A federal program that provides financial payments for monitoring and reducing cardiovascular risk in high-risk patients has led to intensified treatment. As part of the Million Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model, healthcare providers assessed patient risk and prescribed cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-lowering ...
Research suggests that ACA Medicaid Expansion has improved delivery of cardiovascular care to racial and ethnic minority groups, including increased medication adherence and follow-up appointments. However, disparities remain, highlighting the need for policy changes and further investigation into interventions to reduce barriers to care.
Research presents evidence that home health care after a heart attack can lower hospital readmission rates, with patients receiving care being older and more likely to have underlying health conditions. The study found that home health care was associated with an 11% lower risk of hospital readmission within 30 days.
Research shows low-income adults are less likely to receive preventive heart disease care, including cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. Socioeconomic disparities worsen during crises like COVID-19, highlighting the need for city-level interventions and public health policies to address these gaps.
Research finds that people with Type 2 diabetes experience worse cognitive performance after a stroke compared to those without the condition. However, prediabetes is not associated with similar cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
A large-scale California study found that drinking one or more sugary beverages daily increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease in women. The research also revealed significant differences in cardiovascular risk based on the type of sugary drink consumed.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association suggests that healthy eating habits in childhood can reduce the risk of adult obesity and heart disease. Allowing children to choose their food options within a healthy environment encourages positive eating behaviors and weight management. Parents and caregivers should foc...
Researchers evaluated teens with normal weight and those with obesity, type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure to assess carotid artery health. Teens with these conditions were found to have thicker and stiffer arteries, increasing the risk of early heart attacks and strokes.
A genetic study found a strong association between higher alcohol consumption and increased risk of stroke and peripheral artery disease. The study used Mendelian randomization to identify genetic variants associated with these conditions, suggesting that blood pressure may be the underlying mechanism.
Researchers developed a miniature human vein device called Vein-Chip to study changes in vein wall cells and blood flow that lead to DVT. The technology allows for testing various factors such as gender and ethnicity to predict DVT risk, paving the way for personalized therapies.
A new genetic risk score identified more men at increased risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm and could benefit from screening to detect it prior to rupture. The study suggests that current screening recommendations should be extended to include testing for those with high polygenic risk scores.
Preliminary research links amygdala activity to increased inflammation in arteries, indicating a potential connection between stress perception and heart disease. After six months, the study found that participants with recent heart attacks had near-normal brain emotional activity and reduced inflammation.
Women with preexisting cardiovascular conditions should receive preconception counseling and specialized maternity care from a cardio-obstetrics team. Regular exercise during pregnancy may improve blood vessel function and prevent preeclampsia.
The American Heart Association has funded 12 institutions to study cardiovascular/cerebrovascular correlations with COVID-19. Researchers will investigate various aspects of the virus's impact on the body, including clotting complications, cardiomyopathy treatment and mortality risk.
Two new AHA statements emphasize the impact of social determinants on heart failure outcomes and caregiver demands. The statements advocate for an interprofessional healthcare team to address non-medical barriers, while also identifying challenges faced by unpaid family caregivers who serve as primary support.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that e-cigarette users experience vascular damage comparable to traditional cigarette smokers. The researchers discovered stiffening of arteries and damaged endothelial cells, which can lead to heart disease.
New research suggests that upward income mobility is associated with a trade-off between well-being and cardiometabolic health. Despite improved mental health, individuals who experience upward mobility may fare worse in terms of heart health compared to those with consistent disadvantage or advantage.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with work-related stress were 1.4 times as likely to have a record of peripheral artery disease in hospitalization registers. Work-related stress, or job strain, refers to psychological and social stress at work.
Researchers found a significant increase in premature coronary artery disease deaths among rural women under 65, while also noting that people living in rural areas have lower survival rates for heart failure. This disparity highlights the need for targeted public health efforts to improve cardiovascular health in rural communities.
A Finnish study found associations between hypertensive pregnancy disorders, including preeclampsia, and childhood mental disorders. Maternal preeclampsia was associated with a 66% higher risk of mental disorders in offspring, while severe preeclampsia increased the risk by two-fold.
People with type 2 diabetes and heart disease may benefit from newer therapies that combine glucose control with cardiovascular benefits. These treatments, such as SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, have been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events and improve outcomes for patients.
Researchers found that women who made lifestyle modifications in middle age reduced their long-term risk of total stroke by nearly a quarter and ischemic stroke by more than one-third. Engaging in daily exercise and quitting smoking were estimated to reduce the risk of total stroke by 25% and ischemic stroke by 36%.
A new international study found that starting smoking at a young age significantly increases the likelihood of becoming a daily smoker as an adult. The study analyzed data from over 6,600 participants and found that even children who only tried smoking minimally were more likely to end up as daily adult smokers. The results support Tob...
Researchers found a strong association between extreme temperatures and increased cardiovascular deaths in Kuwait. The study suggests that populations in hotter regions may be more vulnerable to heat-related cardiovascular deaths due to the effects of rising temperatures on the body.
Researchers found a moderate association between consuming tofu high in isoflavones and a lower risk of heart disease. The study primarily showed favorable effects on young women before menopause or postmenopausal women not taking hormones, with a 18% lower risk compared to those eating tofu less than once a week.
A large-scale analysis of electronic health record data found that 60% of patients had controlled blood pressure, but only 12% received new medication when readings were high. Improving medication intensification rates could lead to significant improvements in blood pressure control.
Research suggests that middle-aged individuals who walk the most steps per day have a significantly lower risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure. Women in particular see a substantial reduction in obesity risk, with the highest step count linked to a 61% lower likelihood.
Preliminary research suggests that older adults can benefit from light-intensity physical activities such as household chores or casual walking, which can lower the risk of death from any cause. In contrast, sedentary time is associated with a higher risk of dying.
Researchers found that replacing red meat with plant-based protein sources reduced the risk of death from any cause and coronary heart disease. Studies suggest that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and nuts may help improve cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that consuming more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day was associated with a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease. Replacing butter, margarine, or dairy fat with olive oil also showed significant health benefits.
Researchers studied 82,000 non-Hispanic blacks and 370,000 whites finding significant differences in heart disease risk factors among black ethnic groups. African immigrants had lower prevalence of high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and obesity compared to Afro-Caribbeans and African Americans.
Preliminary research suggests that improved sleep patterns can lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Regular bedtimes and consistent sleep duration can also lead to healthier body weights.
Preliminary research suggests that taking estradiol within 6 years of menopause onset can prevent or slow atherosclerosis progression by reducing cholesterol deposits in artery walls. In contrast, starting therapy 10 years after menopause did not yield similar benefits.
For most people, moderate to vigorous physical activity is beneficial to overall cardiovascular health. However, intense exercise programs like marathons and triathlons can raise the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, or heart attacks, particularly in inactive individuals with known or undiagnosed heart disease.
A new observational study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that drinking 12 ounces of sugary drinks more than once per day is linked to lower levels of HDL-C and higher levels of triglycerides. The study also found that regularly consuming sugar-sweetened beverages increases the risk of cardiovascular di...
Researchers developed a non-invasive sensor patch that accurately predicted worsening heart failure and hospitalization among veterans with heart failure. The technology successfully detected worsening heart failure up to 6.5 days before hospital readmission, with an accuracy rate of over 80%.
Researchers identified a unique collection of gut bacteria associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), predicting its presence with 83% accuracy. This discovery may lead to new therapies targeting the digestive system and improving PAH diagnosis.
A new study suggests that a common blood-clotting agent may be effective in treating bleeding stroke, with researchers noting a trend towards reduced hemorrhage expansion in patients treated promptly. Further trials are underway to confirm these findings and explore the potential for this treatment to enter routine clinical practice.
Researchers have found that adding cilostazol, an antiplatelet medication used to treat leg pain, can prevent re-blockage of carotid artery stents within two years. The study showed a significant reduction in in-stent restenosis and cardiovascular events compared to other antiplatelet medications.
A study found that combining home blood pressure telemonitoring with phone-based lifestyle counseling significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in minority stroke survivors. After 12 months, those who received both interventions experienced a 14-point reduction, compared to 5 points for those with only telemonitoring.
Researchers successfully treated brain aneurysms using a robotic system, enabling precise stent and coil placement. The technology has the potential to deliver rapid care through remote robotics, improving patient outcomes and expanding access to cutting-edge care.
A new study suggests that mechanical clot removal alone may be as effective as combining it with IV clot-busters for treating acute strokes. The approach resulted in lower rates of brain bleeding and similar disability levels compared to the combination treatment.
A secondary analysis of the AUGUSTUS trial confirms that apixaban is safer than warfarin in patients with prior stroke or blood clot, while also reducing the risk of bleeding, hospitalization, and death. The study found that a strategy of apixaban plus a P2Y12 inhibitor without aspirin has the most favorable outcomes.
Researchers developed a non-invasive wearable device that increased physiological brain activity near injured areas in chronic ischemic stroke survivors. The device produced significant improvements in motor function, as measured by functional MRI, and treatment effects persisted over three months.
Treating stroke patients in mobile stroke units speeds up treatment and reduces disability. The Berlin Prehospital Or Usual Delivery trial found that prehospital treatment in a mobile stroke unit improved patient outcomes compared to usual care.
Research confirms lower 0.25mg/kg dose of tenecteplase is appropriate for eligible stroke patients, reducing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and improving blood flow in rural centers. The study found no advantage to increasing the dose beyond 0.25mg/kg and provides reassurance about a window of safety.
A follow-up study of the Wingspan stent suggests it is safe and effective for reducing recurrent stroke risk, with a long-term one-year rate of 8.5% compared to 20% in another trial. The study follows 152 patients treated with the stent according to FDA guidelines.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that longer sitting times were associated with higher levels of heart disease risk among overweight and obese post-menopausal women. The study revealed a strong negative link between sitting time and insulin resistance, particularly among Hispanic women.
A small study found that consuming flavanol-rich cocoa improved walking distance and blood flow in patients with peripheral artery disease. The study suggests that cocoa may be a new way to treat PAD, which affects over 8.5 million people nationwide.
Between 2005 and 2014, the number of veterans hospitalized due to critical limb ischemia decreased by 17%, with mortality rates dropping from 12% to 10%. Patients who underwent revascularization procedures were 55% less likely to die and 77% less likely to undergo amputation.