Leaders of some of the more provocative DES studies in recent years seem to agree that other factors may be contributing to the apparent survival benefit with DES seen in recent registries but that it is at least safe to conclude that risk of death or MI is not increased with their use. But many also argue for a bigger role for bare-metal stents. Heartwire
A new report shows that more US adults have hypertension than ever before, and the increase is primarily due to the rising rates of obesity in recent times, say the NHLBI researchers. However, awareness, treatment, and control of blood pressure have also improved. Nevertheless, much work remains, specifically with certain subgroups, they say. Heartwire
Investigators reported no cases of stent thrombosis at 12 months in patients implanted with the stent, as well as no adverse clinical events, despite stopping dual antiplatelet therapy at 30 days. Heartwire
Low-risk patients with uncomplicated lesions can have elective PCI safely performed using dual antiplatelet therapy without systemic anticoagulation, according to a new randomized study. An accompanying editorial begs to differ, however. Heartwire
A familiar message has emerged from a new review of stem-cell therapy for acute MI--a moderate improvement was seen, but much more research is needed. Heartwire
High survival following transcatheter valve placement via the transfemoral approach reflects increased operator skill and lower-risk patients than the transapical arms of the study, experts say. Heartwire
New results from the extended follow-up of a rofecoxib trial provide a more complete assessment of the cardiovascular toxicity of the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor than previously reported. Medscape Medical News
Both types of drug-eluting stents performed similarly in left main subjects, leading to two-year outcomes comparable to those from CABG registries. Heartwire
Investigators report that fractional flow reserve–guided PCI reduced the risk of death, MI, or repeat revascularization by 30% and death or MI by 35%, when compared with the current practice of using angiography to guide stenting decisions. Heartwire
