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New $3.1M NIH grant for University of Houston to study how ‘spongy heart’ disease develops — and whether it can be stopped

University of Houston researcher Mingfu Wu has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to investigate left ventricular noncompaction, a serious heart condition that can lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The study aims to uncover a common mechanism behind different genetic causes of LVNC and potentially identify new targets fo...

Doctors may now see the hidden signs of sudden cardiac death

Columbia researchers have developed a new technique to capture electrical activity and mechanical motion within the heart using cardiac ultrasound images. This technology allows for early detection and risk assessment of Mitral Valve Disease and arrhythmias, transforming care for those suffering from these conditions.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2026

Unexpected findings add new insight on cannabis and heart health

Researchers discovered a statistically significant reduction in premature atrial contractions after cannabis inhalation, with no impact on daily activity levels. The findings challenge assumptions about the cardiovascular effects of cannabis and may lead to new approaches for preventing or treating abnormal heart rhythms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 12, 2026

Taking the stairs could cut risk of early death

A meta-analysis of nearly 1,900 studies found that climbing stairs significantly reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Regular stair climbing was associated with lower risks of heart-related problems and major cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 12, 2026

Two ways to read a genome: Scientists reveal the first body-wide, single-cell atlas that maps DNA folding and epigenetics together

Researchers at Salk Institute create a body-wide single-cell atlas of two major epigenetic systems, revealing that cell-type-specific epigenetic features can affect disease risk. The study identifies over 1.36 million differentially methylated regions and 283,606 differential chromatin loops across the human body's cell types.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2026

Heart rhythm monitoring with a smartphone could save healthcare resources

A new study by Karolinska Institutet shows that daily smartphone-based heart rhythm monitoring can reduce same-day cardioversion cancellations by 94.7% and save significant healthcare resources. The method, called CORAI, uses photoplethysmography to measure small changes in blood flow, allowing for accurate heart rhythm assessment.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2026

University of Cincinnati works with local paramedics to advance sudden cardiac arrest research

A University of Cincinnati study proves the feasibility and scalability of collecting blood from patients in cardiac arrest during treatment. The approach, which involves paramedics delivering samples to a biorepository, showed significant variation among patients and underscores the need for further research.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPrehospital Emergency Care·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 24, 2026

Korea University study identifies liver–metabolic disease as a key risk factor for heart failure in older adults with atrial fibrillation

A Korea University study reveals that liver metabolic disease is a key risk factor for heart failure in older adults with atrial fibrillation, with MASLD having the lowest risk and ALD carrying the highest risk. The study highlights the importance of liver health in cardiovascular disease management.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·TypeObservational study·DateMar 23, 2026

Telehealth in cardiovascular care

A new position statement from CSANZ and ACRA highlights telehealth as a critical tool for increasing access to quality cardiovascular care. The guidance provides best practice guidance for safe use by clinicians while emphasizing patient-centered, culturally inclusive multidisciplinary care.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalHeart Lung and Circulation·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 16, 2026

Heart damage is common after an operation and often goes unnoticed, but patients who see a cardiologist may be less likely to die or suffer heart disease as a result

Researchers found that patients seen by cardiologists had lower mortality rates and fewer serious heart problems, including heart attack, sudden failure, or irregular heartbeat. The study suggests close teamwork between surgical and heart teams can improve outcomes after major surgery.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2026

Why can a computational model of the heart created at UPF help doctors operate on and treat patients with arrhythmia?

Researchers have developed a new computational model that can analyze factors affecting the success of device installation and patient evolution. The model enables precise calculation of anticoagulant doses needed post-operation, reducing risk and improving safety for patients with atrial fibrillation.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJACC Case Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 14, 2026

Chance to identify young people at risk of cardiac arrest

A nationwide Swedish study found that many young people who died from cardiac arrest had recently sought medical care and showed signs of heart problems. The study suggests that fainting, seizures, and abnormal ECG findings in young people should be taken more seriously to identify those at risk before a sudden arrhythmic death occurs.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2025

Wireless implant network could transform cardiac, neurological care

The system uses magnetoelectric power-transfer technology to deliver precise electrical stimulation to organs like the heart and spinal cord. The more devices in the network, the more efficient it is, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional implantable medical devices. This technology has potential for treating conditions s...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2025

Patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation undergoing transcatheter mitral edge-to-edge repair for severe mitral regurgitation are at significantly higher risk of death or rehospitalization

A study from Mount Sinai Hospital found that patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation who undergo mitral edge-to-edge repair have a doubled risk of death or rehospitalization for heart failure compared to those without AF. The researchers recommend aggressive treatment of AF before the procedure to improve outcomes.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 17, 2025

Olympians' hearts in focus: groundbreaking study reveals elite rowers' surprising AFib risk

A new study involving 121 former elite rowers from Australia found that one in five develops atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to stroke and heart failure. The researchers identified genetic and clinical tools that enable early preventive strategies, highlighting the paradox that AFib is more common among fit athletes.

SourceVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2025

A digital twin of the heart helps to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias

A new method combines ECGI with digital twins to locate the origin of premature ventricular contractions, improving accuracy by an average of 7.8 mm. The method has been applied in a real clinical case and is expected to facilitate planning interventions and reduce treatment costs.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 31, 2025

A new gene identified in the search for a therapy to treat malignant cardiac arrythmia

Researchers have discovered a novel gene therapy that can reverse conduction slowing and prevent cardiac arrhythmias by introducing the SCN10a-short gene into heart muscle cells. The treatment has shown promise in animal models and human cell studies, offering a potential solution for millions affected by arrhythmias worldwide.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 20, 2025