August 30th, 2013
Will New Scanner Technology Reduce Radiation from CT Angiography?
Kavitha M Chinnaiyan, M.D., Gilbert L Raff, BS, MD and John Ryan, MD
Kavitha Chinnaiyan and Gilbert L. Raff discuss their study group’s nonrandomized investigation of using new scanner technology to reduce radiation from coronary CT angiography in the context of an ongoing quality-improvement program.
August 29th, 2013
Inexpensive Accelerometer Could Help Monitor Progress After Heart Surgery
Larry Husten, PHD
An inexpensive off-the-shelf fitness monitor can help physicians monitor and perhaps customize their treatment of patients after heart surgery, according to a new study from the Mayo Clinic published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery. Although the mobility of patients after surgery has long been recognized as a significant predictor of outcome, the authors of the study note […]
August 29th, 2013
Statins Reduce Cardiovascular Events in Elders Without Established CVD
Nicholas Downing, MD
Statins are associated with lower risks for myocardial infarction and stroke among elders without established cardiovascular disease, according to a meta-analysis in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The analysis included eight randomized, placebo-controlled trials comprising nearly 25,000 patients aged 65 and older without CVD at baseline. During 3.5 years’ follow-up, statin use […]
August 29th, 2013
Managing Hypertension – Not as Easy as It Once Seemed
Paul A. Bergl, MD
A Chief Resident surveys the rapidly changing landscape of hypertension management.
August 28th, 2013
New Drug Found Safe and Effective in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension — But Does It Save Lives?
Larry Husten, PHD
Macitentan, a new drug for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), appears to be safe and effective, but it is unclear whether it offers any significant advantages over currently available drugs. The drug, a dual endothelin-receptor antagonist, is under development from Actelion as an enhanced version of bosentan (Tracleer). The results of a phase 3 trial, SERAPHIN (Study with an Endothelin […]
August 28th, 2013
American Heart Association Announces Late-Breaking Clinical Trials
Larry Husten, PHD
There are still a few days left in August, and the European Society of Cardiology meeting doesn’t start until this weekend in Amsterdam. Nevertheless, the American Heart Association has released the list of late-breaking clinical trials for its annual meeting in November. Late-Breaking Clinical Trials 1: Acute Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Care Sunday, Nov 17, 2013, 4:00 PM – […]
August 28th, 2013
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning for CABG: An Investigator’s Perspective
Gerd Heusch, Prof. Dr. med. Dr.h.c. and John Ryan, MD
Gerd Heusch discusses his study group’s randomized trial of remote ischemic preconditioning before coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
August 28th, 2013
Platelet Reactivity Testing: Do You or Don’t You?
Richard A. Lange, MD, MBA and L. David Hillis, MD
In light of recent findings from the ADEPT DES study, Richard Lange and David Hillis want to know: Do you test PCI patients for platelet reactivity, and if so, why? React to reactivity in our latest poll.
August 27th, 2013
Selections from Richard Lehman’s Literature Review: August 27th
Richard Lehman, BM, BCh, MRCGP
This week’s topics include BP and mortality in U.S. veterans with CKD and improved BP control associated with a large-scale hypertension program.
August 27th, 2013
Fuster Discusses His Plans for JACC
Valentin Fuster, MD
Renowned cardiologist Valentin Fuster – the next editor-in-chief of JACC – answers our questions about the state of medical journals and his plans for the JACC.