In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering agents on cardiovascular outcomes in patients aged over 65. They found that statins reduced the risk of cardiovascular events including heart attack and death. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by blockages in the arteries supplying blood to...
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Antidepressive medications – what is their effect in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention?
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). They found that SSRIs were associated with a lower risk compared to other anti-depressants. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious medical condition. It can lead to major...
Read MoreTicagrelor – the safety and effectiveness of new strategies to reduce clotting events.
In a nutshell This study investigated the use of ticagrelor (Brilique) to prevent blood clots in patients with cardiovascular disease. They found that ticagrelor was associated with improved patient survival and a lower risk of cardiovascular events. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious condition....
Read MoreEvaluating an implantable device for early recognition of a heart attack
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to examine how effective a new implantable device is in recognizing and alerting patients that they are having a heart attack. The main finding of the study was that the device successfully detected heart attacks and alerted patients of a potential blockage of their blood vessels. Some background Heart disease...
Read MoreSmoking and mortality after acute coronary syndrome
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of smoking on acute coronary syndrome (ACS). They found that smoking was associated with lower mortality. Some background Smoking is a known cause of heart disease. Smoking leads to an increase in atherosclerotic plaques (fatty deposits) in the arteries. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a term...
Read MoreHow important is it to take medications after a heart attack?
In a nutshell The purpose of this study was to see how good patients are at actually taking their medications properly after a heart attack. The study also looked at the relationship between taking them properly and further heart attacks and strokes. The main finding of the study was that taking these medications properly reduced the risk of death and...
Read MoreDoes drinking coffee increase the risk of heart disease?
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to see if people with certain genes (that make the body less effective at breaking down coffee) have an increased risk of heart disease when they regularly drink coffee. The main finding of the study was that heavy coffee drinking was associated with an increased risk of heart disease and this risk did not change...
Read MoreBiolimus-eluting vs. bare-metal stents: what are the long-term benefits after a heart attack?
In a nutshell This study investigated the long-term effectiveness of biolimus-eluting stents (BES) versus bare-metal stents (BMS) to treat heart attacks. They found that BES was linked to a reduced risk of major cardiac events (MACE) after 5 years. Some background Myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack is a serious cardiac event. It is caused by...
Read MoreIs early intervention in acute coronary syndrome more successful?
In a nutshell This study investigated if early intervention in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) improves clinical outcomes (COs). They found that early intervention does not have an effect on long-term COs in ACS. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is used to describe heart conditions caused by reduced blood flow. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)...
Read MoreThe effect of the DASH diet on heart disease
In a nutshell The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet on heart disease, blood pressure and diabetes in patients with and without diabetes. The main finding of this study was that the DASH diet is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and improves blood pressure in patients...
Read MoreThe effect of the DASH diet on heart disease
In a nutshell The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet on heart disease, blood pressure and diabetes in patients with and without diabetes. The main finding of this study was that the DASH diet is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and improves blood pressure in patients...
Read MoreDoes optimism improve outcomes in patients with angina?
In a nutshell This study investigated if optimism was associated with better angina outcomes. They found that ‘very optimistic’ (VO) patients had fewer angina episodes and better QOL. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is any condition affecting the blood supply to the heart. Angina is pain caused by reduced blood flow. It...
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