Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
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.
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...
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Bradley A. Maron, a renowned clinical cardiologist and researcher, takes the helm as editor-in-chief of Circulation, shaping the journal's editorial direction and commitment to practice-changing science. He aims to reinvigorate cardiovascular science and medicine published in Circulation with additional transparency.
Researchers have developed vascular organoid patches that can regenerate microvessels in the heart, leading to improved heart function and reduced progression of coronary artery disease. The patches were shown to survive for several weeks and stimulate new microvessel formation, providing a potential treatment for ischemic heart disease.
The American Heart Association has named its new volunteer leaders for the 2026-27 fiscal year, including Manesh R. Patel as volunteer president and Lee A. Shapiro as chairperson. Patel is a physician/scientist specializing in interventional cardiology, while Shapiro is a financial expert in health technology.
Researchers identified a previously unrecognized immune system pathway that connects cigarette smoking to cardiovascular disease. Cigarette smoke activates immune cells, triggering widespread inflammation throughout the body and accelerating plaque buildup in arteries.
Research studies show that e-cigarette chemicals may harm cardiovascular health, including irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association cautions consumers and policymakers about the potential risks of e-cigarette use.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered a previously unknown mechanism that contributes to high blood cholesterol by depleting LDL receptors. A CTSA inhibitor has already shown safety in humans and may be effective in treating high cholesterol, offering a new treatment option for patients.
Comprehensive smoke-free laws were associated with sustained reductions in cardiovascular disease mortality across US counties. However, the magnitude of these associations varied significantly by demographic groups, suggesting a need for additional strategies to address disparities in tobacco exposure and improve cardiovascular outcomes.
The American Heart Association and International Federation for Emergency Medicine collaborate to strengthen training, research, and systems of care for emergency cardiovascular and resuscitative care. The three-year agreement aims to improve access to training, education, and emergency care resources in low- and middle-income countries.
Igor F. Palacios, MD, is honored for his groundbreaking work in structural heart disease interventions, including mitral balloon valvuloplasty and the percutaneous pericardial window technique. He has mentored hundreds of physician leaders worldwide through his kindness, generosity, and passion for patient-centered care.
A new study published in JACC found that women who consistently strength train showed substantially lower risk of major cardiovascular disease, particularly alongside aerobic activity and reduced sedentary time. Higher levels of resistance training were associated with lower risk of major CVD, especially myocardial infarction, with no ...
Research in mice and human heart cells suggests that synthetic cooling agents in e-cigarettes can disrupt heart rhythm, causing abnormal beats and increased cardiovascular risk. The study's findings have implications for policymakers reviewing current rules on coolants used in vapes.
The new clinical guideline identifies excess weight, especially in the abdomen, as a key driver for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. Nearly 9 in 10 adults in the US have at least one condition within this syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity.
The new clinical practice guideline provides recommendations for identifying cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome risk earlier and taking action to protect long-term heart, metabolic, and kidney health. Lifestyle modification, including the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 measures, can help prevent a range of ...
A new analysis tracks global sugar-sweetened beverage tax adoption across 183 countries, revealing South Asia's significant lead in tax implementation. The study found that countries with higher burdens of type 2 diabetes and obesity are more likely to adopt taxes, but not necessarily those with high rates of sugary drink consumption.
Adults with both obesity and an autoimmune disease who took a GLP-1-based medication had fewer emergency department visits and lower mortality rates compared to those not taking the medication. The study analyzed data from over 26,000 adults treated in the OneFlorida+ network between 2014 and 2024.
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.
Massachusetts Medicaid members who received medically tailored meals experienced significantly fewer health emergencies, including 31% fewer hospitalizations and 20% fewer emergency department visits. The program also resulted in lower per-person healthcare costs of $3,433, offsetting 98% of the program's cost.
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
New York Valves 2026 will unveil groundbreaking clinical science and innovation in transcatheter aortic valve replacement and mitral/tricuspid valve therapies. The conference features 22 late-breaking clinical science presentations that aim to transform the treatment of structural heart disease.
The study found high-risk associations between alcohol use and all ten cancers examined, with risk increasing progressively as intake rose. Low-to-moderate drinking was associated with lower disease risk for type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.
A new study finds herbal cigarettes can be as damaging as tobacco cigarettes, emitting comparable or even more harmful emissions. Fine particles and oxidative potential were measured, revealing a significant risk to cardiovascular and respiratory health.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adults with better Life's Essential 8 scores had lower odds of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19. The research suggests that having a healthy heart helps prepare the body for real-life stress tests, such as infectious diseases like COVID-19.
A new study projects that climate change will significantly increase the risk of heat-related cardiovascular disease in the US by 2050. The Pacific Northwest and Southern/Midwestern states are expected to experience the highest and steepest increases, respectively. Targeted interventions for vulnerable communities are crucial to mitiga...
Researchers have discovered that inflammation plays a dual role in atherosclerosis, both driving the disease's progression and limiting it. Macrophages, often seen as solely harmful, also clear cellular debris and attack endothelial cells, while microRNA miR-147 helps regulate this balance.
Researchers are using 3D cardiac constructs to model cardiovascular diseases and test new drugs. These constructs can capture the complexity of human cardiac tissue, including its electrical activity, metabolism, and cellular communication. The field is advancing with biomaterials, AI-assisted screening, and improved standardization.
A report by the European Society of Cardiology advocates for dedicated women's heart centers to improve diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women. These centers can enhance quality of life, reduce symptoms, and increase survival rates for women with cardiovascular disease.
The American College of Cardiology has issued a new Expert Consensus Decision Pathway to guide postpartum cardiovascular care, emphasizing comprehensive visits and effective management of CV emergencies. The guideline aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality by optimizing cardiometabolic outcomes.
A new study of over 1 million young Swedish men found that the risk of atrial fibrillation is less than previously calculated, and the benefits of high fitness levels outweigh the risks. After age 40, the balance shifts in favor of higher fitness levels, suggesting that the benefits of exercise may be more significant.