Omega-3 May Not Be Effective For Preventing Cardiovascular Events
Results of a meta-analysis published Online First by Archives of Internal Medicine, indicate that there is not enough evidence that omega-3 fatty acid supplements have a secondary preventive effect against overall cardiovascular events among individuals who have a history of heart disease. According to the researchers, results from some earlier trials indicate that omega-3 fatty acid supplements are effective in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the evidence remains inconclusive.
Use Of Drugs To Block Niacin Flush In Heart Patients Questioned
Niacin, or vitamin B3, is the one approved drug that elevates "good" cholesterol (high density lipoprotein, HDL) while depressing "bad" cholesterol (low density lipoprotein, LDL), and has thereby attracted much attention from patients and physicians. Niacin keeps fat from breaking down, and so obstructs the availability of LDL building blocks. Patients often stop taking niacin because it causes uncomfortable facial flushing, an effect caused by the release of a fat called prostaglandin or (PG)D2.
Blood Pressure Medicine Nifedipine Increases Risk For Heart Attacks And Death
Despite the fact that nifedipine increases the risk of heart attacks and death, doctors still prescribe this immediate-release blood pressure drug to elderly patients. The Cologne-based research group led by Ingrid Schubert has now published the results of their investigation in the current issue of Deutsches Arzteblatt International (Dtsch Arztebl Int 2012; 109[12]: 215-9). Immediate-release nifedipine is classified as a potentially dangerous drug in the PRISCUS list published in 2010. Earlier studies demonstrated that, in comparison to other antihypertensive drugs, nifedipine increases patient risk for mortality and heart attacks.