The recently reported CANTOS trial represents an enormously important development in cardiovascular medicine. For the first time, an anti-inflammatory drug (canakinumab) given by injection every three months has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality. Trial entry criteria required a hsCRP level >2 mg/L and stable coronary heart disease. The 150-mg dose reduced the risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke and cardiovascular death by 15 percent with no effect on lipids. These benefits were observed in patients already treated with the best available therapies, including high-dose statins and antiplatelet drugs. The importance of these findings extends far beyond the CANTOS trial. Now that we know that treating inflammation can reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the search for other anti-inflammatory regimens can proceed with the high likelihood of successful clinical trials.

The game has changed, the rules are evolving and winning has been redefined. Adopt a gaming mindset to get to the next level.

Physician burnout has been called a “silent epidemic” that not only overwhelms physicians but can impact the care they deliver to patients. A number of programs are starting to confront the problem head on—giving doctors hope that someone is listening.

While the WannaCry cyberattack against hospitals, clinics and device makers was largely unsuccessful, future hacks might be used to imperil patients. Experts worry the U.S system is still too vulnerable and health IT departments are under-resourced.  

A one-month education and screening program at a rural tertiary medical center reduced inappropriate cardiac catheterization referrals by primary care physicians (PCPs) from 17 percent to zero percent.

After decades of steady progress pushing back the leading cause of death and disability, cardiologists are striving to achieve the Quadruple Aim as they prepare for a tidal wave of aging patients with multiple chronic conditions. Bellwether hospitals are rethinking old systems and carving out new pathways for managing “Chronic America.”

Patients with low-risk pulmonary embolism (LRPE) who were discharged from the hospital within two days had better clinical outcomes and resulted in cost savings when compared to those with longer stays, according to a study in PLOS One.

The American Medical Association (AMA) has announced a collaborative initiative to improve the organization and sharing of healthcare information.