Increased levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) are associated with an increased risk of ischaemic heart and cerebrovascular disease. But is CRP a causal factor in atherosclerosis development or merely a marker for ischaemic vascular disease? Evidence to suggest a role for CRP in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is predominantly from epidemiological studies. These have consistently […]
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Off-pump CABG lowers early post-operative risk in women
Previous studies of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) describe, in the majority, an increased rate of early mortality and morbidity among women as compared with men. Retrospective reviews of large observational studies have shown decreased early risk-adjusted mortality and morbidity among patients undergoing off pump CABG (OPCABG) as compared with those placed on […]
Decrease in risk of community sudden cardiac death over the last 30 years
Although several large clinical trials have recently examined the risk of sudden cardiac death after myocardial infarction (MI), community-based data reflecting the contemporary risk of sudden cardiac death after MI are lacking. Adabag et al. determined to evaluate the risk of sudden cardiac death after MI and the impact of recurrent ischemia and heart failure […]
Effective Risk-Factor Reduction Could Eliminate Socioeconomic differences in cardiovascular health
A socioeconomic gradient in coronary mortality is well established in developed countries, and is becoming increasingly apparent in low- and middle-income countries too. Previously, it has not been clear to what extent the classical cardiovascular risk factors are responsible for this difference, nor indeed whether by treating them effectively it could be possible to balance […]
JUPITER puts primary prevention into new orbit
Current guidelines recommend statin treatment for patients with known vascular disease, diabetes or elevated lipid levels. Yet half of myocardial infarctions and strokes occur in apparently healthy individuals with levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol that are below current threshold levels for treatment. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory biomarker which can […]
No cardiovascular benefit from vitamins C or E
Although a large number of people continue to take vitamin supplements, the long-term health benefits remain unclear. Both vitamins C and E have antioxidant properties that have the potential to slow plaque progression. […]
Higher nonfasting triglycerides associated with ischaemic stroke risk
Two recent studies reported a strong association between elevated levels of nonfasting, but not fasting, triglycerides and increased risk of myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, and death and total cardiovascular events. However, to date the evidence regarding the risk of nonfasting triglyceride levels has been less clear. […]
Modest benefit from aspirin as primary prevention therapy in diabetics
Although several large trials of aspirin for primary prevention have included diabetic subgroups, no trial has been specifically dedicated to looking at the effects of aspirin in this patient group. […]
VAD survival rate lower than expected in new analysis
In 2003 Medicare extended coverage of ventricular assist devices (VAD) as destination (permanent) therapy for end-stage heart failure in the USA. Hernandez et al. performed an analysis to determine the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of patients receiving VAD therapy, as well as the costs involved, since this change. […]
New APPROVE data confirm vioxx cardiovascular risk
In September 2004 the APPROVe (Adenomatous Polyp Prevention on Vioxx) trial was stopped early due to concerns about increased cardiovascular mortality in patients taking the drug. An analysis of the long-term outcomes of the patients in the trial has now been published in the Lancet. […]