Evidence in Practice

A French observational study has found that use of a beta-blocker early after myocardial infarction (MI) (within 48 hours) is associated with a substantial reduction in 30-day mortality in people who do not have heart failure. However, continuing with beta-blockers was not associated with a significant reduction in mortality at 1 year.

Offering smokers a taster session at an NHS Stop Smoking Service and explaining their personal risk of developing smoking-related diseases doubles their likelihood of attending a stop smoking course.

Liraglutide 1.2 mg has proved cost-effective when compared to alternative daily administered GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in the UK.

A new study shows that increased activity in the amygdala (the part of the brain involved in stress) is associated with a greater risk of heart disease and stroke. This study provides new insights into the possible mechanism by which stress can lead to cardiovascular disease in humans.

A new study suggests that a ‘Sit Less’ intervention ‒ breaking sitting with standing and light-intensity walking ‒ may be an alternative to structured exercise to promote blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes, giving improved 24-hour glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity.

Adding evolocumab to optimised statin therapy results in statistically significant regression of atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease, according to results from the GLAGOV phase 3 trial.

Tackling obesity by offering the opportunity to attend a weight loss programme during a routine consultation is effective, welcomed by patients and takes only 30 seconds, according to a new randomised trial of over 1800 people in the UK.

Targeting cardiovascular disease risk factors may be important across a person’s lifetime, as a new study from the US National Institutes of Health shows that efforts to prevent risk factors should extend to those over 65 years of age.