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Psoriasis linked to adverse events and AF

Mild and severe psoriasis are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, while severe psoriasis is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality, according to a study¹ published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

IN THIS ISSUE

Are NOACs more cost-effective than warfarin?

In patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) and an increased risk of stroke prophylaxis, apixaban 5 mg, dabigatran 150 mg, and rivaroxaban 20 mg are all cost-effective alternatives to warfarin, according to a study¹ published recently in Stroke.

Early binge drinking can lead to later heart disease

Regularly bingeing on alcohol can cause immediate changes in circulation that increase an otherwise healthy young adult’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life, according to research¹ published recently in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Renal denervation recommendations from ESC

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) have developed an expert consensus document on catheter-based renal denervation,¹ published recently in the European Heart Journal. It provides guidance on patient selection, centre selection, efficacy, safety, limitations and potential new indications for referring physicians, interventionalists and healthcare providers.

Lab-grown human heart implants: fiction or reality?

Tissue-engineered human organs will soon become a multi billion-dollar medical market in the treatment of chronic heart disease (CHD), if researchers can meet strict regulatory approval, according to new analysis¹ from research and consulting firm GlobalData.

Cardiology training in the UK 2012 – EP remains popular

Full results from the 2012 British Junior Cardiology Association (BJCA) survey were reported recently in the British Journal of Cardiology,¹ by Dr David Holdsworth (BJCA President). The survey findings provide an insight into the current situation in UK cardiology training, as well as a perspective on the changes brought about by modular re-organisation of cardiology specialist training, a new cardiology curriculum (2010) and the time constraints of the European working-time directive (EWTD).

First tablet-size ultrasound system dedicated to vascular care

The first tablet-size ultrasound system dedicated to vascular care (MyLab™One, Esaote) has been released, featuring a touch-screen display, interchangeable probes, and wireless connectivity.

News from ACC.13 – more on drugs and devices

The PREVAIL trial of a new device which closes the left atrial appendage in the heart (Watchman®, Boston Scientific) attracted huge controversy at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) Scientific Session 2013, held recently in San Francisco, when it was removed from the programme within an hour of its presentation because of an embargo break by the sponsor, Boston Scientific.

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CURRENT NEWS

ESC guide on new oral anticoagulants

A practical guide on the use of the new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has been produced by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The guide aims to summarise existing information on different drugs, to answer clinical questions that fall outside what drug companies can legally answer, and to make distinctions between the different drugs.

Domperidone – concerns over cardiac risk

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced that they are beginning a review of domperidone, an antiemetic, because of concerns about adverse cardiac events.¹

Potassium benefits for hypertension and stroke

Increased potassium intake reduces blood pressure in people with hypertension and has no adverse effect on blood lipid concentrations, catecholamine concentrations, or renal function in adults, according to a study¹ published recently in the British Medical Journal.

Apixaban unaffected by gastric acid suppressant

Histamine H2-receptor antagonist famotidine does not affect the pharmacokinetics of apixaban in healthy subjects, suggesting that apixaban can be administered without regard to coadministration of gastric acid modifiers, according to a study¹ published recently in Clinical Pharmacology: Advances and Applications.

Chronic stress linked to increased CVD risk

People deemed to be “mentally vulnerable” are at a significantly increased risk of both fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD), independently of classical risk factors, according to results of a large population study¹ from Denmark, presented recently at the EuroPRevent 2013 congress in Rome.

Recent generations less healthy than earlier counterparts

Despite their greater life expectancy, the adults of today are less “metabolically” healthy than their counterparts of previous generations, according to a large cohort study¹ from the Netherlands comparing generational shifts in well-established metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease, published recently in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

NOACs for stroke prevention in AF

Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) reduced stroke risk in the elderly population with atrial fibrillation (AF), and overcome many of the disadvantages of warfarin, according to a study¹ published recently in the International Journal of General Medicine.

Green tea and coffee may help lower stroke risk

Green tea and coffee may help lower your risk of having a stroke, especially when both are a regular part of your diet, according to research¹ published recently in Stroke.

Quadripolar leads receive CE Mark

A portfolio of quadripolar leads (Attain Performa®, Medtronic, Inc.) has received CE Mark and is to begin its European launch. The left-heart leads feature four electrodes with 16 pacing configurations. The leads are not approved for sale in the USA.

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