Heart, lung & circulation
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Heart, lung & circulation · Feb 2015
Review Meta Analysis Comparative StudyDual versus single antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Although dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with clopidogrel and aspirin is a widely accepted strategy in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), this approach is not evidence based. We therefore sought to systematically review the current evidence for this practice in terms of 30-day outcome looking at stroke, MI, bleeding, and death. ⋯ Our meta-analysis suggests that at 30 days following TAVR there is no difference between post-procedural SAPT versus DAPT for the risk of stroke or MI and DAPT may have a higher bleeding risk. Adequately powered RCTs are warranted to clarify the optimal antiplatelet treatment strategy following TAVR.
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Heart, lung & circulation · Feb 2015
Essential service standards for equitable national cardiovascular care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) constitute the largest cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remain the primary contributor to life expectancy differentials between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians. As such, CVD remains the most critical target for reducing the life expectancy gap. ⋯ The standards purposefully focus on the prevention and management of CVD extending across the continuum of risk and disease. Each of the agreed essential service standards are presented alongside the most critical targets for policy development and health system reform aimed at mitigating population disparity in CVD and related conditions.