The American Heart Association honored Drs. Harriette Van Spall and Erica Gunderson with the 2022 Dr. Nanette K. Wenger Research Goes Red Award for their groundbreaking study on sex-specific clinical outcomes of heart failure patients. The research found that women experienced improved outcomes after receiving transitional care service...
Dr. Mike Weisfeldt, a renowned cardiologist, will receive the American Heart Association's Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award for his efforts to increase diversity in cardiology and promote inclusivity. The award recognizes his leadership in recruiting underrepresented groups and fostering an equity-first approach in medicine.
Dr. Louise D. McCullough is being recognized for her groundbreaking research on sex differences in stroke and their impact on immune response, which has led to a greater understanding of the biology behind these differences. Her work has also shed light on the importance of including females in pre-clinical research.
Dr. Paul Muntner receives the 2022 Joseph A. Vita Award for his work on identifying cardiovascular disease risk factors and improving hypertension prevention and treatment. He is recognized for his studies on environmental factors, blood pressure measurements, and African American adults.
A new study found that living in a community with easy access to grocery stores and affordable, healthy food is associated with lower heart failure death rates. The research analyzed data from nearly 3,000 counties in the US and found that food insecurity is linked to increased rates of death from heart failure.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of managing PAD based on a person's experience of symptoms, rather than relying solely on clinical measures. This approach aims to improve patient-centered care and outcomes, particularly for individuals with severe limb ischemia or comorbidities.
Particle radioactivity from radon in air pollution increases toxicity and risk of death from cardiovascular disease, especially from heart attack and stroke. Researchers used spatiotemporal predictions to estimate exposure and found that higher gross beta-activity levels increased the risk of death from these conditions.
Women with severe preeclampsia treated with extended-release nifedipine during labor and delivery had lower rates of dangerously high blood pressure, reducing the need for IV treatment. This study contributes to optimal management of hypertension during pregnancy and delivery.
Research found a 74% higher risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy among women who received frozen embryo transfers compared to those with fresh embryo transfers or natural conception. The study suggests that IVF treatment factors may be involved, but more research is needed to identify the specific risks.
Research found that people with HIV who also have untreated hepatitis C virus have a higher risk of heart attack as they age. The study analyzed health data from 23,361 people with HIV and found that those co-infected with hepatitis C had a significantly increased risk of heart attack compared to those with HIV alone.
A recent study by the American Heart Association highlights that poorly controlled high blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular emergencies in the US. The study analyzed over 20 million emergency department visits and found that 13% were for essential hypertension, which led to hospital admission less than 3% of the time.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that individuals with autoimmune diseases are at a higher risk of complications after a heart attack. The research emphasizes the importance of controlling cardiovascular disease risk factors and developing personalized treatment plans for this population.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that air pollution may trigger irregular heart rhythms in healthy teenagers, with exposure causing arrhythmias to occur within two hours. The research analyzed data from over 300 adolescents and found a significant impact of fine particulate matter on cardiac ...
A new study led by a 16-year-old scientist found that certain ultra-processed foods, such as candy and pastries, can lead to increased consumption of other unhealthy foods among teenagers. Reducing consumption of these 'gateway' foods may help reduce overall unhealthy food intake and positively impact health.
Researchers found that high blood pressure induced in young mice led to significant bone loss and osteoporosis-related damage comparable to older mice. The study suggests a possible link between inflammation, high blood pressure, and accelerated bone aging in humans.
A study suggests that adopting the DASH diet may have the greatest impact on reducing cardiovascular disease among people with stage 1 hypertension. The research estimates that this lifestyle change could prevent 15,000 heart disease events among men and 11,000 among women.
A study found that better access to primary care physicians in disadvantaged neighborhoods improves high blood pressure awareness and control. The research used the Area Deprivation Index to assess socioeconomic status and analyzed data from over 5,000 predominantly African American adults.
A new Israeli study found that myocarditis cases were rare and mild after the third dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, with a risk of 1 in 15,000 among young males. The study's findings suggest potential explanations for the increased risk, including medical precautions and time between doses.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that low physical function after age 65 is associated with a greater risk of developing heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. The study used the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test to assess physical function in 5,570 adults over 75 years old.
A new American Heart Association statement highlights the need for specialized care in people who inject drugs, a population with a complex approach to manage potentially deadly heart infections. The standard treatment includes six weeks of intravenous antibiotics, but alternative regimens and oral antibiotics may help complete treatment.
A study published in Circulation found that moderate or vigorous physical activity can lower the risk of developing heart failure. The research, which analyzed data from over 94,000 adults, suggests that increasing physical activity duration and intensity may provide greater protection against heart failure.
African American adults with higher levels of religiosity and spirituality may be more likely to meet key cardiovascular health metrics. The study found associations between religious behavior, spirituality, and improved health outcomes in terms of diet, physical activity, and smoking.
A recent study found that COVID-19 infection significantly increases the risk of myocarditis compared to vaccination, with a 11-fold higher risk in unvaccinated individuals. The study analyzed nearly 43 million people in England and found that COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis is rare.
Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and heart failure, can profoundly affect quality of life. The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of tracking symptoms to detect changes and progression.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that smartphone video motion analysis can accurately detect narrowed neck arteries, which are a significant risk factor for stroke. The algorithm achieved an impressive 87% accuracy rate in detecting stenosis in participants with carotid artery disease.
Researchers found a strong association between atrial cardiopathy and dementia in a study of over 15,000 participants. The study revealed that even those without atrial fibrillation or stroke were at higher risk for dementia, highlighting the need to better understand the mechanisms behind this link.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association finds that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a 30% increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Younger adults, including Gen Z, experience increased social isolation and loneliness due to higher social media use and less in-person engagement.
Research suggests that chemicals produced by gut microbes after eating red meat may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study found a 22% higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease associated with increased red meat consumption, which was partly attributed to elevated levels of TMAO and related metabolites in the blood.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that walking for exercise at a pace that induces leg pain or discomfort improves walking ability among people with peripheral artery disease. The study involved 264 participants who walked at home at either a comfortable pace or a pace that induced leg symptom...
A recent study found that people who smoke or vape prior to hospitalization for COVID-19 are more likely to experience severe complications, including death. The study, which analyzed data from the American Heart Association's COVID-19 CVD Registry, also showed that young individuals are particularly at risk.
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein activates the natural immune response in heart muscle cells, causing damage and inflammation. The study found that the spike protein also caused hypertrophic remodeling and cardiac dysfunction in lab mice, highlighting a novel, ACE2-independent pathological role of the virus.
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that adults who perform two to four times the currently recommended amount of moderate or vigorous physical activity per week have a significantly reduced risk of mortality. The analysis found that this range of activity resulted in a 21-23% reduction f...
A study published in the American Heart Association's Hypertension journal found a significant association between frequent napping and an increased risk of high blood pressure and ischemic stroke. The researchers analyzed data from over 360,000 participants and suggested that naps may not be enough to make up for poor sleep at night.
A large prospective study found that women with endometriosis have a higher risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes compared to those without the condition. The study analyzed data from over 112,000 women and found an association between endometriosis and stroke risk, suggesting that clinicians should consider the whole woman's health...
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of stroke, even for people at high genetic risk. The study used data from over 11,500 adults and estimated lifetime stroke risk based on polygenic risk scores.
Researchers found that high blood pressure doubles the risk of severe COVID-19 hospitalization even after full vaccination and booster doses. The study analyzed adults hospitalized with Omicron-variant COVID-19 in Los Angeles between December 2021 and April 2022.
Children with complex congenital heart defects are 5 times more likely to receive an anxiety diagnosis, highlighting the need for mental health assessment and treatment. For adults, 50% experience mood or anxiety disorders, underscoring the importance of integrated mental health care in CHD specialty teams.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that Black children who have stroke after heart transplant are more than three times as likely to die compared to their white counterparts. The researchers analyzed data from 8,224 children who received cardiac transplants between 1994 and 2019.
A study found that individuals with a rare genetic variant common in people of East Asian descent are at higher risk of vessel reclog during or shortly after endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke. The researchers analyzed data from 277 East Asian adults who received the treatment between 2011 and 2021.
Researchers developed a heart-healthy diet based on traditional Chinese cuisine that reduced sodium levels by half, increased dietary fiber, and cut fat intake. The study found significant blood pressure reductions among participants, with potential implications for cardiovascular disease prevention.
A recent study published in Circulation Journal Report reveals that only 20% of U.S. adults and children have ideal cardiovascular health. The Life's Essential 8 checklist, updated by the American Heart Association, assesses heart health through eight key components, including diet, physical activity, and sleep duration.
The American Heart Association has revised its cardiovascular health checklist to include sleep duration as a key factor in ideal heart and brain health. The new Life's Essential 8 score replaces the previous Life's Simple 7 and assesses factors such as diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and blood pressure.
Research found significant disparities in cardiac rehabilitation participation by race/ethnicity regardless of income. Cardiac rehabilitation programs combine physical activity with counseling to improve recovery after a major cardiovascular event.
The American Heart Association warns that e-cigarette use in adolescents can lead to stunted lung development and altered cardiovascular systems, increasing the risk of heart disease over time. Long-term exposure to e-cigarette aerosols has been linked to increased blood pressure, impaired blood vessel function, and arterial stiffness.
Research found a link between genetic variants that mimic statin medication effects and increased risk of developing cataracts. Genetic analysis revealed carriers of rare mutations in the HMGCR gene have almost complete protein inhibition, similar to taking statins.
The American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of collecting data on sex differences in acute ischemic stroke treatment and outcomes. Researchers need to consider biological factors, such as sex, when studying stroke treatment, while social factors may be more relevant for quality of life assessments.
Research linked to PFAS exposure in middle-aged women reveals a stronger association between combined exposure and blood pressure risk. The study suggests strategies to limit PFAS use may help reduce high blood pressure incidence in midlife women.
A new study found that adult survivors of childhood cancer are 80% more likely to be undertreated for cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The study highlights the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and improved health management strategies for cancer survivors.
A study of over 3,000 adults found that RAAS inhibitors lowered aneurysm rupture risk by 18%. Using proper antihypertensive medications can decrease the risk of a ruptured aneurysm. The study suggests that nearly 18% of ruptured aneurysms may be prevented with RAAS inhibitors.
A recent review of 71 clinical trials found that consuming about 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day can modestly lower blood pressure in adults. The analysis suggests that this daily dose may be an optimal amount to help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.