Trending News Today: New Recommendations Added to US Heart Guidelines

AstraZeneca’s diabetes drug Farxiga demonstrated the ability to prevent heart failure and cut the risk of kidney problems in a broad range of patients in a clinical trial, Reuters reported. According to the article, the new data from a 17,000-patient trial showed SGLT2 inhibitor Farxiga cut the risk of hospitalization due to heart failure by 27% while also reducing the risk of kidney disease. However, Farxiga failed to show a statistically significant benefit in preventing heart attacks or strokes, even in patients with established cardiovascular disease, the article reported.

Updated recommendations from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology advise a more personalized assessment of risks as well as newer types of cholesterol-lowering drugs for patients at high risk of heart attack or stroke, Reuters reported. According to the article, the new guidelines acknowledge recent research showing the benefit of very low levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol. The medical groups still emphasize a healthy diet and exercise as the first line of defense against heart disease, Reuters reported.

A recent survey by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated wide variations in antibiotic use worldwide, Reuters reported. According to the article, the report examined antibiotic use in 65 countries and found that Burundi used the least amount of antibiotics, with just 4.44 defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 individuals, whereas Mongolia had the highest consumption at 64.41 DDD per 1000 individuals. The report also showed Italy, Spain, and Japan were relatively heavy users of the antibiotics that WHO says need to be kept in reserve, the article reported.