The SCAI-WIN program aims to increase female participation in interventional cardiology. Megha Prasad has been selected for a $100,000 fellowship to develop complex and high-risk intervention skills.
The American College of Cardiology emphasizes that combating obesity in the US will require individual and societal changes to reduce cardiovascular risks. Implementing policy-level interventions, increasing physical activity, and promoting healthier diets are key aspects of this approach.
A review paper published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that high levels of optimism can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. Optimistic patients were more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as regular physical activity, healthy eating and not smoking.
A Swiss study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that children born through IVF may have a higher risk of developing arterial hypertension by age 16. The study measured ambulatory blood pressure and found that ART adolescents had a higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than control participants.
At ESC Congress 2018, a record 156 countries were represented, with over 4,500 abstracts presented in 500 expert sessions. Key clinical trials included MARINER, CAMELLIA-TIMI 61, and ASCEND, which may impact practice and guideline updates. The congress also featured new guidelines for hypertension care.
A study published in European Heart Journal reveals that air pollution is a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases, with particulate matter playing a key role. The review article highlights the importance of reducing emissions from traffic, industry, and agriculture to mitigate the negative effects on vascular function.
The American College of Cardiology recommends incorporating smoking cessation into cardiovascular care, with a focus on evidence-based treatments. Community and policy-level interventions, such as smoke-free laws and education campaigns, also play a crucial role in reducing tobacco-related heart disease risk.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released an updated guideline for managing adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients, incorporating new data and growing expertise. The guideline presents a new classification system that captures complexity in both anatomy and physiology.
Research suggests that policy strategies such as nutrition labeling, taxing sugar sweetened beverages, and promoting healthy environments can improve diets. The American College of Cardiology recommends these policies to address the complex dietary risk factor modification needed to reduce cardiovascular disease prevalence.
Older, overweight scuba divers are at increased risk of dying due to cardiac issues. The study found that one-third of scuba divers are aged 50 years or older, with a significantly greater proportion having smoked cigarettes and high blood pressure.
Legumes have been shown to successfully reduce coronary heart disease and improve blood glucose levels. Additionally, moderate coffee consumption is associated with lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. A predominantly plant-based diet with limited animal products appears to be beneficial for heart health.
Patients taking ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors may experience worsening heart failure and cardiovascular death compared to those on non-protease-inhibitor regimens. The study found a doubled risk of hospital readmission within 30 days and increased cardiovascular death within two years.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found a strong dose-response relationship between smoking and atrial fibrillation. Smoking five to ten cigarettes per day increased the risk by 9% to 32%, respectively. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce this risk, with former smokers experiencing a lower risk th...
Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center identified an enzyme responsible for vascular damage caused by aircraft noise. The study found that night-time noise has a particularly harmful effect on vessels and brain, and suggest that protecting night-time sleep from noise is crucial.
Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that stressful jobs are associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation. The study included 13,200 participants and found that employees with stressful jobs were almost 50% more likely to develop the condition.
Review papers explore how technology will change cardiovascular care, with artificial intelligence enhancing personalized medicine and digital health accelerating clinical research. Mobile health advances track physical activity and fitness, promoting heart-healthy habits.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a potential new way to treat fluid buildup in heart failure by shutting off the spigot causing it. The procedure improved symptoms in five acute heart failure patients and showed significant reductions in pressures inside the heart and increases in cardiac output.
A survey of interventional cardiologists found that two-thirds avoided performing potentially lifesaving procedures due to concerns about public reporting. Physicians reported being pressured by colleagues to avoid procedures, even if they were preferred for the patient's condition.
A recent study published in International Journal of Cardiology found that exposure to extreme noise annoyance increases the incidence of atrial fibrillation by up to 23%. Aircraft noise is identified as a major source of noise pollution, with 84% during the day and 69% at night. The study highlights the importance of measuring noise a...
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that women are underrepresented in cardiovascular trials, with proportions ranging from 22-81% compared to disease populations. Researchers emphasize the need for better representation to determine potential gender differences in treatment responses.
A three-year study of 1,078 hypertensive patients with heart disease found that faster walkers had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization. The study also showed that fast walkers spent shorter lengths of time in the hospital compared to slow walkers.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that central obesity, even in patients with normal BMI, significantly increases the risk of heart problems. Measuring central obesity can provide a more accurate picture of cardiovascular health than relying solely on BMI.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that becoming more physically active after a myocardial infarction halves the risk of dying within four years. The research involved over 22,000 patients and showed that levels of physical activity were reported 6-10 weeks and 12 months after the heart attack.
Researchers found that divorce and low socioeconomic status are associated with a higher risk of recurrent heart events. Patients with higher education levels and household income had lower risks, suggesting marriage may be protective against recurrence.
A recent study found that women are consistently less intensively treated with high-intensity statins after a heart attack, even when prescribed, and across various patient characteristics. This underutilization can lead to preventable vascular events, emphasizing the need for clinicians to communicate the benefits of these medications.
A multi-institutional study validated age-based NT-proBNP diagnostic cutoff levels for diagnosing acute heart failure in patients seen at hospital emergency departments. The study found that a level below 300 strongly excluded a heart failure diagnosis, and the results were consistent across all groups of participants.
A recent study found that six-month dual antiplatelet therapy increases the risk of heart attacks in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The SMART-DATE trial showed that short-term treatment is not safe for ACS patients who have received drug-eluting stents, highlighting the need for prolonged DAPT in these cases.
A new analysis found that canakinumab substantially reduced cardiovascular event rates among patients with diabetes and those with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. The drug also showed benefits in reducing rates of major adverse cardiovascular events among high-risk atherosclerotic patients.
The CARES trial found that long-term febuxostat use in patients with heart disease significantly increases the risk of death, despite not raising cardiovascular outcomes. Researchers were unable to identify a biological mechanism explaining this finding.
A study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that African-American men who received frequent monitoring and medication management from a specially-trained pharmacist in their barbershop saw a marked drop in blood pressure, with systolic blood pressure dropping by an average of 21 mm Hg. The ...
Research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session found that canakinumab had no effect on rates of newly diagnosed diabetes in people with prediabetes. Despite cardiovascular benefits, the drug did not slow or prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.
Patients treated with beta blocker metoprolol for 30 days before and after noncardiac surgery were less likely to have heart attacks, but more likely to die or have strokes one year later. The study found that the benefits of beta blockers in reducing heart attacks did not outweigh the increased risk of death or stroke.
Patients treated with dabigatran had a 28% lower risk of major cardiovascular complications compared to those receiving a placebo. Dabigatran also showed significant benefits in reducing the risk of specific events such as heart attack, stroke and blood clots.
The wearable cardioverter defibrillator was associated with a 35% lower risk of death in patients recovering from a heart attack. While it didn't reduce sudden cardiac deaths, the device showed promise as an interim therapy for patients awaiting evaluation for implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
A technology-based process significantly increased cardiac rehab referrals, reducing cardiovascular deaths and readmissions. The program provides resources for staff and patients, improving quality of life.
A study found that large day-to-day swings in outdoor temperature are associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attacks. The researchers calculated the temperature fluctuation preceding each heart attack and found that a five-degree jump in temperature differential was linked to a 5% increase in heart attack rates.
A positive outlook may help improve outcomes for people with chronic angina, reducing hospital visits and revascularization procedures. Patients who were more optimistic had fewer episodes of heart-related hospital stays, even after accounting for overall health.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that listening to music during a standard cardiac stress test can prolong activity and participation. On average, participants who listened to music exercised for almost one minute longer than those without music.
Walking for at least 40 minutes, two to three times a week, significantly lowers the risk of heart failure among post-menopausal women. The study found that brisk walks and walking frequency/duration/pace all contribute equally to this benefit, making walking an accessible form of exercise for older women.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found a strong correlation between geographic and seasonal trends in coronary heart disease hospitalizations and internet search queries. The research suggests that search data can be a useful resource for tracking heart disease over time and in different regions.
A study following women with preeclampsia found a significant increase in cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Women who had follow-up medical care after preeclampsia were less likely to receive proper monitoring for these conditions.
Women who breastfed for six months or more during pregnancy had higher levels of HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and healthier carotid artery thickness compared to those who never breastfed. This suggests breastfeeding may reduce the risk of heart disease in women with normal blood pressure during pregnancy.
Studies reveal that football players face an elevated risk of heart rhythm disorders later in life due to structural changes in the heart. College and professional players showed significant changes in cardiac structure and function, including enlargement of the aortic root and increased systolic blood pressure.
The American College of Cardiology's Patient Navigator Program has shown significant improvement in transitioning heart attack and heart failure patients from hospital to home, reducing readmissions and in-hospital mortality. Hospitals participating in the program have increased prescriptions of life-saving medications, scheduled follo...
A new smartphone app called 'Corrie' has been designed to help patients navigate the hospital discharge process and transition to home after a heart attack. The app allows patients to track medications, follow-up appointments, and lifestyle changes, resulting in a lower readmission rate compared to standard care.
Cybersecurity risks exist in cardiac devices due to software integration and wireless communications, according to the American College of Cardiology's Electrophysiology Council. The potential consequences include device malfunction, battery depletion, and interruptions in life-saving therapies.
Researchers found a significant association between rapid increases in air pollution and cardiovascular risk, even in clean air cities. Nitric oxide increases of over 20 μg/m3 within 24 hours doubled the risk of heart attack.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology have issued joint guidelines for the clinical quantification of myocardial blood flow using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for the measurement and interpretation of myocardial blood ...
A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that environmental noise, including traffic noise, may contribute to the development of heart disease. The study proposes that noise induces a stress response, leading to vascular damage and increased risk of hypertension and diabetes.
A new study found that standing burns more calories than sitting, with a 65 kg person losing 10 kg in 4 years by substituting standing for sitting for 6 hours a day. Standing is linked to lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.
A new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that standing burns more calories than sitting. By substituting standing for sitting for six hours a day, adults can expend an extra 54 calories, equivalent to 5.5 pounds in one year.
A European Society of Cardiology study found that four in ten cardiomyopathies in young people are genetic. Family screening is crucial to detect the disease in apparently healthy relatives and prevent early death. The study also highlights the need for earlier diagnosis and better diagnostic tests, including genetic testing.
A European Society of Cardiology study found that nearly a quarter of patients with chronic ischaemic cardiovascular disease are dead or hospitalised within six months. The study identified factors such as older age, history of peripheral revascularisation and chronic kidney disease as strongly associated with high risk.
A report by the American College of Cardiology recommends prioritizing US resources toward detecting and treating cardiovascular disease, while maintaining efforts to eradicate infectious diseases. The report aims to save lives and contribute to worldwide economic prosperity through a strong global health strategy.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that male-pattern baldness and premature greying are associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease in young men. Obesity was also linked to an increased risk, but not to the same extent as these two factors.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that eating regular variety of nuts, including peanuts and walnuts, was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Participants who consumed five or more servings of nuts per week had a significant reduction in cardiovascular disease risk.
Research presented at the 18th Annual Congress of the South African Heart Association found significant financial stress associated with a 13-fold higher odds of having a heart attack. The study included 106 patients with acute myocardial infarction and found both work stress and financial stress to be risk factors.
Research suggests anabolic androgenic steroid use may be associated with early coronary artery disease in healthy young individuals. The study found that steroid users had atherosclerosis, reduced HDL levels, and impaired HDL function.
A study presented at the Mexican Congress of Cardiology found that pacemakers can be safely reused after sterilisation, potentially increasing access to life-saving treatment for those who cannot afford it. The procedure involves washing and sterilizing donated devices, which were used in patients with a minimum battery life of six years.
A large observational study of nearly 49,000 Malaysian heart attack patients found a significant 10-year decline in blood cholesterol levels. This trend is opposite to the national average and suggests that statins may be responsible for the decrease in cholesterol levels among ACS patients.