Cardiovascular Prevention
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Albiglutide Demonstrates ‘Harmonious’ Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetics Albiglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease : The HARMONY OUTCOMES trial
The results of the recently published Harmony-Outcomes study in The Lancet, led by Professor Stefano Del Prato, University of Pisa, Italy and Professor John McMurray, University of Glasgow, UK, have demonstrated that among patients with concomitant type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, albiglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist is superior to placebo in the reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events. The study suggests that evidence-based glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists should be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. Continue reading
Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Therapy in Stented Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Combining Oral Anticoagulants With Platelet Inhibitors in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Disease
In an article published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, authored by Caroline Sindet-Pederson, MSc, and colleagues in the Department of Cardiology at Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Gentofte in Hellerup, Denmark, evaluating a real-world population of AF patients with MI and/or after PCI, the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) as compared to VKA reduced the risk of bleeding in patients also taking dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Continue reading
Does the Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Benefit MI Patients? Results From the VEST Trial
In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) equal or less than 35%, the use of wearable cardioverter defibrillator early after the MI did not lead to significant lowering of death from arrhythmia or from any cause, according to a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Continue reading
Apple Watch Series 4 Receives FDA Approval as a Class II Medical Device
The Apple watch series 4 received FDA approval as a class II medical device. Apple claims that the device can detect falls and arrhythmias. It can also record an electrocardiogram (ECG) in 30 seconds “anytime and anywhere,” according to Apple. Continue reading
ASPREE: Another Warning Bell for Aspirin, “Wonder Drug”Fails to Work Wonders Results of Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE trial)
The results of the Aspirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly (ASPREE) trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine showcase higher all-cause mortality among apparently healthy older adults receiving daily aspirin as compared to placebo, coupled with the shocking finding of mortality being attributed primarily to cancer, thereby painting a bleak picture of Aspirin (ASA) and heralding an end to its use in primary prevention. Continue reading
UK based RCT Emphasizes on Long Term Cardiovascular Benefits of Antihypertensives and Statins Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT) Legacy Study: 16 year follow up results
The Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT) Legacy Study is a UK based trial that reports long-term beneficial effects of antihypertensives and statins in terms of mortality and cardiovascular outcomes after 16 years of follow-up in patients with hypertension. Continue reading
Omega-3 fatty acid Supplements Show No Benefit in Cardiovascular Prevention in Diabetes Says ASCEND, the largest and longest placebo controlled trial of omega-3 fatty acids
A randomized trial in patients with diabetes without evidence of cardiovascular disease has shown there to be no significant difference in the risk of serious cardiovascular events in those administered omega−3 fatty acids as compared to placebo. Continue reading
Aspirin Vs Placebo In Cardiovascular Event Reduction In Diabetes ESC 2018: ASCEND trial
A randomized 15,480 patient strong UK based trial comparing Aspirin (ASA) versus placebo in diabetics has shown that the absolute reduction in cardiovascular events from aspirin is offset by a similar absolute increase in major bleeding. Continue reading
High LDL Levels Can Increase Cardiovascular Mortality Even in Low Risk Population Results From the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study
A recent study published in Circulation found that higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDLC) increased the relative risk of long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality by 50% to 80%, in healthy participants that were considered to be at a low 10-year risk prior to the beginning of the study. Continue reading
Mediterranean Diet Improves Cardiovascular Outcomes PREDIMED STUDY: Retracted and Republished
A randomized controlled trial, originally published in 2013 which demonstrated a beneficial effect of Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular outcomes, was retracted because of randomization errors and republished in the June issue of NEJM 2018, with the correct data but the results were not changed substantially.
Smartphone App May Improve Medication Adherence in Hypertension
A new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association finds that use of a smartphone app can result in a small, but significant improvement in self-reported medication adherence, although it does not affect blood pressure control in patients with hypertension.
EAGLES- A Randomized Clinical Trial Showing No Evidence of Smoking Cessation Treatments Association with MACE
EAGLES (Evaluating Adverse Events in a Global Smoking Cessation Study), a randomized clinical trial, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, provides evidence that smoking cessation medications do not increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events in the general population of smokers. Continue reading
Preventing Heart Attack, Stroke, and Major Adverse Limb Events in Patients with Stable Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease
Dr. John Eikelboom Speaks at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Podcast: Download
Predictors of Device Related Thrombosis After Transcatheter Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
In a recent study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions, Pracon et al. suggested that the incidence of device related thrombosis (DRT) among patients undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion is related to patient (history of thromboembolic events and lower left ventricular ejection fraction) and procedural (deep implantation and larger occluder size) characteristics.
Association of High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponins (hs-cTn) and the Risk of New-onset Heart Failure
A recent study, published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology, concluded that there is a strong association of high sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) with the risk of new-onset heart failure (HF), independent of population at risk, cardiovascular risk factors, and natriuretic peptide levels. Continue reading
Role of Cholesterol Screening and Statin Therapy in Hypercholesterolemia
A nationally representative, cross-sectional study published in Circulation highlighted the importance of cholesterol screening and statin prescription in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and other forms of severe dyslipidemia. It was found that despite the high prevalence of cholesterol screening and awareness, only ≈50% of adults with FH are on statin therapy, with even fewer prescribed a high-intensity statin. Continue reading
Febuxostat Non-Inferior to Allopurinol in Reduction of MACE but Increases Mortality
In a recent article, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the rates of major cardiovascular events with febuxosat were similar to allopurinol in patients with gout and concomitant cardiovascular disease. However, the mortality rates either due to cardiovascular deaths or any other cause were higher with febuxostat than allopurinol. Continue reading
Intervention in Barbershops Improved Blood Pressure Control
The results of a cluster-randomized trial conducted in black barbershops have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine and were presented by Dr Ronald G. Victor from Los Angeles, California at the ACC 2018 Conference in Orlando. The study showed that health promotion by barbers along with medication management in barbershops by pharmacists, resulted in a larger blood pressure reduction in black male barbershop patrons with uncontrolled hypertension as compared to lifestyle modifications and doctor appointments.
