Omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with lowering TG; however, robust data for clinical outcomes have been lacking until the recent publication of the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl–Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT).2,3 This blog will give a brief review of historical evidence, detail differences in fish oil supplements, and provide considerations for the role of Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) in high-risk patients with dyslipidemia.
Career Reflections: Learning to Say “No”
Becoming a new practitioner will be one of the most exciting times in your career, but having a lot of autonomy might also seem a bit unnerving at first. In this post, we’ll cover one of the most important skills to learn during this transition: saying “no.”
Hydralazine-nitrate combination for heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction – does formulation matter?
Teaser: Does the formulation of oral nitrate therapy matter when used for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)? Should fixed-dose hydralazine (HYD)/isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) (BiDil®) be used in those with HFrEF or can the medications be prescribed separately? In clinical practice the individual components HYD and ISDN are often prescribed as a result of cost concerns with the brand name, fixed-dose combination product. Additionally, clinicians often substitute extended-release isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN) for ISDN given its less frequent administration schedule. In this post we will discuss whether these formulations can be used interchangeably in those with HFrEF.
DOAC vs. NOAC: An ATRIUM Perspective
Unsure of whether to use the term NOAC or DOAC? Here is a brief explanation of our preference.
3 Things You Should Know Before Throwing in the Towel on Triple Therapy
When it comes to triple therapy, the totality of the evidence strongly suggests “less is more”. While many practitioners have been quick to adopt dual antithrombotic therapy, it is important to consider the external validity of these trials and how we apply them to our patients. In this blog, Dr. Noel offers 3 considerations that require careful reflection before throwing in the towel on triple therapy.
Can beta-blockers be continued in patients requiring inotropic therapy?
Although beta blockers are considered a fundamental therapy for patients with heart failure (HF), questions remain on how to manage them these medications in patients presenting with decompensation requiring intravenous inotropic therapy. In this post, we will provide some insights on managing the chronic beta blockade and intravenous inotropic therapy when used concomitantly in a decompensated HF patient.
Obstructive sleep apnea screening: what every pharmacist should know
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a risk factor for several cardiac conditions and is a common chronic condition. It is important for providers to screen patients for OSA so they can undergo diagnostic testing, and potentially treatment. This piece will review the risk factors for OSA, screening and the association with cardiac conditions such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation and bradycardia.
Understanding the IMPACT(-HF) of Initiating GDMT Prior to Discharge
Although admitted patients with heart failure often have acute medical issues (e.g. acute kidney injury, acute decompensation) that may preclude them from certain therapies, many are appropriate candidates for guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) before they leave the hospital. This blog discusses the importance of initiating GDMT prior to discharge, whenever possible.
6 Takeaways from the 2019 Primary Prevention Guideline
There has been a wealth of information in the literature over the past few years about various strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease. Many have been highly anticipating the new primary prevention recommendations from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association for guidance on how to apply all of this new evidence. The guidelines have recently been released! A summary of the key takeaways from the Primary Prevention guideline are provided in this blog.
4 Mistakes You Could Be Making with Loop Diuretics
Despite being the mainstay of therapy, questions remain as to how to properly use loop diuretics in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). In this post, we’ll cover four of the most common mistakes with using loop diuretics in this population.