Primary and Secondary Prevention of CAD: A Review

Systematic Review on Role of Drug Eluting Stent (DES) Versus Drug-Coated Balloon (DCB) in Small Vessel Coronary Artery Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to explain the current advancements in the treatment modalities for small vessel coronary artery disease (SVCAD) and de novo lesions post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), focusing on drug-coated stents (DES) and drug-coated balloons (DCB). Its goal is to address the lack of standards in the management of these lesions and to assess the potential of DCB as a preferential treatment strategy over DES in the long term. RECENT FINDINGS: Technological advancements have improved drug-eluting stents (DES) and drug-coated balloons (DCB) which offer a more promising avenue for managing SVCAD. According to new data, DCBs, initially recognized for their efficacy in preventing restenosis within three to five years of stent placement, may offer superior outcomes compared to DES in certain clinical scenarios. This review shows that DCBs have a favorable therapeutic profile in the treatment of SVCAD, and they could be considered as an alternative to DES. Although the initial data is compelling, definitive conclusions cannot be met without further large-scale, long-term clinical trials. The implication of these findings suggests a shift in the future of SVCAD management and requires additional research to substantiate the long-term benefits of DCB use in SVCAD. Should ongoing and future studies corroborate the current evidence, DCB could emerge as the standard of care for SVCAD, significantly influencing clinical practices and future research.

Health information-seeking behavior in patients with coronary artery disease: Activating methods

INTRODUCTION

Coronary artery disease (CAD) has a high mortality rate worldwide, and continuous health behavior practice and careful management are required owing to risks such as rapid changes in symptoms and emergency hospitalization. The utilization of health-related information is an important factor for long-term disease management in patients with CAD. For this purpose, an understanding of health information-seeking behavior is needed first.

METHODS

This study analyzed data from the 2021 Korea Medical Panel Survey, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to confirm the factors influencing the health information-seeking behavior of patients with CAD.

RESULTS

The health information-seeking behavior of patients with CAD differed according to demographic characteristics, and differences in preferred information use were confirmed. Finally, it was identified that insufficient levels of health literacy were a major reason for CAD patients not engaging in health information-seeking behaviors (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.09-0.33; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that to improve health information-seeking behaviors, the application of education and intervention programs to increase the level of health literacy is necessary.

Updates in the Management of Coronary Artery Disease: A Review Article

Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a significant health challenge, imposing substantial burdens on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. CAD's impact stems from artery narrowing and blockage, leading to severe complications like heart attacks and heart failure. Collaborative efforts by researchers, professionals, and governments have fostered advancements in comprehending and managing this cardiovascular ailment. Evolving CAD management embraces modern diagnostics, cutting-edge pharmaceuticals, invasive procedures, lifestyle modifications, and cardiac rehabilitation. This comprehensive approach aims to amplify outcomes and elevate the quality of life for CAD-affected individuals. This review delves into innovative treatments, pivotal breakthroughs, and recent trends in clinical practices that collectively shape CAD management. The exploration encompasses novel diagnostic technologies enabling early detection and risk assessment. Moreover, it investigates recent breakthroughs in medications that profoundly impact platelet disorders, lipid reduction, and angina. Precision medicine's role in tailoring treatment strategies based on patient characteristics is thoroughly examined. Advances in invasive procedures, like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), have revolutionised coronary revascularisation, substantially improved long-term outcomes, and reduced restenosis rates. The increasing significance of lifestyle changes and cardiac rehabilitation in CAD management, augmenting treatment options and patient recovery, are meticulously scrutinized. While these strides are pivotal, research continues to chart new paths in CAD management, from innovative drugs to collaborative multidisciplinary care models. Staying attuned to the latest advancements and embracing a patient-centric approach can collectively reduce CAD's impact and facilitate the lives of those grappling with this chronic cardiovascular disorder.

Dyslipidemia Update

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The development and progression of atherosclerotic CVD are largely dependent on a multitude of modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Current therapeutic strategies involve risk factor modification, especially dyslipidemia. The treatment of dyslipidemia continues to be dynamic, and in this paper, we review the current strategies for risk assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. As treatments for the management of dyslipidemia continue to evolve with ever-increasing options for therapeutic targets, an understanding of lipid-lowering therapies remains an essential topic of understanding for all health care providers.