ACCUMULATING SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE IN CARDIOLOGY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCETO THE JAPANESE CONTRIBUTION

Clinical practice guidelines have been released as a current summary o f the most recent scientific evidence in various areas. The paradigm b y which evidence is regarded important is called evidence-based medici ne (EBM). Sources of EBM are valid randomized controlled trials (RCT) and meta-analyses (MA). Only well-qualified studies should be used for the EBM. The characteristics for both RCTs and MAs are considered. Co ntroversial issues are also discussed, such as the safety of calcium c hannel blockers and the efficacy of magnesium for acute myocardial inf arction. Finally, Japanese RCTs, either finished or ongoing, are summa rized. International collaboration will become more important for regi stering and evaluating evidence followed by summarizing and updating t he evidence.