Heart transplant recipients are required to undergo routine biopsy tests throughout their lifetime in order to monitor the risk for organ rejection; the procedure usually being uncomfortable and nerve-wrecking. Now, a recent study reports that the blood test, AlloMap® (XDx, Inc.), in addition to clinical and echocardiogram evaluation, could help determine the risk for rejection and thereby safely reduce the number of endomyocardial biopsies to be performed. The findings of the multicentered, invasive monitoring attenuation through gene expression (IMAGE) trial are published in the recent online issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. Continue Reading

The hypoglycemic effect of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists, has been proven through various well-designed clinical trials. However, since they are reported to cause fluid retention, guidelines from international medical bodies caution the use of these drugs in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and IV heart failure (HF). Now, data obtained from a multi-center open-label trial further corroborates the enhanced risk for HF events in type 2 diabetic patients on rosiglitazone medication. The results of the Rosiglitazone Evaluated for Cardiac Outcomes and Regulation of Glycaemia in Diabetes (RECORD) study, published in the recent issue of the European Heart Journal, support the warnings put forth for the use of TZDs in diabetic patients on treatment with metformin or sulfonylurea mono or combined therapy. Continue Reading

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared TandemHeart® Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device (CardiacAssist, Inc.) provides short-term, temporary circulatory support for patients seeking emergency cardiac assistance. A recent study has demonstrated the efficacy of the prompt use of TandemHeart in quick unloading of the left ventricle, stabilizing end-organ function and ensuring a safe aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients experiencing critical aortic valve stenosis-associated cardiac arrest or severe refractory cardiogenic shock (SRCS), before or after AVR. The results of the research have been published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. Continue Reading

The recent outbreak of a new strain of the influenza A virus (H1N1) has been causing major havoc across the world, with various public health organizations taking aggressive steps to contain the disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the alert level for H1N1, earlier referred to as ‘Swine Flu’, to phase 5 on the six-point scale, which confirms human to human spread of the disease, and also indicates the increased chances for a flu pandemic. The WHO has currently reported 4,694 laboratory confirmed cases of the H1N1 influenza virus across 30 countries. Continue Reading

Aortic stenosis (AS), a valvular heart disease, is most commonly treated by aortic valve replacement (AVR) surgery in severe symptomatic cases. However, the conventional surgery is contraindicated in patients of advanced age, and with comorbidities and extensive ascending aorta calcification. Now, a recent study published in the journal, Deutsches Ärzteblatt International demonstrated clinical improvements in AS patients at a high risk for open surgery, with a safer and less invasive catheter-based aortic valve implantation. Continue Reading

The exact etiology of preeclampsia, a major hypertension-induced pregnancy complication, is not clear. Now, a recent study suggests that aggregates of misfolded proteins, which can be easily detected in urine, could be the probable cause for the condition. Urine analysis for the misshapen proteins may thereby facilitate early diagnosis and prompt faster treatment initiation for preeclampsia. The findings of the study were presented at the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine scientific meetings, held at San Diego, California, during January 26-31, 2009. Continue Reading

Several previous studies have indicated that high levels of nonfasting triglycerides are associated with the increased risk of developing cardiac ailments such as ischemic heart disease. Now, a recent study published in the journal JAMA suggests that elevated nonfasting triglycerides also enhance the risk of ischemic stroke. Continue Reading

Several large-scale studies have shown that the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) can predict the risks of new and recurrent coronary events, thereby indicating its prognostic value in acute coronary ischemia and post-coronary interventions. Now, the administration of rosuvastatin calcium (CRESTOR® | AstraZeneca) into evidently healthy people with elevated hsCRP levels, but without hyperlipidemia, has demonstrated a 44% reduction in the incidence of major cardiovascular events, according to a study published in the recent issue of The New England Journal of Medicine. Continue Reading

Low-dose aspirin therapy (75 to 325 mg) is advocated as a primary preventive strategy in diabetic patients at high risk of developing cardiac diseases and stroke, as more than 65% deaths in diabetics occur due to these complications. As opposed to the previous recommendations, a recent study published in the British Medical Journal suggests that regular intake of aspirin and antioxidant supplements may not prevent future cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes. Continue Reading

Serum auto antibody signatures may aid in the early diagnosis and management of ruptured atherosclerotic lesions and myocardial infarction, according to a research article published in the recent issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Continue Reading