Top news of March: CV benefits of wine, avocados; AF risk in firefighters

Healio and Cardiology Today have compiled a list of the top read news in cardiology of March 2022.

Readers were interested in a meta-analysis that questioned the ties between statin-induced LDL lowering and CV outcomes; the death of the first human recipient of a genetically modified pig heart; how moderate wine intake might lower risk for type 2 diabetes; and more.

Meta-analysis questions strength of ties between statin-induced LDL lowering, CV outcomes

The link between statin-induced LDL lowering and reduction of CV outcomes may not be as robust as assumed, researchers who conducted a meta-analysis published in JAMA Internal Medicine concluded. Read more

First human recipient of genetically modified pig heart dies

A man who became the first in the world to receive a genetically modified pig’s heart has died 2 months after the procedure, according to a press release. Read more

Moderate wine consumption with meals may help reduce type 2 diabetes risk

Moderate consumption of alcohol, particularly wine, was associated with reduced risk for type 2 diabetes, but only if consumption occurred with meals, researchers reported. Read more

Two servings of avocado per week may lower risk for CVD, CHD

Two servings of avocado per week, compared with not eating any avocado, was associated with lower risk for CVD and CHD, but not stroke, researchers reported. Read more

Job exposures may raise AF risk for firefighters

Firefighters who reported responding to at least 31 fires per year were more than twice as likely to have a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation compared with those who responded to five or fewer fires per year, survey data show. Read more

Wrong BP cuff size could cause inaccurate BP measurement

Using a regular-sized BP cuff for all adults regardless of mid-arm circumference can result in “striking” differences in systolic and diastolic BP, possibly leading to an incorrect hypertension diagnosis, researchers reported. Read more

Chronic high-dose angiotensin receptor blocker use associated with cancer risk

Cumulative exposure to high-dose angiotensin receptor blockers was associated with excess risk for cancer, according to a meta-regression analysis published in PLOS One. Read more

Resistance exercise superior to aerobic exercise for sleep

A yearlong resistance exercise program for inactive adults with hypertension improved sleep quality and duration compared with aerobic exercise, combined aerobic and resistance exercises and no exercise, researchers reported. Read more

Varied sources of dietary protein tied to lower risk for new-onset hypertension

Among Chinese adults, more varied sources of dietary protein were associated with lower risk for new-onset hypertension, according to research published in Hypertension. Read more

Antiplatelet agents fail to benefit critically ill adults with COVID-19

Compared with no antiplatelet therapy, aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors did not improve the number of organ support-free days in critically ill patients with COVID-19, according to results of the REMAP-CAP trial published in JAMA. Read more