In a nutshell This paper looked at the best duration for dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in patients who had a drug-eluting stent or a heart attack. Results showed that patients receiving safer, newer drug-eluting stents may have a minimum DAPT duration of 3 to 6 months. Researchers also noted that the extension of DAPT to more than 1 year...
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In a nutshell This paper reviews the recent United States guidelines on recommendations for managing cholesterol levels. Some background High levels of cholesterol (type of fat) increases the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol levels can be changed, and medical treatment can help to lower cholesterol levels. Statins, for example, are a group...
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In a nutshell This paper studied differences in men and women when they received optimal medical therapy plus a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). There were no significant differences in outcome whether patients received PCI or optimal medical therapy alone. Some background Optimal medical therapy refers to achieving good blood...
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In a nutshell This paper studied the outcome of optimal medical therapy before a drug-eluting stent placement. Patients who achieved optimal medical therapy had better outcomes, but most patients did not achieve optimal medical therapy. Some background A drug-eluting stent is a mesh structure that is placed into blood vessels and...
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In a nutshell This paper studied how long dual antiplatelet therapy should be given for after a drug-eluting stent insertion. The authors concluded that continuing dual antiplatelet therapy beyond 12 months can be carefully considered in selected patients with low bleeding risk. Some background A drug-eluting stent is a mesh wire structure...
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In a nutshell This paper studied the long-term risk of stroke in patients who have survived a heart attack. Patients were at increased risk of a stroke up to 30 years after a heart attack. Some background After a heart attack, about 2 to 4 in 100 patients have a stroke (not enough blood supply reaching the brain). A stroke can be ischemic...
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In a nutshell The main objective of this trial is to collect information on the outcomes and treatment methods used in patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions. The main outcome to be measured is the success rates of the procedure. The details Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a non-surgical...
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Medivizor is pleased to share a few recipes by Holly Clegg. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Holly has spent over 20 years creating tasty, healthy, easy recipes that fit into today’s lifestyle. Her self-published trim&TERRIFIC® Cookbook Series has sold over 1 million copies.* Part of her series includes specialized cookbooks for people...
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In a nutshell This study looked at the safety and performance of a new drug-eluting metal scaffold in patients with narrowed blood vessels to the heart. The new scaffold was shown to be safe for use up to 12 months. Some background In patients with narrowed arteries, a scaffold can be inserted into the blood vessel to improve blood flow to...
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In a nutshell The authors studied whether a ‘Mediterranean’ or ‘Western’ dietary pattern could predict outcomes in high-risk patients with stable coronary heart disease. Authors concluded that eating healthier foods may be more important than avoiding less healthy foods typical of Western diets. Some background The...
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In a nutshell The authors studied the best duration for dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after a percutaneous coronary intervention. Shorter DAPT duration was associated with higher rates of total heart attacks, lower rates of major bleeding, and similar rates of death. Some background A percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a...
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In a nutshell This paper studied the effect of insomnia in patients after a sudden heart attack. It concluded that patients who had insomnia were more at risk of death from all causes 2 years after a heart attack than patients who did not have insomnia. Some background Sleep is a time when the body recovers and rejuvenates. Impaired sleep...
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