VA’s Ground-Breaking Research on Heart Surgery

Angioplasty No Better Than Drugs, Study Finds

WASHINGTON — Ground-breaking research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) found that, in treating less severe kinds of heart disease, drug therapy is just as effective as a common form of cardiac surgery.

“This is another example of VA leading the way in the health care sector,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson. “Like so many discoveries by VA researchers, it not only enhances care for veterans, but also for all Americans.”

The research, involving nearly 2,300 patients at 15 VA medical centers and 35 other facilities in the United States and Canada, compared standard cardiac drug treatments to a surgical procedure called “angioplasty,” in which clogged arteries are kept open by wire-mesh tubes.  Patients receiving angioplasty also received medication to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol and prevent clots.

After five years, the study found equal rates of mortality, non-fatal heart attacks, strokes and hospitalizations in patients receiving angioplasty and medication, compared to those who received only medication.  The results were published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Researchers noted that all of the patients in the study were listed as having “stable” heart disease.  Other studies have shown angioplasty can help patients with more severe heart disease.

VA researchers played key roles in developing the cardiac pacemaker, improving artificial limbs, conducting the first liver transplant, and developing new treatments for tuberculosis, schizophrenia and high blood pressure.

Last year, VA was responsible for more than $1.6 billion in medical research.  Because seven out of every 10 VA researchers are also involved in direct patient care, the Department is uniquely able to translate the latest findings into changes in health care for patients.  VA medical facilities are affiliated with 107 medical schools.

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