Article Abstract:
In a study comprising 309 women with a history of coronary-artery disease, treatment with estrogen or estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone acetate did not halt the progression of heart disease. However, the treatment showed significant reduction in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and an increase in the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
Diabetics with coronary artery disease and non-diabetics with multi-vessel coronary artery disease may benefit more from coronary artery bypass than coronary angioplasty. Among 934 patients with coronary artery disease who received either angioplasty or bypass, the bypass operation improved some functional abilities. However, most quality of life measures improved equally in both groups. Angioplasty was cheaper in the short run but the cost of drugs and repeat angioplasty made this technique as expensive as surgery over 5 years. Bypass surgery was most effective in diabetics.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Article Abstract:
The lipid-lowering drug atorvastatin may be just as effective as coronary artery balloon angioplasty in preventing heart attacks and strokes in patients with stable, low-risk coronary artery disease and angina. Atorvastatin lowers the blood cholesterol level. Researchers compared 341 patients who had been recommended for angioplasty. Angioplasty was performed in 177 patients, while 167 began taking high doses of atorvastatin. In 18 months, 13% of the drug-treated patients and 21% of the angioplasty patients had a heart attack, stroke, or chest pain requiring hospitalization or surgery.
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic: