Cardiovascular

This paper estimates the costs and benefits of over-the-counter (OTC) statins using data on statin use and cardiovascular risk, clinical studies of statin safety and efficacy, and an OTC statin use trial.

The authors evaluated the clinical applicability, accuracy, and implications of using an automated risk calculator and risk-based decision tool in an integrated health system.

A small study of sudden out-of-hospital deaths raises questions about the quality of primary care, especially for women.

Greetings from First Lady Michelle Obama and a lecture from a non-cardiologist on population health set the stage for the 65th Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology. Prevention is the focus of this year's meeting.

Results from the HOPE-3 trial, presented on the opening day of the 65th Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology, suggest cholesterol-lowering statins could have preventive benefits in broader groups of patients than previously thought.

The study from researchers at Cleveland Clinic found that during the years before full implementation of the Affordable Care Act, a shift in treatment methods for patients with a painful condition was associated with fewer amputations and deaths. But large disparities remain.

Coronary artery bypass grafting and cardiac valve surgery have dramatically different risk-adjusted outcomes over the 90 days following discharge, and demonstrate the opportunity for care improvement.

The profile of high-cost patients in a Massachusetts ACO differed greatly, depending on their enrollment in Medicare, Medicaid, or a commercial plan.

Last year, an FDA advisory panel called for an updated label for saxagliptin, but the agency is still gathering information.

The findings on salt intake were timed to coincide with the release of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

The estimate is based on the larger number of Americans now eligible to be treated for high LDL cholesterol, based on guidelines adopted in 2013.

Results first presented at the American Diabetes Association in June are published. The new drug application has since been filed at FDA.

Results from the ELIXA trial were presented in June at the 75th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association.

The policy change is aimed at curbing the state's obesity rate as well as comorbidities such as diabetes

Terms of the deal with the second-largest pharmacy benefit manager were not disclosed. Pricing for the PCSK9 inhibitor class has been a source of controversy since the cholesterol-fighting drugs were approved this summer.

The study population took part in the landmark ORIGIN trial, which evaluated hypoglycemia effects in persons with high CV risk and diabetes.

Results released by Sanofi and Regeneron of their PCSK9 inhibitor were based on prior clinical trials.

This study examined patterns of medication adherence after a reduction in medication co-payment amount among privately insured patients living in racially diverse neighborhoods.

Results presented at the American Diabetes Association in June showed no CV risk or benefit and no risk of pancreatic injury, an issue that has been of particular concern to FDA.

The recommendations for improving quality care in Medicaid track recent trends in psychiatric and diabetes care, which recognize the connection between physical and mental health.

A stepped care algorithm developed by scientists has the potential to manage blood pressure in patients who develop intolerance to guideline-based regimens.

An overview of mechanism of action, dosing, interactions, and precautions for evolocumab, which faces an FDA deadline for review August 27, 2015.