It is widely accepted that statin drugs reduce cardiovascular risk. However, how much of this risk reduction is attributable to LDL cholesterol reduction as opposed to something intrinsic in the statin drug has been a matter of debate. Paxton takes listeners through a randomized controlled trial that evaluated the efficacy of evolocumab (a biologic PCSK9 inhibitor) on LDL cholesterol reduction and subsequent cardiovascular risk. Will the statin debate finally be resolved? Listen to find out!
It’s never an easy decision to commit someone to lifelong anticoagulation; yet, current guidelines recommend it for individuals who suffer an unprovoked venous thromboembolism. Are there instances where lifelong treatment is unnecessary? Kieran breaks it down through the discussion of a validation study which examined the utility of the clinical decision rule, HERDOO-2, in determining which patients are safe to discontinue anticoagulation therapy after their first unprovoked VTE.
Finally, the Good Stuff segment. Is Vitamin C the answer to treating life threatening sepsis? Paxton has the latest information. Then, what’s ‘temporal discounting’ and how might it help you make healthy food choices? Kieran shares an article.
Like what you hear? Rate us on iTunes! Chat with us on Twitter @roundstable and tweet at Kieran @kieranlquinn and at Paxton @paxbach
The Papers
1. FOURIER: http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa1615664
2. HERDOO2: http://www.bmj.com/content/356/bmj.j1065
Good Stuff
1. Temporal Discounts – Don’t delay your gratification! https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/03/vending-machines-vs-free-will/521514/?utm_source=feed
2. Linus Pauling Eat Your Heart Out! http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2017/03/23/521096488/doctor-turns-up-possible-treatment-for-deadly-sepsis
Music Credits
The Rounds Table Theme Music by Brendan Quinn, Creative Director and Composer, Vapor RMW
