Efficacy of amlodipine and olmesartan medoxomil in patients with hypertension: the AZOR Trial Evaluating Blood Pressure Reductions and Control (AZTEC) study.
Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis. 2010 Aug;4(4):209-21
Authors: Punzi H, Neut…

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Darusentan, a selective endothelin A receptor antagonist, for the oral treatment of resistant hypertension.
Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis. 2010 Aug;4(4):231-40
Authors: Enseleit F, Lüscher TF, Ruschitzka F
Resistant hyperte…

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Atrial fibrillation: cure or treat?

Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis. 2009 Jun;3(3):187-96

Authors: Forleo GB, Tondo C

Controversies exist with regard to the optimal management of atrial fibrillation (AF). Restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm is a desirable goal in AF patients because the prevention of recurrences may improve cardiac function, relieve symptoms and should reduce the likelihood of adverse events. Pharmacological therapy for AF has been disappointing with unacceptable rates of AF recurrence and other proarrhythmic sequelae. Recent studies suggested that potential benefit of sinus-rhythm maintenance with respect to mortality may have been neutralized by harmful effects of currently available antiarrhythmic therapies. Because of the inefficacy and dangers with nonablative therapies currently available for maintaining sinus rhythm, alternative treatments are certainly desirable. Curative treatment of atrial fibrillation with catheter ablation is now a legitimate option for a large number of patients. In several studies AF ablation has consistently been demonstrated to be superior to antiarrhythmic medications for the maintenance of sinus rhythm. Nevertheless, many aspects of the therapy are still controversial and large-scale prospective studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this approach.

PMID: 19443515 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Drug-eluting stent thrombosis.

Ther Adv Cardiovasc Dis. 2009 Feb;3(1):45-52

Authors: Stähli BE, Camici GG, Tanner FC

Stent thrombosis is a rare complication following stent implantation; if it occurs, however, it is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Despite reduced rates of restenosis, drug-eluting stents (DES) have not reduced the incidence of stent thrombosis as compared with bare-metal stents (BMS). Patient-, lesion-, and procedure-related factors as well as thrombogenicity of the stent itself are involved in the pathogenesis of stent thrombosis. Furthermore, early cessation of dual antiplatelet therapy correlates with an increased risk of stent thrombosis. This review focuses on clinical evidence and pathophysiological mechanisms of stent thrombosis with DES, particularly highlighting prothrombotic effects of the stent itself.

PMID: 19124388 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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