The Net Guide: Atherosclerosis

//Medical Websites

Inflammation and the Pathogenesis of Atherothrombotic Disease

Lipids Online, a site that compiles online atherosclerosis resources, features this slide set, which discusses the changes that occur to the arteries as atherosclerosis develops. The program reviews the schematic time course of the disease in humans, macrophage colony-stimulating factor and its role in atherosclerosis, other health conditions that may arise as a result of atherosclerosis, and more.

Link Code:a12611

//Clinical Trials

Individualized Comprehensive Atherosclerosis Risk-reduction Evaluation Program

Study Type:Observational

Age/Gender Requirement:18 years+ (male/female)

Sponsor:Piedmont Healthcare

Purpose:To determine if an individualized approach to diagnosing and/or treating atherosclerosis will improve health outcomes. The intervention group will be asked about genetic and lifestyle information and participant education, and given imaging tests to track diagnoses, therapies, and treatment, while the control group will receive standard care for atherosclerosis.

Link Code:a12661

//eAbstracts

Contribution of Dietary Intakes of Antioxidants to Homocysteine-induced Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) Oxidation in Atherosclerotic Patients

Journal:Yonsei Medical Journal (July 2010)

Authors:Seo H, Oh H, Park H, et al.

Purpose:To determine the contribution of dietary intakes of antioxidants to Hcy-induced LDL oxidation.

Results:Although plasma levels of homocysteine and LDL were higher in patients with atherosclerosis, plasma apo A-I in HDL and folate were lower. The researchers conclude that, although high intake of antioxidants seemed to be protective against atherosclerosis, “more evidence for the benefits of B vitamins as a homocysteine-lowering therapy is needed.”

Link Code:a12651

Dysfunctional High-density Lipoprotein and Atherosclerosis

Journal:Current Atherosclerosis Reports (July 2010)

Authors:Ragbir S, Farmer J

Purpose:To examine practices that may reduce dysfunctional highdensity lipoprotein levels, previously identified as a negative risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Results:Dysfunctional HDL “may be returned to normal by diet, exercise, degree of fat intake, and pharmacologic approaches,” the authors conclude. They also note that “orally active mimetic proteins are in development and have shown clinical promise.”

Link Code:a12652

//Online CME

Increased Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Type 2 Diabetes: Pathophysiology

Credits:1.00

Fee:None

Expires:November 2010

Multimedia:None

As cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in patients with diabetes, the authors of this activity cite the importance of understanding “the pathophysiologic mechanisms that accelerate atherosclerosis in diabetes” and treating patients “early in the process of vascular injury.” This activity focuses on these topic areas, with the educational objectives of enabling physicians to “summarize the abundantevidence for increased cardiovascular disease in patients with type 2 diabetes; discuss the mechanisms of vascular injury in diabetes, emphasizing the visceral adipocyte and its role in causing the metabolic syndrome; and discuss and expand the concept of “global” risk management.”

Link Code:a12631

//Videos

Artery Explorer: The Movie

Designed for patients, this video from the US Against Athero organization provides an interactive, narrated explanation of atherosclerosis, the risk factors, and how patients can help themselves fight the disease once they are diagnosed. It also reviews comorbid conditions, like high blood pressure and high

cholesterol, that can contribute to atherosclerosis.

Link Code: a126111

Clinical Utility of CRP in Atherosclerosis

The Doctor’s Channel currently features a “Best Practice Series in Atherosclerosis” collection of videos, designed to provide visitors with interviews from “top physicians” as they discuss “the best ways to diagnose and treat atherosclerosis based on the most recent key findings.” Check out this video, which focuses on C-reactive protein testing and its value and prevalence in regard to atherosclerosis, and the other related videos in the series.

Link Code: a 126112

P h a r m a F o c u s

Lipitor (Atorvastatin)

The Educated Patient™

About Lipitor

Direct your patients who have just started on Lipitor to this site for a wide range of information. The site discusses how Lipitor works, the proper way to take the medication, and potential side affects. The section on talking with a physician will remind your patients about important information to share with you and help them have an active role in their treatment. General overviews of heart disease and high cholesterol will help patients understand the importance of treatment and adherence to medication regimens.

Link Code: a12621

Clinical Trials

Evaluation of Atorvastatin on Atherosclerosis Composition

Study Type: Interventional

Age /Gender Requirement: 18 years+ (male/female)

Sponsor: Emory University

Purpose: To examine the impact of atorvastatin on the coronary atherosclerosis plaque morphology.

Link Code: a12662

eAbstracts

Texture Analysis of Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis from Three-dimensional Ultrasound Images

Journal: Medical Physics (April 2010)

Authors: Awad J, Krasinski A, Parraga G, et al.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of atorvastatin using multiclassifier image texture analysis tools.

Results: The researchers used a number of factors to evaluate images. Based on these factors, “the texture techniques that most differentiated between atorvastatin and placebo classes were Fourier power spectrum and Laws texture energy measures. The average classification accuracy between atorvastatin and placebo classes was improved from 57.22 +/- 12.11% using VWV to 97.87 +/- 3.93% using specific texture features.”

Link Code: e12653

From the HCPLive Network

MRI May Enable Clinicians to Identify Dangerous Atherosclerotic Plaque in Coronary Arteries before they Rupture

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have shown that magnetic resonance imaging can non-invasively identify dangerous atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary artery and other vessels, a finding that would allow physicians and patients to initiate preventive measures “before thrombi begin to clog arteries and cause stroke or heart attack.”

www.hcplive.com/cardiology/articles/MRI_atherosclerotic_coronary_plaque

New Medication Reduces Leukotriene Production Following Acute Coronary Syndrome

Patients who suffer from acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are at an increased risk for another ACS attack. According to study results from the Montreal Heart Institute, a new medication, 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor VIA-2291 (Atreleuton), reduces leukotriene production following ACS. Leukotrienes have been linked to unstable atherosclerotic plaques and cardiovascular events, and the researchers hope that the new medication will reduce the rate of repeat cardiovascular events.

www.hcplive.com/cardiology/articles/leukotrienes_and_ACS

Your Patients May Be Asking about Aortic Valve Replacement—Top 10 Patient Education Sites

Barbara Walters’ recent surgery to replace a faulty aortic valve may lead some of your patients to ask about stenosis, aortic valve replacement surgery, mitral valve regurgitation, and other related topics. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 online educational resources for patients who want to know more about these topics.

www.hcplive.com/cardiology/articles/top_10_aortic_valve

Medical Care Costs among Patients with Established Cardiovascular Disease

Researchers investigated the direct medical costs among patients with established cardiovascular disease through an observational longitudinal cohort study published in The American Journal of Managed Care.

www.ajmc.com/issue/managed-care/2010/2010-03vol16-n03/AJMC_10marNicholsWebX_e86to93