A study found that cardiac patients receiving care from physicians and advanced practice providers have comparable quality of care, despite low compliance with performance measures. Advanced practice providers showed higher rates of screening for smoking and referral to cardiac rehabilitation.
A State-of-the-Art review examines the impact of global food consumption on cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for dietary patterns that reduce risk. The traditional Mediterranean diet is identified as an optimal choice, with suggestions to recreate it in other regions using similar food replacements.
A study by researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School found that health care costs in one year were $18,000 higher in smokers with peripheral artery disease than non-smokers. Hospitalization rates among tobacco users with PAD were also significantly higher, at 49% within one year.
Drinking sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to excess weight gain, a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Fructose's unique role in metabolism contributes to these conditions.
Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats and high-quality carbohydrates has the most impact on reducing the risk of heart disease, according to a new study. Participants who replaced calories from saturated fatty acids with calories from polyunsaturated fats, monounsaturated fats, or whole grains had lower risk of coronary heart ...
A three-year lifestyle intervention improved preschoolers' knowledge, attitude, and habits towards healthy diet and exercise. The program reduced body fat and obesity in children, with the most significant impact seen in families with higher education and income levels.
A 45-year study found that persistent childhood stress is associated with a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes later in life. Childhood distress, even when conditions improve in adulthood, was also linked to increased cardiometabolic risk.
Research suggests that sexual activity does not increase the risk of heart attack and can be resumed after a heart attack. Most patients are safe to engage in sex again, with less than half of men and one-third of women receiving information on this topic from their doctors.
A recent study found that cardiologists failed to identify over half of basic and nearly 35% of advanced pre-recorded murmurs. However, a 90-minute training session significantly improved their ability to recognize indications of heart conditions.
A study found that improving cardiorespiratory fitness reduces the risk of arrhythmia recurrence in obese atrial fibrillation patients. Patients with higher exercise capacity showed a significant reduction in arrhythmia risk, with 84% being free from arrhythmia after four years.
Patients on triple therapy had the same rates of adverse cardiac events as dual therapy but experienced more complications and bleeding; researchers recommend reevaluating treatment regimens for this population.
According to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, women and black patients who experience a heart attack lose significantly more years of their expected life compared to white men. The researchers found that these disparities are not due to differences in comorbidities or treatment utilization.
The improved survival rate of HIV patients in sub-Saharan Africa facilitates the study of cardiovascular disease in these patients. Studies have shown that highly active antiretroviral treatment is associated with a 50% reduction in HIV-related cardiomyopathy, and researchers now have access to a population with both HIV and cardiovasc...
Research in Japan reveals worsening cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension and high cholesterol, despite global declines in the US. Improved data collection and clinical trials are crucial to developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
The American College of Cardiology has released recommendations for the implantation of left atrial appendage occlusion devices, which may lower the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The new guidelines emphasize team-based care and the need for robust clinical data on outcomes for patients treated with these devices.
Researchers followed 2,479 young adults for 25 years and found that those with elevated but normal-range blood pressure were more likely to experience cardiac dysfunction. Young adults can reduce the risk by managing high blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medication.
The American College of Cardiology seeks to expand cardio-oncology services to address the growing need for specialized care in cardiovascular health for cancer patients. Currently, many hospital training programs lack formal training or services in this area, and a nationwide survey reveals gaps in resources and best practices.
A pilot study using the PINNACLE India Quality Improvement Program registry shows that high-quality outpatient cardiovascular care can be achieved in resource-limited environments like India. The registry collected data from 68,196 patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, highlighting areas for imp...
The American College of Cardiology promotes team-based care for cardiovascular patients, valuing honesty, discipline, and creativity. Teams should receive feedback on shared goals and have flexible leaders who prioritize patient care.
Hospitals in the Midwest were more likely to refer patients for guideline-recommended cardiac rehabilitation following angioplasty, possibly due to a greater concentration of local rehabilitation centers. On average, about 60% of all patients undergoing angioplasty were referred for cardiac rehabilitation.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness can delay the onset of high cholesterol by up to 15 years. Men with lower fitness levels were more likely to develop high cholesterol in their early 30s, while those with higher fitness did not experience this un...
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that electronic health records (EHRs) did not demonstrate better quality of care or clinical outcomes for ischemic stroke patients. Despite their potential benefits, EHRs were associated with only a slightly lower risk of prolonged hospital stays.
The American College of Cardiology hosts sessions on cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment at the Asia Pacific Congress, focusing on the growing burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the region. The event aims to bring together global leaders to prevent heart disease and improve treatments.
Expert consensus statement provides new guidance to match right device with right patient, expanding treatment options for acutely and chronically ill cardiac patients. Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support devices offer superior circulatory support compared to medical therapy in certain cases.
Expert consensus paper provides guidance on transcatheter pulmonic valve replacement for patients with congenital heart disease. The recommendations stress the importance of a heart team collaborating on treatment decisions, and institutions must meet specific requirements to perform these procedures.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that routine thrombectomy during angioplasty for heart attacks does not provide a benefit and may increase the risk of stroke. The study included over 10,000 patients and randomly assigned half to receive angioplasty alone or with manual thrombectomy.
Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease receive better outcomes with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) than angioplasty and stent implantation, according to a study. This is in line with past studies that have shown CABG leads to better outcomes for patients with multiple narrowed arteries.
Patients who received ablation along with mitral valve surgery had better rhythm control and fewer episodes of atrial fibrillation compared to those who only received the valve surgery alone. However, they were more likely to require pacemaker implantation in the year following their surgery.
Patients over 80 with acute coronary syndromes who received invasive procedures had a 47% reduction in heart attacks, urgent revascularization, stroke, and death compared to conservative treatment. The study suggests that older patients may be denied necessary treatments due to their age.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that catheter ablation significantly reduces atrial fibrillation symptoms and hospitalization rates compared to Amiodarone in heart failure patients. Patients who underwent catheter ablation had a higher rate of freedom from atrial fibrillation after two years, with 71% being symptom-...
A study found that complete revascularization after emergency angioplasty for STEMI reduced unplanned angioplasty or bypass surgery by 12%. Rates of death and repeat heart attacks were comparable between groups. The approach may help patients avoid future cardiac events.
A large randomized controlled trial found no significant improvements in cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, stroke, or subsequent surgery in patients who received remote ischemic preconditioning before coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the study did reveal a 15% reduction in heart injury within 72 hours after surgery.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that patients undergoing coronary angiogram with radial access had a significantly lower risk of major bleeding and death compared to those with femoral access. The study suggests that the arm should be the preferred approach for most catheter-based heart procedures.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that obese patients with atrial fibrillation who lost at least 10% of their body weight were six times more likely to achieve long-term freedom from the condition. Sustained weight loss was also associated with significant beneficial structural changes in the heart and improved other ...
The study found bivalirudin to be associated with significantly lower rates of bleeding complications and death, but failed to meet its co-primary composite endpoints. The high prevalence of heart attacks in patients may have diluted the benefits reflected in the rates of death and bleeding.
A new study shows that years of running are closely linked to atrial fibrillation risk in runners, suggesting physicians should consider this when assessing older patients with endurance sports history. Meanwhile, a school-based program aimed at educating children about heart disease prevention may improve their parents' cardiovascular...
The SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve is a feasible option for high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, but valve leakage remains a significant issue. At five years, death and stroke rates were equivalent to open-heart surgery, but rehospitalization rates and functional outcomes differed.
The SAPIEN 3 heart valve demonstrated lower death, stroke, and paravalvular leak rates than earlier generation devices in high-risk patients. In intermediate-risk patients, the device showed encouraging results, with a reduced rate of major vascular complications and fewer instances of heart attacks and annular rupture.
A new brain shield device has shown improved in-hospital safety outcomes, including lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The device also demonstrated benefits for patients' cognitive scores at discharge, with better performance on neurocognitive tests.
Research shows that CT scans paired with standard care lead to more accurate diagnoses of coronary artery disease, altering follow-up testing and treatments. This results in a lower incidence of heart attacks among patients receiving the test compared to those receiving usual care.
The study found that Bendavia did not prevent irreversible injury to the heart but showed a trend towards improved heart pumping function. The drug is well-tolerated but lacks significant benefits in reducing scarring from angioplasty after a heart attack.
A recent survey of 236 cardiologists found significant gaps in their knowledge about heart-healthy diets, with only 13.5% feeling adequately trained to discuss nutrition with patients. Dark chocolate was also shown to have health benefits in sedentary older adults, improving energy levels and exercise stamina.
Self-expanding TAVR shows continued survival advantage over standard surgery in high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. At two years, TAVR had 4.8% more survivors than surgery, and lower rates of strokes and major cardiovascular events.
A novel anti-clotting therapy was compared to established anticoagulants in a Phase III trial, but showed similar efficacy and higher moderate to severe bleeding rates, leading to its early termination due to allergic reactions.
Patients taking evolocumab, a new class of cholesterol-lowering medications, were half as likely to die or experience a heart attack/stroke compared to those on standard care. The study found that patients treated with evolocumab had significantly lower rates of cardiovascular events and adverse effects.
The study found that transcatheter mitral valve repair was successful for 91.8% of patients and reduced mitral regurgitation to mild or less in 63.7%. Institutional experience had a bearing on procedural success but not major adverse outcomes.
The study found that adding ticagrelor to aspirin therapy after a heart attack significantly reduced the rate of subsequent death from cardiovascular causes, with benefits appearing for nearly three years. The trial recruited 21,162 patients and showed a 15% reduction in cardiovascular death with both ticagrelor doses.
Two new studies present striking findings on depression's influence on cardiovascular health, with depressed patients facing nearly double the risk of dying from heart disease. Additionally, survivors of heart attacks are found to be at higher risk for certain cancers, including lung and bladder cancer.
A study comparing CT angiography and functional stress tests found similar clinical outcomes and minimal cost differences over three years. The tests had the same rate of death, heart attacks, and hospitalizations, despite initial cost savings from CT angiography.
A large trial found that patients with symptoms of heart disease have similar outcomes regardless of whether they undergo a functional stress test or a computed tomographic scan. However, the scan may be better at ruling out the need for subsequent tests and procedures in patients who are free of heart disease.