Scientific and medical news

New administration option for ticagrelor now approved

30.03.20152055

For patients with ACS who are unable to swallow whole tablets, ticagrelor is now approved by the FDA to be crushed and administered in water by swallowing or via nasogastric tube, according to an announcement from AstraZeneca.

New cardiovascular disease risk calculator can be used for any country

27.03.20151713

A cardiovascular disease risk equation that can be adjusted to apply to any country with adequate health records, regardless of income level, has been developed, according to Dr. Kaveh Hajifathalian of the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, and associates.

AF thromboembolic prophylaxis should focus on drug efficacy, not pharmacologic class

26.03.20151629

In patients with atrial fibrillation, researchers found no significant class effect for direct thrombin inhibitors or factor Xa inhibitors, according to meta-analysis results.

Five advances in cholesterol management

25.03.20151852

There are more than 2,100 people deaths due to CVD each day in the United States — an average of one death every 40 seconds.

Prednisone may safely lower uric acid levels in patients with heart failure

24.03.20151735

Uric acid levels in patients with symptomatic heart failure and hyperuricemia were successfully lowered with prednisone treatment, and renal response to diuretics was improved, according to study findings.

ACC: Ablation Beats Amiodarone for Afib in HF

23.03.20151848

Catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation (Afib) in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) reduced arrhythmia recurrence compared with treatment with amiodarone.

Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate shows promise for urgent vitamin K antagonist reversal

19.03.20151585

Treatment with four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate was superior to plasma for the urgent reversal of vitamin K antagonist-induced anticoagulation prior to surgery, according to phase 3b study results.