Researchers for the DESolve study recommended testing the latest iteration of the device in a larger group of patients, based on results of a first-in-man-study published in the December issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Cardiovascular Interventions.

A San Diego medical group's disease management program increased patient engagement rates from 28% to 67%, leading to a decline in both hospitalizations and 30-day readmissions for program participants. In recognition of its innovative chronic care program, Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers received the 2013 Doyle Award from MCG (formerly Milliman Care Guidelines), a leading provider of clinical guidelines to payor and provider markets.

More than 33 million people worldwide live with atrial fibrillation and the burden of living with the condition grew nearly 19 percent over the past two decades, a study published online Dec. 17 in Circulation found.

Despite their common use, high doses of vitamins and minerals may not protect against cardiovascular events after a heart attack, a study published online Dec. 17 in Annals of Internal Medicine found. However, the study investigators noted that participant withdrawals and nonadherence may have skewed the data.

Patients with stable hypertension and advanced chronic kidney disease who take medications that block the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system may be less likely to need long-term dialysis than similar patients not treated with these drugs. Their risk of death also may be lower, according to study published online Dec. 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Fred Kummerow, the nutrition scientist who connected the dots between trans fats and atherosclerosis in the 1950s, at the age of 99 continues to explore how diet affects heart disease. The New York Times published a profile of the pioneering researcher in its science section. 

Shorter people may be at higher risk for coronary heart disease (CHD), according to a study published online Dec. 12 in Circulation – Cardiovascular Imaging. Researchers found an inverse relationship between height and levels of coronary artery calcium, a marker for CHD.

Novel oral anticoagulants may be the best defense against intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) when used to prevent strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation, based on the findings of a meta-analysis published in the December issue of JAMA Neurology.