Effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan on Neurocognitive Function: Current Status and Future Directions
AbstractSacubitril/valsartan is a new medication approved for the treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. While the drug failed to meet the primary endpoint in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in the PARAGON-HF trial, improvements were noted in several secondary endpoints. Valsartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker and sacubitril is a neprilysin inhibitor. Neprilysin is postulated to have a role in the degradation of beta-amyloid in the brain; therefore, sacubitril could theoretically increase beta-amyloid plaque deposition in the brain and potentially increase the risk of A...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - October 16, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

The Restricted Mean Survival Time as a Tool for Ranking Comparative Outcomes in a Narrative Review that Evaluates a Network of Randomized Trials: An Example Based on PCSK9 Inhibitors
ConclusionThe experience presented herein indicates that a framework of evidence assessment focused on the RMST is a worthwhile option. Our study is in line with the growing literature that has recently emphasized the methodological advantages of the RMST. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - October 7, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Long-Term Outcomes and Improvements in Quality of Life in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Catheter Ablation vs. Antiarrhythmic Drugs
ConclusionsIn the treatment of AF, CA appeared to be superior to AADs, decreasing the risk of all-cause death and cardiovascular hospitalization and improving the long-term QoL of patients with AF. CA was better tolerated and more effective than pharmacological therapy and allowed for improved QoL. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - September 30, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Effects of Dapagliflozin on Cardiovascular Events, Death, and Safety Outcomes in Patients with Heart Failure: A Meta-Analysis
ConclusionThis meta-analysis suggests that dapagliflozin could be a therapeutic strategy for patients with HF regardless of the presence or absence of T2DM. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - September 30, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

The AWAKE-HF Study: Sacubitril/Valsartan Impact on Daily Physical Activity and Sleep in Heart Failure
ConclusionsIn AWAKE-HF, no detectable differences in activity and sleep were observed when comparing sacubitril/valsartan with enalapril in patients with HFrEF using a wearable biosensor.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02970669. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - September 25, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Emerging Pharmacotherapy to Reduce Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Plasma Levels
AbstractLipoprotein(a) is a unique form of low-density lipoprotein. It is associated with a high incidence of premature atherosclerotic disease such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Plasma levels of this lipoprotein and its activities are highly variable. This is because of a wide variability in the size of the apolipoprotein A moiety, which is determined by the number of repeats of cysteine-rich domains known as “kringles.” Although the exact mechanism of lipoprotein(a)-induced atherogenicity is unknown, the lipoprotein has been found in the arterial walls of atherosclerotic plaques. It h...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - September 14, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Efficacy and Safety of Long-Term Oral Bosentan in Different Types of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
ConclusionIn this systematic review and meta-analysis, long-term administration of oral bosentan has been identified as a well-tolerated and effective agent in different types of PAH. In addition, we conclude that long-term oral bosentan should be considered for patients with CTD to achieve a satisfactory exercise capacity, and for those with APAH-HIV to improve survivals, where more attention on adverse events is required. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - September 11, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Mortality and Disease Severity Among COVID-19 Patients Receiving Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
DiscussionSince there was no increased risk of harm, the use of RAS inhibitors for hypertension and other established clinical indications can be maintained in COVID-19 patients. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - September 11, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Potential Therapeutic Roles for Direct Factor Xa Inhibitors in Coronavirus Infections
AbstractHuman factor Xa (FXa) is a serine protease of the common coagulation pathway. FXa is known to activate prothrombin to thrombin, which eventually leads to the formation of cross-linked blood clots. While this process is important in maintaining hemostasis, excessive thrombin generation results in a host of thrombotic conditions. FXa has also been linked to inflammation via protease-activated receptors. Together, coagulopathy and inflammation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of viral infections, including the current coronavirus pandemic. Direct FXa inhibitors have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and ...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - September 11, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Meta-Analysis Comparing Potent Oral P2Y 12 Inhibitors versus Clopidogrel in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
ConclusionsIn patients receiving OAC therapy for AF after a recent PCI, potent oral P2Y12 inhibitors increase the risk of clinically relevant bleeding compared with clopidogrel, with no evident benefit in terms of MACE reduction. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - September 7, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Utilization of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Real-World Settings
(Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - August 24, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Clinical Impact of Weight-Loss Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
AbstractObesity is associated with the development and progression of multiple cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and is an important contributor to the global burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Guidelines suggest that clinicians provide lifestyle counseling and promote lifestyle modifications before considering weight-loss surgery. However, despite lifestyle modifications and increased physical activity, most patients with obesity will not lose significant weight or will experience weight regain. Weight-loss pharmacotherapy added to lifestyle...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - August 18, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

The Use of Aspirin in Contemporary Primary Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases Revisited: The Increasing Need and Call for a Personalized Therapeutic Approach
AbstractThe use of aspirin has been widely accepted for the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in all patient populations, as the benefits linked to the reduction of clinical events outweigh the risk of major bleeding. However, despite the undisputable, though modest, potential of aspirin to reduce atherothrombotic events, its overall efficacy and safety in primary ASCVD prevention remains debatable, despite being used for this purpose for decades. The net clinical benefit of aspirin was brought into question by three recent large contemporary randomized controlled trials evaluating its ...
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - August 17, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

The Pharmacology, Efficacy, and Safety of Rivaroxaban in Obese Patient Populations
In conclusion, rivaroxaban ’s overall pharmacological and clinical profile remained consistent in obese adults when assessed in both drug development and postmarketing studies, supporting the premise that higher weight does not necessitate adjustment in either dose strength or regimen. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - August 16, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research

Optimal Medical Therapy Prescription in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Netherlands: A Multicenter Pilot Registry
ConclusionIn this pilot study that aimed to extend a national Dutch ACS registry to patients with STEMI and NSTEMI, OMT prescription was comparable to that in other local registries, was lower in women and patients with NSTEMI, and decreased with increasing age. (Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs)
Source: American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs - August 11, 2020 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research