theheart.org

US judge upholds FDA approval of generic enoxaparin

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:30:13 EST

Sanofi-Aventis had sued the agency in 2010, saying it had failed to follow its own rules and had not appropriately established that a generic drug made by a rival company included the same active...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Biomarker may distinguish ICH from ischemic stroke

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:15:53 EST

The test might eventually be applied at the point of care to help triage patients for treatment.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Over 1300 deaths in Mediator scandal in France

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:30:48 EST

The number of deaths attributable to heart-valve insufficiency as a result of the use of benfluorex in France is likely more than double that previously thought, a new investigation finds.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Referring MDs fall short on ICD-indication guidelines

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:15:12 EST

A lot of generalists and some cardiologists apparently don't know some of the fundamental criteria for indication of a primary-prevention device and so may not be referring all patients who might...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Apixaban superior for AF patients with previous stroke, TIA

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:15:24 EST

Substudies of the ARISTOTLE and AVERROES trials find apixaban is safe and effective for patients with previous events vs warfarin and aspirin respectively.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Ten foods provide half of sodium eaten in US

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:00:06 EST

New estimates of salt consumption from a recent US survey show that 10 food groups provide almost half of the dietary sodium consumed in the country and that 90% of individuals eat more than the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Like father, like son: Y-chromosome variant may explain CAD

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST

New genetic work has unveiled an association between some lineages of the relatively empty male Y chromosome and coronary artery disease. The hypothesis, while "intriguing," requires more research to...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Wide variation in PCI for "unclear indications"

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:15:34 EST

The latest study on this subject has found that 17% of hospitals in a large US sample conducted at least one-fifth of their procedures in patients whose indications for the procedure were unclear.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PCI appropriateness criteria draw criticism

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:45:52 EST

A detailed critique of the national appropriate-use criteria for PCI—questioning the composition of the committee that wrote the criteria, some of the AUCs themselves, and the survey that...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

More bleeding, thromboembolic events with dabigatran in AF ablation

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:45:00 EST

Dabigatran was stopped the morning of the procedure; its long half-life combined with the use of unfractionated heparin during the procedure likely explains the increased risk of bleeding.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

For stroke risk, look for novel lipid/lipoprotein biomarkers

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:15:16 EST

Women with triglyceride levels in the highest quartile had a significant 56% increased risk of stroke compared with women in the lowest quartile. Similarly, for women with highest quartile of VLDL...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Braile Biom�dica launches transapical valve

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:30:12 EST

A Brazilian group says they're encouraged by the early results with their transapical transcatheter aortic valve.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Wake-up stroke patients may still benefit from thrombolysis

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:00:01 EST

A new study shows tPA was safe for patients who woke up with stroke symptoms, a population not normally treated since they could exceed the 4.5-hour window.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Generalists need education on HF treatment

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:00:09 EST

A unique study trying to drill down into why cardiologists seem to gain better outcomes than generalists when treating heart failure has identified a number of reasons that this is the case. But...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

SWITCH III: Bivalirudin is as safe as heparin after fondaparinux in PCI patients

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:30:10 EST

Recent studies have shown that ACS patients on fondaparinux prior to PCI should switch to another anticoagulant prior to the procedure to avoid thrombus. The SWITCH III trial compares bivalirudin and...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

TRA 2�P: Vorapaxar meets end point but ups bleeding

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:20:03 EST

In its second phase 3 trial, Merck's novel antiplatelet agent reduced ischemic events but increased bleeding, including ICH. Results looked more promising in patients without a history of stroke.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CTO, even in non-infarct-related artery, bodes ill in NSTEMI patients

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:45:51 EST

Swedish researchers examined SCAAR to determine the prognostic significance of a chronic total occlusion in an artery other than the infarct-related one of non-ST-elevation-MI patients.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ICDs charged with sex discrimination: Women get fewer shocks

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST

Differences in appropriate-therapy and device-related complication rates in a prospective study question (once again) whether women and men should have the same ICD-eligibility criteria.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

MI-shock proposal is cold comfort: Hypothermia might boost survival

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST

Some data suggest therapeutic hypothermia might reduce the currently high mortality from cardiogenic shock; let's do the necessary clinical studies to see whether it might be true, urges a published...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Fitness and fatness independently linked with CVD risk factors

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST

Individuals should be aware that exercising can have positive health effects, even if the weight doesn't necessarily come off, as can losing weight alone, researchers say, although the ideal...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dr Paolo Raggi joins University of Alberta

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:45:19 EST

Dr Paolo Raggi has been named the academic director of the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute at the University of Alberta in Edmonton and chief of cardiology at Alberta Health Services.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Lower mortality in NFL players—if weight is kept in check

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:15:21 EST

The reduction in mortality and cardiovascular disease was observed in the smaller players—defensive backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers, as well as fullbacks, halfbacks, and running backs,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

KEEP: Focus on CKD patients with highest SBP

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:30:06 EST

A new, contemporary study in real-world patients with chronic kidney disease finds that those with systolic BPs of 140 mm Hg and higher are at the greatest risk of developing end-stage renal disease....

For complete story visit theheart.org.

"Irrational" choices stall adoption of new antiplatelets

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:15:50 EST

Dr David Cohen points out some of physicians' potential "psychological" barriers to more rapid adoption of new antiplatelet agents, even though they may be the best choice for their patients.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Sitagliptin/metformin once-daily combo approved for diabetes

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:59 EST

The extended-release combination of sitagliptin and metformin joins saxagliptin/metformin as a once-daily tablet for type 2 diabetes.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

No recurrent stroke prevention seen with clopidogrel plus aspirin

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:15:57 EST

A new study shows that the combination of clopidogrel and aspirin increases risk of hemorrhage and mortality, including nonvascular mortality, vs aspirin alone.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Heart failure linked to loss of brain gray matter

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:15:21 EST

Heart failure is associated with a decline in mental function and loss of gray matter in the brain, which may make it more difficult for patients to follow instructions regarding their medication, a...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Photos on school lunch trays boost veggie intake

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:45:11 EST

A simple intervention, whereby photographs of green beans and carrots were placed in lunch trays in a school cafeteria, has had some success in boosting consumption of these vegetables among...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Aspirin as effective as warfarin in heart failure: WARCEF

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:55:27 EST

Although there was an edge for warfarin for those treated for four or more years, there is "no compelling" reason to anticoagulate these patients, researchers say.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

"Tetherless" power-transmission technology could radically change LVAD therapy

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:00:14 EST

New wireless technology used to power implantable ventricular assist devices has the potential to make them far safer than ever before and bring the therapy to patients at earlier stages of heart...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CMS draft of proposed coverage for TAVI

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:30:30 EST

The CMS has issued a draft of the conditions under which it will provide coverage for transcatheter aortic-valve replacements, as the technology begins to be rolled out in the US.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Severe anemia potent predictor of death poststroke

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:15:49 EST

Study results should prompt physicians to take a closer look at what's causing anemia in stroke patients.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cardiac telemetry identifies AF in cryptogenic stroke

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST

Outpatient monitoring for 21 days detected atrial fibrillation in 17% of patients, and this could change management.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

The flap over flavonoids

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:15:40 EST

The field of flavonoids and polyphenols continues to attract a massive amount of interest, from researchers and the public alike. But can health really be improved by eating chocolate and drinking...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Severe, rapid memory loss could herald stroke

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:15:18 EST

A new study finds that victims of fatal stroke had sharp memory declines before the event.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dr Mandeep Mehra leaves Baltimore for post at the Brigham

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:15:30 EST

The accomplished specialist in advanced heart failure is taking on new challenges at the head of the Boston institution's Advanced Heart Disease Center.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

"Cardiovascular health," new focus of the AHA, linked with reduced mortality

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:15:32 EST

Individuals meeting five of seven cardiovascular health metrics outlined by the American Heart Association had a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality and deaths from diseases of the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

US "roadmap" for TAVI rollout published

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:00:32 EST

A new US expert-consensus document on transcatheter aortic-valve implantation aims to smooth the rollout of this new technology stateside.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Restenosis similar with carotid stenting or surgery: CREST

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:30:07 EST

At two years, carotid restenosis is infrequent and appears similar whether patients were treated with carotid stenting or endarterectomy.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Stroke risk linked to infections in children

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST

A new study finds the risk is highest closer to infection, then tapers off.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Combination type 2 diabetes pill gets FDA nod

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:30:37 EST

The new treatment option combines linagliptin and metformin in a single tablet taken twice daily in adults with type 2 diabetes who require more than one medication to lower blood glucose.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Shifty and dangerous: Worsening diastolic dysfunction ups mortality

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:13 EST

Actually, it was just as strong a mortality predictor as worsening systolic function in a retrospective series of patients followed with echocardiography.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

"Valve-on-a-stick" transaortic TAVI offers alternative to transfemoral route

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:15:50 EST

A growing number of centers, especially in Europe, are trying a third route for transcatheter valve implants in select patients. Instead of threading the device from the femoral artery or up through...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New data will shed light on cancer risk from imaging

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:00:29 EST

Ongoing epidemiological studies in children who have undergone CT scans should help provide a better understanding of radiation-associated cancer risks from cardiac imaging over the next few years.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dr Robert Harrington leaves DCRI for Stanford University

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

UPDATED // Dr Robert Harrington has been named the chair of the department of medicine at Stanford University and will be leaving Duke University, where he has worked for the past 22 years.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PARTNER CAP data show transapical outcomes improve with practice

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:15:37 EST

Only 104 of the 799 high-risk patients in the PARTNER A trial of the Sapien transcatheter valve were treated with the transapical approach, so it can be considered to be only the preliminary...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

SYNTAX, FAME trials influence update to PCI/CABG appropriate-use criteria

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:35:39 EST

The document somewhat expands the appropriateness of PCI in some patients with left main coronary disease, among other indications.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Once-weekly exenatide okayed by FDA for type 2 diabetes

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST

The FDA approved the once-weekly version of exenatide for type 2 diabetes with a list of required postmarketing studies on the potential for cardiovascular events and medullary thyroid carcinoma.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Statins reduce cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in women: Meta-analysis

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

Based on the meta-analysis, which included 18 clinical trials, investigators conclude that the benefits of statin therapy for the reduction of cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality extend...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Women do better after TAVI, hints small study

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

The first foray into possible gender differences in presentation and outcome among patients undergoing TAVI for severe aortic stenosis hints that women may fare better than men after this procedure.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ASCERT: Better survival for CABG vs PCI in some high-risk patients

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

The ASCERT study, a unique collaboration between the CMS, ACC, and STS, compares survival rates with bypass surgery and PCI in over 190�000 patients.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Interarm BP differences increase CVD risk

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:15:56 EST

New research indicates that large differences in systolic blood pressure between the right and left arm of 15 mm Hg or more point to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

3B or not 3B? Should patients get an LVAD before reaching end-stage HF?

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:00:01 EST

Experts debated the evidence supporting the expansion of LVAD therapy to patients whose heart failure has not yet progressed to the so-called end stage.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Surgeons insist TAVI reimbursement rollout won't be repeat of carotid-stenting debacle

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:55 EST

Now that the FDA has approved a transcatheter aortic valve, cardiac surgeons and cardiologists are working together to put all of their ducks in a row to secure national Medicare coverage for the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Don't routinely replace spent ICDs: Proposal

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

It may have little to offer and it might not be what the patient wants, argues a perspective in the New England Journal of Medicine.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Data mixed on role of parents and caregivers in combating childhood obesity

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:00:35 EST

Despite the mixed data from the clinical trials, experts say there are some parenting strategies, such as monitoring unhealthy behaviors and positive reinforcement, that are helpful in getting...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

More data needed on carotid atherosclerosis, CMS advisers agree

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:30:43 EST

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Medicare Evidence Development & Coverage Advisory Committee met to once again discuss the latest available evidence on different treatments of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Contaminated cardiac drugs kill more than 100 in Pakistan

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:45:35 EST

More than 100 people have died in Pakistan and hundreds more have been hospitalized after having received contaminated cardiac drugs.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Riata Summit insights: Vigilance key to following functional but "recalled" ICD leads

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:32 EST

UPDATED // Most attending the recent Riata ICD lead summit felt that fluoroscopic screening of Riata recipients was a reasonable thing to do, at odds with some recommendations; remote monitoring has...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Proximal balloon superior to distal protection in carotid artery stenting

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:45:14 EST

Proximal balloon-occlusion devices do not cross the lesion before it is stented, which helps to significantly reduce embolic load in the brain during the carotid procedure, according to researchers.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dr Gary Roubin to resign as CV chair at Lenox Hill

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:30:04 EST

The cardiologist is best known for his work in carotid stenting and as coinventor of the first FDA-approved coronary stent. He also made headlines when he was tasked with rebuilding the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Heart attack deaths plummet in three EU nations

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:15:26 EST

New statistics from Denmark, England, and Poland show a roughly 50% drop in deaths due to acute AMI in recent decades.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Heart disease risk begins with middle-age risk factors

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

Risk-factor-reduction efforts are usually based on short-term risk scores, but most Americans at low risk for cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years are actually at much higher risk for heart...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cardiologists flagging woeful patient care say they paid with their jobs

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST

An echocardiographer and cardiac surgeon who say their jobs were axed in retaliation after they lodged numerous complaints of substandard patient care at a county hospital in Santa Clara are suing...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Vytorin US label updated with SHARP results

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:05:17 EST

But the FDA has not allowed an official indication for chronic-kidney-disease patients, which has concerned investigators who conducted the trial.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Pay for SGR repeal with war savings, say medical groups

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:45:34 EST

A letter to Rep Dave Camp from 110 medical societies admits that war savings from military pullbacks are a "budget gimmick" but says they could retire SGR debt, another budget gimmick.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Black tea lowers blood pressure in small trial

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:15:06 EST

Three daily cups, which provided approximately 400 mg/day of polyphenols, reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure between 2 to 3 mm Hg, according to researchers.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PLATO: PPI analysis "raises flag" but should not change practice

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:00:47 EST

A new analysis of the PLATO study has found that use of a proton-pump inhibitor was independently associated with a higher rate of cardiovascular events but that this was apparent in both the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Carotid images don't boost quit rates or cut CV risk factors in smokers

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

A new randomized controlled trial is the latest addition to a contentious field of research trying to establish whether "seeing is believing" when it comes to motivating cardiovascular risk reduction.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cardiologists accused of defrauding Medicare by performing unnecessary cardiac procedures

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:30:18 EST

A new whistle-blower lawsuit filed in US District Court claims that five cardiologists from two medical practices in Erie, PA defrauded Medicare by performing unnecessary cardiac and vascular...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Gifts, pep talks have some success post-PCI and in hypertension

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

Some of the first research showing that positive affect interventions—including phone calls to bolster self-affirming thoughts and small gifts—generate some success in post-PCI and...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

To prescribe or not to prescribe: That is the statin question, experts debate

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:30:09 EST

The two very different sides of the statin argument are debated today in the Wall Street Journal, with Dr Roger Blumenthal arguing the drugs prevent heart disease in patients with cardiovascular risk...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

"Recalled" Riata ICD leads: Brainstorming conference aims for guidance

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:30:08 EST

The lead failures can take years to manifest with inappropriate shocks or a variety of other issues, or they may not cause problems at all. There could be more agreement on how to manage the patients...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

EMA investigating CV problems with fingolimod

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:30:39 EST

Physicians are being advised to intensify cardiovascular monitoring after the first dose of the new oral agent for multiple sclerosis.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dapagliflozin declined by FDA

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:00:54 EST

The US Food and Drug Administration has denied approval for the novel diabetes drug dapagliflozin, asking codevelopers Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca to provide more studies.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Lower mortality rates at two years with transradial PCI, Italian registry shows

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:45:25 EST

In a propensity-score-matching analysis, the mortality rate at two years was 8.8% among patients treated via the radial artery and 11.4% in the femoral-PCI patients, a statistically significance...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Pillow talk: First AHA advice on sex and CVD

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

The first-ever guidance on sexual activity and cardiovascular disease from the AHA encourages doctors, patients, and their partners to discuss the subject during consultations. The majority of those...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Treat risk and not LDL-cholesterol targets, new perspective argues

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST

In focusing on patient risk, rather than LDL-cholesterol treatment targets, doctors would improve patient outcomes and reduce adverse effects and costs that result from treating low-risk, low-benefit...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

"High-normal" blood pressure linked to AF

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:15:44 EST

Upper-normal levels of blood pressure in otherwise-healthy middle-aged men appear to predict a higher risk for the development of atrial fibrillation in older age, a new study suggests.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New AF ablation programs need time, money, and data

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:00:06 EST

Starting up an atrial fibrillation ablation program takes more than just a couple of skilled electrophysiologists, Dr Rodney Horton explained at the Boston Atrial Fibrillation Symposium.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FFR shows benefit in FAME II; enrollment halted

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:00:29 EST

An interim analysis of the FAME II study shows a significant benefit of fractional-flow-reserve-guided stenting plus optimal medical therapy over and above optimal medical therapy alone; as a result...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Mortality climbs with rising PA pressure in heart failure: Community-based study

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:45:46 EST

The finding in a broad community-based HF population confirms and extends what is recognized in the hospital setting.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Contemporary look at VTE after joint surgery

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

One in 100 patients who have knee-replacement surgery and one in 200 who undergo hip replacement will have a venous thromboembolic event in the hospital, despite receiving modern anticoagulant...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

BRIDGE study published: Cangrelor suited for important antiplatelet niche

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

The intravenous antiplatelet with a very short half-life is the ideal candidate for bridging patients on clopidogrel or other thienopyridines to surgery, the authors say.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

NHANES: One in three adults, one in six children obese

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:00:04 EST

Obesity continues to be a significant public health problem in the US, affecting more than one-third of US adults and 17% of children and adolescents, but 2009-2010 data suggest trends may have...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dronedarone gets another chance to prove itself in ranolazine combo trial

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST

Researchers of the beleaguered antiarrhythmic dronedarone believe the drug may still have a role to play in AF therapy for some patients and are testing it as a low-dose complement to another newer...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CCTA is less useful in patients with high calcium score

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:15:00 EST

The diagnostic accuracy of any test depends largely on disease prevalence in the tested population. CORE-64 researchers looked at how calcium scores could help identify patients with such a high...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Thoracic endoprosthesis gets traumatic transection approval

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST

The FDA has expanded approval for the Gore TAG Thoracic Endoprosthesis to include treatment of "life-threatening tears or ruptures of the aorta."

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New AF ablation consensus doc previewed at Boston AF symposium

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST

A group of 45 AF experts from North America and Europe will soon publish a major update to the 2007 international clinical consensus statement for the use of catheter and surgical ablation for the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Resveratrol scientists react to Das fraud scandal: "Research will continue"

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:20:01 EST

As the controversy over the research fraud allegations against Dr Dipak Das enters its third day, researchers told heartwire what the news means for the field of resveratrol research and, more...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Yoga therapy for AF yields insight into brain-heart axis

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:10:43 EST

Yoga has shown to help some patients manage atrial fibrillation, so researchers are moving forward with investigations of yoga's influence on cardiac autonomics to better understand the biology of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA: CardioGen-82 problems site-specific

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:15:04 EST

The generators, used in cardiac nuclear scans, were recalled by the manufacturer last summer, and the FDA previously found fault with manufacturing processes. Now the FDA says the excessive radiation...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Red-wine researcher charged with photo-editing fraud

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 09:30:31 EST

A University of Connecticut investigation found Dr Dipak K Das guilty of falsifying and fabricating images that appeared in published research.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

US bleeding ADRs higher with dabigatran than warfarin

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:40:19 EST

There is particular concern over use of dabigatran in the elderly, in whom there has been a high number of bleeds, including intracranial hemorrhages, reported to the FDA.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Silent atrial fibrillation increases stroke risk

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:15:50 EST

A new study finds device-detected atrial tachyarrhythmias occur frequently and are associated with a significant increase in risk for stroke and systemic embolism.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Very low risk of cardiac arrest and sudden death in long-distance running events

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

Despite the high-profile deaths of seemingly healthy runners at marathons in the past few years, new data show that the risk of cardiac arrest and sudden death during marathon and half-marathon...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Statins cost four times more in US than UK

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:38 EST

UPDATED // Based on 2005 numbers, American private insurers paid as much as 400% more for statins than the UK government was paying over the same period. Even for statins sold as brand-name drugs in...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Inactivity is a universal risk factor for heart attack

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:40:42 EST

New findings from the INTERHEART study show that being physically active during leisure and work time protects against MI. The message is simple, say the authors: incorporate as much physical...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Pulmonary hypertension in kids differs from adult PAH

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST

A new registry of children with pulmonary hypertension is helping to differentiate the pediatric population with this disease from the adult one and should aid in better diagnosis and treatment of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism raise mortality risk

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

First-time venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism dramatically increases the long-term mortality rate in individuals with and without malignancy, according to a recent study.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

GWTG improves AMI care in Asian Americans

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

The new data suggest that among participating hospitals in the GWTG program, equitable quality care for many performance measures can be attained across racial and ethnic groups, including Asian...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Serum potassium targets in acute MI need rethink, analysis suggests

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

Recommendations to routinely raise serum potassium levels when ventricular arrhythmias are a concern may be based on outmoded data, according to authors of one of the largest analyses of its kind.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New DES best older stents for deaths, restenosis in latest SCAAR data

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:00:18 EST

The latest data from the Swedish registry that launched the international furor over stent thrombosis with drug-eluting stents is now providing reassuring data about the safety and efficacy of the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Aspirin in primary prevention: New meta-analysis finds bleeding outweighs benefits for most

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:46 EST

But there may be a case for aspirin treatment in certain individuals at high risk of heart disease or with a family history of cancer.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New guidelines suggest blood glucose testing for all inpatients

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:30:37 EST

New clinical-practice guidelines from the Endocrine Society say all patients should have a glucose test on admission to the hospital and describe optimal management of hyperglycemia in patients who...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Aortic stenosis grading system misses rare, high-risk group

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST

A new study has examined the clinical outcomes of asymptomatic aortic-stenosis patients classified by valve area plus flow-gradient patterns instead of the older, inherently inconsistent system based...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Bereavement triggers MI, new study finds

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

Bereaved people are 21 times more likely to suffer an MI the day after the death of a significant other, and this heightened risk remains for as long as a month afterward, new research finds....

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Statin use associated with significantly increased risk of diabetes: WHI analysis

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

New data from the Women's Health Initiative hint that the risk of diabetes is higher than suggested by previous studies, with investigators reporting a 48% increased risk of diabetes among women...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dabigatran: New data on MI and ischemic events

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

The question of MI risk with dabigatran is in the spotlight once again, with two new papers on the subject published within the last few days.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

UK's NICE wants more data on rivaroxaban in AF

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:50:00 EST

The UK drugs cost-efficacy watchdog, NICE, has asked for more data from Bayer before it will sanction use of rivaroxaban for stroke prevention in atrial-fibrillation patients.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Informed consent questioned in Florida patient's death after stem-cell treatment

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:15:42 EST

A Florida cardiologist is accused of malpractice after a patient treated with a novel stem-cell therapy died of a brain infarct.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

MitraClip: Encouraging results in nonsurgical patients

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST

While the clip did appear to reduce mitral regurgitation and improve remodeling in patients unsuitable for surgery in the EVEREST II trial, problems with the comparator group make the results...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Complications, rehospitalizations not uncommon post-AF ablation

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:15:45 EST

Little is known about the complication rates for atrial fibrillation outside of academic hospitals and Medicare data, so researchers in California analyzed data from a state database to estimate the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Novel LDL-gene-targeted agent promising

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:45:54 EST

Suppressing the activity of PCSK9, a gene known to mediate low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism, cut LDL-C levels in a small dose-ranging study.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Excess calories, not proportion of dietary protein, key in causing obesity

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:15:33 EST

Excessive food intake, rather than the mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, has been implicated in causing obesity and is key in treating it.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

RESPECT PFO/stroke trial completes enrollment

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:00:32 EST

After eight years of sluggish patient accrual, the RESPECT trial looking at the Amplatzer device for the prevention of cryptogenic stroke has finally collected enough events for the trial to be...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Public Citizen requests recall of the Wingspan stent

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:15:25 EST

A consumer-advocacy group argues that the Wingspan Stent System provides less benefit and causes more harm than aggressive medical treatment alone.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

BRCA1 cancer gene affects cardiac function

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

Canadian researchers have discovered that the BRCA1 gene is implicated in cardiac function, at least in mice. The findings may also have implications for cancer sufferers who have mutations in this...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Rivaroxaban filed for ACS in US and EU

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:30:58 EST

The factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban has been filed for approval for the additional indication of secondary prevention in acute coronary syndrome in both the US and EU.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Type 2 diabetes adds risk to tissue valves

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:15:47 EST

Type 2 diabetes is a known determinant of degeneration of both native and prosthetic valve implants, so a group of Italian researchers investigated whether bioprosthetic valves also degenerate faster...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

US leads in shorter hospital stays, early readmission after STEMI

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

Patients with ST-segment-elevation MI were more likely to be hospitalized again within a month if they had been treated in the US, and American patients had the shortest initial hospitalization, in a...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Bariatric surgery reduces CV events, but mechanisms remain a mystery

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST

The latest data from the Swedish Obese Subjects study show that bariatric surgery reduces the risk of cardiovascular events and CV death among obese individuals, compared with usual care. But weight...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Enoxaparin prophylaxis doesn't cut mortality in acute-care setting

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 09:00:02 EST

Antithrombotic prophylaxis remains important in this group for other reasons, but don't expect it to necessarily prevent death, according to researchers.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Mayo report: It takes docs about 30 TAVIs to achieve proficiency

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 17:15:00 EST

Two new single-center studies shed light on the contemporary experience with new transcatheter aortic-valve systems. One looks at the "learning curve" required for operators to become proficient with...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Analysis slams use of clopidogrel loss-of-function gene test; proponents fire back

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:30:00 EST

A new meta-analysis and especially an accompanying editorial argue against current use of CYP2C19 genotyping to define risk of subsequent CV events in patients considered for clopidogrel. Proponents...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Troponins at admission and three hours allow MI diagnosis or rule-out

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST

Troponin levels measured using a sensitive or highly sensitive assay can help with early MI rule-out, suggests a study that makes a case supporting the possible approval of the high-sensitivity assay...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

MR beats out SPECT in CE-MARC crossover trial

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:30:00 EST

UPDATED // The diagnostic accuracy of SPECT imaging for assessment of myocardial ischemia is variable and exposes patients to ionizing radiation, so evidence that magnetic resonance can be at least...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Congress postpones Medicare pay cut

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:30:15 EST

UPDATED // After the Senate had overwhelmingly approved the plan and a tumultuous few days among House Republicans, this morning Congress voted to put off a steep cut in Medicare physician...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CMS announces DRGs under scrutiny as part of trial prepayment audit program

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:45:54 EST

The recovery audit contractor prepayment program is to be implemented January 2012 in 11 states, including some of the most populous, and will focus first on selected DRGs often associated with...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

European CRT survey bolsters support for CRT-D over CRT-P

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:30:39 EST

The survey of contemporary European cardiac resynchronization therapy practices provides lots of information on patients not well represented in clinical trials, including those with major...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Biggest cardiology stories of 2011

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:00:49 EST

What made headlines in 2011? Everything from novel oral anticoagulants, blockbuster trials stopped early, and a new scrutiny on procedure appropriateness. heartwire reporters called up cardiologists...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA approves new combination for hypertension

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:45:34 EST

The new agent is the first fixed-dose therapy in the US to combine an angiotensin-receptor blocker with the diuretic chlorthalidone.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

First data to show antihypertensive therapy prolongs life

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:00:25 EST

The first-ever long-term data from a high-blood-pressure trial, the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program, reveals that people taking the antihypertensives lived longer free from...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Increasing heart rate over time linked with heart disease mortality

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST

Despite the adverse effects of an increase in resting heart rate over time, individuals who lowered their resting heart rate did not have a lower risk of ischemic heart disease, a finding that...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ALTITUDE halted: Adverse events when aliskiren added to ACE, ARB therapy

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:20:02 EST

Data and safety monitors for ALTITUDE noted that patients in the trial taking aliskiren instead of placebo on top of ACE or ARB therapy experienced an increased incidence of nonfatal stroke, renal...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Overeating, salt, the real culprits in stroke risk

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:15:41 EST

The quality and quantity of a person's diet are more important determinants of stroke risk than the foods and nutrients consumed.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Improving BP in middle age pays off later

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:30:20 EST

Most studies of lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease that have focused on BP look at one index point, so researchers have examined multiple pooled studies to see how changes in BP over time during...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA puts new warnings on dronedarone

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:00:31 EST

CORRECTED // The FDA is warning atrial-fibrillation patients taking dronedarone about the risks of the drug in patients with permanent AF.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

RECOVER II confirms benefit of dabigatran in treatment of VTE

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:45:08 EST

The new study adds another 2500 patients tested with dabigatran in the setting of VTE, confirming the results observed in the first RECOVER study.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Support for edoxaban for VTE prevention

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:00:17 EST

The benefit of edoxaban over enoxaparin for the prevention of VTE following hip and knee surgery did not appear to come at a cost, according to investigators, as there was no statistically...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA approves first pediatric VAD

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:00:17 EST

The FDA has approved the first humanitarian device exemption for a pediatric ventricular assist device.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Rivaroxaban approved in Europe for AF and DVT treatment

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:45:19 EST

The factor Xa oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban has been approved in the European Union for the prevention of nonvalvular AF-related stroke and systemic embolism and for the treatment of DVT.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Combining wireless sensors and genomics for CVD prevention?

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:00:31 EST

Monitoring an individual's risk for MI in the future would ideally first take into account his or her genome sequence or other biomarkers and then might use an implanted nanosensor smaller than a...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Hospital admissions predict readmission for heart failure

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:15:00 EST

New research indicates that initial hospital admission rates predict readmission rates for CHF in the US and that these figures vary greatly by region. It's time to reduce incentives to use hospital...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA approves AtriCure AF ablation system

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:15:00 EST

The FDA has approved the AtriCure Synergy Ablation System for the treatment of AF in patients undergoing open concomitant CABG surgery and/or valve replacement or repair.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Another Maryland doc charged with overstenting

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:45:00 EST

A member of the Maryland Health Care Commission committee, tasked with helping to prevent a repeat of the Dr Mark Midei case, is accused of the same type of inappropriate practice.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Riata ICD lead "alert" is now a class I recall

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST

The US FDA has designated a recent physician advisory letter relating to St Jude Medical's Riata family of ICD leads as a class I recall, the most serious. The letter, issued last month, warned...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

AHA Statistics: New year, same trends

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:00:12 EST

The new annual update on the state of America's heart health is out and provides some encouraging news about outcomes while underscoring the severity of the country's problems with obesity and poor...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New anticoagulants do not interact with HIT antibodies in heparin-compromised patients

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:00:14 EST

Based on a proof-of-concept laboratory study, investigators are suggesting that heparin-induced thrombocytopenia patients can be treated with the newer anticoagulants, without any of the consequences...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Vitamin D fails again to affect CV mortality

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:15:40 EST

Three-year follow-up from a British study adds to accumulating evidence that vitamin-D supplementation does not have an impact on cardiovascular mortality. Only large ongoing trials, the results of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CPAP benefits in metabolic syndrome

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST

Three months of treatment with continuous positive airway pressure was associated with improvements in many components of the metabolic syndrome in a new study in patients with both metabolic...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

AF following TAVI associated with higher risk of stroke

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST

A small study indicates that even a very short episode of AF following TAVI might be associated with an increased risk of stroke. The findings have implications for antithrombotic therapy after TAVI,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

PCI at centers without on-site surgery backed by meta-analysis

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST

A new meta-analysis of over a million patients sheds more light on the benefits of allowing centers with no bypass-surgery capability to perform PCI, a practice that remains controversial.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

TACT study of chelation therapy again in spotlight

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:15:57 EST

The TACT study, investigating the chelation therapy EDTA in coronary heart disease patients, is once again the subject of controversy, this time in an article published yesterday in the Chicago...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis in iliofemoral DVT reduces risk of postthrombotic syndrome

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:15:32 EST

Catheter-directed thrombolysis significantly reduced the risk of postthrombotic syndrome at 24 months and increased venous patency after six months, compared with standard therapy in patients with a...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New evidence addresses ADHD meds and adult CVD risk

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:30:56 EST

A large observational study provides reassuring news on the safety of medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in middle-aged adults, researchers say.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Survey says: Most cardiologists support elective PCI sans on-site CABG�.�.�.�with caveats

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST

Is elective angioplasty without surgical backup on-site safe and effective enough for the US? Where would you send a family member? Sparks flew on both sides of the debate, as captured in a survey...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Less than 10% of retrievable IVC filters removed, even though indication no longer present

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 07:45:45 EST

At one large US trauma center, less than 10% of inferior vena cava filters are removed from patients, despite the fact that the initial indication for the filter is no longer present. In addition,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Chewing khat increases risk in cardiac patients

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST

Researchers in the Middle East are warning doctors about the practice of chewing khat leaves, previously described as a "smokeless gun," which they have shown results in worse outcomes among ACS...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Bleeding risk scores provide mixed results, especially in intermediate-risk patients

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:00:13 EST

Overall, the bleeding risk scores were able to identify patients at high risk for bleeding but had limited ability to identify patients at intermediate risk, report investigators.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

"Striking" variation in PCI/CABG across Ontario hospitals

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST

A large study in Ontario has identified a threefold variation in the ratio of PCI to CABG, depending on which hospital a patient attends. The widest range was seen among those with multivessel...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Aspirin a safe, low-cost option for preventing recurrent VTE after anticoagulation stopped

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:30:45 EST

Investigators say the reduction in recurrent VTE risk, which was achieved without an increased risk of bleeding, makes aspirin an attractive treatment option for the extended prevention of recurrent...

For complete story visit theheart.org.