Purpose of review: The review highlights selected studies related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention that were presented at the 2020 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress-The Digital Experience.
Recent findings: The studies reviewed include clinical trials on novel RNA interference-based lipid-lowering therapies AKCEA-APOCIII-LRx and vupanorsen (AKCEA-ANGPTL3-LRx); the EVAPORATE trial assessing the effects of icosapent ethyl on coronary plaque volume progression; the LoDoCo2 trial evaluating the efficacy of low-dose colchicine in cardiovascular disease risk reduction among patients with chronic coronary artery disease; as well as the EMPEROR-Reduced trial evaluating cardiovascular and renal outcomes with empagliflozin in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. In addition, we review the BPLTTC analysis on blood pressure treatment across blood pressure levels and CVD status and discuss findings from the BRACE CORONA study that examined continuing versus suspending angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blockers in patients on these antihypertensive medications who were hospitalized with COVID-19 infection. The studies presented at the 2020 digital ESC Congress highlight the continuing advancements in the field of CVD prevention.
Keywords: ANGPTL3; APOCIII; COVID-19; Cardiovascular disease prevention; Colchicine; Empagliflozin.