The Role of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation After Myocardial Infarction on Cholesterol Transfer to HDL.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is associated with decreased incidence of cardiovascular events, and its functionality also influences prognosis. Exercise is an important tool to improve prognosis in the post-infarction (MI) population, but the role of exercise on HDL functionality is poorly understood. Sixty-two patients with acute MI were randomized in a supervised exercise program for 12-14 weeks (exercise group-EG) or a control group (CG).

Effects of DPP4 Inhibitor in Platelet Reactivity and Other Cardiac Risk Markers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Background: The management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) presents several challenges in patients with diabetes, among them the higher rate of recurrent thrombotic events, hyperglycemia and risk of subsequent heart failure (HF). The objective of our study was to evaluate effects of DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) on platelet reactivity (main objective) and cardiac risk markers.

Methods: We performed a single-center double-blind randomized trial.

Effects of Ticagrelor and Clopidogrel on Coronary Microcirculation in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Introduction: Clopidogrel has been demonstrated to be effective in improving coronary microcirculation (CM) among patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with fibrinolytics. Ticagrelor is a more potent adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor blocker proven to be superior to clopidogrel among patients with acute coronary syndromes. The present study aimed to compare the effects of ticagrelor and clopidogrel on CM in patients with STEMI treated with fibrinolytics.

Association between Statin Therapy and Lower Incidence of Hyperglycemia in Patients Hospitalized with Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Background: Increased risk of new-onset diabetes with statins challenges the long-term safety of this drug class. However, few reports have analyzed this issue during acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Objective: To explore the association between early initiation of statin therapy and blood glucose levels in patients admitted with ACS.

Factors associated with actively working in the very long-term following acute coronary syndrome.

Objectives: Returning to work after an episode of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is challenging for many patients, and has both personal and social impacts. There are limited data regarding the working status in the very long-term after ACS.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,632 patients who were working prior to hospitalization for ACS in a quaternary hospital and were followed-up for up to 17 years.

Increased bodyweight and inadequate response to aspirin in individuals with coronary artery disease.

Recent reports have suggested that aspirin effect might be influenced by bodyweight, with decreased efficacy in heavier individuals. We investigated the influence of bodyweight on aspirin pharmacodynamics in two independent datasets of patients taking non-enteric coated aspirin 100 mg QD for coronary artery disease (CAD). In the first dataset, 368 patients had their platelet aggregation assessed using VerifyNow Aspirin and measured in Aspirin Reaction Units (ARU).

The Use of Oral Beta-Blockers and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes: a Long-Term Follow-Up Study.

Background: The role of beta-blockers in patients with acute coronary syndromes is mainly derived from studies including patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Little is known about the use of beta-blockers and associated long-term clinical outcomes in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS).

Methods: We analyzed short- and long-term clinical outcomes of 2921 patients with NSTEACS using or not oral beta-blockers in the first 24 h of the acute coronary syndromes (ACS) presentation.