Top 10 vascular medicine stories of 2018

As we enter 2019, Healio Cardiology is looking back at the top vascular medicine news of 2018.

Here is a list of the 10 most-read articles on Healio Cardiology in 2018 related to vascular medicine. The American Heart Association focused on common mistakes in BP measurement and updating the definition of resistant hypertension in a scientific statement. In addition, researchers focused on CV risk in women and racial differences that may be seen in this condition. Several stories emerged regarding treatments such as low-dose, triple combination therapy, ACE inhibitors, rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Janssen) and losartan.

Seven common mistakes in BP measurement

The AHA has named May National High Blood Pressure Education month. According to a press release from the AHA, mistakes are often made in home or office BP tests, which may lead to inaccurate readings. Read More

Torrent Pharmaceuticals recalls lots of losartan for impurities

Torrent Pharmaceuticals voluntarily recalled 10 lots of losartan potassium tablets because of trace amounts of an impurity that has been found in an active pharmaceutical ingredient, the company announced. Read More

Preeclampsia, lactation duration affect CV risk in women

Two new studies presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session highlight differences in CV risk related to preeclampsia history and lactation duration. The data in women highlight a need for increased awareness and research on women during pregnancy and postpartum. Read More

Height may predict risk for varicose veins

Genes that determine height may also play a role in the formation of varicose veins, with taller people at greater risk for developing the condition, according to a study published in Circulation. Read More

Racial differences in incident hypertension driven by diet, education level

Racial differences in men and women regarding incident hypertension were related to the dietary ratio of sodium to potassium, Southern dietary pattern and education level, according to a study published in JAMA. Read More

Accelerated diagnostic protocol determines risk in patients with chest pain

An accelerated diagnostic protocol to identify patients who present to the ED with chest pain as low risk and for early discharge without further testing increased the identification of MI and decreased hospitalizations, according to a study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. 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 a study published in JAMA. Read More

Review: No reason to use ACE inhibitors for hypertension

In a review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, four experts stated there is no reason to use ACE inhibitors to treat hypertension when angiotensin receptor blockers can be used instead. Read More

Rivaroxaban approved to prevent CV events in CAD, PAD

Janssen announced that the FDA has approved its factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban for reduction of risk for major adverse CV events in patients with chronic CAD or peripheral artery disease. Read More

AHA updates definition of resistant hypertension, addresses management in new scientific statement

The AHA has released an updated scientific statement on resistant hypertension that focuses on changes to the definition, approaches to diagnosis and recommendations for treatment of the disorder. Read More