Monthly Archives: November 2017


Worsening Renal Function and Hemoconcentration Linked to Improved Heart Failure Survival

A retrospective analysis of heart failure (HF) patients in the US found that concurrent hemoconcentration and worsening renal function (WRF) identified a group with significantly improved post discharge survival. The analysis included 3061 patients hospitalized with HF. Hemoconcentration was defined as an increase in both hemoglobin and hematocrit, and WRF […]


CETP Gene Variants Not Associated with CVD Risk

A prospective biobank study concluded that genetic variants of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) were associated with altered high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism but not lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and had no significant association with risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study included 151 217 individuals aged 30 to 79 […]


2017 BP Guideline

An updated guideline for high blood pressure (BP) in adults has been released. BP progressively increases with age. Observational studies have demonstrated graded associations between higher systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly above a BP of 120/80 mm Hg. However, after […]


Lifestyle Modification Reduced Diabetes Incidence

A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials concluded that healthy lifestyle modifications (LSM, eating healthier diets and exercising) successfully reduced diabetes incidence and sustained for several years in adults at risk for diabetes. The analysis included 43 studies published between January 1, 1990, and January 1, 2015; 49 029 participants at risk […]


PCI Not Effective in Stable Angina

A blinded, multicenter randomized trial of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) versus a sham procedure for angina relief in the UK revealed that in patients with medically treated angina and severe coronary stenosis, PCI did not increase exercise time or improve symptoms. 230 patients with ischemic symptoms and severe (≥70%) single-vessel […]