Only 40 percent of patients with acute coronary syndrome or acute decompensated heart failure in a prospective study were able to correctly identify individual medications, dose and frequency after they left the hospital, highlighting a major problem.

Bristol-Meyers Squibb issued a voluntary recall of Coumadin for injection after particulate matter was found in unreleased samples. 

For patients without a history of stroke, transient ischemic attack or other neurological symptoms, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not recommend screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. This decision was published online July 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

AstraZeneca today announced an agreement with the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology (MPI), Germany, to establish a ‘satellite unit’ in cardiovascular and metabolic disease (CVMD), linked to AstraZeneca’s CVMD Innovative Medicines unit (iMed) in Mölndal, Sweden, to study new modalities chemistry.

Continuing to encourage patients to follow healthy habits is a must. Habits acquired in the early 20s demonstrably affect signs for coronary atherosclerosis in the decades that follow, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of Circulation. Loss of those habits had a marked effect as well.

Four universities are taking aim at heart disease and stroke with the launch of Strategically Focused Prevention Research Network Centers.

Hospital-acquired infection rates after CABG differed by 18.2 percent in an analysis of 33 hospitals in Michigan that was published online July 1 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Patient mix did not explain the variation.

Chefs will be happy to note: A Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra virgin olive oil reduced inflammation markers and risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) in a cohort followed by the PREDIMED Trial.