CardioExchange Archive

November 21st, 2012

What’s The Best Treatment For Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

Larry Husten, PHD

Endovascular repair of AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) gained enthusiastic acceptance after initial results from three trials (EVAR 1, DREAM, and OVER) found an early survival advantage for endovascular repair compared to open repair. Some of the enthusiasm waned, however, after long-term results from the first two trials found no difference in survival between the groups […]

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November 19th, 2012

Comprehensive Guidelines for Stable Ischemic Heart Disease Released

Larry Husten, PHD

New comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of stable ischemic heart disease have been released by the ACCF/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines.

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November 15th, 2012

FDA Approves Zilver PTX Drug-Eluting Stent for Peripheral Arterial Disease

Larry Husten, PHD

The FDA today approved Cook Medical’s Zilver PTX stent. It is the first drug-eluting stent (DES) approved for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the superficial femoral and proximal (i.e., above the knee) popliteal artery. The new stent will provide a new treatment option for patients with PAD. Current treatments include exercise, drug […]

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November 15th, 2012

Mysterious Disappearing Paper Finally Crops Up in Journal

Larry Husten, PHD

An article about the potential cardiovascular benefits of transcendental meditation takes a circuitous route to publication.

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November 13th, 2012

Expert Consensus Document Offers Advice on Troponin Tests

Larry Husten, PHD

A newly published document provides practical advice on the use of the popular and potent troponin tests. The Expert Consensus Document on Practical Clinical Considerations in the Interpretation of Troponin Elevations was developed by the American College of Cardiology Foundation in collaboration with several other societies to help address the many complex issues raised by the introduction […]

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November 12th, 2012

Nonfasting Lipid Testing Gains Growing Acceptance

Larry Husten, PHD

Although fasting before a lipid test has long been recommended, a new study and accompanying commentaries make the case that nonfasting lipid levels are acceptable and may even be superior to fasting levels for the assessment of cardiovascular risk. Investigators at the University of Calgary analyzed data from laboratory tests obtained from more than 200,000 people […]

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November 12th, 2012

Nine Italian Cardiologists Arrested in Broad Investigation of Research Fraud and Misconduct

Larry Husten, PHD

Nine Italian cardiologists have been arrested as part of a broad investigation into serious medical misconduct at Modena Hospital, according to multiple reports in the Italian media. The investigation encompasses at least 67 other individuals and a dozen medical equipment companies, including 6 foreign companies. The charges include conspiracy, fraud, embezzlement, bribery, forgery, and performing […]

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November 7th, 2012

Statins Use Linked to Reduction in Cancer Mortality

Larry Husten, PHD

A large new study raises the possibility that statin use may lead to a decline in cancer mortality. Researchers in Denmark used health data from the entire population of the country and analyzed the information from nearly 300,000 patients who were diagnosed with cancer between 1995 and 2007. The authors note that the relationship is biologically […]

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November 6th, 2012

Ultrafiltration Fails to Show Benefit in Acute Heart Failure

Larry Husten, PHD

Although ultrafiltration (UF) in recent years has become increasingly popular as an alternative to intravenous diuretics for patients with acute decompensated heart failure with acute cardiorenal syndrome (type 1), the first clinical trial to test its value shows that it is inferior to standard drug therapy. The results of CARRESS-HF (Cardiorenal Rescue Study in Acute Decompensated Heart […]

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November 6th, 2012

RELAX-AHF Stirs Interest in Novel Drug for Acute Heart Failure

Larry Husten, PHD

A new drug modeled on a hormone active in pregnancy may prove beneficial to patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Serelaxin is a recombinant form of human relaxin-2, which is known to mediate the hemodynamic changes that occur during pregnancy. The drug is under development by Novartis for use in acute heart failure. In the REALX-AHF […]

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