April 25th 2024
The second in our 3-part quiz series based on the NLA's 2024 update to their 2019 scientific statement on use of lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice focuses on recommendations for patients.
Impaired coronary blood flow reserve in prehypertension and function
September 5th 2008Despite the fact that prehypertension has been shown to be associated with atherosclerosis and target-organ damage, no studies evaluating coronary flow reserve (CFR) among prehypertensive patients have been done. We assessed CFR in normotensive subjects, in subjects with prehypertension, and in newly diagnosed and never-treated subjects with established hypertension. We found that CFR was decreased in prehypertensive subjects, although not as significantly as in subjects with hypertension.
The vegetarian paradox: Low HDL cholesterol levels and low cardiovascular risk
Ever since the observation in the 1950s that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was inversely correlated with coronary artery disease, there have been confounding data that have not been reconciled.
Should metformin be used to prevent diabetes in high-risk patients?
As outlined by the authors, use of metformin is an appealing option because it is safe, produces few side effects, and is a cost-effective way to target some of the defects known to contribute to the metabolic defects associated with diabetes.
Are HDL cholesterol levels clinically significant in patients with low LDL cholesterol levels?
July 21st 2008There is some debate about whether the risk of cardiovascular events associated with low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels is attenuated by very low low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (< 60 mg/dL), which can be obtained with statins and combination therapy.
A systematic review of metformin treatment in persons at risk for diabetes mellitus
A recent meta-analysis of 31 randomized controlled trials with 4500 participants showed that metformin treatment significantly decreased weight, improved dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, and reduced the incidence of new-onset diabetes by 40%, with beneficial effects maintained over time. Further studies will show whether the metabolic improvements achieved with metformin treatment will ultimately result in a decrease in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.