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American Heart Association


Mass General Brigham women’s heart health leader to receive the 2026 Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red® Award

Dr. Emily Lau's research found that maternal cardiovascular disease and pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications increased over nearly two decades, with higher rates among non-Hispanic Black women. The study emphasizes the need to make cardiovascular health a routine part of care before, during, and after pregnancy to address dis...

Cardiovascular disease tops cancer as leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in U.S.

A new American Heart Association scientific statement reveals that cardiovascular disease has surpassed cancer as the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the U.S. due to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The statement highlights the need for culturally tailored prevention strategies, equitable acce...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateSep 15, 2026

Mental health conditions after trauma linked to higher cardiovascular risk

Research suggests that mental health conditions, including PTSD, substance abuse, and depression, can increase the risk of future cardiovascular risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death. Alcohol abuse was found to be the top psychiatric predictor of serious heart and brain conditions for both men and women.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 2, 2026

Even light activity may lower stroke, death risk in people with atrial fibrillation

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that even low levels of physical activity can increase life expectancy for adults with or without atrial fibrillation. The research tracked over 87,000 adults in Norway for 15 years and found a positive association between physical activity and reduced stro...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateAug 5, 2026

Smartphone apps, wearable trackers helped people with heart disease boost physical activity

A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that using smartphone apps or wearable technologies can increase daily step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among people with heart disease. The analysis showed that digital tools, such as self-monitoring, feedback, and goal setting, can motivate patients to be more active.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 17, 2026

Did heart health impact the risk of severe COVID-19 infection during the pandemic?

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adults with better Life's Essential 8 scores had lower odds of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19. The research suggests that having a healthy heart helps prepare the body for real-life stress tests, such as infectious diseases like COVID-19.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 27, 2026