Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
A Finnish study found that prolonged standing at work had a negative impact on 24-hour blood pressure, while sedentary work was not necessarily harmful. The study suggests that engaging in recreational physical activity during leisure time can help maintain fitness and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The new effort aims to rapidly transform academic breakthroughs into life-saving therapies for a range of medical conditions. Autobahn Labs will invest up to $5 million per selected project to support the development of new pharmaceuticals.
A new study maps genetic traits to cellular composition of atherosclerotic plaques, predicting future stroke or heart attack risk. The research improves risk assessment and treatment for patients with atherosclerosis.
A clinical trial testing muvalaplin, a novel oral medication, safely and effectively lowered high levels of Lp(a), a type of inherited cholesterol. The study found that muvalaplin disrupted the formation of the Lp(a) particle, acting as an effective approach to lowering Lp(a) levels.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that long-term use of common cardiovascular drugs is associated with a lower risk of dementia. The study, which analyzed data from over 880,000 people, shows that these medications can reduce dementia risk by 4-25%.
Researchers found that alcohol-related deaths in the US surged dramatically between 1999 and 2020, with a nearly fourfold increase in those aged 25-34. The study highlights significant gender differences and regional disparities, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to combat the growing US alcohol mortality epidemic.
Zerlasiran, a small-interfering RNA targeting hepatic synthesis of apolipoprotein(a), significantly reduced time-averaged lipoprotein(a) concentrations by over 80% during 36 weeks of treatment. This finding has potential implications for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Studies published in JACC found that anti-obesity drugs such as tirzepatide and semaglutide improved cardiac structure and function, as well as reduced cardiac risk biomarkers with lifestyle interventions. These findings suggest that these treatments may have a transformative impact on cardiovascular health beyond weight loss.
Researchers found that a high-flavanol cocoa drink can protect the body's vasculature against stress even after eating high-fat food. Flavanols in green tea and other foods also showed benefits for cardiovascular health.
A new study by Intermountain Health found that coronary artery calcium scores are highly effective in identifying those at risk for future heart attacks and death, with similar predictive power in women as in men. The study revealed that individuals with a CAC score of zero were three times less likely to die from any cause.
The study found that substituting pure maple syrup for refined sugars reduced several cardiometabolic risk factors in humans, including improved blood sugar levels and lowered blood pressure. Visceral fat mass also decreased significantly in the maple syrup group. The study's findings suggest that incorporating maple syrup into daily d...
Researchers from Salk Institute found that specific dietary fats are incorporated into sphingolipids to drive the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The team discovered that trans fats are preferentially metabolized by an enzyme, leading to increased lipoprotein secretion and plaque formation.
A new AI program, PanEcho, has been developed to interpret echocardiography videos independently, reducing wait times and improving timely medical care. The program demonstrated accuracy in estimating continuous echocardiographic parameters and quantifying left ventricle dimensions and function.
Research highlights edoxaban's effectiveness in reducing stroke and blood clots for patients after bioprosthetic heart valve replacement. Edoxaban was found to be equally or more effective than warfarin, with a predictable pharmacokinetic profile and reduced burden on patients.
A clinical trial found that combining two commonly recommended medications into a single pill lowered blood pressure and was safe among Indian adults. The study's results have significant meaning for South Asian adults, including those living in the US.
Deepak Srivastava, MD, is recognized for his organizational leadership and scientific innovation at Gladstone Institutes. His lab has made significant discoveries in treating heart disease and repairing heart damage.
A recent study found that intensive systolic blood pressure reduction approaches can significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120mmHg led to a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that excessive sedentary behavior increases the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death. Even among individuals who meet guideline levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sitting for extended periods can still pose significant health risks. The study's findings sugg...
According to the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, primary care clinicians can help patients reduce their risk of heart disease by addressing modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes and treatment. Despite challenges, research shows that primary care professionals with a higher ratio have lower total costs of ca...
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a new target for treating atherosclerosis by identifying an inflammation-reducing molecule called itaconate. This finding may lead to the development of a new therapeutic approach that mimics the beneficial effects of a low-fat diet without requiring drastic lifestyle changes.
A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery found that non-white patients have twice the risk of dying within 30 days of carotid endarterectomy compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from over half a million patients and highlights persistent racial disparities in medical outcomes.
A new scientific statement highlights improvements in diagnosis, initial treatment, and long-term management of patients with Kawasaki Disease, emphasizing the need for tailored management strategies. Advances in cardiac imaging techniques and risk categorization have led to better patient outcomes.
Singer Amy Grant's personal testimonial highlights the urgent need for support to save women's lives by funding research into better diagnosing, treating, and preventing cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association aims to address awareness gaps and bridge clinical care gaps in women's heart health.
A survey of older adults with heart conditions found that their sexual health impacts mood and well-being, but most healthcare professionals do not offer this information. Patients favor conversations with healthcare professionals about sexual health, including topics like medication side effects and anxiety before sex.
A preliminary study found that neighborhoods previously subjected to redlining had higher rates of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors due to reduced access to healthy foods. Researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 U.S. Census tracts across 38 states, controlling for population size.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that Black patients are two to three times as likely to retain or gain additional weight compared to white counterparts. The study suggests interventions addressing the underlying stressors of discrimination could complement community and clinical interventions.
Researchers found that individuals with chronic kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, or both are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with the risk predicted to occur up to 28 years earlier than in those without these conditions. The study aimed to better understand the effects of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome on CVD risk.
A new study found that even moderate amounts of exercise can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition. The research, led by NYU Langone Health, used data from over 6,000 participants and showed that those with higher physical activity levels had a lower risk of developing the condition.
A new study found that obesity-related heart disease deaths increased by 180% in the US over two decades, with significant disparities among middle-aged men, Black adults, and residents of Midwestern states. The analysis also revealed unexpected patterns, such as Vermont having the highest death rate for obesity-related CVD deaths.
Cardiovascular disease death rates increased by 21% for adults aged 25-64 living in rural areas, while urban adults saw a 9% decline between 2010 and 2022. Younger rural adults are particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular mortality due to worsening cardiometabolic health and reduced healthcare access.
The editorial highlights how digital tools improve patient outcomes through better monitoring, individualized care, and seamless communication between patients and healthcare providers. Digital health innovations also address key challenges such as data privacy and accessibility.
Research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes or weight loss, may lower the risk of heart attack and recurrent stroke in adults who have had an initial stroke. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 adults with ischemic strokes between 2000 and 2022.
Dr. Jeffrey Popma joins CRF as Chief Scientific and Strategic Officer, bringing decades of clinical and research experience to drive forward pivotal programs and initiatives. His leadership will shape CRF's future and fuel innovation at the Clinical Trials Center.
The American Heart Association has announced five health technology start-up companies as finalists in its 7th annual Health Tech Competition. The competition aims to drive technological advancements with the potential to transform heart and brain health patient outcomes.
A recent study published in Stem Cell Reports has found that brief exposure to certain 'danger signals' can prime the body's innate immune system, leading to a long-term hyperreactive and inflammatory state. This mechanism can help fight infections but also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new hourglass-shaped stent could improve blood flow and alleviate severe chest pain in people with microvascular disease. The study found that 76% of participants experienced improvement in their daily activities, including walking and climbing stairs without pain.
Researchers found that LGB veterans have a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for risk factors. Sexual minority males and females are more likely to smoke and develop alcohol use disorders, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
The American Heart Association has awarded $75,000 to local entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions addressing health inequities in their communities. The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator program supports social entrepreneurs and organizations focused on improving health outcomes.
Dr. Jane Newburger will receive the 2024 Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award for her extensive mentorship of trainees, early career faculty, and residents, with a focus on pediatric cardiology and Kawasaki disease research.
Symbiosis has developed an adjustable TMVR system, ValSync, which can adapt to complex anatomies. The company aims to overcome current limitations and improve patient eligibility, safety, and procedure time with its three-step process.
Roderic Pettigrew, a renowned physician, scientist, and engineer, is recognized for his pioneering work in combining medicine and engineering to advance cardiovascular disease research. His recent achievements include developing the Siemens Cima.X MRI scanner to detect heart disease before it occurs.
Dr. Herman Taylor Jr. will receive the Clinical Research Prize for his groundbreaking work on advancing health equity and understanding the interplay between social and physical environments that shape heart disease. His research focuses on the genetic and environmental factors influencing heart disease in Black communities.
A large multi-ethnic study found that work-related stress was associated with unfavorable cardiovascular health metrics, including lower odds of average and optimal health scores. The study's authors emphasize the need for longitudinal research on stress mechanisms and workplace interventions to improve employee well-being.
Light ex-smokers experience a CVD risk reduction similar to never-smokers within years of smoking cessation. Heavy ex-smokers require longer periods, up to 25 years, for their residual CVD risk to align with that of never-smokers.
Upgrading home insulation can lower medical bills and extend healthy lives by reducing blood pressure and CVD risk. Simulations showed that upgrading or retrofitting insulation is cost-effective for many homeowners, with significant health benefits justifying the costs.
This study highlights the importance of lipoprotein(a) in predicting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. Higher Lp(a) levels are associated with increased risk of CVEs, particularly in high-risk patients. Measuring and managing Lp(a) may help decrease CVE risk in these individuals.
A Michigan Medicine study of over 18,500 adults found that obstructive sleep apnea was associated with a higher risk of dementia symptoms or diagnosis at every age level. Women were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than men, especially as they aged.
A study led by WVU epidemiologist Bethany Barone Gibbs found that alternating sitting and standing at work reduces sedentary behavior but has no effect on lowering blood pressure. Prolonged static standing may even have negative effects on cardiovascular health due to a physiological mechanism called the muscle pump.
Doctors at Mayo Clinic used a new catheter-based approach to draw out resistant pockets of infection in the heart without surgery. Over 90% of participants had their infection cleared, with lower in-hospital mortality compared to those whose infections remained.
A randomized trial found that large-bore mechanical thrombectomy was superior to catheter-directed thrombolysis in reducing clinical deterioration, ICU admissions, and readmissions. LBMT also showed faster symptom improvement and shorter hospital stays compared to CDT.
A study of over 13 million hours of data found that exposure to bright nights and dark days is associated with an increased risk of death. Those exposed to high levels of light at night had a 21–34% increased risk, while those exposed to high levels of daylight had a 17–34% reduction in their risk of death.
The CLEAR SYNERGY (OASIS 9) trial found that routine colchicine use did not reduce cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or ischemia-driven revascularization after acute myocardial infarction. Colchicine therapy was associated with a significant reduction in C-reactive protein levels.
Low-level lead poisoning is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adults and cognitive deficits in children, even at levels previously thought to be safe. Exposure to lead can result in an annual loss of 765 million IQ points in children globally.
The ECLIPSE trial found that routine orbital atherectomy had similar outcomes as conventional balloon angioplasty before stent implantation. Procedural complications were largely similar between groups, with no reduction in target vessel failure.
A new study found that early aortic valve intervention in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis and myocardial fibrosis did not reduce the incidence of all-cause death or unplanned aortic stenosis hospitalization. However, it did show benefits in reducing emergency hospitalizations and preventing symptom development.
Researchers propose a comprehensive biomarker-based approach to assess cardiovascular risk by combining markers of chronic inflammation with cardiac health indicators. This approach reveals the significant impact of aging-related inflammation, or 'inflammaging,' on heart health and opens new avenues for targeted interventions.
The TAVR UNLOAD study found that transcatheter aortic valve replacement did not significantly affect the primary composite endpoint in patients with systolic heart failure and moderate aortic stenosis. However, TAVR improved quality of life compared to clinical AS surveillance.
A randomized trial found early TAVR to be safe and effective for patients with asymptomatic severe AS, reducing the risk of composite endpoints and favorable health status outcomes. Patients who received early TAVR had better left-ventricular and left-atrial health compared to those on clinical surveillance.
Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered unique lipids in sorghum that have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. The study suggests that incorporating sorghum into diets could promote cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and enhance metabolic health.
A recent study found that men who conform to traditional masculine norms are less likely to report receiving diagnoses or treatment for cardiovascular disease risk factors. This highlights a missed opportunity to prevent serious cardiovascular conditions later in life.