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Top stories in cardiology: FDA approves therapy for advanced heart failure, prescription fish oil effectively lowers high triglycerides
Among the top stories in cardiology last week were the FDA approval of the Barostim Neo System for the improvement of symptoms in patients with advanced heart failure who are not suited for treatment with other heart failure devices and a scientific advisory by the American Heart Association stating that prescription fish oil effectively reduces triglycerides in patients who have implemented diet and lifestyle changes.
Other highlights included a study that found former heavy smokers may have an elevated risk for CVD beyond 5 years after cessation, results from the STICH study that suggested myocardial viability was not linked to a long-term benefit from coronary artery bypass graft in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and a study that found high-intensity step training improved walking skills after stroke.
FDA approves baroreflex activation therapy for advanced heart failure
The FDA has approved the Barostim Neo System for the improvement of symptoms in patients with advanced heart failure who are not suited for treatment with other heart failure devices, such as cardiac resynchronization therapy. The FDA gave the device a Breakthrough Device designation, according to an agency press release. Read more.
AHA: Prescription fish oil effectively lowers high triglycerides
Four grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid together or eicosapentaenoic acid alone, is clinically useful as monotherapy or in addition to other therapies to reduce triglycerides after implementing diet and lifestyle changes and addressing any underlying causes, according to an American Heart Association science advisory published in Circulation. Read more.
Former heavy smokers may have elevated CVD risk beyond 5 years after cessation
A new study confirms that heavy smokers have a significantly lower CVD risk within 5 years compared with current smokers. However, compared with individuals who never smoked, the risk for CVD remained significantly elevated beyond 5 years. Read more.
Viable myocardium not linked to long-term c oronary artery bypass graft benefit for ischemic cardiomyopathy
Myocardial viability was not linked to a long-term benefit from coronary artery bypass graft in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, according to results from the STICH study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Read more.
High-intensity step training improves walking skills after stroke
Patients with chronic stroke who participated in high-intensity step training had greater improvements in gait symmetry and walking ability compared with those who participated in low-intensity training, according to a study published in Stroke. Read more.