(April 1, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Cleveland - The weight loss drug Acomplia may alter certain risk factors for heart disease, but doesn't appear to reverse it. Researchers randomized over 800 patients who required an angiogram to receive either Acomplia or placebo. Using intravascular ultrasound, no differences were noted in those who received the two treatments. Those who received Acomplia lost more weight and had a greater reduction in triglycerides, but were also more likely to develop psychiatric symptoms.

From Texas - The American Heart Association has officially recognized that "hands only" CPR, a technique in which no breaths are administered and instead 100 compressions per minute are delivered, is superior to the traditional technique. The traditional technique is still recommended for children, given that a collapse in a child is more likely due to a breathing problem.

And finally, from Hamilton - A newer class of blood pressure lowering medications known as ARBs may have a better safety profile than older ones. A trial of over 25,000 patients with heart disease were randomized to receive an ARB, an ACE inhibitor or both. Those who received an ARB or an ACE inhibitor had an equal lowering effect on blood pressure, but those who received the ARB were less likely to experience side effects.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.