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Ticagrelor more effective than Clopidogrel in myocardial infarction patients

New research has shown that the stronger anticlotting medication Ticagrelor ( Brilinta ) reduces death rates without increasing bleeding compared with the current standard treatment of Clopidogrel for myocardial infarction patients. Clopidogrel ( Plavix ) is an antiplatelet drug that is used in ...
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Acute coronary syndromes: Ticagrelor, a better option than Clopidogrel for patients undergoing invasive procedures

A new research has shown that Ticagrelor ( Brilinta ) reduces death rates without increasing bleeding compared with the current standard treatment of Clopidogrel ( Plavix ) for patients with myocardial infarction. This new analysis of the PLATO trial is published in The Lancet. Clopidogrel is an...
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Acute coronary syndromes: Ticagrelor is the first antiplatelet agent to demonstrate a reduction in cardiovascular death

The PLATO ( A Study of Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes ) trial showed that Ticagrelor ( Brilinta ) has reduced the rate of cardiovascular events ( cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke ) from 11.7% to 9.8% compared Clopidogrel ( Plavix ) ( p...
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Anticoagulants in the prevention of venous thromboembolism and recurrent miscarriage

Coagulation is an important process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. Sometimes, however, clots form on the inside of vessels without an obvious injury or do not dissolve naturally, a potentially life-threatening situation requiring treatment. Research presented at the...
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Smoking is greatest predictor of recurrent cardiac events among young myocardial infarction survivors

Continuing to smoke following a myocardial infarction is the most powerful predictor for recurrent cardiac events among survivors age 35 years or younger. In particular, patients who continue to smoke have approximately three times the risk for future heart problems ( e.g., cardiac death, a repeat...
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Acute coronary syndrome therapy improvements linked with fewer deaths and improved clinical outcomes

Recent changes in the recommended treatments used for patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes are associated with reductions in the rates of heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction and death. Randomized trials have provided strong evidence for the effectiveness of pharmacological ...
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Acute coronary syndromes: treating depression may reduce cardiac risk

Patients with depression appear to have an impaired ability to recover their heart rate variability ( HRV ) following acute coronary syndromes, a factor that could increase their risk of coronary death. However, patients who are treated with antidepressants or whose mood lifts may experience more o...
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ERASE Trial: CSL-11, a drug that mimics HDL, has mixed effect on coronary atherosclerosis

Patients with acute coronary syndromes ( ACS ), such as heart attack and recent-onset chest pain, remain at considerable risk of experiencing further serious cardiovascular problems despite improvements in care. HDL has properties that may protect these patients from further complications by reduc...
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BNP test to predict cardiovascular risk in myocardial infarction patients not yet appropriately used

An analysis by researchers at the Duke Clinical Research Institute ( DCRI ) found that a new brain chemical test that predicts which patients with myocardial infarction symptoms are at higher risk of dying is paradoxically not being used in younger, healthier patients who could benefit the most from...
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Acute coronary syndrome: Bivalirudin alone reduces a significant number of major bleeding episodes

The ACUITY ( Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage strategy ) trial has assessed the potential of the injectable anti-clotting medicine Bivalirudin ( Angiomax ) in patients experiencing cardiac emergencies known as acute coronary syndromes ( ACS ). The results have shown that Bival...
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