theheart.org: Prevention of Heart Disease, news and studies

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Lipid/Metabolic

ARBITER 6-HALTS: HDL raising with niacin superior to ezetimibe

62 COMMENTS - Nov 15, 2009 18:00 EST

Extended-release niacin is superior to ezetimibe in its effect on carotid intima-media thickness. While experts say the trial tells clinicians little about ezetimibe, it is a big win for niacin given the substantial regression of atherosclerosis observed at eight and 14 months.

Orlando, FL - Adding extended-release niacin (Niaspan, Abbott) to statin therapy results in a significant regression of atherosclerosis as measured by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), whereas the addition of ezetimibe (Zetia, Merck/Schering-Plough) to statin therapy did not, according to an eagerly anticipated study [1].

The results, from the Arterial Biology for the Investigation of the Treatment Effects of Reducing Cholesterol 6: HDL and LDL Treatment Strategies in Atherosclerosis (ARBITER 6-HALTS) study, were presented today at the American Heart Association 2009 Scientific Sessions and published simultaneously online in the New England Journal of Medicine. Read full article »

Inside: Prevention

Accredited educational programs, supported by industry, developed by theheart.org

Prevention

Genetics of Atrial Fibrillation: What Are the Clinical Implications?

2 COMMENTS - Jan 28, 2009 10:53 EST

Variations on chromosome 4q25 are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF). If you had a family history of AF, would you be tested? Dr. Christopher Granger who has such a personal history underwent testing. He discusses the role of genetics in the management of patients with or at risk for AF.

Prevention

The Clinical Utility of Genetic Data in CVD

Dec 12, 2008 10:00 EST

The 2008 AHA meeting included a special session on "Personalized Genomics: Ready for Prime Time?" Read Dr Wang's article on recent genetic findings in CAD, AF and HF while Drs Ballantyne, Granger, Herrington, Mega and Topol address related AHA presentations and the clinical utility of genetic data in CVD management.

Medscape

Assessing Risk and Enhancing Response in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: The Role of Genetics

Sep 18, 2009 16:16 EDT

The following test-and-teach case is an educational activity modeled on the interactive grand rounds approach. The questions within the activity are designed to test your current knowledge. After each question, you will be able to see whether you answered correctly and will then read evidence-based information that supports the most appropriate answer choice. Please note that these questions are designed to challenge you; you will not be penalized for answering the questions incorrectly. At the end of the case, there will be a short post-test assessment based on material covered in the activity.

Prevention

Assessing the Risk for Development of Heart Disease -- The Role of Genetics: An Expert Interview With John P. Kane, MS, MD, PhD

Sep 11, 2009 17:48 EDT

Genetic findings that affect the course of diseases have been increasing geometrically. Cardiology is one of the specialties that has benefited from recent discoveries. David Danar, MD, Scientific Director, MedscapeCME, interviewed John P. Kane, MS, MD, PhD, about the role of genetics in determining the risk for and management of heart disease.

Thrombosis Risk

Advancing Anticoagulation in Cardiovascular Medicine: Perspectives on Future Oral Therapies

3 COMMENTS - Jul 31, 2009 11:00 EDT

The treatment options for oral anticoagulation therapy are constantly evolving. Join our expert panel, Drs. Graham Turpie, Jessica L. Mega, Jeffrey Weitz, as they discuss the new data and clinical implications of new anticoagulant medications for patients with ACS

Prevention

Managing the Next Decade of CV Risk: Role of Genetics

2 COMMENTS - Jan 15, 2009 10:50 EST

Join Drs Topol, Califf, Hollenberg and Levy has they list the latest cardiovascular clinical trials demonstrating a genetically targeted response to treatment.

Acute Coronary Syndromes

The Optimum Use of Antiplatelet Therapy in Acute Coronary Syndrome

3 COMMENTS - Dec 10, 2008 10:15 EST

Antiplatelet therapy plays an important role in the management of patients undergoing coronary interventions. Join Drs Huckell, Tanguay, and Bhatt as they discuss the new data on optimal timing, initiation of therapy, as well as duration of treatment following PCI.

Lipid/Metabolic

Vitamin D: A potential role in cardiovascular disease prevention

2 COMMENTS - Nov 24, 2009 14:30 EST

A new observational study shows an association between vitamin D deficiency and cardiovascular disease and death. But definitive data are needed from randomized trials to confirm a beneficial role of this vitamin in CVD prevention, say researchers.

Prevention

Obesity effects on glucose, blood pressure are offsetting gains in smoking status, cholesterol

Nov 23, 2009 15:30 EST

Despite improvements in lowering cholesterol and smoking status over the past 20 years, overall risk-factor profiles in American adults today are identical to those of men and women in the US two decades ago—likely due to rising obesity rates, a new study shows.

News

FDA reports apparent excess of CV events with sibutramine in SCOUT

Nov 23, 2009 14:30 EST

An early analysis for the randomized placebo-controlled trial's primary end point, a composite of cardiovascular events, found a "higher than expected" rate of increase among those getting the appetite suppressant. The trial enrolled a population with a high CV risk, many of whom would not generally be recommended for the drug according to its current labeling.

heartbriefs

Sen Grassley questions top medical schools about ghostwriting

Nov 20, 2009 13:15 EST

As part of his mission to see more financial transparency in medicine, Sen Grassley has asked eight top US medical schools about their policies on ghostwriting.

Prevention

CDC data show LDL screening rate remains stagnant; many who could benefit go without lipid-lowering drugs

2 COMMENTS - Nov 17, 2009 17:45 EST

Editorialists discuss simplifying LD-management guidelines in light of a CDC study in which two-thirds of subjects who are at high risk for developing coronary disease within 10 years and eligible for lipid-lowering drugs were not on the medication.

Interventional/Surgery

Postop anemia in high-CV-risk patients: No CV gains from fixed hemoglobin target in trial

Nov 16, 2009 17:45 EST

A randomized trial found no protection from in-hospital cardiovascular events with a strategy of blood transfusions to maintain hemoglobin above 10 g/dL, compared with a more conservative approach to transfusion therapy, in patients with CV disease or risk factors who underwent hip surgery.

Prevention

Canadian confusion: Primary-care docs lack knowledge of CVD risk factors, prevention

8 COMMENTS - Nov 15, 2009 09:00 EST

Family doctors and general practitioners in Canada are confused about cardiovascular risk assessment in primary prevention, a new survey reveals.

Medscape Medical News

SGR repair bill failure could cool physician support for healthcare reform

Nov 12, 2009 15:00 EST

Now that the US House of Representatives has passed a healthcare reform bill, organized medicine anticipates another vote—possibly next week—on a second bill that would rewrite Medicare's controversial sustainable-growth-rate formula for physician reimbursement.

Lipid/Metabolic

Total- and HDL-cholesterol levels, not triglycerides, predict vascular risk

Nov 12, 2009 10:00 EST

Clinicians can simplify their existing risk-assessment tools by measuring either total- and HDL-cholesterol levels or apolipoproteins, and this assessment can effectively be done in patients who did not fast before the test.

News

What's going to be hot at AHA 2009?

2 COMMENTS - Nov 11, 2009 09:00 EST

Anticipation is building for full trial results from ARBITER 6-HALTS, plus a better understanding of what went wrong with cangrelor in the CHAMPION trials. Also in the lineup are updates from PLATO, RE-LY, ALLHAT, BARI 2D, STICH, CASCADE, POPULAR, HEARTMATE II, and many more. Indeed, this year's "late-breaking" sessions include more than 30 trials over five days.

Clinical cardiology

Walking speed predicts CV mortality in older people

4 COMMENTS - Nov 10, 2009 19:01 EST

Fast walkers should find themselves less likely to succumb to cardiovascular death, according to a new French study in older adults. Measuring general fitness in this way could easily be incorporated into a general global assessment of cardiovascular risk, say the researchers.

The Heart of a Woman

Drs. Hayes and Foody and a committee of experts address the gaps and correct the misconception that CVD is more common in men than women.

Primary and Secondary Prevention of CVD and Stroke in Women

Primary Prevention in Women: The Role of Lipids

3 COMMENTS - Jul 2, 2009 00:00 EDT

The role of lipids in women for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease is a challenging issue for all providers. Join Drs. Foody, Mora, and Welty as they discuss limitations to current risk stratification models, recent clinical trial data, and the changing paradigm in the management of lipids in women.
Foundational programs

All About Eve: The Unique Aspects of CVD in Women

3 COMMENTS - May 29, 2009 00:00 EDT

We know there are sex and biological differences in the manifestation of CVD. How do these pathophysiological differences affect the diagnosis and treatment of our female patients? Drs. Hayes, Johnson, Manson, and Piña provide their insight.
Foundational programs

Battle of the Sexes: Disparities in the Care of Men and Women With CVD

1 COMMENT - May 29, 2009 00:00 EDT

Despite increased awareness of CVD in women, contemporary studies demonstrate gender differences in outcomes. Differences in age and comorbidities account for some, but not all of these disparities. Join Dr. Foody as she discusses these issues with Drs. Mieres and Redberg.

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Editorial Programs

The Cardiology Show

The AHA 2009 Roundup: ARBITER 6-HALTS, PLATO, the two CHAMPIONs, and CASCADE

1 COMMENT - Nov 18, 2009 16:30 EST

Join Drs Valentin Fuster, Roger Blumenthal, Bob Harrington, Judith Hochman, Sanjay Kaul, Suzanne Oparil, Gregg Stone, Lynne Warner Stevenson, and Bruce Wilkoff as they discuss the results of ARBITER 6-HALTS, the PLATO STEMI subanalysis, the two CHAMPIONs, and CASCADE and tackle the issue of too little, too soon in clinical trials today.

Editorial series

Life and times of leading cardiologists with Rob Califf. Guest: Bob Harrington

3 COMMENTS - Nov 6, 2009 09:50 EST

Raised in a blue-collar neighborhood of Somerville, MA, Dr Bob Harrington was blessed to have a strong family and the Jesuits on his side as he traveled from "Yankee" Boston to Duke University. Join him as he tells his story to Dr Rob Califf.

Editorial series

Clinical research: Comparing regulatory pathways in US and UK

Oct 30, 2009 12:35 EDT

How do regulatory pathways differ in the US and UK? Drs Harrington, Bhatt, and Cleland share their experiences and offer insight on how to support innovative research.

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