Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
A new study found that switching to a nicotine e-cigarette reduces toxicant exposure and improves quitting rates, with the nicotine group having a higher chance of quitting entirely. The study's results suggest that nicotine e-cigarettes could serve as an effective off-ramp for smokers seeking to reduce their tobacco use.
New European Society of Cardiology Atlas data highlights persistent inequalities in cardiovascular risk, outcomes, and access to care across Europe. The study emphasizes the need for targeted policy action to reduce health disparities and improve prevention.
A new science advisory calls for coordinated international efforts to reduce disparities in care for children with Kawasaki disease, a rare but serious illness primarily affecting young children. The advisory highlights the importance of sharing data, expertise, and best practices to improve heart health outcomes for children with Kawa...
Researchers developed a new class of stretchy bioelectronics that can stick to biological tissue and relieve hypertension while causing less damage to surrounding tissue. The CaroFlex device uses gentle electrical frequencies to modulate the baroreceptor reflex, providing effective treatment for drug-resistant hypertension.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that young adults whose mothers had high blood pressure during pregnancy had more signs of early arterial injury, higher blood pressure, and higher body mass index. This suggests that cardiovascular risk may be transmitted across generations through a combination of biological, environmental, and...
A new AI model, ECG2Stroke, can predict the risk of a stroke up to 10 years into the future using only electrocardiogram (ECG) data and a patient's age and sex. The model was trained on over 200,000 patients and showed accuracy in predicting cardioembolic strokes, which are preventable with blood thinners.
A new study published in Stroke journal reveals that people with a prior heart attack are at higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. The study analyzed over 20,000 adults and found that those who had a heart attack were more likely to experience declines in thinking and memory skills over time.
A multidisciplinary team of UC San Diego researchers has developed a simple technology called photoplethysmography (PPG) coupled with artificial intelligence (AI) that can detect peripheral artery disease (PAD) with high accuracy. The technique, which uses PPG recordings to measure blood volume changes in the toes, demonstrates strong ...
A major international study has identified ways to detect patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at serious risk of sudden death, heart failure or other dangerous outcomes. The findings will help save lives by improving the ability to determine who is at greatest risk and spare low-risk patients from unneeded heart implants.
Women's cardiovascular health declines during perimenopause, a transitional period marked by hormonal and metabolic changes. Proactive lifestyle strategies, such as regular exercise and heart-healthy eating, can help improve cardiovascular health during this critical time.
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.
Research highlights the interplay between circadian disruption and cardiovascular comorbidities, including cardio-cerebral, cardio-hepatic, and cardio-renal interactions. Chronotherapies show promise in re-entraining circadian rhythms, with potential applications for personalized treatment.
A large-scale Nordic study found a link between PCOS and heart disease, with women at increased risk even in normal weight. The study also highlighted the importance of regular medical screenings for women with PCOS.
The US had substantially higher death rates between 1999 and 2022 compared to other wealthy nations, with cardiovascular diseases being the leading cause of excess mortality. An estimated 12.7 million US deaths could have been averted during this period if US mortality rates mirrored those of its peers.
Dr. Rebecca T. Hahn, MD, is the first imager to receive the TCT Geoffrey O. Hartzler Master Operator Award for her groundbreaking work in imaging structural heart procedures. Her unparalleled expertise has redefined the role of imaging in cardiovascular care.
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.
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. HIIE consistently improves flow-mediated dilation and vasodilation, with combined high-intensity programs showing the largest estimated effects on endothelial function.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...