Clinical Cardiology Alert – January 1, 2012
January 1, 2012
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Intensive Lipid Lowering and Coronary Plaque Regression
Recent clinical trials utilizing intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to quantify coronary artery plaque burden have demonstrated that statin therapy has the potential to arrest the progression of coronary artery disease, and even to effect a small amount of plaque regression. -
Underuse of Statins in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
The benefits of statin use in patients with proven coronary artery disease (CAD) are well established. Current guidelines recommend that this patient group, which is at high risk for recurrent events, be treated to LDL cholesterol levels < 100 mg/dL. -
Blood Pressure Target to Prevent Cardiovascular Events
Guidelines recommend aggressive systolic blood pressure (BP) goals (< 130/80 mmHg) in patients at high risk for cardiovascular (CV) events. -
Ideal Blood Pressure to Prevent Recurrent Stroke
The AHA/ASA 2011 guidelines on stroke prevention in those with a prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) recommend a blood pressure (BP) target of < 120/80 mmHg. However, the data to support this recommendation are sparse. -
Dronedarone Disappoints
Dronedarone was approved by the FDA in the United States for the treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) several years ago. -
New Replacement for Amiodarone?
Celivarone is a noniodinated analog of amiodarone that is currently in clinical trials. This report gives us data about the effect of celivarone on ventricular arrhythmias in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). -
CME Objectives\Questions
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Clinical Briefs in Primary Care
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Pharmacology Watch
New indication for rivaroxaban; new study on warfarin testing; medications causing adverse drug events; niacin as an add-on therapy; and FDA actions.