A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that short-term hydroxychloroquine treatment did not cause lethal heart rhythms in COVID-19 patients who were at risk for this complication. The research showed a low rate of arrhythmias, with none associated with hydroxychloroquine use.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that resuming sexual activity within months after a heart attack is positively associated with long-term survival. Maintaining or increasing sexual frequency was linked to a 35% lower risk of death compared to abstaining.
A Pesco-Mediterranean diet rich in plants, nuts, and fish reduces cardiovascular health risk. Intermittent fasting is also recommended as part of this diet.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends an individualized care plan for patients with atrial fibrillation, incorporating symptom management, cardiovascular optimization, and lifestyle modifications. Patients should be informed about the implications of detecting atrial fibrillation and receive treatment to prevent stroke.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched new guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend regular exercise, including strength-building and aerobic activities, to prevent heart disease and improve overall health.
A large European study shows that combining lipid-lowering therapies can further reduce cholesterol levels and improve health outcomes for high-risk patients. Current clinical guidelines are not always followed in practice, highlighting a need for better cholesterol management across Europe.
A survey of nurses caring for children with heart problems found that more than half were emotionally exhausted. Good working environments were linked with less burnout, with an 81% fall in emotional exhaustion when improving the workplace environment was implemented.
Research published in Open Heart found a significant reduction in cardiology services during the COVID-19 lockdown, including a 40% decrease in heart attack diagnoses at one center in Scotland. This shift was attributed to virtual outpatient clinics, redeployed staff, and rescheduled non-urgent procedures.
The American College of Cardiology has issued an expert consensus decision pathway to guide the initiation and monitoring of diabetes medications. The new guidance incorporates emerging study data on novel therapies that have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes patients.
Women in their 30s and 40s with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Despite this, the risk appears to decrease for women over 50. The study highlights the importance of maintaining heart health through lifestyle changes such as exercise and a balanced diet.
A position paper from the European Society of Cardiology highlights the cardiovascular risks of e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents. The authors call for stricter regulations on marketing and sales, as well as education campaigns to raise awareness about the negative effects of vaping.
Men with higher incomes are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure due to lifestyle factors such as obesity and excessive alcohol consumption. In contrast, women with higher household income tend to have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
A combined analysis of six studies found that consuming chocolate more than once a week was associated with an 8% decreased risk of coronary artery disease. The researchers attributed the potential benefit to flavonoids and other heart-healthy nutrients in chocolate.
ESC Congress 2020 presented over 400 topics covering the entire spectrum of cardiology, including late-breaking science studies, clinical trials, and ESC Guidelines. The event featured four new Clinical Practice Guidelines launched live during the congress.
The African Heart Rhythm Association (AFHRA) statement highlights barriers to effective pacing, including skilled implanter shortages and high device costs. Researchers propose solutions, such as improved local training and collaboration with governments to address these challenges.
A large study found that continuing opium use after bypass surgery increases the risk of death, heart attack, and other adverse events. Stopping opium use is safe and may even be beneficial, according to researchers.
A recent study published by the American College of Cardiology found that preterm delivery is a strong independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD) in women throughout their lives. Women who gave birth before 37 weeks are at an increased risk of developing IHD, with risks remaining elevated even decades after delivery.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that excessive sugar consumption is associated with increased fat stores around the heart and abdomen. The researchers analyzed data from a cohort study and found that higher intakes of sugary drinks and added sugar were related to greater fat stores.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of telemedicine in nuclear cardiology, enabling continued service during outbreaks. Nuclear medicine also offers potential for repurposing pharmaceuticals and developing new treatments targeting different aspects of the virus.
Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that tai chi was linked to a boost in both mood and quality of life for patients with coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and stroke. The study also found that tai chi was associated with better mental health quality of life and reduced depression.
A global survey by the European Society of Cardiology found that heart attack patients are avoiding hospitals due to fear of COVID-19, resulting in a 50% drop in urgent hospital care. Most respondents reported delays in treatment, with 48% arriving late and beyond optimal window for life-saving intervention.
The American College of Cardiology and global partners will host a Week of Action from May 18 to 24 to raise awareness about non-communicable diseases. The event celebrates the launch of the ACC's NCD Academy, which provides free mobile app-based training for primary care providers.
The American College of Cardiology has issued a framework for safely reintroducing invasive cardiovascular procedures and diagnostic tests. The document highlights the need to prioritize patients with untreated cardiovascular disease and ensure fair access to care, while also protecting patients and healthcare workers from COVID-19.
A new study found that while heart attack symptoms can vary between men and women, chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath were the most common symptoms in both. Women were more likely to experience pain between the shoulder blades, nausea or vomiting, and shortness of breath compared to men.
Filtered brew is safest for reducing heart attacks and death, with a 15% reduced risk of death from any cause compared to no coffee. Drinking filtered coffee was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality in men and women, especially those consuming 1-4 cups per day.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has issued recommendations on adult congenital cardiac interventional training, focusing on eligibility, training environment, and procedural volume. The guidelines suggest a minimum of 150 ACHD catheterization cases for trainees to participate in as primary or first assistant.
New Medicare rules lowered procedural volume requirements for hospitals offering TAVR, increasing access for people with aortic stenosis and low surgical risk. However, concerns exist about whether the increased access will be in areas where it is truly needed, particularly in rural regions.
A phase three clinical trial found alirocumab to substantially reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in adult patients with HoFH, with an average relative reduction of 35.6%. The drug also reduced other harmful lipids typically elevated in people with FH.
In a two-year follow-up, patients undergoing TAVR showed comparable death, stroke, and rehospitalization rates compared to those who underwent open-heart valve replacement surgery, according to the PARTNER 3 trial. However, TAVR had higher rates of valve thrombosis, highlighting the need for further research on the procedure's durability.
Patients with abnormal stress test results but clear arteries experience changes in symptoms over time. The study found that disease activity ebbs and flows, with periods of increased symptom severity and absence.
The Caravaggio study found that oral apixaban is at least as effective as dalteparin in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism and major bleeding events in patients with cancer. The trial showed no significant difference in the risk of major bleeding, including gastrointestinal cancers, between the two treatments.
A 10-year study found no significant differences in death, heart attack, or stroke rates between cardiac stenting and CABG for patients with left main coronary artery disease. However, more patients receiving a stent needed a repeat procedure to unblock the same artery.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who took oral anticoagulants alone after TAVR had a lower rate of bleeding complications without an increased risk of clotting-related complications. Oral anticoagulants alone were significantly less likely to suffer bleeding complications than those who took antiplatelet medication in addition.
A subgroup of high-risk patients with complex heart disease who took ticagrelor alone had fewer episodes of bleeding and no increase in heart attacks or stroke. Ticagrelor monotherapy significantly reduced clinically relevant bleeding without increasing the risk of additional heart attacks, strokes or death.
A new study found that Rivaroxaban significantly reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lower limb orthopedic surgery by 75%, compared to heparin, without increasing the risk of bleeding. This breakthrough has significant implications for patients undergoing non-major orthopedic surgeries.
A randomized trial found no survival difference in patients treated with intravenous sodium nitrite during resuscitation. Despite previous promising animal studies and a first-in-human clinical trial, the study showed no benefit in improving hospital admission or discharge rates.
Researchers found evinacumab, a monoclonal antibody, reduced LDL cholesterol to near-normal levels among patients with HoFH, meeting the primary endpoint. Patients achieved an average relative reduction of 49% and nearly half had LDL cholesterol below 100mg/dL.
A subgroup analysis from VOYAGER PAD found that adding clopidogrel to rivaroxaban and aspirin after lower extremity revascularization procedures did not provide any added clinical benefit for patients with peripheral artery disease. Instead, it increased the risk of bleeding events.
Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid EPA found to explain significant reductions in cardiovascular events and deaths among patients taking prescription fish oil. Achieved EPA levels on the drug strongly correlated with lower rates of cardiovascular events.
Using radial artery instead of saphenous vein reduces death, heart attack and repeat revascularization procedures by 23-38%. Women benefit most from this approach. Further confirmation needed through larger randomized trial.
A clinical trial using genetic testing to guide antiplatelet medication found a 34% reduction in serious cardiovascular events at one year, as well as a significant decrease in the number of events per patient. This finding suggests that genetically guided therapy may be beneficial for patients with specific genetic variants.
A randomized trial found that ticagrelor alone reduced major bleeding risk and no increased heart attacks, strokes, or other adverse events compared to dual therapy. The study suggests ticagrelor monotherapy as an optimal strategy for reducing bleeding risk in ACS patients treated with stents.
A new study found vericiguat significantly lowers cardiovascular death and hospitalization rates in patients with worsening heart failure. With a median follow-up period of 10.8 months, the drug showed a 10% lower rate of primary endpoint events compared to placebo.
Patients with untreated high blood pressure experienced statistically significant reductions in average blood pressure over 24 hours following renal denervation. The procedure offered an effective alternative approach to traditional medications, lowering blood pressure throughout the day and early morning periods.
People with symptomatic PAD who took rivaroxaban with aspirin after revascularization had a significant reduction in the composite primary endpoint, including acute limb ischemia, major amputation, heart attack, ischemic stroke or cardiovascular death. Rivaroxaban also showed no excess in severe bleeding events.
A new study confirms the safety and success of TAVR procedures in patients with a bicuspid valve, achieving low rates of death or disabling stroke and high device success rates. The procedure proved effective even for complex cases, with a high rate of successful outcomes
A study of patients with diabetes found that taking ticagrelor alone reduced clinically relevant bleeding compared to combining it with aspirin, without increasing the risk of additional heart attacks, strokes, or death. The results were consistent across all types of diabetes patients.
In a broad patient population, TAVR showed non-inferiority to open-heart surgery at one year. However, TAVR patients had higher rates of vascular complications and aortic regurgitation.
A study analyzing data from nearly all TAVR patients in the US found that 34 medical centers reported worse-than-expected survival and quality-of-life outcomes among patients undergoing the procedure. The researchers identified key outcomes, including stroke, bleeding, kidney injury, and valve leakage, to assess patient care.
A clinical trial found that smokers who received nicotine-containing e-cigarettes had a significantly higher quit rate compared to those who received only counseling. Participants using e-cigarettes reduced their daily cigarette consumption by 13 cigarettes per day, with overall quit rates of 21.9% at 12 weeks.
A recent survey of 2,025 cardiologists found that over a third report feeling burned out, with mid-career doctors and women being the most affected. Burnout is linked to long hours worked and lack of work-life balance.
A recent review published in JAMA Cardiology reveals that COVID-19 can cause cardiac injury and worsen outcomes for patients with pre-existing heart conditions. The study found a higher risk of cardiovascular complications in patients over 65 with coronary heart disease or hypertension.
A statistical analysis predicts that a highly purified fish oil therapy could prevent thousands of cardiovascular events each year. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and showed a 25% reduction in cardiovascular events for patients with elevated triglyceride levels.
The American College of Cardiology has released the first competency statement for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in adult cardiovascular medicine. The document outlines core competencies for systems-based practice, medical knowledge, and procedural skills to improve access to care and enhance patient satisfaction.
Performing postdilation after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for acute coronary syndromes may improve intracoronary nitrate infusion rates, myocardial blush grade, and drug-eluting stent use. However, it does not predict final TIMI flow grade or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
Rates of deaths related to hypertension have risen sharply across the US, with a 72% increase in rural areas and a 20% increase in urban areas. High blood pressure can cause damage to arteries and lead to events such as heart attacks or strokes, emphasizing the importance of taking it seriously.
Research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that mental stress may be a stronger predictor of a repeat heart attack or dying from heart disease. Among over 300 young and middle-aged individuals, those who endured myocardial ischemia with mental stress had a two-fold higher likelihood of ha...
New research suggests that statin therapy may protect against heart damage caused by certain breast cancer therapies. A population-based study found a significantly lower risk of treatment-related heart failure among women taking statins while receiving anthracyclines or trastuzumab.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that people who took more steps daily, as tracked by their smart watch, had lower blood pressure on average. The research used data from over 638 participants who wore an Apple Watch for about five months.
A study of over 99,000 postmenopausal women found that consuming 58-74 grams of protein per day significantly reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Increasing protein intake by 10-20 grams daily can potentially lower this risk and has implications for cardiovascular health.