BIC-8: Negative troponin and copeptin tests rule out acute coronary syndrome
A negative troponin test and a negative copeptin test can safely rule out acute coronary syndrome, according to the results of a new study. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 3, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

New TAVR turf? Bicuspid and valve-in-valve results show promise
New data from two small series hint that transcatheter valves may be a safe and effective option in failed bioprostheses and in patients with congenital bicuspid valves. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 3, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

Tour de France cyclists live longer than ordinary French men
The lower mortality rate was significant for deaths resulting from cancer and cardiovascular causes, and while it wasn't statistically significant for other causes of death, the mortality trends all favored the cyclists. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 3, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

Aliskiren: No impact on atherosclerosis progression in AQUARIUS
In a new setback for the drug, the renin-inhibitor has failed to demonstrate atherosclerosis regression in patients with prehypertension. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 3, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

ECHO-CRT: Resynchronization no help, may be harmful in narrow-QRS heart failure
QRS width, certainly not echocardiographic dyssynchrony, remains the most effective measure for selecting patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 3, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

"Insufficient evidence" for ABI screening in silent PAD: USPSTF statement
The US Preventive Services Task Force issued an "I statement" (insufficient evidence) recommendation for use of the ankle-brachial index test in individuals with silent PAD. This differs from the D recommendation (discourage use of this test) issued in 2005, but the scope of the new statement is broader. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 2, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

PURE: Telling CVD risk-factor, outcomes paradox in affluent vs poorer nations
CVD risk factors abound in wealthier countries and are less prevalent in poorer ones, yet poorer nations have worse CVD outcomes. The reason? Probably inequalities in healthcare, suggests a worldwide epidemiologic study, (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 2, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

ASSURE: No success for oral apoA1 booster
A novel drug that induces production of the HDL precursor protein apoA1 failed to show significant regression of atherosclerosis. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 2, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

Saxagliptin, alogliptin neither help nor harm CV risk in diabetics
However, there was an increased risk of hospitalizations for heart failure among patients treated with saxagliptin. On the whole, however, cardiologists feel the results are helpful for colleagues treating diabetic patients, as they rule out a risk of MI, stroke, or cardiovascular mortality. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 2, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

Tall order: Losartan looks promising in Marfan syndrome
The lead investigator for the COMPARE study says, since blood-pressure lowering is already recommended in this group, losartan could be recommended to these patients. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 2, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

ESC refreshes guidelines for stable CAD, CVD with diabetes
Imaging and functional testing play larger roles than in the past, there is greater appreciation of the role of microvascular disease in patients with angina, and the mainstay Diamond and Forrester Chest Pain Prediction Rule gets a makeover, among other guidelines upgrades. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 2, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

LINC: Similar outcomes with mechanical and manual CPR
The lead author is still optimistic for the future of the mechanical device, saying these are the first real data showing safety and efficacy. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 1, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

DAPT disruption spikes risk, but interruptions, planned stops okay: PARIS
When physicians recommend discontinuation, based on the opinion that the period of risk has passed, patients tend to do very well, whereas patients who stop abruptly face significant risks, a new registry analysis shows. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 1, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

DECAAF: Targeting MRI-identified fibrosis during ablation improves outcomes
After adjustment for multiple variables, including hypertension and type of atrial fibrillation, only the extent of atrial fibrosis was associated with treatment success following catheter ablation. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 1, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news

IN-TIME sees better results, fewer deaths, with HF home monitoring
Succeeding where others have failed, the IN-TIME trial has demonstrated that wireless monitoring of implanted devices can improve heart-failure outcomes and all-cause mortality, potentially due to the lack of patient involvement in their own care. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 1, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news