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Hypertension (HTN) is a globally prevalent non-communicable disease contributing significantly to cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. In achieving control of HTN, therapeutic adherence plays a crucial role. Studies from India identify varying rates of adherence to antihypertensive medications. Multiple factors determine treatment adherence in HTN. In India, factors such as lower socioeconomic status, health literacy, asymptomatic nature of disease, forgetfulness, cost of medications, and duration of HTN determine the adherence. An excellent physician-patient relationship incorporating adequate counseling along with the use of other methods can identify poor adherence. Improving adherence necessitates incorporating a multipronged approach with strategies directed at physicians, patients, and health systems. With innovation in therapeutics, the pharmaceutical sector can contribute significantly to improve adherence. Furthermore, increasing adherence to lifestyle interventions can help achieve better HTN control and improve CV outcomes. In the Indian context, more emphasis is necessary on patient education, enhanced physician-patient relationship and communication, increased access to health care, and affordability in improving therapeutic adherence in HTN.

Aim: The present study was designed to investigate whether the three-apolipoprotein (AI, B, E) gene polymorphisms were related to alter their plasma protein levels and hence associated to coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: We determined distribution of MspI apo AI, EcoRI apo B, HhaI apo E gene polymorphisms, plasma apolipoproteins and lipids levels among 150 patients having CAD admitted to the Department of Cardiology, N.R.S. Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, India during June 2010–June 2012 and 150 age sex matched healthy controls. Results: We found that ApoAI concentration of studied population was significantly different in each genotypes of −75 G/A apo AI (p

Introduction: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the most lethal manifestation of heart disease. In an Indian study the SCDs contribute about 10% of the total mortality and SCD post ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) constitutes for about half of total deaths. Objective: Given the limitations of existing therapy there is a need for an effective, easy to use, broadly applicable and affordable intervention to prevent SCD post MI. Leading cardiologists from all over India came together to discuss the potential role of n-3 acid ethyl esters (90%) of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 460 mg & docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 380 mg in the management of post MI patients and those with hypertriglyceridemia. Recommendations: Highly purified & concentrated omega-3 ethyl esters (90%) of EPA (460 mg) & DHA (380 mg) has clinically proven benefits in improving post MI outcomes (significant 15% risk reduction for all-cause mortality, 20% risk reduction for CVD and 45% risk reduction in SCD in GISSI-Prevenzione trial) and in reducing hypertriglyceridemia, and hence, represent an interesting option adding to the treatment armamentarium in the secondary prevention after MI based on its anti-arrhythmogenic effects and also in reducing hypertriglyceridemia.

Aim: Coronary angiography is usually done with heparin. Our aim is to see whether it can be done without heparin through femoral route and its effect on local complications. Method: We have studied 3780 patients from 2006 to 2010 using standard dose Heparin (5000 units), low dose heparin (2000 units) and no heparin. We have compared safety and complications in these three groups. Results: Local complications were lowest in no heparin group. Blood transfusion requirements and surgical interventions were lowest in no heparin group. Thrombosis rate did not increase in no heparin group. Conclusion: Coronary angiography can be done safely without heparin through femoral route.