A randomized controlled trial demonstrated the safety of reconditioned pacemakers, with noninferior procedure-related infection rates compared to new devices. The study, led by Doctor Thomas Crawford, used a comprehensive protocol for cleaning and testing, and gained FDA approval for export to countries with permission.
A study found that home-based hypertension care led to significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and improved hypertension control in rural South Africa. The intervention included technology-supported interventions and community health workers, resulting in over 80% of patients achieving hypertension control.
Researchers found that digital twin-guided ablation significantly improved arrhythmia-free survival compared to standard PVI alone in patients with persistent AF. The personalized approach precisely targeted individual mechanisms underlying AF, without compromising safety or extending procedure time.
A new study published in JAMA found that routine H. pylori screening did not significantly reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients hospitalised for myocardial infarction. However, subgroup analyses showed lower risk ratios for patients with mild and moderate anaemia.
A recent trial found that discontinuing oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy after successful ablation of atrial fibrillation resulted in a lower risk of stroke, systemic embolism, or major bleeding. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism between groups.
Immediate complete revascularisation was not noninferior to staged complete revascularisation in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease. Patients with signs of heart failure showed more harm from immediate complete revascularisation.
Adding aspirin to long-term anticoagulation therapy increased the risk of cardiovascular events, death, and major bleeding in patients with chronic coronary syndrome who required anticoagulation. The AQUATIC trial found that aspirin significantly increased all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events in this high-risk population.
New research suggests that standard antiplatelet therapy after complex stenting does not provide a significant clinical benefit, while increasing the risk of bleeding complications. The study's findings challenge the notion that more aggressive antiplatelet therapy is always better for high-risk patients.
A new study published in Lancet found that evolocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, did not improve vein graft disease rates after coronary artery bypass surgery. The treatment substantially lowered LDL-C levels but had no effect on early saphenous vein graft failure.
Atrial fibrillation treatment with biomarker-based risk scores does not improve clinical outcomes compared to usual guideline-based care. The study found no benefit in reducing stroke or death rates, despite changes in medication use.
A randomized trial found that routine coronary computed tomography (CCT)-based follow-up did not reduce death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or stent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for left main coronary artery disease. Spontaneous MI was reduced in the CCT arm compared to the control arm.
A new study found that dual antiplatelet therapy did not reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and actually increased the risk of major bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. The 12-month trial results showed no significant difference between DAPT and aspirin al...
In a randomized trial, patients with acute MI who received one month of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) had noninferior cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event rates when switching to P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy. This switch reduced bleeding risk while maintaining ischaemic event protection.
In patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aficamten showed significant improvements in exercise capacity and symptoms compared to metoprolol. The MAPLE-HCM trial found that aficamten increased peak oxygen uptake by 2.3 mL/kg/min, resulting in a better outcome than metoprolol.
The updated guidelines focus on a woman's autonomy to make reproductive choices about high-risk pregnancies. They recommend personalized pregnancy-related risk assessment and thorough exploration of maternal preferences as part of the shared decision-making process. The guidance aims to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity by provid...
The VICTORION-Difference trial found that inclisiran significantly increased the proportion of patients achieving guideline-recommended LDL-C goals at 90 days compared to placebo, with a mean percentage reduction of −59.45% in the inclisiran group.
A pooled analysis of two trials found vericiguat improved outcomes for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The medication significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular mortality, heart failure hospitalization and all-cause mortality across a broad range of patients.
The POTCAST trial found that increasing potassium levels to the high-normal range significantly reduced the risk of sustained ventricular tachycardia, ICD therapy, unplanned hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality. This benefit was observed across various subgroups, including those with ischemic heart disease and heart failure.
A recent study found that a minimalist approach to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is noninferior to the standard approach, with around 80% of patients able to be safely managed without sedation. The ACURATE neo2 valve was superior to Evolut valves in reducing pacemaker implantation and improving outcomes.
The KARDIA-3 trial found a 5-mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure with zilebesiran 300 mg, but the difference was not statistically significant. The therapy has potential for informing future trials on improving cardiovascular outcomes in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
Vericiguat, a guanylate cyclase stimulator, did not meet its primary endpoint of reducing cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. However, it lowered the risk of cardiovascular death, which translated to fewer all-cause deaths.
A study found that extended apixaban treatment lowered VTE recurrence by 87% in high-risk patients with provoked thromboembolism. The therapy also demonstrated a low risk of major bleeding, making it an effective option for these patients.
The DIGIT-HF trial found that digitoxin significantly reduced the risk of composite mortality and hospitalisation for worsening heart failure among patients with advanced heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Patients who received digitoxin had a lower rate of all-cause death and hospitalisations compared to those on placebo.
A meta-analysis of four trials found that beta-blocker therapy significantly reduced all-cause mortality, new myocardial infarction, and heart failure in patients with mild left ventricular ejection fraction reduction after a heart attack. The study showed a 25% relative reduction in the composite endpoint
In-hospital initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors did not significantly reduce short-term risk of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure in patients admitted for heart failure. However, combining trial data shows positive effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on reducing early risk of cardiovascular death or worsening HF and all-cause mortality.
The new guidelines provide clear practical recommendations for diagnosing and treating patients with valvular heart disease, emphasizing the importance of shared decision-making and patient-centered care. The updated guidance aims to reduce under-treatment, especially in the elderly, and promote more equitable access to high-quality care.
The new guidelines introduce a unifying term for inflammatory myopericardial syndrome and provide easy-to-use flow charts to support medical professionals in diagnosing and treating myocarditis and pericarditis. The recommendations also prioritize patient return to work and exercise, aiming to improve clinical outcomes.
The REBOOT trial found that beta-blocker therapy had no significant impact on all-cause death, reinfarction, or heart failure admission in patients with myocardial infarction and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40%. In contrast, a meta-analysis suggests potential benefits for patients with mildly reduced LVEF (40–49%).
The ESSENCE-TIMI 73b trial found olezarsen to substantially lower triglyceride levels, achieving normal levels in over 80% of patients. The treatment also showed efficacy in reducing other lipoproteins with no significant effect on LDL-C.
Researchers found no reduction in total mortality, cardiac death, or sudden cardiac death among patients with these high-risk profiles. ICD therapy added to standard medical treatment failed to improve survival outcomes.
The BaxHTN trial found baxdrostat 1 mg and 2 mg significantly reduced seated SBP in patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension. The medication showed substantial ambulatory SBP reductions and controlled SBP rates of 40% after 12 weeks.
The BETAMI and DANBLOCK trials found that beta-blocker therapy significantly reduced all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with myocardial infarction and preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The study also showed a notable decrease in the incidence of new MI.
The European Society of Cardiology has published a new update to its guidelines for managing lipid levels in patients to reduce cardiovascular risk. The guidance recommends the use of new cardiovascular risk prediction algorithms, SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP, to help clinicians treat patients with the right medications. Statins are also recom...
A comprehensive cardiovascular screening program for men aged 60-64 years did not significantly reduce all-cause death, according to a new study. However, the program was associated with a higher incidence of severe bleeding, particularly intracranial and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening with ECG patches led to a modest increase in AF diagnosis and anticoagulation exposure among older patients at moderate-to-high stroke risk. The AMALFI trial found a 6.8% increase in AF diagnosis, but AF diagnosis unrelated to the patch occurred more commonly than expected.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends systematically screening for mental health symptoms during cardiovascular care and assessing cardiovascular risk in those with mental health conditions. People living with both conditions have worse health outcomes due to the interplay between mental health and cardiovascular disease.
A large trial found that mavacamten treatment did not improve patient-reported health status or peak oxygen consumption in patients with symptomatic nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study included 580 patients and lasted for 48 weeks, but no significant differences were observed between the mavacamten and placebo groups.
The European Society of Cardiology's flagship meeting showcased groundbreaking research and updates on global health, with a record number of late-breaking science sessions and publications in top journals. The congress also highlighted the importance of cardiovascular disease awareness and screening.
A new study reveals that blood pressure synchronizes more with predictable phrase structures in music, potentially improving the body's ability to regulate blood pressure. Predictable music structures were found to have a bigger impact on blood pressure than tempo or loudness.
A new global systematic literature review and meta-analysis found a significant association between herpes zoster vaccination and reduced risk of heart attack and stroke. Vaccination was linked to an 18% and 16% reduction in cardiovascular events for adults 18 and 50 years old, respectively.
New research reveals that older age and low aerobic fitness levels are strong and independent risk factors for heartbeat irregularities, or arrhythmias, in healthy adults. Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of frequent and complex atrial arrhythmias.
A new study found that treatment of heart failure patients with GLP-1 receptor agonists reduces hospitalizations, calorie intake, and greenhouse gas emissions. The study estimates a potential annual CO2-equivalent saving of over 2 billion kilograms, equivalent to 20,000 Boeing 747 flights.
A new study found that automatic chest compression devices can effectively perform CPR on a floating manikin, reaching depths of up to 53mm. This finding contradicts current NASA emergency protocols and suggests space agencies may need to reconsider their guidelines for treating cardiac arrest in space.
Research found Covid infection may accelerate blood vessel aging around five years, especially in women, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The study included 2,390 participants from 16 countries and found stiffer arteries in all three groups of patients who had been infected with Covid.
A study of 36,000 people with high blood pressure found that taking more steps and walking faster significantly reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events. Increasing daily step count by 1,000 steps was linked to a 17% reduction in risk, with additional steps above 10,000 associated with lower risks of stroke.
Research finds CPAP lowers cardiovascular risk by 17% in patients with high-risk OSA, but may increase risk by 22% in those without high-risk OSA. The study suggests a more personalized approach to treating OSA, focusing on patients with high-risk features.
At ESC Congress 2025, over 40 pivotal studies will be presented, addressing major clinical questions and unmet needs in global cardiovascular care. The trials focus on innovative treatments for conditions like chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
A new ESC Clinical Consensus Statement highlights vaccination as a crucial preventive strategy for reducing cardiovascular events following viral and bacterial infections. Vaccines are recommended for patients with chronic coronary syndromes and heart failure, particularly those at increased risk due to underlying medical conditions.
Researchers found an increased risk of stroke in women who experienced diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm delivery, or low birth weight during pregnancy. These complications could act as early signals for cardiovascular problems, enabling women to receive help and reduce their risk.
Cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors are at risk of heart damage due to rapid loss of protective immune cells. Researchers found a biomarker, CD69, can predict which patients are most at risk and may help doctors monitor them more closely.