This last year, new data in pharmacology gave way to changes in practices and new hypotheses, when not simply further justified the already existing evidence. In this new editorial section, we share the most relevant of last year’s works to keep you up to speed on the main topics in the field. The Most Relevant…
Post-PCI Ticagrelor Monotherapy in High-Risk Bleeding
In patients at high risk of bleeding undergoing coronary PCI and after completing 3-month DAPT with no events, you may discontinue aspirin and follow up with ticagrelor monotherapy. This will significantly reduce bleeding without increasing ischemic events. With this strategy, the greater the risk of bleeding, the greater the absolute reduction of bleeding. Patients at…
The Most Read Articles of 2021: Pharmacology
A new year is coming to an end and at SOLACI we are going over the most read studies on our website, on a vital topic, pharmacology. Follow us to keep up to date. The Most Read Articles of 2021: Pharmacology 01- Swan Ganz Associated with Better Outcomes in Cardiogenic Shock: Is It Back? The Swan…
PRAGUE-17: Appendage Closure vs. Direct Anticoagulant Agents
After four years of follow-up, the PRAGUE-17 study showed that appendage closure is non-inferior to direct anticoagulant agents (non-warfarin oral anticoagulants, NOAC) to prevent major neurological events, cardiovascular events, and bleeding events in patients at high risk of atrial fibrillation. Appendage studies were compared with warfarin studies—it was necessary to update anticoagulant agents and reach…
Empagliflozin: Better Quality of Life for Patients with Cardiac Failure and Preserved Ejection Fraction
Empagliflozin has shown early and sustained improved quality of life (at least for a year) in patients with cardiac failure and preserved function. Patients with cardiac failure and preserved ejection fraction present a deteriorated quality of life. The EMPEROR-Preserved assessed the efficacy of Empagliflozin in several baseline health status assessments. HRQoL was measured using the…
Dietary Guidelines to Improve Cardiovascular Health in 2021
A poor diet is associated with high risk of heart disease, morbidity and mortality. This scientific document emphasizes the importance of a dietary pattern beyond food or nutrients: it highlights the critical role of early nutrition, presents us with elements to build healthy eating habits and underscores the need to introduce structural changes to achieve…
Swan Ganz Associated with Better Outcomes in Cardiogenic Shock: Is It Back?
The Swan Ganz catheter has been used in the clinical practice for years. However, its usefulness remains under discussion and its use keeps dropping. A new analysis published in JAHA might bring it back at least in the context of cardiogenic shock, where it showed improved prognosis and more effective complexity management. Recently, the lack…
AFIRE Study | Hidden Risks After Bleeding in Coronary Disease and Atrial Fibrillation
Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and stable coronary disease who suffer from major bleeding present an extremely high risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. Preventing bleeding is necessary, and so is preventing the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events and death. The association between coronary angioplasty, early bleeding, and an increase in death and infarction rates after…
AHA 2021 | CRAVE: Coffee Safety in Rhythm Disorders
On the one side, caffeine can increase arrythmias or interfere with sleeping, but on the other hand, it helps people feel more energetic and do more physical activity. These data contribute to the evidence supporting the fact that people who present, or are at risk of presenting supra ventricular arrythmias or atrial fibrillation might not…
AHA 2021 | RAPID CABG: Safety of Early Surgical Intervention in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Suspending ticagrelor a couple of days before surgery was non-inferior to waiting 5-6 days in terms of bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) requiring myocardial revascularization surgery. Patients who waited longer had more ischemic events and longer hospitalizations. Current American guidelines recommend waiting at least 5 days before operating on patients with ACS who…
TCT 2021 | STOPDAPT-2 and MASTER-DAPT: The Conversation Continues from ESC to TCT
Research on short-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is still controversial. These discussions, however, seem to lead to the consensus that beyond the “category” of bleeding or ischemic risk, what is most important is a decision tailored to the patient being treated. DAPT duration should be individual, instead of standardized by a risk score. In the…