News Tips for Monday, Nov. 10
>From the American Heart Association's 70th Scientific Sessions Nov. 9-12, 1997, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida
9 a.m. -- #358 -- How low should "bad" LDL cholesterol be to help protect individuals who've had one heart attack from the risk of another? The Cholesterol and Recurrent Events (CARE) trial may have an answer: during a five-year study, the drug pravastatin reduced heart attacks by 35 percent in patients whose pre-treatment LDL (low-density lipoprotein) level was above 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), while in individuals with LDL below 125 mg/dl, heart attacks actually increased slightly (by 3 percent). Thus the scientists conclude pravastatin treatment helped reduce heart attacks only down to a LDL of 125 mg/dl. "LDL levels below 125 mg/dl during treatment were not associated with further decreases in the event rate." Frank M. Sacks, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston: 617-432-1420.
9-10:30 a.m. -- #709 (poster) -- Doctors may now be able to identify individuals more likely to have problems that could lead to death after heart bypass surgery or angioplasty. In a study of 403 such patients, those who had lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD), as indicated by weaker blood pressure in the ankle compared to the arm, were seven times more likely to die during five years of follow-up. This increased relative risk was noted after adjustments were made for other differences between those with and without LEAD. Moreover, say researchers, the higher risk occurred regardless of whether patients had any symptoms of LEAD. Karen A. Burek, U. of Pittsburgh: 412-624-3729.
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