February 11th, 2013
Selections from Richard Lehman’s Literature Review: February 11th
Richard Lehman, BM, BCh, MRCGP
This week’s topics include the effect of ramipril on walking times and quality of life among those with PAD and intermittent claudication, genetic associations with valvular calcification and aortic stenosis, and more.
February 11th, 2013
FDA Wants Cardiovascular Safety Data Before Approving Insulin Degludec
Larry Husten, PHD
The FDA informed Novo Nordisk on Friday that it would not approve the company’s highly anticipated long-acting insulin degludec products (Tresiba and Ryzodeg) until it receives data from a cardiovascular outcomes trial. Approval of the drugs had been widely anticipated for this year, following a positive recommendation from an FDA advisory committee last fall. But the committee […]
February 9th, 2013
A Cardiologist Tests an Activity Tracker
Shengshou Hu, M.D.
Looking to lose a few pounds, Wes Fisher tries out a new physical activity tracking device and shares his experience.
February 8th, 2013
Xarelto Effective in Medically Ill Patients, But at High Bleeding Cost
Larry Husten, PHD
The recent arrival of novel oral anticoagulants has provided important new options for treating and preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE). New indications for these drugs have been granted for patients with atrial fibrillation and for patients who have undergone orthopedic surgery. But an additional indication, for acutely ill medical patients at risk for VTE, does not […]
February 7th, 2013
Arms and the Interventionalist
Megan Coylewright, MD MPH, Michael Tempelhof, MD MSc, Micah Eimer, MD, L. David Hillis, MD, Richard A. Lange, MD, MBA and John Ryan, MD
According to an ESC consensus document published last week, radial artery access should be the “default” choice for PCI. CardioExchange’s John Ryan interviewed cardiologists and interventional cardiologists at different stages of their careers to find out how they view radial artery catheterization, and if the views differ among interventional fellows, faculty, and those in leadership roles. […]
February 6th, 2013
Genetic Study Identifies Strong Links to Aortic Valve Disease
Larry Husten, PHD
A genetic component is believed to play an important role in valvular heart disease, but the specific genes involved have not been identified. Now an interntional group of researchers has identified genetic variations that increase the risk for valvular calcification. In an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, members of the Cohorts for Heart and […]
February 6th, 2013
FFR vs. iFR: All That Glitters Is Not Gold
Richard A. Lange, MD, MBA and L. David Hillis, MD
David Hillis and Rick Lange consider new evidence that iFR is not an acceptable substitute for FFR. Does the need for adenosine administration hinder the use of FFR to guide management decisions?
February 5th, 2013
Back To The Future: Resurrected Data From 1960s Trial Might Impact Contemporary Dietary Fat Debate
Larry Husten, PHD
In an exceedingly strange turn of events, data from a clinical trial dating from the 1960s, long thought to be lost, has now been resurrected and may contribute important new information to the very contemporary controversy over recommendations about dietary fat composition. The American Heart Association has long urged people to increase their consumption of […]
February 5th, 2013
The Sun Is About to Shine
Joseph S. Ross, MD, MHS
Will the Physician Payment Sunshine Act help to prevent conflict of interest or will it limit good science?
February 5th, 2013
ACE Inhibitor Improves Walking in People with Peripheral Artery Disease
Larry Husten, PHD
Giving an ACE inhibitor to people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and intermittent claudication reduces pain and increases walking time, according to a new study published in JAMA. Currently the pharmacologic options for this patient population are few and have limited efficacy. Researchers at three Australian hospitals randomized 212 patients with PAD to receive the ACE inhibitor ramipril or placebo for […]