Weekly Health Digest: Cardiovascular Care, Ozempic Options, Flu Fluctuations

New Insights Into Older Hearts

By Paula Span, The New York Times

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Around 6 percent of adults ages 45 to 65 have diagnosed heart disease, but this rate nearly triples in those over 65, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thankfully, treatments have improved in recent years, helping to reduce the risk of heart attack and cardiac death. 

One of these new strategies is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, or I.C.D. This is a small, battery-powered device that is placed under the skin and shocks the heart in the case of sudden cardiac arrest. Experts are still debating whether this is suitable for older patients, however, as the shock emitted by the device can frighten them and cause further distress. 

Surgery is also a common strategy, which, in the case of cardiac patients, tends to be both invasive and resource-intensive, as these procedures are often accompanied by drug therapies. In older patients, especially those that have other medical conditions, invasive procedures need to be carefully evaluated due to higher risk of complications and death. Drug therapy alone tends to be the safest option as patients get older.

Cardiac therapy is an underused option available to physicians. This treatment involves supervised exercise that can reduce the risk of heart attacks, hospitalization, and cardiac death. Very few patients are prescribed cardiac therapy, which may be due to a variety of factors, including accessibility and transportation to the facility where they will be exercising. Moreover, patients often struggle to adhere to treatment– when researchers implemented a remote program, at-home participation declined after three months. Therefore, finding the most adequate and effective delivery system is key for patients adopting this treatment option. 

— by Alexa Morales

Ozempic shown to reduce drinking in first trial in alcohol-use disorder

By Meg Tirrell, CNN

A new study published in JAMA Psychiatry has found that Ozempic, and drugs within the same semaglutide class that treat diabetes and obesity, may curb alcohol consumption in addition to appetite, even in people with alcohol use disorder.

This small clinical trial, which included 48 people with signs of moderate alcohol-use disorder, has confirmed that low doses of semaglutide could lead to significant reductions in alcohol consumption and cravings compared to a placebo group. 

This study had a particularly unique design. Participants spent two hours in a lab with a bar stocked with alcoholic drinks at the beginning of the study. They were able to drink as much as they wanted. Those taking semaglutide drank about 40 percent less than those on placebo when given the same opportunity nine weeks into treatment. Researchers also found that the number of drinking occasions during the week seemed to remain unchanged, but the amount of alcohol consumed was reduced. 

Real-world anecdotes and animal studies hinted at a possible association between GLP-1 medicines and reductions in alcohol consumption, but this study is the first to demonstrate this in patients in a clinical setting. Lead author Dr. Christian Hendershot, Director of Clinical Research at the USC Institute for Addiction Science, is optimistic that the study provides evidence for possible adaptation of semaglutide prescription for those with alcohol use disorder and that it opens the door to further research. 

More studies will need to be done to understand the mechanism of these medications on alcohol use disorders, as well as if these medications can help patients with great severity. 

— by Justine Borgia

Flu cases rise again, while COVID takes a back seat

By Rob Stein, NPR

The United States is facing a widespread uptick in influenza cases this winter. Flu season began abnormally early this year, first peaking in the beginning of January. We are now witnessing a persistent rise in cases across the country toward a second peak, causing severe symptoms including cough, sore throat, and fever. Flu-related hospitalizations have also skyrocketed in most states.

What could be the cause of this flu resurgence? The peak is occurring at the same time as a rise in poultry and cattle of the H5N1 flu virus, also known as bird flu. Currently, bird flu transmission is limited in humans, and does not appear to be the cause for the influenza second wave.

The usual COVID-19 winter surge, however, has subsided, with a weekly incidence rate of 4 out of 100,000 persons instead of the previous 8 out of 100,000. Epidemiologists and scientists have discovered limited viral changes and variants, leading to the conclusion that non-specific immunity has developed among those dealing with the flu, preventing the contraction of other respiratory infections.

Evidence of the COVID-19 decline and the looming uncertainty of bird flu should generate urgency in federal responses and development and distribution of effective vaccines to prevent any form of co-infection or pandemic.

— by Merom Arthur

Items summarized by: Alexa Morales, Justine Borgia, Merom Arthur