Top news of August: Semaglutide trials, FDA panel vote on denervation devices and more

Healio | Cardiology Today has compiled a list of the topic headlines of August 2023 in cardiology.

Readers were interested in the topline data of the SELECT trial of semaglutide for patients with overweight or obesity; our latest installment of Pharmacology Consult addressing management of recurrent pericarditis; an FDA panel vote on a radiofrequency renal denervation device; and more.

Topline data show semaglutide cuts CV risk by 20%: SELECT

Compared with placebo, injectable semaglutide 2.4 mg reduced risk for major adverse CV events by 20% for people with overweight or obesity and established CVD, according to topline data from the SELECT study. Read more

Semaglutide drives ‘substantial’ improvements in heart failure symptoms: STEP-HFpEF

In adults with HF with preserved ejection fraction and obesity, semaglutide 2.4 mg significantly improved HF-related symptoms and physical limitations and was associated with greater weight loss compared with placebo, researchers reported. Read more

Older vs. younger adults derive more benefit from statins

Older adults derive greater LDL benefits after initiating statin therapy compared with younger adults, regardless of whether statins are prescribed for primary or secondary prevention or to people with diabetes. Read more

Pharmacology Consult: Updates on management of acute and recurrent pericarditis

Acute and recurrent pericarditis are the most common pericardial syndromes and represent an etiology of chest pain that is associated with substantial morbidity, decreased quality of life and, rarely, mortality. Read more

FDA panel says risks of radiofrequency renal denervation device outweigh benefits

A slim majority of FDA advisory panelists rejected that the benefits of a radiofrequency renal denervation system outweigh the risks for use in adults with uncontrolled hypertension despite use of antihypertensive medications. Read more

‘Telehealth is here to stay’: AHA launches its first individual telehealth certification

The American Heart Association recently launched its first individual certification for telehealth, part of an effort to improve standards of care for a delivery model that grew exponentially — and unevenly — during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more

Wrong sized blood pressure cuff tied to inaccurate readings, possible misdiagnoses

Using the wrong size arm cuff when performing a standard BP measurement can lead to “strikingly inaccurate” measurements that may lead to a hypertension misdiagnosis, according to data from a randomized crossover trial. Read more

In frail patients with AF, switching to newer anticoagulants raises bleeding risk

Switching older patients with frailty syndrome and atrial fibrillation to a non-vitamin K antagonist from their old blood thinner caused significant bleeding risk and no greater protection from stroke, a speaker reported. Read more

IV iron modestly improves HFrEF outcomes but misses prespecified endpoint: HEART-FID

In adults with HF with reduced ejection fraction and iron deficiency, ferric carboxymaltose modestly improved the endpoint of death, HF hospitalization and 6-minute walk distance but did not achieve the prespecified significance level. Read more

Coal processing plant closure tied to drop in heart-related emergency department visits

A reduction in air pollution that followed the closure of a coal-coking plant in Pittsburgh was associated with a sharp decline in ED visits for CV-related causes in short- and long-term analyses. Read more