The American College of Cardiology published a consensus statement recommending pre-participation screenings for college athletes and establishing emergency action plans for responding to sudden cardiac arrests. The plan should include training responders, emergency communications systems, and protocols for automated external defibrill...
The largest losmapimod study failed to show improvements in cardiovascular death and events, but suggests potential benefits for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The drug's developer plans further studies to validate these findings.
A new study finds that both rate control and rhythm control strategies are acceptable in stable patients following cardiac surgery. The two approaches performed equally well in preventing abnormal heart rhythms, with similar lengths of stay and AFib-free rates at 60 days.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that US prediction models for kidney injury after angioplasty performed well in Japan, predicting acute kidney injury and dialysis with high accuracy. The models have potential for clinical decision-making worldwide.
The ATMOSPHERE trial found aliskiren alone or in combination with enalapril had no significant benefit on mortality and hospitalization rates in patients with heart failure. However, adding aliskiren increased the risk of symptoms like low blood pressure and elevated potassium levels.
A new review highlights the importance of family-based approaches to promote heart health, focusing on caregivers, children, and family dynamics. Effective strategies include encouraging communication among family members and addressing environmental conditions that impact heart health.
A phase 2 clinical trial shows significant benefits from stem cell therapy in patients with class III and IV heart failure. After 12 months, patients receiving the treatment had a lower rate of deaths, cardiovascular hospitalizations, and clinic visits for sudden worsening of heart failure symptoms compared to those receiving a placebo.
A new device that monitors lung fluid accumulation reduces heart failure-related hospitalizations by over half and death rates by 39% compared to standard care. Patients who used the Edema Guard Monitor took medication earlier, preventing pulmonary congestion from reaching advanced stages.
The study found that amiodarone and lidocaine significantly improved survival rates among patients whose cardiac arrest was witnessed by a bystander, with a 5% greater chance of survival compared to placebo. However, the drugs showed no significant benefit for patients whose arrest was not witnessed.
A new implantable medical device intended to stimulate the vagus nerve in heart failure patients did not significantly reduce hospitalization or death rates. However, it showed improvements in walking endurance and quality-of-life measures, with significant gains in distance walked and quality of life scores.
A recent study found that an investigational drug called CMX-2043 showed no improved protection for the kidneys of patients undergoing angiograms. The trial, which recruited over 300 patients, tested four different doses of the drug to prevent contrast-induced kidney injury.
The FIRE AND ICE trial showed that radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation are equally effective in treating atrial fibrillation, with similar rates of recurrence and no significant differences in safety outcomes. Cryoballoon patients were more likely to experience phrenic nerve injury, but this was rare and resolved in most cases.
A tool called Chest Pain Choice facilitates shared decision-making between physicians and patients with chest pain, improving patient knowledge and follow-up care options. The intervention reduced unnecessary testing and hospital admissions without adverse effects.
A recent clinical trial provides objective evidence of muscle-related side effects associated with statins. Evolocumab was found to be superior to ezetimibe in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The study's findings have significant implications for treating patients with statin intolerance.
A large clinical trial of evacetrapib, a CETP inhibitor, showed no reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, despite significant increases in HDL and decreases in LDL cholesterol levels. The study's findings challenge conventional thinking on the benefits of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
A technology-based competition increased daily physical activity levels by over 3,500 steps per day and led to significant weight loss. The study, which involved over 68,000 participants from 64 countries, found improvements in exercise frequency, sitting time reduction, and overall health.
A large clinical trial found that ischemic postconditioning did not reduce death from any cause or hospitalization for heart failure in STEMI patients, but improved left ventricular ejection fraction in a specific subgroup.
A study found that only 2% of people with very high cholesterol have a familial hypercholesterolemia mutation, but those with the mutation face a six times higher risk of early-onset coronary artery disease. Genetic screening could help identify and ward off cardiovascular disease in affected individuals.
Intermediate-risk patients who received TAVR with SAPIEN 3 had improved outcomes compared to surgical aortic valve replacement after one year. The trial showed reduced rates of death, stroke, and moderate or severe aortic insufficiency in TAVR patients.
The DANAMI-3-DEFER trial found that delayed stent implantation in STEMI patients did not reduce death from any cause, hospitalization for heart failure, or subsequent heart attacks. The study's findings contradict previous promising preliminary studies and may be due to the trial's limited sample size and patient selection.
Researchers found that intravenous beta blockers before angioplasty in STEMI patients did not reduce heart attack severity or improve blood flow, according to the EARLY-BAMI trial. The study showed a slight decrease in ventricular arrhythmias but no significant differences in other endpoints.
A higher volume of TAVR procedures is associated with improved patient outcomes, including lower death rates and vascular complications. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 50,000 patients, found that even hospitals performing fewer than 100 cases showed significant improvements in patient outcomes with higher procedure volumes.
A global trial showed statins alone reduced adverse cardiovascular events in people with average cholesterol and blood pressure, while blood pressure-lowering medications were only beneficial in those with hypertension. The study suggests statins can be used more widely to prevent heart disease.
A non-inferiority trial found TAVR to be at least as safe and effective as surgery in intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. The study showed similar rates of death and disabling strokes after two years, but TAVR patients had shorter hospital stays and lower major complications.
A study suggests that breast arterial calcification visible on digital mammography is linked to coronary arterial calcification and cardiovascular risk. The presence of breast arterial calcification appears to be an equivalent or stronger risk factor for CAC than other well-established cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers found a link between stress center activity in the brain and arterial inflammation, increasing cardiovascular event risk. High stress levels were associated with more inflammation and a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.
A study of 3,900 patients reveals a decline in age and an increase in obesity rates among those suffering from severe heart attacks. The findings highlight the need for greater emphasis on preventive lifestyle changes to address rising risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Taking long naps or being excessively tired during the day is linked to a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. The study found that napping for 40 minutes or longer was associated with a significant increase in metabolic syndrome risk.
A statewide program in North Carolina improved survival rates for cardiac arrests by increasing bystander CPR and AED use, both at home and in public places. The study found significant increases in patient survival and reduced brain injury over a five-year period.
A large study found that women and men with suspected heart disease have similar symptoms, including chest pain and shortness of breath. Women, however, had more risk factors for heart disease than men but were less likely to be diagnosed.
Patients with coronary artery disease diagnosed with depression are more likely to suffer a heart attack or die compared to those without depression. Depression was also associated with more severe chest pain and co-existing medical conditions.
A digital health tool, combined with traditional cardiac rehabilitation, leads to a four-fold increase in weight loss among patients. Patients also experience improved dietary habits and increased exercise time.
Studies reveal that up to 31 percent of people with ICDs receive shocks in their last day of life due to lack of deactivation. Researchers stress the importance of informing patients about the benefits of deactivating ICDs when death is near, highlighting communication gaps and cultural challenges around end-of-life planning.
A recent survey found that nearly three-quarters of women have one or more heart disease risk factors, yet only 16% were informed by their doctors about these risks. The study highlights the need for physicians to adopt prevention guidelines and focus on monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A recent survey by the American College of Cardiology found that women are underrepresented in adult cardiology, comprising less than 20% of cardiologists who see adult patients. Women also face challenges related to child care and family leave policies, with more likely to report needing additional child care during nights and on-call...
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that stenting of narrow pulmonary artery was successful in majority of patients, but accompanied by serious complications. The procedure showed a high success rate of over 75% and 14% complication rate.
A new study found that people without cardiovascular disease in their 80s are more likely to develop dementia. Researchers also discovered a link between low levels of artery-clogging calcium deposits and a lower risk of dementia.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association support the implementation of core quality measures, which aim to streamline data collection for physicians, payers, and patients. However, they express concerns about two conflicting blood pressure control measures that could confuse patients and providers.
A study found that heart attack patients who experience cardiogenic shock have a higher risk of death or rehospitalization in the first 60 days post-discharge. However, by the end of the first year, the gap between the two groups narrows.
The American College of Cardiology and American College of Radiology have established recommendations for diagnosing chest pain in emergency departments. The guidelines assess the risks and benefits of diagnostic imaging procedures, providing guidance for clinicians to inform their judgment.
The study emphasizes that even moderate amounts of physical activity can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease mortality risk. The council found no upper limit to exercise-induced health benefits, suggesting all levels of moderate and vigorous intensity exercise result in reduced mortality compared to physical inactivity.
Researchers found regular physical activity significantly reduces cardiovascular consequences of depression and decreases arterial stiffening and inflammation associated with worsening depressive symptoms.
Researchers found a 15-20% reduction in hospitalization risk for heart failure or death among patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy compared to those with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. The treatment is associated with improved outcomes, but further studies are needed.
The report analyzed outcomes of 26,414 TAVR procedures performed from 2012-2014 and found low risk for mortality, myocardial infarction, kidney injury, and neurologic complications. The most common complications were vascular and bleeding requiring transfusion, with a decrease in vascular complications over time.
A meta-analysis of 33 studies involving over 20 million patients found a statistically significant increased risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular tachyarrhythmias associated with macrolide antibiotics. Macrolides were also linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular death, especially with clarithromycin.
The study found a 64% decrease in rarely appropriate angioplasty procedures performed on patients with non-acute conditions. Hospitals with the highest initial rates of rarely appropriate procedures showed varying degrees of improvement, highlighting the need for ongoing quality improvement initiatives.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that young women under 55 are 11% less likely to report being told they are at-risk for heart disease before a heart attack. The study analyzed data from over 3,500 patients and found that women were also less likely to receive preventative therapy.
Researchers found that ischemic stroke in young adults who use marijuana is more likely to be caused by intracranial arterial stenosis due to a buildup of plaque. This condition was found in 45% of marijuana users, compared to 14% of non-users.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that young women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction have higher rates of in-hospital mortality, longer hospital stays, and are less likely to receive life-saving angioplasty and stenting procedures compared to men.
A Swedish study found that low household income is associated with a higher risk of death after cardiac surgery, even in a country with universal healthcare coverage. The study suggests that socioeconomic status affects health outcomes beyond healthcare access alone.