Atrial Fibrillation Patients On Warfarin Have Low Risk of Residual Stroke
A study published Online First by Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, reveals that patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who take the stroke prevention drug warfarin have a low risk of stroke or non-central nervous system (CNS) embolism. AF is the most common heart rhythm disorder. Although alternative antithrombotic medications (which help to prevent blood clots) to warfarin have been developed, and studies have indicated that they are easier to administer, are superior and lack interaction with food and other medications, the researchers believe that due to the cost of these new alternatives, warfarin will remain the leading treatment for individuals with AF, despite the need for close laboratory supervision and some inadequacies.
Using Antiplatelet Therapy After Coronary Interventions - Study
Researchers have clinically applied the first point-of-care genetic test in medicine. Results from the study confirm that the test successfully identifies the CYP2C19*2 allele, a common gene mutation linked to higher rates of major side effects in patients receiving clopidogrel following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), thus preventing complications in those patients. The study, which has been conducted by Dr Derek Y F So at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in Ottawa, Canada, and his team is published Online First in The Lancet.
Risk Of Heart Disease In Type 2 Diabetes May Be Reduced By Vitamin D-Fortified Yogurt
Daily intake of vitamin D-fortified doogh (Persian yogurt drink) improved inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetics and extra calcium conferred additional anti-inflammatory benefits, according to a recent study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM). Inflammation is known to have a central role in the development of type 2 diabetes and its further complications like coronary heart disease and stroke. Vitamin D carries benefits for skeletal health but evidence of an anti-inflammatory effect from clinical studies in humans remains scarce.