Source: National Institutes of Health

Being genetically predisposed to higher concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol provides no protective benefits against MI, according to a study published online May 17 in Lancet. The results put in question whether drugs designed to raise HDL levels will succeed in reducing the risk of heart attacks.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound may complement CT angiography surveillance of patients following endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR) and help curb the risk of kidney toxicity, according to a study published online May 15 in Radiology.

BOSTON—Despite recent studies that question the "inappropriate use" of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) in primary prevention, the large OMNI registry, presented May 11 at the 33rd annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), found that patients who received ICD implants in a non-evidence based manner experienced similar therapeutic benefit and outcomes to those who received evidence-based treatments.

BOSTON—Implantation of the Watchman device (Boston Scientific) without a warfarin transition is safe and effective in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with contraindications to even short-term oral anticoagulation, according to an analysis of the ASA Plavix registry, presented May 11 as a late-breaking clinical trial at the 33rd annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society.

Emergency physicians at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania reduced abdominal CT scans approximately 10 percent after implementing an electronic accountability tool in the EMR and computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems, according to a study presented May 11 at the annual meeting of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.