Cardiovascular Disease

Stretchy implants could stick to arteries to treat high blood pressure

AI model predicts 10-year stroke risk based on routine cardiology test

Prior heart attack linked to faster declines in thinking and memory skills

UC San Diego researchers shine a light on peripheral artery disease

Heart disease risk may start in the womb, study finds

Perimenopause may offer a “window of opportunity” for heart disease prevention in women

Blood pressure drug can reduce arterial stiffening

Researchers found that amiloride, a common blood pressure medication, improves artery flexibility and lowers blood sugar levels in patients with obesity. The study suggests that amiloride could be a potential strategy to reduce arterial stiffening and cardiovascular risk in these patients.

Results of major heart study set to save lives, reduce unneeded heart implants

Circadian rhythms in cardiovascular disease: a new perspective on inter-organ crosstalk

Large-scale Nordic study discovers link between polycystic ovary syndrome and heart disease

Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are primary drivers of excess US deaths compared to other high-income countries

TCT 2026 Master Operator Award to be presented to Rebecca T. Hahn, MD

TCT 2026 Career Achievement Award to be presented to Patrick T. O’Gara, MD

Patrick T. O'Gara, a master clinician and educator, will receive the TCT 2026 Career Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work in interventional cardiology. The award recognizes his clinical excellence, pioneering research, and mentorship of the next generation of physicians.

Running, weightlifting, or a “combo”? Latest review unveils the “optimal exercise pattern” for cardiovascular health

A systematic review finds that a combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises significantly improves cardiovascular outcomes in healthy adults. The optimal exercise duration is found to be between 40-60 minutes per week, with evening aerobic exercise showing greater health benefits.

High-intensity interval training shows strongest vascular benefits in cardiovascular patients

High-intensity interval training shows strongest vascular benefits in cardiovascular patients. HIIE consistently improves flow-mediated dilation and vasodilation, with combined high-intensity programs showing the largest estimated effects on endothelial function.

Multi-pronged plan to address childhood obesity crisis

A coordinated 10-year plan to improve long-term wellbeing and reverse child obesity trends is underway. The GenHEART program, spearheaded by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, targets heart health, diet, exercise, sleep, and more.

UT San Antonio awarded $44 million NIH contract to advance landmark RURAL Cohort Study

The RURAL Cohort Study aims to understand why residents of rural communities experience higher rates of heart, lung, and blood-related diseases, as well as shorter life expectancy and less-than-optimal overall health outcomes. The study uses a custom-built mobile examination unit to bring research directly to the community doorstep.

GLP-1 drugs have long-term benefit for heart health

A new review found that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death. The treatment also lowered rates of non-fatal heart attacks, hospital admissions for heart failure, and deaths from any cause.

New clinical trial shows vegan diet dramatically cuts food-related emissions—with major health benefits

A new randomized clinical trial shows that a low-fat vegan diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly three times more than a Mediterranean diet. The study also found significant improvements in key cardiometabolic outcomes, with the majority of environmental gains driven by eliminating meat, dairy, and eggs.

Methamphetamine use linked to 1 in 6 heart attacks in California study

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that methamphetamine use accounted for nearly 15% of heart attacks in a northern California study. People who suffered meth-related heart attacks were often young- to middle-aged men without traditional heart disease risk factors, highlighting the need for spe...

Validation study from Mass General Brigham reveals new tool can predict patients’ genetic risk of eight cardiovascular conditions

Researchers developed a new polygenic risk score (PRS) that estimates a person's inherited risk for eight common cardiovascular conditions. The test combines information from many genetic variants and evaluates a person's risk for coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, type 2 diabetes, and more.

Care coordination and hospitalization in older adults with or at risk for cardiovascular disease

A randomized clinical trial found that proactive outreach for care coordination did not lead to better outcomes compared to usual care post-hospitalization coordination. Many participants declined the offer. The study suggests that current strategies may need to be reassessed.

More children are surviving long enough for heart transplants—but not enough hearts exist

Advances in pediatric heart care have increased survival rates, but a shortage of donor hearts means many children still die waiting. Experts urge a shift from 'perfect' donor hearts to carefully selected organs and technological innovations to expand the donor pool.

Discovery could point to new treatments for cardiovascular disease, arthritis, Crohn's and other inflammatory diseases

A protein interaction between iNOS and IRG1 has been identified as a key regulator of the immune response. This discovery could lead to new treatments for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and Crohn's disease.

Bereavement and risk of cardiovascular disease before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

A cohort study found that bereavement was associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The strongest association was observed for partner or sibling loss during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of targeted clinical monitoring and preventive care for bereaved individuals.

New accelerator targets real world adoption of health innovations

The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator provides early-stage entrepreneurs with nondilutive funding and mentorship to scale purpose-driven health innovations. The program aims to close the gap between innovators closest to communities and those facing barriers to growth.

Surgical innovation could provide thousands of children with new hearts valves that grow with them

Partial heart transplantation replaces only defective valves and related structures, eliminating need for repeat replacements. This procedure can provide thousands of additional valve transplants annually, benefiting young patients worldwide.

New global consensus establishes blueprint for holistic cardiovascular implantable electronic device lead management and lifelong patient safety

The new consensus statement provides updated guidance on CIED lead management, including extraction and management of traditional devices and newer technologies. The recommendations aim to reduce clinical challenges and morbidity within a rapidly evolving technological landscape, ensuring better quality of life for patients.

Genetic study in Indians finds new pathways involved in cardiometabolic disease

A study of 3,000 Punjabi Sikhs identified new molecular pathways contributing to cardiovascular disease, including a link between lipid metabolites and immune cell signaling. These findings offer insights into diverse molecular origins of cardiometabolic disease and potential pathways for designing innovative therapies.

Benefits of physical activity may outweigh risks for children with some heart conditions

A new American Heart Association scientific statement recommends that children and adolescents with certain heart conditions participate in physical activities after a detailed individualized risk assessment. Light-to-moderate intensity exercise may be suitable to maintain physical fitness and quality of life, while structured physical...

Scientific researchers awarded $15 million to study heart valve disease

A new $15 million research network will investigate the causes and treatments of heart valve disease, which affects over 80 million people worldwide. The American Heart Association hopes to develop early warning signs and diagnosis methods to expand treatment options and improve quality of life for patients.

American College of Cardiology recognizes 20 FACCs during ACC Asia 2026

The American College of Cardiology recognized 20 individuals from eight countries for earning the Fellow of ACC (FACC) designation. The award reflects a strong commitment to improving patient care and advancing cardiovascular research.

Extreme climate events increase heart disease risk, new study reveals

A new study reveals a strong link between extreme climate events and the incidence of heart disease among middle-aged and older adults in 157 Chinese cities. Exposure to extreme heat, cold, and precipitation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, with higher BMI-related risks associated with temperature intensity and cold-induce...

As syphilis cases rise, study links infection with higher risk of stroke, heart attack and other serious cardiovascular problems

A study from Tulane University found that long-term, untreated syphilis increases the risk of serious cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and aortic aneurysm. Adults with syphilis were more likely to develop these problems than similar patients without the infection.

Loneliness linked to increased risk of degenerative heart valve disease

A large-scale study linked loneliness to an increased risk of degenerative heart valve disease, including aortic valve stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation. Researchers say addressing loneliness could help delay disease progression and reduce the clinical and economic burden of valvular heart disease.

Mount Sinai researchers develop machine learning model to predict how CPAP affects cardiovascular disease risk in patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers developed an analytic tool using machine learning to predict how CPAP affects cardiovascular disease risk in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The study found significant variation in treatment response across the cohort, identifying subgroups who benefited or were harmed by the therapy.

University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute study highlights long term gains in cardiovascular outcomes at UH Portage Medical Center

A new study by University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute highlights the long-term impact of preventive heart and vascular care. The study shows a significant decline in cardiovascular mortality rates after investments in local cardiac care, with notable reductions among older age groups.

Little-used cholesterol test could prevent more heart attacks, strokes

A Northwestern University study found that apolipoprotein B (apoB) testing is more effective and cost-efficient than standard cholesterol tests in guiding treatment and preventing heart attacks and strokes. The study suggests that apoB-guided care can improve population health and save lives at a lower cost.

Excess weight in early adulthood linked to higher risk of premature death

A new study found that maintaining a healthy weight from early adulthood is associated with lower risks of premature death from various diseases. Excess weight at 25 years old has lasting effects on mortality risk, independent of subsequent weight changes.

Scientists unveil molecular map that could unlock new treatments for heart and lung diseases

Researchers have created a detailed molecular map of the thromboxane A2 receptor, which could lead to the development of safer and more effective therapies targeting this clinically important signalling system. The study reveals an unusual activation switch and provides insights into how signalling molecules interact with the receptor.

The wearable ring on your finger could help assess your cardiovascular health while you sleep

Researchers developed a method to estimate vascular age from consumer wearables' PPG signals, predicting accurate results with a mean error of six to seven years. The technique uses a deep learning model and may lead to earlier detection of cardiovascular risk and more effective preventive care.

Sleep patterns may reveal hidden heart risks

Research from Flinders University finds that people with sleep apnea who experience dramatic night-to-night breathing problems are 30% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. The studies suggest that repeated changes in oxygen levels and sleep disruption can quietly stress the heart and blood vessels over time.

Long COVID associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study finds that people with long COVID are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac arrhythmias and coronary artery disease. The study shows that women with long COVID have twice the risk of receiving a cardiovascular diagnosis compared to women without the condition.

University of Cincinnati researchers discover clear link between chronic kidney disease and periodontal disease

Researchers found a clear connection between oral health and kidney health, with immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation driving the relationship. The study highlights the need for physicians to integrate oral and renal health into clinical care systems.

Triglyceride-lowering drug does not affect plaque in arteries at one year in patients with elevated triglycerides

A study found that olezarsen significantly lowered triglycerides in patients with hypertriglyceridemia, but did not alter non-calcified coronary plaque volume at one year. Researchers suggested that a more substantial impact on both triglycerides and apolipoprotein B may be needed to observe measurable effects on plaque volumes.

Stopping beta-blockers after heart attack is safe for low-risk patients

A recent study found that discontinuing beta-blockers in stable, low-risk patients who have had a heart attack is non-inferior to continuing them. The results suggest that lifelong beta-blockers may be unnecessary for some patients. Discontinuation was associated with similar outcomes and quality of life compared to continued therapy.

Including AI-derived heart fat measurement improves accuracy of cardiovascular disease risk prediction

A Mayo Clinic study found that AI-derived heart fat measurement can predict cardiovascular events more accurately when combined with traditional risk assessment approaches. The measurement significantly improved long-term risk prediction, especially among patients at low-risk categories.

Lead-attributable cardiovascular disease burden

A longitudinal analysis of 42,000 participants found higher bone lead levels associated with significantly increased cardiovascular disease mortality risk. The study highlights the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, regulation, and remediation to reduce the lead-attributable burden worldwide.

With help from AI, eye images offer window into cardiovascular risk

A new AI-based system analyzing blood vessels at the back of the eye has been shown to identify people at risk of heart problems with strong correlation. The system, called CLAiR, received Breakthrough Device designation and demonstrates promise as a noninvasive screening method.

Cardiorenal outcomes with tirzepatide compared with dulaglutide in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease

A post hoc analysis found that tirzepatide was associated with a lower incidence of a broad composite cardiovascular and kidney endpoint. The study compared tirzepatide with dulaglutide in patients with diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.

Lifestyle factors and cardiometabolic risk

A review highlights the importance of healthy lifestyles in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Adhering to optimal lifestyle factors, such as a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep, can dramatically lower disease incidence.

Staying active throughout middle age cuts women’s risk of premature death in half

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that consistently meeting physical activity guidelines throughout middle age reduces women's risk of dying from any cause by half. The study, which tracked over 11,000 Australian women, also found strong benefits for cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality.

Multi-task deep learning identifies four MASLD subtypes for precision cardiovascular– liver–kidney–metabolic management

The study developed a novel multi-task deep LASSO algorithm that identified six core clinical indicators, establishing four stable MASLD subtypes with distinct characteristics. The classification system enables targeted interventions, prioritizing fibrosis screening and aggressive cardiorenal protection for specific subgroups.

Registration for TCT 2026 now open

Registration is now open for TCT 2026, the annual scientific symposium of CRF, taking place October 31 - November 3 in San Diego. The event will feature a dynamic program with groundbreaking research and expert-led tutorials.

Expert commentary in leading cardiology journal suggests Transcendental Meditation reduces stress-related cardiovascular risk

The Transcendental Meditation technique produces a physiological state of 'restful alertness,' reducing sympathetic nervous system activity and increasing parasympathetic tone. Large international studies have shown that psychosocial stress substantially increases cardiovascular disease risk, including heart attack and stroke.

Children with obesity are at risk of disease despite normal test results

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics finds that children with obesity but without metabolic complications still face a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and abnormal blood lipid levels later in life. Treatment can greatly benefit these children, reducing the risk of future diseases.

Improving heart health may not be enough to protect against Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers found that exercise and aggressive cardiovascular risk reduction improved heart health, but did not produce measurable cognitive benefits over two years in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights a critical gap between vascular risk reduction and brain health.

More activity and less sitting may reduce risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy

Research suggests that limiting sedentary time to eight hours and increasing light physical activity to seven hours a day can reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. The study found incremental associations between more physical activity and lower risk of developing preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.

The health impacts of alcohol depend on what you drink – and how much

A study of over 340,000 British adults found that low to moderate wine consumption was associated with a significantly lower risk of death compared to spirits, beer, and cider. Moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, while even low intake of spirits, beer, or cider was linked to a 9% higher risk.

Rise and sweat! Morning exercise linked with lower cardiometabolic risk

Regular morning exercise is associated with lower rates of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, and obesity compared to later-day exercise. Morning exercise timing may be an underappreciated aspect of cardiometabolic health.