theheart.org - trusted cardiology news and opinions

SCAAR: Could cheap heparin replace pricy bivalirudin in PCI for non-STE-ACS?

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:50:35 EDT

Investigators for a new SCAAR registry analysis point out that bivalirudin has been widely studied only against a combination of GP IIb/IIIa inhibition and heparin, but that heparin alone is cheaper...

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Cardiac-arrest survival highest at hospitals with the fewest

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:30:41 EDT

Hospitals that excel at preventing cardiac arrests also have higher survivor rates when an arrest occurs.

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BIOFLOW II: New bioabsorbable-polymer/thin-strut sirolimus stent shows promise

Tue, 21 May 2013 11:30:00 EDT

The new sirolimus-eluting stent boasting a biodegradable polymer and a thin-strut design that is 25% thinner than the market-leading permanent-polymer stents looks similar to a market leader, at...

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No point to "aggressive" sodium, fluid restriction seen in acute HF

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:00:50 EDT

All it did in a small randomized trial was to make the patients thirsty; it didn't do anything for weight loss or clinical stability.

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ADVANCE one-year data reassuring on mild PV leaks with CoreValve

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:04 EDT

Full clinical outcomes presented at EuroPCR today "demonstrate low one-year mortality, low stroke rates, and low rates of aortic regurgitation and paravalvular leak," investigators said.

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EMA reviewing safety of dual RAS blockade for hypertension, HF

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:08 EDT

The European Medicines Agency is now reviewing the safety of using dual renin-angiotensin system blockade in clinical practice because of concerns of hyperkalemia, low blood pressure, and kidney...

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Inhaled long-acting bronchodilators in COPD flagged again for CV hazard

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:00 EDT

The controversy continues over the cardiovascular side effects of both long-acting beta-agonist and long-acting anticholinergic drugs when newly prescribed for the management of chronic obstructive...

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Hatha yoga reduces blood pressure in mildly hypertensive patients

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:45:53 EDT

Hatha yoga introduced to individuals with hypertension appears to lower blood pressure, and while the reductions in blood pressure aren't earth-shattering, they might just be enough to avoid starting...

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BP reductions with renal denervation durable to 30 months: SYMPLICITY HTN-2

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:45:00 EDT

New data from the Symplicity HTN-2 study confirm the long-term efficacy of renal denervation in patients with resistant hypertension. At 30 months, there was a sustained reduction in systolic blood...

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Dietary saturated fat has undeserved bad reputation, says review

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:45:39 EDT

It calls for a reappraisal of health recommendations that focus on cutting saturated-fat intake levels, as "mechanisms for adverse health effects are lacking."

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Physician inertia to blame for small BP changes in BARBER-1

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:45:00 EDT

A new analysis of BARBER-1 suggests that physician inertia might be the reason African American men failed to reduce their blood pressure lower than hoped.

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Never too old to get moving: Aerobic fitness lowers risk of death in elderly

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:30:00 EDT

If you don't use it, you're going to lose it—the old chestnut is supported by a new VA Medical Center study showing that fit elderly patients with hypertension had a lower risk of death than...

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EMA: Benefits outweigh VTE risks with hormone drugs for acne

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:30:10 EDT

The EMA has issued a recommendation that the benefits of the hormonal acne treatment Diane and its generics outweigh the risks, provided that several measures are taken to minimize the risk of...

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HRS members support charitable ICD/pacemaker donation for reuse overseas

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:30:39 EDT

A survey of the society's physician members shows there is wide support for, although also some concerns about, the practice, which remains controversial in the US.

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Ken Mahaffey leaves DCRI for Stanford

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:15:00 EDT

Mahaffey is the second Duke physician to head to Stanford in the past two years, following in the footsteps of Dr Robert Harrington.

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How low should you go? Experts debate latest salvo in the war on sodium

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:30:28 EDT

Earlier this week, the Institute of Medicine stirred up controversy when it stated the data are insufficient to recommend lowering sodium levels beyond 2300 mg per day. The AHA came out against the...

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Dabigatran "real-life" results suggest caution needed

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:15:19 EDT

New data from real-life experience of dabigatran for stroke prevention in AF shows that it is often used outside prescribing recommendations, and the risk of both thromboembolism and bleeding may be...

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No clinical gain, more risk: Preference for dual- vs single-chamber ICD again questioned

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:15:12 EDT

Applying only to primary-prevention patients with no pacing indications, an analysis suggests that more expensive dual-chamber implantable defibrillators, compared with single-chamber devices, pose a...

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IOM: No clear benefits to slashing sodium intake to 1500 mg/day

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:40:32 EDT

Citing a lack of evidence linking lower sodium targets to a reduction in hard events, the IOM concludes that while Americans are consuming more sodium than required for health, the low limits set for...

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Gene-mutation discovery in congenital heart disease spells major shift in care

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:15:31 EDT

The finding will fundamentally alter how congenital cardiac defects are categorized and potentially treated, say the authors of a new report.

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Rover Rx? Pet ownership may lower CVD risk, says AHA

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:00:38 EDT

The data suggest that owning a dog increases physical activity, but there are also good data on pets decreasing mental stress and decreasing blood pressure, according to the American Heart...

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Hormone therapy associated with MI in male-to-female transsexuals

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:00:10 EDT

Hormone therapy given to transsexuals during gender reassignment appears to be associated with a greater likelihood of cardiovascular disease in men who subsequently become women.

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Dr Allen Anderson joins Northwestern's Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:45:24 EDT

Dr Allen Anderson is the new medical director of the advanced heart-failure program and director of network development at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern University.

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How close am I? Shocks decline when ICD programmers reminded of evidence-based settings

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:45:58 EDT

When they saw reports documenting shortfalls in their programming of ICDs to guidelines, clinicians cleaned up their act and shock rates safely fell; but this kind of teaching might not accomplish...

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Sodium levels through the restaurant roof—no reductions in past six years

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:30:00 EDT

A new study published today showed that while the sodium content of processed foods declined from 2005 to 2011, the overall reduction was just 3.5%. Restaurants, on the other hand, fared even worse,...

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Repeat ablation wins out over antiarrhythmic agents for recurrent paroxysmal AF

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:45:54 EDT

Not only was reablation more likely to banish recurrences in a randomized study, trying drugs the second time just made it worse for some patients.

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Simple tool stratifies mortality risk in type 2 diabetes

Mon, 13 May 2013 14:15:38 EDT

By plugging values for nine common variables into an online calculator, physicians can determine whether a patient with type 2 diabetes is at high risk of all-cause 2-year mortality, researchers...

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Heparins not recommended in acute stroke

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:30:10 EDT

Analyzing individual patient data from the five largest trials of heparin in acute stroke has not been able to define a group of patients where the benefit outweighs the bleeding risk.

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Risk factors help indicate which patients may be spared angiography

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:45:00 EDT

Cardiac-surgery patients without angina, MI, or diabetes show reduced risk of CAD and may be spared cost and comorbidities of conventional coronary angiography.

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Early experience with valve-in-valve implantation shows positive outcomes

Fri, 10 May 2013 16:45:20 EDT

Results from use of the transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation in Nordic countries show few complications and low mortality rates.

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Sliding-scale hydration reduces six-month clinical events in PCI patients

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:15:07 EDT

Hydration guided by left ventricular end-diastolic pressure significantly reduced the composite end point of death, MI, and the need for dialysis by 68% compared with a conventional hydration...

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Few failures show up in Durata, Riata ST Optim defibrillator-lead analysis

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:30:45 EDT

It has limitations, but an analysis of St Jude registries suggests the Optim-insulated leads won't suffer the same issues that plagued the company's recalled Riata and Riata ST leads.

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Long-term PROTECT-AF analysis: Watchman attains efficacy superiority over warfarin in AF

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:00 EDT

The Watchman left-atrial appendage occluder had previously been found noninferior to warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation; now, with an average of 45 months of follow-up, it's...

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Stent, then angioplasty, could increase the risk of stroke, suggests CREST analysis

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:45:35 EDT

The CREST analysis showed that poststent deployment angioplasty reduced the risk of restenosis by 64% but was associated with a nearly fourfold increased risk of stroke.

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In vivo, VERITAS: Live case TAVR just as safe as closed-door procedures

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:50:10 EDT

The FDA forbids the use of investigational transcatheter aortic-valve devices in live-case presentations being broadcast from US centers. A new study is offering some much-needed data into whether...

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High-volume gets demoted in new PCI-competence document

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:30:03 EDT

Professional societies have released an update to the "core competence" required of physicians wanting to perform percutaneous coronary interventions. In it, average annual volumes are lower, while...

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BRUISE CONTROL: Continued warfarin beats heparin bridging in ICD/pacemaker implants

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 EDT

UPDATED // Guidelines recommend that patients at high risk for thromboembolic events be bridged with heparin therapy, but few randomized trials have compared this strategy with simply maintaining...

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Oral anticoagulants less used in paroxysmal than persistent AF: NCDR data

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:30:23 EDT

US cardiologists seem to have a double standard when it comes to managing thromboembolic risk in patients with paroxysmal vs persistent atrial fibrillation, despite guidelines calling for equality.

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No worsening HF seen with Riata-like failure of St Jude QuickSite, QuickFlex CRT leads

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:00:00 EDT

Although nearly half of patients with the pacing leads at one center showed externalizations on fluoroscopy, their heart failure wasn't worse than in those without the problem.

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No benefit of fish oil in high-risk patients

Wed, 08 May 2013 17:00:00 EDT

N-3 fatty-acid supplementation had no effect on the study's primary end point in this group of patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors or atherosclerotic disease, but no previous MI....

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TAVR numbers in Europe: High or not high enough?

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:00:14 EDT

Almost 35 000 patients in 11 European countries underwent a transcatheter aortic-valve replacement in the first five years following CE Mark approval of the Edwards Sapien and Medtronic CoreValve,...

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Treating paroxysmal AF during cardiac surgery improves outcomes

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:00:48 EDT

A new study is shedding key new information on what one expert called an uncommon subject in the literature but a really common clinical problem.

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Dick Cheney: "Coronary artery disease is just a part of who I am"

Wed, 08 May 2013 10:40:39 EDT

Speaking at the 2013 AATS meeting, Cheney describes his LVAD procedure the toughest of all his heart surgeries, while his transplant was a walk in the park. He and his cardiologist,�Dr Jonathan...

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Apixaban superior to warfarin across range of INR values, ARISTOTLE analysis

Tue, 07 May 2013 17:00:00 EDT

The reduction in the primary efficacy end point of stroke or systemic embolism with apixaban was observed across a broad range of INR control in the warfarin-treated patients.

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Program tweak cuts ICD pacing/shocks in broad population: ADVANCE 3

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:00:00 EDT

The trial "confirms and reinforces" conclusions from last year's MADIT-RIT trial, that ICD programming that delays arrhythmia detection can prevent some inappropriate shocks and other unnecessary...

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What to do when the patient is hot

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:30:00 EDT

Patients who've had a nuclear imaging study with radioactive tracers become, themselves, radiation emitters; now researchers in Boston have tried to quantify that risk to others.

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No advantages, more surgery, with MitraClip at four years: EVEREST II

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:30:00 EDT

At four years, surgery for mitral-valve dysfunction was needed for one out of every five patients treated with the MitraClip compared with just 5.5% of patients who underwent surgery. These four-year...

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Study identifies pitfalls of current PCI-outcome reporting

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:30:00 EDT

The outcome measure of "30-day mortality after PCI" does not accurately reflect how well interventionalists and hospitals are performing PCIs, according to researchers who compared death-certificate...

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Low-dose anticoagulation appears safe, effective with new-generation heart valve

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:45:20 EDT

Interim results show reduced risk of bleeding and no increased risk of thromboembolism when aortic-valve-replacement patients receive less aggressive anticoagulant therapy.

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Aortic-valve repair shows durability, low mortality in younger patients

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:40:30 EDT

Five-year outcomes in patients with aortic regurgitation treated with surgical valve repair show few complications and low mortality, as well as device durability.

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Dr Burt Sobel dies, age 75

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:40:57 EDT

A renowned cardiologist and scientist, Sobel was also the director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute at the University of Vermont.

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Diabetes increases stroke risk, particularly in under-65s

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:12 EDT

A new study shows up to a 12-fold increase in risk of stroke in younger patients with diabetes compared with nondiabetics of similar age.

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Patient-reported health status underutilized in practice, says AHA

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EDT

The AHA is reminding physicians in clinical practice that the domains of patient-reported health status, including symptom burden, functional status, and health-related quality of life, remain...

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FDA approves atorvastatin/ezetimibe combo tablet

Fri, 03 May 2013 16:41:30 EDT

The combination, known as Liptruzet, is approved for the treatment of elevated LDL-cholesterol levels in patients with primary or mixed hyperlipidemia as an adjunct to dietary changes.

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Physical activity low among American adults

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:15:47 EDT

Approximately 50% of American adults meet the guidelines for aerobic activity, and only a quarter participate in muscle-strengthening activity.

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Aortic-dissection mortality linked to low surgical volume

Fri, 03 May 2013 10:15:56 EDT

Mortality risk for aortic-dissection repair varies according to the operative volume of surgeons and institutions.

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Lancet antitobacco series launches as ACC chides FDA inaction

Thu, 02 May 2013 18:30:00 EDT

One of the Lancet papers reviews the successes, failures, and ongoing challenges in beating back the "global tobacco epidemic," including a report from FDA scientists touting the impact of the 2009...

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ESC issues "practical guide" to new oral anticoagulants in AF

Thu, 02 May 2013 16:30:42 EDT

It used to be easier deciding which oral anticoagulant to use in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. With all the choices now available, a new document sorts out their differences and can...

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Midei malpractice suit settled before hearing Midei's testimony

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:30:28 EDT

More than 200 patients were part of a settlement reached between plaintiffs and Catholic Health Initiatives yesterday afternoon, Midei confirmed to heartwire. He says he was not a part of the...

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No raised azithromycin CV-death risk seen in young or middle-aged adults

Wed, 01 May 2013 17:00:00 EDT

A nationwide cohort study in Denmark helps to soften the message from a 2012 study linking the antibiotic to an increased risk of cardiovascular death in the elderly, likely from ventricular...

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Case made for metabolic bariatric-surgery eligibility criteria

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:15:20 EDT

Current eligibility criteria for gastric bypass and other bariatric surgeries mean it isn't offered to many patients for whom it might provide remission from diabetes, say researchers presenting at...

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FDA limits use of heart-failure drug due to liver injury

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:00:19 EDT

The US Food and Drug Administration has announced new restrictions on the use of tolvaptan because of the potential risk for liver injury, including length of use.

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Subclinical hyperthyroidism linked to heart-failure deaths

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:45:17 EDT

A massive observational study in half a million individuals has found a link between subclinical hyperthyroidism and cardiovascular death, which appears to be predominantly driven by heart failure.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Stopping dabigatran ups stroke risk: New boxed warning

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:30:21 EDT

It raises the profile of a caution already in the oral anticoagulant's prescribing information.

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FDA okays Kcentra to reverse anticoagulation, stop bleeding

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:10:00 EDT

The plasma-derived product, like plasma itself, can stop major bleeding, but it can be deployed more quickly because it does not require blood-group typing or thawing.

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To [vitamin] D or not to D? That is the question

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EDT

In a lighthearted debate on whether everyone needs more vitamin D, endocrinologists here agreed, at least, that there are specific groups of people in whom sufficient vitamin D is mandatory.

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Addition of naturopathic medicine boosts CV risk reduction

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EDT

Experts who commented on the study, conducted by Canadian naturopathic physicians, said cardiologists should keep their minds open to whatever strategies might help patients do better at reducing...

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Metabolic syndrome in throes of AMI often confirmed later and may up risk by itself

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EDT

It's never been clear whether the telltale metabolic signs at hospitalization tell the same prognostic story as in the outpatient setting. Certainly it wasn't known whether they had their own story...

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CV risk factor management included in new type 2 diabetes treatment plan

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:30:57 EDT

Color-coded graphics address obesity, prediabetes, glucose-lowering drugs, and cardiovascular risk reduction in what is described as a "comprehensive" document.

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ESC supports renal denervation as an option for treating resistant hypertension

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:00:15 EDT

The ESC says that catheter-based renal denervation can be considered a therapeutic option in patients with drug-resistant hypertension who cannot get to goal with a combination of lifestyle and...

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US cardiologists see incomes climb in changing healthcare climate

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EDT

Salaries for US cardiologists climbed in 2012, making them the second-highest paid specialty, according to the 2013 Medscape Physician Compensation Report. Some intriguing new numbers suggest changes...

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Newest study confirms a soda a day ups diabetes risk by 20%

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:45:53 EDT

Drinking a can of sugary soda a day can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes by 22%. This latest rigorous research from Europe corroborates the findings of numerous other studies, say scientists.

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Bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes: Half in complete or partial remission at six years

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 17:15:57 EDT

Experience at a single busy center over a recent four-year period suggested one-fourth of patients are cured of diabetes. But there are limitations on the definition of "cure," and that's only one...

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Biventricular bests RV pacing in patients with AV block: BLOCK HF published

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:00:06 EDT

The study showed that patients randomized to biventricular pacing had a significantly lower incidence of the primary end point, a composite of all-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure...

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Side-effect concerns, herbal options among reasons for not filling statins scrips

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:45:01 EDT

More than half of patients reported not filling their statin prescriptions because of concerns about side effects, while two out of every three patients expressed general concerns about taking the...

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Beta-blockade boosts noncardiac-surgery outcomes in high-risk patients

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:08 EDT

Beta-blockade was cardioprotective when given during noncardiac surgery in an observational VA study. Some experts expect the findings to have an impact on the next guidelines.

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Intestinal flora again implicated in CAD; but this time, also CV events

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:15:16 EDT

From the group that recently demonstrated links between dietary carnitine, gut bacteria, and atherosclerosis comes a study with analogous findings on a different molecule found in meat and eggs and a...

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Progress in diabetes care in US, but still a way to go

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EDT

A new "snapshot" of how the US is faring in terms of risk-factor control and preventive practices for patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes shows there is much room for improvement.

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AHA forecasts rising burden of heart failure in the US

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:30:30 EDT

The AHA is predicting that more than eight million Americans will have heart failure by 2030 and that the total direct costs associated with the disease will rise from $21 billion in 2012 to $70...

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CDC support for new AMA initiative on CVD, prediabetes

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:00:04 EDT

One CDC doctor has given his support to a new initiative from the American Medical Association to help prevent cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, calling it "a big endorsement."

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Binge drinking impairs vascular function

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:30:50 EDT

Individuals with a history of binge drinking, an average of four years drinking to excess six times per month, had reduced flow-mediated dilation and flow-independent nitroglycerin-mediated dilation,...

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New insights into traffic, air-pollution risks, and atherosclerosis

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:30:15 EDT

In an analysis that builds on a 2007 paper, investigators with the Heinz Nixdorf Recall study looked at thoracic aortic calcification in relation to traffic proximity, traffic noise, and particulate...

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Low-glycemic diet seen to reverse diastolic dysfunction of diabetes

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:15:01 EDT

The randomized, partial-crossover study was quite small but provided echo evidence that a low-carbohydrate, high protein diet—but not a standard low-fat diet—can attenuate a common...

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Mortality advantage with CABG over PCI in Medicare patients

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EDT

This reduction in mortality with CABG was significantly lower among patients with diabetes, a history of tobacco use, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease, providing strong evidence that...

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Bariatric-surgery metabolic gains in adolescents can stay despite some weight return

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:45:59 EDT

Not lipids, not HbA1c, CRP, not even insulin levels: metabolic markers that had mostly normalized during the first year after weight-loss surgery didn't slip back among teens who regained pounds...

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PREDIMED: Mediterranean diet costs more than standard diet

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EDT

It's no small irony that the countries that gave the world the Mediterranean diet are, at least within Europe, those seeming least able to afford them. New PREDIMED data hint at what previous studies...

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Cardiologists plead ignorance, lack of time, in helping smokers butt out

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EDT

A survey of cardiologists in Spain reveals that only three out of four cardiologists are routinely asking patients whether they smoke, and the majority admit they seldom use tools and medications to...

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Experts welcome canagliflozin approval, but questions remain

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:15:51 EDT

Cardiologists and endocrinologists weigh in with varying benefit/risk assessments of this new drug, the first in a novel class of agents.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Overall stroke rates decline in Sweden, but uptick in younger victims raises concerns

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:50:54 EDT

Overall ischemic stroke rates have declined sharply in Sweden over the past 25 years, as have overall mortality rates after a first stroke. But some troubling trends among young Swedes are cause for...

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"Shaking" the heart enhances stem-cell therapy in chronic HF: CELLWAVE

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:54 EDT

In this phase 1/2 randomized clinical trial of patients with a previous MI, pretreating the heart with shock waves before administering autologous bone-marrow-derived mononuclear cells resulted in...

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Debating digoxin in AF: New analysis suggests no mortality risk

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:00:58 EDT

In a new post hoc analysis of the AFFIRM trial, the use of digoxin was not associated with an increased risk of death or hospitalizations in patients with paroxysmal and persistent AF. This contrasts...

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Best targets, biggest hurdles in Europe's war on CVD

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 14:45:52 EDT

Cardiovascular disease is declining across Europe, but researchers have ambitious plans that could cut CV deaths much further—if only policymakers acted upon the science.

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Garrett FitzGerald and Carlo Patrono share 2013 Grand Prix Scientifique

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:30:17 EDT

Drs Garrett FitzGerald and Carlo Patrono share the 2013 Grand Prix Scientifique for their work in the development of low-dose aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

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Very few people with established CVD adhere to healthy habits: PURE

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:00:54 EDT

In a new analysis from the global PURE study, just 4% of people with known coronary heart disease or past stroke ate well, had quit smoking or never smoked, and exercised regularly.

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LAFB associated with long-term cardiovascular and mortality risk

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:00:04 EDT

UPDATED // Left anterior fascicular block, an electrocardiographic abnormality previously considered benign, is associated with a significantly increased risk of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart...

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Higher BNP levels predict healthier body shape

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:00:43 EDT

In a study of healthy subjects, higher levels of natriuretic peptides—including B-type natriuretic peptide—were linked with having a "healthier" "pear-shaped" vs "apple-shaped" body.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

New guidelines to reduce "alarm fatigue"

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:45:06 EDT

The Joint Commission seeks to solve a chronic problem that endangers patient safety.

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Beet this: More evidence of BP-lowering effects of dietary nitrate

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 14:00:20 EDT

The small, proof-of-principle study suggests that the blood-pressure-lowering effects of dietary nitrates—already documented in normotensives—are also seen in subjects with established...

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New social-media guidelines issued for physicians

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 11:40:18 EDT

A new report highlights the potential benefits and pitfalls of online communication and social-media relationships.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Will new FDA meeting on Avandia prompt withdrawal of drug?

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:15:13 EDT

The FDA has announced that two of its panels will discuss the reanalysis of the controversial RECORD trial with the much-maligned diabetes drug rosiglitazone in June.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

CV risks prompt recommendations for EU strontium ranelate restrictions�

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:15:55 EDT

An EU regulatory committee has recommended restricting the use of the osteoporosis drug strontium ranelate to reduce the risk for adverse cardiovascular events in postmenopausal women.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Insulin has small effect on IMT, fish oil has none: GRACE

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 08:00:12 EDT

In patients with early type 2 diabetes with a high risk of CVD, insulin glargine modestly reduced progression in carotid artery intima media thickness; omega-3 fatty-acid supplements did not.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Bedside ultrasound rivals chest X ray in central-line placement

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 07:45:56 EDT

Ultrasound imaging can be used to confirm the placement of a central line, and unlike the gold standard of chest X ray, it does not expose the patient to radiation.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

ACE inhibitor, beta blocker may thwart cardiotoxicity from chemotherapy: Pilot study

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 07:30:21 EDT

LVEF didn't take as big a hit when two mainstay HF drugs were given to leukemia and lymphoma patients along with their anthracyclines and other harsh chemotherapy agents.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

L-carnitine retakes spotlight, hints at survival benefit in acute MI: Meta-analysis

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:30:06 EDT

Seemingly at odds with a recent report implicating L-carnitine as a possible villain in heart disease, a report points to a more heroic potential role in acute therapy and perhaps secondary...

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Cardiopoietic stem cells derived from bone marrow pass phase 2 heart-failure test

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:23:26 EDT

Bone-marrow-derived autologous cardiopoietic stem cells injected into the hibernating myocardium of patients with heart failure improves left ventricular ejection fraction as well as six-minute-walk...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

US cardiologist admits to ordering $19 million in unnecessary testing

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:15:17 EDT

Dr Jose Katz admitted to ordering diagnostic tests regardless of patient symptoms and falsely diagnosing a majority of his patients with angina to justify their treatment.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Amiodarone-cancer link reemerges in observational study

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:15:41 EDT

The widely used antiarrhythmic appeared to increase the risk of cancer, especially in men, in a retrospective cohort study. Observers say the findings are only hypothesis-generating and would need...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Risk of sitting, benefit of running: Disconnect disclosed in WHI analysis

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:00:17 EDT

Exercise isn't the only heart-healthy alternative to being sedentary; simply standing up more frequently can benefit those who can't be very active, suggest Women's Health Initiative data.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

"Nonsystem" issues prolong door-to-balloon times, up mortality in primary PCI

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:55:33 EDT

The specific delays identified in the NCDR-based study, covering about 15% of STEMI cases, were associated with a sixfold jump in in-hospital mortality.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Quinidine, valued in Brugada syndrome, available in few countries

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EDT

The drug is readily available in only 19 countries and unavailable or available only with restrictions and delay in the vast majority of countries including most of Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia,...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Fiber-rich diet may protect against stroke

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:00:33 EDT

Pooled data suggest that every 7-g increase in total daily fiber intake is associated with a 7% lower risk for first stroke.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

L-carnitine in red meat may up CVD risk via altered gut flora

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:30:31 EDT

Intake of L-carnitine, especially in red meat and probably in supplements and energy drinks, appears to promote growth of bacteria in the gut that turn the carnitine into a metabolite that promotes...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Prasugrel noninferior to ticagrelor, but both achieve poor platelet inhibition at two hours

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:00:34 EDT

The Rapid Activity of Platelet Inhibitor Drugs Study showed that four hours is needed to achieve effective platelet inhibition in most patients, with just 50% of treated patients having effective...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

High-sensitivity cTnT linked with cardiovascular events in secondary prevention

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EDT

In this group of patients, elevations in hs-cTnT were associated with structural and functional measures of heart disease, but even after adjustment for these measurements, each doubling of hs-cTnT...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Dabigatran clout in AF upheld in Danish "everyday clinical practice"

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:00:59 EDT

And there was no evidence of extra possible risks from dabigatran that had been suggested by some reports.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Periprocedural dabigatran safe at AF ablation, with the right tweaks

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:30:42 EDT

It may be necessary to withhold only one dose prior to the procedure, a group concludes, having compared their dabigatran strategy with standard warfarin management.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Framingham scores could predict cognitive decline better than a standard dementia score

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:00:32 EDT

And so could improve physician communication with patients about how their CV risk factors relate to later cognitive function, according to researchers.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

REVIVEd in print: REVIVE levosimendan trials finally get peer-review validation

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EDT

The revival is important, notes an editorial, in part because eight years after the trials were first presented at meetings, "clinicians in the trenches might not be acutely aware of the risks or...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cardiologist quits after U Penn alleges unnecessary stenting

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 16:00:37 EDT

The case has been submitted to the US Attorney's office and the state licensing board.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Hypertension and use of BP medications on the rise in US, says CDC

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:15:53 EDT

From 2005 to 2009 the overall age-adjusted prevalence of self-reported hypertension increased from 25.8% to 28.3%. Nearly every state experienced an increase in the prevalence of hypertension, with...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Male-pattern baldness linked with coronary heart disease

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EDT

The severity of male-pattern baldness increased the risk of coronary disease, even in younger subjects, report investigators. A receding hairline, on the other hand, was not associated with an...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Green tea, coffee may guard against stroke

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:00:10 EDT

A large Japanese study finds protective effects of regular consumption of green tea and coffee.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Low vitamin D, later CVD: Not true, in type 1 diabetes study

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EDT

Unlike some previous research, low serum levels of vitamin D did not predict cardiovascular disease or atherosclerosis in a study of patients with type 1 diabetes.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Omega-3 PUFA as biomarkers: Plasma levels predict mortality, CV events in CHS analysis

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:00:53 EDT

In general, the higher they were, the better the outcome; the effect was especially pronounced for at least one kind of cardiovascular mortality, according to an analysis from the Cardiovascular...

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Carvedilol superior to metoprolol in MADIT-CRT analysis

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 17:00:37 EDT

The benefit of carvedilol over metoprolol was more pronounced in the subgroup of patients with a CRT-D, where carvedilol was associated with a significant 39% reduction in the risk of hospitalization...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Lose weight, get paid: Group incentive packs a punch

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EDT

How can employers gain more bang for their buck when they offer obese employees cash rewards to lose weight? In a six-month study, a group incentive trumped a solo one.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Statin discontinuation common, but patients can be rechallenged to try again

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EDT

Investigators showed that more than half of patients who stopped taking the statin because of a statin-related event were successfully restarted with a statin, including the same drug, over the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA approves new diabetes drug, canagliflozin, despite CV concerns

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:00:11 EDT

The decision follows a recent advisory committee vote 10 to 5 in favor of approval for the first-in-class oral inhibitor of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), but a split vote over the...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Pregnancy loss associated with a later risk of atherosclerosis

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EDT

Pregnancy and stillbirth significantly increase the risk of MI, cerebral infarction, and renovascular hypertension in a cohort of Danish women. Each successive miscarriage also increased these risks...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

More beaches, less bureaucracy, say burned out cardiologists

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:45:00 EDT

Almost two out of five cardiologists surveyed in this year's Medscape Physician Lifestyle Report say they suffer from a loss of enthusiasm for work, feelings of cynicism, and/or a low sense of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Carotid artery stenting viable alternative to surgery

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EDT

Evidence for carotid artery stenting is mounting for symptomatic stenosis provided patients are carefully selected and managed at high-volume centers, say investigators.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Aspirin self-prescribing persists in primary CVD prevention

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:45:00 EDT

Almost 40% of patients surveyed in the waiting rooms of two primary-practice clinics said they were taking aspirin regularly, mostly for prevention of CV events. Most were taking it for primary...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Heart-smart diabetes drugs: Pipe dream or possibility?

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EDT

The FDA states new diabetes drugs now need to show a lack of cardiovascular toxicity. Despite initial reservations, companies are cooperating, and some are even seeking the holy grail of...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Depression negates benefit of heart-healthy behaviors

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EDT

New research suggests that untreated symptoms of depression can negate the anti-inflammatory benefits associated with physical activity and light to moderate alcohol consumption.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Friedewald-derived LDL misclassifies patients at low end of LDL spectrum

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:00:09 EDT

Researchers found that the Friedewald equation misclassifies patients with very low LDL-cholesterol levels. Nearly one in four individuals with an LDL-cholesterol level <70 mg/dL had higher levels...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Awareness of prediabetes in the US is low

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:00:56 EDT

In 2010, about one in three US adults 20 years and older had prediabetes, but only 11% were aware of their status, according to a CDC report.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Niacin adverse events disputed in AIM-HIGH and HPS2-THRIVE

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:30:40 EDT

AIM-HIGH researchers have yet to publish a detailed post hoc analysis of adverse events related to niacin therapy, but the investigators do not believe there was a real risk of bleeding or infection...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

TACT published: Controversial study under scrutiny in JAMA

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EDT

TACT, a positive, if perplexing, study, suggested that chelation therapy may modestly improve clinical outcomes in patients after an acute MI. Over a four-year follow-up, those who followed an...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Abbott warns of potential for damage to the MitraClip valve

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:05:55 EDT

Abbott Vascular is reporting that the MitraClip heart-valve implant can be damaged and deployment prevented if the "actuator knob" is turned in the wrong direction. Since 2008, Abbott said there are...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Younger stroke patients face higher risk of early CV death

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:00:20 EDT

Adults who sustain stroke at a relatively young age remain at increased risk for premature death decades years later, researchers say.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Less invasive coronary revascularization lowers spending, days missed from work

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:00:06 EDT

Compared with conventional surgery for coronary disease, individuals who underwent a minimally invasive procedure, such as PCI, missed 38 fewer days of work, and overall spending on medical care was...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Most prepared meals, salty snacks for toddlers too high in sodium

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:15:00 EDT

A taste for salt, acquired as a toddler, may be putting young Americans at risk for later hypertension. The first study to review salt content in commercial foods for babies and toddlers identified...

For complete story visit theheart.org.

FDA again rejects oral treprostinil for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:45:21 EDT

Treprostinil, already available in injectable drug and inhaled formulations, has seen mixed success in the FREEDOM trial series.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Fit physicians more likely to encourage patients to be active

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:30:58 EDT

According to a new study, healthcare providers who "walk the walk" are more likely to counsel their patients to make regular physical activity a part of a healthy lifestyle.

For complete story visit theheart.org.

Cash-back program for healthy groceries improves diets

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:00:22 EDT

Families in South Africa boosted their purchases of healthy foods eligible for a 25% cash rebate by more than 9% and bought less junk food; but why might the program not work everywhere?

For complete story visit theheart.org.