A new study found that exposure to flavored e-cigarette liquids and e-cigarette use exacerbate endothelial cell dysfunction, a key risk factor for heart disease. The researchers observed pro-inflammatory markers and toxic effects on cells from various e-liquids.
The number of cardiologists trained in cardio-oncology is not meeting the growing needs of cancer survivors, who are aging and developing co-morbid cardiovascular disease. Limited training programs and resources are emerging to address this need, highlighting the importance of collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that skipping breakfast significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular death. Eating breakfast regularly is associated with lower mortality rates from heart disease and stroke.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that a preschool health program significantly increased healthy habit awareness among children from an underserved community. The program resulted in a 2.2-fold higher score on overall knowledge, attitudes and habits towards a healthy lifestyle.
A study found that increasing physical activity can eliminate the association between sedentary behavior and increased mortality risk. Replacing sitting with standing or vigorous physical activity was more consistently associated with risk reduction in high sitters.
A new study found that plant-based diets can lower the risk of heart failure in adults without known heart disease, while Southern diets are linked to higher risk. The study examined five dietary patterns and their association with incident heart failure hospitalizations.
Researchers found that echocardiography is valuable for assessing patients with secondary mitral regurgitation and determining their eligibility for TMVR. The study also identified characteristics of the heart that predict response to TMVR, concluding all patients with similar characteristics should be considered for this intervention.
Patients with heart failure and a leaking heart valve who underwent transcatheter mitral valve repair reported significant improvements in quality of life after two years. The study found that patients treated with the procedure had better rates of survival and fewer symptoms, leading to improved daily activities.
A study of 400 patients found that switching from intravenous to oral antibiotic therapy resulted in fewer deaths and complications over a median of 3.5 years. Patients who switched to oral treatment had better survival rates than those who remained on conventional intravenous therapy.
The CardioMEMS sensor reduced heart failure hospitalizations by 58% across all patient groups, including women and minorities. The device also lowered rates of all-cause hospitalizations for conditions like pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A large randomized controlled trial found that two frontline two-drug combinations including amlodipine significantly reduced blood pressure levels more than a third combination without amlodipine. The study, conducted in sub-Saharan Africa, showed that nearly half of adults have high blood pressure, often receiving ineffective treatment.
A study found that bempedoic acid significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels in patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease who are already taking statins. The treatment was durable and had no increase in adverse effects compared to a placebo at one year, suggesting it may be a viable alternative for these patients.
A bioabsorbable antibiotic envelope has been shown to reduce the risk of major device-related infections in cardiac devices by 40% within one year. The study involved nearly 7,000 patients across 25 countries and demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of this innovation.
Patients who stopped taking aspirin and continued clopidogrel fared significantly better after one year, with a reduced risk of bleeding and no increase in clot-related events. The study suggests that stopping DAPT after one month may be a good option for patients after drug-eluting stent implantation.
The HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist device (LVAD) significantly reduces strokes, pump-related blood clots, and bleeding episodes compared to the older HeartMate II. This trial enrolled 1,028 patients with advanced heart failure, showing a 40% reduction in risk favoring the HeartMate 3.
A recent study found that both radial and femoral approaches for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are equally effective in terms of survival rates at 30 days. The research, which enrolled nearly 2,300 patients, suggests that operators can achieve similar results with either approach if they have efficient systems and teams in p...
The new guideline provides comprehensive recommendations for preventing cardiovascular disease through lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. It also emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing personal or social barriers to adopting these habits.
In patients without STEMI, immediate coronary angiography did not improve survival at 90 days compared to waiting a few days before undergoing the procedure. Clearing arteries with PCI sooner after cardiac arrest may not necessarily reduce long-term brain damage and its key factor in survival.
Researchers found that ticagrelor has comparable efficacy to clopidogrel in patients treated with clot busters for a heart attack. The trial also showed that ticagrelor is safe for use in this patient population, with low rates of major bleeding.
Patients treated with apixaban and a P2Y12 inhibitor had lower rates of bleeding and no increase in heart attacks or strokes compared to those receiving warfarin and aspirin. The combination reduced the risk of major bleeding by up to 47% without increasing mortality or hospitalization.
Patients who stopped taking aspirin three months after receiving a stent had a significantly lower rate of bleeding and no higher rate of death from any cause, heart attack, or stroke compared to those following standard therapy. The study's results balance ischemic and bleeding risks in patients undergoing PCI.
Dapagliflozin significantly decreases rates of death from cardiovascular causes and death from all causes among patients with reduced ejection fraction. It also reduces heart failure hospitalizations across all patients, regardless of ejection fraction or heart failure status.
A new study shows that a 4 gram dose of icosapent ethyl significantly reduces the occurrence of ischemic events, including heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths. The drug also prevents subsequent cardiovascular events and may be a cost-effective way to prevent CV complications in patients with elevated triglycerides.
A new study found that keeping blood pressure around 130 mm Hg for three years significantly reduced the accumulation of harmful brain lesions compared to maintaining a higher systolic blood pressure. This reduction also led to fewer major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes.
A new trial found TAVR to be equal to or better than open-heart surgery for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered low surgical risk. The study showed that TAVR was associated with lower rates of disabling stroke and death from any cause, as well as improved quality of life and hemodynamics.
A new study found that the Apple Watch can detect atrial fibrillation (AFib) in people who have an irregular heartbeat. The study showed that the watch's algorithm was accurate 84% of the time, and nearly half of those notified went on to seek medical care.
Researchers found that systematic depression screening after a heart attack did not impact patients' quality of life. Depression was identified in about 7% of screened patients, and interventions such as medication, phone-based psychotherapy sessions, or a combination both were shown to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) significantly reduces the primary endpoint of death, stroke, and re-hospitalizations in patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis at low surgical risk. TAVR also shows lower rates of mortality, stroke, and repeat hospitalizations compared to surgery.
A new study suggests that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe and effective option for patients with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis, particularly those at intermediate or high risk for open heart surgery. While patients with a bicuspid valve had a higher risk of stroke after TAVR, the overall mortality rate was simi...
A new quality improvement plan at Olathe Medical Center increased patient satisfaction scores with medication understanding, while decreasing readmission rates. The interdisciplinary team's approach included bedside nurse reviews, visual aid forms, pharmacist education, and post-discharge phone calls to reinforce medication knowledge.
A large study of nearly 30 million hospital records shows that people who got a flu shot while hospitalized had a 10 percent lower risk of having a heart attack compared to those who didn't get vaccinated. The findings suggest that getting a flu vaccine can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular problems.
A study found that napping during the day can significantly lower blood pressure levels, with an average drop of 5 mm Hg. This reduction is comparable to other known interventions for lowering blood pressure.
A large US study finds moderate drinking substantially raises one's risk of hypertension, contradicting previous studies. The research suggests that heavy and moderate drinking both increase blood pressure.
Adults who vape are significantly more likely to have a heart attack, coronary artery disease, and depression compared to non-users. The study found that e-cigarette users were 56% more likely to have a heart attack and 30% more likely to suffer a stroke.
A study has revealed that young adults under 40 are experiencing an alarming increase in heart attacks, despite having the same mortality rates as older survivors. Substance abuse and diabetes may be contributing to this trend, emphasizing the need for prevention and early detection of cardiovascular disease.
A study reveals that eight out of ten women of childbearing age have never had their cholesterol levels checked, highlighting gaps in lipid screening. Research suggests that high cholesterol during pregnancy can lead to early birth and low birth weight babies, as well as increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A study found that former NFL players, particularly those with larger body sizes, are at risk for heart abnormalities and high blood pressure years after retirement. Researchers urge close monitoring of cardiovascular health in former players.
Researchers have developed an app that uses a smartphone camera and photoplethysmography signal to detect diabetes, showing promise for early detection and encouraging further testing by healthcare providers. The app was tested on over 54,000 individuals and correctly identified people with diabetes in over 72% of cases.
A study found that radiologists only reported coronary artery calcium (CAC) on CT scans about half the time, despite its importance as a marker of heart health. This underreporting could lead to missed opportunities to identify and treat patients at high risk for heart problems, researchers say.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology reveals that physical fitness is a stronger indicator of survival in older adults than traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Higher fitness levels were associated with significantly increased rates of survival, even among those with multiple risk factors.
A study found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was more effective than moderate exercise in losing body fat and trimming waistlines among cardiac rehabilitation patients. After 12 weeks, HIIT participants lost 4 pounds of body fat, gained 1.5 pounds of lean muscle mass, and trimmed an inch off their waists.
A large study of nearly 14,000 people found that low-carb diets are significantly more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia that can lead to stroke and heart failure. Researchers suggest using caution when restricting carbohydrates for weight loss due to potential inflammation and oxidative stress.
Hospital admissions for drug-related infective endocarditis increased by 436% at a medical center in the US, with heroin implicated in most cases. Patients who inject drugs are at risk of developing this condition due to contaminated needles introducing bacteria into their bloodstream.
A pilot study found that remote blood pressure monitoring via smartphone app, accompanied by education and health coaching, can significantly improve blood pressure control. Participants who had the highest blood pressure at baseline showed the most reductions in both systolic and diastolic pressure.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that people who spent less time watching TV and regularly ate an energy-rich breakfast showed significantly less plaque and stiffness in their arteries. Eating a high-energy breakfast was also associated with healthier arteries, while skipping breakfast increased the risk of...
The new document defines the training requirements for performing advanced echocardiographic procedures, outlining knowledge, experience, and skill requirements for Level III competency. It emphasizes the importance of proper training to ensure positive clinical outcomes and patient safety.
A new study suggests that a program providing bridge care between hospital and home can reduce readmissions and deaths after a heart attack. The Heart Care Navigation Team's program assigns a health advocate and nurse navigator to help patients with timely access to follow-up care.
A pilot program using clinical decision support tools improved angina symptoms and quality of life in patients with stable ischemic heart disease. The use of apps such as ACC FOCUS, Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and CardioSmart Heart Explorer App led to significant improvements in patient outcomes.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that 45.1% of adult atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients experience financial hardship due to medical bills. Insured and uninsured individuals, particularly those with lower incomes, are disproportionately affected.
Researchers analyzed data from 622 cancer patients and found that those with tachycardia had a higher mortality rate compared to those without it. Tachycardia was a significant predictor of overall mortality regardless of cancer type, highlighting the need for co-management of heart and cancer conditions.