That is, among a broad population with systolic heart failure; there were signs that the strategy might benefit patients with less-advanced disease. Heartwire
A meta-analysis finds significant heterogeneity between trials, suggesting fish oil might benefit some cardiac patients but not others. Currently, say investigators, the use of fish oils in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators appears to warrant caution. Heartwire
Three new papers attempt to replicate, in large prospective studies, findings published last year regarding a polymorphism--KIF6--that is believed to be associated with heart disease. The company funding the research--Celera--is so excited by the findings that it plans to launch a diagnostic test for KIF6. But an accompanying editorial says more work is needed to validate these findings. Heartwire
Whether human atheromata can regress is controversial. Animal model studies showing atheroma plaque shrinkage or reversal of atherosclerosis, and examples of plaque regression in humans are presented. Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine
The debate surrounding the ENHANCE trial took a bit of a twist this past week when attention turned to the LDL-cholesterol hypothesis, with some experts arguing that lowering LDL cholesterol to prevent clinical events is an unsophisticated premise and that other factors beyond lowering LDL cholesterol are involved. Heartwire
Thrombocytopenia occurred frequently after prolonged heparin therapy and was strongly associated with worse short-term clinical outcome, a study shows. Medscape Medical News
A meta-analysis of 20 studies suggests that the risk for serious cardiovascular events is almost 4 times higher in people who are resistant vs those who are sensitive to aspirin. Medscape Medical News
A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department (ED) complaining of worsening dyspnea on exertion associated with chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing. He smokes 2 packs of cigarettes daily. His breath sounds are diminished throughout, and the cardiac examination reveals distant heart sounds with a somewhat prominent P2. What is the diagnosis?
New mortality data show that death rates from CHD and stroke have fallen by about 25% since 1999, but the AHA is warning that more work is needed on risk factors or deaths will start to rise again. Heartwire
Because unretrieved fragments from medical devices can cause serious injury, these devices should be inspected for fragmentation immediately on removal from the patient. Medscape Medical News
