Absolute benefit greater in older patients in ASCOT-BPLA study

A post-hoc analysis of the ASCOT-BPLA study showed significant reductions in total cardiovascular events (CVE), cardiovascular mortality, and fatal and nonfatal stroke in patients ≥ 65 years old, and that compared to younger patients the absolute benefit was nearly 2-fold greater. The data was presented by Collier et al in a poster at the Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association (4152/P17).

Pre-packaged daily medications raises adherence and persistence in elderly patients

A 36% increase in adherence to taking all daily medications was found in a multiphase, prospective study that assessed the effect of providing elderly patients their medications in customized blister packs, along with education from the pharmacist.

No benefit on CV disease from vitamins in study of high-risk women

A combination of the antioxidant vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid did not slow progression of cardiovascular (CV) disease in a randomized study of high-risk women, in whom major vascular events were as likely as in the women who did not take these vitamins. Dr. Christine M. Albert, Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, USA, presented the results of the Women’s Antioxidant and Folic Acid Cardiovascular Study (WAFACS) study in the late-breaking clinical trials session at the Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association.

Pioglitazone regressed CIMT in type 2 diabetes in the CHICAGO study

Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) was significantly regressed with pioglitazone while it progressed with glimepiride, in a study of patients with type 2 diabetes over a 6-year follow-up. The CHICAGO study was presented at the Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association and published online simultaneously in the Journal of the American Medical Association.