Journal of the American College of Cardiology
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Mar 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialEffect of lipid-lowering therapy with atorvastatin on atherosclerotic aortic plaques detected by noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging.
We sought to elucidate the effects of 20-mg versus 5-mg atorvastatin on thoracic and abdominal aortic plaques. ⋯ One-year 20-mg atorvastatin treatment induced regression of thoracic aortic plaques with marked LDL cholesterol reduction, whereas it resulted in only retardation of plaque progression in abdominal aorta. Thoracic and abdominal aortic plaques may have different susceptibilities to lipid lowering.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Mar 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical TrialAngiotensin II receptor blockade reduces new-onset atrial fibrillation and subsequent stroke compared to atenolol: the Losartan Intervention For End Point Reduction in Hypertension (LIFE) study.
This study was designed to evaluate whether different antihypertensive treatment regimens with similar blood pressure reduction have different effects on new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF). ⋯ Our novel finding is that new-onset AF and associated stroke were significantly reduced by losartan- compared to atenolol-based antihypertensive treatment with similar blood pressure reduction.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Jan 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialWhat resting heart rate should one aim for when treating patients with heart failure with a beta-blocker? Experiences from the Metoprolol Controlled Release/Extended Release Randomized Intervention Trial in Chronic Heart Failure (MERIT-HF).
The goal of this study was to explore the question: what resting heart rate (HR) should one aim for when treating patients with heart failure with a beta-blocker? ⋯ Metoprolol CR/XL significantly reduced mortality and hospitalizations independent of resting baseline HR, achieved HR, and change in HR. Achieved HR and change in HR during follow-up were closely related to baseline HR; therefore, it was not possible to answer the question posed. Instead, one has to apply a very simple rule: aim for the target beta-blocker dose used in clinical trials, and strive for the highest tolerated dose in all patients with heart failure, regardless of baseline and achieved HR.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Dec 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Clinical TrialA randomized, controlled trial of RSD1235, a novel anti-arrhythmic agent, in the treatment of recent onset atrial fibrillation.
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of intravenous RSD1235 in terminating recent onset atrial fibrillation (AF). ⋯ RSD1235, a new atrial-selective anti-arrhythmic agent, appears to be efficacious and safe for converting recent onset AF to sinus rhythm.
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J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. · Sep 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialLack of clopidogrel pretreatment effect on the relative efficacy of bivalirudin with provisional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade compared to heparin with routine glycoprotein IIb/IIIa blockade: a REPLACE-2 substudy.
The purpose of this study was to assess if clopidogrel pretreatment affects the relative efficacy of bivalirudin versus heparin with glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa blockade for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). ⋯ Clopidogrel pretreatment at the doses and time administered in this trial did not influence the relative efficacy of bivalirudin versus heparin plus GP IIb/IIIa blockade for PCI. However, pretreatment was associated with a trend towards lower clinical events after PCI.