COURAGE study results: disappointing or encouraging?
Abstract
Based on СОURAGE study results (Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization and Aggressive Guideline-Driven Drug Evaluation), modern tactics for management of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and stable angina are discussed (percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI, or aggressive drug therapy with statins, aspirin, ACE inhibitors etc.). The role of secondary drug prevention, according to modern guidelines, is highly appraised. The emphasis is put on the leading role of lipid-lowering therapy with statins and ezetimibe. No significant difference was observed for complication rates in PCI group (n=1149) and optimal drug therapy (n=1138). Cumulative incidence of primary events during 4,6 years of follow-up was 19,0% and 18,5% in PCI and drug therapy groups, respectively (р=0,62). Therefore, in patients with stable CHD, PCI as a first-line strategy does not reduce the risk of death, myocardial infarction, or cardiovascular events, if combined with drug treatment.
About the Authors
D. M. Aronov
State Research Center for Preventive Medicine, Federal Agency on High Medical Technologies
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
V. P. Lupanov
A.L. Myasnikov Research Institute of Clinical Cardiology, Russian Cardiology Scientific and Clinical Complex, Federal Agency on High Medical Technologies, Moscow
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
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Review
For citations:
Aronov D.M., Lupanov V.P. COURAGE study results: disappointing or encouraging? Cardiovascular Therapy and Prevention. 2007;7(7):95-104. (In Russ.)
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