Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
The American College of Cardiology emphasizes a plant-forward diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats to prevent and manage cardiovascular disease. Consensus recommendations include a focus on overall dietary quality and sustainability over individual nutrients or trends.
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...
Dr. Pradeep Natarajan's innovative research has transformed the understanding and prevention of cardiovascular disease by identifying genetic mechanisms and developing polygenic risk prediction tools. His work has also accelerated the development of novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease.
The review proposes a psycho-cardiovascular interaction network framework that links psychological and psychiatric factors with cardiovascular health and disease. It highlights six system-level mechanisms and five molecular pathways that influence the brain-heart axis.
MedAxiom has selected projects addressing real-world challenges in cardiovascular care, including value-based care and quality improvement. The selected abstracts will be presented at CV Transforum Fall’26, exploring practical approaches and results in care delivery and implementation science.
Dr. Jennifer Lawton, a renowned researcher, will receive the 2026 Basic Research Prize for her groundbreaking work on heart-brain protection during cardiac surgery. Her laboratory has advanced the understanding of adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and the cardioprotective effects of diazoxide.
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces hospital admissions by a third and heart attack risk by more than a quarter, with long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. Digital programmes can be just as effective as traditional centre-based services, making rehabilitation more accessible.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement reveals that cardiovascular disease has surpassed cancer as the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the U.S. due to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The statement highlights the need for culturally tailored prevention strategies, equitable acce...
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that heart surgery infection rates vary significantly across U.S. hospitals, with some experiencing nearly double the risk of others. By reducing infections, hospitals could prevent 2,600 infections and reduce Medicare spending by $441 million annually.
The study demonstrates the FIND Lp(a) model's ability to identify individuals with high Lp(a) more than twice as likely as the overall population with ASCVD. The model supports targeted Lp(a) screening, accelerating universal screening adoption and enhancing cardiovascular risk management.
Researchers have identified early signs of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic disease (CKMD) in children as young as 8 years old that can be reversed with a new class of weight loss drugs. The study found that levels of certain disease-associated proteins in children decline in response to therapy with semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonis...
Research of over 11,000 people found that high nighttime light exposure is associated with thickening of the heart's left ventricle and reduced flexibility during heartbeats. The study suggests that reducing nighttime light exposure could be a strategy for preventing heart disease.
A new platform enables non-invasive tracking of early microvascular disease changes using ultrasound localization microscopy. The U-VBA framework standardizes analysis of tiny blood vessels, capturing structural and hemodynamic properties, and shows high reproducibility and accuracy in classification of cervical lymph-node conditions.
A study found that 95% of patients who used virtual reality during cardiac imaging completed the procedure, with 80% wearing the headset for the entire duration. The VR program also demonstrated significant financial impact, with estimated cost savings of $3,000 per aborted imaging study.
A new ERC-funded project at Aarhus University aims to investigate how hormones, stress, and genetic factors influence women's coronary arteries. The project will develop new models to explain why certain cardiovascular diseases affect women differently from men, and may lead to personalized rupture-risk maps and improved diagnosis and ...
Research suggests that mental health conditions, including PTSD, substance abuse, and depression, can increase the risk of future cardiovascular risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death. Alcohol abuse was found to be the top psychiatric predictor of serious heart and brain conditions for both men and women.
Researchers found that meal timing programs the liver's daily rhythms and can have serious metabolic and health consequences when out of sync. The liver uses food signals to activate metabolic pathways, which can conflict with the body's natural circadian clock, leading to health issues.
A new study found that men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer who replaced saturated and animal fats with unsaturated and plant-based fats had a lower risk of death. Replacing about 10% of daily calories from animal fat with plant-based fat was associated with a 16% lower rate of death.
Scientists at Scripps Research developed an AI model called ECG-CLIP that improves heart disease detection and prediction with less labeled data. The model outperforms existing tools in various clinical tasks, including disease detection, prediction, and adverse health outcomes, with better performance in settings with limited data.
The CorCal Outcomes trial found no difference in major cardiovascular events when statin initiation was based on coronary artery calcium compared to traditional risk factor assessment. Patients recommended statins based on CAC scores were more adherent with their medication.
Researchers have developed a biomarker score called BioTAK to identify broken-heart syndrome, which affects postmenopausal women and is triggered by emotional or physical stress. The score uses blood biomarkers to distinguish the condition from a heart attack, providing new insights into disease mechanisms.
A short mitochondrial protein, STMP1, helps maintain the heart's energy-producing structures and protects against inflammation and failure. Researchers found that restoring STMP1 or blocking inflammation can significantly protect heart function.
A nationwide study found that early initiation of statins after type 2 diabetes diagnosis was associated with a 15% lower relative risk of dementia over 10 years. Statin treatment was also linked to a 10% lower risk of dementia in patients who initiated treatment between one and five years after diagnosis.
Pacibekitug, a long-acting monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-6, produced sustained reductions in inflammatory markers in patients with chronic kidney disease. The treatment also showed dose-dependent effects on other inflammatory markers, such as fibrinogen and lipoprotein(a).
The SWITCH SWEDEHEART trial found prasugrel comparable to ticagrelor for major cardiovascular events, but with lower major bleeding risk. Prasugrel reduced major bleeding by 4.2% compared to ticagrelor.
The new guidelines aim to increase kidney function and urine albumin testing in patients with CVD, identifying at-risk patients and prescribing targeted treatments. Early use of RAS inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors, alongside statin-based therapy, is particularly important in slowing CKD progression and reducing cardiovascular events.
Dr. Sebastian Spethmann joins JMIR Cardio as Editor-in-Chief, bringing expertise in heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and digital health. He aims to integrate digital advancements into routine clinical care, enhancing cardiovascular health systems and patient outcomes.
A meta-analysis of 91,339 trial participants found that patients with higher adherence to antihypertensive medication experienced significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and major cardiovascular disease events. In contrast, patients with lower adherence showed little to no cardiovascular benefit
A study found that AI analysis of mammograms can identify features indicative of hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, and stroke in women. This could lead to early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in midlife women who undergo routine breast cancer screening.
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) presents 28 studies at TCT 2026, highlighting advances in minimally invasive interventions, pharmaceutical therapies, and breakthrough technologies. Key findings include improved outcomes for patients with heart and vascular disease.
A new study from Northwestern University found that coronary calcium scans are most valuable for patients with borderline cardiovascular risk. The scans added relatively little to risk prediction from existing risk calculators, but provided a clearer picture for those at intermediate risk. The study suggests that not everyone needs a c...
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that women with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop mental health conditions, while men experience more cardiovascular and renal complications. The researchers analyzed data from 28,720 men and women in the UK, revealing significant sex differences in disease trajectories.
A new study develops methods for clinicians to assess patient risk and builds an understanding of HFpEF's mechanisms, which could lead to new treatments. Researchers found potential mechanistic and molecular changes contributing to the condition.
The global burden of chronic kidney disease in women has grown, with 359 million cases in 2021, driving increasing mortality rates and disability-adjusted life years. Postmenopausal women and women of reproductive age are particularly vulnerable to metabolic and behavioral drivers that can be modified to reduce risk.
An observational study found that older adults with consistently elevated NT-proBNP concentrations had a significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease and death. Those whose levels returned to normal had a comparable risk to those who never showed signs of heart stress.
A recent study covering 46 countries found that smokers are largely unaware of the cardiovascular risks associated with smoking and second-hand smoke. This knowledge gap is particularly concerning given the high number of cardiovascular deaths worldwide linked to tobacco use.
Research found that six sets of 30-second sprints altered nearly a quarter of proteins in the bloodstream, while 90 minutes of moderate cycling changed fewer than one-quarter of one percent. Sprinting triggered changes in more than 200 metabolites and was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
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.
A new international study defines clinical obesity as a significant predictor of increased disease burden, operative risk, and cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing metabolic bariatric surgery. The study found that the majority of patients met criteria for clinical obesity, while a minority had preclinical obesity.
A new study published in JACC suggests that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio provide critical information about cardiovascular risk, even among people with a normal BMI. Individuals with elevated central adiposity were associated with higher risks for most outcomes, regardless of their weight status.
A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.
Researchers tracked nearly 80,000 adults with type 2 diabetes over ten years, finding those who consistently took their prescribed medication stayed free of serious heart and circulatory complications for over seven extra months. Low adherence was linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in younger adults.
Katherine Wilemon, Family Heart Foundation CEO, receives Honorary Fellow Award from ASPC for her advocacy and research efforts in inherited lipid disorders. The award reflects the organization's impact on advancing care and awareness for conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia.
Researchers from Pennington Biomedical Research Center propose a new framework for defining and diagnosing obesity, which considers the effects of excess adiposity on organs and tissues. This approach provides a more biologically grounded and clinically actionable method for guiding treatment decisions.
Benoit Bruneau, director of the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, has been named an American Heart Association Distinguished Scientist for 2026. His work on heart development and gene regulation has advanced our understanding of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Researchers found that individuals with higher modifiable risk factors, such as high blood pressure and obesity, have more widespread plaque buildup and unstable plaques prone to rupture. The study's findings highlight the importance of early intervention to control these risk factors and prevent future events.
Heart failure affects over 60 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of hospitalization among older adults. The new expert statement highlights the importance of prevention and early intervention in reducing risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
The updated clinical guidelines broaden statin eligibility by looking beyond the next 10 years to a person's risk over several decades. The new recommendations apply to approximately 56.6% of adults ages 30-79, with an additional 21.5 million Americans now eligible.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that a single daily dose of a polypill significantly enhances cardiac function and reduces hospitalizations for patients with heart failure. The treatment, which combines three types of medications, shows promise as a simplified approach to optimal therapy.
A study by Mass General Brigham found that nearly 1 in 3 US adults without heart disease have LDL levels above the recommended goal, and 3 in 4 are not receiving any cholesterol-lowering medication. The gap is wider among those with established heart disease, where most are already receiving therapy but still not reaching goals.
The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline substantially expands the U.S. population recommended for primary prevention statin therapy, targeting lower-risk individuals. The updated recommendations aim to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk and improve public health outcomes.
The American Heart Association states that consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to 5 cups of caffeinated coffee, is safe and may be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease for some individuals. However, high doses of caffeine from energy drinks and other sources may cause cardiovascular harm.
The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Multisociety Dyslipidemia Guideline reclassified approximately one-quarter of adults, with two-thirds reassigned to lower-risk categories and one-third to higher-risk categories. This shift was driven by differences in risk factors among males, non-Hispanic Black indivi...
A nationally representative analysis found substantial gaps in LDL-C control, with increasing disparities across primary prevention categories and underuse of lipid-lowering therapy. The study provides a contemporary population-level benchmark for the updated guideline framework.
A long-term study of 1,200 women in eastern Massachusetts found that those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods faced faster declines in heart health and worse cardiovascular risk before menopause. The research highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic factors in preventing heart disease.
Patients who suffered a serious heart attack had higher levels of micro and nanoplastics in their blood compared to those with chronic ischemic heart disease and normal coronary arteries. The study also revealed that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution and smokers had higher levels of microplastics in their blood.
Researchers from Rutgers University analyzed US insurance claims data to compare the risk of ischemic optic neuropathy among initiators of GLP-1 RAs versus SGLT-2is or DPP-4is. A small increase in risk was observed, but absolute risk remained very low.
Research suggests a potential biological pathway linking chronic oral gum disease to calcific aortic valve stenosis, a common and serious heart valve disease. Studies found bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis present in calcified aortic valves, leading to inflammation and valve hardening.
Researchers found that guided home-based exercise programs can be safely integrated into long-term recovery for aortic dissection survivors. The study showed no deaths, recurrent dissections, or aortic operations in either group, and improved some aspects of cardiovascular health.
A global analysis found alcohol use and smoking to be common risk factors for both breast cancer and atrial fibrillation/flutter in women ages 55 and older. High-risk zones were predominantly in Western countries with greater exposure to these lifestyle risks.