Herpes could be bad for the heart

Scimex: A Canadian and US study, involving nearly 20,000 people, has found that individuals with a copy of the human herpesvirus 6 genome in their DNA, are three times as likely to suffer from angina, a common symptom of heart disease, as those without the virus. The researchers also found that, compared with others, those who suffer from angina, and have the virus, have significantly shorter telomeres - the DNA at the ends of chromosomes that are linked to many ageing-related diseases. According to a study of nearly 20,000 participants, individuals with a copy of the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) genome integrated into their chromosomes are three times as likely to suffer from angina as those without the virus, and individuals having both angina and integrated HHV-6 have significantly shorter telomeres than individuals without HHV-6.

Tong-xin-luo capsule for coronary heart disease after percutaneous coronary intervention

Cochrane: What is the efficacy and safety of chinese herbal medicine Tong-xin-luo capsules in preventing cardiovascular events after percutaneous coronary intervention, a procedure involving placing a stent to open up the heart's blood vessels, in patients with coronary heart disease? Coronary heart disease is a major cause of mortality globally. Percutaneous coronary intervention is regarded as a standard treatment for coronary heart disease to improve symptoms of heart-related chest pain. However, a major drawback of percutaneous coronary intervention is the need for a repeat procedure due to symptoms related to recurring narrowing of the heart's blood vessels. Previous studies have indicated that Tong-xin-luo capsule, a Chinese herbal medicine product, might be effective in preventing recurrence of narrowing of a blood vessel after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Transmyocardial laser revascularization compared to medical therapy for refractory angina

Cochrane: This review examines the effectiveness and safety of a surgical intervention using a laser device directly on the heart surface for patients suffering from angina for whom other interventions are not suitable. This is an updated version of the original review published in 2009.

Discovery of a personalized therapy for cardiovascular disease

Montreal University. Canada: Researchers at the Montreal Heart Institute announced today results showing that patients with cardiovascular disease and the appropriate genetic background benefit greatly from the new medication dalcetrapib, with a reduction of 39% in combined clinical outcomes including heart attacks, strokes, unstable angina, coronary revascularizations and cardiovascular deaths.