Effects of statin therapy on ascending aorta aneurysms growth: A propensity-matched analysis.

Background: Pleiotropic effects of statins have been advocated for remodeling of the vascular wall. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether statin therapy influences the growth rate of ascending aorta (AA) diameter.

Methods: A total of 1348 patients was referred to our outpatient clinic for initial AA ectasia from September 2005 to December 2011.

Single-pill combination therapy in the initial treatment of marked hypertension: a propensity-matched analysis.

Background: Many drugs combinations are available and equally recommended for the initial treatment of patients with marked blood pressure (BP) elevation and high cardiovascular risk.

Hypothesis: To investigate safety and efficacy of such combination therapies.

Methods: Prospectively collected data were retrospectively reviewed, inclusion criteria were: initial single-pill combination therapy, availability of clinical and echocardiographic 6-month follow-up.