Chronic use of low-dose aspirin, defined as 300 mg/day or less, is associated with an increased risk of major gastrointestinal (GI) or cerebral bleeding, a recent review of administrative data found. Patients with diabetes also were found to have a high rate of bleeding, irrespective of aspirin use. Key Point:…
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Low levels of pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP), the active form of vitamin B6, have been measured in patients with cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and diabetes. Key Point: This study supports the hypothesis that inflammation is associated with a functional deficiency of vitamin B6. It is important to note that…
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Researchers have found that so-called cardiovascular “polypills” may be effective as primary therapy to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients aged 50 years and older. “This is an important study but should not be considered as proof of concept, as the authors themselves have acknowledged several limitations, including lack of…
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Metabolic syndrome is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. The diagnosis is made based on the presence of 3 or more of the following clinical signs: waist circumference of 88 cm or more; serum triglycerides of 1.7 mmol/L or more; blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or…
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Elevated plasma homocysteine levels (hyperhomocysteinemia) are increasingly considered to be an important marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in Indians. The relevance of this finding is highlighted by reports that suggest mortality attributable to CVD is rising in India—and is expected to continue to rise—by 103% in men and by…
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Nut consumption is associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality. Now, a recent study has found that a diet containing 1 serving per day of pistachios reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 4.8 mmHg compared with a control diet. Furthermore, 2 servings of pistachios…
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Azithromycin found to increase risk of cardiovascular death
A 5-day course of azithromycin is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, according to a recently published retrospective cohort study. Key Point: Azithromycin appears to have an adverse cardiac effect, possibly as a result of being proarrhythmic. The risk:benefit profile should be carefully considered before prescribing this agent,…
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