Studies have shown that the use of computed tomography cardiac angiography (CTCA) prior invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in patients with prior cardiac artery bypass graft (CABG) might reduce procedural time and post procedure kidney injury. 1 out of 5 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and prior CABG need to be assessed with ICA within 3 years…
Prevalence of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis in the General Population
Early detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) using computed tomography (CT) and calcium score (CAC) might help plan prevention strategies years in advance. This study used CT to determine the prevalence and characteristics of atherosclerosis in the general population. Non-contrast images were scored for CAC. After that, all images with atherosclerosis potential were assessed segment…
Medical Therapy Optimization Achieved Prior Clinical Trial
12 weeks prior the ORBITA randomization, medical therapy optimization of all antianginal medication was achieved. Most importantly, optimization was well tolerated by all patients, with scarce adverse effects leading to therapy termination. In clinical practice, there is skepticism towards achieving maximal dosage with a cost-effective therapy, good tolerance, adherence, and no drug-drug interaction. The ORBITA…
Virtual ACC 2020 | COMPASS Sub-Analysis: Diabetes Increases the Benefit of Rivaroxaban Combined with AAS
In patients with stable coronary or peripheral artery disease, diabetes increases the benefit of combining low doses of rivaroxaban and aspirin vs. aspirin alone. This analysis was pre-specified in the COMPASS protocol and was presented virtually for the ACC 2020 and simultaneously published in Circulation. Patients with diabetes, showed numerically greater reduction in terms of…