In the Headlines
Stenting versus Endarterectomy for Treatment of Carotid-Artery Stenosis
Among patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic stenosis, the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death did not differ significantly. There was a higher risk of stroke with stenting and a higher risk of heart attack with endarterectomy.
Source: New England Journal of Medicine July 1, 2010 . Volume 363: pp 11-23.
Which Revascularization Strategy Is Best for Severe Coronary Artery Lesions?
A recent trial comparing coronary bypass surgery (CABG) to coronary stent placement (PCI) found lower post-treatment heart attacks in post-CABG patients and higher re-treatment of stent patients.
Source: New England Journal of Medicine March 5, 2009. Volume 360:961-972
Four Healthy Choices to Change Your Life
"If people would just do four things -- engage in regular physical activity, eat a healthy diet, not smoke and avoid becoming obese -- they could slash their risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke or cancer by 80%, a new report has found."
Source: Los Angeles Times via The Archives of Internal Medicine 2009;169(15):1355-1362.
Treadmill Exercise and Resistance Training Improve Function in Peripheral Arterial Disease
Patients with peripheral arterial disease have improved function and circulation with treadmill exercise and leg resistance training, a randomized trial showed.
Source: Journal of American Medical Association Jan 14, 2009
Which Revascularization Strategy Is Best for Severe Coronary Artery Lesions?
A recent trial comparing coronary bypass surgery (CABG) to coronary stent placement (PCI) found lower post-treatment heart attacks in post-CABG patients and higher re-treatment of stent patients.
"CABG remains the standard of care for patients with three-vessel or left main coronary artery disease." Source: New England Journal of Medicine, March 5, 2009
Appropriateness Criteria for Coronary Revascularization
Revascularization is not always indicated in the face of coronary occlusion, although when it is appropriate, bypass surgery is more often the best choice, according to recently issued criteria. Bypass surgery was considered the appropriate revascularization method for patients with 13 of 14 conditions that included two-vessel disease with proximal left anterior descending stenosis.
Source: Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Oct 5th, 2008.
Keeping Blood Sugar Low May Help Stem Geriatric Memory Loss
Lowering blood glucose levels may help lessen the cognitive decline of normal aging, even in diabetes-free patients, researchers here said.