Is new gene analysis the final chapter in the homocysteine saga?
Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:00:00 EST
An international group of distinguished researchers says newly examined, unpublished genetic data provide final proof that homocysteine does not cause coronary heart disease and therefore reducing levels of this amino acid with folate would have no effect. But another expert disagrees.
Pregnancy complications up CVD risk by 30%
Mon, 20 Feb 2012 10:15:00 EST
A new study is helping to tease out the contributions of different pregnancy complications to future CVD risk in women; the results show that the mechanisms linking each condition to CV risk likely differ.
EMA: New aliskiren restrictions and decisions on aprotinin, orlistat
Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:00:13 EST
The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recommended lifting the suspension on aprotinin, adding new warnings on aliskiren products, and supporting orlistat for some patients, among other opinions issued at its February meeting.
Mutations in giant gene a major cause of familial DCM
Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:45:51 EST
They probably account for more than a fifth of idiopathic dilated-cardiomyopathy cases, say researchers, pioneers of genetic variation in a massive protein that is a major player in myocardial contraction.
CardioGen-82 returns to market
Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:15:21 EST
For its return, the FDA-approved revised labeling for CardioGen-82 includes a new boxed warning. The label warns of unintended radiation exposure when levels of Sr-82 and Sr-85 in the rubidium Rb-82 chloride injection exceed limits.
Cardiac stem-cells increase viable myocardium post-MI: CADUCEUS
Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST
Researchers and other experts in the field of cardiac regeneration research are excited by the small, phase 1 study, which showed scar to be reduced on cardiac imaging at the same time that viable myocardial mass was increasing, over six and 12 months.
No cancer protection with vitamin B or omega-3 fatty-acid supplements
Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST
The investigators did observe a statistically significant interaction by sex, however, with women taking omega-3 fatty acids at an increased for cancer. They caution, however, that the results might be due to chance, given the few cancer cases and cancer deaths that occurred in women treated with the supplements.
More doctors advising patients to exercise
Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:45:43 EST
In 2010, one in three patients who visited a physician or other health professional had been told to start or maintain physical activity or exercise.
More hope for factor Xa reversal
Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:00:30 EST
A new study has suggested that the anticoagulant effects of edoxaban could be reversed by several hemostatic agents currently used to control excessive bleeding in other situations.
The doctor will see you now (from the other side of the world)
Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:30:18 EST
A unique "medical mission" using handheld echo in a remote rural population in India is being hailed as a success after cardiologists around the globe logged on over a two-day period to read the echocardiograms of unseen patients half a world away.
US judge upholds FDA approval of generic enoxaparin
Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:30:13 EST
Sanofi-Aventis had sued the agency in 2010, saying it had failed to follow its own rules and had not appropriately established that a generic drug made by a rival company included the same active ingredient as Lovenox.
Over 1300 deaths in Mediator scandal in France
Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:15:48 EST
The number of deaths attributable to heart-valve insufficiency as a result of the use of benfluorex in France is likely more than double that previously thought, a new investigation finds.
Ten foods provide half of sodium eaten in US
Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:00:06 EST
New estimates of salt consumption from a recent US survey show that 10 food groups provide almost half of the dietary sodium consumed in the country and that 90% of individuals eat more than the recommended daily amount of sodium.
Like father, like son: Y-chromosome variant may explain CAD
Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:30:00 EST
New genetic work has unveiled an association between some lineages of the relatively empty male Y chromosome and coronary artery disease. The hypothesis, while "intriguing," requires more research to confirm, says one expert.
For stroke risk, look for novel lipid/lipoprotein biomarkers
Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:15:16 EST
Women with triglyceride levels in the highest quartile had a significant 56% increased risk of stroke compared with women in the lowest quartile. Similarly, for women with highest quartile of VLDL particle size and IDL particle number, there was a significant 59% and 46% increased risk of ischemic stroke compared with women in the lowest quartile.
Fitness and fatness independently linked with CVD risk factors
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST
Individuals should be aware that exercising can have positive health effects, even if the weight doesn't necessarily come off, as can losing weight alone, researchers say, although the ideal combination is to improve fitness and lose fat.
Lower mortality in NFL players�if weight is kept in check
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:15:21 EST
The reduction in mortality and cardiovascular disease was observed in the smaller players—defensive backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers, as well as fullbacks, halfbacks, and running backs, among others. For the true giants of the gridiron, the linemen, cardiovascular disease mortality was not significantly reduced compared with the US population.
KEEP: Focus on CKD patients with highest SBP
Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:30:06 EST
A new, contemporary study in real-world patients with chronic kidney disease finds that those with systolic BPs of 140 mm Hg and higher are at the greatest risk of developing end-stage renal disease. Hence the current "goal" in CKD patients of 130 mm Hg should be revised upward, say the authors, making the target easier to achieve and allowing physicians to focus on other aspects of care.
