Patients receiving Absorb stent showed outcomes similar to those of Xience metal stents between years one and two, but elevated risk of adverse outcomes at two years in smaller vessels. The study highlights the importance of using appropriately sized vessels and refined procedural techniques for optimal results.
A low-dose blood-thinning medication reduced VTE recurrences more than threefold compared to aspirin without increasing bleeding side effects, according to a large international study. The study's findings support the use of rivaroxaban as a safe and effective treatment option for patients at risk for recurrent VTE.
Researchers found that treating secondary blockages after a major heart attack using fractional flow reserve technology can improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for subsequent invasive procedures. This approach resulted in a 65% lower risk of all-cause mortality, non-fatal heart attack, stroke, and revascularization at 12 months.
The FOURIER trial shows evolocumab reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, by 15% compared to placebo. The treatment also lowers LDL cholesterol levels, translating to healthier arteries over time.
The SURTAVI trial shows that self-expanding TAVR is non-inferior to open-heart surgery for intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, with comparable rates of stroke and death. The study found no significant differences in mortality or disabling stroke between the two groups at 2 years.
Bococizumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, significantly reduced cardiovascular events by 21% in high-risk patients with high LDL cholesterol levels. However, it showed no benefit in patients with lower LDL levels, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches.
The updated guidelines focus on global risk assessments and non-invasive testing results, emphasizing individualized case evaluation. The revised criteria aim to improve quality of care by delivering the right treatment to the right patients.
The new guidelines provide recommendations for physicians on how to evaluate and manage patients with syncope. They include detailed history and physical examination, ECG tests, and restrictions on exercise for certain patients.
Researchers found that measuring ceramides in the blood can predict major cardiovascular events among patients with and without blockages. Ceramides were linked to a threefold to fourfold greater risk of cardiovascular events compared to those with low ceramide levels.
Men taking phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors after a heart attack had reduced mortality rates compared to those not using these drugs. The study also found that filling more prescriptions for PDE5 inhibitors was associated with a greater benefit, although the trend should be interpreted with caution.
A small case report suggests that Zika-linked birth defects may only be 'tip of the iceberg' when it comes to cardiovascular complications. Eight of nine patients developed dangerous arrhythmias and six experienced heart failure, with symptoms manifesting on average 10 days after initial complaints.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that marijuana use is associated with a higher risk of stroke and heart failure. Even after accounting for other health conditions and lifestyle risk factors, marijuana use was independently linked to a 26% increase in stroke risk and a 10% increase in heart failure risk.
A recent study suggests that hormone replacement therapy may help improve heart health and overall survival in women, with lower levels of atherosclerosis and plaque buildup detected. The research found significant age-related benefits from the therapy, with women using it being 30% less likely to die than those not on hormone therapy.
A study examining the optimal timing for screening sleep apnea in patients who have had a heart attack found that initial tests conducted shortly after hospitalization are somewhat unreliable. Repeating the test or delaying it until six months later may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatment.
Research reveals that only one-third of hospitalized smokers with heart disease received evidence-based smoking-cessation therapies, highlighting a performance gap among hospitals and cardiologists. Smokers who had lung disease or were younger than 58 years old were more likely to receive treatment.
Researchers found that younger heart attack patients are more likely to have low good cholesterol than elevated bad cholesterol. This suggests that traditional risk factors may not be enough to identify heart attack risk in this age group.
A study found people with coronary heart disease who are diagnosed with depression are twice as likely to die compared to those without depression. Depression was the strongest predictor of death in this patient group, regardless of age, gender, or timing of onset.
Researchers found wrist-worn fitness trackers less accurate in measuring heart rate during exercise compared to traditional chest strap monitors. The most accurate readings came from the chest strap monitor, particularly for individuals with heart conditions.
Two studies presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that US heart failure patients experience higher hospitalization rates and mortality during winter. The studies also showed increased costs per hospitalization for heart failure during the colder months.
A study found that women with breast cancer who engaged in regular exercise were 40% less likely to have a cardiovascular event and 60% less likely to die from coronary heart disease. Exercise may help mitigate the increased cardiovascular risk faced by cancer patients, reducing the risk of heart disease and its associated complications.
A study found that people with high blood pressure consumed an average of 3,100 milligrams of sodium per day, more than twice the recommended daily limit. The increase was driven by rising sodium intake among Hispanics and African-Americans, groups that historically showed lower sodium intake levels.
Patients with Type 2 diabetes and acute heart failure have a significantly lower risk of death if they have high systolic blood pressure, but are more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure. The study found that those with a systolic blood pressure above 150 mmHg were 45% less likely to die, but 47% more likely to be hospitalized.
A large US healthcare system study found that taking misoprostol with NSAIDs significantly lowers the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure compared to taking NSAIDs alone. The combination is associated with a 25-34% lower risk of these events.
A new review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology concludes that eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts can reduce heart disease risk. A predominantly plant-based diet is recommended over other nutrition fads.
Physicians should be informed about herbal medications used by heart disease patients, as their efficacy and safety are rarely proven. Discussing the pros and cons of herbal medications is crucial for effective patient counseling.
Researchers found that providing individuals with dietary recommendations and support led to small increases in the intake of healthy foods. Small reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure were observed, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels rose over time.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that increased physical activity and lower body mass index (BMI) are associated with a reduced risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a subtype of heart failure. The research, which pooled data from three cohort studies invol...
Researchers found that very low levels of LDL cholesterol did not lead to adverse events like memory impairment or nervous system disorders in heart disease patients taking PCSK9 inhibitors. However, there was an increased incidence of cataracts in patients with LDL levels below 25mg/dL.
The report showcases improvements in heart attack care, with 93% of patients receiving stents within 90 minutes. Key findings also highlight strengths and areas for improvement in other cardiovascular procedures, such as ICD therapy and congenital heart disease interventions.
The study found that almost 80% of elderly patients who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator survived two years after a sudden cardiac arrest or near-fatal arrhythmia. The researchers also noted substantial care needs among the oldest patients, with high hospitalization and skilled nursing facility admission rates.
The American College of Cardiology has published a new document to manage patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who need surgery. The guideline provides guidance on temporarily stopping anticoagulation medications, choosing alternative treatments, and restarting blood thinners after surgery.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that alcohol abuse increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, heart attack and congestive heart failure, similar to other well-established risk factors. The researchers analyzed data from California residents with ambulatory surgery or emergency care and found...
The American College of Cardiology released updated appropriate use criteria for performing coronary revascularization in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The criteria provide a framework for clinicians to evaluate therapies and improve patient outcomes by facilitating shared decision making between patients and providers.
The American College of Cardiology's survey reveals that cardiologists are highly satisfied with their careers, but women face disparities in advancement opportunities and family responsibilities. The workforce is also aging, with a greater percentage of practicing physicians over 60, and private practice settings have decreased.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that women have a higher survival rate one year after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) than men, despite experiencing more complications. Women were more likely to undergo percutaneous TAVR and had worse health conditions at baseline.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have released a new report outlining 10 quality and performance measures to help prevent sudden cardiac death. The measures focus on screening and treating at-risk patients, with the goal of improving patient care and outcomes.
A new review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that even moderate and habitual alcohol consumption can cause irregular heartbeat. The study analyzed data from nearly 900,000 people over 12 years and reported an 8% increase in risk for every alcoholic drink consumed per day.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that low and very high levels of 'good cholesterol' are associated with an increased risk of dying from heart disease, cancer, and other causes. Raising HDL levels does not appear to reduce a person's risk of heart disease.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that white coat hypertension is associated with an increased risk of heart disease in older patients. Researchers analyzed data from over 650 patients and found that those diagnosed with white coat hypertension were more likely to experience cardiovascular eve...
Researchers used big data analysis to identify a previously unknown interaction between ceftriaxone and lansoprazole, increasing the risk of acquired long QT syndrome. The study used large datasets of clinical records to confirm the association, paving the way for faster data-driven approaches to identifying potential drug interactions.
A study analyzing the American College of Cardiology's PINNACLE registry reveals that nearly 2 out of 5 people with diabetes are not prescribed statin therapy to lower their risk of heart attack, stroke, and related death. The study found a wide variation in statin use across cardiology practices.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that incentive payments led to an increase in quit rates among low-income smokers. At 18 months, almost 6 percentage points higher abstinence rates were observed among those who received financial incentives.
Research found that 21.5% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurred near an AED, but it was inaccessible at the time of the arrest, resulting in coverage loss. Implementing models that account for both location and availability when determining AED placement could increase access to devices.
A UK study of 186,000 participants found that offspring with long-lived parents have lower rates of cardiovascular conditions. The researchers discovered an inverse relationship between the age of parents' death and the mortality rate of offspring.
The FDA commissioner emphasizes the need for rigorous evaluation of new approaches in treating patients and improving cardiovascular outcomes. Despite progress, there is a risk of harm if systems for evidence generation and healthcare delivery do not keep pace with technological advancements.
A new study found that patients who develop heart failure after their first heart attack are at a higher risk of developing cancer. After an average of 4.9 years of follow-up, 21% of these patients were diagnosed with cancer, compared to 8.2% of those without heart failure.
The American College of Cardiology has updated clinical performance and quality measures for treating adult patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. The new measures include inpatient setting, patient safety, and other domains to improve continuity of care.
A study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that more than one-third of atrial fibrillation patients with an intermediate-to-high-risk of stroke are prescribed aspirin instead of oral anticoagulants. This discrepancy may be due to misconceptions about aspirin's efficacy compared to oral anticoagulants.
The Diabetes Collaborative Registry has released baseline data showing clinicians adhere to 4 out of 7 diabetes quality metrics. The registry's first presented results highlight areas for improvement in chronic disease management, with low rates of performance on some measures attributed to lack of documentation or true gaps in care.
Researchers found that patients with low aortic valve gradient and severe left ventricular dysfunction have higher mortality rates after TAVR. However, patients with this profile should still be considered for the procedure due to improved quality of life for those who remain alive one year post-procedure.