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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
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supported by industry, developed by theheart.org
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Join Drs Topol, Califf, Hollenberg and Levy has they list the latest cardiovascular clinical trials demonstrating a genetically targeted response to treatment.
In our first program Drs Gibbons, Holmes, and Simari discuss cell therapy and the latest trials in intervention. Our second program features Drs Gibbons, Ackerman, and Redfield discuss personalized genomics and heart failure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most guideline documents recommend aspirin for primary prevention in people with diabetes, but a new meta-analysis has found no benefit of the widely used drug across a range of different cardiovascular end points. The results speak to the need for dedicated randomized trials, investigators say.
A national survey shows that although the majority of state Medicaid programs offer coverage for some form of tobacco-dependence treatment, most fall far short of a stated mandate to provide unrestricted access to approved therapies.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.