Using only one compressed tablet or pill with a fixed combination of statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers, and diuretics significantly lowered cardiovascular risk in a large population without previous events (primary prevention). However, it presented an intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease onset. The TIPS-3 (The International Polycap Study 3) study had a 2-by-2-by-2 factorial design,...
Correcting iron deficiency in patients with cardiac failure might reduce the risk of new hospitalizations according to the AFFIRM-AHF published in the Lancet and presented at AHA 2020. The combined primary end point of death and hospitalizations was not met; yet the study showed a significant reduction of 26% in hospitalization rate. Irrespective of the...
As interventional cardiologists, we cannot delegate the responsibility of providing adequate advice on healthy habits. More importantly, we cannot be ignorant about them. Our medical intervention does not end with the final angiography; this is actually the beginning, since cardiovascular disease is chronic. This paper assessed the important role played by inflammation on cardiovascular disease...
Historically, we have believed that mental stress might induce chest pain as a response to increased levels of catecholamines and consequently increased product (by 100%), just as it happens with physical stress. This innovative study published in Circ Cardiovasc Imaging shows the activation of specific areas in the brain is independently associated with chest pain...
A new diagnostic tool might change the classical abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) cutoff thresholds of 5.5 and 5 cm for men and women, respectively. The new ultrasound speckle tracking technology can study AAA wall motion in real time and has the potential to become the new standard for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. This study looked...
Watch again “Selected Topics in Hemodynamics III” on our YouTube account. The event was held on 11/07/2020 by SOLACI’s Technicians and Nurses area and had more than 300 spectators. What things will I learn if I watch this video? 03:43 – Code of stroke “mechanical thrombectomy” – Ernesto Chavarria Mathieu (Costa Rica). 21:24 – Aspects...
At present, there is more than one dual layered stent in the market offering additional protection in carotid PCI. Therefore we saw fit to look at these devices to compare class benefits and find any specific differences. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of two dual layered mesh covered stents especially designed for carotid...
Information on the natural history of asymptomatic infection with the new coronavirus (COVID-19) remains scarce. We are just beginning to understand what happens with patients with severe disease. The outbreak of COVID-19 on the cruise ship Diamond Princess provided a unique opportunity to study contacts and patients with asymptomatic infection within a closed population. This...
Data from recent observational randomized studies suggest that most patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis will eventually receive an indication for valve replacement. Mortality in this “asymptomatic” population is caused not only by sudden death, but also by cardiac death. Early intervention may prevent these deaths as a consequence of aortic stenosis symptoms. Researchers...