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In this Cochrane review the potential benefits and harms of early administrations of statins after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were evaluated in 18 randomized trials including 14,303 patients. No statistically significant effect was found on the primary combined outcome of death, myocardial infarction and stroke, but at four-month follow-up the incidence of unstable angina pectoris was significantly reduced. Despite the lack of evidence for an additional effect of early statin administrations on hard clinical end points, we find good reasons to maintain statins in the early treatment of ACS.

Rifle contra shotgun shots are considered in relation to an X-mas goose and shooting accident. Depending on the size of shots, material and velocity, the effect in the body may vary considerably. Myocardial infarction, secondary to accidental shotgun shot, may be caused by 1) thrombosis secondary to intima lesion, 2) stenosis, oedema and haematoma in relation to myocardial lesion; and, in addition, 3) the cumulative energy of many shots may give myocardial contusion with infarction. Pathotechnical and pathophysiological analyses are required to reveal complicated causes and effects and unusual disease events.

Hypertension is the most important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, less than half of all hypertensives have their blood pressure reduced to relevant goals. The prevalence of hypertension in Denmark was found to be between 26% and 40% of the adult population. Just over half were aware of the diagnosis, but less than half were in treatment. Blood pressure control in patients who are undergoing treatment has improved during recent years, but there is still a gap to achievable control rates.