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Thiazide superior to ACE inhibitors for hypertension, frequent drinking important risk factor in AF — top stories in cardiology
The week’s top story in cardiology was about a study that found thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics were superior to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for hypertension, while drug classes used as monotherapy were comparable.
Another top story included findings that the frequency of drinking alcohol is a more significant risk factor than binge-drinking for new-onset atrial fibrillation.
LEGEND-HTN: Thiazide, thiazide-like diuretics superior to ACE inhibitors
Drug classes used as monotherapy for hypertension were shown to be comparable, although thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics were superior to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, according to results from the LEGEND-HTN study published in The Lancet. Read more.
Binge drinking less important risk factor on new-onset AF than frequent drinking
The frequency of drinking is a more significant risk factor for new-onset atrial fibrillation than amount of alcohol consumed, according to a recent study published in EP Europace. Read more.
Underuse of cholesterol-lowering medications creates ‘missed opportunities’
ATLANTA — Despite the improvements that have been made in cholesterol reduction, more efforts are needed to improve usage rates of cholesterol-lowering medications in patients, including those with familial hypercholesterolemia, according to a presentation at the FH Foundation’s FH Global Summit. Read more.
Varying adulthood weight linked to all-cause, heart disease mortality
Weight change across adulthood, even weight loss in later life, may increase an individual’s risk for all-cause and CV-related mortality, according to a study published in BMJ. Read more.
Future of FH involves more screening, patient empowerment
ATLANTA — Although progress has been made in diagnosing and treating patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, more work is needed in these areas, according to a presentation at the FH Foundation’s FH Global Summit. Read more.