A recent study found that lipid-lowering therapies reduce major adverse cardiovascular events across diverse ethnic groups and regions. The analysis of 53 trials involving over 329,000 participants revealed consistent risk reductions of up to 45% in certain minority populations.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that pre-eclampsia is associated with a four-fold higher risk of heart attack and stroke within a decade after delivery. Women who had pre-eclampsia, especially those aged 30-39 or over 50, were at significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published in Cardiovascular Research found that COVID-19 patients experienced higher risks of cardiovascular disease and death in the short- and long-term. The study analyzed data from nearly 160,000 participants and revealed that the risk of death remained elevated for at least 18 months after infection.
A study published in European Heart Journal found that group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in working-age heart patients. The therapy improved quality of life and reduced readmissions for heart problems.
The ESCAPE-NET project reveals that primary care visits increase before a sudden cardiac arrest, providing an opportunity for prevention. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted efforts to identify individuals at risk and improve survival rates.
Cardiology organizations propose modernizing randomized clinical trials using streamlined approaches, digital technology, and real-world data to enhance efficiency, safety, and innovation. The goal is to improve patient care and address unmet medical needs, particularly for diverse populations.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that women and men receive different advice on preventing heart disease, with women advised to lose weight, exercise, and improve their diet while men are prescribed statins. This discrepancy highlights the need for greater awareness among health professionals.
Researchers found that for every 1°C rise in temperature, there was a 35% greater risk of emergency visits for stroke among older adults. The association between heat exposure and stroke risk was strongest one month after the rainy season.
A study in over 85,000 individuals found that morning physical activity is associated with the lowest risk of heart disease and stroke. The findings were consistent regardless of daily activity level or individual's chronotype.
A large study found that children who experienced adversity, including serious family illness or death, poverty, neglect, or dysfunctional relationships, are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in early adulthood. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, followed nearly 1.3 million children and found a 60%...
Research published in European Heart Journal found that accumulating short bouts of vigorous activity across the week can help live longer. The study also showed that increasing intensity was associated with a reduced likelihood of cardiovascular disease.
A large observational study found that moderate coffee consumption, including decaffeinated and ground coffee, was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The study suggests that mild to moderate intake of coffee can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
A nationwide study in France found that hot temperatures were closely linked with weight loss in heart failure patients, indicating a worsening of their condition. This association was strong and clinically relevant, prompting recommendations for healthcare professionals to reduce diuretic medication when weight loss occurs.
A review paper published in ESC Heart Failure highlights the link between obesity and combined oral contraceptives with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women. Obesity and combined oral contraceptives have a synergistic effect on VTE risk, making progestin-only products a safer alternative.
Higher aldosterone concentrations are associated with lower eGFR, lower potassium levels in blood, and higher potassium and protein concentrations in urine. The risk of CKD worsening was independent of diabetes status. Finerenone may help prevent CKD progression by targeting aldosterone's action.
A study of over 1.4 million women found that premature menopause is associated with a higher risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Women who experienced premature menopause had a 33% higher risk of heart failure and a 9% higher risk of atrial fibrillation compared to those without a history of premature menopause.
A consensus paper by heart health experts highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle in preventing high blood pressure in children and adolescents. The document recommends dietary changes, regular physical activity, and family involvement to promote healthy habits and reduce the risk of hypertension.
A recent study published in European Heart Journal suggests that women can reduce the negative effects of salt in their diet by consuming potassium-rich foods such as bananas, avocados, and salmon. The research found that dietary potassium was linked to lower blood pressure, particularly in women with high salt intake.
A study of over 500,000 people found that those who always added salt to their food had a 28% increased risk of dying prematurely. This is equivalent to one more person in every hundred dying prematurely due to excessive salt intake.
Smoking traditional or non-combustible cigarettes while wearing a mask increases exhaled carbon monoxide levels and impairs blood vessel function by two-fold compared to no-mask periods. Non-smokers do not show significant changes in vascular markers.
A review paper highlights the relationships between soil pollution and human health, with a particular focus on cardiovascular disease. Soil pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics can damage cardiovascular health through inflammation and disrupting the body's natural clock.
A study of over three million patients found that post-operative atrial fibrillation increases the risk of hospitalization for heart failure. The risk is present regardless of whether surgery was performed for a heart condition, and can be as high as doubling in non-heart-related conditions.
A large study published in the European Society of Cardiology found that COVID-19 vaccines are not associated with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke in patients with established cardiovascular disease. The study analyzed data from over 229,000 patients and found no evidence of elevated risk after vaccination.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends genetic testing for athletes with certain genetic mutations to prevent sudden cardiac death. Athletes with conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome may need to limit their exercise intensity or take preventive measures such as wearing a defibrillator.
Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that menopause is associated with a decline in cardiovascular health due to hormonal changes. Levels of bad cholesterol rise during menopause, and shifts in sex hormones are linked to this increase.
Research found that nearly half of heart disease patients have insomnia, which is significantly associated with recurrent heart events. Insomnia accounted for 16% of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events in this study, suggesting that treating insomnia could reduce cardiovascular problems in these patients.
The new guidelines recommend genetic testing for patients with inherited cardiac diseases and their relatives, particularly in conditions like long QT syndrome. Genetic counselling is also essential, as a diagnosis can have life-changing consequences, including impact on insurance and employment opportunities.
The European Society of Cardiology publishes a consensus statement outlining preventive measures to ensure safe medical procedures for patients with implanted electronic cardiac devices. These steps include checking device reliance, testing for magnetic field responses, and reprogramming devices before MRI scans.
A new consensus document provides practical guidance on using digital devices to monitor heart rhythm and rate. Digital devices can detect asymptomatic arrhythmias that can be treated, such as atrial fibrillation, which increases stroke risk. Experts advise patients and doctors to use devices correctly and establish a management plan.
A large study found a significant link between salt-containing paracetamol and an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, and death. Patients with high blood pressure who took sodium-containing paracetamol had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death compared to those taking non-sodium-containing paracetamol.
A new study found that statin intolerance is over-estimated, affecting only 6-10% of patients worldwide. Researchers identified risk factors for statin intolerance, including age, sex, ethnicity, and medical conditions.
Natural supplements taken by athletes may pose serious health risks, including cardiovascular effects and contravention of anti-doping rules. Athletes often have limited knowledge about supplement effects on sports performance and overall health.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that prolonged TV watching is associated with a higher risk of blood clots, including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. To reduce this risk, scientists recommend taking breaks every 30 minutes to stand and stretch or using a stationary bike.
The study found that psychotropic drug use was associated with a higher risk of premature death in cardiac patients, particularly those with anxiety. Nearly 1 in 3 cardiac patients had symptoms of anxiety, and the use of these medications was twice as high among anxious patients.
A new review article emphasizes the importance of regular health checks for emergency workers, such as firefighters and police officers, to prevent heart events on the job. The authors highlight the need for standardized screening and risk management measures to balance individual health with public safety.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that aspirin use is associated with a 26% raised risk of heart failure in individuals with at least one predisposing factor for the condition. This includes factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
The European Society of Cardiology has published guidance for diagnosing and managing cardiovascular disease in patients with COVID-19. The two-part document provides practical information and advice to help clinicians care for patients affected by the pandemic.
Women with breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation and dying from heart-related issues within the first year. The condition was more common in women who did not receive surgery or radiation as their initial treatment.
A large study found that sleeping between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm is associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease compared to earlier or later bedtimes. The study also showed that the riskiest time for cardiovascular disease is after midnight, potentially due to reduced morning light exposure.
A small study found that high maternal cholesterol levels during pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of severe heart attacks in young adults. Maternal cholesterol also predicts the development of atherosclerosis in adult offspring.
A study of 7,512 pregnancies in women with congenital heart disease found no maternal deaths, but more health complications for mothers and babies compared to a control group. Babies born to CHD mothers had an increased risk of stillbirths, low birthweight, and major visible abnormalities.
A recent study published in ESC Heart Failure found that iron deficiency in middle-aged individuals is associated with a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease and cardiovascular mortality. The study found that functional iron deficiency was linked to a 24% increased risk of coronary heart disease, while absolute iron deficie...
A new study found that maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and having a healthy body weight can significantly lower the lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged adults. The research included over 5,993 participants and analyzed the relationship between cardiovascular health and genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes.
The FIGARO-DKD trial found that finerenone improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients with mild-to-moderate kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. Finerenone reduced the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality by 13%, largely driven by a 29% reduction in hospitalization for heart failure.
The Salt Substitute and Stroke Study found that replacing regular salt with low-sodium alternatives lowers the risk of stroke, cardiovascular events, and mortality. The study also showed no increased risk of serious adverse events related to hyperkalaemia, providing clear evidence for an effective and affordable intervention.
The European Society of Cardiology's new guidelines emphasize the importance of individualized risk estimation and tailored treatment approaches to prevent cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation as key measures to reduce CVD risk.
The study found that immediate coronary angiography in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients without ST-segment elevation is not superior to a delayed/selective approach. The composite secondary endpoint of all-cause death or severe neurological deficit at 30 days occurred more frequently in the immediate angiography group.
The APAF-CRT trial shows that ablation plus cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) significantly reduces all-cause mortality and hospitalization for heart failure in severely symptomatic permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with narrow QRS. The therapy is superior to pharmacological rate control, supporting it as a first-line t...
The ACST-2 trial found that carotid artery surgery and stenting have comparable long-term effects on fatal or disabling stroke in asymptomatic patients with severe carotid artery stenosis. Both procedures are associated with a 1% risk of disabling stroke or death, with the annual risk decreasing to 0.5% after five years.
The MASTER DAPT trial found that one month of dual antiplatelet therapy preserves ischemic benefits and reduces bleeding risk in high bleeding risk patients. Abbreviated DAPT was noninferior to standard DAPT in terms of net adverse clinical events, but superior in reducing major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding.