Cardiology Today’s top news from August

Cardiology Today compiled a list of the top news posted in August. Last month, readers were most interested in a science advisory from the American Heart Association on diverse diets, a U.S. Preventive Services Task Force statement on risks and benefits of ECG to diagnose atrial fibrillation, breaking news from the European Society of Cardiology Congress in late-August and more.

See below for links to the full articles on Healio.com/Cardiology.

AHA: Diverse diets not necessarily healthy

Encouraging people to eat a variety of foods may have the unintended consequence of consumption of more unhealthy foods, according to a science advisory issued by the American Heart Association. Read more

ARRIVE: Aspirin does not reduce initial vascular events in low-to-moderate risk population

MUNICH — In a moderate-risk population with low event rates, aspirin did not significantly reduce initial vascular events, according to the ARRIVE study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. Read more

ASCEND: Aspirin, omega-3 supplements fail for primary prevention in diabetes

MUNICH — In a large cohort of patients with diabetes but no prior CVD included in the ASCEND study, aspirin prevented vascular events but caused major bleeding events, and an omega-3 fatty acid supplement did not prevent vascular events. The data were reported at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. Read more

No excess CV risk with lorcaserin for weight loss

MUNICH — Treatment with the serotonin receptor agonist lorcaserin yielded sustained weight loss over a median follow-up of 3 years without an excess risk for major adverse CV events in adults with overweight or obesity at high CV risk, according to new data from the CAMELLIA-TIMI 61 study. Read more

Results mixed on rivaroxaban for extended thromboprophylaxis in MARINER

MUNICH — In medically ill patients at risk for venous thromboembolism enrolled in the MARINER study, rivaroxaban did not improve the composite endpoint of symptomatic VTE or death due to VTE. The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. Read more

Improvements needed in healthy food access, education to prevent CVD

Positive changes in diet can be critical in preventing CVD, although various factors can hinder patients from accessing healthy foods, according to a review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Read more

Low-dose, triple combination therapy effective in mild to moderate hypertension

Patients with mild to moderate hypertension who were treated with a pill that contained low doses of three antihypertensive drugs were more likely to achieve target BP goals compared with those who received usual care, according to results of the TRIUMPH study published in JAMA. Read more

Elevated LDL, non-HDL increase CVD mortality risk

Patients with low 10-year atherosclerotic risk with LDL and non-HDL greater than 160 mg/dL had an increased risk for CVD mortality, according to a study published in Circulation. Read more

PURE: Moderate red meat, dairy intake may help reduce mortality, CV risk

MUNICH — A new diet quality tool based on an analysis of more than 218,000 adults worldwide suggests that increased intake of unprocessed red meat, fish and whole fat dairy can reduce risk for all-cause mortality, MI and stroke. The results were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. Read more

USPSTF: Evidence insufficient on benefits, risks of ECG to diagnose AF

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found inadequate evidence assessing the benefits and harms of screening for atrial fibrillation with ECG in patients aged 65 years and older with previously undiagnosed AF, according to a recommendation statement published in JAMA. Read more