All articles tagged with #myocardial infarction
Recent clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest that routine use of beta-blockers after myocardial infarction may not provide significant benefits in modern treatment settings, prompting a reconsideration of current practice guidelines.
Hulk Hogan, the legendary pro wrestler, died at age 71 from an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), with a history of atrial fibrillation and leukemia, in Clearwater, Florida.
A large multinational trial, CLEAR SYNERGY (OASIS 9), involving over 7000 patients, found no significant benefit of colchicine in preventing major cardiovascular events after an acute myocardial infarction. The study showed that event rates for cardiovascular death, MI, stroke, and revascularization were similar between colchicine and placebo groups over five years. The findings challenge current guidelines recommending colchicine for post-MI treatment, suggesting its role is uncertain, with the only notable side effect being increased diarrhea risk.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is obstructed, leading to a life-threatening situation. Symptoms can vary and may include chest pain, nausea, and shortness of breath. Risk factors include age, family history, and lifestyle choices. Immediate action is crucial, including taking aspirin, seeking medical attention, and potentially undergoing CPR or defibrillation. Early intervention is key to improving survival chances.
The FIRE trial presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2023 showed that complete revascularization, as opposed to treating only the culprit lesion, reduced the risk of cardiovascular events, including death and myocardial infarction, in elderly patients aged 75 and older presenting with either STEMI or NSTEMI. The trial demonstrated that complete revascularization guided by functional testing was safe and beneficial in this population, challenging the current practice of treating only the culprit lesion. The results highlight the need to consider complete revascularization in older patients with multivessel disease and may lead to a shift in clinical practice towards a more comprehensive approach.
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced or blocked, while a cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping blood and the person becomes unresponsive. Heart attacks are usually caused by blockages in the coronary arteries, while cardiac arrests can be due to abnormal heart rhythms. Recovery from cardiac arrest requires monitoring, treatment, and rehabilitation, with outcomes varying for each individual.
A large prospective randomized trial called D-Health found that high monthly doses of vitamin D for 5 years did not significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adults aged 60 or older. However, there was a significant 19% reduction in the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) with vitamin D supplementation. Subgroup analysis suggested potential benefits for individuals taking statins or other cardiovascular medications. The study's authors caution against recommending vitamin D supplementation specifically for cardiovascular disease prevention, but suggest that clinicians may consider supplementing elderly individuals with underlying risk factors for CV disease. Further research is needed to understand the interactions between vitamin D supplementation and cardiovascular medications.
Patients with strong legs are less likely to develop heart failure following a heart attack, according to a study by the European Society of Cardiology. The study encompassed 932 patients hospitalized between 2007 and 2020 with acute myocardial infarction. The team used maximal quadriceps strength as their indicator of leg strength and found that each five percent body weight increment in quadriceps strength was associated with an 11-percent lower chance of heart failure. The findings suggest that strength training involving the quadriceps muscles should be recommended for patients who have experienced a heart attack to prevent heart failure.
Beta-blocker treatment beyond 1 year after myocardial infarction (MI) for patients without heart failure or left ventricular systolic dysfunction was not associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes in a new analysis of a nationwide cohort of more than 40,000 patients. The study was published online in Heart on May 2. The authors suggest that determining whether beta-blockers are indicated beyond the first year after MI may have an impact on patient health-related quality of life. More evidence from large randomized clinical trials is needed to answer this question.
Sildenafil and tadalafil, the two most popular medications for erectile dysfunction (ED), may have substantial cardiovascular benefits for men with ED and concurrent heart disease. Both drugs significantly reduced the likelihood of progression to heart failure, myocardial infarction (MI), and death after 5 years as compared with men taking neither drug. Tadalafil had a more pronounced effect on all three clinical events than did sildenafil. A review of a large insurance database showed no consistent association between PDE5 inhibitor use and ocular events.