In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of psychological distress (PSD) on cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). They found that PSD was associated with higher CVE rates in women only. Some background Mental health disorders are an increasing health problem worldwide. These include anxiety...
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Does chronic use of beta-blockers increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease?
In a nutshell This article investigated the association between chronic (long-term) exposure to beta-blockers (BBs) with an increased risk for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The authors concluded that the chronic use of BBs is associated with an increased risk for PD. Some background In PD, certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain...
Read MoreThe association between the inflammatory marker CRP, vitamin D levels and heart disease
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP; a marker of inflammation), vitamin D and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The main finding of the study was that high CRP levels and low vitamin D levels in the blood were associated with CVD. Some background CVD is a leading cause of death worldwide....
Read MoreSupraflex: A new ultra-thin drug releasing stent for patients with coronary artery disease
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to compare Supraflex (a new ultra-thin drug releasing stent) with a standard drug releasing stent (Xience) in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). The main finding of the study was that the Supraflex had similar effectiveness as Xience. Some background CAD means that the blood vessels to the...
Read MoreDoes dairy intake impact the risk of heart disease?
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to assess the association between dairy in the diet and death/major heart disease. The main finding of the study was that dairy in the diet was associated with a lower risk of death and major cardiovascular events. Some background Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular, CV) disease is one of the leading causes...
Read MoreStatin therapy – a review of safety and effectiveness in older people
In a nutshell This study investigated the use of statins (a type of cholesterol-lowering drug) in older patients. They found that statins reduced the risk of major vascular events (MVEs) in all age groups. Some background Statins are a type of drug used in the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is caused by...
Read MoreIs bempedoic acid safe and effective as a lipid-lowering therapy?
In a nutshell This study investigated the long-term safety and effectiveness of bempedoic acid (BPA). They found that BPA was effective and well-tolerated over 1 year of treatment. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is caused by fatty build-up in the arteries. Patients with CAD may be prescribed drugs to lower fat (lipid)...
Read MoreAre high cholesterol and egg intake in the diet associated with heart disease?
In a nutshell The aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary cholesterol and egg intake with heart disease and death. The main finding of the study was that higher intake of cholesterol or eggs was associated with a higher risk of heart disease and death. Some background Cholesterol is a nutrient in the human diet. Eggs have...
Read MoreCholesterol-lowering agents and patient outcomes: a review of responses in patients over the age of 65
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...
Read MoreAntidepressive 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...
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