#8: Re-evaluating Aspirin, the amiodarone enigma, and are there health benefits to being a 'weekend warrior'?

Our latest episode of Cardiology Digest delves into some of the most intriguing and thought-provoking recent studies in the realm of heart health. Here's a sneak peek into what awaits you:

STUDY #1: We have the Amiodarone Enigma: An observational study in the Annals of Internal Medicine has brought up some concerns regarding the use of amiodarone in patients with heart failure, coronary disease, and renal failure. But is everything as it seems? Dive into the nuances of this study with us, as we explore whether the observed excess bleeding is truly due to the drug, or the elevated bleeding risk in these patients. Is it time to change our practice or do we need more compelling evidence?

Ray WA et al. Risk for bleeding-related hospitalizations during use of amiodarone with apixaban or rivaroxaban in patients with atrial fibrillation: A retrospective cohort study. Ann Intern Med 2023 Jun; 176:769. (https://doi.org/10.7326/M22-3238)

STUDY #2: We re-evaluate Aspirin for older patients, thanks to the ASPREE study that was recently published in JAMA Network Open. It looks like it’s time to reassess our recommendations and consider whether we’re truly informed about the pros and cons of aspirin as a risk-reduction strategy.

Cloud GC et al. Low-dose aspirin and the risk of stroke and intracerebral bleeding in healthy older people: Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023 Jul 3; 6:e2325803. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.25803)

STUDY #3: Lastly, we find out if there are health benefits to being a “weekend warrior”. Have you ever had patients question the health benefits of their active weekends? This study from JAMA sheds light on the potential importance of exceeding the 150-minute weekly threshold of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. But just how beneficial is it? Tune in to find out!

Khurshid S et al. Accelerometer-derived “weekend warrior” physical activity and incident cardiovascular disease. JAMA 2023 Jul 18; 330:247. (https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2023.10875)

Join us in this episode as we dissect these studies, offering insights and sparking discussions that could reshape our understanding of cardiology. Don't miss out on this enlightening journey!

For show notes, visit us at https://www.medmastery.com/podcasts/cardiology-podcast.