Advances in cardiovascular health in 2023, according to the AHA

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The AHA has published its rankings since 1996.

The Canadian Press

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Less invasive technologies to unblock an artery, a molecule that undercuts the development of hypertension, and new evidence that diabetes drugs could protect the hearts of people who don't have enough blood pressure. are among the most promising developments of 2023 in cardiovascular health, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

The American association, which has published this list since 1996, unveiled the 2023 edition (New window) on Tuesday (in English).

She thus mentions Zilebesiran, an experimental drug which reduces the body's production of angiotensinogen, a protein secreted by the liver which could increase blood pressure. Researchers noted a reduction in hypertension in patients who took this molecule. The higher the dose, the greater the reduction.

The AHA also highlights the publication of studies, including some conducted in Canada, which suggest that endovascular thrombectomy may be appropriate for patients suffering from a significant ischemic stroke. . This technique is the usual intervention to remove the blood clot responsible for a moderate ischemic stroke, but new studies now demonstrate its benefits for patients with more massive strokes.

Installation of endoprostheses (stentin English) to unblock a partially or fully blocked artery is not new, but deployment of the device can be complicated by the location of the obstruction. However, the AHA points out, a new imaging technique called optical coherence tomography appeared to reduce the risks of death and heart attacks in the most problematic patients. These patients were then also less likely to need a new intervention.

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Doctors can wait up to two weeks to prescribe anticoagulants fast-acting medication for patients who suffer from atrial fibrillation and who have suffered a stroke. New data shows that in some cases it may be better to significantly advance the start of anticoagulants. This would reduce the risk of further stroke and hemorrhage.

Finally, recent studies have demonstrated that medication used to reduce blood sugar for patients with type 2 diabetes could also be useful for overweight or obese patients who do not have diabetes. In particular, a study indicated that this medication is superior to a placebo in reducing the risk of death from cardiovascular causes, non-fatal heart attack and non-fatal stroke.