TAO: Otamixaban disappoints in NSTE-ACS
The new IV factor Xa inhibitor was not superior to heparin plus eptifibatide in reducing death/MI but did increase bleeding among patients with NSTE-ACS and a planned invasive strategy. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 1, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
ACCOAST: More bleeds, no benefit, with early prasugrel in NSTE-ACS
Starting patients on the faster-acting, more potent antiplatelet at the time of diagnosis, rather than at the time of the procedure, proved unsafe and ineffective in this trial. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 1, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
PRAMI: Preventive PCI of nonculprit lesions benefits STEMI patients
For interventionalists performing PCI in the setting of acute STEMI, treating additional nonculprit lesions significantly reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, according to the results of the PRAMI study. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 1, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
RE-ALIGN: Strokes, bleeds, thrombi with dabigatran and mechanical valves
The FDA offered an early glimpse at the RE-ALIGN results when it issued a contraindication to dabigatran in the setting of mechanical heart valves. Full findings were released today. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 1, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
Hokusai-VTE Study: Once-daily edoxaban matches warfarin for averting recurrent DVT, PE
The factor Xa inhibitor joins others in this new class of oral anticoagulants in rivaling the older agent for efficacy in acute VTE and outclassing it for safety in a major randomized trial. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 1, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
Not a TASTE, not a nibble: Thrombectomy a letdown for PCI-treated STEMI patients
Thrombus aspiration performed before PCI in STEMI patients failed to significantly reduce the risk of death at 30 days. There were trends toward reductions in rehospitalizations and stent thrombosis, but these did not achieve significance, report investigators. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - September 1, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
With or without AF, risk of first stroke rises with risk-factor prevalence
The novel finding has implications for one of the frontiers of cardiology: whether antithrombotic therapy may be appropriate for patients with abundant risk factors for ischemic stroke but no history of stroke or atrial fibrillation, observe researchers; their findings were based on hospital and pharmacy data representing most of Denmark. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - August 31, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
Pay-for-performance improves lipid levels and gets more patients to LDL targets
Overall, 80% of UK patients achieved the LDL-cholesterol target of less than 100 mg/dL compared with just 42% of German patients, according to an analysis of the Dyslipidemia International Study. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - August 31, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
Electronic cigarettes: No adverse effects on coronary microcirculation
Authors of a small study say their findings offer more reassurances in the absence of long-term, real-world safety data for the increasingly popular devices. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - August 31, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
Industry rep visits influence selection of coronary stents
The presence of an industry rep in the cath lab also tended to drive up procedural costs, a new study suggests. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - August 30, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
AHA/ASA statement: Toward a modern stroke care system
A new AHA/ASA policy statement outlines key elements needed for systems of care to effectively reduce stroke-related deaths and disability. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - August 29, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
SERAPHIN: Macitentan, novel endothelin-receptor antagonist, boosts PAH outcomes
Long-term clinical-outcomes data are in short supply for pulmonary artery hypertension drug therapies. Regulators are now looking at macitentan, which is making its case largely on the strength of the three-year, clinical-endpoint-driven SERAPHIN trial. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - August 29, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
Framingham Heart Study funding cut by 40%
In a typical year, the FHS receives approximately $9 million from the government through its contract with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. However, the funding will be reduced to $4 million in the coming years, a 40% reduction. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - August 28, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
"Ultra-early" thrombolysis cuts disability in mild stroke
Giving IV thrombolysis within 90 minutes improves the odds of excellent outcome in patients with mild to moderate acute ischemic stroke, new research shows. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - August 28, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
S-ICD, sans bells and whistles, a "viable alternative" in some ICD candidates
Representing "a significant existential crisis" for transvenous-lead systems, according to one expert, the totally subcutaneous ICD system was judged both safe and effective in a cohort of >300 selected primary- and secondary-prevention patients, without necessarily improving outcomes. (Source: theHeart.org)
Source: theHeart.org - August 28, 2013 Category: Cardiology Source Type: news
