A study found bariatric surgery to be superior to intensive medical management in achieving glycemic control and weight loss for obese patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. The surgery resulted in a significant reduction of medications and improved glycemic control after one year.
Two-year data show comparable death and durability rates between catheter-placed heart valves and open-heart surgery in very old patients. Valve durability appears to be comparable, with no significant difference in mortality between the two groups over time.
A new study reveals that non-invasive coronary CT angiography (CCTA) scans can quickly and reliably determine which patients with chest pain can be safely discharged from emergency departments. The test was found to have a lower 30-day event rate than traditional care, making it a valuable tool for identifying low-risk patients.
A new study found that the novel oral anti-coagulant rivaroxaban is as effective as traditional treatment for blocked lung blood vessels, with lower rates of major bleeding. The EINSTEIN-PE trial compared rivaroxaban to standard therapy and demonstrated its non-inferiority in treating pulmonary embolism.
A dual-chamber pacemaker reduces the relative risk of fainting episodes by 57% in patients with severe asystolic NMS, according to a new study. The treatment is effective in reducing syncopal recurrences in this highly selected population.
New research shows that lowering LDL cholesterol beginning early in life can lead to a significant reduction in the risk of coronary heart disease. The study found that a consistent 50-60% reduction in CHD risk was associated with each 1 mmol/L lower lifetime exposure to LDL cholesterol.
A novel monoclonal antibody, SAR236553/REGN727, has been shown to dramatically lower circulating LDL cholesterol by 40-72% in patients, providing a potential new treatment option for those resistant to statins. The study's results demonstrate a dose-response effect, with higher doses resulting in greater reductions in LDL cholesterol.
Researchers found low LDL cholesterol in patients with no history of cholesterol-lowering drugs existed before cancer diagnosis, suggesting an underlying mechanism. The study's lead investigator noted that the relationship between low LDL-C and cancer exists for many years prior to diagnosis, highlighting the need for further examination.
A recent study found that community hospitals can safely and effectively perform elective angioplasty without on-site cardiac surgery units. The study showed no significant differences in death rates or complications between patients undergoing elective angioplasty at facilities with and without on-site cardiac surgery units.
Researchers found that intensive community-based lifestyle interventions tailored to individual needs can significantly reduce multiple risk factors for heart disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors alongside traditional cardiovascular risk factors to achieve synergistic effects.
A nationwide CPR training effort in Denmark led to a significant increase in bystander CPR, from 20% in 2001 to 44% in 2010, resulting in improved cardiac arrest survival rates. The study found patients treated with CPR or AEDs by bystanders were about four times more likely to survive 30 days after the cardiac event.
Researchers recommend including race-specific criteria to reduce false positives and anxiety among healthy black athletes. A study found 43% of black athletes would be identified for further investigation under current guidelines.
A randomized controlled trial found that consuming three servings of raisins per day can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. Raisins' high potassium content is believed to be the key factor behind this effect.
A large population survey found that adults getting less than six hours of sleep a night are at significantly greater risk of stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. Those sleeping more than eight hours also have a higher prevalence of heart problems, including chest pain and coronary artery disease.
A 10-week program combining interactive lessons and healthier food options significantly reduced cardiovascular risk factors in sixth-graders. Students showed improvements in dietary habits, physical activity levels, and physiological markers such as blood pressure and cholesterol.
A large-scale study found that underweight patients are twice as likely to experience complications or die during ICD insertion compared to obese and normal-weight patients. Smaller body size is associated with longer hospital stays, more complications, and increased risk of dying from the procedure.
A new study found that pregnancy increases the risk of heart attack, with more severe attacks and different causes than in non-pregnant women. The standard approach to managing heart attacks during pregnancy may not always be best, and alternative treatments may be needed to prevent complications.
A three-pronged intervention improved physician adherence to evidence-based protocols for treating acute coronary syndrome, raising the rate of total adherence by 18 percent. The study's strategies, including nurse case management and educational materials, were adaptable to other countries.
A new study has shown that delivering abciximab directly to the site of a heart attack can significantly reduce damage to the heart muscle. The treatment was found to be effective in reducing infarct size by up to 15% compared to no treatment or aspiration thrombectomy.
A pilot program at OB/GYN clinics screened 2,234 women for cardiovascular risk factors or disease. Cardiovascular assessment in these settings may enhance primary prevention and education to female patients. Many women are unaware of their heart disease risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Research suggests that interventions targeting obesity in adolescents should be tailored to gender differences, with exercise and sports benefiting boys and drinking milk predicting healthier weight in girls. Regular physical activity and improved school lunches are also key predictors of obesity.
A new study has found that a three-drug regimen is as safe and effective as a double-dose two-drug treatment in preventing blood clots after angioplasty. The study compared the effectiveness of adding cilostazol to conventional dual anti-platelet therapy versus doubling the dose of clopidogrel.
A study found that moderate isoflavone intake can lower systolic blood pressure in young adults, with a notable benefit for African Americans. Isoflavones may help compensate for endothelial dysfunction, a condition that plays a bigger role in hypertension in African Americans.
A new CMS requirement mandates deeper sedation, adding $844 to ICD implant costs; Researchers recommend revising guidelines to minimize unnecessary expenses while preserving patient safety
The International multicenter ADVANCE study found significant improvement in valve function and low mortality rates at 30 days after TAVI. The study analyzed data from 1,015 high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis.
Researchers found that among patients given an appointment for a follow-up exercise stress test, 70 percent actually underwent the test compared to 31 percent without pre-scheduled appointments. Patients with pre-scheduled appointments also waited significantly less time for the test.
A sharp rise in blood pressure in midlife can increase a person's risk of heart disease later in life. Early detection and treatment of rapidly rising blood pressure may be required to prevent long-term damage to the heart.
A new class of platelet blockers has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with known atherosclerosis. Adding vorapaxar, an investigational platelet blocker, to standard antiplatelet therapy cuts the likelihood of another cardiac event by 13% compared to placebo.
A new, one-page checklist for heart failure patients significantly reduced hospital readmissions from 20% to 2%, with improved medication adherence and quality of care. The study suggests the checklist could save billions by improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Internet-based telemedicine systems lead to more timely treatment decisions and medication adjustments for patients with high blood pressure. Patients who reported frequent blood pressure readings via a web-based portal received more appropriate pharmacotherapy and an overall reduction in cardiovascular risk.
A new study found that using a patient's own bone marrow cells can help repair damaged areas of the heart caused by heart failure. The treatment increased left ventricular ejection fraction by a small but significant amount, and improved perfusion defects in patients with chronic ischemic heart disease.
A Canadian study reveals that non-cardiac co-morbidities such as COPD and chronic kidney disease are the main predictors of late mortality after TAVI, emphasizing the importance of closer patient evaluation and follow-up. The study also shows that valve performance is maintained throughout the follow-up period.
A study found that patients who viewed images of their coronary artery calcium scores were more likely to take statins as directed and lose weight, with compliance increasing as disease severity increased. This suggests that visualizing the extent of cardiovascular disease can motivate patients to adhere to recommended therapies.
Leading medical groups collaborate to ensure consistent and responsible use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients with severe aortic stenosis. The consensus document outlines key recommendations for patient selection, team-based approach, and post-procedural care to optimize clinical outcomes.
The updated appropriate use criteria provide detailed guidance on when to use invasive procedures to improve blood flow to the heart. The new criteria affirm the role of revascularization for patients with acute coronary syndromes and significant symptoms, while emphasizing careful selection of high-risk surgery patients for PCI.
The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have released an updated guideline for diagnosing and managing peripheral artery disease (PAD). The guidelines emphasize expanded criteria for using the ankle-brachial index (ABI) for earlier diagnosis and increased efforts to ensure patients ...
A new study found that some hospitals have high rates of finding CAD during cardiac catheterization, while others have low rates. Hospitals with lower rates were more likely to perform procedures on younger patients, women, and those with atypical symptoms.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released the first expert consensus document to help clinicians reduce hypertension risks in older adults. The guidelines recommend targeted blood pressure control measures, including medication selection, dose titration, and lifestyle changes.
A recent survey by the ACC/AHA/HFSA found that heart failure programs in the US are struggling to find the right mix of clinicians to manage this growing patient population. The study concludes that staff ratios remain the same despite program growth, indicating under-staffing with reduced financial resources.
The Mediterranean diet has been shown to have beneficial effects on waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol levels, triglycerides, blood pressure, and glucose metabolism. A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that the diet can help prevent metabolic syndrome and its components.
A new study finds that spending more than two hours a day on screen-based entertainment increases the risk of heart disease and premature death. Metabolic factors and inflammation may partly explain the link between prolonged sitting and cardiovascular events.
Concomitant use of PPIs and antiplatelet drugs is recommended for patients at high risk of GI bleeding who require antiplatelet therapy for heart disease. The balance of risk and benefit favors the use of PPIs together with antiplatelet drugs.
Special issue of Journal of the American College of Cardiology explores controversy surrounding cardiac imaging tests. Experts call for balance between risks and benefits, emphasizing that these tests should only be used when clinical benefit exceeds potential harm.
The new clinical guidelines offer recommendations for the diagnosis and management of thoracic aortic disease, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. Risk factors include high blood pressure, age, male gender, and genetic conditions that weaken connective tissue.
A review article highlights the risks of herbal supplements interacting with heart medications, posing a significant threat to elderly patients. The authors emphasize the need for greater awareness and scientific scrutiny to ensure safe use and reduce harm among patients with heart disease.
Emerging research reveals that post-menopausal women experience adverse changes in lipid profiles around the time of their final menstrual period, independent of age. Conversely, quitting smoking before or after a heart attack significantly improves long-term survival rates, with reductions comparable to those from lifestyle changes an...
A meta-analysis of major clinical trials found that clopidogrel significantly reduces cardiovascular events by 16% in men and 7% in women, with a greater benefit for women in reducing heart attack risk. However, both sexes experience a small but real increased risk of major bleeding.
A prospective study found obesity and hypertension to be independent predictors of left atrial enlargement, increasing the risk of atrial fibrillation, stroke, and death. Obesity was associated with greater increases in left atrial volume and incidence of LAE compared to hypertension.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association release updated guidelines recommending the use of beta blockers in high-risk cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery to minimize cardiac risk. The guidelines emphasize careful patient selection, dose adjustment, and monitoring throughout the perioperative period.
Researchers found that nearly half of patients with normal SPECT scans had moderate to severe coronary artery calcification, indicating high cardiac risk. Integrating CACS testing into functional SPECT scans can identify patients at high long-term risk and improve outcomes.