In a low-risk population, the noninferiority hypothesis of 6 vs. 12 months DAPT following second-generation DES implantation appears accepted for the incidence of cardiac death, MI, stroke, definite/probable stent thrombosis, and BARC type 3 or 5 bleeding at 12 months. (Second Generation Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation Followed by Six- Versus Twelve-Month Dual Antiplatelet Therapy; NCT00944333).

Summary Objective  Small, dense low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) are a feature of the metabolic syndrome (MS) but their predictive role still remains to be established. We performed a 2‐year follow‐up study in 124 subjects with MS (63 ± 6 years), as defined by the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute guidelines, to assess clinical and biochemical predictors of cerebro‐ and cardio‐vascular events. Methods and results  Beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors, we measured LDL size and subclasses by gradient gel electrophoresis. Clinical events were registered in the 25% of subjects. At univariate analysis subjects with events had increased prevalence of elevated fasting glucose (P = 0·0117), smoking (P = 0·0015), family history of coronary artery disease (P = 0·0033) and higher levels of total‐ and LDL‐cholesterol (P = 0·0027 and P = 0·0023, respectively); LDL size was lower (P < 0·0001), due to reduced larger subclasses and increased small, dense LDL (all P < 0·0001). At multivariate analysis the following were independent predictors of events (univariate odd ratios were calculated): low HDL‐cholesterol (OR 15·4, P = 0·0238), elevated fasting glucose (OR 12·1, P = 0·0102), elevated small, dense LDL (OR 11·7, P = 0·0004), elevated blood pressure (OR 9·2, P = 0·0392), smoking (OR 4·8, P = 0·0054). Conclusions  This is the first study that assessed the predictive role of small, dense LDL beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors in subjects with MS.

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Cutting balloon angioplasty did not reduce recurrent ISR and major adverse cardiac events, as compared with conventional PTCA. However, CBA was associated with some procedural advantages, such as use of fewer balloons, less requirement for additional stenting, and a lower incidence of balloon slippage.

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