Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association

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Wash. begins enrolling companies in health program - BusinessWeekThursday, September 2nd, 2010

Smart Business Network

Wash. begins enrolling companies in health program
BusinessWeek
A new Washington state program that offers health insurance to small businesses has begun signing up members. It's called the Health Insurance Partnership. Enrollment started Wednesday and coverage will begin next year. Companies with 50 or fewer ...
Affordable Health Care Act and Small Business Tax Credit Tucson Citizen
Health Reform is Good for Small Business Employees TIME (blog)
Small-business tax credit seen as boost for employee coverage ModernHealthcare.com
Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) - PR Newswire (press release) - Washington Post
all 77 news articles »

US workers see higher health costs, less care - ReutersThursday, September 2nd, 2010

US workers see higher health costs, less care
Reuters
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - US companies are cutting healthcare costs further amid a continuing sour economy, scaling back benefits and shifting a greater share of the expense to employees. The findings, published on Thursday, come as the US ...
Health Costs Passed On to Workers New York Times
US employers push rising cost of healthcare onto workers Los Angeles Times
Employers shifting health-care costs to workers, survey shows Washington Post
CNNMoney - The Associated Press - Bloomberg
all 151 news articles »

Sleepy Teens Have Poor Diet Habits - eMaxHealthThursday, September 2nd, 2010

Sleepy Teens Have Poor Diet Habits
eMaxHealth
Insomnia and weight gain have been linked in adults but a new study finds that teens are not immune. Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center (both in Boston) have found that teenagers who sleep less than ...
Sleep-Deprived Teens Eat More Fat, Study Finds BusinessWeek
Sleepy teens eat more fat: study CBC.ca
Sleep-deprived teens may eat more fatty foods msnbc.com
National Post - The Money Times - Food Consumer
all 71 news articles »

Weight Loss Pill Meridia Raises Heart Attack, Stroke Risks - WebMDThursday, September 2nd, 2010

Weight Loss Pill Meridia Raises Heart Attack, Stroke Risks
WebMD
Sept. 1, 2010 – People who take Abbott's weight loss pill Meridia have a higher risk of nonfatal heart attack and stroke, a company-sponsored study shows. The increased risk was seen only in patients with underlying heart disease. ...
Weight Loss Drug Meridia Comes Under Fire…Again HealthNews
NEJM fuels calls to withdraw Abbott's Meridia FiercePharma
Side Effects of Meridia Increases Risk of Heart Attack: Study AboutLawsuits.com
New York Times - Los Angeles Times - CBS News
all 261 news articles »

Another Maryland cardiologist in hot water over unnecessary proceduresThursday, September 2nd, 2010

Another cardiologist in Maryland has been accused of performing unwarranted procedures on multiple patients over a number of years. Dr John R McClean faces criminal charges and a possible 40 years in...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CURRENT-OASIS 7 published: Double-dose clopidogrel in PCI debatedWednesday, September 1st, 2010

Although there was no benefit of doubling the clopidogrel dose in the overall ACS population studied, benefits were suggested in the PCI subgroup. But are these robust enough?

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ESC guidelines give top recommendation to CRT for mild heart failureWednesday, September 1st, 2010

It's been in the wind on both sides of the Atlantic; now it's official in Europe: a class I A recommendation for cardiac resynchronization therapy for patients in sinus rhythm with NYHA class 2...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

KYOTO and JIKEI HEART analyses show benefit of valsartan in Japanese hypertensive patientsWednesday, September 1st, 2010

Adding valsartan to therapy in high-risk hypertensive patients reduced the risk of cardiovascular events more than conventional non-ARB treatment in both the primary- and secondary-prevention...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

REALISE-AF registry: Much still to do in atrial fibrillationWednesday, September 1st, 2010

Preliminary data from a new registry of more than 10 000 patients with AF, the largest ever, spanning 26 countries, shows that that much remains to be done in this field. AF is frequently not...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PACE: Dyssynchrony leads to lower ejection fraction in RVA-paced heart-failure patientsWednesday, September 1st, 2010

About half the patients in the PACE trial developed systolic dyssynchrony after a month of right ventricular apical pacing, leading to a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Maryland mulls Midei case as cardiology orgs ask legislators to leave policing procedures to doctorsWednesday, September 1st, 2010

No word yet from the Maryland Medical Board as to whether it will be taking action against former St Joseph's department of cardiology chair Dr Mark Midei, accused of performing unnecessary stenting...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Experts debate merits of DES for acute MIWednesday, September 1st, 2010

Use of DES for AMI remains relatively low in Europe, despite short-term evidence pointing to reductions in target vessel revascularization. The problem is ascertaining likelihood of patient...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Pilot Testing of a Multicomponent Home Care Intervention for Older Adults With Heart Failure: An Academic Clinical PartnershipWednesday, September 1st, 2010

Background: Heart failure (HF) has clinically significant psychological and physical consequences for older persons, and hospitalization for HF is frequent and costly to the Medicare program. As HF is the most common primary Medicare home care diagnosis, there is a critical need to develop home care services that improve heath-related outcomes for this population. The primary aim of this pilot study was to develop, implement, and test the initial feasibility and potential efficacy of the Home-Care Education, Assessment, Remote-Monitoring, and Therapeutic Activities (HEART) trial, a nurse-directed multicomponent home care intervention. Observed outcomes were quality of life (QOL), depressive symptoms, and 90-day hospitalization. Methods: Twenty-four patients with a primary diagnosis of HF were assigned to the intervention (n = 12) or control group (n = 12) according to geographical location in a large multibranch Medicare-certified home health agency. Intervention group patients received 8 structured nurse education visits using evidence-based protocols designed in previous trials to teach HF self-management and to prevent/reduce depression, as well as a telemonitoring system. Control group patients received usual care and telemonitoring. Quality of life was assessed using the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 at baseline and 90-day study end point. Results: Study protocols and instrumentation were found to be feasible and effective. Examination of enrollment data led to a reevaluation of eligibility criteria. Patients participating in the HEART intervention demonstrated significantly improved QOL (F = 8.99, P = .007) and significantly reduced depressive symptoms (F = 35.10, P = .001) in comparison to control group patients at the study end point. There was a trend toward lower hospital readmission rates in the intervention group (16% vs 25%), but this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that a full-scale trial of the HEART intervention is feasible. (C) 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Read more...

Determinants of Global Perceived Health in Community-Dwelling Elderly Screened for Heart Failure and Sleep-Disordered BreathingWednesday, September 1st, 2010

The relationships between heart failure (HF), sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), insomnia, depressive symptoms, and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), as well as their relationship to Global Perceived Health (GPH) in an elderly community-dwelling population, have not been explored. Data from 331 community-dwelling elderly (71-87 years old) were collected by echocardiography, polygraphy, and specific questionnaires. Factor analyses and structural equation modeling were used to explore the relationships between HF, SDB, sleep, psychosocial factors, and GPH. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses derived a 5-factor model representing SDB, insomnia, systolic function, breathlessness/physical function, and psychosocial function. Structural equation modeling analyses were used to explore the relationships between the 5 factors and to GPH. Sleep-disordered breathing had a weak effect on systolic function, but no effects on any of the other factors or GPH were found. Psychosocial function and breathlessness/physical function directly affected GPH. Indirect effects on GPH, mediated by psychosocial function, were found for breathlessness/physical function and insomnia. Systolic function also had an indirect effect on GPH. The fact that SDB in the elderly has no obvious negative associations to sleep complaints or GPH does not exclude them from being adequately treated for SDB. However, the present study has shown that SDB, by means of self-rated sleep complaints and health-related quality of life, can be problematic to detect. Psychosocial function was the most important factor for perceived GPH as it had a direct effect, as well as mediated the factors breathlessness/physical function and insomnia effects, on GPH. This study indicates that interventions in clinical practice targeting psychosocial dysfunction, such as depressive symptoms, could help to improve GPH in the elderly with or without HF. (C) 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Read more...

Clinical Events in Coronary Heart Disease Patients With an Ejection Fraction of 40% or Less: 3-Year Follow-up ResultsWednesday, September 1st, 2010

Background and Research Objective: It is unclear whether lifestyle changes can delay the need for surgical procedures in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with asymptomatic reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The aim of this pilot study was to examine whether lifestyle changes can delay the need for surgical procedures in this population. Subjects and Methods: We compared 3-year clinical events in 27 CHD patients eligible to receive revascularization (by insurance standards), but underwent lifestyle changes (low-fat diet, exercise, stress management) instead (intervention group [IG], LVEF <=40%), with those of a historically matched (age, gender, LVEF, and stenosis of the 3 major coronary arteries) control group receiving usual care (UCG; n = 13) who received revascularization at study entry. Both IG and UCG patients were enrolled in the health insurance companies participating in the Multicenter Lifestyle Demonstration Project, an insurance-sponsored, community-based, secondary prevention study implemented at 8 hospital sites in the United States. Results and Conclusion: At 3 months, there were more cardiac events in the UCG (6 events) than in the IG (1 event; P < .006; odds ratio = 13.27; confidence interval = 1.57-111.94). This difference was maintained over 3 years (P < .06; odds ratio = 2.75; confidence interval = 1.05-7.19). Of the 26 surviving (1 cardiac death) IG patients, 23 did not require primary revascularization. In conclusion, CHD patients with asymptomatic reduced LVEF may be able to safely delay revascularization by making changes in lifestyle with no increased risk for cardiac events or overt heart failure over 3 years. (C) 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Read more...

Association Between Acute and Chronic Life Events on Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Case-Control StudyWednesday, September 1st, 2010

Background and Objectives: Some studies have shown that acute and chronic psychological stressors are associated with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). The aim of the present study was to assess the association between acute and chronic psychological stressors and ACS in an Iranian population. Method: In an age-sex frequency-matched, case-control study, 78 hospitalized patients with ACS as the case group were compared with 146 patients with chronic stable angina (CSA) as the control group. Chronic stable angina was confirmed by positive angiographic findings. Acute stressors were examined through a semistructured interview and the acute life event checklist, regarding stressful events during 48 hours before interview. To assess chronic stress, the occurrence of 46 stressful events in a period of 6 months prior to the interview was examined using the stress inventory questionnaire. Results: The average acute stressor counts were 4.80 (SD, 2.87) and 3.97 (SD, 2.2) in ACS and CSA groups, respectively (P = .028). Chronic stressor counts were 9.91 (SD, 5.86) and 6.58 (SD, 3.16) in case and control groups (<.001), respectively. Odds ratios for acute and chronic stressor counts were 1.14 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.02-1.28) and 1.84 (95% CI, 1.10-1.26), respectively; when the associations were adjusted for traditional risk factors, they become 1.12 (95% CI, 0.99-1.27) and 1.20 (95% CI, 1.10-1.30), respectively. Conclusion: Acute stress did not contribute significantly in the models including chronic stress. Acute stressful events in the recent 48 hours, independent of traditional risk factors, can have a triggering effect on ACS occurrence. Nevertheless, this happens in the context of high chronic stress. In addition, chronic stress count was moderately associated with ACS even when it was adjusted for traditional risk factors (ALEACE study). (C) 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Read more...

Human Responses to Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Review of the LiteratureWednesday, September 1st, 2010

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease characterized by elevation in pulmonary artery pressures causing progressive symptoms that lead to functional decline and poor quality of life. There are multiple causes of PAH including familial disease, connective tissue disease, and HIV. The estimated life expectancy is 4 years after onset of symptoms and approximately 6 to 7 years with PAH treatment. Much of the current research has focused on pharmacological treatments to improve functional status and decrease mortality. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the CINAHL, PubMed, and MEDLINE to identify and synthesize current studies on human responses to PAH organized by emotional responses and physical functioning. Eight studies fulfilled the search criteria. Patients with PAH were learning to cope and live with uncertainty and treatment. Pulmonary arterial hypertension produced the emotional responses of anxiety, depression, and panic attacks along with impairments in cognition and memory as well as reductions in physical functioning. (C) 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Read more...

Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Caregivers of Patients With Heart FailureWednesday, September 1st, 2010

Background: Millions of family members deliver informal care and support to patients with heart failure (HF). Caregivers of patients with HF experience depressive symptoms, but factors associated with depressive symptoms are unknown. The purposes of this study were (1) to examine differences between caregivers with and without depressive symptoms in patients' characteristics and caregivers' functional status, caregiving burden (time devoted to caregiving, difficulty of caregiving tasks, and overall perceived caregiving distress), and perceived control; and (2) to determine predictors of depressive symptoms of caregivers. Method: A total of 109 caregivers (mean age of 57 years; spousal caregiver, 79%) and patients with HF participated in this study. Depressive symptoms, perceived control, and functional status of both patients and caregivers were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory II, the Control Attitudes Scale-Revised, and the Duke Activity Status Index, respectively. Caregivers' burden (time and difficulty of caregiving tasks and burden) were assessed using the Oberst Caregiving Burden Scale and the Zarit Burden Interview. Results: The 27.5% of HF caregivers with depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory II score >=14) had poorer functional status, lower perceived control, and higher perceived caregiving distress; experienced more caregiving difficulty; and spent more time in caregiving tasks than did caregivers without depressive symptoms. Controlling for age and sex in a multiple regression, caregivers' own functional disability (standard [beta] [s[beta]] = -.307, P < .001), perceived control (s[beta] = -.304, P < .001), and caregiver burden (s[beta] = .316, P = .002) explained 45% of the variance in caregivers' depressive symptoms. Patients' New York Heart Association class and functional status did not predict caregivers' depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Caregivers' poor functional status, overall perception of caregiving distress, and perceived control were associated with depressive symptoms. Depressed caregivers of patients with HF may benefit from interventions that improve caregivers' perceived control, address the caregiving burden, and improve or assist with caregivers' functional status. (C) 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Read more...

Low Blood Pressure and Preserved Systolic Function in Elders With Heart FailureWednesday, September 1st, 2010

This literature review was performed to evaluate the relationship of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and preserved systolic function on morbidity and mortality in individuals older than 65 years with heart failure (HF). When prolonged, high SBP, defined as measurements greater than 140 to 160 mm Hg, is associated with increased risk of developing HF. Medications to lower SBP measurements to Joint National Committee VII goals of less than 140 mm Hg are often prescribed on the assumption that treatment guidelines result from a systematic analysis of clinical trials and efficacy of drug treatments. Lower limits of SBP are less defined in current guidelines optimizing HF. The electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar are searched for keywords heart failure, prognosis, preserved systolic function, and blood pressure (BP). Five scholarly research articles investigated the effects of variables, notably SBP and confirmed preserved systolic function, on HF, published in the English language between July 2006 and January 2009. Inclusion criteria were study samples consisting of individuals 65 years and older referred in this article as elders, with the diagnosis of HF with a focus on variables measuring SBP and systolic function when assessing outcomes. Low SBP is a risk factor for adverse outcomes in HF elders. Additionally, female elders more commonly had preserved systolic function, but presented with less classic symptoms of HF and were less likely to receive cardiology consultation. Considerations for future research are the inclusion of participants presenting with SBP of less than 110 mm Hg in clinical trials and updated evidence-based guidelines, defining acceptable increased target BP ranges, for sex- and age-adjusted HF patients with preserved systolic function. (C) 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Read more...

Determining Psychosocial Research Priorities for Adolescents With Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Using Delphi MethodologyWednesday, September 1st, 2010

Background and Research Objective: Adolescents with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have unique psychosocial needs that are not currently addressed in the literature. To prioritize these issues into a concise cardiovascular nursing research agenda, the objective of this study was to identify current psychosocial issues in this population by obtaining expert consensus from experienced pediatric dysrhythmia clinicians. Subjects and Methods: A 3-round electronic Delphi study was conducted. A multidisciplinary purposive sample was drawn from 2 international organizations of pediatric and young adult cardiovascular caregivers who specialize in rhythm disturbances in this patient population. Round 1 included an open-ended question in which respondents were asked to provide as many psychosocial issues as desired, but at least 5. Round 2 included the 10 most frequent issues, which participants were asked to rank (1 = most important, 10 = least important). Round 3 included the collective ranking of the respondents using mean values; respondents were asked to indicate agreement/disagreement with the final ranking. If they disagreed, they were asked to re-rank the items. Results and Conclusions: The top 10 psychosocial issues identified by the panel included, in order of importance: fear of being shocked, sports participation/activity restrictions, feeling different from peers/peer acceptance, depression, adjustment problems, fear of death, medication noncompliance, acting out, body change/weight gain, and issues related to planning for adulthood. There was 90% agreement among the expert panel members. Ascertaining the opinions and consensus of pediatric cardiovascular dysrhythmia experts has led to the development of a concise research agenda for the psychosocial issues faced by children and adolescents with ICDs. The identification of these issues will allow nurse researchers to incorporate these findings into future studies in which interventions aimed at promoting positive adjustment to the ICD in the child and adolescent age group can be tested. (C) 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Read more...

Cognitive Impairment Predicts Functional Capacity in Dementia-Free Patients With Cardiovascular DiseaseWednesday, September 1st, 2010

Background and Research Objective: A high proportion of elderly people with cardiovascular diseases and risk factors have mild forms of cognitive impairment, the functional impact of which is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to determine whether subtle cognitive impairment contributes to limitations in instrumental activities of daily living in this group and whether this association is independent of physical comorbidity and other potentially confounding factors. Subjects and Methods: Two hundred and nineteen nondemented patients were recruited from cardiovascular and diabetic hospital outpatient clinics. Functional dependence was assessed using the self-report version of the instrumental activities of daily living scale. Cognitive ability was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Demographic and clinical information was collected via interview and a review of hospital records. Standard logistic regression was performed to identify factors independently associated with functional status. Results: Five variables (sex, cardiovascular disease burden, non-cardiovascular disease burden, cognitive status, and age) were independently associated with an increased likelihood of requiring assistance with 1 or more everyday activities. The likelihood of needing assistance increased 2.05 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-2.79) for each additional cardiovascular diagnosis present and 1.12 times (95% CI, 1.01-1.27) for every point lower on MoCA. Thus, in comparison to a person with a perfect MoCA score, a person who scored in the cognitively impaired range (<23) was 7.7 (CI, 7.07-8.89) times more likely to report that he/she required assistance with an everyday activity. Conclusion: Cognitive impairments appear to reduce the ability to independently carry out routine daily tasks in patients with cardiovascular diseases and risk factors. Cognition should therefore be considered along with physical symptoms when assessing and responding to the support needs of this group. (C) 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Read more...

Do Cognitive Coping and Goal Adjustment Strategies Used Shortly After Myocardial Infarction Predict Depressive Outcomes 1 Year Later?Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Research Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which cognitive and goal-related coping strategies used shortly after myocardial infarction predicted depressive outcomes 1 year later. Subject and Methods: The sample consisted of 88 persons who had experienced a myocardial infarction 3 to 12 months before first data assessment. Cognitive coping and goal adjustment strategies were assessed at time 1 by the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Goal Obstruction Questionnaire, respectively. Depressive symptoms were assessed at both time 1 and time 2 by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results and Conclusions: The results showed that cognitive coping strategies (rumination, catastrophizing, and positive refocusing) and goal adjustment strategies predicted 39% of the variance in depressive symptoms at follow-up. In addition, little change in depressive symptom scores was observed after 1 year. The results with regard to the prospective relationships between coping and depressive symptoms provide important targets for intervention. (C) 2010 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc. Read more...

Summaries of Nursing Care-Related Systematic Reviews From the Cochrane Library: Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents for Anemia in Chronic Heart Failure PatientsWednesday, September 1st, 2010

No abstract available Read more...

Summaries of Nursing Care-Related Systematic Reviews From the Cochrane Library: Exercise-Based Rehabilitation for Coronary Heart DiseaseWednesday, September 1st, 2010

No abstract available Read more...

American Heart Association: Council on Cardiovascular NursingWednesday, September 1st, 2010

No abstract available Read more...

Dietary Sodium Reduction: A Public Health Approach to Decreasing HypertensionWednesday, September 1st, 2010

No abstract available Read more...

PCNA Annual Scientific Meeting AbstractsWednesday, September 1st, 2010

No abstract available Read more...

PCNA: Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses AssociationWednesday, September 1st, 2010

No abstract available Read more...

Dual-chamber pacing beats single-chamber pacing for sick sinus syndrome in DANPACETuesday, August 31st, 2010

Dual-chamber pacing results in fewer new surgeries and less AF than single-chamber pacing in patients with sick sinus syndrome in the DANPACE trial.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ANTIPAF: ARB, on its own, doesn't suppress paroxysmal atrial fibTuesday, August 31st, 2010

Patients with symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who took the angiotensin-receptor blocker olmesartan didn't show any reduction in AF burden over the course of a year.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Rivaroxaban almost superior to usual care in treatment of DVTTuesday, August 31st, 2010

The new anticoagulant rivaroxaban has shown noninferiority to standard medical therapy in a large trial in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis, catching up with its rival dabigatran, for which...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Black race an independent predictor of stent thrombosis after DES placementTuesday, August 31st, 2010

Black race, in and of itself, appears to predict stent thrombosis after placement of a drug-eluting stent.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

AVERROES: Apixaban yields significant reductions in stroke, no increased bleedingTuesday, August 31st, 2010

Atrial-fibrillation patients in the trial treated with apixaban had a 54% lower risk of stroke or systemic embolic events, and, of note, the reduction came without an increase in bleeding events. The...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FUTURA/OASIS-8: Standard-dose heparin recommended during PCI to avoid catheter thrombosis with fondaparinuxTuesday, August 31st, 2010

Results showed no major advantages of low-dose heparin over standard-dose heparin in such patients, and neither dose increased major bleeding compared with the historical control group of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CTT meta-analysis: No cancer risk with statins, low LDL-cholesterol levelsMonday, August 30th, 2010

Investigators report that statin therapy had no adverse effect on any cancer type, irrespective of how long patients took the cholesterol-lowering medications or their baseline LDL-cholesterol levels.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Colchicine halves incidence of postpericardiotomy syndromeMonday, August 30th, 2010

The first large-scale double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to test the efficacy of colchicine to prevent the development of postpericardiotomy syndrome after heart surgery shows that the drug...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Four-year REACH analysis grasps a variety of clinical factors that flag atherothrombosis riskMonday, August 30th, 2010

The 45 277-patient REACH registry reveals a variety of risk factors that will help clinicians identify patients at high-risk for atherothrombosis.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ATOLL seen as supporting enoxaparin over standard heparin in primary PCIMonday, August 30th, 2010

No man is an island, nor is any one study. In the case of ATOLL, the nonsignificant primary-end-point difference between enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin should be seen in the context of other...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ART: Early results for bilateral IMA in CABG offer some promises, some concernsMonday, August 30th, 2010

One-year data from what the lead investigator characterized as one of the largest-ever randomized clinical trials of two CABG surgery techniques has found no differences in major clinical events...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New class of antiplatelet agents in clinical trialsMonday, August 30th, 2010

A new, investigational antiplatelet agent, atopaxar—which acts via a different pathway from that of aspirin and drugs such as clopidogrel and ticagrelor—has shown promising results in a...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ISAR-REACT 3A: Lower heparin dose preferable in elective PCIMonday, August 30th, 2010

The 100-U/kg heparin dose was suggested to be better than the 140-U/kg dose and "noninferior" to bivalirudin in this trial with historical controls.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

INNOVATE PCI: Elinogrel, a new antiplatelet agent, passes initial hurdlesMonday, August 30th, 2010

Investigators showed that treatment with oral and intravenous elinogrel had more rapid antiplatelet effects than clopidogrel in the acute and chronic phases of therapy. Although still in early days,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

LESSON I: Everolimus bests sirolimus in nonrandomized DES face-offMonday, August 30th, 2010

While the propensity-matched analysis narrowly missed its primary end point, secondary end points pointed to significant differences in MI rates that tracked with differences in stent thrombosis.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Exercise can treat cardiovascular disease as well as prevent itMonday, August 30th, 2010

Experts presented research on exercise in patients who have already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, showing improvement on disease markers, not just subsequent events.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New PLATO data: No need for gene testing in PCI patientsSunday, August 29th, 2010

New data from genetic substudies of PLATO and TRITON-TIMI 38 show that the efficacy of the new antiplatelet agents ticagrelor and prasugrel do not seem to be affected by loss-of-function genetic...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

STAR-heart study: Stem cells associated with improved long-term hemodynamics and reduced mortality in chronic heart failureSunday, August 29th, 2010

UPDATED // The largest clinical trial so far of intracoronary autologous stem-cell transplantation in patients with chronic heart failure has shown that such treatment was associated with multiple...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

EPO a no-go in post-MI patients: HEBE IIISunday, August 29th, 2010

While the trial missed its primary end point, investigators report that erythropoietin did reduce major adverse cardiovascular events, a reduction driven primarily by a lower incidence of heart...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PCI gains ground for left main and multivessel disease in new ESC revascularization guidelinesSunday, August 29th, 2010

In a first for the European Society of Cardiology, a new task force report on myocardial revascularization released today was jointly written with the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PEARL-HF: New potassium-binding resin reduces hyperkalemia in heart failureSunday, August 29th, 2010

Use of the new agent should enable many more patients to take lifesaving heart-failure treatments, but further dose adjustments may be necessary to reduce the risk of hypokalemia.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

RE-LY INR analysis confirms dabigatran benefits across spectrum of warfarin dosingSunday, August 29th, 2010

Now published, the analysis, first presented at AHA 2009, confirms that regardless of INR control achieved across participating centers, dabigatran remained noninferior at the lower dose and superior...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CURE ACTIVE: No effect of loss-of-function clopidogrel gene on event rates in ACS or AFSunday, August 29th, 2010

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // However, a gain-of-function genotype was associated with a greater benefit of clopidogrel in the CURE trial, but not the ACTIVE A trial.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

SHIFT: Adding HR-slowing agent ivabradine to HF meds cuts mortality, hospitalizationSunday, August 29th, 2010

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // The trial suggests that heart-rate reduction could become a clinically important goal and in fact a treatment target on its own in patients with chronic heart failure....

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Alpha Omega Trial: n-3 fatty acids fail to reduce cardiovascular events in post-MI patientsSunday, August 29th, 2010

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // The investigators say the negative findings are likely the result of the optimal medical therapy that patients in the trial were receiving following their index MI. All...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA approves aliskiren/amlodipine combo for hypertensionSaturday, August 28th, 2010

In clinical trials, patients who took aliskiren/amlodipine combination lowered their blood pressure more than those who took either aliskiren or amlodipine alone.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Judge declines to stop sales of generic Lovenox; cites lower costFriday, August 27th, 2010

Sanofi-Aventis had sought an injunction to block rival Sandoz from marketing a generic version of its blockbuster anticoagulant.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Who's the boss? White House recommends physicians join hospitals, large groupsFriday, August 27th, 2010

Obama administration officials say economic forces unleashed by healthcare reform will accelerate the trend toward physicians becoming hospital employees and joining large group practices.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Drs George Dangas and Roxana Mehran leave Columbia for Mount SinaiThursday, August 26th, 2010

The husband-and-wife team of Drs George Dangas and Roxana Mehran are leaving Columbia University, where they have been since 2004, for Mount Sinai Medical Center. The move is effective September 1,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Migraine with aura linked to increased mortality from stroke and heart diseaseThursday, August 26th, 2010

Two new studies add to growing evidence that migraine with aura is associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Pill pickle: Hypotension drug quandary spotlights tough FDA's dilemmaWednesday, August 25th, 2010

UPDATED // No one would want a drug that had not adequately proved itself in postapproval studies to stay on the market, but who should pay for such studies if the company holding the marketing...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Meta-analysis shows newer P2Y12 inhibitors decrease mortality after PCI compared with clopidogrelWednesday, August 25th, 2010

UDPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // The benefits of the newer P2Y12 inhibitors over clopidogrel are greatest in STEMI patients undergoing PCI, a new meta-analysis shows.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Merck sues generic drugmaker over Vytorin patent infringementWednesday, August 25th, 2010

Merck is suing Impax Laboratories to prevent the company from selling a copycat version of Vytorin, the controversial cholesterol-lowering medication.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Three-million patient study yields new AAA risk-score systemTuesday, August 24th, 2010

Researchers find that the current abdominal aortic aneurysm screening criteria are missing about half the patients at risk for AAA.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Rosiglitazone, pioglitazone pose similar CV risk in case-matched analysisTuesday, August 24th, 2010

The study isn't a substitute for a bona fide prospective randomized trial, but it is large and controlled for a lot of potential confounders. Why its conclusions contrast with those of some prior...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Routine balloon pump unnecessary for high-risk/low-EF PCI patients: BCIS-1Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Researchers who first presented their results almost one year ago say they have already cut back on using intra-aortic balloon pumps and believe practice guidelines should be updated to reflect their...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

JUPITER: Statin therapy effective in intermediate-risk, high-CRP patientsTuesday, August 24th, 2010

When stratified by the underlying level of absolute risk, JUPITER patients with elevated CRP levels and a 5% to 20% 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease benefited from statin therapy, report...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Medicare agency proposes new VAD policyTuesday, August 24th, 2010

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is proposing to slightly loosen the Medicare coverage policy for left ventricular assist devices.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

AHA issues call to action on CVD research in Asian AmericansTuesday, August 24th, 2010

Grouping all Asian Americans into one category hides important differences in cardiovascular disease risk, treatment patterns, and outcomes across this heterogeneous population, according to the AHA.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

What's going to be hot at ESC 2010 CongressTuesday, August 24th, 2010

Attendance at this year's ESC Congress in Stockholm is showing early signs of beating last year's record of 32 000 attendees. This year's hot-line sessions, chosen from a record number of abstract...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Pericardial fat is an independent predictor of AFMonday, August 23rd, 2010

A CT study finds that pericardial fat predicts atrial fibrillation independent of other known risk factors, including atrial enlargement.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Atrial fibrillation? Don't blame caffeine, says Women's Health StudyFriday, August 20th, 2010

A second prospective, population-based study finds no support for the popular, potable stimulant as a cause of the arrhythmia.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ASIR technique reduces radiation from CT angiographyFriday, August 20th, 2010

Results of the ERASIR trial show adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction significantly reduces effective radiation dose from CT without impairing image quality.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Binge drinking heightens death risk in those with high blood pressureFriday, August 20th, 2010

Heavy binge drinkers with hypertension have a 12-fold increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, a new study shows.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Same-day discharge possible in elective, uncomplicated PCIThursday, August 19th, 2010

Patients undergoing uncomplicated, elective PCI via the femoral artery can safely be sent home the same day, provided hospitals adhere to a strict discharge selection protocol. Among appropriately...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Piedmont gains VAD, transplant specialist David DeanThursday, August 19th, 2010

Dr David Dean joins Piedmont Heart Institute in Atlanta from Allegheny General in Pittsburgh.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New troponin recommendations should bridge gap between lab and clinicThursday, August 19th, 2010

Troponin, a crucial marker of acute MI, can also be released in other clinical conditions, say new recommendations. They aim to help clinicians use and interpret troponin tests properly.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Early chronic kidney disease associated with atrial fibrillationThursday, August 19th, 2010

Nearly one in five study participants with early stages of CKD had evidence of AF, a rate similar to that reported among patients with end-stage CKD and two to three times that seen in the general...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Amphetamine abuse tied to aortic dissection in observational studyThursday, August 19th, 2010

In a young adult population, the association of amphetamine abuse with aortic dissection was as strong as or stronger than for some probably better-recognized risk factors.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Drugmaker: Midodrine withdrawal plans predated FDA'sThursday, August 19th, 2010

Shire says it notified doctors and the FDA back in November 2009 with the news that it would withdraw midodrine hydrochloride, used in the treatment of low blood pressure—before the FDA went...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cholesterol levels vary throughout the menstrual cycleWednesday, August 18th, 2010

The results, according to investigators, have clinical implications, as well as implications for future studies that include women.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Gold nanoparticles swarm vulnerable plaqueWednesday, August 18th, 2010

Preclinical research shows spectral CT with a gold nanoparticle contrast agent can provide potentially valuable information on the composition of atherosclerotic plaque.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Sponge fails to prevent sternal-wound infectionsWednesday, August 18th, 2010

In contrast to positive results from a large Swedish trial, an antibiotic sponge appears to be ineffective in preventing sternal-wound infection after open-heart surgery.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Experts debate value of measuring renin levels to guide hypertension therapyWednesday, August 18th, 2010

New research provides more evidence that renin levels can help predict individual response to antihypertensive drugs, prompting some to suggest that measuring levels of this hormone, first suggested...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Bariatric surgery slashes medications, costs in diabeticsWednesday, August 18th, 2010

New data show that bariatric surgery is associated with a reduction in diabetes medications and a decrease in total healthcare costs in diabetics; at two years, almost 85% of patients had no more...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

"Troubling" drop in outpatient use of HF medsTuesday, August 17th, 2010

A research letter contends, based on a survey of US office-based physicians, that use of beta blockers and ACE inhibitors by outpatients with heart failure started declining in the early to mid 2000s...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cath labs should use both CoreValve and Sapien, small study concludesTuesday, August 17th, 2010

A small study that gauged a patient's suitability for a transcatheter aortic-valve procedure using a range of imaging techniques indicates that 12% of patients would not be suitable for a Sapien, 11%...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Reducing healthcare system delay may be key to improving STEMI survivalTuesday, August 17th, 2010

Rather than a focus on reducing door-to-balloon times for patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI, the emphasis should instead be on cutting the total time it takes from the first contact with...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Allowing patients to refuse VAD support is ethical, Mayo review concludesTuesday, August 17th, 2010

UPDATED WITH COMMENTARY // Physicians should allow patients to choose whether they want ventricular assist device support or not, a Mayo Clinic-led ethics review concludes.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Higher exercise capacity equals improved survival in older adultsTuesday, August 17th, 2010

The survival benefit was observed among individuals able to participate in moderate daily exercise, such as brisk walking, report investigators.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Sleeping too much or too little linked to higher CV riskTuesday, August 17th, 2010

The definition of the perfect sleep may get even more complicated: new research suggests sleeping less or more than the standard seven hours may be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Excuses for eating chocolate can now include heart-failure preventionTuesday, August 17th, 2010

Chocolate can be medicine for the soul and arguably for hypertension. Now, breaking new ground, a prospective population-based study suggests that enjoying a modest bit of it regularly, but not too...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Switching protein sources may reduce CHD riskMonday, August 16th, 2010

Relying on fish, nuts, and poultry instead of red meat for protein significantly reduced the risk of coronary disease in the Nurses' Health Study.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA recommends withdrawal of midodrineMonday, August 16th, 2010

The FDA is recommending the withdrawal of midodrine hydrochloride, currently used in the treatment of hypotension, because there are insufficient data to support its benefit.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Antagonistic people have thicker carotid walls, increased CVD riskMonday, August 16th, 2010

Antagonistic people, particularly those who are competitive and aggressive, could be at increased risk of cardiovascular events, according to a new study, which found such people have greater...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Mortality-TLR link poststenting probed in five-year SIRIUS analysisFriday, August 13th, 2010

UPDATED // Target-lesion revascularization appears to be associated with higher risk of death or MI with either drug-eluting stents or bare-metal stents, five-year results of SIRIUS show.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

The "MacStatin": Fast food with some ketchup, salt, and a statin to goFriday, August 13th, 2010

UPDATED // They say it's a cheeky, mischievous spin on primary prevention, with a group of UK doctors calling for a statin, for free, situated beside the ketchup and salt, in fast-food restaurants....

For complete story visit theheart.org.

No MI, mortality threat from echo contrast agents in meta-analysisFriday, August 13th, 2010

The study suggests that the perflutren-containing contrast agents present no untoward risk that justifies restrictions on their current indications, researchers say.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

One in four stroke patients stops taking meds within monthsFriday, August 13th, 2010

Explaining the purpose of medications and how to refill a prescription may improve medication adherence and help prevent subsequent strokes, researchers say.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CRESCENDO, rimonabant's "obituary," published in LancetThursday, August 12th, 2010

Truncated results from rimonabant's large morbidity and mortality study, a report that editorialists call "the obituary for a wonder drug," are reported this week. The CRESCENDO investigators,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Two-part reversible anticoagulant performs well with PCI in small trialThursday, August 12th, 2010

Researchers have developed an anticoagulant aptamer with a matching control agent that shows promise as a controllable anticoagulation therapy for PCI patients in the REVERSAL-PCI study.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Chocolate for blood pressure too hard to stomach, researchers sayThursday, August 12th, 2010

Although many of us may be waiting with bated breath for evidence that chocolate really does lower blood pressure, a small Australian study is questioning the practicality of chocolate as a long-term...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Birth weight a clue to later risk of atrial fibrillation in WHS cohortThursday, August 12th, 2010

Birth weight predicted risk of atrial fibrillation in a Women's Heart Study cohort, and the effect appeared at least partly independent of obesity.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Platelet assay betters clopidogrel gene testing: Study publishedWednesday, August 11th, 2010

A small study showing that the monitoring of platelet reactivity is likely to be a better way than genetic testing to determine whether clopidogrel dosing should be modified has been published....

For complete story visit theheart.org.

JETSTENT published: Mechanical thrombectomy before PCI disputedWednesday, August 11th, 2010

A study testing the use of rheolytic thrombectomy prior to direct stenting of the infarct-related artery in patients with acute MI has shown that mechanical thrombectomy was associated with more...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Kandzari leaves Scripps for Piedmont Heart InstituteWednesday, August 11th, 2010

In early September, Dr David Kandzari will step in as the director of interventional cardiology and Cardiovascular Research at Piedmont Heart Institute, in Atlanta.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Chicken or the egg?Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Is myocardial fibrosis in HCM the product of longstanding disease, or can it emerge early in the process, perhaps even as a cause of the other characteristic structural changes?

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Temperature drops lead to more MIsTuesday, August 10th, 2010

Some of the first research to look specifically at the effects of temperature on MIs finds that lower temperatures appear to increase the risk of MI, but higher ones do not. And although the effects...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Arizona Heart Hospital bought for $32 millionTuesday, August 10th, 2010

One week after announcing plans to purchase the physician-run Arizona Heart Institute, Vanguard's Abrazo Health Care chain has confirmed plans to buy the affiliated hospital as well.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA warns of migration and embolization with inferior vena cava filters, as new fracture data publishedTuesday, August 10th, 2010

The FDA has received more than 900 reports of adverse events with inferior vena cava filters, leading the agency to remind clinicians that the devices should be removed as soon as it is safely...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Telemonitoring of HF patients reduces deaths, costsTuesday, August 10th, 2010

Remote monitoring of patients with chronic heart failure, using telephone or wireless technology, reduces deaths and hospitalizations and may reduce costs and increase quality of life.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

SHAPE group proposes update to CAC, CIMT screening "guidelines" in time for AHATuesday, August 10th, 2010

The Screening for Heart Attack Prevention and Education task force II is developing a sequel to the controversial 2006 SHAPE guidelines on atherosclerosis screening that will incorporate evidence of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Sibutramine CV safety, lorcaserin, up for FDA reviewMonday, August 9th, 2010

The FDA's Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee will review the CV outcomes data from SCOUT for sibutramine and weigh the new drug application for lorcaserin.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

History of gout linked to HF risk; allopurinol attenuates thisMonday, August 9th, 2010

Canadian researchers have shown for the first time that a history of gout is associated with an increased risk of rehospitalization or death in heart-failure patients. Among those who had had gout,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Coronary calcium controversy continuesMonday, August 9th, 2010

Letters to the editor of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology critique the subanalysis of the CORE 64 study, which suggested a zero calcium score cannot be relied on to rule out...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

RICH and PRINCE probe prehospital therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrestMonday, August 9th, 2010

Inducing hypothermia in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with the rapid infusion of ice-cold fluid does not work better than in-hospital cooling, results of the RICH trial show. A second study, PRINCE,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

High-dose clopidogrel given in the cath lab equivalent to preloadingFriday, August 6th, 2010

UPDATED // Results from the ARMYDA-5 PRELOAD study show that patients undergoing PCI who are loaded with a high dose of clopidogrel in the cath lab have outcomes similar to those who are preloaded...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

B vitamins fail to prevent secondary major vascular events: Final VITATOPS results publishedFriday, August 6th, 2010

The researchers say it's not the end of the road, as they await results of three other ongoing trials.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

UK stroke/TIA patients not getting timely surgeryThursday, August 5th, 2010

A report suggests that nearly two-thirds of patients in the UK with transient ischemic attack or stroke symptoms wait more than the recommended 14 days before undergoing vascular surgery.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Similar weight loss, HDL edge for low-carb vs low-fat in randomized diet studyThursday, August 5th, 2010

In a 307-person randomized study, those who followed either type of diet with lifestyle-modification counseling lost about the same weight; HDL rose on both diets, but more so from the low-carb diet.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Mipomersen passes hurdle in two trialsThursday, August 5th, 2010

The drug significantly lowered LDL-cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemia patients, but questions about the drug's effect on the liver are still unanswered.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA recommends changes to 510(k) processWednesday, August 4th, 2010

The FDA has issued two preliminary reports with recommendations on how to improve the so-called 510(k) process of medical devices that do not require the full premarket approval process.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New loci for blood lipids identified; functional role of 1p13 locus detailedWednesday, August 4th, 2010

Researchers identified 95 loci that showed genomewide associations with blood lipid levels, while another group performed a detailed functional genomics analysis showing how a locus on chromosome...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

EINSTEIN-DVT: Rivaroxaban meets primary end point in VTE trialWednesday, August 4th, 2010

Bayer announced today that rivaroxaban is as good as standard therapy for reducing the incidence of symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism. Results will be presented later this month at the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Amid mounting debts, physician-owned Arizona Heart Institute files for bankruptcy as part of acquisition dealWednesday, August 4th, 2010

UPDATED // In what may be a sign of the times, one of the oldest physician-owned heart institutes in the US has found a corporate buyer that is reputedly in talks to also buy the affiliated heart...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Declining cardiac function accelerates brain agingWednesday, August 4th, 2010

Investigators have identified a potential link between the cardiac index and neuropsychological markers of compromised brain health.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Wide variation in rates of carotid endarterectomy and stenting throughout USWednesday, August 4th, 2010

Significant geographic variation exists for carotid endarterectomy and carotid stenting among Medicare beneficiaries, a new study shows.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Calcium supplements boost heart-attack risk: Meta-analysisTuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Calcium supplements, which are commonly recommended to prevent or treat osteoporosis but reduce the risk of fracture only marginally, are shown in this meta-analysis to increase the risk of MI.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Mechanical-valve pioneer, philanthropist Donald Shiley dead at 90Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

The coinventor of the Bjork-Shiley tilting-disk heart valve gave millions to medical research and other causes.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA warns against IV administration of nimodipineMonday, August 2nd, 2010

The FDA again reminded clinicians that nimodipine should be given only by mouth or through a feeding tube and never by intravenous administration.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Early cholesterol predicts later coronary calciumMonday, August 2nd, 2010

A prospective cohort study finds that people's LDL and HDL levels during ages 20 to 35 are independently associated with coronary calcium later in life.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Transradial PCI approach reduces bleeding, MACE in STEMI patientsFriday, July 30th, 2010

Transradial PCI was safer than the transfemoral approach in patients with STEMI in a nonrandomized study in Montreal.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

COR-I: Combo drug leads to significant weight loss, but CV effects questionedThursday, July 29th, 2010

UPDATED // New randomized trial results suggest the combination of two "old" drugs might help obese patients lose weight, but one expert worries the blood-pressure effects of the two agents combined...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Sanofi-Aventis sues FDA over generic Lovenox approvalThursday, July 29th, 2010

The Lovenox manufacturer wants the FDA to reverse the approval decision it made last week, on grounds that the generic product is not clinically equivalent to its own product.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Advisory panel votes to recommend FDA approval of ticagrelorWednesday, July 28th, 2010

UPDATED // An FDA advisory panel voted overwhelmingly in favor of approval of AstraZeneca's antiplatelet agent Brilinta for preventing thrombotic events in patients with ACS

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Two new randomized trials bolster benefits of compression-only CPRWednesday, July 28th, 2010

Two large multicenter trials support recent recommendations that bystanders perform hands-only CPR, which can lead to short-term survival rates that are just as good as those with CPR using both...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Traditional tools for gauging neurological prognosis post-cardiac arrest may no longer be accurate: StudyWednesday, July 28th, 2010

Modern care after cardiac arrest, including the widespread use of therapeutic hypothermia, has improved neurologic outcomes so much that traditional prognostic methods may be underestimating survival...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Taking patients directly to existing PCI centers is more cost-effective than expanding PCI capacityWednesday, July 28th, 2010

Computer modeling of different regional approaches to STEMI treatment based on data from Dallas County, TX shows that building an EMS system that can identify STEMI and take patients directly to a...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dr Terry Ferguson moves on to AstraZenecaTuesday, July 27th, 2010

Formerly an academic cardiologist in Texas, Ferguson joined the Medicines Company in January 2008 and has now moved on to be senior director, clinical development, at AstraZeneca. His first focus is...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Arguments continue over the metabolic syndromeTuesday, July 27th, 2010

The metabolic syndrome has been the subject of controversy for many years: to this day, agreement cannot be reached between the diabetes and cardiology communities about the validity of naming and...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Avoiding lowest-volume centers and adhering to quality measures lower cost of CABG overallTuesday, July 27th, 2010

A new study looks at the link between center and surgeon volume and quality of care for coronary bypass surgery.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Researchers make myocytes to mimic long-QT syndromeMonday, July 26th, 2010

A German group reports on its success in turning patient-specific pluripotent stem cells into cardiac myocytes that recapitulate the features of long-QT syndrome.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Acute-MI care at "high-quality" hospitals as likely for blacks, whites: Medicare dataMonday, July 26th, 2010

In an analysis of Medicare data, African Americans were at least as likely as whites to be treated at "America's Best Hospitals" top-ranked for cardiac care when it came to MI, but the story was a...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA advisors to contemplate PLATO at July 28 meeting on ticagrelorMonday, July 26th, 2010

FDA's Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee will review AstraZeneca's new drug application for ticagrelor, the proposed new antiplatelet drug for patients with acute coronary syndrome.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA approves another triple-drug combination for resistant hypertension: TribenzorMonday, July 26th, 2010

The new product combines the angiotensin-receptor blocker olmesartan, the calcium-channel blocker amlodipine, and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Does drinking alcohol temporarily heighten stroke risk?Monday, July 26th, 2010

A controversial new study suggests consuming as little as one serving of wine, beer, or hard liquor increases the risk of ischemic stroke.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA approves first generic enoxaparin injectionMonday, July 26th, 2010

The FDA has approved the first generic formulation of enoxaparin sodium injection, a low-molecular-weight heparin used for multiple indications, including the treatment of acute STEMI and the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Unique study reveals "mosaic" model for triglyceride geneticsSunday, July 25th, 2010

Unique research combining a genomewide association study with further DNA sequencing in a number of individuals with very high triglyceride levels shows that the heritability of this disorder is a...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

HF symptom variability more prognostic than severity?Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Day-to-day variability in two major heart-failure symptoms predicted risk of death or HF hospitalization, but their severity did not, in a small prospective study.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Boston Scientific safety alert on older ICD modelsFriday, July 23rd, 2010

A number of Boston Scientific ICDs manufactured in 2006 and 2007 could have problems with a magnetic switch, meaning they potentially might not deliver shocks when necessary, the company told the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Patients with diabetes have alternatives to rosiglitazone, experts sayThursday, July 22nd, 2010

Following the recent controversial FDA advisory panel decision on rosiglitazone, the drug's future availability is uncertain. But how much does that matter to the treatment of most patients with...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Half of young adults have CHD risk factorsThursday, July 22nd, 2010

Although half of young adults have at least one CHD risk factor, less than 50%, irrespective of cardiovascular risk status, are screened for high cholesterol levels.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Therapeutic window identified for clopidogrel?Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

The first evidence of a "therapeutic window" for P2Y12-inhibitor antiplatelet agents such as clopidogrel has been reported, with the suggestion that hyperresponders and hyporesponders to these agents...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

More from JUPITER: HDL not predictive of risk at very low LDL levelsWednesday, July 21st, 2010

A new post hoc analysis of the JUPITER trial has shown that when patients have very low concentrations of LDL cholesterol attained through the use of potent statin therapy, "good" HDL cholesterol may...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA stops enrollment in TIDE trialWednesday, July 21st, 2010

Enrollment in the controversial study assessing the cardiovascular effects of long-term treatment with rosiglitazone or pioglitazone has been stopped at the FDA's request.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Trans fat use "close to zero" in fast-food chainsWednesday, July 21st, 2010

McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Jack in the Box, and Dairy Queen all reduced the use of trans fat to "close to zero" without increasing their use of saturated fats, report researchers.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Hope on the horizon for better antidiabetic drugsWednesday, July 21st, 2010

A new discovery means it could be possible to develop improved versions of diabetes drugs such as rosiglitazone, without the side effects, US researchers report in Nature.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

News report links Avandia panelists to drug makersTuesday, July 20th, 2010

Dr David Capuzzi earned $14 750 as a member of the company's speakers' bureau but received the money related to talks about Lovaza and not for rosiglitazone. Dr Abraham Thomas received a few thousand...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New document lays out key competencies needed to manage advanced heart failure and transplantTuesday, July 20th, 2010

Professional societies describe the core skill set needed for the management of patients with advanced heart failure and cardiac transplant in anticipation of the launch of the first...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

NICE issues final guidance on dronedaroneTuesday, July 20th, 2010

The drug is allowed for second-line use in patients with additional cardiovascular risk factors.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Most patients with CVD can fly safely, says British Cardiovascular SocietyMonday, July 19th, 2010

Most people with cardiovascular disease can safely fly on commercial aircraft, the society concludes in a new report.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Healthy weight, rather than fitness, most important for preventing high blood pressureMonday, July 19th, 2010

In a comparison of fitness vs fatness, body-mass index was more important than cardiorespiratory fitness for predicting systolic blood pressure, report researchers.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Disparities in DES use demonstrated in "real-world" studyMonday, July 19th, 2010

A new US study has documented that the insurance status and race of patients had a significant impact upon whether or not they received drug-eluting stents after they had already been referred for...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Triglyceride and waist measurements predict heart-disease riskMonday, July 19th, 2010

The authors suggest that "hypertriglyceridemic-waist" is the next step beyond the metabolic syndrome and can add value in risk assessment when used with traditional risk models such as Framingham.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Depression and erectile dysfunction are independent risk factors for heart diseaseFriday, July 16th, 2010

The presence of depressive symptoms increased the risk of cardiovascular events in men with erectile dysfunction, a new study shows.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Class 4 angina more likely associated with severe CAD in women than menFriday, July 16th, 2010

A study looking at the differences between men and women referred for coronary angiography has shown that women have lower rates of severe coronary artery disease than men; however, compared with...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA to look into possible cancer risk with ARBsFriday, July 16th, 2010

The US FDA has become the latest regulatory agency to say it will investigate a possible link between angiotensin-receptor blockers and cancer.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Conflicted FDA committee votes against recommending approval of weight-loss drug QnexaFriday, July 16th, 2010

The FDAs Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee has voted against approving the obesity drug Qnexa, expressing concerns about its safety. What's next for Qnexa?

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New guideline advocates MRI over CT for stroke diagnosisThursday, July 15th, 2010

Diffusion-weighted imaging MRI is superior to noncontrast CT for diagnosing stroke within 12 hours of onset, authors say. However, availability and cost must be considered in the decision on what...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Obstructive sleep apnea underestimated in AF patientsThursday, July 15th, 2010

Polysomnography is better than portable monitoring at identifying obstructive sleep apnea in patients with atrial fibrillation who could benefit from treatment of the sleep disorder.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Former VP Cheney gets an LVADThursday, July 15th, 2010

The LVAD implantation is the latest in a decades-long battle with heart disease for the former vice president.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Rosiglitazone meeting: Advisory committee delivers mixed message to FDAThursday, July 15th, 2010

UPDATED // Near the end of two days of exhaustive, often-polarized debate, 12 panel members said the drug should be withdrawn, with no other choice getting as many votes. But the other 20 votes were...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Chronic total occlusion PCI may reduce mortality, but randomized trial is still at least a year awayWednesday, July 14th, 2010

Observational studies show that successful chronic total occlusion recanalization can reduce mortality of future MIs without reducing the likelihood of MI.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Selective cholesterol screening missing kids who qualify for drug therapyWednesday, July 14th, 2010

UPDATED WITH INTERVIEW // Using a family history of premature cardiovascular disease or premature hyperlipidemia to guide cholesterol screening in children misses a number of children who would be...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Significant weight loss in obese and overweight patients treated with lorcaserinWednesday, July 14th, 2010

In addition to the weight loss with the selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist, an assessment of adverse events at one and two years did not show any difference in the rates of cardiac valvulopathy,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Sleep apnea linked to heart failure in men, but not womenWednesday, July 14th, 2010

Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with an increased risk of heart failure in men, but not in women. An association with coronary heart disease was less concrete and again seen only in men in this...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Heart-healthy lifestyle change usually requires combinations of cognitive approachesWednesday, July 14th, 2010

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association lays out which approaches can help patients reduce their risk factors and which approaches usually fail.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Day one: Data deluge at FDA rosiglitazone review provides more questions than answersTuesday, July 13th, 2010

UPDATED // A marathon of 11 hours of presentations has likely left the joint Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs and Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committees reeling in confusion. Day two...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

More evidence against GSK and FDA on rosiglitazoneTuesday, July 13th, 2010

Details emerging from the Grassley investigation suggest that GlaxoSmithKline concealed early cardiac data and the FDA conspired with the company to minimize the impact of later safety results.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New SNP associated with range of major vascular diseasesTuesday, July 13th, 2010

A new genetic sequence variation has been discovered that appears to confer an increased risk of a range of major vascular diseases, independent of other known risk factors. It could initially be...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Other PFO/stroke trials will continueTuesday, July 13th, 2010

News last month that CLOSURE I had failed to reach its primary end point led to speculation that other companies conducting similar trials might decide to pull out early. But the two other major...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Sudden cardiac death risk stratification with SPECT shows promise in observational studyTuesday, July 13th, 2010

Researchers are developing a risk-prediction tool that uses SPECT imaging to predict which coronary disease patients may benefit from an ICD.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

No letup for GSK: EMA set to review rosiglitazoneMonday, July 12th, 2010

If GlaxoSmithKline thought today was its last chance to take a breath before the onslaught of the two-day safety hearing on its diabetes drug Avandia by a joint FDA advisory committee, starting...

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Heart and Soul: More evidence linking anxiety and coronary heart diseaseFriday, July 9th, 2010

Authors of the news study say physicians seeing patients who complain of generalized anxiety disorder symptoms should consider this to be an important, modifiable risk factor for coronary disease.

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More data linking cardiac imaging to high radiation exposureFriday, July 9th, 2010

Administrative claims data show that about 3.3 of every 1000 people in the US will receive more than 20 mSv of radiation per year from cardiac imaging.

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You've got mail! Patient-doctor email helps achievement of CV treatment goalsFriday, July 9th, 2010

Diabetics and hypertensives who exchanged secure emails with their physicians regarding their care were more likely than those who didn't use email to meet performance-measure goals for blood...

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As rosiglitazone review looms, FDA documents slam RECORD and find significant risks for the drugFriday, July 9th, 2010

UPDATED // The FDA documents, which provide a glimpse of what the agency's presentations will look like next week, are largely critical of rosiglitazone's safety record and of the ethics of the...

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"Encouraging results" with endovascular repair of ruptured thoracic-aortic aneurysmThursday, July 8th, 2010

Overall, the 30-day mortality rate with TEVAR was 18.9%. Some complications from the approach included periprocedural stroke, postoperative paraplegia, and permanent paraplegia. "Endoleak," the...

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Dyspnea with ticagrelor is "common, but mild and self-limiting"Thursday, July 8th, 2010

A new analysis of the ONSET/OFFSET study with ticagrelor, which prospectively assessed the side effect of dyspnea and whether this affected cardiac and pulmonary function, provides reassurance that...

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Acquired von Willebrand syndrome exacerbates bleeding risk in VAD recipientsThursday, July 8th, 2010

A single-center study finds evidence that acquired von Willebrand syndrome is contributing to the high incidence of bleeding problems in HeartMate II LVAD recipients.

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ADVANCE: Severe hypoglycemia a marker, not cause, of poor diabetes outcomes?Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Severe hypoglycemia in the ADVANCE trial correlated with both CV and non-CV risk, regardless of the aggressiveness of glucose-lowering therapy. But it probably just identified sicker patients without...

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