Cardiovascular

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.

A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine shows that grip strength of young, healthy adults could prove useful in the diagnosis of diabetes and hypertension.

Earnings calls over the past 2 days for Express Scripts and Sanofi offered starkly different views of pricing for the first PCSK9 inhibitor to reach the US market.

Health plans and pharmacy benefits managers are expected to scrutinize the FDA approval to ensure that only those patients who truly need the drug get it.Drugmakers say discounts will cause the price to fall below the $14,600 annual wholesale price listed.

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association's release of recommendations for statin treatment in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 2013 have now proven both cost-effective and accurate in identifying CVD risk.

CDC report estimates that the Affordable Care Act could lead to 111,000 fewer new coronary heart disease events and 95,000 fewer CVD-related deaths by 2050.

Cardiovascular disease may be the leading cause of death in the United States, but half of those deaths can be prevented, according to researchers from Emory's Rollins School of Public Health.