AIM-HIGH Halted: A Death Knell for the HDL Hypothesis? Six Experts Weigh In
Raising HDL levels with niacin failed to affect clinical outcomes.
No Benefit of Aspirin or Statins in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Neither reduced thromboxane B2 levels nor improved lipid profiles had any effect on 6-minute walk distances.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
June 8, 2011
Covering:
Kawut SM et al. on behalf of the ASA-STAT Study Group., Circulation 2011 May 18
Five Lessons from Niaspan's Disappointing Study
Adapted from a post on Dr. Harlan Krumholz's Outcomes blog at Forbes.com
High-Selenium Yeast Supplements Improve Plasma Lipid Levels
Cardiology Summary and Comment
But the effects of this treatment in individuals with normal or high baseline selenium concentrations remain unproven, as do clinical outcomes.
By Joel M. Gore, MD
June 1, 2011
Covering:
Rayman MP et al., Ann Intern Med 2011 May 17; 154:656
Skin Surgery Complications in Patients on Clopidogrel
Dermatology Summary and Comment
Free
The drug was associated with significantly increased risk for severe postoperative wound complications.
By George J. Hruza, MD
May 20, 2011
Covering:
Cook-Norris RH et al., J Am Acad Dermatol 2011 Apr 22
What Hath COURAGE Wrought? No Change in Practice
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Free
Many patients with stable coronary artery disease are still not receiving optimal medical therapy before undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Can We Delay Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer Disease?
Psychiatry Summary and Comment
Control of vascular risk factors may lower the conversion rate.
HIV Independently Associated with Heart Failure Risk
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Observational data suggest that heightened vigilance and aggressive risk-factor management are warranted to prevent HF in HIV-infected individuals.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
May 4, 2011
Covering:
Butt AA et al., Arch Intern Med 2011 Apr 25; 171:737
Statin Use and Risk for Death After Pneumonia
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Statin users were significantly less likely to die in the 6 months after pneumonia diagnoses.
Should Statin Therapy Be Continued During Sepsis?
Infectious Diseases Summary and Comment
In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, continuing statin therapy during hospitalization for sepsis neither improved nor worsened outcome.
By Neil M. Ampel, MD
April 20, 2011
Covering:
Kruger PS et al., Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2011 Mar 15; 183:774
HDL and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Gastroenterology Summary and Comment
HDL levels were inversely associated with colon cancer risk but showed no association with rectal cancer risk.
Long-Term Statin Therapy Does Not Lower Risk for Atrial Fibrillation
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Several factors might explain discrepant results between short-term and long-term trials.
Prescribing of Fibrates Is Booming in the U.S.
General Medicine Summary and Comment
But scant evidence from clinical trials supports this trend.
By Allan S. Brett, MD
March 31, 2011
Covering:
Jackevicius CA et al., JAMA 2011 Mar 23/30; 305:1217
Alcohol Favorably Affects Biomarkers Associated with CHD Risk
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Risks for coronary heart disease were similar for drinkers of beer, wine, or spirits.
Bad News for Screen Junkies
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Even after accounting for physical activity levels, spending a lot of discretionary time in front of a television or computer is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events.
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
March 2, 2011
Covering:
Stamatakis E et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2011 Jan 18; 57:292
C-Reactive Protein Level Doesn't Predict Statin Response in High-Risk Patients
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Reanalysis of the largest randomized statin trial to date suggests a cardiovascular risk reduction irrespective of baseline CRP levels.
By Beat J. Meyer, MD
February 23, 2011
Covering:
Heart Protection Study Collaborative Group., Lancet 2011 Feb 5; 377:469
Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Cardiology Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
Free
Revised guidelines redefine risk for cardiovascular disease and its management in women.
Cholesterol Monitoring to Detect Nonadherence to Statin Treatment
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Monitoring cholesterol levels won't replace discussing the importance of adherence with patients on statins.
Statins Prevent Vascular Events, Independent of Baseline CRP Levels
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Contrary to some claims, statins benefited high-risk patients with low C-reactive protein levels.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
February 17, 2011
Covering:
Heart Protection Study Collaborative Group., Lancet 2011 Feb 5; 377:469
Statin Use After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Neurology Summary and Comment
Under most circumstances, the risks of statin treatment after intracerebral hemorrhage outweigh the potential benefits.
By Adam Kelly, MD
February 15, 2011
Covering:
Westover MB et al., Arch Neurol 2011 Jan 10
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Asymptomatic Adults
Cardiology Clinical Practice Guideline Watch
Free
<$EMPH_O>New guidelines reflect a conservative approach.<$EMPH_C>
By JoAnne M. Foody, MD
February 9, 2011
Covering:
Greenland P et al., J Am Coll Cardiol 2010 Dec 14/21; 56:e50
Factors Influencing Patient Adherence to Cardiovascular Medication Regimens
Cardiology Summary and Comment
Aspects other than the number and dosage of drugs can have substantial effects.
Statins for Patients with Fatty Liver Disease and Mildly Elevated Transaminases
General Medicine Summary and Comment
Benefits seem to outweigh hepatotoxicity risk.
By Bruce Soloway, MD
January 25, 2011
Covering:
Athyros VG et al., Lancet 2010 Dec 4; 376:1916
Foster T et al., Am J Gastroenterol 2011 Jan; 106:71
Which Statins Are Best for Treating HIV-Related Dyslipidemia?
In an observational study, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin were more effective than pravastatin, with similar toxicity rates.
By Keith Henry, MD
January 14, 2011
Covering:
Singh S et al., Clin Infect Dis 2011 Feb 1; 52:387
ACCORD: Blood Pressure and Lipid Results
For older diabetic patients, a systolic BP target in the 130s probably is best.
