Highlights of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Studies Presented at the 2022 European Society of Cardiology Congress

The impact of influenza vaccination on cardiovascular diseases

The link between influenza and medical complications is well stablished and plays a role in the high mortality rates of this disease. Available scientific evidence suggests that influenza vaccination might reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. This setting for cardiovascular prevention beyond immunoprotection has been studied in several clinical trials. Most of them include populations with coronary artery disease. However, differences in clinical design, population included, and vaccination strategies might explain divergent results and should be interpreted with caution. The present article summarizes available literature in a manner that aids physicians in a better interpretation and encourages the implementation of influenza vaccination in cardiovascular prevention programmes.

Highlights of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Studies Presented at the 2022 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Summarize selected late-breaking science on cardiovascular (CV) disease prevention presented at the 2022 scientific session of the American Heart Association (AHA).

RECENT FINDINGS

The PROMINENT trial compared pemafibrate to a placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridemia and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)<40 mg/dL who were already on guideline-directed statin therapy. The RESPECT-EPA trial compared purified eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and statin therapy to statin therapy alone for secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD). SPORT compared the efficacy of low-dose statin therapy with a placebo and six commonly used dietary supplements on lipid and inflammatory markers. Data from long-term follow-up of the FOURIER-OLE study was presented to evaluate the efficacy of very low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. Patient-level meta-analyses evaluated the association of statin therapy with new-onset DM and worse glycemic control. PROMPT-LIPID evaluated if automated electronic alerts to physicians with guideline-based recommendations improved the management of hyperlipidemia in patients at very high risk. NOTIFY-1 trial evaluated if notifying physicians and patients about coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores in non-ECG gated computed tomography scans led to increased prescription of statin therapy for primary ASCVD prevention. The DCP trial compared hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone for blood pressure control and CV outcomes in hypertension. The CRHCP study compared the effectiveness of a village doctor for hypertension management and CV outcomes in rural areas of China. The QUARTET USA trial compared the effectiveness and safety of 4 antihypertensive medications in ultra-low doses with angiotensin-receptor blocker monotherapy. The late-breaking science presented at the 2022 scientific session of the AHA paves the way for future pragmatic trials and provides meaningful information to guide management strategies in cardiovascular disease prevention.