Top in cardiology: BP control in older patients, ACC highlights
Results from a trial published in JAMA demonstrated that medication reduction is feasible in older patients receiving multiple hypertensive treatments for BP control. This was the top story in cardiology last week.
Another top story was a review of important clinical trials that were presented at the virtual American College of Cardiology Scientific Session, including a large trial that evaluated the nitric oxide pathway in patients with heart failure (HF), a randomized clinical trial comparing rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Bayer/Janssen) plus aspirin vs. placebo plus aspirin in patients with peripheral artery disease, and more.
Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:
BP control in older patients feasible with medication reduction
Medication reduction in older patients treated with multiple antihypertensive medications was noninferior to usual care regarding the control of systolic BP at 12 weeks, according to data from the OPTIMISE trial published in JAMA. Read more.
The Take Home: ACC
This year, the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session was, for the first time, held virtually. The decision to cancel the annual live meeting and move to a virtual format was made in March amid COVID-19 concerns and increasing travel advisories and restrictions in response to the pandemic. Read more.
ED visits for suspected MI, stroke down during COVID-19 pandemic
Many U.S. institutions have reported significant declines in the volume of patients presenting to the ED with potential myocardial infarction or stroke due to fears associated with COVID-19. Read more.
Palliative care may reduce readmissions, mechanical ventilation for HF
Veterans who received palliative care during HF admissions had less mechanical ventilation and fewer readmissions compared with those who did not, according to findings in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Read more.
Lowest-income patients less likely to use CVD prevention services
Poorer adults were less likely to be screened for typical CVD risk factors or receive counseling for prevention than patients with higher incomes, regardless of their cardiovascular status, researchers reported. Read more.