A risk assessment that substitutes body-mass index for cholesterol levels was just as effective at predicting cardiovascular disease outcomes and could have profound effects on the affordability and availability of an adequate screening program in developing countries, a new study suggests. Heartwire
After controlling for baseline differences, survival rates after percutaneous coronary intervention are higher in both men and women, although women have made greater gains. Medscape Medical News
Studies show that oral contraceptives may protect against ovarian cancer, a Western diet may increase risk for metabolic syndrome, insurance copayments may deter women from getting mammograms, cold medicines can be dangerous to young children, 2 stents for treating myocardial infarction may be equivalent, and gastric banding may lead to remission of type 2 diabetes. Medscape Medical News
Despite a higher incidence of intracranial hemorrhage, patients using antiplatelet therapy before a stroke appear to benefit more from tissue plasminogen activator vs those not using prior therapy. Medscape Medical News
