Indicating statins to reach more aggressive LDL goals in patients that have suffered transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke driven by atherosclerosis significantly reduces major cardiovascular events according to this study presented in the AHA 2019 scientific sessions simultaneously published in NEJM. The study was prematurely ended because of lack of funding, but its outcomes…
AHA 2019 | GALILEO: Rivaroxaban After TAVI, Another Nice Theory that Clashes with Reality
In patients without formal indication for oral anticoagulation after successful transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), a treatment strategy including rivaroxaban 10 mg daily was associated with a higher risk of death or thromboembolic complications and, on top of that, a higher risk of bleeding than a conventional antiplatelet strategy. So far, we did not know whether…
AHA 2019 | DAPA-HF: Dapagliflozin Effective for all Heart Failure Subgroups
SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin had a consistent impact regardless of glycemic level, age, or general health status. Dapagliflozin was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, it has had a positive impact on various types of patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction, including those without diabetes. This information is derived from…
AHA 2019 | COLCOT: Colchicine and the Return of the Anti-Inflammatory Theory
Low-dose colchicine seems to reduce the risk for new cardiovascular events in patients with a history of infarction. This drug is usually indicated for anti-inflammatory therapy in gout and pericarditis. Now, it could also reduce the rate of ischemic events as secondary prevention according to the COLCOT trial presented during the American Heart Association (AHA)…
AHA 2019 | TWILIGHT: Discontinue Aspirin after Acute Coronary Syndrome
This study findings confirm less bleeding at no extra cost of thrombotic events when aspirin is discontinued after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In the same line as the original TWILIGHT, this study focused on ACS patients alone (excluding STEMI) and confirmed that aspirin discontinuation after 3-month DAPT to continue with ticagrelor alone, reduced the…
AHA 2019 | GALILEO-4D: Rivaroxaban in the Prevention of Post TAVR Valve Thickening and Thrombosis
This sub study of the GALILEO specifically looked at valve thickening and reduced leaflet motion after TAVR documented with 4D CT. Whether anticoagulation with rivaroxaban might reduce or prevent this phenomenon remained unanswered. Patients receiving the same anticoagulation scheme than the general study’s (rivaroxaban + aspirin vs. aspirin + clopidogrel) were assessed by 4D CT…