CABG Superior to PCI in long-term treatment of coronary artery disease

As shown in SYNTAX and other studies, CABG is associated with significantly lower rates of death, myocardial infarction (MI) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) vs. PCI.

Heart health Risks of US Young People

A new study by the American Heart Association has shown that although the majority of clinical CardioVascular Disease (specifically Coronary Artery Disease and Stroke) events occur at middle and older ages, atherosclerosis begins in childhood and cardiovascular health among adolescents aged 12 to 19 years Read More

Interventions for Coronary Artery Disease

In determining a treatment strategy for a patient with CAD, there are a variety of considerations that need to be made when selecting the appropriate treatment:

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Chronic anticoagulation in atrial fibrillation

A few days ago I published an article about fatalities involving the new drug Dabigatran. This has resulted almost immediately in a letter from the Media Group Director of the PR company that handles advertizing for the pharmaceutical firm involved. I am glad to post it here:

"Just wanted to contact you with regard to your “Fatalities with Dabigatran and Warfarin Caused by Bleeding” article, and provide some further context about the analysis.

Fatalities with Dabigatran and Warfarin Caused by Bleeding

A FDA report presented at the 2013 American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2013 Scientific Sessions has suggested a much higher case fatality rate than that reported in other major clinical trials of the drug. For the study, reports of bleeding with dabigatran or warfarin submitted to the FDA between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2012 were examined:

Adverse drug reactions relating to warfarin or dabigatran reported to FDA

Among persons at risk for cardiovascular disease, a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts reduces the incidence of major cardiovascular events (Results from The PREDIMED Trial ).

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Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question

Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question:

Don’t perform stress cardiac imaging or advanced non-invasive imaging in the initial evaluation of patients without cardiac symptoms unless high-risk markers are present.

Asymptomatic, low-risk patients account for up to 45 percent of unnecessary “screening.” Testing should be performed only when the following findings are present: diabetes in patients older than 40-years-old; peripheral arterial disease; or greater than 2 percent yearly risk for coronary heart disease events.

Don’t perform annual stress cardiac imaging or advanced non-invasive imaging as part of routine follow-up in asymptomatic patients.

Cost-Effectiveness of PCI with Drug Eluting Stents versus CABG

Cost-Effectiveness of PCI with Drug Eluting Stents versus Bypass Surgery for Patients with Diabetes and Multi-vessel Coronary Artery Disease: Results from the FREEDOM Trial.

Not only did patients with diabetes and multi-vessel CAD experience significantly better clinical outcomes after revascularization with CABG than PCI with a drug-eluting stent, according to results of the FREEDOM trial, based on lifetime projections, CABG was found to be more cost‐effective compared to DES‐PCI.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting is Superior to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Diabetics with Coronary Artery Disease

A dramatic increase in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coupled with a similar decrease in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has characterized the treatment of coronary artery disease for the 20 years.

The just released FREEDOM trial results[1] have once again confirmed that diabetic patients with coronary artery disease have better outcomes with CABG than with PCI – even if contemporaneous techniques are used.

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Palpitations, night sweats and lightheadedness at middle age

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Chest pains in the middle and nausea. I wake up some nights sweating, heart racing and skipping beat and stomach pains and nauseau. I get light headed and just don't feel right in my chest area with chest pangs and generally discomfort in the chest area.

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Slow Heart rhythm

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I am a 63 year old male. 5 feet 7 inches tall and weigh 170 pounds. I have sleep apnea, copd and went to see cardiologist due to irregular heart beat and what I thought was...

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Your Cardiac Health

Poor nutrition and lack of exercise may increase your risk of High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Obesity, Heart Disease, and Stroke.