Zalunfiban: A Review of Current Knowledge and Future Applications of an Innovative Antiplatelet Agent.

Zalunfiban is a novel glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor currently being tested for its use in the prehospital setting for antiplatelet effect in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction. It has shown to be safe and effective in both phase 1 and phase 2 trials and is under investigation in phase 3 trials. In this review, we discuss zalunfiban in detail, including its mechanism of action, adverse effects, current recommendations for use, and ongoing trials.

Treatment of Acute Heart Failure with Acetazolamide.

The primary treatment for acute heart failure includes the use of intravenous loop diuretics to reduce congestion. Successful decongestion at the time of hospital discharge improves mortality and prevents rehospitalization in these patients. Loop diuretic therapy alone may not be enough for adequate decongestion, especially as diuretic resistance becomes more common. Other therapies include the addition of thiazide diuretics, though increasing evidence might suggest a better alternative to add-on therapy. In this review, we will discuss the new evidence for the use of the diuretic acetazolamide in acute heart failure.

Examining the Use of a Polypill in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant cause of death worldwide. To address the global burden of CVD and its risk factors, the polypill, an all-in-one therapy that combines multiple existing medications for preventing CVD and reducing CVD events (such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, beta-blocker, statin, or aspirin) into a single combination pill, has emerged as a potential strategy to improve CVD prevention. Clinical trials on the polypill have found that polypill use is associated with significant reductions in CVD events and risk factors in both patients with established CVD and at risk of developing CVD, suggesting a potential benefit in primary and secondary CVD prevention. The polypill has also been demonstrated to be a cost-effective therapy that may potentially increase treatment accessibility, affordability, and availability particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Further, patients on polypill therapy have shown high rates of treatment compliance, with significant improvements in medication adherence for patients with low baseline compliance. Given its potential advantages and benefits, the polypill may become a promising therapy for the prevention of CVD.