EST

The results highlight the preserved efficacy of drug-eluting stents observed in other randomized trials and also point to no increased safety concerns in long-term follow-up. Investigators say drug-eluting stents should be favored over bare-metal stents on a patient-by-patient basis, with their ability to take dual antiplatelet therapy the primary caveat. (Garg P et al. Circulation; published online before print November 10, 2008. American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.)

JPAD: No effect of aspirin primary-CV-event prevention in diabetics

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 21:30:47 EST

Low-dose aspirin didn't cut the risk of cardiovascular events but may have reduced CV mortality, a secondary end point, in the randomized but open-label trial conducted in Japan; clinical events were unexpectedly few, compromising the study's statistical power. (Ogawa H et al. JAMA 2008; 300:2180-2181. American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.)

SEARCH me: Null trial "morphed" into positive meta-analysis

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:30:15 EST

The SEARCH trial showed no effect on major vascular events with either an intensive 80-mg dose of simvastatin compared with a 20-mg dose or with homocysteine lowering using folic acid and vitamin B₁₂. But the statin data fit with other trials in the field, showing a "clear picture" emerging when it comes to the more-vs-less data on statins, say the UK investigators. (American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.)

JUPITER casts a large shadow: Moving from efficacy data to the big picture

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:30:00 EST

Some back-of-the-envelope analyses suggest that the public-health implications of using statins in primary prevention, especially among individuals considered "healthy" by conventional definitions, is weighing heavily on the minds of some cardiologists. heartwire spoke with many experts to get their take on the new JUPITER data. (American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.)

JUPITER hits New Orleans: Landmark study shows statins benefit healthy individuals with high CRP levels

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST

There are a number of adjectives being thrown at the JUPITER study—groundbreaking and paradigm shifting are just two—but many experts believe the study, which showed significant cardiovascular risk reduction among healthy individuals with elevated CRP levels, is likely going to shake up the field of primary prevention. (Ridker PM et al. New Engl J Med; published online before print November 9, 2008. American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.)

Eliminating inequalities in CHD: Focus on classic risk factors

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:30:00 EST

Focusing on the classic risk factors for coronary heart disease and ensuring that best-practice interventions to reduce absolute risk are implemented across the board could largely eliminate socioeconomic differences in CHD deaths, a new British study predicts (Kivimäki M et al. Lancet 2008; 372:1648-1654.)

Sanofi-Aventis scraps ongoing rimonabant research

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:30:50 EST

The company announced its decision after regulatory agencies asked for a discontinuation of the company's clinical trials.

Mixed findings cast doubt on HRT timing hypothesis

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:45:02 EST

A new study has shown mixed results with regard to the effects of hormone-replacement therapy on lipids in women around the time of menopause and also shows that HRT unfavorably affects inflammatory markers. The results muddy the waters somewhat for the so-called "time window" for the use of HRT, say the researchers. (Sowers MR et al. Arch Int Med 2008; 168:2146-2153.)

Eyes trained on JUPITER: Cardiologists seek details to understand how statin use may expand

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:45:33 EST

Full results from the JUPITER trial will be released during the opening late-breaking clinical-trials session at the American Heart Association 2008 Scientific Sessions.

Doctors and lawyers butt heads over statins for primary prevention in women

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST

The data do not support statin use in primary prevention of cardiovascular events for women, and any advertising claims made by drugmakers are vulnerable to legal action, according to one legal expert. Cardiologists, however, argue that the absence of information doesn't mean the drugs don't work in women, and they continue to prescribe them. (Eisenberg T et al. J Empir Leg Stud 2008; 5:507-550.)

Genetic study undermines case for CRP as cause of vascular disease

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Genetically elevated CRP levels were associated with but probably didn't influence cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk in a huge combined analysis of four Danish cohort studies, researchers say. (Zacho J et al. N Engl J Med 2008; 359:1897-1908.)

Metformin top oral antidiabetic for CV-risk reduction, says meta-analysis

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Of all such agents used in 40 select clinical trials, only metformin significantly reduced cardiovascular mortality. An accompanying editorial highlights limitations of meta-analyses and the shortfalls in knowledge about the CV effects of these agents. (Selvin E et al. Arch Intern Med 2008; 168:2070-2080.)

Statin use reduces mortality after hospitalization for pneumonia

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EDT

The decreased mortality rates among those pretreated with statin therapy became evident during the first weeks of hospitalization for pneumonia and persisted to at least 90 days, report investigators. (Thomsen R et al. Arch Intern Med 2008; 168:2081-2087.)

Promising percutaneous CoreValve data from Europe leave US trialists itching for green light from the FDA

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:00:00 EDT

New data from 18 European countries on the fully percutaneous aortic valve speak to low 30-day mortality and improved valve function sustained over the longer term. So why the holdup in the US, where nary a feasibility study has been conducted? (TCT 2008.)

FDA delays decision on TriLipix, Abbott's new fenofibrate

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:00:49 EDT

The agency needs more time to complete a review of TriLipix, a newer, patent-protected fenofibrate from Abbott Laboratories.

Drug maker agrees to suspend rimonabant marketing in Europe

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:30:29 EDT

European regulators say rimonabant's benefits no longer outweigh its risks. Its manufacturer, however, says it remains committed to the drug and hopes to provide evidence to support its reevaluation in the future.

"Western" diet increases MI risk worldwide

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:00:27 EDT

The simple message that a "Western" diet, high in fried foods and meat products, increases the risk of heart attack and that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is protective is applicable in all regions of the world, a new analysis of the INTERHEART study finds. (Iqbal R et al. Circulation; published online before print October 20, 2008.)

Aspirin: Should it be used for primary prevention in diabetics?

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:45:26 EDT

A new study, POPADAD, has found no evidence that aspirin or antioxidants are of any benefit in the primary prevention of cardiovascular events in diabetic patients with asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease. The authors and accompanying editorialist say guidelines should be changed; others say more evidence is needed. (Belch Jet al. BMJ; published online before print October 16, 2008.)

Good and bad news on hypertension in US

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EDT

A new report shows that more US adults have hypertension than ever before, and the increase is primarily due to the rising rates of obesity in recent times, say the NHLBI researchers. However, awareness, treatment, and control of blood pressure have also improved. Nevertheless, much work remains, specifically with certain subgroups, they say. (Cutler JA et al. Hypertension; published online October 13, 2008.)

Pfizer to drop development of drugs for hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and heart failure

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:00:34 EDT

UPDATED // Forbes reported the news online after obtaining an internal Pfizer memo.

Merck stops taranabant development: Will not seek FDA approval

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:30:29 EDT

Prospects for the drug were dim, with late-stage studies showing a significant increase in psychiatric and gastrointestinal side effects with the cannabinoid-receptor blocker.

FDA finds no link between statin use and ALS

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:00:00 EDT

The meta-analysis, which included 41 clinical trials, revealed similar rates of ALS in the statin-treated and placebo-treated patients. The agency said further monitoring is still needed, however, because of the expansive use of the drugs and the dire consequences of this neurodegenerative disorder. (Colman E et al. Pharmacolepidemiol Drug Saf; published online September 29, 2008.)

Eating dark chocolate reduces CRP

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:30:32 EDT

A new Italian study has shown, for the first time, that consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate can significantly reduce CRP levels. (di Giuseppe R et al. J Nutr 2008; 138:1939-1945.)

"Consider" candesartan for diabetic retinopathy

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:45:01 EDT

Despite meeting none of the primary end points in the three DIRECT studies in diabetic retinopathy, the angiotensin receptor blocker candesartan could still be considered a treatment option in certain patients with this condition, say the trial authors and accompanying editorialists. (Chaturvedi N et al. Sjølie AK et al. Lancet; published online before print September 25, 2008.)

Severe subclinical hypothyroidism ups risk of HF

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT

A new study has found that older adults with severe subclinical hypothyroidism had almost double the risk of developing heart failure compared with those with normal thyroid function. The findings are important to inform the debate on whether to screen and treat subclinical hypothyroidism, say the researchers. (Rodondi N et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2008; 52:1152-1159.)