Top in cardiology: 5 risk factors cause most CVD; SGLT2 inhibitors ineffective in COVID-19

A study conducted by the Global Cardiovascular Risk Consortium found that five modifiable risk factors accounted for more than half of cases of cardiovascular disease in men and women and 20% of deaths in both sexes.

“We know that just a few modifiable risk factors are related to a certain proportion of CVD,” one of the researchers said during a presentation at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. “But this proportion varies according to the populations studied and methods used. The risk factors are differentially related to cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular outcomes. The big question is, which is the proportion of CVD and all-cause mortality that is attributable to five classical risk factors?”

It was the top story in cardiology last week.

The second top story was about a meta-analysis of three trials that assessed the use of SGLT2 inhibitors for inpatients with COVID-19. The meta-analysis found the drugs did not reduce risk for death or other outcomes in patients with COVID-19, but they are safe for patients with COVID-19 and do not need to be discontinued.

Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:

More than half of CVD cases attributable to five modifiable risk factors

After pooling individual-level data from 112 cohort studies, researchers determined that more than 50% of cases of CVD can be attributed to five modifiable risk factors — BMI, systolic BP, non-HDL, current smoking and diabetes. Read more.

Meta-analysis shows SGLT2 inhibitors not beneficial in treating COVID-19

A meta-analysis of three trials assessing the use of SGLT2 inhibitors for inpatients with COVID-19 showed the drug class did not reduce risk for death or other outcomes compared with usual care or placebo but was safe. Read more.

In frail patients with AF, switching to newer anticoagulants raises bleeding risk

Switching older patients with frailty syndrome and atrial fibrillation to a non-vitamin K antagonist from their old blood thinner caused significant bleeding risk and no greater protection from stroke, a speaker reported. Read more.

Active screening of patients with diabetes or COPD doubled new diagnoses of heart disease

In a new study, a diagnostic strategy utilizing tools readily available in primary care successfully identified new diagnoses of atrial fibrillation, CAD and HF among patients with type 2 diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Jose Joglar, MD, FAHA, and Luigi Di Biase, MD, PhD, FACC, FHRS, weigh in with their perspectives. Read more.

‘Game changing’ data: New obesity drugs tied to major weight loss, may reduce CV risk

A new generation of obesity drugs is changing the treatment landscape for patients and providers, with options that can lead to weight loss unheard of just a few years ago. Read more.