Achieving rapid and maximum inhibition of platelet aggregation can reduce complications related to scheduled percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in chronic coronary syndromes (CCS). Over the last few decades, the optimal timing for initiating P2Y12 inhibitors and their appropriate dosage have been the subject of numerous studies; however, they have not been clearly established yet. Higher…
Single Antiplatelet Therapy Following Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has surged as an effective alternative to treat patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) presenting counterindications for oral anticoagulants. However, the optimal antithrombotic treatment after LAAO is still debated, seeing as it should prevent device related thrombosis (DRT) while minimizing bleeding risk. The aim of this retrospective study carried out…
LpA: 30-Year Cardiovascular Followup in Primary Prevention Cohorts
For years, treating dyslipidemia mainly focused on reducing LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) with statins, which had shown benefits in reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a form of apoB-containing lipoprotein bound to a hydrophilic, highly glycosylated protein called apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)]. Circulating levels of Lp(a) are genetically determined, and are hardly affected by eating habits…
ACC 2024 | REDUCE AMI: Beta-Blockers after Myocardial Infarction and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Most clinical trials have shown benefits of beta blockers after acute myocardial infraction, including patients with extensive AMI, and these were carried out in the era before AMI was diagnosed with biomarkers and prior to treatment with coronary angioplasty, use of antithrombotic agents and high intensity statins, and angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. The aim of this…
ACC 2024 | ULTIMATE-DAPT Trial
The international guidelines recommend the use of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin plus a P2Y12 inhibitor during 12 months in patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), to prevent events such as MI and stent thrombosis. This was a multicenter, placebo controlled, double blind study to determine whether ticagrelor alone,…
Clopidogrel Monotherapy Beyond 12 months: Long Term Analysis of the STOPDAPT-2
Short dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) has shown benefits in patients receiving drug eluting stents (DES), reducing bleeding with no concomitant increase in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Traditionally, the therapeutic window was limited to monotherapy with P2Y12 inhibitors during the first year and there are few data on short DAPT followed by long term monotherapy…
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: DOAC or VKA?
Severe mitral disease is common and currently constitutes a frequent cause of hospitalization and death. While surgery is the treatment of choice, transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) emerges as a valid alternative in cases of bioprosthesis failure, ring malfunction, or severe mitral annular calcification (MAC). Furthermore, the latest medical guidelines support the recommendation of TMVR…
Use of Apixaban and Post TAVR Valve Thrombosis
TAVR can be associated to early valve thrombosis, characterized by thrombi formation near or attached to the prosthetic valve, with or without valve dysfunction. This dysfunction is associated with increased leaf thickening and reduced leaflet motion, as well as reduced orifice area or increased transvalvular gradient. Triggered multislice CT allows dynamic valve assessment and thrombosis…
Cilostazol in Diabetic Patients with Endovascular Peripheral Revascularization: One Step Beyond Symptom Improvement
In patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD), the presence of diabetes has been significantly associated with increased failure of critical lower limb ischemia (CLI) treatment, and higher incidence of amputation. This relationship has been attributed mainly to comorbidities and patient characteristics, concomitant peripheral neuropathy and marked microvascular alteration. Also, a high proportion of these patients…
Optimal Duration of DAPT with Oral Anticoagulation After PCI?: 1 Month vs. 3 Months
While the benefits of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor are recognized, its primary complication is the occurrence of bleeding events, which negatively impact patient morbidity and mortality. Additionally, about 10% of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are on oral anticoagulant therapy, which significantly increases the risk of bleeding when…
AHA 2023 | SELECT Trial: Semaglutide in Patients Without Diabetes
Given the obesity pandemic projected for the year 2035, it is imperative to address this disease as a priority, through well-known hygienic-dietary measures and the use of drugs that have shown promising results. Obesity has been identified as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, even after modifying risk factors associated with diabetes. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist,…