Cardiology

Pharmacist and runner Jay Sochoka, BSPharm, RPh, reflects on his experiences competing in the Boston Marathon and shares his thoughts on the tragedy that occurred at this year's race.

Chronic pain is a difficult condition to diagnose and manage, especially since most diagnostic measures are subjective and treatment varies from patient to patient. A key to diagnosing and treating chronic pain is to have a strong understanding of the different diagnostic tools and treatment options available.

As an adjunct to diet and exercise, Amarin's lipid-regulating agent Vascepa (icosapent ethyl capsules) is indicated to reduce triglyceride levels in adult patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, or very high triglyceride (TG) levels greater than or equal to 500 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Approved by the FDA nearly four years ago, Otsuka Group's once-daily Samsca (tolvaptan tablets) is indicated to raise serum sodium levels in nonurgent patients with hyponatremia.

Approved by the FDA in July 2011, AstraZeneca's Brilinta (ticagrelor tablets) is a twice-daily treatment to reduce the rate of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death in adult patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Study looks at the association between diuretic treatment, hyponatremia, and osteoporotic fracture risk.

Jeffrey S. Borer, MD, of the Howard Gilman Institute for Heart Valve Disease, discusses the SHIFT study's value for cardiologists over various recent heart failure trials.

Jeffrey S. Borer, MD, of the Howard Gilman Institute for Heart Valve Disease, discusses the factors cardiologists consider in selecting specific beta blockers for heart failure patients.

Data from the PARTNER cohort A trial show transcatheter aortic valve replacement produces similar mortality rates at one year compared with the standard procedure.

Results from the CORONARY trial show no significant difference at one year between patients with CAD who underwent on-pump vs. off-pump CABG.

Results from the ASTRONAUT trial show that adding aliskiren to standard therapy for chronic heart failure does not improve mortality or rehospitalization rates.

Jeffrey S. Borer, MD, of the Howard Gilman Institute for Heart Valve Disease, discusses treating patients with heart failure with beta-blockers and whether there are any patients in this group who are not good candidates for this treatment.

Study results presented at ACC.13 show that patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease treated with double kissing crush stenting experienced fewer cases of restenosis and other major adverse events compared to patients who received culotte stenting.

Investigators in the expanded HORUS trial using CT scans of ancient mummies from multiple populations and geographic regions report finding evidence of probable or definite atherosclerosis in nearly one-third of samples.