November 13, 2012
Research study backs primary angioplasty after heart
attack
Research we co-funded has backed primary
angioplasty at dedicated heart centres as a vital part of heart
attack treatment.
Scientists from Imperial College
London did an analysis of treatment for heart attack
patients from all over the UK. They looked at the effectiveness of
different treatments that help reopen a blocked coronary artery
during a heart attack.
A blocked coronary artery can be reopened
by using clot-dissolving drugs or primary angioplasty, where the artery is reopened using
a tube. Both these emergency treatments have saved many
lives and reduced the amount of long lasting damage to the
heart.
According to the researchers, some recent
studies have questioned the effectiveness of primary angioplasty
because clot-dissolving drugs seem to show similar benefits in
patients after a heart attack. However, their study showed that the
reason we see similar outcomes for patients on clot-dissolving
drugs and angioplasty is statistical bias.
It’s vital that the UK continues to keep up with the latest in heart attack research and treatments
Hidden behind the
numbers is the fact that doctors are sending the
most
urgent, at risk patients for angioplasty, some of whom are
already showing signs of
heart
failure.
This means that primary angioplasty, often
carried out at specialist heart units, is absolutely
vital for heart patients, particularly those who are the
most unwell.
Our Senior Cardiac Nurse Ellen Mason said: “At
the moment, throughout the world there is a trend towards using
primary angioplasty in more patients – the UK
continues to follow this trend because of continued research
showing better outcomes for patients and quicker discharge
times.
"Heart attack centres are
essential for providing 24 hour angioplasty, and it’s
vital that the UK continues to keep up with the latest in heart
attack research and treatments.”
The study was published in the American Heart
Association journal Circulation Cardiovascular
Quality and Outcomes.
Research we fund helps discover
vital new tests and treatments for heart patients.
But we couldn't do it without you support. Please donate to help fund our life-saving
research.