Giornale italiano di cardiologia : organo ufficiale della Federazione italiana di cardiologia : organo ufficiale della Società italiana di chirurgia cardiaca
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G Ital Cardiol (Rome) · Feb 2015
[Clinical competence certification for advanced heart failure: an emerging need also in Italy?].
Advanced heart failure (HF) is a deadly condition. Fortunately, an increasing array of effective (but often expensive) therapies has become available. The management of patients with advanced HF is complex and requires a high level of expertise. ⋯ The survey indicated that there is a perceived need. A first step towards education of advanced HF specialists could be the implementation of CME courses by Scientific Societies. As regards certification of institutional competence for the centers with the highest expertise in advanced HF management, the government appears to be the only entity that can grant it.
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G Ital Cardiol (Rome) · Jan 2015
Review[Lipid control in high-risk patients: focus on PCSK9 inhibitors].
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels are strictly related to the risk of major cardiovascular events. Statins have been demonstrated to significantly reduce LDL-cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular risk reduction especially in high-risk patients. However, low adherence to statins, due to adverse effects, is often observed and many patients in secondary prevention exhibit LDL-cholesterol levels >70 mg/dl. ⋯ One potential approach is to inhibit PCSK9, a serum protein with an active role in controlling the expression of LDL receptors, by reducing their recycling and targeting it for lysosomal destruction. Monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9, in particular alirocumab and evolocumab, have been shown to reduce LDL substantially, either with or without concomitant statin therapy with good tolerability. Ongoing trials will further define the efficacy of these drugs as an emerging approach to the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in primary and secondary prevention of high-risk patients.