The Medical clinics of North America
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Med. Clin. North Am. · May 2024
ReviewOptimal Medical Therapy for Stable Ischemic Heart Disease in 2024: Focus on Blood Pressure and Lipids.
Hypertension and dyslipidemia are 2 highly prevalent and modifiable risk factors in patients with stable ischemic heart disease. Multiple lines of evidence demonstrate that lowering blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol improves clinical outcomes in patients with ischemic heart disease. Accordingly, clinical guidelines recommend intensive treatment targets for these high-risk patients. This article summarizes the pathophysiology, supporting evidence, and treatment recommendations for management of hypertension and dyslipidemia among patients with manifest ischemic heart disease and points to future research and unmet clinical needs.
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Med. Clin. North Am. · May 2024
ReviewOptimal Medical Therapy for Chronic Coronary Disease in 2024: Focus on Antithrombotic Therapy.
Antiplatelet therapy is the cornerstone of the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Aspirin is indicated for all patients with chronic coronary disease to prevent recurrent ischemic events. A more potent antithrombotic therapy-including P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy, dual antiplatelet therapy, or vascular dose anticoagulation-reduces the risk of ischemic events but also increases bleeding risk. Clinicians must weigh both ischemic risks and bleeding risks when determining an optimal antithrombotic therapy for patients with chronic coronary disease, and soliciting patient involvement in shared decision-making is critical.
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This review synthesizes the current understanding of ischemic heart disease in women, briefly discussing differences in risk factors, presentation, and treatment. We have underscored the unique clinical phenotype of IHD in women with a higher prevalence of ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries. Further research is needed to elucidate the complexities of ischemic heart disease in women, understand the discordance between ischemic burden and clinical symptoms, and optimize treatment strategies.
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Med. Clin. North Am. · May 2024
ReviewA New Age for Secondary Prevention: Optimal Medical Therapy for Stable Ischemic Heart Disease Among Patients with Diabetes and/or Obesity.
Patients with type 2 diabetes and/or obesity and established cardiovascular disease are at increased risk for recurrent cardiovascular events. The indications of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors have been expanded in the last decade due to benefit in cardiovascular outcome trials and are now considered guideline-recommended therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. ⋯ Overall, prescription of these agents remains low, despite being key to improve disparities in recurrent cardiovascular events. In this review, we discuss optimal medical therapy for secondary prevention for stable ischemic heart disease.