A study found that specific bacteria in breast cancer patients' gut microbiomes correlate with heart health biomarkers, suggesting they are at greater risk of heart damage during chemotherapy. Researchers hope tailored probiotics could play a role in protecting patients against the harmful effects of cancer treatment.
The Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions (ACNAP) will host its annual congress from 12 to 14 June 2025 in Sophia Antipolis, France. Nurses and allied health professionals will share knowledge and network to drive real change in cardiovascular care.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that male bodybuilders have a high risk of sudden cardiac death, with professional bodybuilders facing a more than fivefold increase in risk. The study highlights the need for greater awareness, preventive strategies and policy changes within the bodybuilding community.
Two out of five heart failure patients do not see a cardiologist annually, significantly increasing mortality risk. Patients who receive regular cardiology care are 24% less likely to die in the following year, with optimal visits ranging from once to four times per year depending on recent hospitalization and diuretic use.
A study of 1,792 participants found that a higher waist-to-height ratio was associated with an increased risk of heart failure. The research suggests that waist-to-height ratio may be a better metric than BMI to identify patients who could benefit from therapies for obesity.
A prospective cross-sectional study in Kenya used an AI-enabled ECG-based algorithm to detect left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) with high sensitivity and specificity. The study found that nearly 1 in 5 participants were at risk of heart failure, highlighting the need for early detection and evidence-based therapies.
A pharmaceutically produced cannabidiol formulation demonstrated a good overall safety profile, including cardiac safety, in patients at increased cardiovascular risk. The trial found low rates of cardiac side effects, with one patient experiencing mild QTc prolongation detected by electrocardiogram.
A study of over a million people found that shingles vaccination lowers the risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke and coronary heart disease, by up to 26%. The vaccine's protective effect lasts for up to eight years, with strongest benefits in younger people and men.
Research identifies signs that precede sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) in young people, including syncope, seizures, and pre-excitation. Preparticipation screening of young athletes could help identify these signs and reduce SADS occurrence.
A study of 11,488 participants found that a Planetary Health Diet (PHD) and Mediterranean Diet had similar effects on all-cause mortality and environmental impact. Higher adherence to either diet was linked to lower mortality rates and comparable low environmental footprint.
Women who experienced pre-eclampsia have an accelerated accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors compared to those without the condition. The study found that these risk factors occur almost a decade earlier, primarily due to premature and accelerated hypertension development.
A longitudinal study found that individuals living in neighborhoods with low walkability had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. The study highlights the importance of long-term urban planning for cardiovascular health.
Researchers developed an algorithm to calculate biological heart age from ECG data, identifying those at higher risk of cardiovascular events. The study found a strong association between increased biological heart age and increased mortality and cardiovascular outcomes.
Research findings indicate that individuals with a history of antidepressant use have an increased risk of sudden cardiac death, which varies based on age and time of exposure. The study suggests that longer periods of antidepressant exposure are associated with a higher risk of SCD, particularly in older adults.
Research shows that atrial fibrillation (AF) is linked to a higher risk of dementia, with a 21% increased risk at any age and a 36% increased risk for early-onset dementia. The association was strongest in younger adults and lost statistical significance in older adults over 70.
The European Society of Cardiology has released a groundbreaking consensus statement on conduction system pacing, offering updated guidance for healthcare professionals on selecting patients. Conduction system pacing is being increasingly adopted due to its perceived ease of implantation and superior electrical performance.
Research published in the European Heart Journal suggests that Australia's burden of cardiovascular disease caused by extreme heat will more than double by 2050. The study found that hot weather costs around 49,483 years of healthy life annually, with this number expected to increase significantly under climate change scenarios.
A new study by European Society of Cardiology highlights the importance of quick CPR initiation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The research team found that patients who received bystander-initiated CPR had better long-term outcomes compared to those who received medical operator-initiated CPR.
The ESC Acute CardioVascular Care congress will cover acute and critical care management of patients with cardiovascular disease. The meeting features around 300 abstracts and 95 sessions across two days, focusing on cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock.
The project aims to uncover mechanisms bridging MCI and CVD, developing an integrated approach to promote resilience and improve overall health in the ageing population. It will use real-world data, AI, and clinical variables to enable risk stratification and personalised treatment.
Research found that mothers of twins are twice as likely to be hospitalised with cardiovascular disease compared to singleton births. Those with twins and high blood pressure during pregnancy are at highest risk. However, deaths from heart disease decrease in mothers of twins compared to singletons over time.
Research published in the European Heart Journal found that people with high amounts of intermuscular fat are more likely to develop coronary microvascular dysfunction and future serious heart disease. The study's lead author suggests that existing measures of obesity may not be accurate for all individuals, particularly women.
Research found that morning coffee drinkers have a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease and a lower overall mortality risk. The study included over 40,000 adults who drank coffee at different times of the day and found that timing mattered more than the amount consumed.
A new study found that low to moderate wine drinking reduces the risk of serious cardiovascular disease by 50% in people at high risk who follow a Mediterranean diet. The researchers measured tartaric acid in urine to provide an objective measure of wine consumption, showing a greater protective effect than previous studies.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of including heart and cardiovascular health in cancer treatment plans. Recent studies estimate that approximately one-third of patients experience mild toxicities, while 3% develop moderate toxicity. The ESC is launching a new conference to address this growing epidemic.
Research published in European Heart Journal reveals that taking an NSAID with anticoagulant medication increases the risk of internal bleeding. The study found a significant increase in bleeding risks for various organs, including gut, brain, lungs, and bladder.
Research found that babies conceived through assisted reproductive technology have a 36% higher risk of major heart defects compared to naturally conceived babies. The study also showed that multiple births are associated with an even greater risk of congenital heart defects.
A catheter ablation procedure for atrial fibrillation has been shown to significantly reduce AF burden and improve quality of life compared to a sham procedure. The study found that patients treated with the actual ablation had an average reduction in AF burden of 60% at 6 months, while those receiving the sham procedure saw a smaller ...
The FINEARTS-HF trial demonstrates finerenone's benefits in reducing worsening heart failure events and mortality in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. Finerenone significantly reduces total worsening HF events compared to placebo, but shows non-significant reductions in cardiovascular death.
A phase III trial found that asundexian was inferior to apixaban in preventing stroke and systemic embolism in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation. The trial also showed lower bleeding rates with asundexian, but this finding needs to be put into context with the stroke findings.
The EPIC-CAD trial shows that edoxaban monotherapy significantly reduces the risk of primary endpoint, major bleeding, and major ischaemic events compared to dual antithrombotic therapy in patients with high-risk atrial fibrillation and stable coronary artery disease.
A randomized trial found that continuing oral anticoagulants after transcatheter aortic valve implantation did not reduce thromboembolic events but increased bleeding risk. The study suggests interrupting OACs may be beneficial for patients undergoing TAVI.
The MATTERHORN trial shows that transcatheter edge-to-edge repair is non-inferior to surgery in patients with secondary mitral regurgitation, with some safety benefits favouring TEER. The study found no significant difference in efficacy between the two techniques.
The NOTION-3 trial demonstrates that PCI plus TAVI is beneficial for patients with CAD, reducing MI and urgent revascularisation. The study suggests that performing PCI should be recommended for patients undergoing TAVI with CAD.
A randomized controlled trial found that transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) significantly reduced cardiovascular death and hospitalizations for heart failure, compared to medical therapy alone. The study also showed improved health status in patients with moderate to severe functional mitral regurgitation.
The new ESC Guidelines focus on tackling atrial fibrillation's growing impact by emphasizing equal care, education, and dynamic re-evaluation. Comorbidities and risk factors are critical to managing AF, with a 'safety-first' approach and shared-decision making on treatment.
A phase 3 study has shown that vutrisiran, an RNA interference therapeutic, reduces all-cause mortality and recurrent cardiovascular events by 28% and 33% respectively in patients with transthyretin amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy. The treatment also improves functional capacity, quality of life, and NYHA class.
The global prevalence of obesity has more than doubled over the past four decades, affecting over a billion individuals. Notably, 67.5% of deaths related to high BMI are attributable to cardiovascular disease.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of detecting non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCA/INOCA) caused by microcirculation dysfunction. A risk factor-weighted clinical likelihood model helps estimate pre-test likelihood, allowing for targeted testing and treatment. The guidelines also recommend invasive coronary functiona...
The new guidelines recommend intensified BP targets, introducing a novel elevated blood pressure category to identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. The updated recommendations also focus on 'frailty' rather than chronological age and introduce a new systolic BP treatment target range of 120-129 mmHg.
The new guidelines evaluate PAAD as part of the same cardiovascular system, acknowledging the interconnectedness between aortic and peripheral vascular diseases. The updated recommendations focus on chronic management, screening, and comprehensive treatment strategies to improve treatment outcomes.
Middle-income countries experience a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease, with higher mortality rates and significant disparities in prevention and management. The latest data from the European Society of Cardiology Atlas of Cardiology highlights the urgent need for effective strategies to address these inequalities.
A major study found that people who gained excess weight from their 20s onwards had less healthy hearts by the time they were in their 60s. The researchers linked weight gain in young and middle-aged adults to enlarged hearts that pump blood less well, over and above the effect of being overweight in later years.
Research published in the European Heart Journal found that women diagnosed with perinatal depression are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The study included data from around 600,000 women and found a strong link between perinatal depression and risks of high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure.
Atrial fibrillation affects 2% of individuals worldwide and has a significant impact on people's lives. Catheter ablation is an effective treatment option that uses burning or electrical pulses to inactivate abnormal rhythms.
Researchers used Google Street View to analyze built environment factors and found they can predict 63% of coronary heart disease variation between neighborhoods. Features like green spaces and walkable roads are associated with lower risk, while poorly paved roads with higher risk.
Researchers discovered that women with high-risk HPV infection have a significantly increased risk of blocked arteries, heart disease, and stroke. The study highlights the importance of monitoring cardiovascular health in patients with high-risk HPV, particularly those with obesity or other risk factors.
A nationwide Danish study found a slightly increased risk of arrhythmia in patients taking medical cannabis for chronic pain. The risk was more than twice that of those not receiving cannabis, with the largest increases observed in older adults and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
A large study of 74,471 patients found that those who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have comparable rates of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths to non-smokers. However, heavy smokers showed no improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.
The estimated cost of cardiovascular disease in the EU in 2021 was €282 billion, accounting for 2% of Europe's GDP. The majority of this cost was attributed to health and social care systems, with hospital care being the main contributor.