Despite Medicare's expanded coverage, only less than 10% of eligible adults with heart failure enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation between 2014 and 2021. This low enrollment rate is attributed to various barriers, including insurance coverage and CMS participation criteria.
A study found a significant decrease in heart attacks in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to reduced air pollution. The study analyzed daily pollution measurements and heart attack frequency, revealing a 6% decrease in heart attacks for every 10 µg/m³ drop in particulate matter 2.5.
Researchers studied 129 cardiac arrest survivors and found that those practicing mindfulness had lower rates of psychological symptoms. Mindfulness appears to be a potential protective factor against psychological symptoms in cardiac arrest survivors.
Researchers found that firefighters experience significant increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure when responding to emergency calls, with most having uncontrolled hypertension. The study aims to raise awareness about the risks of cardiovascular disease among firefighters.
A decade-long study of young Black adults in the US reveals a rising burden of traditional cardiometabolic conditions, including congestive heart failure and depression. The study found a nearly 20% increase in major adverse cardiac events among young Black adults from 2007 to 2017
Research presented at American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2021 found that Latino adults who followed a healthy dietary plan had healthier hearts in terms of structure and function. The study, which evaluated over 1,800 participants, suggests that adherence to healthy eating patterns can lower risk of heart disease.
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2021 found that consuming higher amounts of vegetable fat or polyunsaturated fat may lower stroke risk, while eating more red meat, processed red meat, and non-dairy animal fat may increase it. The research analyzed data from over 117,000 participants and sug...
Researchers found that earlier epinephrine treatment during cardiac arrest is associated with improved recovery outcomes. Patients who received epinephrine within four minutes of the first shock had a greater likelihood of recovering and regaining daily functions.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2021 found that British veterans who sustained traumatic injuries during the Afghanistan War were up to twice as likely to develop metabolic syndrome and had increased markers of cardiovascular disease risk. The study, which followed 1,144 male combat vete...
A study found that Hispanic adults with peripheral artery disease are 80% more likely to access inpatient care through the emergency room, leading to longer and more costly hospitalizations. This disparity highlights the need for improved outpatient care and education among this population to manage PAD effectively.
Using methamphetamines, opiates, cocaine, and cannabis increases the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation. Acute alcohol consumption also raises the risk for immediate and first-time atrial fibrillation episodes. The study, based on a large California database, found associations between substance use and cardiac arrhythmia.
Researchers have identified 29 common genetic loci associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, a type of heart disease that occurs when the heart's chambers become enlarged. The study used data from the National VA Healthcare System to study the association of common genetic variants with the condition.
Research suggests women with higher levels of weight bias internalization accumulate more visceral fat, despite lower body mass index, due to negative self-perception and shame. The study highlights the importance of addressing weight stigma in clinical environments to improve health outcomes.
Researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 women aged 18-44 with disabilities and found lower diet quality, food insecurity, and physical activity levels compared to their able-bodied peers. The study highlights the importance of addressing dietary barriers for women with disabilities.
Researchers found that cardiac arrests in the cath lab had slightly lower survival rates compared to those in the operating room. However, they were more likely to survive than those in the intensive care unit.
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients from socially vulnerable neighborhoods experienced higher death and cardiac event rates, even after adjusting for pre-existing conditions. The study used the Social Vulnerability Index to analyze data from over 20,000 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
New research suggests that insomnia may be a potential risk factor for brain aneurysm rupture, along with well-known factors such as smoking and high blood pressure. The study found associations between insomnia and increased risk of intracranial aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sharply curtailed scientific research globally, with nearly all labs closing in 2020 and many clinical trials halted. The American Heart Association calls for increased federal funding to rebuild the research enterprise, targeting early career investigators, women, and underrepresented groups.
A new guideline from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recommends using standardized risk assessments and clinical pathways to evaluate chest pain. Most adults presenting with chest pain will have a non-cardiac reason, while only a small percentage will have an acute coronary syndrome.
Research links Social Vulnerability Index scores with higher rates of cardiovascular disease death in young and middle-aged adults. The study highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions to address social risks in socially vulnerable communities.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise may be associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure. The correlation appears to be greater in people who are former smokers or have high blood pressure.
Researchers found that individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure at ages 35-44 had smaller brain volumes and a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those with normal blood pressure. The study suggests that controlling or delaying the onset of hypertension in young adulthood may reduce the risk of dementia.
Researchers found that women over 70 and men under 50 with hypertension are at a higher risk of uncontrolled blood pressure. This study highlights the need for increased awareness about uncontrolled hypertension among these groups, and further research is needed to understand the underlying causes.
Research suggests that adults with elevated blood pressure prefer monitoring their blood pressure at home, rather than in a clinical setting. This is because home blood pressure monitoring is convenient and easy to do, without disrupting daily activities.
Researchers found that adopting the DASH diet, losing weight and improving aerobic fitness can lower blood pressure significantly. The study suggests lifestyle modifications can help people with resistant hypertension successfully lose weight and increase their physical activity.
Research presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions 2021 found that exposure to military sexual trauma significantly influences veterans' physical health. The study screened over 1.2 million veterans and reported nearly 33,900 cases of military sexual trauma, with 65% being women.
A 21-year study found that adults with diabetes who experienced nighttime blood pressure increases had double the risk of dying compared to those whose blood pressure 'dipped' during sleep. Non-dipping and reverse dipping are associated with increased cardiovascular complications and death.
A study found that a naturally occurring protein called nNIF improved stroke recovery in mice by blocking the formation of NETs, which can cause blood clots and brain damage. The researchers believe that this protein could potentially improve stroke outcomes in humans.
A new study found that nearly 40% of Swedish adults aged 50-64 without known heart disease have some degree of atherosclerosis, according to researchers. This risk factor is often overlooked as having a zero calcification score, but can increase the likelihood of a heart attack, stroke or dying.
Researchers found that using the 'no-touch' technique to remove leg veins during coronary artery bypass surgery resulted in fewer blocked grafts and a lower incidence of recurrent chest pain. However, the technique was associated with more wound complications, particularly in female patients with type 2 diabetes or hypertension.
Research published in Hypertension Journal Report found that adults with normal blood pressure but high stress hormone levels are more likely to develop hypertension and experience cardiovascular events. The study, led by Kosuke Inoue, analyzed the relationship between stress hormones and cardiovascular disease risk, revealing a key fa...
A study published in Stroke Journal Report found that eating 4-5 peanuts per day lowers the risk of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease among Japanese men and women. Peanuts are rich in heart-healthy nutrients that help reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people living with HIV are at a higher risk of sudden cardiac death compared to those without the virus. The study analyzed data from over 144,000 veterans and found that 26% of those who died from sudden cardiac death had HIV.
Adults with heart disease living in rural areas experience higher levels of hopelessness and an increased risk of death. The study found that living in a rural setting is a significant risk factor for feelings of hopelessness among people with heart disease, which can more than triple the risk of death or heart attack.
A two-year randomized controlled trial found that eating about ½ cup of walnuts daily modestly lowered LDL-cholesterol levels and reduced small LDL particles in healthy, older adults. The study suggests that walnuts can improve cardiovascular health by improving the quality of LDL particles.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) living in poor or Black metropolitan areas have higher amputation rates. The analysis also noted significant disparities in healthcare access and quality among different racial and socioeconomic groups.
Research on rats suggests that aerosols from a range of vaping devices impair blood vessel function, similar to traditional cigarette smoke. The study found that even newer, coil-less ultrasonic vaping devices can have adverse effects on vascular health.
Researchers investigated sarpogrelate, an approved antiplatelet medication, for its potential to treat heart failure. Sarpogrelate suppressed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the development of heart failure in mice, suggesting it may be an effective low-cost agent for heart failure therapy.
A new study published in Hypertension Journal Report found that flavonoid-rich foods, including berries and wine, can lower blood pressure by modulating the gut microbiome. The study of 904 adults suggested that increasing flavonoid intake may be a valuable strategy for preventing hypertension.
The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of pre-test and post-test counseling for families with children undergoing CVD genetic testing. The statement emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address family concerns and provide appropriate follow-up care.
The American Heart Association highlights recommendations to safely manage pain, screen for opioid use disorder, and support treatment. The advisory aims to mitigate the devastating intersection of opioid abuse and cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that excessive time spent on computers, watching TV, or engaging in other sedentary activities increases the risk of stroke among young adults. The study analyzed data from over 143,000 adults and discovered a significant association between high levels of sedentary behav...
The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that subjective social status can be used to assess overall cardiovascular health in Hispanic/Latino adults. The researchers analyzed data from 15,374 participants and discovered a significant correlation between self-perceived social standing and cardiovascul...
A mobile interventional stroke team traveled to patients for emergency surgery, resulting in better patient outcomes and reduced disability. The MIST model addresses the need for timely access to life-saving procedures like endovascular thrombectomy.
Researchers found that a nutritionally rich, plant-centered diet is beneficial for cardiovascular health. A plant-centered diet is not necessarily vegetarian, and individuals can include animal products in moderation from time to time.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that combining aerobic exercise with moderate calorie restriction resulted in greater improvements in aortic stiffness compared to exercise alone or exercise plus a more restrictive diet. The study, which included 160 sedentary adults aged 65-79 year...
The American Heart Association has launched a $20 million research initiative, RESTORE Network, to address health equity in preventing hypertension. The project aims to test multiple strategies to overcome social determinants of health and provide better access to care for Black communities.
Analysis of real-world data found that ACE inhibitors and ARBs prevent heart events with equal effectiveness, but ARBs may cause fewer side effects. Patients taking ARBs were 3.3 times more likely to develop angioedema, while those taking ACE inhibitors were 32% more likely to experience a cough.
Research found that breastfeeding, even for a short period, is associated with lower blood pressure in toddlers. The study suggests that colostrum, rich in growth factors and immunologic components, plays a key role in shaping cardiovascular development during the newborn period.
Research found that patients with ICDs who increased physical activity outside of cardiac rehab experienced fewer hospitalizations and lower death rates, with every 10 minutes of added activity reducing death risk by 1.1%