CVD newswatch, February 20

A cold but sunny Friday in my neck of the woods. A perfect day to go for a walk and enjoy the sun and the fresh air. Don’t forget to dress up warmly. And here’s your heart news for this weekend…

CVD drug news

Estimation of the Warfarin Dose with Clinical and Pharmacogenetic Data
Warfarin is the most commonly prescribed anticoagulant. It is not only used to treat people with blood clotting disorders but in preventing thrombosis and embolism that can lead to heart attacks and stroke. It has been observed that warfarin dosing is influenced by genetic variations among patients. The International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium has developed a method “for estimating the appropriate warfarin dose that is based on both clinical and genetic data from a broad population base.” The results are now published in the February 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

CVD regulators news

Meeting of the Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee
The US FDA Advisory Committee on Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs will meet on March 28, 2009 to discuss the new drug application of dronedarone 400 milligrams oral tablets “for the proposed indication in patients with a history of, or current atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, for the reduction of the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization or death.” The application has been submitted by Sanofi-Aventis.

CVD fundraising drive news

9^th Annual Radiothon February 19 to 21 2009
The Children’s Miracle Network and radio stations all over the US team up to bring stories of pediatric patients and to raise funds for children’s hospitals affiliated with CMN.

“Sacramento Radiothon is the most moving and compelling radio you will ever hear. For 36 hours – three days and nights, local radio stations break from their usual format so that families of patients at UC Davis Children’s Hospital can tell their stories of inspiration, hope and healing.”

CVD healthcare news

Health Habits of Adults Aged 18-29 Highlighted in Report on Nation′s Health
The 32^nd annual report of the CDC’s National Center for Statistics is now out. The report is entitled Health, United States: 2008 and includes data from many sources including government agencies and the private sector.

This year’s report specially feature adults aged 18 to 29 years old because this is “a group making many life choices including decisions about education, marriage, childbearing, and health behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol use, which will affect both their future economic and health status.” The report cites the health challenges faced by this group to nclude obesity, high injury rates, and lack of insurance coverage.

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