Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
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.
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...
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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 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.
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...
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.