Study Suggests Strokes May be Treated Differently than Heart Attacks
A recent study from DCRI researchers found that patients who have had strokes may receive different care than those who have had heart attacks, despite evidence that shows statins are effective for secondary prevention in both populations to prevent recurring ischemic events.
DCRI’s Piccini Weighs in on Catheter Ablation in Cardiology Today
Mixed results from the CABANA trial have led to debate about whether catheter ablation is an effective treatment option that provides benefit to patients with atrial fibrillation.
PTN Receives NIH Funding to Advance Down Syndrome Research
Research from DCRI investigators will help determine whether medications prescribed off-label to individuals with Down syndrome are safe and effective.
DCRI Contributes to FDA Guidance to Improve Medication Safety in Newborns
Research guidance recently issued by the FDA provides clarity regarding clinical trial study design, drug dosing, and analysis in studies of newborns.
DCRI-Co-sponsored Workshop Identifies Key Issues in E-cigarette Use in Youth
Recent media attention regarding the risks of vaping and e-cigarettes have led to many questions about the health impacts of using these products, particularly among young people. Findings from a recent workshop highlight why this issue is so complicated and what strategies may help to overcome the problem.
Differences in Patient Beliefs May Play Role in Women’s Underuse of Statins
Women are less likely than men to receive statins, and those who do receive statins are more likely to receive a prescription below recommended guidelines. DCRI fellow Michael Nanna, MD (pictured), examined patient data from the PALM (Patient and Provider Assessment of Lipid Management) Registry in an effort to ascertain reasons for these differences. He and his team found that women are offered statins at lower rates but refuse or discontinue statins at higher rates than men.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators Still Important in Clinical Practice
Evidence supports that implantable cardioverter defibrillators still provide life-saving benefits, but more research is needed to improve the selection of patients for this treatment. Although it is incorrect to discount the potential benefit of implantable cardioverter defibrillators, it is also critical to improve selection criteria for patients who would derive the most benefit, writes the DCRI’s Sana Al-Khatib, MD, in two recent pieces on the topic.
DCRI Study Applies ACC/AHA Guidelines on Cholesterol Management
A study led by a DCRI faculty member provides additional clarification on which patients may benefit the most from additional lipid-lowering therapies, if their cholesterol levels remain elevated despite optimal statin therapy.
Hyperlipidemia Not Associated With Cardiovascular Risk in Older Adults
Recent findings suggest that elevations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels may not confer additional risk in populations 75 or older.