Top cardiology stories: FDA approves rivaroxaban, drinking alcohol may prompt adverse cardiac remodeling

Among the top stories in cardiology this week was the FDA approval of rivaroxaban to prevent CV events in patients with coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease, and research findings that indicated that elevated alcohol consumption may prompt adverse cardiac remodeling.

Other popular stories included studies that found that a church-based lifestyle intervention reduces BP in black patients, atrial fibrillation management is suboptimal in patients with history of cancer, and blood glucose regulation is important for the prevention of CVD.

Rivaroxaban approved to prevent CV events in coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease

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 coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease. Read more.

Alcohol consumption may prompt adverse cardiac remodeling

Elevated alcohol consumption predicted several parameters of adverse cardiac remodeling after 20 years of follow-up, researchers reported. Read more.

Church-based lifestyle intervention reduces BP in black patients

Among black patients with hypertension, a community-based lifestyle intervention taking place in churches conferred a greater reduction in systolic BP than a control intervention, according to the results of the FAITH study. Read more.

A trial fibrillation management suboptimal in patients with history of cancer

Patients with atrial fibrillation and a history of active or remote cancer were less likely to have early cardiology involvement after a cancer diagnosis or fill a prescription for oral anticoagulant compared with those without a history of cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Read more.

Blood glucose regulation important for prevention of CVD

Effective prevention of CVD requires integrating approaches and interventions also used for diabetes management, with the regulation of blood glucose a key component of both, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Read more.