Investigational alirocumab produced superior results compared to placebo in reducing low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The study found that 72.2% of patients treated with alirocumab reached an LDL-C goal, significantly higher than the 11.3% on placebo.
The study found that obese boys had a nearly six-fold increased risk of hypertension compared to normal weight boys, while obese girls had a more than four-fold greater risk. General and abdominal adiposity are already significantly associated with prehypertension and hypertension in children and adolescents.
A new study has failed to identify a medical treatment for post-operative pericardial effusion (POPE), a potentially serious condition that can lead to cardiac tamponade. The POPE-2 study showed that colchicine had no effect in reducing the volume of fluid around the heart or preventing the risk of cardiac tamponade.
The new guidelines provide a risk calculator to estimate five-year risk of sudden cardiac death in HCM patients. The guidelines also recommend genetic testing, specialized tests, and multidisciplinary team referrals to improve diagnosis and management.
The 2014 ESC/EACTS revascularisation guidelines emphasize the therapeutic benefit of revascularisation in coronary artery disease (CAD) for patients with stable CAD. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) reduces the risk of death, myocardial infarction, and repeat revascularisation compared to medical treatment. DES are favored over b...
A new study found that pre-surgical colchicine administration reduced post-pericardiotomy syndrome (PPS) in cardiac surgery patients, but was associated with high gastrointestinal side effects.
The PARADIGM-HF trial found LCZ696 to be superior to enalapril in reducing cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization for heart failure. The study showed a 20% reduction in death from cardiovascular causes and a 21% reduction in hospitalization for heart failure.
The NEART-HF trial found no clinical benefit of vagus nerve stimulation for heart failure patients, despite robust pre-clinical data suggesting a potential therapeutic effect. However, the treatment did show improvements in quality of life and functional classification.
The new document provides clear recommendations on how to identify ACS patients at risk for arrhythmias and manage tachy- and bradyarrhythmias using drugs, devices, and catheter-based approaches. The paper also offers guidance on the use of antiarrhythmic drugs in patients with ACS and ventricular arrhythmias.
The European Society of Cardiology publishes first recommendations on new oral anticoagulants for pulmonary embolism. The guidelines provide detailed recommendations on drug use and risk stratification, including age-adjusted D-dimer cut-offs.
The European Society of Cardiology has published the first expert consensus on ventricular arrhythmias, providing guidelines for diagnosis and management. The recommendations cover a wide range of ventricular arrhythmias, from benign to life-threatening conditions.
The MORE-CRT study demonstrates the safety and efficiency of quadripolar lead technology in managing common pacing complications during cardiac resynchronisation therapy. At six months, patients with quadripolar leads showed a significant reduction in intra- and post-operative LV lead-related complications compared to bipolar lead cont...
A study found that intravenous iron supplementation improved functional capacity and quality of life in heart failure patients with iron deficiency, reducing hospital admissions for worsening heart failure. The treatment also showed benefits in measures of functional status and quality of life.
The new guidelines cover aneurysms, calcifications, congenital diseases, aortic inflammation, and tumors, with improved diagnostic capabilities using imaging technologies. The guidelines recommend opportunistic screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm and the use of hybrid treatments, as well as establishing aortic teams in hospitals.
The European Lead Extraction ConTRolled (ELECTRa) registry found that transvenous lead extraction is clinically successful in over 98% of cases, with a failure rate of 1.5%. Non-infective indications for lead extraction are becoming increasingly common, accounting for 47.3% of cases.
A mobile app for emergency cardiac care has been developed by the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association (ACCA) of the European Society of Cardiology. The app provides instant access to diagnostics pathways, treatment algorithms, and guidelines for professionals to make quick decisions in acute cardiovascular emergencies.
Heart failure affects millions worldwide, resulting in poor survival rates and a huge burden on healthcare systems. The Heart Failure Association calls for improved awareness and policy initiatives to prevent the disease and promote equity of care. Implementation could reduce deaths and improve quality of life globally.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched newregistries for cardiac oncology and ACS, aiming to monitor treatment practices and outcomes. The registries will provide robust data on cardiovascular disease burden and treatment in Europe.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new journal focused on cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, aiming to improve the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. The journal will publish original research, invited editorials, and reviews by prestigious authors, with the goal of becoming the leading journal in this field.
Researchers monitor blood pressure of 47 volunteers on Mount Everest and find a progressive increase in blood pressure with altitude. Telmisartan is effective in counteracting the effects of high altitude up to 3400 meters, but not at 5400 meters.
Death rates from heart disease and stroke are declining overall in Europe, but at differing rates. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death among Europeans, accounting for close to half of all deaths. However, cancer is now causing more deaths than heart disease in some countries, particularly among men.
The 2014 ESC/ESA Guidelines provide recommendations for cardiovascular assessment and management in non-cardiac surgery, aiming to reduce complications. The guidelines cover risk assessment models, biomarkers, anticoagulants, statins, aspirin, and beta-blockers to mitigate cardiac risk in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
Researchers have developed a method of shockless defibrillation using optogenetics, achieving cardioversion into sinus rhythm without pain. The technique involves genetically inserting depolarising ion channels into the heart that can be activated by light, promising a new approach for treating atrial fibrillation.
A study of over 1 million patients in the UK found an association between high blood cholesterol and increased breast cancer risk. The researchers suggest that lowering cholesterol with statins may help prevent or treat breast cancer, warranting further investigation.
The EHRA White Book 2014 report highlights the growing use of complex therapies for heart rhythm abnormalities across Europe. The data shows a range in the number of CIED implantations and ablations among ESC member countries, with some countries reporting significant increases in CRT devices and loop recorders.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in cardiovascular clinical trials. PROs provide valuable information on aspects of life beyond survival, influencing health technology assessments and reimbursement decisions.
The IN-TIME trial found that home telemonitoring reduces mortality and worsening clinical outcomes in both ICD and CRT-D patients. Patients with advanced heart failure and low ejection fractions reap similar benefits from this technology, suggesting it may be a valuable treatment option.
A novel device implanted under the skin has been shown to treat central sleep apnea (CSA) in heart failure patients, improving sleep and heart function. The remede system reduced AHI, improved cardiac endpoints, and increased quality of life.
A post-hoc analysis of the TOPCAT trial showed that spironolactone reduced cardiovascular mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure in patients from the Americas, but not in those from Russia and Georgia. The treatment also increased serum creatinine and hyperkalemia rates.
Research finds increased heart attacks and atrial fibrillation among younger patients, especially women, during the Greek financial crisis. The study suggests that stress and lack of social insurance may have contributed to the surge in cardiovascular admissions.
A recent study found that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a higher risk of heart failure hospitalization, with rates more than doubling during periods of activity. The research suggests that efficient IBD treatment may lower this risk, and highlights the need for cardiovascular risk assessment in these patients.
The RELAX-AHF trial found that poor diuretic response is associated with worse in-hospital and post-discharge clinical outcomes. Patients who do not respond well to diuretics have less relief from dyspnoea and a higher risk of cardiovascular death or rehospitalisation.
A study presented at the Heart Failure Congress 2014 found that sleeping pills prescribed to heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) increase their risk of cardiovascular events. The study also showed that HFpEF patients who were prescribed high blood pressure medications had a lower risk of cardiovascular event...
Heart failure is a leading cause of hospital admission, particularly in older adults. The RELAX-AHF study found that worsening symptoms (worsening heart failure) during hospitalization can lead to longer stays and increased risk of readmission or death. Targeting worsening heart failure may help reduce these adverse outcomes.
A new study shows that negative iron balance is a common occurrence in patients with acute heart failure and is associated with higher mortality rates. The researchers propose a new measure for iron deficiency, which takes into account both stored and utilised iron levels.
Researchers have discovered biomarkers that can detect Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a life-threatening disorder in pregnant women, allowing for early treatment and a significant reduction in mortality. The test aims to differentiate PPCM from normal pregnancy symptoms, enabling timely intervention.
The PARADIGM-HF trial was stopped early due to a statistically significant reduction in primary composite endpoint and cardiovascular mortality. LCZ696 demonstrated benefits by blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and augmenting endogenous natriuretic peptides, offering an alternative to the gold standard treatment enalapril.
The Heart Failure Association calls for global policy change to address the growing burden of heart failure, which affects millions worldwide. The organization emphasizes the importance of prevention, awareness among healthcare professionals, and equitable care for all patients.
A statistical modeling study projects almost all European countries will experience rising obesity rates by 2030, with the highest prevalence in females in Ireland. The study highlights the need for urgent policies to reverse this trend and prevent premature mortality and economic strain on healthcare systems.
A study of healthy senior men found that intense endurance exercise confers cardiac benefits regardless of age. The research, published by the European Society of Cardiology, indicates that 40 is not too old to start endurance training and that the heart remains amenable to modification through exercise even at this age. This finding s...
A population-based screening program in the UK detected a small number of lethal pathologies, including heart block, irregular heart rhythm, and valvular heart disease, in 2.7% of screened individuals. The study suggests that cost-effective screening programs can prevent sudden cardiac deaths in young people.
In a randomized clinical trial, eplerenone significantly reduced the composite primary endpoint of cardiovascular mortality, re-hospitalization, or heart failure in patients with acute ST-elevated myocardial infarction. The study found lower levels of biomarkers BNP/NT-proBNP in the treatment group.
A large study found that periodontal disorders such as tooth loss and gingivitis are associated with numerous cardiovascular risk factors. Patients with more teeth had lower levels of CVD risk factors, including diabetes and smoking.
Research presented at EuroHeartCare 2014 found that visualizing a safe place reduced operative pain in patients undergoing ablation of atrial fibrillation. Patients who used visualization during the procedure were in pain less often and asked for fewer painkillers, with perceived pain intensity possibly also reduced.
A recent study published at EuroHeartCare 2014 found that poor sleep doubles the risk of unplanned hospitalizations in patients with heart failure. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 500 patients and discovered that those with chronic sleep problems were two times more likely to be hospitalized than those without sleep issues.
A study of nearly 63,000 Norwegians found that moderate to severe depression increases the risk of heart failure by 40%. Depression triggers stress hormones and inflammation, which may accelerate heart diseases. Early detection and treatment can help improve outcomes.
A recent study analyzing over 80,000 patients found that only a small minority of reported side effects from statin use were actually caused by the medication. In contrast, many common side effects like muscle pain and fatigue were equally common in both treatment and placebo arms.
A study found that exposure to passive smoke in childhood causes direct and irreversible damage to the structure of children's arteries. Children exposed to both parents' smoking have thicker artery walls, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke. The study supports banning smoking in cars where young people are present.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that outbursts of anger can trigger heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems in the two hours immediately afterwards. The risk is particularly high for those with existing cardiovascular problems or a history of heart attack or stroke.
A recent survey found that 25% of high-risk patients were not taking anticoagulants one year after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, despite a success rate of 74%. This highlights the need for improved follow-up and cooperation between centers to ensure appropriate treatment.