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Top stories in cardiology: FDA warns about biotin, insomnia symptoms increase CVD risk

The FDA’s announcement to remind the public that biotin, or vitamin B7, can interfere with diagnostic tests and cause false results was the top story in cardiology last week.

Another top story was about study results showing that insomnia symptoms, including difficultly falling or staying asleep, were independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

FDA: Risk for biotin interference with lab tests, troponin remains a concern

The FDA has updated its safety communication to remind the public, health care providers, lab personnel and lab test developers that biotin, or vitamin B7, can significantly interfere with certain diagnostic tests and cause incorrect results that may go undetected. The FDA remains concerned, in particular, with the potential for false results for troponin, which could result in missed diagnoses for myocardial infarction. Read more.

Insomnia increases CVD risk

Symptoms of insomnia, specifically difficulties in falling and staying asleep, early morning awakening and daytime dysfunction, were independent risk factors for the incidence of CVD, especially in young adults or those without hypertension, according to a study published in Neurology. Read more.

Omega-3 fatty acids with statin therapy reduce major adverse CV events

Eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, combined with statin therapy significantly reduced the incidence of major adverse CV events, according to a meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Cardiology. Read more.

Noninvasive testing after ED visit for chest pain may reduce event rates

Patients who underwent noninvasive diagnostic testing after evaluation for chest pain in the ED had a lower observed rate of CV death or myocardial infarction, according to a retrospective cohort study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Read more.

Church-based challenge to promote wellness for black women

Beginning Jan. 5, the American Heart Association, with the help of sponsor Weight Watchers Reimagined, will launch the 12-week EmPOWERED & Well Healthier Church Challenge to support the ongoing health and wellness activities of black women and their faith-based communities. Read more.