The LOOP study found that continuous electrocardiogram monitoring and treatment of atrial fibrillation did not reduce the risk of stroke or systemic arterial embolism in patients at high risk. However, detection and treatment of atrial fibrillation were more common in those undergoing ECG monitoring.
The ESC guidelines on cardiac pacing and CRT introduce novel approaches to pacing the conduction system, including physiological pacing and His bundle left bundle pacing. The guidelines also provide recommendations for reducing complications and improving patient outcomes, such as remote monitoring and patient-centred care.
The European Society of Cardiology has published new guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease. The guidelines recommend a comprehensive approach to diagnosis, including clinical examination and non-invasive evaluation using echocardiography, with treatment options such as medication, percutaneous or surgical valve replac...
The EMPEROR-Preserved trial found that empagliflozin reduced the risk of a composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure in patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction. The study showed that empagliflozin was effective across all prespecified subgroups, including those with or without diabetes.
A pooled analysis of two trials found that empagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure patients, regardless of ejection fraction. The drug also showed benefits in reducing major renal outcomes, particularly at lower ejection fractions.
A study shows haemodynamic guided management may reduce heart failure hospitalisations in patients with earlier stage heart failure, even before the COVID-19 pandemic. The trial enrolled 1,000 patients with NYHA class II–IV heart failure and found a 17% reduction in heart failure hospitalisations.
The new guidelines provide comprehensive guidance on diagnosing and treating acute and chronic heart failure. Key findings include improved survival rates with drug treatments, increased exercise benefits, and vaccination recommendations for patients at risk of infections.
A feasibility study has found that drones can be used to deliver automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to people with suspected cardiac arrest in the community, arriving before ambulances in 64% of cases. The study shows that drone technology could increase the number of patients and time benefits.
Research found that longer and more frequent night shifts increase the risk of atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease. Genetic predisposition did not affect the link between night shifts and AF risk.
Cardiovascular diseases affect women just as much, if not more, than men, yet current guideline-directed therapies are based on data predominantly including male patients. The European Society of Cardiology calls for increased diversity in research teams and targeted interventions to boost attendance.
A large study of over 18 million pregnancies has found a strong relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and poor pregnancy outcomes. Women with multiple pre-pregnancy risk factors, such as obesity and hypertension, were more likely to experience complications like ICU admission, preterm birth, and fetal death.
The European Society of Cardiology has announced the ESC Congress 2021 press programme, featuring live hot line sessions and embargoed press conferences. The programme will showcase new data on heart failure, valvular heart disease, cardiac arrest, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation.
Plant-based diets are recommended for healthy adults, with low consumption of salt and animal products, and increased intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese can also have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that older patients with heart failure are less likely to receive recommended therapies and dosages compared to their younger counterparts. The study analyzed data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry and found that age was independently associated with undertreatm...
A recent study found that heart attack patients during the pandemic were more likely to experience heart failure, with delays in treatment resulting in poorer outcomes. The study also noted a significant increase in post-treatment pump function decline and hospital admissions for decompensated heart failure.
A large cohort study found that patients with heart failure are more likely to develop cancer compared to those without. The incidence of cancer was significantly higher among heart failure patients, particularly for certain types of cancer such as lip, oral cavity, and pharynx cancers.
A recent study found that statin use among patients with heart failure is associated with a 16% lower risk of developing cancer and a 26% reduced risk of dying from cancer over an average of four years. The longer patients remained on statins, the greater the reduction in their cancer risk.
A small feasibility study suggests that tai chi can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in people who have had a stroke. The intervention improved sleep efficiency, reduced wakefulness after sleep onset, and decreased time awake.
A 10-week lifestyle modification programme improved cardiovascular and mental health in people living with obesity, with significant reductions in anxiety, depression, body weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The programme's personalized approach, non-judgemental environment, and focus on emotional eating triggers led to su...
A study published in European Heart Journal found that patients with cardiovascular risk factors are more likely to experience severe outcomes from COVID-19. The research highlights the potential benefits of promoting heart health as a strategy to improve COVID-19 outcomes.
A study of over 5.8 million children found that those whose mothers had high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy were more likely to develop stroke by age 41. The research suggests a potential long-term link between maternal hypertensive disorders and cardiovascular disease in offspring.
The Heart Failure 2021 congress showcases the latest evidence on preventing and managing heart failure, including the impact of COVID-19 and digital health. Researchers will present data on improving quality of life for patients with heart failure through medication, physical activity, diet, and implantable devices.
A global health problem has been identified as microvascular angina, a disease affecting the smallest heart blood vessels. The study found that patients with MVA experience chest pains similar to those of a heart attack, yet are often misdiagnosed due to the lack of definitive diagnostic criteria.
A randomized study found that guided yoga therapy was more effective in preventing fainting and improving quality of life compared to standard treatment. The study enrolled 100 patients with vasovagal syncope and found that the yoga group had fewer blackouts and better quality of life scores at 3, 6, and 12 months.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal highlights the importance of urban design in promoting heart health. The authors argue that cities play a significant role in causing environmental stressors such as air pollution, noise, and heat island effects, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Women in their early 40s with mildly elevated blood pressure face a doubled risk of acute coronary syndromes in their 50s. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes can help mitigate this risk.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that nearly one in four heart failure patients experience depression or anxiety, compared to 23% of breast cancer patients, 22% of prostate cancer patients, and 15% of digestive organ cancer patients. Heart failure patients are also at a higher risk of developing ...
The conference presents novel findings on associations between physical activity and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease, as well as the effect of loneliness on lifestyle modification in heart patients. Experts share top tips on supporting behavior change and motivating patients to maintain self-care.
A comprehensive meta-analysis found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was associated with a significantly increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder. The study included over 50,000 patients and suggested that fish oil supplements should be used cautiously in individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk.
Researchers discovered that annual foot assessments can detect atrial fibrillation in patients with diabetes. The condition is found in approximately 17% of patients with diabetes, increasing stroke risk by five times.
Patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are at risk of developing anxiety and depression after implantation, according to a new study. Regular screening is necessary to identify patients who may benefit from additional support.
Atrial fibrillation affects over 40 million people globally, increasing risks of stroke, heart failure, and dementia. Quality indicators developed by global experts will help institutions assess adherence to clinical practice guidelines, leading to improved care for patients with atrial fibrillation.
A study of 2.4 million hospitalised cannabis users found that those with an arrhythmia were 4.5 times more likely to die in hospital than those without. Patients with arrhythmias also had longer hospital stays and more co-existing health conditions.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal has found a clear link between disrupted sleep and an increased risk of dying from diseases of the heart and blood vessels, as well as death from any cause. Women were found to have nearly double the risk of cardiovascular death compared to men.
A large study found that increasing physical activity levels is associated with a reduced likelihood of heart events and mortality in people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Participants who showed moderate to large improvements in physical activity were 30% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease or die ...
Research found that shift workers with a deviated body clock had higher cardiovascular risk, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The study's findings suggest that staff with atypical work schedules may need closer monitoring for heart health.
An observational study of nearly 20,000 individuals found that greater intake of red and processed meat is associated with poorer heart function and stiffer arteries. In contrast, higher consumption of oily fish was linked to improved heart function and healthier arteries.
The International Conference on Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT (ICNC-CT) showcases cutting-edge research and clinical applications in cardiovascular imaging. The conference highlights advancements in machine learning, imaging techniques, and artificial intelligence to improve patient care.
At EuroCMR 2021, experts presented novel research on using hypnosis to enable claustrophobic patients to undergo CMR, the effect of weight loss on heart function in obese people, and improving detection of cardiotoxicity in lymphoma survivors. CMR is also revealing sex differences in how the heart adapts after a myocardial infarction.
A large study of over 100,000 adults found that leisure time physical activity was associated with a 26-40% reduced risk of death, while work activity had the opposite effect. The researchers suggest that occupational activities often do not sufficiently increase heart rate to improve fitness and may even increase blood pressure.
A large study found that nearly 30% of patients with coronary artery disease have diabetes, significantly higher than the general population. Patients with heart disease and diabetes had worse outcomes, including a 38% higher risk of death during a five-year follow-up.
A study found that young adults with inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to experience fatal heart attacks. Researchers also discovered that patients with these conditions were less likely to be prescribed aspirin and statins after a heart attack.
A nationwide study of nearly 1.5 million people found that increasing physical activity in low-to-moderate air pollution areas reduced cardiovascular disease risk by 27%, while decreasing activity increased the risk. In contrast, high air pollution levels saw an increased risk when physical activity exceeded recommended levels.
The EHRA Congress explores the latest practice-changing research in heart rhythm disorders, with a focus on digital technologies, arrhythmias, and cardiac devices. Season of birth affects health, weight loss after atrial fibrillation treatment can stop arrhythmia, and remote monitoring promotes patient empowerment.
Research found heightened brain activity in the amygdala region of stressed individuals, increasing risk of TTS, a temporary weakening of heart muscles. Stress reduction interventions may help prevent TTS, which is more common in women.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends specific exercises for individuals based on their current blood pressure level. For those with hypertension, aerobic exercise is the most effective method to lower blood pressure. For people with high-normal blood pressure, dynamic resistance training is recommended, while those with normal...
The European Society of Cardiology's ESC Preventive Cardiology 2021 conference explores the latest research and strategies for preventing heart disease. Experts discuss the role of diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits in maintaining cardiovascular health and identify the most effective ways to promote physical activity and healthy eating.
A study by the European Society of Cardiology found that vital exhaustion is associated with a higher risk of myocardial infarction in men. Symptoms of vital exhaustion include excessive fatigue, demoralization, and increased irritability, particularly in individuals experiencing prolonged exposure to psychological stressors.
A study found that women are more likely to experience delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of chest pain, which is a key symptom of reduced blood flow to the heart. Women were also less likely to be suspected of having a heart attack than men, with lower rates of probable acute coronary syndrome in females.
A study published at ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2021 found that an eight-week programme of mindfulness meditation improves quality of life and reduces fear of movement in heart attack survivors. The intervention also showed benefits for emotional function, with participants reporting better feelings about their daily lives.