Nicotine damages the cardiovascular system by binding to receptors in blood vessel walls, suppressing vasodilators, and triggering vessel constriction. Abstinence is the only risk-free option, and e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn devices pose significant cardiovascular risks.
Patients who suffered a serious heart attack had higher levels of micro and nanoplastics in their blood compared to those with chronic ischemic heart disease and normal coronary arteries. The study also revealed that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution and smokers had higher levels of microplastics in their blood.
The European Association of Preventive Cardiology has published a comprehensive framework guiding cardiac evaluation in the Armed Forces. The new statement recommends cardiac screening for all new military recruits and individuals engaging in high-hazard duty occupations, including ECG-based testing and cardiovascular risk assessment.
A survey of healthcare professionals revealed limited cardio-oncology training during undergraduate and postgraduate education, with only 10% reporting exposure to the subject during medical school. The study highlights the need for standardised educational programmes to address cardiovascular side effects of cancer therapies.
A meta-analysis of studies found that guideline-recommended heart failure therapies protect heart function in patients treated for cancer. RAAS inhibitors and beta-blockers improved left ventricular ejection fraction, while mineralocorticoid antagonists showed encouraging protective effects.
A report by the European Society of Cardiology advocates for dedicated women's heart centers to improve diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women. These centers can enhance quality of life, reduce symptoms, and increase survival rates for women with cardiovascular disease.
A recent study found that consuming common preservative food additives increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Non-antioxidant preservatives, in particular, were linked to a higher risk of hypertension.
New European Society of Cardiology Atlas data highlights persistent inequalities in cardiovascular risk, outcomes, and access to care across Europe. The study emphasizes the need for targeted policy action to reduce health disparities and improve prevention.
Researchers found a high-risk subgroup of patients with the 'lemon-on-sticks' phenotype, characterized by low BMI and high WHR, who had poor outcomes and higher all-cause mortality rates compared to other phenotypes. This study highlights the need for personalized therapy in heart failure.
The HF-REVERT trial found that CDR132L improved secondary endpoints, including LVEF and NT-proBNP, but not the primary endpoint of LVESVI. Target engagement was confirmed by decreased plasma levels of microRNA-132. The therapy was well-tolerated with no significant safety concerns.
Researchers found that low-dose digoxin and digitoxin reduced worsening heart failure events in patients with mild-to-moderate heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The treatment was generally well-tolerated and safe, offering a cheap and effective option for managing the condition.
A European Society of Cardiology consensus report suggests that ultra processed food consumption is linked to cardiovascular disease and death. The report calls for doctors to advise patients on limiting UPF intake to prevent cardiovascular risks.
The new SCORE2-LAC model aims to improve cardiovascular risk prediction in Latin America and the Caribbean. The model applies region-specific data from 32 countries, incorporating 2.6 million individuals, and will be validated using an additional 37 million people from Brazil.
A study on elite male football players found that athletes of Black ethnicity, particularly those from West and Central African regions, exhibited more pronounced repolarisation abnormalities and structural remodelling. The findings suggest that treating athletes of Black ethnicity as a single group may oversimplify clinically meaningf...
A study published at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2026 found that climate change is driving extreme weather events, leading to increases in major cardiovascular events. Heatwaves had an immediate impact, while coldwaves produced a delayed and more sustained effect. Air pollution further amplified the effects of extreme temperatures.
A randomized trial demonstrated that Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) is an effective strategy for cardiac resynchronisation in patients with heart failure. LBBAP was found to reduce device-related complications and procedure times compared to biventricular pacing.
Individuals with screening-detected atrial fibrillation have a threefold increased risk of developing heart failure compared to those without AF. The incidence of HF was diagnosed early after AF detection, emphasizing the importance of identifying and treating HF in patients with AF.
Research found that people who spend a higher proportion of their total physical activity doing vigorous activity have substantially lower risks of all eight serious health conditions. The benefits of vigorous activity remained even when the amount of time was modest.
Research shows combining small improvements in sleep, diet quality, and physical activity can significantly reduce major cardiovascular events. Making modest shifts in daily routines, such as sleeping more, eating more vegetables, and exercising more, were associated with a 10% reduction in risk.
Researchers found that a novel blood biomarker, neurofilament light chain, is associated with long-term cognitive function in survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In contrast, neuron-specific enolase levels were not linked to cognitive impairment. Early measurement of neurofilament light chain may help identify patients at high...
A study by European Society of Cardiology found that AI-based ECG interpretation outperformed standard pathways in detecting occlusive myocardial infarction (MI) without ST elevation. The AI tool correctly identified obstructive MI in 84% of cases, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that AI analysis of mammograms can predict the risk of serious heart disease in women. Women with mild calcification were 30% more likely to suffer serious cardiovascular disease, while those with severe calcification were two to three times more likely.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched new guidelines to support women with cardiovascular disease in making informed decisions about pregnancy and birth. The guidelines aim to improve patient safety and outcomes, recommending a multidisciplinary Pregnancy Heart Team and shared decision-making processes.
A new study published in Cardiovascular Research found that a single night of road traffic noise can cause stress to the heart and blood vessels, impairing blood vessel function and raising heart rate. The study also showed changes in inflammation and stress responses linked to nighttime noise exposure.
Despite increased procedures, mortality rates remain high due to varying levels of care across Europe. Higher GDP per capita is associated with lower MI mortality rates, while greater CVD prevalence increases rates.
A new analysis of the Serbian SCAD Registry found that SCAD is most common in non-pregnant young women and menopausal women, often resolving fully without stent implantation. Careful observation alongside beta-blockers and psychological support may improve outcomes, but further studies are needed.
A study published at the EAPCI Summit 2026 found that around one-fifth of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) can be safely discharged on the same day. The study included 790 patients who underwent elective TAVI between June 2018 and December 2024, and showed similar clinical outcomes in those who were su...
The GEDI-ACS registry reveals key findings on women's risk profile, cardiovascular risk factors, and outcomes in acute coronary syndromes. The study provides insights into tailoring preventive approaches and improving treatment for women with ACS.
A new AI-enabled digital stethoscope has been shown to significantly improve the detection of moderate to severe valvular heart disease in routine clinical examinations. The tool achieved a sensitivity rate of 92.3% compared to traditional stethoscopes, enabling earlier diagnosis and potentially reducing complications. By providing an ...
Researchers found that patients seen by cardiologists had lower mortality rates and fewer serious heart problems, including heart attack, sudden failure, or irregular heartbeat. The study suggests close teamwork between surgical and heart teams can improve outcomes after major surgery.
Research links long-term exposure to wildfire smoke with increased risk of stroke in US adults, estimating around 17,000 annual cases. The study suggests wildfire smoke may be more harmful than pollution from other sources, and highlights the need for preventative measures.
The joint statement highlights the significant impact of environmental stressors on cardiovascular disease, with an estimated 4-6 million deaths per year. It calls for urgent action to adopt stricter air quality and noise standards, phase out fossil fuels, and regulate toxic chemicals.
The Cities@Heart project aims to improve cardiovascular health in cities through integrated whole-city approaches, targeting obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The consortium will design, pilot, and evaluate city-level strategies to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease on urban environments and improve quality-of-life.
Experts warn that nicotine-containing products, including vapes, heated tobacco, and shisha, cause cardiovascular damage regardless of delivery system. The report highlights a rapid rise in youth addiction fueled by flavours and social media marketing.
Researchers found that patients with higher epicardial adipose tissue volume had older age, higher body mass index, and greater myocardial injury after a heart attack. Non-invasive quantification of EAT volume using cardiovascular magnetic resonance could play a decisive role in cardiovascular risk assessment.
Valvular heart disease is prevalent in cancer patients, with severe cases associated with increased mortality. Interventions for valvular heart disease significantly improved survival rates among those who received treatment.
An AI-based imaging tool predicts reduced coronary blood flow, measured with CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT), to diagnose angina and predict future cardiovascular events. The study shows that FFR-CT adds incremental value to traditional cardiovascular risk factors in predicting cardiovascular outcomes.
A large study found that people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of sudden cardiac death, particularly in younger adults. The research also showed that sudden cardiac death contributes to shorter life expectancy for those with diabetes.
The ESC Digital & AI Summit showcases innovations like smartphone stethoscopes, voice-detected heart failure, and blood-spot analysis for early cardiovascular disease detection. Virtual training using 3D-printed and virtual hearts enables hands-on learning of complex cardiac procedures.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that female bodybuilders are at a high risk of sudden cardiac death, with a mortality rate 20 times higher than amateur athletes. The study also revealed a significant proportion of deaths from suicide and homicide.
A major report published by the European Society of Cardiology outlines expert recommendations for diagnosing, treating, and preventing COVID-19-related cardiovascular effects. The report emphasizes the importance of vaccination, cardiac rehabilitation programs, and equal access to services.
A new study found that reducing dual antiplatelet therapy duration after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) improves graft patency while decreasing bleeding risk. Patients who received de-escalated DAPT had similar ischemic benefits and better bleeding safety compared to those on longer DAPT periods.
A new trial found that P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy may reduce bleeding while preventing recurrent ischaemic events compared to 12 months of DAPT. However, the study failed to demonstrate noninferiority for death and ischaemic events between P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy and dual antiplatelet therapy.
A recent study has found that ivabradine, a medication used to treat angina and heart failure, was ineffective in preventing myocardial injury (MINS) after noncardiac surgery. In the trial, patients who received ivabradine had a higher risk of MINS compared to those who took a placebo.
A recent trial found that shorter durations of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after a heart attack showed equivalent efficacy in reducing recurrent events, with a lower risk of major bleeding. The study suggests limiting DAPT duration to 3 months may be safer for patients.
A new trial found sacubitril/valsartan to be superior to enalapril for heart failure patients with Chagas disease, driven by a significant reduction in NT-proBNP levels. The study provides evidence for a pharmacological treatment specifically for this high-risk population.
A recent study has found that surgical left atrial appendage occlusion does not reduce the risk of ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack, or cardiovascular mortality in high-risk non-atrial fibrillation patients after valvular surgery. In contrast, there may be a slight benefit for high-risk patients with CHA₂DS₂VASc ≥3.
A randomized trial found that intravenous cangrelor provided immediate and effective platelet inhibition without increasing major bleeding, improving outcomes for patients with cardiogenic shock. The study's results suggest that IV cangrelor could represent a major advancement in treating this life-threatening condition.
Two trials found that drug-coated balloons and stents did not reduce the risk of amputation or improve quality of life compared to uncoated devices. Target vessel reinterventions were reduced in the first year, but differences disappeared with longer follow-up.
In a randomized trial, pulsed field ablation (PFA) showed comparable efficacy to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients resistant to antiarrhythmic drugs. PFA also had a shorter procedure time and fewer complications.