Clinical Cardiology Alert – October 1, 2003
October 1, 2003
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Fibrinolysis vs Transport-Angioplasty in Acute STEMI: The Answer is In
The DANAMI-2 investigators, representing 29 hospitals and a patient base reflecting 62% of the Danish population, have reported on a trial assessing whether randomization to either fibrinolytic therapy or transport to an interventional facility results in differing major cardiovascular rates following acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). -
LIFE: Cardiovascular Events
In hypertensive patients without clinically evident vascular disease, losartan was more effective than atenolol in preventing future vascular events independent of blood pressure control. -
LIFE: Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Regression
Losartan therapy of hypertensive patients with LVH resulted in greater LVH regression as compared to atenolol independent of blood pressure control and baseline ECG findings. -
Intravascular Ultrasound-Guided PCI
Gaster et al from Odense University Hospital and the University of Southern Denmark report the results of a randomized, prospective study comparing 5-year major adverse clinical events and cost outcomes after PCI with or without IVUS guidance. -
Ablation of Ventricular Arrhythmias
Triggering ventricular premature beats from distal Purkinje fibers or the right ventricular outflow tract are critical initiating factors in patients with VF associated with the long QT and Brugada syndromes. Elimination of these focal triggers can provide relief from recurrent arrhythmias. -
Hospitalization for Atrial Fibrillation
The frequency with which patients are hospitalized for atrial fibrillation is increasing dramatically with a large proportion of the increase due to an increased number of elderly patients in the population. Part of this increase may also be due to changes in management strategies for atrial fibrillation. Inpatient observation for initiation of antiarrhythmic therapy or for anticoagulation is now commonly recommended, particularly in elderly patients. -
Pharmacology Watch: Vardenafil Will Compete for Share of ED Market
The FDA has approved vardenafil (LevitraBayer and GlaxoSmithKline) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. Vardenafil joins sildenafil (Viagra) as the only 2 drugs approved for this indication in this country. -
Clinical Briefs in Primary Care Supplement
A Strategy to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease by More Than 80 Percent; Pearly Penile Papules: Still No Reason for Uneasiness; The Epidemiology of Major Depressive Disorder; Urinary Tetrahydroaldosterone as a Screen for Aldosteronism; Finasteride and Prostate Cancer; Impermeable Bed Covers in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis