March 2010 references and further reading

Barter PJ, Caulfield M, Eriksson M, et al. Effects of torcetrapib in patients at high risk for coronary events [ILLUMINATE trial]. New England Journal of Medicine 2007; 357:2109-22. Taylor AJ, Villines TC, Stanek EJ, et al. Extended-release niacin or ezetimibe and carotid intima-media thickness. New England Journal of Medicine 2009; 361:2113-22. Genest J, McPherson R, Frohlich J, et al. 2009 Canadian Cardiovascular Society/Canadian guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia and prevention of cardiovascular disease in the adult - 2009 recommendations. Canadian Journal of Cardiology 2009; 25:567-79. (Locked) More »

HDL: The good, but complex, cholesterol

  HDL cholesterol can be boosted by taking niacin or a fibrate, but there are possible side effects to these medications. Lifestyle changes like exercising, losing weight, and paying attention to diet should help boost HDL.   More »

Bringing clarity to CRP testing

The hsCRP test measures the blood level of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation. Whether or not the test is worthwhile depends on a person's level of cardiovascular risk and whether there is a family history of heart disease. (Locked) More »

Protecting the heart from cancer therapy

Treatment for cancer may have unwanted effects on the heart. Depending on the type of cancer and the type of treatment, these can include irregular heart rhythm, inflammation, atherosclerosis, or an increased risk of blood clots. "If you are undergoing treatment for cancer, the best thing you can do is pay attention to your body," advises Dr. Edward T.H. Yeh, who chairs the cardiology department at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. If you are short of breath or develop chest pain or swelling in your legs, tell your oncologist so he or she can immediately refer you to a cardiologist. "It's all about collaboration, driven by the patient," says Dr. Yeh. More »

In Brief

Brief reports on a link between heart transplants and higher risk of skin cancer, the possibility that drinking coffee or tea may slightly lower the risk of diabetes, and atherosclerosis in mummies. (Locked) More »