A study analyzing hospital registry data found that people taking multiple antiplatelet medications after a brain bleed were more likely to die before leaving the hospital. The researchers compared patients with no antiplatelet therapy to those taking one or two antiplatelet medications, finding a higher risk of death in the latter group.
A preliminary study found that stroke survivors who felt less able to openly share their feelings had slower physical and cognitive recovery. Researchers assessed participants' perception of social constraints at 3 months after their stroke, revealing a link between social constraint and overall disability.
A new smartwatch app called SocialBit measures social interactions of hospitalized stroke survivors, potentially preserving cognition, social engagement, and quality of life. The app distinguishes between hospital personnel and non-hospital interactions, identifying potential cases of social isolation.
Middle-aged and older adults who were more active in the evenings had poorer cardiovascular health compared to their peers who were more active during the day. This study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that evening chronotypes are associated with behaviors that can affect cardiovascular health, such ...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of aggressive blood pressure control, early recognition of stroke symptoms, and prompt treatment for pregnant and postpartum women. Controlling blood pressure before and after delivery can help save lives and improve outcomes for mothers and their babies.
The updated guideline recommends rapid diagnosis, imaging, and coordinated care to improve outcomes. It also introduces first-ever pediatric stroke guidance, highlighting the importance of prompt recognition and timely treatments.
Two studies found that minor adjustments in sodium content could produce significant public health benefits without requiring individual behavior change. The research suggests reducing salt in packaged and prepared foods could prevent cases of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and deaths.
The American Heart Association warns of cold weather's impact on cardiovascular disease. To stay heart-healthy in winter storms, know the dangers and take necessary precautions.
American Heart Association names Indiana University head coach Curt Cignetti national college football Coach of the Year, marking a dramatic turnaround in his second season. The award honors exceptional leadership and excellence, with proceeds benefiting heart health research and awareness.
The American Heart Association is hosting multiple pre-conference symposia at the International Stroke Conference in New Orleans, February 4-6, 2026. These symposia cover topics such as state-of-the-science stroke nursing, brain health, and addressing disparities in stroke care. The events are designed to advance stroke and brain healt...
The number of heart disease and stroke deaths in the US has declined, but these conditions still account for over a quarter of all deaths. The latest data from the American Heart Association shows that fewer people are dying from any cause, with death rates improving, but cardiovascular disease remains a major concern.
Obesity is a chronic health condition associated with harm to health, affecting more than one-third of the US population. A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes socioeconomic and structural barriers to obesity prevention and management.
Jerry Mack, Kennesaw State University coach, received the American Heart Association's Paul 'Bear' Bryant Newcomer Coach of the Year Award for his historic season. He led the Owls to a 10-4 record and Conference USA championship, marking only the fourth time a team has won 10 or more games in its second year of FBS reclassification.
Research highlights racial-ethnic differences in pregnancy-related high blood pressure risk, with Pacific Islanders and Filipinos more likely to develop a hypertensive disorder. Early identification and treatment can help prevent serious complications for both pregnant individuals and their infants.
A new study in Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes journal found that TV characters were more likely to receive CPR than real-life counterparts. This discrepancy highlights the need for accurate depictions of hands-only CPR on television.
The new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans highlight the importance of a balanced diet in preventing chronic diseases. The guidelines encourage increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting sugary drinks and processed foods.
A new study found that light intensity activities, such as walking or household chores, were associated with a lower risk of death for people with CKM syndrome. The researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to compare activity level duration for each CKM syndrome stage.
Laura Merrick, a Chicago health information leader, has been named the 2025 National Leaders of Impact Winner by the American Heart Association. She raised over $380,000 to support heart health initiatives, including blood pressure hubs and CPR education.
New research from the American Heart Association finds a strong association between gum disease and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and cardiometabolic health conditions. The study suggests that effective prevention and treatment of gum disease could potentially decrease the burden of cardiov...
A new American Heart Association scientific statement suggests that combination pills combining two or more medications may help adults with high blood pressure achieve optimal blood pressure goals more quickly, reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke, and improve long-term health. Currently, most people need two or more medicatio...
Cuffless devices, such as smartwatches and patches, have shown promise in measuring blood pressure but require standardized validation for medical decision-making. The American Heart Association has outlined key limitations and recommended further research to establish their accuracy.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that women with uterine fibroids are at an elevated risk of heart disease. The research, which analyzed data from over 450,000 women, suggests that fibroids may serve as a marker for identifying women at increased cardiovascular risk.
The American Heart Association honors nine students, schools, and educators for their efforts to create healthier classrooms and communities. Participants in the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs are recognized for building a culture of wellness, stress management, and lifesaving skills.
The NWSL and American Heart Association are teaming up to equip all 16 teams with Hands-Only CPR and AED education, empowering players, staff, and coaches to act in cardiac emergencies. Learning Hands-Only CPR can double or triple survival chances.
New research reveals that low-level smoking poses significant cardiovascular risks, with any level of smoking increasing the risk of heart disease and death. Quitting smoking can take decades to restore health to pre-smoking levels.
Dental teams can identify hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk through blood pressure screenings in routine care visits. The American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative provides standard blood pressure screening and referral guides, empowering dentists to connect patients with primary care.
The American Heart Association is scaling up its efforts to improve diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common inherited heart disease. With new support from Cytokinetics, the program will standardize care for HCM patients, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce risks associated with the disease.
A new study published in the Hypertension Journal found that chronic pain in adults may increase their risk of developing high blood pressure, with depression playing a significant role. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 adults and found that widespread pain was associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure.
Using stress cardiac MRI testing to measure blood flow around the heart appears to improve diagnosis and patient quality of life for people with suspected angina. The test can help identify small vessel problems that may be causing chest pain, which are often under-recognized in women and other groups.
A new study found that providing healthy, medically tailored meals and fresh produce boxes along with nutrition counseling can improve the quality of life for people with heart failure. The 90-day trial showed significant benefits compared to dietary counseling without food delivery.
A study found that combining PCSK9 inhibitor alirocumab with statin rosuvastatin reduced LDL cholesterol levels by more than 50% among patients after a heart transplant. The treatment was safe and showed significant cholesterol-lowering impact, but further studies are needed for confirmation.
A quality improvement program helped reduce 'bad cholesterol' levels among military veterans, according to a preliminary presentation at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025. The study found improvements in patient adherence and LDL-cholesterol goal attainment among participating veterans.
A study found that Black adults living in food deserts who received home-delivered groceries and dietary guidance based on the DASH eating plan had a greater reduction in blood pressure levels compared to those given a stipend to purchase groceries. The program improved cardiovascular and metabolic health outcomes, but limitations incl...
Researchers found that prasugrel may offer an advantage over ticagrelor for individuals with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes and complex coronary disease. This is because the two medications are not interchangeable, and treatment with prasugrel may provide better benefits in preventing blood clots and adverse cardiac events.
A six-month family-based program in rural China reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 10 mm Hg compared to non-participants. Participants implemented a low-sodium diet, exercised regularly and monitored their blood pressure using digital devices.
A new study found that a polypill combining medications for heart failure improved heart function, symptoms, and quality of life. Adults with reduced ejection fraction heart failure who took the combined medication had fewer hospitalizations and greater medication adherence than those taking individual pills.
A new study found that adding a PCSK9 inhibitor to a high-intensity cholesterol-lowering regimen reduced the risk of a first major cardiovascular event among adults with ASCVD or diabetes. The study suggests long-term lowering with PCSK9 inhibitors can improve cardiovascular morbidity and mortality over time.
A new medication called DR10624 has shown promising results in reducing high triglyceride levels by over 60% in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. The treatment also improved cholesterol and liver health, offering a potential alternative for managing this condition.
A daily oral medication has been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels in people with a previous heart attack or stroke, or those at high risk for one. The study found that participants taking the medication had significant reductions in LDL-C levels and achieved guideline-recommended targets.
Two health tech companies, PolyVascular and Brainomix, won the American Heart Association's Health Tech Competition for their innovative solutions to improve cardiovascular disease and stroke patient outcomes. PolyVascular developed a minimally invasive valve to help children with congenital heart disease, while Brainomix created AI so...
A new study suggests that catheter ablation can reduce the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and may even allow them to stop taking blood thinners. The study found that long-term oral anticoagulation is not necessary after successful ablation in patients with moderate to high stroke risk.
Researchers found that an earlier blood transfusion may reduce the risk of heart failure and irregular heartbeat in adults with heart disease. The study suggests that waiting until hemoglobin levels are low before transfusing blood may not be the best strategy for high-risk patients.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure who took a daily chance to win cash were more likely to take their medication consistently. However, they did not achieve significantly better blood pressure reductions compared to those without financial incentives. The study suggests that improving long-term behavior changes is c...
A new study found that using a simplified clot-preventing medication regimen for one month after stent placement in adults with atrial fibrillation is equally safe and effective as a standard year-long treatment regimen. This approach may help reduce bleeding risk associated with the medications while maintaining stroke, heart attack, ...
Researchers found that taking metformin in addition to standard care after catheter ablation reduced episodes of atrial fibrillation in people with obesity. The study suggests that lifestyle and risk factor modification efforts can be aided by metformin, and future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
In a Phase 1 clinical trial, CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing therapy CTX310 reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides by nearly 50% on average, achieving large reductions in both for the first time. The treatment has shown promise as a one-and-done approach to transform care for patients with lifelong lipid disorders.
A recent study found that adults with heart disease who took vitamin D doses tailored to their individual needs reduced their risk of another heart attack by more than half. The study also showed that supplementation appeared beneficial for preventing heart attack specifically.
Adults with atrial fibrillation who drank a daily cup of coffee were 39% less likely to have an irregular heart rhythm episode compared to those who avoided all caffeinated products. The preliminary study results suggest that caffeinated coffee may not be responsible for raising the risk of AFib and may even reduce it.
A new study found that standard medical care, including blood thinners, is the better choice for older people with irregular heart rhythms who are at high risk of stroke and bleeding. The catheter-based procedure was non-inferior to medical therapy in reducing stroke risk but caused more bleeding in higher-risk patients.
The American Heart Association brought hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and Hands-Only CPR awareness to a historic college football game, aiming to empower young athletes and their families with critical knowledge. The organization aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030 through its Nation of Lifesavers movement.