A study found that 95% of patients who used virtual reality during cardiac imaging completed the procedure, with 80% wearing the headset for the entire duration. The VR program also demonstrated significant financial impact, with estimated cost savings of $3,000 per aborted imaging study.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have introduced a new framework, Tactical Clinical Management (TCM), to evaluate cardiovascular risk and fitness for duty in tactical athletes. This guidance addresses the unique needs of professionals working in high-risk environments, where sudden incapacitation can af...
The ACC Quality Summit 2026 aims to drive meaningful change in cardiovascular care through the sharing of innovative solutions and real-world successes. Key takeaways from the summit will focus on improving patient outcomes, enhancing patient experiences, and driving lasting change in the healthcare system.
A Swedish study found that short-term exposure to cold spells and higher ambient temperatures increased the risk of heart failure hospitalization within days. The study highlights the need for time-sensitive management and more urgent response strategies during heatwaves.
Dr. Alkhouli brings over a decade of editorial leadership experience to JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, a journal that has shaped interventional cardiology for nearly two decades. He aims to further the journal's role in defining the future of interventional cardiovascular medicine.
A new study published in JACC suggests that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio provide critical information about cardiovascular risk, even among people with a normal BMI. Individuals with elevated central adiposity were associated with higher risks for most outcomes, regardless of their weight status.
A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.
The American College of Cardiology introduces a new cardiogenic shock designation to address deadly gaps in heart attack care. The new designation aims to standardize protocols and improve outcomes for patients with life-threatening complications of a heart attack, particularly in underserved areas.
A new study published in JACC found that women who consistently strength train showed substantially lower risk of major cardiovascular disease, particularly alongside aerobic activity and reduced sedentary time. Higher levels of resistance training were associated with lower risk of major CVD, especially myocardial infarction, with no ...
The American College of Cardiology has recognized 100 hospitals nationwide for their commitment to delivering high-quality patient-centered cardiovascular care. These institutions have demonstrated ongoing excellence through comprehensive accreditation, data-driven performance measurement and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
The American College of Cardiology has selected 47 clinicians to participate in its inaugural Fuster Prevention Forum, which focuses on early cardiovascular disease prevention. Participants will gain skills to enact change and foster a culture of prevention in their communities.
The American College of Cardiology has issued a new Expert Consensus Decision Pathway to guide postpartum cardiovascular care, emphasizing comprehensive visits and effective management of CV emergencies. The guideline aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality by optimizing cardiometabolic outcomes.
A study found that higher midlife cardiorespiratory fitness is strongly associated with later onset of chronic disease, lower overall disease burden, and longer life expectancy. Adults with higher fitness levels developed fewer chronic diseases and spent more years free from serious illness.
The American College of Cardiology recognized 20 individuals from eight countries for earning the Fellow of ACC (FACC) designation. The award reflects a strong commitment to improving patient care and advancing cardiovascular research.
A study analyzing Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data reveals higher awareness and treatment of major risk factors among Korean women with CVD, but lower control rates. Sex differences were observed in most management indicators, with men having more risk factors on average.
The conference brings together leading experts to examine emerging trends and evidence-based approaches to preventing and managing heart disease. Cardiometabolic disease accounts for a significant burden in the Asia-Pacific region, with rapid urbanization, digitalization, and uneven health-system capacity contributing to this issue.
Dr. Roxana Mehran begins a one-year term as president of the American College of Cardiology, leading a global organization with over 60,000 members. She aims to strengthen partnerships and foster growth, opportunity, and impact.
Dr. Renuka Jain has been appointed as the new chair of the American College of Cardiology Board of Governors, a role that will empower governors and strengthen Chapter foundations. Her priorities include setting up governors for success, strengthening advocacy at state and national levels, and creating leadership pipelines.
A study found that olezarsen significantly lowered triglycerides in patients with hypertriglyceridemia, but did not alter non-calcified coronary plaque volume at one year. Researchers suggested that a more substantial impact on both triglycerides and apolipoprotein B may be needed to observe measurable effects on plaque volumes.
A new AI-based system analyzing blood vessels at the back of the eye has been shown to identify people at risk of heart problems with strong correlation. The system, called CLAiR, received Breakthrough Device designation and demonstrates promise as a noninvasive screening method.
A recent study found that discontinuing beta-blockers in stable, low-risk patients who have had a heart attack is non-inferior to continuing them. The results suggest that lifelong beta-blockers may be unnecessary for some patients. Discontinuation was associated with similar outcomes and quality of life compared to continued therapy.
A novel minimally invasive method for determining fatty deposits in coronary arteries restricting blood flow has produced similar outcomes to conventional FFR, according to a European randomized trial. The technique, called vessel FFR, uses computer analysis of three-dimensional images to calculate blood-flow restriction severity.
A novel software-based method combines AI to evaluate plaque restriction in coronary arteries, producing similar clinical outcomes as the gold standard wire-based procedure. The FFRangio technique eliminated additional procedural steps and was faster to perform.
The SPIRIT-HF trial found that spironolactone did not improve outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). The study also raised safety concerns about the use of spironolactone in older patients with heart failure.
A Phase 2 trial found significant benefits for patients with poor prognosis and limited options, including improved six-minute walking distance and right heart function, and a lower rate of clinical worsening events. Sotatercept reduced pulmonary vascular resistance and showed a favorable safety profile.
The ORBITA-CTO trial found that angioplasty reduced angina episodes and improved quality-of-life scores in patients with chronic total occlusion. Patients who received CTO angioplasty were four times more likely to experience improved angina scores, with a significant reduction in angina-free days.
A minimally invasive procedure using a clip to repair the valve significantly reduced heart failure hospitalizations by 40% in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. The study, presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session, showed improved long-term outcomes without crossover between treatment groups.
The Emboliner device performed comparably to the Sentinel device in protecting against stroke and death in patients undergoing TAVR. The study found that both devices captured similar amounts of debris particles, with the Emboliner capturing three times as many larger particles.
A small study found mavacamten significantly improved left ventricular outflow tract gradient and symptoms in adolescents with obstructive HCM. The treatment may also reverse some heart damage and favorably remodel the heart, suggesting potential benefits for children diagnosed with the disease.
Patients who received temporary heart pump had almost double the risk of dying from a cardiovascular event compared to those receiving standard care. The study found no evidence that the device protected the heart during the angioplasty procedure.
A minimally invasive procedure to insert a new valve showed lower one-year event rates for death or disabling stroke compared to traditional repeat mitral valve replacement surgery. The study found that transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve (mVIV) reduced in-hospital deaths, acute kidney injury, and life-threatening bleeding complications.
The PRO-TAVI study found that older, high-risk patients can safely defer percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) until after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), with comparable outcomes between the two groups. Omitting PCI before TAVR did not increase the risk of death, heart attack, stroke, or moderate to severe bleeding.
A study analyzing monthly temperatures and cardiovascular deaths found that cold weather accounted for about 6.3% of all cardiovascular deaths, resulting in 800,000 excess deaths over two decades. The research highlights the need for communities to prepare for climate change's impact on extreme cold.
Research suggests living in areas with high levels of transportation noise is associated with a significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiac events. Loud road, aviation, and rail noises were linked to increased risks of heart attack, stroke, or coronary revascularization. Different types of noise may come with unique health risks...
A study found that high screen time and low physical activity are strongly linked with cardiovascular risk among young adults. Screen time was independently associated with markers of cardiovascular risk, even after accounting for differences in daily physical activity.
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries with heart disease reported less cost-related medication non-adherence after new provisions limited out-of-pocket drug costs. This decrease was particularly notable among low-income seniors, who saw a significant reduction in skipped or delayed doses.
A study of over 340,000 British adults found that low to moderate wine consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of death compared to spirits, beer, and cider. Moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, while even low intake of spirits, beer, or cider was linked to a 9% higher risk.
Regular morning exercise is associated with lower rates of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and obesity compared to later-day exercise. Morning exercise timing may be an underappreciated aspect of cardiometabolic health.
Death rates from hypertension-related heart disease have risen sharply among young women between 1999 and 2023, with a fourfold increase over the past two decades. The study highlights the urgent need for specific prevention strategies to address this growing concern.
Researchers found that measures of blood vessel health from routine blood pressure readings can identify adults at increased risk for dementia. Vascular aging patterns may provide meaningful insight into future dementia risk, and managing vascular health earlier in life may influence long-term brain health.
A recent study found that people with atherosclerotic heart disease who received the shingles vaccine had nearly half the rate of serious cardiac events compared to those who did not get vaccinated. The vaccine was associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular risk, including heart attacks, strokes, and death.
Consuming ultra-processed foods daily is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiac events, particularly among Black Americans. The study found that each additional serving increases the risk by over 5%, with Black Americans seeing an amplified risk compared to other racial groups.
The American College of Cardiology will host the New Orleans Health Fair on March 21, 2026, offering free screenings, health education, and early detection for cardiovascular diseases. The event aims to improve community heart health and provide equitable care.
The updated guideline consolidates evidence-based recommendations for managing dyslipidemias, offering a comprehensive approach to lower risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The guideline recommends earlier intervention through healthy lifestyle changes and considers the use of a new cardiovascular disease risk calculator, P...
The American College of Cardiology has recognized Plicy Perez-Kersey, MD, as the first recipient of the Thad and Gerry Waites Rural Cardiovascular Research Fellowship Award. The fellowship provides up to $70,000 in research funding to support rural cardiovascular care and community engagement.
A traditional Chinese mind-body practice called Baduanjin was proven to lower blood pressure as effectively as brisk walking in a large randomized clinical trial. Practiced for centuries, Baduanjin is a low-to-moderate-intensity routine that requires no equipment and can be performed in various settings.
A new study found that versions of both diet patterns emphasizing healthy foods are associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health.
The American College of Cardiology's Global Quality Solutions program now allows international hospitals to use approved internal data to meet accreditation requirements. This update enables hospitals to internally collect and submit aggregated data directly into ACC Accreditation tools, streamlining the accreditation process.
The inaugural JACC Cardiovascular Statistics report examines five major CVD risk factors and conditions, revealing persistent disparities by race, geography and socioeconomic status. The report identifies critical gaps in data and opportunities for innovation to improve US heart health.
The American College of Cardiology welcomes the inclusion of whole fruits and vegetables, limiting added sugars and saturated fats in the new guidelines. The ACC encourages clinicians to discuss practical, culturally appropriate healthy eating options with their patients.