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Science News for March 29, 2025


Reduced sodium legislation saves lives

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that legislation to reduce sodium in processed food in South Africa is linked to significant declines in blood pressure levels. The reduction in sodium intake has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease mortality and stroke, potentially saving millions of lives globally.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2025

Dapagliflozin safe and effective in elderly patients with heart failure undergoing valve replacement

A study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that dapagliflozin significantly reduced the rate of worsening heart failure in elderly patients with heart failure undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The trial, called DapaTAVI, enrolled 1,257 patients and showed a 28% lower rate ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 29, 2025

Low-dose apixiban comparable to full dose for preventing VTE recurrence in patients with cancer

A new study has found that a lower dose of the blood-thinning medication apixaban is as effective as the full dose in preventing recurring blood clots in patients with active cancer. Patients who received the lower dose experienced fewer bleeding complications and similar VTE recurrence rates compared to those on the standard dose.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 29, 2025

Love your neighbor as yourself: Zinc-centered materials serving as calcium-ion host could be well refined by its closest copper neighbor

Researchers developed Cu/Zn solid-solution phase hosts to overcome electrochemical limitations in multivalent metal ion batteries. The material's layered crystal structure and abundant interlayer confined species provide favorable diffusion pathways for charge carriers.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2025

Oral semaglutide vastly reduces heart attacks, strokes in people with type 2 diabetes

A new clinical trial found that oral semaglutide can significantly reduce cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes and pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The medication decreased the risk of major cardiac events by 14% compared to placebo, with nonfatal myocardial infarction seeing the greatest reductions in risk.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 29, 2025

Groundbreaking consensus statement on conduction system pacing released: a major milestone in the evolution of pacing therapy

The European Society of Cardiology has released a groundbreaking consensus statement on conduction system pacing, offering updated guidance for healthcare professionals on selecting patients. Conduction system pacing is being increasingly adopted due to its perceived ease of implantation and superior electrical performance.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEP Europace·DateMar 29, 2025

Low coronary artery calcium score is associated with an excellent prognosis regardless of a person’s age, new study finds

A large new study of over 40,000 patients found that a zero coronary artery calcium score continues to be an accurate indicator of low risk for coronary heart events even as people age. Patients with a zero plaque burden had a two to three times lower risk of death from any cause, including in seniors.

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2025

Who needs a statin? New study compares prescribing recommendations based on traditional risk factors vs. coronary artery calcium scoring

A new study compares prescribing recommendations based on traditional risk factors vs. coronary artery calcium scoring. The study found that patients assessed using the Pooled Cohort Equation had a higher rate of statin medication recommendations than those assessed using the coronary artery calcium score, with 50.7% vs. 22.3% respecti...

SourceIntermountain Healthcare·TypeObservational study·DateMar 29, 2025