In a nutshell This study compared three drugs to see which was better at improving blood flow and reducing inflammation after patients with heart disease were given a stent. The results showed that prasugrel (Efient) improved patients’ blood flow more than clopidogrel (Plavix) or ticagrelor (Brilique). Some background Heart disease,...
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Ticagrelor vs. prasugrel – which is more effective as a maintenance treatment after a heart attack?
In a nutshell This study compared ticagrelor (Brilique) and prasugrel (Efient) as a maintenance antiplatelet therapy (APT) after a myocardial infarction (MI; heart attack). They found that ticagrelor had a better APT effect and fewer bleeding events. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition that leads to...
Read MorePercutaneous coronary intervention vs. coronary artery bypass graft – a review of 5 year outcomes
In a nutshell This study investigated the long-term outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in patients with blockages in the left main coronary artery. They found that PCI was less effective than CABG in these patients. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by...
Read MoreRepairing the Heart: Overcoming Fraud in Stem Cell Research
In 2018, Charles E. Murry, MD, PhD, Professor and Director of the Center for Cardiovascular Biology and Chair at The University of Washington’s Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, gave a TEDx talk in Seattle. During the talk, he told the story of Donna, an active 70-year-old mother and grandmother. One day, she had severe pain and...
Read MoreDoes extended dual antiplatelet therapy improve outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome?
In a nutshell This study investigated the effects of prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (nSTEMI). They found that longer use of DAPT was associated with lower mortality risk in these patients. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of...
Read MoreLDL cholesterol and major vascular events – should we aim for lower?
In a nutshell This study investigated if lowering LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) beyond the threshold reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events (MCEs). They found that reducing LDL-C levels was associated with lower MCE risks. Some background LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is a type of fat. It is found in the blood. High levels of LDL-C...
Read MoreWhat factors predict major events in patients with coronary or peripheral artery disease?
In a nutshell This study investigated the risk of major adverse events in patients with coronary (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD). They found that several factors could predict the risk of major adverse cardiac or limb events in CAD/PAD. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart....
Read MoreDoes body weight fluctuation increase the risk of heart disease and mortality?
In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of body weight changes on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. They found that body weight changes were associated with a higher risk of CVD and mortality. Some background Bodyweight fluctuation (BWF; weight changes) is common. Many people undergo BWF and it can be...
Read MoreOmega-3 Fatty Acids For the New Year!
I’ve been eating a load of holiday foods and thinking that I’m going to need to make some dietary adjustments. Like me, you may have read or heard in the news that clinical trials looking at omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 acid ethyl esters – O3AEE) did NOT significantly reduce major cardiovascular events. In fact, the news may have said that...
Read MoreHow safe and effective is low-dose colchicine in preventing heart events after heart attack?
In a nutshell This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of low-dose colchicine (Colcrys) after a heart attack. They found that colchicine reduced the risk of ischemic cardiovascular events in these patients. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Atherosclerosis (ATS)...
Read MoreDoes prior stroke affect ischemia or bleeding risk after percutaneous coronary intervention?
In a nutshell This study investigated the risk of ischemia (IR) or bleeding (BR) after stroke in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). They found that patients with prior stroke had higher IR/BR after PCI. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by blockages and reduced blood flow to the heart....
Read MoreCan hemoglobin levels predict clot or bleeding risk after percutaneous coronary intervention?
In a nutshell This study investigated if hemoglobin (Hb) levels can predict clotting or bleeding risk (CR/BR) after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). They found that lower Hb was associated with higher CR/BR after PCI. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart. Surgical procedures can be...
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