Complete Revascularization Open-Heart Surgery Linked with Reduced Major Adverse Events

Complete revascularization during coronary artery bypass grafting is linked with reduced major adverse events, according to a study published in Annals of Cardiac Anaesthesia. In this study, researchers assessed 3,356 patients who underwent first-time isolated coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. “Complete surgical revascularization of all angiographically stenotic vessels in patients with multivessel coronary artery disease is associated with fewer major adverse events,” the researchers concluded.

CAC Scoring Associated with Accurate Classification of Patients at Risk of ASCVD Who Might Benefit from Statins

The use of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring is linked with significant improvements in the reclassification and discrimination of incident atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients who may benefit from statin therapy, according to a study which appeared in JAMA Cardiology. In this multicenter population-based prospective cross-sectional study, researchers analyzed a total of 1,688 participants aged 45 to 75 years with no clinical ASCVD or diabetes at baseline, who were at intermediate risk of ASCVD (≥7.5% to <20.0%). “In this cross-sectional study, among participants with CAC scores of 0, the presence of risk-enhancing factors was generally not associated with an overall ASCVD risk that was higher than the recommended treatment threshold for the initiation of statin therapy,” the researchers concluded.

Incidence of Transient Cognitive Decline is High after Ablation for AFib

A study found that short-term postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is high following catheter ablation to treat atrial fibrillation (AF), but the decline generally improves over time. The results appeared in the BMC Cardiovascular Disorders. This study comprised of 287 patients with normal cognitive functions; including 190 ablated AF patients (study group) and 97 AF patients who are awaiting ablation (practice group). “Incident of POCD after ablation procedures is high in the short term. Inadequate periprocedural anticoagulation are possible risk factors. However, most POCD are reversible at 6 months, and a general improvement was observed in cognitive function at 6 months after ablation,” the researchers concluded.

Prophylactic Anticoagulation Aids Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Prophylactic-dose venous thromboembolism (VTE) anticoagulation may be optimal therapy for patients hospitalized with COVID-19, according to a study published online June 11 in JAMA Network Open. The researchers found that 1.3 percent had a confirmed VTE, while 16.2 percent received treatment-dose anticoagulation. “Given that only prophylactic anticoagulation was associated with lower 60-day mortality, prophylactic-dose VTE prophylaxis may be the optimal therapy for patients hospitalized with COVID-19,” the authors write.