Statins and Hemorrhagic Stroke: Shedding Light on SPARCL
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
A new analysis of influential trial data clarifies the risks associated with statins for secondary prevention of stroke.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
December 12, 2007
Covering:
Goldstein LB et al. on behalf of the SPARCL investigators., Neurology 2007 Dec 12
Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Inhibition for Dyslipidemia: Hope Remains
Cardiology Summary and Comment
An experimental drug shows promise in phase I trials, but many questions still need answers.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
December 12, 2007
Covering:
Krishna R et al., Lancet 2007 Dec 8; 370:1907
Revised Guidelines for Management of Chronic Stable Angina
Cardiology Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
A focused update of the 2002 ACC/AHA guidelines amends secondary prevention recommendations.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
December 12, 2007
Covering:
Fraker TD Jr and Fihn SD on behalf of the 2002 Chronic Stable Angina Writing Committee., J Am Coll Cardiol 2007 Dec 4; 50:2264
B-Type Natriuretic Peptides in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Can we help the heart without harming the kidneys?
By Frederick A. Masoudi, MD, MSPH
December 5, 2007
Covering:
Witteles RM et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2007 Nov 6; 50:1835
Silver MA and Yancy CW., J Am Coll Cardiol 2007 Nov 6; 50:1841
Comparative Effectiveness of ACE Inhibitors and Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers for Hypertension
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A meta-analysis revealed no between-class difference in effectiveness but a dearth of clinical outcomes data.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
November 28, 2007
Covering:
Matchar DB et al., Ann Intern Med 2007 Nov 5
Parfrey PS., Ann Intern Med 2007 Nov 5
Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors for Proteinuria: Monotherapy or Combination Therapy?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Monotherapy with either an ARB or an ACE inhibitor effectively reduces proteinuria; combining the two may pack even more of a punch.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
November 28, 2007
Covering:
Kunz R et al., Ann Intern Med 2007 Nov 5
Parfrey PS., Ann Intern Med 2007 Nov 5
No Clinical Benefit for Tezosentan in Patients with Acute Heart Failure
Cardiology Summary and Comment
In the VERITAS trials, improvements in some hemodynamic measures did not translate into improvements in clinical outcomes.
Less Sleep = More Hypertension
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Women with shorter sleep duration were more likely to have or develop hypertension, and greater BMI played a key role in this relation.
Combination ACE-inhibitor and Angiotensin-Receptor Blocker Therapy: A Review of Safety Data
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
Proceed with caution when combining drugs that target the renin-angiotensin system.
Even High-Normal Blood Pressure Carries CV Risk
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Women with high-normal BP progressing to hypertension had CV risk similar to that of women with preexisting hypertension.
Routine Use of Perindopril and Indapamide in Type 2 Diabetes
Cardiology Summary and Comment
A simple and practical strategy emerges as an ADVANCE in the prevention of vascular events due to hypertension.
By Beat J. Meyer, MD
October 10, 2007
Covering:
Patel A et al. for the ADVANCE Collaborative Group., Lancet 2007 Sep 8; 370:829
Beyond Blood Pressure Control
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Targeting LV hypertrophy may reduce incident HF.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
October 10, 2007
Covering:
Okin PM et al., Ann Intern Med 2007 Sep 4; 147:311
Calcium Channel Blockers and Hyperglycemia: New Implications
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
In patients with calcium channel blocker overdose, glucose concentration is correlated with the severity of intoxication.
High-Normal Blood Pressure Is Associated with Cardiovascular Risk in Women
Emergency Medicine Summary and Comment
Compared with women who had normal blood pressure, those with high-normal blood pressure were more likely to experience adverse cardiovascular events and to progress to hypertension.
Diagnosing Pediatric Hypertension: Missed Opportunities
Hypertension was missed in about 75% of children with persistently elevated BP readings.
Reduced Left Ventricular Hypertrophy = Reduced Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death
Cardiology Summary and Comment
The severity of two criteria for ECG diagnosis of LVH in patients with hypertension is directly related to the risk for SCD.
By Mark S. Link, MD
August 29, 2007
Covering:
Wachtell K et al., Circulation 2007 Aug 14; 116:700-5
Under Pressure?
Neurology Summary and Comment
Ruling out essential hypertension as a secondary cause of hypnic headaches
By Bert B. Vargas, MD, and David W. Dodick, MD
August 28, 2007
Covering:
Gil-Gouveia R and Goadsby PJ., J Neurol 2007 May; 254:646-54
Hypertension Often Undiagnosed in Children
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Hypertension was missed in approximately 75% of children with persistently elevated BP readings.
Dual RAA System Inhibition by Aliskiren and Valsartan
Cardiology Summary and Comment
The combination is slightly more efficacious than either drug alone and is well tolerated.
By Beat J. Meyer, MD
August 15, 2007
Covering:
Oparil S et al., Lancet 2007 Jul 21; 370:221-9
Birkenhäger WH and Staessen JA., Lancet 2007 Jul 21; 370:195-6
Aliskiren Plus Valsartan Reduces Blood Pressure More Than Either Agent Alone
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in two ways improves blood pressure control, but other approaches may be safer and more effective.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
August 2, 2007
Covering:
Oparil S et al., Lancet 2007 Jul 21; 370:221-9
Birkenhäger WH and Staessen JA., Lancet 2007 Jul 21; 370:195-6
Post-Discharge Mortality in Patients with Type B Aortic Dissection
Cardiology Summary and Comment
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Partial thrombosis of the false lumen was associated with increased risk for death.
By Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM
July 25, 2007
Covering:
Tsai TT et al. for the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection., N Engl J Med 2007 Jul 26; 357:349-59
Dark Chocolate for Your Blood Pressure?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Free
A small amount of dark chocolate eaten daily for 18 weeks decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure by a few mm Hg.
By Wendy S. Biggs, MD
July 19, 2007
Covering:
Taubert D et al., JAMA 2007 Jul 4; 298:49-60
Nutty over Soy . . . Can It Combat Hypertension?
Women's Health Summary and Comment
Soy nuts lowered blood pressure and cholesterol in postmenopausal women.
By Marian C. Limacher, MD
July 19, 2007
Covering:
Welty FK et al., Arch Intern Med 2007 May 28; 167:1060-7
Traditional Mediterranean Diet Lowers Oxidized LDL
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Early findings from the PREDIMED trial show a beneficial effect on some cardiovascular risk factors.
By Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM
July 18, 2007
Covering:
Fitó M et al. for the PREDIMED Study Investigators., Arch Intern Med 2007 Jun 11; 167:1195-203
What Caused the Decline in Cardiac Death Rate from 1980 to 2000?
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
A new analysis credits improved treatment and reduction in risk factors about equally.
By Harlan M. Krumholz, MD, SM
July 11, 2007
Covering:
Ford ES et al., N Engl J Med 2007 Jun 7; 356:2388-98
