Patients with kidney disease who exercised regularly had lower rates of death, heart problems, and end-stage renal disease. The study found that moderate-intensity exercise (150 minutes/week) provided the most health benefits.
A recent study found that more than half of COVID-19 patients discharged from hospital show signs of heart damage, including inflammation and scarring. The research used MRI scans to detect the damage in patients who had raised troponin levels indicating a possible problem with the heart.
Acute cardiovascular care specialty focuses on critically ill cardiac patients with urgent conditions. ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2021 presents novel findings on treating heart attacks, differences between men and women in cardiovascular disease, and life expectancy after a heart attack.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that individuals who do not exercise have a higher risk of dying immediately from a heart attack. Regular physical activity was associated with a lower risk of instant and 28-day fatal heart attacks, with moderate to high levels of activity showing significant benefits.
Global heart failure cases rose from 33.5 million in 1990 to 64.3 million in 2017, mainly due to increased risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The prevalence of heart failure decreased only in high-income countries, while it increased in low- and middle-income countries.
A nationwide US study found increasing death rates from heart disease in women under 65, with most deaths due to cancer and ischaemic heart disease. The study's authors warn that without intensive prevention efforts, heart disease mortality may surpass cancer to become the leading cause of death in young women.
A new study finds that high blood pressure is causally associated with the most common heart rhythm disorder, atrial fibrillation. Elevated blood pressure was found to increase the risk by 1.8%, 2.6%, and 1.4% relative increases in atrial fibrillation for systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures, respectively.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that COVID-19 patients who suffer a cardiac arrest are nearly three times more likely to die than those without the virus. Women have the highest risk, with a mortality rate nine times higher than men.
Hypertension symptoms in women are frequently misattributed to menopause, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke. Middle-aged women with a history of pregnancy complications or early menopause are particularly at risk.
Atrial fibrillation death rates in Europe are highest in wealthier countries, with women more likely to die than men. Lifestyle factors such as obesity and alcohol consumption in wealthier nations contribute to these disparities.
Research found that physical activity does not undo the negative effects of excess body weight on heart health. Even among those who are active, being overweight or obese increases cardiovascular risk.
A study of nearly 108,000 people found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a 16% increased risk of atrial fibrillation over 14 years. Regular drinking of even one small alcoholic drink per day may increase the risk, suggesting that low doses of alcohol can trigger atrial fibrillation.
A new study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that COVID-19 infection nearly doubles the risk of death in patients with acute heart failure. The research highlights the need for extra precautions to be taken by these patients, including vaccination and social distancing.
Hospital patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to receive prompt CPR and survive than those from higher backgrounds. Socioeconomic status is the key factor, rather than other factors, in this study of over 24,000 Swedish patients.
Heart patients experiencing frequent nightmares are at a significantly higher risk of depression, anxiety, and insomnia, with women more likely to experience persistent bad dreams. The study found strong associations between nightmares, sleep disorders, and psychological problems in heart disease patients.
Patients diagnosed with non-cardiac chest pain often struggle to accept normal test results due to misconceptions about heart disease. A new study shows that a brief educational intervention significantly improves patient trust and reduces future chest pain episodes.
A study found that patients who climbed four flights of stairs in less than 40-45 seconds achieved more than 9-10 METs during exercise testing, while those who took 1.5 minutes or longer achieved less than 8 METs. This correlation suggests a simple way to assess heart health outside of traditional exercise testing.
Patients with atrial fibrillation are advised to avoid heavy alcohol consumption due to increased risk of stroke and other complications. Heavy drinking was associated with a 32% increased risk compared to abstainers, while moderate drinking seemed safe.
Researchers found a strong association between diastolic blood pressure before age 50 and brain damage in later life. Controlling diastolic blood pressure in midlife may be crucial for preventing white matter hyperintensities.
The European Society of Cardiology report highlights alarming trends in cardiovascular disease, including rising obesity and diabetes rates, to emphasize the need for urgent action. The report also shows that middle-income countries are struggling to meet World Health Organization targets for heart disease prevention.
The European Society of Cardiology, Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology, and Asean Federation of Cardiology will present cutting-edge sessions on various aspects of cardiovascular disease. Key findings include discussions on COVID-19, acute coronary syndromes, sports cardiology, and atrial fibrillation.
A study found that social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant increase in high blood pressure among patients admitted to emergency departments. The researchers suggest that increased stress, changed behaviors, and limited personal contact may contribute to this link.
The EACVI - Best of Imaging 2020 event showcases cutting-edge research on cardiac imaging, featuring sessions on COVID-19 management and women's heart health. Experts will discuss the use of imaging techniques in patients with COVID-19 and explore fundamental differences between men and women in certain diseases.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that nearly half of type 2 diabetes patients are at very high risk of fatal events within a decade. Lifestyle advice, including quitting smoking, healthy diet and regular exercise, is recommended to prevent cardiovascular disease.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that mothers' cardiovascular health significantly affects their children's risk of developing heart disease. Offspring of mothers with ideal cardiovascular health lived nine more years without cardiovascular disease compared to those with poor health.
A study estimates that long-term exposure to air pollution increases COVID-19 deaths by 15% globally, with higher proportions found in Europe and East Asia. Air pollution exacerbates health outcomes by aggravating co-morbidities and causing inflammation, leading to increased vulnerability to COVID-19.
Research suggests that individuals born with high birth weights may be at higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation later in life. A study found that participants with a birth weight 482 grams above the average were 30% more likely to develop the heart rhythm disorder. The researchers recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle and payi...
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that more than two-thirds of heart disease deaths worldwide can be prevented through healthier diets. The analysis of global data from 195 countries revealed that unhealthy eating, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are major contributors to ischaemic heart disease.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal - Acute Cardiovascular Care reveals that one in five high-risk patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery will develop one or more heart complications within a year. The study found that patients are at risk for a longer period than previously thought and that measuring troponin...
Women aged 50 or younger with a heart attack face higher mortality rates compared to their male counterparts. The study found that women were less likely to undergo invasive procedures after admission and to be treated with certain medications upon discharge.
A new study found that catheter ablation reduces the incidence of dementia by nearly a third in patients with atrial fibrillation. Successful ablation is associated with a lower risk of dementia, while failure may not contribute to this outcome.
A recent study found that preventing coronary heart disease could save nearly $15 billion in GDP due to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. The study also estimated that preventing just 10% of future cases would result in $1.5 billion in monetary gains
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that short-term hydroxychloroquine treatment did not cause lethal heart rhythms in COVID-19 patients who were at risk for this complication. The research showed a low rate of arrhythmias, with none associated with hydroxychloroquine use.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that resuming sexual activity within months after a heart attack is positively associated with long-term survival. Maintaining or increasing sexual frequency was linked to a 35% lower risk of death compared to abstaining.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing found that heart attack patients who exhibit hostile behavior are at a higher risk of dying from a second heart attack. The study, which included over 2,300 heart attack survivors, suggests that improving hostile behaviors could be a positive move for patients.
The REALITY trial found that restricting blood transfusion to those with very low haemoglobin levels has no negative impact on clinical outcomes, while also saving blood. The trial showed that the restrictive strategy was non-inferior to the liberal strategy in preventing 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and was more cost-eff...
A randomized trial found that continuing common heart medications in COVID-19 patients did not negatively impact their health. The trial enrolled 659 patients and showed no significant difference in the number of days alive and out of hospital between those who continued and suspended their medications.
A new study found that an educational mailing did not increase the uptake of stroke prevention drugs among patients with atrial fibrillation. The IMPACT-AFib trial involved over 47,000 patients and showed no significant difference in oral anticoagulant initiation between the intervention group and control group.
Researchers report the first effective therapy for fainting, which is caused by a fall in blood pressure and/or number of heart beats. The new treatment involves pacemaker therapy, showing a 77% relative risk reduction of fainting over two years.
A new study found that even in people with normal blood pressure, lowering blood pressure can prevent heart attacks and strokes. The study, which included over 348,000 participants, showed a significant reduction in cardiovascular events with every 5mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure.
The PARALLAX trial found that sacubitril/valsartan reduces NT-proBNP levels by 16.4% compared to individualised medical therapy, indicating improved heart failure severity. However, functional capacity was not improved, with no significant difference in six-minute walk distance between groups at week 24.
The EXPLORER-HCM trial demonstrated that mavacamten significantly improves exercise capacity, symptoms, and quality of life in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The treatment was found to be generally well-tolerated, with a favorable safety profile.
The EAST-AFNET 4 trial found that early rhythm control therapy reduces cardiovascular complications and death in patients with atrial fibrillation. Rhythm control therapy delivered soon after diagnosis can improve outcomes, including reduced risk of severe cardiovascular complications.
The HOME-PE trial found that home management is safe and effective for selected patients with acute pulmonary embolism. Using the Hestia criteria or sPESI score, over 30% of patients can be treated at home with a low rate of complications.
A large study of over 260,000 participants found no evidence that blood pressure lowering drugs increase the risk of cancer. The research analyzed data from 31 trials and investigated five antihypertensive drug classes, including ACE inhibitors and beta blockers.
A new study published at ESC Congress 2020 suggests that body mass index (BMI) is a more powerful risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes than genetic predisposition. Researchers found that individuals with a higher BMI were more likely to develop diabetes, regardless of their genetic risk level.
The ATPCI trial found that trimetazidine administered after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not improve outcomes in patients with chronic or acute coronary syndromes. Trimetazidine protects against myocardial ischaemia by improving the heart's metabolism, but its benefits were limited.
The EMPEROR-Reduced trial found that empagliflozin significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure, as well as adverse renal outcomes. By extending benefits to higher-risk patients, this trial supports the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in heart failure treatment.
The DAPA-CKD trial found that dapagliflozin reduced the risk of worsening kidney function, death from kidney disease, or hospitalization for heart failure and cardiovascular events in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study also showed a significant reduction in all-cause mortality.
The LoDoCo2 trial found that low-dose colchicine significantly reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by almost one-third in patients with chronic coronary disease. The study also showed that colchicine was well-tolerated over the long-term, with no significant adverse effects.