Two Cedar-Sinai Heart Institute physicians, Prediman K. Shah and C. Noel Bairey Merz, receive American College of Cardiology's highest honors for groundbreaking work in cardiovascular disease research and clinical care. The accolades recognize their pioneering efforts to develop innovative treatments and improve heart health outcomes.
A recent study by the European Society of Cardiology has found that depression increases the risk of death in patients who have a coronary stent implanted. After seven years of follow-up, depressed patients were 1.5 times more likely to die than non-depressed patients.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that patients with lower socioeconomic status were 16% more likely to die from a heart attack. Despite equal access to advanced healthcare, socioeconomic factors still had a negative impact on health outcomes.
Researchers have developed an early warning algorithm to detect children's early cardiac deterioration before inpatient arrest. Additionally, studies suggest that patients with conotruncal defects should be screened for chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, which can improve treatment outcomes.
The updated appropriate use criteria provide detailed guidance on when to use invasive procedures to improve blood flow to the heart. The new criteria affirm the role of revascularization for patients with acute coronary syndromes and significant symptoms, while emphasizing careful selection of high-risk surgery patients for PCI.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has shown significant improvements in peak post-ischemic blood flow in the arm and leg, suggesting a potential novel approach to heart failure treatment. However, further exploration is needed due to conflicting data on exercise capacity and inflammatory markers.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of measuring rates of rehospitalization following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. A US study found that 12.4% of PCI patients need unplanned readmissions, highlighting the need for improvements in care and better data in Europe.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) has become a critical diagnostic tool in clinical cardiology, providing comprehensive assessments of ventricular function, cardiac morphology, perfusion, viability, and metabolism. CMR offers significant advantages over other imaging modalities, including the absence of ionizing radiation and hig...
A recent study has identified a potential link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that cancer-causing strains of HPV were strongly associated with CVD, even after adjusting for other risk factors.
Researchers report using simultaneous techniques to reduce radiation exposure during cardiac testing, with results showing a 75-85% decrease in patient risk. The new high-definition CT scan method offers improved safety for patients concerned about radiation exposure.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that delaying coronary stenting after a heart attack may improve patient outcomes. The research found that waiting several days to allow the artery to heal before inserting a stent may be more effective than immediate stenting.
The Cleveland Clinic has received a significant grant to establish a new chair in Preventive Cardiology. Dr. Stanley Hazen will be the first holder of the Leonard Krieger Chair, focusing on developing an inhibitor for treating atherosclerosis through research on gut flora pathways.
The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have released an updated guideline for diagnosing and managing peripheral artery disease (PAD). The guidelines emphasize expanded criteria for using the ankle-brachial index (ABI) for earlier diagnosis and increased efforts to ensure patients ...
The European Society of Cardiology promotes primary PCI as the best reperfusion therapy for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis and triage can significantly reduce mortality rates.
A new sub-analysis of the EMPHASIS-HF study showed significant reductions in death and hospitalization for five pre-defined high-risk patient sub-groups with chronic heart failure treated with eplerenone in addition to standard therapy. The benefits were observed across various subgroups, including those with diabetes, kidney impairmen...
The PERMIT-CARE trial demonstrates that MitraClip treatment improves NYHA functional class and reverse left ventricular remodeling in approximately 70% of patients. The study shows that FMR reduction with MitraClip is feasible, safe, and leads to substantial improvement in heart failure patients who do not respond to CRT.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched an updated version of its HeartScore application, which provides a more accurate estimate of cardiovascular disease risk. The new tool includes features such as a 'fast track' calculator and a 'risk age' function to help clinicians quickly understand patient exposure to CVD risk.
The Braunwald's Heart Disease Practice Guidelines App offers clinically actionable information on cardiovascular medicine, featuring the latest ACC/AHA guidelines. The app is available for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, providing anytime access to essential cardiology knowledge.
A Montreal Heart Institute study found that ivabradine significantly improves left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and reduces cardiac fibrosis in rabbits with cholesterol-enriched diets. The results suggest that ivabradine may be an effective treatment for patients with diastolic heart failure.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that cardiologists in the US are still performing late artery-opening procedures despite guideline changes. The study examined nearly 29,000 patients and showed no decline in monthly rates of late procedures from 2005 to 2008.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends redefining cardiac hypertrophy as myocardial remodelling to account for changes in non-myocyte cells and cell division. This change aims to improve communication among researchers and clinicians, leading to better risk stratification and treatment.
The European Society of Cardiology is urging more research into vulnerable plaques and their stabilization. Studies have shown that therapies like statins and anti-platelet drugs can reduce cardiovascular events, while imaging tools and biomarkers may help identify at-risk patients.
The European Society of Cardiology has established minimum standards for cardiovascular medical expertise, equipment, and emergency planning at major sporting events. These recommendations aim to prevent unnecessary deaths from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) by ensuring rapid access to treatment facilities.
A new analysis of the PLATO study confirms that ticagrelor is more effective than clopidogrel in reducing death and recurrent heart attack, with a potential to prevent up to 20% of heart-attack related deaths.
A new study reveals that women are more likely to be referred for unnecessary nuclear stress tests than men, with a majority of inappropriate studies ordered by primary care physicians. The research suggests that education among primary care providers is needed to improve test ordering for women.
A study published in Clinical Cardiology reveals that CRT significantly improves libido, erectile dysfunction, and sexual performance in men with chronic heart failure. The therapy improves functional capacity and ejection fraction, leading to better sexual health outcomes.
Cardiac patients can now receive a reduced radiation dose during diagnostic perfusion imaging, thanks to new image-processing software. The study found that images produced with a half-dose protocol were of similar quality to those obtained with conventional protocols, while reducing the patient's exposure to radiation.
A study on ancient Egyptian mummies reveals that Princess Ahmose-Meryet-Amon had atherosclerosis in two of her three main coronary arteries, which would have required by-pass surgery. The findings contradict the common perception that atherosclerosis is a disease of modern lifestyle.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends a single, co-ordinated European system to oversee the evaluation and approval of medical devices. The current system has been criticized for its lack of rigor in testing standards, unlike the US where trials must show clinical impact.
Increased peripheral arterial disease (PAD) screening is correlated with substantial growth in PAD revascularization procedures, particularly vascular surgery. Non-invasive physiologic testing in cardiology has demonstrated a nearly twice the compounded annual growth rate of vascular surgery and radiology.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released the first expert consensus document to help clinicians reduce hypertension risks in older adults. The guidelines recommend targeted blood pressure control measures, including medication selection, dose titration, and lifestyle changes.
Loyola University Health System's Heart Attack Rapid Response Team has dramatically improved care for heart attack patients by reducing door-to-balloon times to just 47 minutes.
A study found that guilt motivates cardiovascular patients to make lifestyle changes, particularly those with children. Providers are advised to address guilt in routine care to improve patient outcomes. The study involved 100 adult cardiology outpatients and revealed that nearly two-thirds had experienced a major cardiovascular event.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society and Canadian Heart Rhythm Society have published comprehensive guidelines on the use of genetic testing in managing patients with inherited heart rhythm disorders. The guidelines emphasize the importance of ordering physicians having a clear understanding of ethical issues surrounding genetic testing.
The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have beneficial effects on waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol levels, triglycerides, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism. A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the diet can help prevent metabolic syndrome and its components.
The January/February 2011 issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology marks the beginning of a partnership between Elsevier and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. The issue focuses on atrial fibrillation, including the long-awaited Canadian Cardiovascular Society Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines.
A national audit of heart failure treatment in England and Wales found that patients admitted to general wards were twice as likely to die as those in cardiology wards. Women and older adults fared worse in terms of appropriate investigations and treatment.
The European Society of Cardiology stresses that lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking are major contributors to heart disease. The summit advocates for a harmonized strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease through policies supporting healthy lifestyles.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology will benefit from the partnership, enhancing the dissemination of medical knowledge relevant to cardiovascular disease. The journal under the editorial leadership of Stanley Nattel, MD, FRSC, FRCPC, FACC, FHRS, aims to publish peer-reviewed material pertinent to specialists and general practitioners.
Researchers followed approximately 150 patients with angiographically significant coronary lesions to investigate FFR-guided revascularization's safety and effectiveness over a decade. The study found no excess risk of adverse events, including mortality, heart attacks, or need for further revascularization.
Recent studies suggest that supplemental oxygen therapy may not be beneficial for patients with acute MI who have normal oxygen levels, potentially leading to worse outcomes. Guidelines are needed to address this issue and ensure safe treatment practices.
Atrial fibrillation hospital admissions in Australia have increased by over 200% since 1993, resulting in an alarming number of hospitalizations.
A new performance intervention improved adherence to national guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure patients in an outpatient setting. The program applied clinical decision support tools, structured improvement strategies, and medical chart audits with feedback to help clinicians better provide evidence-based therapies.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new cookbook featuring heart-friendly recipes created by leading cardiologists. The book aims to demonstrate that a diverse diet can be achieved without compromising on taste, and includes sections discussing heart health topics and alternative ingredients.
Special issue of Journal of the American College of Cardiology explores controversy surrounding cardiac imaging tests. Experts call for balance between risks and benefits, emphasizing that these tests should only be used when clinical benefit exceeds potential harm.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNM) has received a $48,000 grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to develop research on comparative effectiveness of PET and other molecular imaging techniques. The primary emphasis will be on cancer diagnosis and management, with cardiology and neurolog...
The new clinical guidelines offer recommendations for the diagnosis and management of thoracic aortic disease, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. Risk factors include high blood pressure, age, male gender, and genetic conditions that weaken connective tissue.
Researchers found that patients with larger volumes of epicardial fat tend to have more dangerous atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to active buildup in coronary arteries. The study also showed that epicardial fat volume correlates with ischemia during nuclear stress tests.
A study of 187 top sports arenas in Europe found that many do not have automated external defibrillators or medical action plans in place. The European Society of Cardiology calls for urgent action to improve safety for spectators and players, citing a lack of attention to safety procedures as the main issue.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that reducing daily salt intake can prevent up to 120,000 fewer cases of heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks. The European Society of Cardiology calls for EU-wide legislation to restrict salt content in processed foods.
A study published in the December 2009 issue of HeartRhythm found that only half of eligible heart failure patients received implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent sudden cardiac death. The study also revealed wide variations in ICD use, with certain patient groups more likely to receive the devices.
Healthcare professionals using a team approach saw significant improvements in treating patients having a heart attack, reducing door-to-balloon times by more than half since 2005. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found widespread adoption of strategies to improve care across the nation.
The International Menopause Society consensus statement emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about cardiovascular disease risks in postmenopausal women. The statement also concludes that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally safe and may have cardioprotective effects, particularly for younger women.
The European Society of Cardiology will hold a Joint Scientific Forum on optimal diabetes management in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Experts will explore the link between diabetes and heart disease, and discuss treatment strategies for Asian patients.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association release updated guidelines recommending the use of beta blockers in high-risk cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery to minimize cardiac risk. The guidelines emphasize careful patient selection, dose adjustment, and monitoring throughout the perioperative period.
The European Society of Cardiology is addressing the growing need for improved CVD management in Asia through events that promote an integrated approach. The region faces a significant challenge due to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, which accounts for up to 50% of deaths related to CVD.
The 4th annual Katz Prizes in Cardiovascular Research recognize outstanding contributions by senior scientist Elizabeth G. Nabel and young investigator John P. Morrow, who are judged by an independent panel of peers.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that patients who received refurbished pacemakers donated from Detroit area funeral homes survived without complications. The pacemakers functioned normally at six months, with no device complications reported.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that public smoking bans can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, especially among younger individuals and nonsmokers. The study suggests that banning smoking in public places and workplaces can prevent up to 154,000 heart attacks each year.
A recent study by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center found that only half of eligible patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation underwent surgery, despite meeting at least one indication for treatment. The study suggests that cardiologists may overestimate surgical risks and underestimate potential benefits.