January 17th 2025
Mineralys Therapeutics also expects topline data from its phase 2 study of lorundrostat for the treatment of uncontrolled hypertension or resistant hypertension when used as an add-on therapy.
Statins and the New FDA Warnings: What Does It All Mean for Your Patients?
March 3rd 2012Statins have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, heart disease and death. But this week, the FDA decided that the package inserts of the various statins must now include a warning that these agents may raise blood glucose levels and that they can cause memory loss. Here to put this issue into perspective are Drs Christopher Cannon and Payal Kohli.
Regular Exercise in Middle Age Can Build Heart Muscle
April 8th 2011Exercising at least 4 times a week can increase left ventricular mass and preserve elasticity, thereby reducing the risk of diastolic heart failure. Researchers from Texas presented their study results at the American College of Cardiology’s 60th Annual Scientific Session.
Shorter Antiplatelet Regimen Sufficient After Stenting
April 8th 2011What is the optimal duration for antiplatelet therapy after placement of drug-eluting stents? Initial results of the EXCELLENT study show that 6 months of antiplatelet therapy is as effective as the 12-month regimen recommended by current guidelines.
Chronic Heart Failure Outcomes Not Improved by NT-proBNP-Guided Treatment
April 6th 2011A Danish study found no clinical benefit from using NT-proBNP (b-type natriuretic peptide) to identify and monitor high-risk patients with chronic heart failure, according to research from the NorthStar study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 60th Annual Scientific Session in New Orleans.
CABG Bests Medical Therapy in Ischemic Heart Failure
April 6th 2011Compared with medical therapy alone, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) significantly reduced cardiovascular deaths and the composite end point of all-cause deaths and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations, reported investigators from the Surgical Treatment of Ischemic Heart Failure (STICH) trial. However, the effect of the two management strategies on overall survival in patients with ischemic heart failure was similar.
What’s the Evidence Behind Updated ACC/AHA Guidelines on Unstable Angina/Non-STEMI?
April 5th 2011Recently, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) released a focused update to the 2007 guidelines for the management of patients with unstable angina (UA)/non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (non-STEMI).
Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction: Lessons From Three Cases
April 4th 2011The panel presented three challenging cases of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) (see Update on Diastolic Heart Failure). In an innovative twist, the panel solicited feedback from a standing-room-only audience through SmartPhone technology-attendees voted for their favored diagnostic approach, therapy, or final diagnosis, with voting results instantly integrated into the presenter’s Powerpoint display.
Update on Diastolic Heart Failure-and Implications for Primary Care
April 4th 2011Diastolic heart failure (or HFPEF-heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) is characterized by inadequate myocardial relaxation and diastolic filling ("stiff ventricle"), with heart failure signs and symptoms despite normal ejection fraction. The most common cause is long-standing hypertension.
Elevated C-Reactive Protein Predicts Myocardial Deterioration
April 4th 2011Systemic inflammation has been identified as a risk factor for the development of heart failure in population studies. In the 5-year prospective MESA study, researchers from Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore recorded a baseline nonspecific marker of systemic inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP).
Serial ProBNP Measurement: A Cutting-Edge Approach to Systolic Heart Failure
April 4th 2011Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston presented results from the PROTECT (ProBNP Outpatient Tailored Chronic Heart Failure) study. NT-proBNP (b-type natriuretic peptide) is a biomarker released from myocardial tissue in response to high levels of wall stretch and has been studied as a marker for decompensated systolic heart failure.
Myth or Evidence-Based Reality:Do Patent Foramen Ovales Lead to Cryptogenic Strokes?
March 10th 2011On December 18, 2005, Ariel Sharon, Prime Minister of Israel, experienced the sudden onset of aphasia. Despite being overweight, he had none of the traditional risk factors for cerebrovascular disease-hypertension, history of smoking, diabetes, or elevated cholesterol levels.
Bystander Cardiac Arrest in a Restaurant: Some Physician Reflections
February 24th 2011Recently, my wife and I received a gift certificate for one of our favorite restaurants, and we wasted no time in using it. The food and conversation were delightful, and the meal turned out to be exciting and enlightening on many levels. A patron of the restaurant, who was celebrating his 55th wedding anniversary, sustained a witnessed, public cardiac arrest. The experience led to an analysis of my involvement in the resuscitation.
Don’t Leave Home Without It: Chewable Aspirin and Ischemic Coronary Disease
February 18th 2011Analysis of a number of studies led to a practical suggestion: persons at known risk for myocardial infarction (MI) as well as older adults should carry a few tablets of soluble aspirin with them at all times, and they should chew and swallow the tablets in the event of chest pain-the earlier the better.
Watch It: More Screen Time Means Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Death
January 15th 2011Sitting in front of a TV or computer for long periods can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and death, reported investigators recently in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The risk does not appear to be offset by physical activity.
Are Liver Tests Now “Irrelevant” When Prescribing Statins?
January 12th 2011Yes, ACE inhibitors should be used with caution in patients with acute renal injury and high-grade renal vascular lesions, but these drugs are designed to help, not hurt kidneys. Now fast forward to another caveat: avoid or discontinue statins in patients who have elevated liver enzyme levels. Get ready for a therapeutic paradigm shift.
Ventricular Septal Defect Following Myocarditis
December 14th 2010A previously healthy 55-year-old woman complained of fever, weakness, and generalized malaise for the past 3 to 4 weeks. She had been treated with ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, and azithromycin for 21 days with no resolution of her symptoms. Five days before she was hospitalized, multiple nonspecific constitutional complaints developed.