Journal Scans

Kim A. Eagle, MD, MACC
Editor-in-Chief, ACC.org

The top ten (most visited) journal scans for 2016 reflect interest of the evolution of the treatment for several conditions, but most notably atrial fibrillation. Six of this year's top ten journal scans dealt with atrial fibrillation, from the question of rhythm vs. rate control to which oral anticoagulation is best, to stroke risk after cardioversion. The other top journal scans dealt with various issues including the differences in cholesterol guideline treatments in Europe vs. the United States, beta blockers and mortality in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, and driving restrictions following an ICD shock. This time of year, chocolate consumption always seems notable and I'm happy to tell you that once again, a large meta-analysis suggests that modest chocolate consumption is associated with a lower risk of MI in ischemic heart disease! Enjoy your holiday season!!

— Kim A. Eagle, MD, MACC

• Anticoagulation for Low Stroke Risk Atrial Fibrillation (Stroke)
• Edoxaban vs. Enoxaparin-Warfarin for AF Cardioversion (Lancet)
• Chocolate Consumption and Myocardial Infarction Risk (Heart)
• Dabigatran vs. Rivaroxaban for Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation (JAMA Internal Medicine)
• Beta-Blockers and Mortality in Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy (Heart)
• Shocks After Initial ICD Discharge and Driving Restrictions (JAMA Cardiology)
• Stroke Risk With Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation (JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology)
• Cholesterol Guideline Differences in Europe and the US (JAMA Cardiology)
• Oral Anticoagulants vs. Warfarin for Atrial Fibrillation (British Medical Journal)
• Rhythm Control vs. Rate Control for Atrial Fibrillation (JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology)

Clinical Trials

Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC
Senior Associate Editor, Clinical Trials and News, ACC.org

It was another great year for clinical trials in cardiology. Two trials brought much needed data to the issue of left main stenting. Trials of optimal antiplatelet therapy were insightful, both in the setting of CAD and PAD. The first of the ongoing trials of triple therapy for the challenging group of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing stenting was published. Interest in TAVR remained strong. Cardiovascular risk reduction was another hot topic. It was nice to see a trial evaluating pain medications as well. An ICD trial with counterintuitive topline findings kept things interesting. All in all, exciting trial results that generated a great deal of interest! Looking forward to sharing another year of trials with the ACC membership. Happy New Year!

— Deepak L. Bhatt, MD, MPH, FACC

• PIONEER AF-PCI: An Open-Label, Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Study Exploring Two Treatment Strategies of Rivaroxaban and a Dose-Adjusted Oral Vitamin K Antagonist Treatment Strategy in Subjects With Atrial Fibrillation Who Undergo Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
• HOPE-3: Heart Outcomes Prevention Evaluation–3
• DANISH: Danish Study to Assess the Efficacy of ICDs in Patients With Non-Ischemic Systolic Heart Failure on Mortality
• PEGASUS-TIMI 54: Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Prior Heart Attack Using Ticagrelor Compared to Placebo on a Background of Aspirin–Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 54
• GLAGOV: Global Assessment of Plaque Regression With a PCSK9 Antibody as Measured by Intravascular Ultrasound
• PARTNER 2A: Placement of Aortic Transcatheter Valves 2A
• EXCEL: Evaluation of XIENCE versus Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Effectiveness of Left Main Revascularization
• EUCLID: Examining Use of Ticagrelor in Peripheral Arterial Disease
• PRECISION: Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Celeboxib Integrated Safety Versus Ibuprofen or Naproxen
• NOBLE: Nordic–Baltic–British Left Main Revascularisation Study

Keywords: Acute Coronary Syndrome, Anticoagulants, Arrhythmias, Cardiac, Cardiac Surgical Procedures, Metabolic Syndrome, Angina, Stable, Heart Defects, Congenital, Dyslipidemias, Geriatrics, Heart Failure, Angiography, Diagnostic Imaging, Pericarditis, Secondary Prevention, Hypertension, Pulmonary, Sleep Apnea Syndromes, Sports, Aneurysm

< Back to Listings