In a nutshell This study compared several statin medications for the prevention of cardio-cerebrovascular (CCV) events such as strokes, heart attacks of death. It found that atorvastatin (Lipitor), pitavastatin (Livalo), rosuvastatin (Crestor), and simvastatin (Zocor) were all equally effective at preventing CCV...
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Does long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) increase the risk of bleeding after a PCI?
In a nutshell This study looked at the outcomes of patients treated with single or double long-term antiplatelet therapy (APT) after a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES). It found that single APT (SAPT) resulted in a lower risk of bleeding compared to dual APT (DAPT). Some...
Read MoreDo heart procedures reduce the risk of heart attack and death in patients with chronic coronary disease compared to medication alone?
In a nutshell This study looked at the risk of heart attack or death in patients with chronic coronary disease (CAD) treated with revascularization procedures plus medication or medication alone. It found that revascularization procedures did not reduce the risk of death compared with medication alone, while coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)...
Read MoreShould all patients be given renin-angiotensin system blockers after cardiac bypass surgery?
In a nutshell This study looked at the use of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The study showed that RAS inhibitors are beneficial for all patients after CABG and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. Some background CABG redirects blood around a section of a...
Read MoreComparing long-term outcomes of drug-coated balloons and drug-eluting stents for the treatment of coronary artery disease
In a nutshell This study compared the long-term safety and effectiveness of drug-coated balloons (DCB) and drug-eluting stents (DES) for the treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study showed that DCB is as safe and effective as DES for treating small vessel CAD after three years of follow up. Some background Coronary artery disease...
Read MoreTiming of 2 antiplatelet medications following stent placement
In a nutshell This study looked at giving 3 months or 12 months of dual antiplatelet medications following placement of a stent for patients with heart disease. It found that a shorter time on a dual regimen may lead to better outcomes than a longer period. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the arteries leading to the...
Read MoreIs a combination of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe an effective treatment for high cholesterol?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effectiveness of a combination of bempedoic acid (Nexletol) and ezetimibe (Ezetrol) in lowering cholesterol. It found that this treatment combination significantly lowered cholesterol levels. Some background High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart attack and...
Read MoreRevascularization plus medical therapy can reduce risks for stroke and heart attacks in patients with stable coronary artery disease
In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness and risks of revascularization (RV) plus medical therapy (MT) to MT alone in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The study showed that RV plus MT can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Some background Patients...
Read MoreDoes weight loss surgery improve heart health?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effects of weight loss surgery for patients with severe obesity and a previous heart attack. It found that patients who had the surgery had a lower risk of heart attack, heart failure, or death. Some background Heart health and obesity are closely connected. Obesity promotes the build-up of fatty plaque and...
Read MoreHow effective is a radial artery graft for bypass surgery in patients with coronary artery disease?
In a nutshell This study investigated radial artery grafts (RAGs) in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). They found that RAGs were a suitable alternative graft for CABG surgery. Some background Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common condition. It is caused by blockages in the...
Read MoreColchicine may lower risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with CAD
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of colchicine (Colcrys) in patients with cardiovascular disease (CAD). The study showed that colchicine might lower the risk of heart attack and stroke, among others. Some background Patients with CAD present build-up in the arteries responsible for the oxygen supply to...
Read MoreBehavioral counseling improves heart health
In a nutshell This review offers recommendations for adults with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other risks for heart attack or stroke. Some background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) puts people at risk of heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Risk factors for CVD include high blood pressure, being overweight, and unhealthy blood...
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