Man or woman, prescription rates for stroke-preventing anticoagulants were no different for patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) in a global study. However, on the whole the same anticoagulation rates showed inadequate thromboprophylaxis in the majority of patients.

Today the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Million Hearts initiative recognized 30 public and private health care practices and systems across the country as Hypertension Control Champions for their success in helping patients control high blood pressure.

People with quick tempers have another reason to try to curb their rage. A small study found that stress related to anger had a significant impact on the risk for MI with coronary occlusion.

The strain from wearing protective lead aprons in the cath lab may be taking a greater toll on allied staff than on physicians. A survey on health hazards in interventional labs found incidence of work-related pain was highest among technicians and nurses.

HeartWare International issued a voluntary recall in the U.S. of older controllers that were distributed during clinical trials.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved supplemental reimbursement for two drug-coated balloons to treat Medicare patients with peripheral artery disease, but the payment applies only to outpatient settings.

It’s all about the whole diet, say experts in a draft of scientific findings on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) website. The results, published for comment through April 8, offer diets for physicians to consider with their patients when working to improve cardiovascular risks, heart disease, obesity, and other health concerns.

The Prairie Heart Institute at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois, has become the first cardiac catheterization laboratory in Illinois to achieve ACE accreditation. It is also one of the highest volume facilities to achieve this notable accomplishment.