November 18, 2010 – In the trial of 1,623 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) or CHD risk equivalents, an investigational CETP inhibitor showed no significant differences from placebo in the primary safety measures studied. Researchers this week presented results from the phase III DEFINE study with Merck's CETP inhibitor, anacetrapib.

November 17, 2010 – Atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients treated with catheter ablation reported fewer symptoms and improved quality of life, according to data from Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. The patients, who were treated with Biosense Webster’s NaviStar ThermoCool catheter, were compared with patients treated with antiarrhythmia drugs.

November 17, 2010 - Results from the GRAVITAS Trial found that doubling the maintenance dose of clopidogrel (Plavix) did not reduce the risk of further ischemic events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

November 16, 2010 – Study results show that pacemaker patients without history of atrial tachycardia (AT) or atrial fibrillation (AF) who have device-detected arrhythmias are more likely to have a stroke than patients who don’t have device-detected arrhythmias. The ASSERT Trial, sponsored by St. Jude, found that those patients are approximately 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke.

November 16, 2010 – Results from the ROCKET AF trial showed that rivaroxaban given once daily is superior at reducing stroke and non-central nervous system (CNS) systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The trial compared the drug with warfarin, the most common stroke-prevention medicine in AF patients.

November 15, 2010 - An experimental pump implanted in patients waiting for a heart transplant works as well as approved devices, according to trial results presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2010.