A new study finds that clear and accurate information about the cause of death, provided in multiple formats, can influence family members' decisions to seek follow-up screening for inherited heart conditions. The study suggests that communication from death investigators and health care professionals is crucial in addressing families'...
High blood pressure in children is a significant health concern, potentially leading to cardiovascular problems in adulthood. The American Heart Association recommends monitoring blood pressure levels and implementing lifestyle modifications such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management.
Research highlights that intensive behavioral weight loss programs significantly reduce cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes risk factors, which persist for at least five years. Participants who lost weight through such programs had lower risk factors compared to those in less intensive or no weight loss programs.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement provides guidance on interpreting incidental genetic variants associated with cardiovascular disease risk. The statement aims to determine whether a variant truly carries a health risk and suggests next steps for individuals and healthcare professionals.
The Lp(a) Discovery Project will develop clinical standards for optimal patient care through a new screening measure and quality improvement interventions. The three-year project aims to fill knowledge gaps around Lp(a) and encourage better treatments to reduce cardiovascular risk.
The VALOR-QI program will provide a blueprint for quality care improvement, focusing on high-risk patients and addressing health equity gaps. It will offer education, staff training, monitoring, and other steps to achieve better compliance with cholesterol management.
Supervised exercise training is safe and may improve exercise capacity and quality of life for people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Exercise therapy has been shown to be more effective in improving quality of life compared to medications for this condition.
A new study published in Hypertension journal found that irregular sleep patterns contribute to higher blood pressure among teens with extra belly weight. The research suggests that maintaining a regular sleep schedule may help protect adolescents from cardiovascular consequences of obesity.
Preliminary research found that better sleep health was associated with higher rates of attendance at group interval sessions, adherence to caloric intake goals, and improvement in time spent performing moderate-vigorous physical activity. However, the association between sleep health and physical activity was not statistically signifi...
Two studies found that adults with high cardiovascular health scores tend to live longer lives free of major chronic diseases. The research highlights the importance of maintaining ideal cardiovascular health to delay onset of age-related diseases, allowing individuals to enjoy life in their years as well as their years in life.
A new study found that walking an additional 500 steps per day was associated with a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. This benefit is significant for older adults, as most studies have focused on early-to-midlife adults.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that participating in home-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a 36% lower likelihood of death from heart-related complications among US military veterans within four years. The study analyzed data from 1,120 veterans who enrolled in a 12-week hom...
Researchers found that self-perceived interpersonal racism in employment, housing, and police interactions was associated with a 26% higher risk of coronary heart disease among Black women. The study analyzed data from the largest follow-up study on the health of Black women in the US.
A survey of over 2,500 teens and young adults found that vaping nicotine and THC is associated with self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dual vapers were more likely to report addiction to nicotine and feel less depressed after starting vaping.
A new study found that Black women of childbearing age are twice as likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure as their white peers, increasing their risk of heart-related complications during pregnancy. Food insecurity was also a significant issue among Black and Hispanic women, with one in four experiencing food insecurity.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that irregular sleeping habits may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis among adults older than 45. Maintaining regular sleep schedules can help reduce cardiovascular risk for aging adults and improve overall health.
Health systems nationwide are committing to better heart failure patient care through the American Heart Association's IMPLEMENT-HF initiative, which aims to bridge gaps in care and improve outcomes. The program uses established data collection approaches to develop new standards for heart failure patient management.
Research highlights the intergenerational impact of prepregnancy heart health on offspring, with low pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health linked to pregnancy complications and higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Improving women's heart health before pregnancy could reduce these risks and have a positive impact on future generations.
A recent study found that about 1 in 5 people who survived an ischemic stroke had irregular heart rhythms, atrial fibrillation, due to atherosclerosis. The study suggests that these patients are at increased risk of recurrent strokes and highlights the need for continuous cardiac monitoring to detect unsuspected atrial fibrillation.
A study of over 350 patients with small vessel stroke found that the medications were well-tolerated and safe, suggesting potential benefits in improving patient outcomes. The results indicate that cilostazol and isosorbide mononitrate may help reduce recurrent stroke, cognitive impairment, and improve quality of life.
Researchers found no significant evidence of harm in lowering blood pressure targets after endovascular treatment, but trends suggested marginal benefit and potential worsening of long-term disability. Clinicians should consider auto-regulation of blood pressure unless above 180 mm Hg.
A new neuroprotectant medication called ApTOLL has been shown to improve survival and reduce long-term disability among patients with stroke. The study found that ApTOLL, when used in conjunction with standard treatments, reduced death and brain damage, suggesting a promising new approach to treating stroke.
The American Heart Association is recognizing 10 leading stroke scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of stroke research. Among them, Dr. Cheryl Bushnell will be honored with the Ralph L. Sacco Outstanding Stroke Research Mentor Award for her exceptional mentorship and research in women's issues related to str...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement outlines ideal foundational requirements for stroke program development and growth. The guidelines aim to minimize inconsistencies and improve services provided by certified stroke centers across the U.S., emphasizing leadership, personnel resources, and quality improvement.
A recent study found that recurrent stroke risk has declined over the past 20 years, with a greater decrease observed among women compared to men in South Texas. The study analyzed data from nearly 6,000 first-time ischemic stroke survivors and found that lifestyle changes and medication can help prevent recurrent strokes.
Research highlights underuse of dual blood thinners in women after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), with potential benefits for stroke prevention. A study analyzed electronic health records of 2,953 adults and found that women were less likely to receive the treatment regimen, despite evidence suggesting its effectiveness.
Adults living in neighborhoods with dense fast food and unhealthy food environments, known as
Researchers discovered that bone marrow transplants can halt the development and progression of brain blood vessel disease in adults with sickle cell disease. The study found that receiving stem cell transplants led to positive changes in blood vessels, reducing the risk of stroke among patients with the condition.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic stroke survivors in the US are less likely to receive treatment for common complications, despite improved overall stroke survival rates. Researchers analyzed electronic health records from 2002 to 2022 and matched patients based on 41 factors to minimize biases.
A new study finds that Mexican American stroke survivors are less likely to receive intensive rehabilitation services compared to non-Hispanic white peers. Nearly one-third of all stroke survivors in the study did not receive any rehabilitation within 90 days of their stroke.
A new smartphone application called FAST.AI uses machine learning algorithms to recognize facial asymmetry, arm weakness, and speech changes in people experiencing a stroke. The app's accuracy was validated through a study involving nearly 270 patients with acute stroke, showing promise as a tool for prompt individuals to seek care.
A new lifestyle-related biomarker, gluconic acid, is associated with high blood pressure and ischemic stroke in Black adults. The study suggests that a blood test measuring metabolites may help determine if diet and exercise are effective in lowering stroke risk.
Research suggests that poor oral health may contribute to declines in brain function and cognitive abilities. A recent study analyzed the relationship between oral health and brain health among approximately 40,000 adults and found a potential link between gum disease and white matter hyperintensities.
A new study suggests that intensive blood pressure treatment may slow the accumulation of toxins in the brain's perivascular spaces, a dynamic area involved in brain clearance. This finding is significant for understanding the relationship between high blood pressure and cognitive decline.
Researchers found that patients treated with butylphthalide experienced milder neurological symptoms and better functioning at three months after a stroke compared to those who received a placebo. The study suggests potential benefits of this celery seed-derived medication in treating ischemic strokes.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people hospitalized for sepsis are at a higher risk of heart failure and rehospitalization within 12 years. The researchers analyzed data from over 2 million adults who survived non-surgical hospitalizations between 2009 and 2019.
The number of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in the US rose significantly between 2019 and 2020, with Asian, Black and Hispanic populations most affected. The largest single-year increase since 2015 was seen in CVD deaths among these populations, highlighting structural and societal disparities.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement suggests that surgery should be considered for patients with high-risk pulmonary embolism to improve survival rates. The statement also calls for increased research and data quality registries to better understand the disease process and effective treatments.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of rapid evaluation for TIA, which can lead to full-blown stroke. The statement offers a standardized approach to evaluating people with suspected TIA, including guidance for hospitals in rural areas with limited resources.
A six-year study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that reducing overall calorie intake was a stronger determinant of weight change than meal timing. The research suggests that limiting total eating window during the day may not be as effective for controlling weight as previously thought.
A new study found that teenagers who reported feeling optimistic, happy, and loved had better cardiometabolic health outcomes in adulthood. Despite this, racial disparities remained apparent, with Black teens facing increased health risks due to structural racism.
A new study suggests that reformulating packaged foods in Australia to contain less sodium could save up to 1,700 lives per year. Implementing the World Health Organization's sodium targets may also reduce rates of cardiovascular disease and stomach cancer.
A new study found that drinking two or more cups of coffee daily may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality among people with severe hypertension. In contrast, moderate green tea consumption did not show a significant association with increased risk, suggesting potential benefits of polyphenols in reducing mortality.
A new study published in Hypertension suggests that lipoprotein(a) cholesterol may affect the relationship between hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that people with high levels of lipoprotein(a) and hypertension had a 24% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those without hypertension.
As people age, their health care needs become more complex, making it essential to consider anatomical and functional changes when diagnosing and treating ACS. An individualized and patient-centered approach is best for older adults, considering coexisting conditions and input from multiple specialists.
A new study found that extreme temperatures are linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular death, particularly heart failure, which was the leading cause of death globally. The research analyzed data from 32 million cardiovascular deaths in 567 cities across 27 countries between 1979 and 2019.
Dr. Urbut's award-winning research explores a new framework to predict coronary artery disease throughout an individual's lifespan, incorporating genomic and nongenomic risk factors. The American Heart Association recognized her innovative work in improving cardiovascular disease prevention.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the potential benefits and risks of complementary and alternative therapies for heart failure. The statement advises healthcare professionals to discuss CAM use with patients, monitor medication interactions, and consider pharmacists' consultations.
A study published in the Hypertension journal suggests that bromocriptine, a Parkinson's disease medication, may help prevent heart disease in youth with Type 1 diabetes. The research found that teens with Type 1 diabetes who took bromocriptine had lower blood pressure and less stiff arteries after one month of treatment.
The American Heart Association has added a new $4 million grant to its $24 million Strategically-Focused Research Network (SFRN) on the Science of Diversity in Clinical Trials. The new center, led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Morgan State University, aims to identify ways to increase participation and recruitment of p...