Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study of 2,000+ participants found nine specific gut microbe metabolites associated with coronary heart disease risk. The researchers call for further research into these molecules as potential novel treatments.
Consuming ultra-processed foods daily is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiac events, particularly among Black Americans. The study found that each additional serving increases the risk by over 5%, with Black Americans seeing an amplified risk compared to other racial groups.
Researchers found that measures of blood vessel health from routine blood pressure readings can identify adults at increased risk for dementia. Vascular aging patterns may provide meaningful insight into future dementia risk, and managing vascular health earlier in life may influence long-term brain health.
A recent study found that people with atherosclerotic heart disease who received the shingles vaccine had nearly half the rate of serious cardiac events compared to those who did not get vaccinated. The vaccine was associated with significant reductions in cardiovascular risk, including heart attacks, strokes, and death.
The American College of Cardiology will host the New Orleans Health Fair on March 21, 2026, offering free screenings, health education, and early detection for cardiovascular diseases. The event aims to improve community heart health and provide equitable care.
The updated guideline consolidates evidence-based recommendations for managing dyslipidemias, offering a comprehensive approach to lower risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The guideline recommends earlier intervention through healthy lifestyle changes and considers the use of a new cardiovascular disease risk calculator, P...
A Chinese study reports a 100% technical and clinical success rate for robot-assisted brain angiography, with median procedure times 11 minutes shorter than manual angiography. No added radiation or complications were observed, showcasing the feasibility and safety of the YDHB-NS01 system
A new RNA therapy has been developed to enhance the heart's own ability to protect and repair itself after a heart attack. The therapy, which involves injecting particles into the arm, significantly reduced scarring and improved heart function in lab experiments, offering a potential breakthrough for heart patients.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that power outages in the US are associated with increased emergency hospital visits for older adults, particularly for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The study estimated that 4,246 additional hospitalizations occurred in 2018 among adults over 65 due to power outages.
Researchers found elevated pTau levels in individuals with transthyretin amyloidosis and immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis, suggesting a new diagnostic approach for systemic amyloidosis. The findings may facilitate earlier detection and help confirm suspected cases.
Women with cardiometabolic risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and high waist circumference face a higher risk of liver fibrosis, with rates increasing 11-fold and 2.8-fold compared to men. The study highlights the importance of managing these risk factors for liver health beyond heart disease prevention.
A large cohort study found that people using anticholinergic medications, commonly prescribed for urinary incontinence and anxiety, have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The cumulative use of these drugs was associated with an increased risk of heart failure and arrhythmias.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement projects that nearly 6 in 10 US women will have some type of cardiovascular disease by 2050, driven by rising rates in high blood pressure and other health factors. The economic burden is expected to be at least $200 billion annually.
A study published in European Heart Journal found that nearly half of hospitalised heart failure patients are readmitted within a year, with the risk of death also remaining high. Patients with severely reduced heart function face the highest risk, highlighting the need for careful follow-up and tailored care.
A new collaborative clinician education program will equip cardiologists and OB-GYNs with practical tools to identify and treat cardiovascular risk in midlife women. The program aims to close treatment gaps and provide proactive, integrated care during menopause.
A nationwide study found that adolescents and young adults with prior cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. The study suggests that women with prior HSIL should be more closely monitored for cardiovascular disease and prevention strategies should be imple...
A traditional Chinese mind-body practice called Baduanjin was proven to lower blood pressure as effectively as brisk walking in a large randomized clinical trial. Practiced for centuries, Baduanjin is a low-to-moderate-intensity routine that requires no equipment and can be performed in various settings.
A special issue of Circulation highlights progress in women's cardiovascular health, featuring sex-specific research on prevention, diagnosis and management. The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women initiative supports over 200,000 healthcare professionals with educational tools to improve women's health.
A nationwide cohort study found that chronic kidney disease significantly heightens mortality risk, even at moderate levels, and exceeds traditional metabolic risk factors. Maintaining renal function and early detection of CKD are critical for reducing both all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.
A new position statement from CSANZ and ACRA highlights telehealth as a critical tool for increasing access to quality cardiovascular care. The guidance provides best practice guidance for safe use by clinicians while emphasizing patient-centered, culturally inclusive multidisciplinary care.
A comprehensive scientific review highlights pecans' positive effects on cardiovascular health, including improved lipid metabolism and antioxidant defenses. While findings on blood sugar control are mixed, the review suggests pecans may support better diet quality and satiety.
The Merck Foundation grant will support a new primary care initiative focused on the cardiovascular health of formerly incarcerated Black men in Chicago. The program aims to provide integrated, comprehensive care that addresses high blood pressure and reduces the risk for heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers developed smart 4D-printed vascular stents that expand naturally at body temperature, eliminating the need for external heating. The stents balance mechanical flexibility and radial strength, demonstrating long-term biomechanical compliance.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with a 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that those consuming high amounts of UPFs had a significant increase in heart attack and stroke ...
The Family Heart Foundation, led by Matt Hasselbeck, aims to educate Americans about the risks of high LDL cholesterol and its connection to early heart disease. The campaign promotes free at-home screenings and offers support for individuals to protect themselves and their families from cardiovascular disease.
Post-stroke spasticity affects an estimated 30-80% of stroke survivors, causing abnormal muscle tightness and involuntary spasms. Earlier diagnosis and timely intervention may improve functional outcomes and reduce long-term disability, according to the new scientific statement.
A new study found semaglutide to be an effective treatment for preventing secondary cardiovascular disease in US adults. The medication meets conventional thresholds when used alone, but its cost-effectiveness is improved with combination therapy.
A new randomized clinical trial found that training the less-impaired arm significantly improved movement coordination, speed and control in chronic stroke survivors. The study showed that motor skills in the less-affected arm can be improved even years after a stroke occurs.
The FIU-Florida Heart Research Foundation Center for Innovation in Cardiovascular Health brings together experts in various fields to uncover the fundamental drivers of cardiovascular disease. The center will focus on AI-powered diagnostics, regenerative tissue technologies, and workforce development.
A new poll by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine reveals that 56% of Americans would consider trying plant-based alternatives like buffalo cauliflower bites during the Super Bowl. Plant-based meals are lower in fat, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants, reducing the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.