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Study: Larger dose of ARBs is more effective in heart failure patients

A larger dose of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is more effective than a smaller dose in heart failure patients, researchers said at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2009.

18 Nov 2009

Homecare, an important part of the solution to nation's healthcare crisis

During November -- National Homecare Month -- the American Association for Homecare celebrates the thousands of dedicated professionals who provide cost-effective and consumer-preferred homecare.

18 Nov 2009

Johns Hopkins program reduces need for airway surgery in hard-to-intubate patients

Be prepared, that old Boy Scout motto, is being applied with great success to operating room patients whose anatomy may make it difficult for physicians to help them breathe during surgery, Johns Hopkins researchers report in a new study.

18 Nov 2009

Drug interaction between clopidogrel and omeprazole: New safety information

Today the FDA notified healthcare professionals of new safety information concerning a drug interaction between clopidogrel, an anti-clotting medication, and omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid.

18 Nov 2009

Findings of Merck's anacetrapib phase IIb study presented at the AHA sessions

In a phase IIb study in 589 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed hyperlipidemia treated with anacetrapib as monotherapy or co-administered with atorvastatin, there were persistent lipid effects in the higher dose arms in both the monotherapy and co-administration treatment groups eight weeks after stopping active therapy with anacetrapib.

18 Nov 2009

Cardiologists detect atherosclerosis in ancient Egyptian mummies

A cardiologist at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute and his research colleagues from Cairo, Milwaukee, and Mission Viejo, Calif., have detected hardening of the arteries in 3,500-year-old Egyptian mummies, indicating that heart disease is not just a condition found in modern humans.

18 Nov 2009

IBM scientists create one-step point-of-care-diagnostic test based on innovative silicon chip

IBM (IBM) scientists have created a one-step point-of-care-diagnostic test, based on an innovative silicon chip, that requires less sample volume, is significantly faster, portable, easy to use, and can test for many diseases, including one of world's leading causes of death, cardiovascular disease.

18 Nov 2009

CRESTOR reduces major cardiovascular events in women by 46%

A new analysis of the JUPITER trial, released today at the American Heart Association meeting in Orlando, Florida, demonstrates that CRESTOR (rosuvastatin calcium) 20mg reduced first major cardiovascular events by 46%.

18 Nov 2009

Pediatric data for Pfizer's Lipitor submitted to the EMEA

Pfizer Inc announced it has submitted pediatric data for Lipitor® (atorvastatin) to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA). Pfizer has also developed a new chewable form of Lipitor, including a pediatric-appropriate 5 mg dose, which is part of this submission.

18 Nov 2009

Developmental biologists to participate in $100 million federal 'Bench to Bassinet' network

Developmental biologists at the University of Pittsburgh have been chosen to participate in a $100 million federal "Bench to Bassinet" network that is dedicated to learning about the formation of the cardiovascular system and applying that knowledge to create new diagnostic and intervention strategies for congenital heart disease.

18 Nov 2009

Data demonstrate that danger of low levels of HDL is not reduced by statin treatment

Data released today at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2009 define the increased risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease in patients with low levels of HDL-C (known as "good cholesterol"). The data also determine that statins are unable to significantly impact the heart attack or cardiovascular disease risks associated with low HDL-C.

18 Nov 2009

New generation of implanted devices help a failing heart function properly

A new generation of implanted devices that help a failing heart function properly is significantly more effective than the previous version, making these new devices an appropriate permanent therapy for many of the more than 5 million Americans who suffer from heart failure.

18 Nov 2009

Transcendental Meditation may be effective in reducing BP and psychological distress

"The Transcendental Meditation Program, a widely-used standardized program to reduce stress, showed significant decreases in blood pressure and improved mental health in young adults at risk for hypertension," said David Haaga, PhD, co-author of the study and professor of psychology at American University in Washington, D.C.

18 Nov 2009

Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics provides third-quarter 2009 business updates

Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics, a leader in the field of human gene therapy, today provides its non-audited business update in compliance with the EU transparency directive. This report summarizes material events and AMT's financial position for the third quarter of 2009.

18 Nov 2009

GRK2 inhibition protects against chronic heart failure

Inhibition of a protein known to contribute to heart failure also appears to be protective of the heart in more acute cardiac stress injury, namely ischemia reperfusion, according to two studies conducted at the Center for Translational Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. The studies will be presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2009 in Orlando, Fla.

18 Nov 2009

Study examines link between folic acid and cancer incidence

Patients with heart disease in Norway, a country with no fortification of foods with folic acid, had an associated increased risk of cancer and death from any cause if they had received treatment with folic acid and vitamin B12, according to a study in the November 18 issue of JAMA.

18 Nov 2009

Sildenafil improves heart function in youngsters with single ventricle congenital heart disease

Heart function significantly improved in children and young adults with single ventricle congenital heart disease who have had the Fontan operation following treatment with sildenafil, a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension, say researchers from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

18 Nov 2009

Review of the results of Phase 2b clinical trial on PASCAL announced

ARYx Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, announced that a review of the results of the Phase 2b clinical trial, PASCAL, testing the efficacy and safety of ARYx’s compound for the treatment of atrial fibrillation, budiodarone, was presented today at the American Heart Association meeting in Orlando, Florida.

18 Nov 2009

Combination of night work, overtime and shortened sleep can increase risk of stroke and heart disease

A new study published in the current issue of Archives of Environmental & Occupational Health (vol. 64, No. 3) shows that this combination of night work, overtime and shortened sleep can contribute to the development among police officers of the metabolic syndrome, a combination of unhealthful factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), primarily heart disease and stroke.

18 Nov 2009

First gene expression test for coronary artery disease

The Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona today announced the availability of Corus(TM) CAD, the first and only gene expression test to quantify the likelihood of obstructive(i) coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with stable chest pain.

18 Nov 2009