A new study published in the journal Stroke found that African American veterans with PTSD had a significantly higher risk of re-hospitalization after a stroke compared to those without PTSD. This was not observed among white veterans. The study highlights the importance of targeted care for high-risk populations and reducing modifiabl...
A new study found that more than half of American Indian teens had high levels of cholesterol, with nearly two-thirds of young adults experiencing the same issue. The study suggests a need for early screening and treatment to prevent premature heart disease.
A large study found that adults who drank two liters or more of sugar- or artificially sweetened drinks per week had a higher risk of irregular heart rhythms. In contrast, drinking one liter or less of pure, unsweetened juice was associated with a lower risk of atrial fibrillation.
A new study found that frequent cannabis use is associated with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, even after controlling for tobacco use and other cardiovascular risk factors. The study analyzed data from over 430,000 adults in the US and found that smoking cannabis was significantly linked to cardiovascular risks.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the value of AI technology in improving cardiovascular disease patient outcomes. Despite its potential, AI applications face gaps and challenges, including robust clinical validation and addressing biases.
New research reveals women's cardiovascular disease risks differ by age, lifestyle factors, and mental health conditions. Studies show sedentary behavior increases risk of death from all causes, while preeclampsia is linked to diet, highlighting need for targeted prevention strategies.
A new study found that living close to pubs, bars, and fast-food restaurants is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. The study, which analyzed data from over 500,000 adults in the UK, also found that proximity and density of ready-to-eat food outlets were linked to an elevated risk of heart failure.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement offers the latest knowledge on neurodevelopmental outcomes in people of all ages with congenital heart disease. The statement highlights that neurodevelopmental difficulties are common complications faced by individuals with congenital heart disease, affecting their ability to funct...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the need for increased awareness of heart disease as a major health risk for women, particularly those with pregnancy complications. Early detection and treatment of risk factors may help prevent future heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
The new advisory highlights the dramatic advances in understanding and treatment of cardiovascular diseases over the past century. These advancements have saved millions of lives and reduced heart disease death rates by more than half since 1950.
Researchers found that injecting a substance to block an artery and combining it with surgery significantly reduced the risk of repeat surgery for patients with subdural hematomas. The study, published at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference, showed a nearly 3-fold reduction in re-operation rates.
A clinical trial found that patients who received care recommendations from an AI-based system had fewer recurrent strokes, heart attacks, or vascular death within three months. The study suggests that this technology can improve patient outcomes and aid neurologists in making informed decisions.
The American Heart Association's PREVENT risk calculator will be evaluated among diverse populations to assess its accuracy and fairness. The research aims to ensure that the tool provides accurate risk predictions for people from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
The American Heart Association and The Children's Heart Foundation have pledged over $10 million in funding to research congenital heart defects. Researchers will advance their work to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CHDs, giving more children a chance to grow into healthy adults.
Researchers found that adding blood thinners to clot-busting medications for ischemic strokes did not improve physical function at 90 days post-stroke. The study, MOST, enrolled 514 patients and analyzed the effectiveness of two blood-thinning medications.
Researchers found that positioning stroke patients with large vessel ischemic strokes at 0-degrees resulted in significant improvements in neurological function compared to those with 30-degree head positioning. This approach optimized blood flow through the narrowed artery and improved collateral arteries, leading to better outcomes.
Eleven prominent researchers recognized for groundbreaking work in stroke and brain health, with a focus on improving treatments and addressing disparities. The honorees include experts in magnetic resonance imaging, inherited risk factors, and clinical stroke research.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension found that tirzepatide significantly lowered systolic blood pressure levels in nearly 500 adults with obesity. The results suggest treating obesity with this weight loss medication may be an effective strategy for preventing or treating high blood pressure.
A study found that living in a neighborhood with easy access to recreational centers and gyms is linked to higher physical activity levels among stroke survivors. The analysis suggests that having a conversation with stroke patients about available physical activity resources can help them continue their recovery.
A study published at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024 found that treating people with ischemic stroke with intravenous injections of a combination of biologically active components of ginkgo biloba during the first two weeks after the stroke improved early cognitive recovery. The treatment, called ...
A recent study found that socioeconomic factors, including income, education, and housing quality, significantly impact stroke recovery outcomes. Researchers used data from the U.S. Census blocks to compare outcomes among stroke survivors by socioeconomic disadvantage factors.
A preliminary study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2024 found that lifetime exposure to sexual assault and other traumatic stressors can negatively impact subsequent stroke recovery. Researchers analyzed data from the STRONG study and discovered that stroke survivors exposed to sexual ass...
People with stroke mimics are at a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than those with confirmed strokes. Researchers found that patients with stroke mimics experience significant psychological distress and increased cardiovascular health risks.
A new study found that combining brain stimulation with intense physical rehabilitation helped stroke survivors recover movement in their arms and hands and maintain these improvements for one year. The pairing of rehabilitation therapy with vagus nerve stimulation likely helps the brain strengthen new neural pathways.
Researchers identified 180,940 people who had suffered a recent stroke and matched them to control groups to evaluate dementia risk after stroke. The study found that the rate of post-stroke dementia was higher than the rate of recurrent stroke over the same time period.
Researchers found that Black women who develop high blood pressure before age 45 are twice as likely to suffer a stroke. The study, presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2024, highlights the disparity in stroke rates among Black and white women.
A recent study found that a stroke or combined with a neck artery tear significantly increases the risk of heart attack within a year. The researchers analyzed health data from over 800,000 adults and discovered that carotid or vertebral artery dissections without a stroke do not raise heart attack risk.
A study found that tenecteplase is safe and effective for treating ischemic stroke in mobile stroke units, offering a simpler alternative to alteplase. The new medication requires only a single injection, reducing administration time and complications.
A preliminary study found that most stroke survivors can safely take two common types of antidepressants without increasing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. However, patients on dual anti-platelet therapy may be at increased risk of bleeding.
A new study found that people with drug-related cardiac arrests in the U.S. were more likely to be younger and have fewer coexisting health conditions compared to non-drug-related cardiac arrests, which was a surprising finding given the increasing number of overdose deaths.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the need for increased awareness of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) to facilitate prompt medical treatment. The statement updates guidelines for diagnosing and managing CVT, focusing on advancements in treatment approaches.
The American Heart Association has outlined three target needs for improving cardiac arrest outcomes by 2030: increasing bystander CPR rates, defibrillation, and survival after cardiac arrest. The goal is to double survivorship to 20% through increased access to lifesaving care in underrepresented communities.
A recent survey found that 51% of Americans are unaware that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. This lack of knowledge can be deadly, with nearly half of adults having some form of cardiovascular disease.
Research finds that stable caregiver relationships in childhood may increase optimal heart health, while adversity and abuse can lead to poor cardiovascular health. Lower income as an adult may also introduce additional adversity, making the relationship between caregiver-child adversity difficult to see.
A new study found that young adults who reported higher stress as adolescents were more likely to have high blood pressure, obesity, and other cardiometabolic risk factors. This highlights the importance of stress management from an early age to prevent these health issues.
This special issue highlights promising research projects developing scalable digital technology solutions for improved heart and brain health. Smartphone-based assessments and point-of-care echocardiography have shown promise in diverse populations, including those with latent rheumatic heart disease and dementia.
Research found a significant increase in cardiovascular disease deaths related to substance use, particularly among young adults and certain racial and ethnic groups. The study highlights the need for comprehensive public health efforts to address substance use and its impact on heart health.
The American Heart Association has made significant medical advancements over the past 100 years, including the development of artificial heart valves and implantable pacemakers. The organization continues to work towards health equity, with a focus on removing barriers to healthcare for diverse populations.
A new study found that deaths from infective endocarditis decreased overall in the US, but rose sharply among people ages 25-44, likely linked to the opioid crisis. Researchers call for more investigation into the trends and recommend comprehensive care plans including substance use disorder screening and treatment.
The American Heart Association offers a new individual certification for healthcare professionals in tobacco cessation, aiming to standardize training and improve patient outcomes. The certification is based on evidence-based therapies and will help reduce the nation's dependence on tobacco.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that many couples around the world share high blood pressure. The research analyzed data from over 50,000 couples in four countries and found a strong association between partners' blood pressure status.
Research found a significant linear relationship between age of coronary heart disease onset and dementia, highlighting the detrimental influence of premature cardiovascular events on brain health. Adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease at a young age may be at increased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascu...
The American Heart Association and Neurocritical Care Society emphasize the need for improved critical care management of patients after cardiac arrest. The consensus statement highlights gaps in knowledge, particularly in areas like neurological, cardiac, and gastrointestinal care.
The American Heart Association's National Hispanic Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative aims to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities affecting underrepresented groups. By empowering Hispanic Latino leaders, the program seeks to eliminate health inequities and improve overall well-being.
A three-year intensive treatment strategy to lower systolic blood pressure below 120mmHg significantly reduced cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death, compared to standard treatment. The study found that participants in the intensive group experienced fewer major vascular events and deaths over a two-year period.
A new therapeutic, lepodisiran, has shown promising results in reducing lipoprotein(a) levels to undetectable levels for nearly one year. The study found that the medication is safe and effective in lowering Lp(a) levels by more than 94%.
A four-year blood-pressure intervention significantly reduced the risk of developing dementia among adults with high blood pressure, compared to those who received usual care. The study found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 130 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure to less than 80 mm Hg reduced dementia risk.
The ORBITA-2 trial found that stenting improves symptoms compared to a placebo procedure, providing evidence-based treatment for stable chest pain. The study suggests updating guidelines for stable coronary artery disease and offers patients and medical teams two treatment strategies with similar benefits.
A single infusion of CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels in people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that increases heart attack risk. The treatment has shown potential as a long-term or permanent option for high LDL-C control.
A phase 4 clinical trial found that apixaban, an anti-clotting medication, reduced the rate of stroke and blood clots in adults with implanted heart devices experiencing short bouts of asymptomatic, irregular heart rhythms. The study suggests that these individuals may benefit from receiving an anticoagulant.