A study found that aspirin reduces mortality in patients with Type 2 diabetes and heart failure, but increases the risk of nonfatal heart attacks and strokes. The research used data from over 12,000 patients and suggested that aspirin may be beneficial for those living longer due to their age.
Research analyzed six studies and found that getting the flu vaccine reduced the risk of dying from any cause by about half during flu season and by one-fifth during the rest of the year. Vaccination was also associated with a 22 percent reduction in the risk of being hospitalized for cardiovascular problems.
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.
A new smartwatch ECG can accurately detect atrial fibrillation (AFib) with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. When coupled with physician review, the device can reliably differentiate between AFib and normal heart rhythm.
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.
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.
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.
Survival rates for in-hospital cardiac arrests have improved over the past 15 years, with a significant increase in both on-hours and off-hours groups. However, patients who experience cardiac arrest during nights or weekends continue to face lower survival rates compared to those who arrest during daytime hours.
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.
High school students are an excellent target for CPR training, with over half of US states requiring some form of CPR training. Despite this, wide variability exists in instruction and only 2.4% of the US population is trained annually.
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 found only 34 cases of SCA linked to sexual activity out of 4,557 total SCAs in Portland, Oregon. Patients who experienced SCA related to sex had a higher rate of ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia and lower bystander CPR rates
The new guidelines aim to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. The guideline recommends the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and provides guidance on genetic counseling and testing.
Patients with a history of heart attack are more likely to use emotion-focused coping strategies, while those without a history of heart disease use problem-focused approaches. These inefficient coping methods can exacerbate stress and impact quality of life.
Research shows that combining yoga and aerobic exercise significantly reduces blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol levels. The study found a two-fold improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction and diastolic function in patients who practiced both activities.
Researchers found skipping breakfast associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and poorer cardiometabolic health. Participants who skipped breakfast had higher waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels.
A large study found that metabolically healthy obese individuals have a higher risk of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and heart failure compared to normal weight individuals with no metabolic abnormalities. Underweight individuals also face increased risks for certain cardiovascular diseases.
Patients with newly diagnosed cancer face a substantially increased short-term risk of arterial thromboembolism. Lung, gastric, and pancreatic cancers are associated with the highest risk, while advanced disease increases overall tumor burden.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that light-to-moderate drinking can lower risk of mortality from all-causes and cardiovascular disease, while heavy consumption can increase risk. Moderate drinking was associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.
Researchers emphasize the importance of primary prevention for Type 2 Diabetes patients to reduce heart disease risk, highlighting the need for evidence-based guidelines and lifestyle management strategies. Proven medical therapies and lifestyle interventions can significantly reduce cardiovascular burden among these patients.
The American College of Cardiology has launched a series of educational forums in central and eastern China to address the growing burden of valvular heart disease. The program aims to provide high-quality, accessible care for patients from underserved communities.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that not all plant-based diets are created equal. While a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables reduces heart disease risk, one that emphasizes less healthy plant foods like sweetened beverages and refined grains increases the risk.
A new review paper emphasizes the need for tailored approaches to address unique health needs of women, particularly minority populations. The paper highlights the importance of sex and gender science, personalized care, and public reporting of data to improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
Contracting shingles significantly raises the risk of stroke and heart attack, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Patients with shingles are more likely to have common risk factors for cardiovascular events, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Research finds that women are often unaware of their risk, and physicians don't prioritize prevention due to perceived barriers. The study aims to destigmatize cardiovascular disease for women and promote evidence-based guidelines for better treatment.
A review paper suggests that certain traditional Chinese medicines show benefits for cardiovascular health conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. These medications have antihypertensive effects and a good safety profile, making them a potential alternative for patients intolerant of or who cannot af...
A recent study found that patients with heart failure may not benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) if they have low predicted risk of death and sudden cardiac death. The researchers identified a subgroup of patients who received significant survival benefits from ICDs, while others did not.
A new study found that cardiovascular diseases account for one-third of global deaths, with the highest rates in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The study also revealed a plateau in CVD mortality rates in high-income countries and an increase in low- and middle-income countries.
A study found that 4 in 10 patients with elevated stroke risk are not prescribed necessary stroke-prevention medication, resulting in potentially hundreds of thousands of preventable strokes each year. The lack of prescribed medication is attributed to disparities in prescribing practices and patient socioeconomic factors.
Postmenopausal women with shorter reproductive duration, earlier age at menopause, or who never gave birth are at higher risk for heart failure. Women with diastolic heart failure, a type of heart failure affecting the left side of the heart, also face increased risk.
A new study found that childhood and adolescent cardiovascular risk factors are associated with worse midlife cognition, regardless of adulthood exposure. High blood pressure and high cholesterol in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood, as well as smoking in adolescence and young adulthood, were linked to impaired cognitive perf...
The American College of Cardiology analysis found that over half of US states have no requirements for AEDs in schools, leaving nearly 35 million public elementary and secondary students at risk. Only 5 states offer funding for purchasing AEDs, highlighting the need for comprehensive implementation plans.
A new study found that closing the left atrial appendage during cardiac surgery significantly reduces thromboembolism risk, a leading cause of stroke, by 40%. The procedure also shows promise for patients who cannot take anticoagulant medications.
A recent study found that Embol-X and CardioGard devices did not significantly reduce overall number of brain infarcts during aortic valve replacement, but may affect size. However, patients treated with these devices experienced reduced delirium after surgery. Further research is needed to clarify potential health outcomes.
A new study found that patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) taking digoxin are at a higher risk of death, regardless of heart failure status. The risk increases with higher levels of digoxin in the bloodstream.
A blood test for high-sensitivity troponin T can identify patients with heart damage after non-cardiac surgery, allowing for timely treatment to prevent deaths. The test showed that approximately 18% of patients sustain a heart injury after surgery, which may account for up to 1 in 4 deaths in the first 30 days.
A study found that nearly a quarter of older patients developing new microbleeds after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) experience cognitive decline. Microbleeds are detrimental to thinking and memory, and factors associated with increased risk include previous cardiovascular intervention and prolonged anticoagulant exposure.
A large study found that levosimendan did not significantly reduce rates of death, heart attack, kidney dialysis, or mechanical assist device use among patients at high risk for low cardiac output syndrome. However, the drug reduced low cardiac output syndrome and required less use of other inotropes.
A large observational study found that CT scans detect subclinical leaflet thrombosis in 12.1% of patients after aortic valve replacement, increasing the risk of transient ischemic attacks but not death or stroke. Oral anticoagulants reduced the risk of clots, while anti-platelet therapy was associated with increased risk.
A recent study found that uninterrupted treatment with dabigatran before, during, and after atrial fibrillation ablation significantly reduced the incidence of major bleeding events compared to warfarin. The trial showed a 5.3% reduction in major bleeding events, with major bleeds occurring in 1.6% of patients receiving dabigatran.
A new study found that genotyping and personalized warfarin dosing can lower the risk of certain adverse events, such as bleeding and blood clots. The Genetic InFormatics Trial showed a 27% reduction in adverse events with genotype-guided dosing compared to clinically guided dosing.
Researchers found that a pacemaker delivering a pacing program designed to detect and stop abnormal heart rhythms can significantly reduce fainting episodes in patients with recurrent syncope. The study, known as SPAIN, showed a seven-fold reduction in recurrences of syncope in patients who used the program.
The EBBINGHAUS study, the largest and most rigorous study on the topic, found no significant cognitive effects from adding evolocumab to statin therapy. The study enrolled 1,974 patients and used validated neurocognitive tests to assess executive function, working memory, and reaction time.
The new iFR tool has been shown to be equivalent to the current preferred tool FFR in terms of major adverse events and patient outcomes. It also resulted in markedly less patient discomfort and reduced procedure-related adverse events compared to FFR.
Participants in an online behavioral intervention for high blood pressure reduced their systolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg, compared to a 6 mmHg reduction for those taking part in a control group. The study found that lifestyle counseling can complement and optimize the effectiveness of medical therapy to reduce high blood pressure.
A Phase 2 trial found that synthetic high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) injections had no effect on reducing fatty deposits in arteries, despite being well-tolerated. The study's findings suggest that low-dose CER-001 may not be a promising agent for treating patients with acute coronary syndrome.
A new study published by the American College of Cardiology found that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not needed in all cases of fully blocked arteries. Treatment with medications alone was shown to be equal to PCI in terms of major adverse events over three years.
A Phase 2 study found that replacing aspirin with low-dose rivaroxaban in addition to an antiplatelet medication does not increase bleeding complications in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The study, which involved over 3,000 patients, suggests that this dual therapy approach may be a safe alternative to lifelong aspirin treatment.