In the News

Statin treatment reduced cardiovascular events more than hypertension drugs in intermediate-risk patients, study finds

An accompanying editorial said that the results of this trial support the benefits of statins for primary prevention and a risk-based approach to prescribing, rather than one based on LDL levels.

New guidelines for dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with CAD

Clinicians should weigh ischemic risks and bleeding risks before adding a P2Y12 inhibitor to aspirin monotherapy or prolonging dual antiplatelet therapy, among other recommendations.

MKSAP Quiz: Cardiac risk assessment

A 58-year-old man is evaluated during a routine appointment and asks for advice on cardiac risk assessment. He does not have any current cardiac symptoms, exercises 4 days per week, and has never smoked. He has no chronic health issues and takes no medications. He has no known drug allergies. Results of the physical examination are normal. Following cardiovascular risk calculation, what test should be performed next?

Guidance issued on nonstatin therapies for cholesterol lowering

The goal of the decision pathway was to provide practical guidance for clinicians and patients in situations not covered by the 2013 ACC/AHA guideline until new clinical guidelines on the topic are published.

PCSK9 inhibitor appears more effective than ezetimibe for short-term LDL lowering in small, randomized trial

The authors of an accompanying editorial noted that PCSK9 inhibitors like evolocumab are not approved for the indication in the trial and have not yet been shown to reduce cardiovascular events.

Why physicians need to interpret lab results

Yul Ejnes, MD, MACP, continues his monthly column at KevinMD.com in a post that contends that while direct patient access to test results has potential benefits, interpretation by a physician is needed.

Vote for your favorite entry

ACP Internist Weekly's cartoon caption contest continues. Readers can vote for their favorite caption to determine the winner.