A study found that heart transplant patients receiving organs from active COVID-19 positive donors had increased risk of death at six months and one year compared to those receiving organs from recently recovered COVID-19 patients and COVID-19 negative patients.
A study found that young women are more likely to experience adverse outcomes and rehospitalization after a heart attack, with non-cardiac hospitalizations showing the most significant disparity. Researchers highlight the need for public awareness and sex-specific post-heart attack care.
A new meta-analysis finds that Black patients are 71% more likely to experience heart damage following chemotherapy treatment. The study highlights the need for further research into underlying factors contributing to these disparities to reduce cardiovascular risk associated with chemotherapy.
The ACC Cardio-oncology Course aims to equip clinicians with the latest strategies and best practices for managing cardiovascular health in cancer patients. The course will feature joint presentations of oncologists and cardiologists, showcasing real-life patient care and collaboration across teams.
Researchers found that statin users can engage in moderate-intensity exercise without exacerbating muscle injury or symptoms. The study's findings are reassuring for people experiencing muscle pain or fatigue from statins and provide important guidance for maintaining physical activity and heart health.
A new study published in JACC: Advances confirms that exposure to road traffic noise can elevate hypertension risk. The research analyzed data from over 240,000 people and found a robust association between road traffic noise and hypertension, even after adjusting for air pollution.
A 'keto-like' diet, characterized by low carbohydrates and high fat intake, has been linked to higher levels of LDL cholesterol and a twofold increased risk of cardiovascular events. Regular consumption of this diet was associated with an average increase in blood LDL cholesterol levels over 11.8 years.
The study found that transcatheter edge-to-edge repair achieved a successful repair for nearly 9 out of 10 patients and reduced valve leakage from severe to moderate or less in almost 90% of patients. Patients who underwent the procedure were half as likely to die within one year compared with those in whom the procedure was unsuccessful.
People with technology-assisted pregnancies are twice as likely to develop preeclampsia as those with traditional pregnancies, according to a study. Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy-related complication that poses risks to the pregnant person and baby.
Researchers have found a significant link between frequent marijuana use and an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), with daily cannabis users being about one-third more likely to develop the condition. The study used data from 175,000 people and suggested that cannabis use disorder is associated with a higher risk of CAD.
Research finds people with insomnia are 69% more likely to have a heart attack compared to those without the sleep disorder. Insomnia is also associated with an increased risk of heart attacks in people with diabetes and those who get less than five hours of sleep per night.
A smartphone app-based cognitive behavioral therapy program lowered blood sugar levels and improved health behaviors in patients with diabetes. The study found a clear 'dose effect,' where participants completing more lessons saw greater benefits.
A recent study found that adverse pregnancy outcomes are largely driven by pre-pregnancy health issues such as diabetes and hypertension. The rate of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy rose by over 50% during the decade, while the shift in age distribution accounted for less than 2% of that change.
The new clinical document defines the required competencies for interventional cardiology, providing trainees with information to support training across all areas. Trainees must acquire experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team and complete a minimum of 250 procedures.
A large study published in JACC: Heart Failure found that social isolation and loneliness are associated with higher rates of heart failure. However, feelings of loneliness were found to be a stronger predictor of heart failure risk than objective social isolation. The study suggests that effective tools for screening social isolation ...
The latest report tracks global trends in cardiovascular health, revealing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and air pollution as leading causes of cardiovascular disease worldwide. The study estimates that over 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable.
A meta-analysis of over 884 studies found that certain micronutrients can benefit cardiovascular health, including omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, and CoQ10. These supplements have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and mortality.
A lower frequency of adding salt to foods is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, regardless of lifestyle factors and pre-existing disease. Combining a DASH-style diet with low salt usage further improves heart health.
A study found that males younger than 40 years old who received the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine had the highest rates of myocarditis, but overall cases are rare. The study suggests that choosing specific vaccines for certain populations may maximize benefits and minimize adverse events.
The new guideline covers key aspects of aortic disease diagnosis and management, including surgical intervention considerations, consistent imaging practices, genetic and familial screenings. The ACC and AHA emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary team in providing optimal care for patients with aortic disease.
A study published in JACC: CardioOncology found that exercise during chemotherapy improves long-term cardiorespiratory fitness and alleviates adverse effects of cancer treatment. After treatment, an exercise program can recover lost function. The optimal timing of exercise intervention is during chemotherapy.
A review paper calls for health system drug interaction alerts for heart disease patients being treated for COVID-19. Experts highlight the importance of awareness and availability of alternative treatment options to mitigate severe adverse effects.
The American College of Cardiology's new four-part focus seminar series examines the importance of exercise in preventing and managing heart disease. Regular exercise is associated with changes in cardiac morphology, improved blood circulation, and reduced cardiovascular risk factors.
The 2022 ACC/AHA guideline updates chest pain definitions and establishes standardized data elements for consistent reporting. The new definitions focus on serious cardiovascular causes of chest pain and acute myocardial infarction, aiming to ensure accurate reporting across clinical trials and registries.
The American College of Cardiology has published an expert consensus decision pathway on the role of nonstatin therapies for LDL-C lowering in the management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk reduction. The guidance provides recommendations for individuals at high-risk and those with familial hypercholesterolemia, ...
A study of over 1.2 million people in 76 low- and middle-income countries found that hypertension prevalence is high among the least educated and poorest individuals, despite common assumptions. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to lower blood pressure in these regions.
Pregnant women are at increased risk of cardiovascular complications, including heart attack, arrhythmias, and long-haul symptoms from COVID-19. Vaccination is critical to ensuring safe pregnancy and birth in the COVID-19 era.
Projected rates of cardiovascular risk factors and disease will increase significantly among minorities while decreasing among White persons. All four CV risk factors are expected to increase from 2025 to 2060, with the largest percentage increase in diabetes.
Grieving a close family member can significantly increase stress levels, contributing to poor prognosis in heart failure patients. The study found that bereavement was associated with increased mortality risk, particularly after death of a child or spouse/partner.
A study finds that redlined neighborhoods are associated with increased risk of heart disease, comorbidities, and reduced access to healthcare. Residents of these neighborhoods face lower cholesterol screening rates, higher diabetes and obesity rates, and limited health insurance options.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have released a comprehensive data standard to standardize definitions for COVID-19-related cardiovascular conditions. This framework will help pool or compare data from various sources to assess its applicability to clinical practice and research endeavors.
A new review paper has proposed a framework for advancing the application of xenotransplantation, a potential solution to the organ shortage. The study discusses innovations and advances in transplanting animal hearts into human subjects, with a focus on overcoming challenges and barriers.
Women with a history of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia have a 2.4-fold increased risk of developing hypertension 10 years post-pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of screening for hypertension in this population and suggests that routine screening can help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
A study found that states with laws requiring CPR/AED training in high school had higher rates of bystander CPR after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest compared to those without such mandates. The study suggests that this intervention can help reduce health disparities, particularly among low-income and minority communities.
A new study found that time-restricted eating can reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in older breast cancer survivors with cardiometabolic risk factors. After eight weeks of restricting food intake to 8 hours a day, participants showed a 15% decrease in CVD risk.
Adults with a history of allergic disorders are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Asthma is the primary contributor to this risk, particularly among Black male adults.
The American College of Cardiology is partnering with the Korean Society of Cardiology to host ACC Asia 2022 Together with KSC Spring Conference. The conference aims to critically examine emerging trends in cardiovascular care and share evidence-based strategies for improving heart health.
A recent clinical trial has shown that sodium thiosulfate does not reduce injury to damaged areas of heart muscle following a heart attack. Despite promising results in animal studies, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint or show significant differences in secondary endpoints.
Researchers found a significant decline in in-hospital mortality and secondary endpoints for STEMI patients with COVID-19 in 2021 compared to 2020. Vaccination status showed zero hospital deaths among vaccinated patients, while unvaccinated patients experienced high death rates.
A study found that implantable heart monitors do not reduce cardiovascular events overall, but patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) heart attacks saw strong benefits. Monitoring for abnormal heart rhythms may help guide care for NSTEMI patients.
A randomized clinical trial comparing FFR-guided and IVUS-guided PCI found similar outcomes for patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis. Patients evaluated by FFR underwent fewer stents but had similar rates of adverse events and improved quality of life.
A large trial found that maintaining body temperature at 35.5C during surgery does not reduce the risk of cardiac complications or other serious outcomes. The study suggests that routine care with a target temperature of 36C is sufficient and may even be unnecessary.
The study found significant improvements in blood flow through the heart and quality of life at one year, with all 36 patients achieving a reduction in tricuspid regurgitation severity. Longer follow-up is needed to determine how well the device continues to perform.
A new study found the second-generation Chocolate Touch paclitaxel-coated balloon catheter to be superior for opening blocked leg arteries. The trial showed improved patency rates and lower mortality rates compared to the commercially available Lutonix device.
The study found that TAVR resulted in significantly less structural valve deterioration after five years compared to SAVR. Patients with structural valve deterioration were at about twice the risk of death or rehospitalization as those without, highlighting the benefits of TAVR in reducing mortality and hospitalization risks.
A study of patients treated with edoxaban and dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after TAVR found that edoxaban reduced subclinical leaflet thrombosis, but did not affect stroke risk. Rates of death, stroke, and cognitive decline were similar in both groups.
Dr. Edward Fry has been an ACC member for nearly 30 years and will lead transformational cardiovascular care to improve heart health and close access gaps. As the new president, he aims to work with members to drive innovation and knowledge in optimizing cardiovascular care and outcomes.
The study found a twofold regression of coronary atherosclerosis and stabilization of high-risk plaques in patients who received alirocumab, compared to those who received a placebo. Patients treated with alirocumab also needed significantly fewer repeat stenting procedures.
A large study found that small to moderate-sized leaks after left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedures significantly increased the risk of adverse events such as clotting and bleeding in AFib patients. Researchers suggest optimizing device placement techniques and using newer devices may help minimize leaks and reduce stroke risk.
A study found that omecamtiv mecarbil did not improve exercise capacity or daily physical activity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The drug was well-tolerated, but its effectiveness in improving functional limitations was limited.