A subgroup analysis from VOYAGER PAD found that adding clopidogrel to rivaroxaban and aspirin after lower extremity revascularization procedures did not provide any added clinical benefit for patients with peripheral artery disease. Instead, it increased the risk of bleeding events.
A new study confirms the safety and success of TAVR procedures in patients with a bicuspid valve, achieving low rates of death or disabling stroke and high device success rates. The procedure proved effective even for complex cases, with a high rate of successful outcomes
The Caravaggio study found that oral apixaban is at least as effective as dalteparin in preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism and major bleeding events in patients with cancer. The trial showed no significant difference in the risk of major bleeding, including gastrointestinal cancers, between the two treatments.
Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid EPA found to explain significant reductions in cardiovascular events and deaths among patients taking prescription fish oil. Achieved EPA levels on the drug strongly correlated with lower rates of cardiovascular events.
A subgroup of high-risk patients with complex heart disease who took ticagrelor alone had fewer episodes of bleeding and no increase in heart attacks or stroke. Ticagrelor monotherapy significantly reduced clinically relevant bleeding without increasing the risk of additional heart attacks, strokes or death.
A study of patients with diabetes found that taking ticagrelor alone reduced clinically relevant bleeding compared to combining it with aspirin, without increasing the risk of additional heart attacks, strokes, or death. The results were consistent across all types of diabetes patients.
A randomized trial found that ticagrelor alone reduced major bleeding risk and no increased heart attacks, strokes, or other adverse events compared to dual therapy. The study suggests ticagrelor monotherapy as an optimal strategy for reducing bleeding risk in ACS patients treated with stents.
A 10-year study found no significant differences in death, heart attack, or stroke rates between cardiac stenting and CABG for patients with left main coronary artery disease. However, more patients receiving a stent needed a repeat procedure to unblock the same artery.
Using radial artery instead of saphenous vein reduces death, heart attack and repeat revascularization procedures by 23-38%. Women benefit most from this approach. Further confirmation needed through larger randomized trial.
A recent survey of 2,025 cardiologists found that over a third report feeling burned out, with mid-career doctors and women being the most affected. Burnout is linked to long hours worked and lack of work-life balance.
The American College of Cardiology has released the first competency statement for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in adult cardiovascular medicine. The document outlines core competencies for systems-based practice, medical knowledge, and procedural skills to improve access to care and enhance patient satisfaction.
Rates of deaths related to hypertension have risen sharply across the US, with a 72% increase in rural areas and a 20% increase in urban areas. High blood pressure can cause damage to arteries and lead to events such as heart attacks or strokes, emphasizing the importance of taking it seriously.
New research suggests that statin therapy may protect against heart damage caused by certain breast cancer therapies. A population-based study found a significantly lower risk of treatment-related heart failure among women taking statins while receiving anthracyclines or trastuzumab.
A study of over 99,000 postmenopausal women found that consuming 58-74 grams of protein per day significantly reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Increasing protein intake by 10-20 grams daily can potentially lower this risk and has implications for cardiovascular health.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that people who took more steps daily, as tracked by their smart watch, had lower blood pressure on average. The research used data from over 638 participants who wore an Apple Watch for about five months.
Research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that mental stress may be a stronger predictor of a repeat heart attack or dying from heart disease. Among over 300 young and middle-aged individuals, those who endured myocardial ischemia with mental stress had a two-fold higher likelihood of ha...
A large-scale study finds a strong association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ischemic heart disease in female veterans. Women with PTSD were 47 years old on average, five years younger than those without the condition, highlighting the need for earlier screening and routine care.
A recent study found nearly 1 in 20 US adults use e-cigarettes, with a rise in current use among women, middle-aged adults, and former smokers. Blood samples suggest e-cigarette exposure is equivalent to tobacco smoke in promoting oxidative stress and heart disease.
A study of 329 female college athletes found nearly half had higher than normal blood pressure levels, with 61% classified as elevated. The research highlights the need for further study into cardiovascular risks in this largely overlooked group.
Women with coronary artery disease experience more chest pain due to plaque build-up, but have less extensive disease compared to men. The study highlights the need for more research and clinicians to adopt a dual focus to prevent cardiovascular events and improve patients' quality of life.
Research finds that people with a history of cancer are at over two-fold risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib), a heart rhythm disorder. Prostate cancer is most strongly associated with AFib, followed by colon, lung and breast cancers.
Research highlights the critical role of social and financial factors in assessing cardiovascular risk, particularly food insecurity, housing instability, and financial hardship. Studies found that these factors can increase the likelihood of heart disease by over 50%.
Research found that sleeping seven or eight hours a night is associated with lower evidence of arterial stiffness and a reduced risk of heart disease. However, both short and long sleep durations were linked to increased plaque buildup in the carotid arteries. A balanced sleep pattern may be key to maintaining cardiovascular health.
A new study suggests that giving birth to a low-weight baby under 5.5 pounds may be an independent risk factor for developing changes in heart function that can lead to heart failure. Researchers found that women who experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia or pre-term birth, had a higher risk of heart failure at 30...
A plant-based diet can reduce cardiovascular risk, but consuming less-healthful foods like sweets and refined grains may negate these benefits. Focusing on specific, healthful plant-based food groups is crucial for reaping heart health benefits.
A study found that patients who listened to music for 30 minutes a day had lower levels of anxiety and pain, as well as reduced rates of certain heart conditions. Music therapy was more effective than standard treatment alone in reducing these symptoms.
A study found that reducing animal product intake and following a primarily plant-based diet can decrease the risk of heart disease by minimizing the adverse effects of a gut-microbiome associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. Higher TMAO levels were linked to a 67% higher risk of CHD.
Thoracic radiation therapy increases fatigue and difficulty breathing in cancer patients, but engaging in physical activity prior to treatment may help improve these symptoms over time. High levels of physical activity are associated with concurrent improvements in fatigue and shortness of breath.
A review suggests that marijuana use can increase cardiovascular health hazards, especially when combined with certain medications. Cardiologists are advised to screen patients for marijuana use and adjust dosing accordingly.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found no association between statin use and memory or cognitive decline in elderly patients. Statin users showed similar cognitive performance to never-users, suggesting potential protective effects in this population.
American adults on cholesterol-lowering medications have seen improved overall cholesterol levels since the 2013 ACC/AHA Cholesterol Guideline was implemented. This is largely attributed to a shift towards a risk-based approach over target LDL-based management.
Adults with tooth loss due to nontraumatic events are more prone to heart attacks and strokes. Researchers analyzed 316,588 US participants aged 40-79, finding a significant association between oral health and cardiovascular disease.
A high fiber diet significantly improves cardiovascular risk factors, including cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, and fasting glucose. Researchers found a protective role of fiber against cardiovascular disease in patients with hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.
A new association between secondhand smoke exposure and heart rhythm disorder risk has been highlighted by a study. Children of parents who smoke had a significantly increased chance of developing atrial fibrillation later in life.
The American College of Cardiology has published its first health policy statement on cardiologist compensation and opportunity equity, aiming to advance fairness and improve patient care. The document outlines 17 principles for achieving equity in compensation and opportunity, including minimizing disparities and promoting equal acces...
The conference brings together experts to discuss emerging trends, best practices for heart disease prevention and management. Attendees will learn from global and local experts on topics such as quality care registries, cardiovascular prevention, advanced heart failure management, and AI in cardiology.
Exposure to built environment, outdoor temperature, and chemicals during pregnancy may contribute to prehypertension and hypertension in childhood. Children whose mothers lived in urban areas with access to green spaces had lower blood pressure.
A recent study found that university students who used their smartphones for five or more hours a day had a 43% increased risk of obesity. This prolonged cell phone use was associated with decreased physical activity and unhealthy lifestyle habits, including consuming sugary drinks and fast food.
Research found that young adulthood is a critical period for cardiovascular disease prevention. Elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels in this age group are associated with an increased risk of heart disease later in life. Maintaining optimal levels of these risk factors could yield substantial lifetime benefits.
Smoking increases STEMI risk in all patients, regardless of age or gender, but the risk is higher in females. Quitting smoking can reverse this risk within a month, and researchers propose several possible reasons for the greater risk, including lower serum estrogen levels and chronic inflammation
Adults with coronary heart disease experience faster cognitive decline in long-term studies, according to researchers. Cognitive tests reveal significant differences in verbal memory, semantic fluency, and temporal orientation among patients with angina or heart attack.
A new study found that cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) may improve heart function in certain groups of heart failure patients, particularly those with nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NICD) and a QRS duration of more than 150 milliseconds. In these patients, CRT-D was associated with decreased...
A new study found that exposure to flavored e-cigarette liquids and e-cigarette use exacerbate endothelial cell dysfunction, a key risk factor for heart disease. The researchers observed pro-inflammatory markers and toxic effects on cells from various e-liquids.
The number of cardiologists trained in cardio-oncology is not meeting the growing needs of cancer survivors, who are aging and developing co-morbid cardiovascular disease. Limited training programs and resources are emerging to address this need, highlighting the importance of collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that skipping breakfast significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular death. Eating breakfast regularly is associated with lower mortality rates from heart disease and stroke.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that a preschool health program significantly increased healthy habit awareness among children from an underserved community. The program resulted in a 2.2-fold higher score on overall knowledge, attitudes and habits towards a healthy lifestyle.
A study found that increasing physical activity can eliminate the association between sedentary behavior and increased mortality risk. Replacing sitting with standing or vigorous physical activity was more consistently associated with risk reduction in high sitters.
A new study found that plant-based diets can lower the risk of heart failure in adults without known heart disease, while Southern diets are linked to higher risk. The study examined five dietary patterns and their association with incident heart failure hospitalizations.
Researchers found that echocardiography is valuable for assessing patients with secondary mitral regurgitation and determining their eligibility for TMVR. The study also identified characteristics of the heart that predict response to TMVR, concluding all patients with similar characteristics should be considered for this intervention.
Patients with heart failure and a leaking heart valve who underwent transcatheter mitral valve repair reported significant improvements in quality of life after two years. The study found that patients treated with the procedure had better rates of survival and fewer symptoms, leading to improved daily activities.