Research on diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Covers microvascular imaging, light exposure, cardiac imaging anxiety, and sex differences in risk.
A study of 168,547 postmenopausal women found that excess weight is associated with a 31% higher risk of breast cancer in those with cardiovascular disease. Higher BMI also increases the risk in women without cardiovascular disease, although to a lesser extent.
A study of over 2,500 adults aged 50-80 found that nearly 1 in 6 take aspirin for cardiovascular protection without a history of heart disease. Despite revised guidelines reducing aspirin use for primary prevention after age 70, many patients are unaware of the increased risk of bleeding.
A national study found significant disparities in healthcare access for adults with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in preventive cardiovascular screenings. Screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose declined across most disability groups, with some rates dropping by over 10%.
The American Heart Association has appointed two new volunteer leaders: Lee Shapiro, a financial expert in health technology, as chairperson, and Stacey Rosen, a cardiologist, as president. Both experts have extensive experience supporting women's cardiovascular health and aim to accelerate innovation and strategic collaborations.
A new study found that the newer generation of effective diabetes medications are not reaching enough patients. The study analyzed data from over 40,000 records and found that only 20% of patients with type 2 diabetes were taking GLP-1 drugs within a year of diagnosis, and less than 15% were taking SGLT2 drugs.
A new study involving 121 former elite rowers from Australia found that one in five develops atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to stroke and heart failure. The researchers identified genetic and clinical tools that enable early preventive strategies, highlighting the paradox that AFib is more common among fit athletes.
Research reveals significant drop in heart attack deaths, while increases observed in deaths from heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertensive heart disease over the past 50 years. Studies suggest advancements in medical treatment, bystander CPR, and public health initiatives have contributed to these findings.
The American College of Cardiology hosts a Health Equity Summit to address cardiovascular health disparities. Young Indigenous scholars from the NNAYI participate in interactive cardiology workshops to promote equitable healthcare.
A new study found that increasing apolipoprotein M levels can slow or block progression of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in people over 50. The researchers also found that ApoM triggers a signaling pathway that breaks down cholesterol deposits.
A new multi-cohort study found that exposure to certain metals detected in urine is associated with a higher risk of heart failure. The study analyzed over 10,000 adults across diverse geographic and racial backgrounds and observed consistent associations between elevated urinary metal levels and increased HF risk.
Researchers found an increased risk of stroke in women who experienced diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm delivery, or low birth weight during pregnancy. These complications could act as early signals for cardiovascular problems, enabling women to receive help and reduce their risk.
The American College of Cardiology has issued a Concise Clinical Guidance document to inform clinicians about medication for weight management in patients with cardiovascular benefit. Modern obesity medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have been proven effective in reducing overall cardiovascular disease risk.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that residents in U.S. coastal counties near ocean waters with high concentrations of microplastics are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke. The study analyzed data from 152 counties and found a significant association betwe...
A cohort study found that CT angiography was associated with modest improvements in healthier lifestyle behaviors, acceptance of recommended preventive therapy, and risk factor modification. The study suggests that this strategy may reduce coronary events, but further research is needed to confirm the findings.
The University of Gothenburg, AstraZeneca, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and Region Västra Götaland are partnering to tackle metabolic disorders. The SEK 200 million initiative aims to deepen understanding of obesity's mechanisms and develop effective treatments.
A comprehensive study found dementia rates were 25% higher in the Southeast compared to the Mid-Atlantic. The Northwest and Rocky Mountains had 23% and 18% higher rates respectively. These differences remained even after accounting for factors like age, race, and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that higher McCance Brain Care Score is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and three common cancers worldwide. The score evaluates physical, lifestyle, and social-emotional domains linked to brain health.
A major randomized clinical trial highlights potential long-term heart health benefits of stress-reducing meditation practice. The study found a 65% relative risk reduction in cardiovascular events over a 5-year period among those who practiced Transcendental Meditation.
A new study found that eating two servings of mangos daily for two weeks significantly reduced blood pressure and cholesterol in healthy postmenopausal women. The study also showed measurable improvements in key heart health markers, including a reduction in total cholesterol by nearly 13 points.
A 48-month study found that intensive blood pressure reduction lowered the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment by 15% and 16%, respectively. This suggests that reducing high blood pressure may be a key strategy for preventing dementia in patients with hypertension.
Research suggests that self-employment among white women is associated with lower rates of obesity, physical inactivity, and poor sleep duration. This study uses biologic and physical measures to explore the relationship between self-employment and cardiovascular disease risk factors across sex and racial/ethnic minority status.
MicroRNAs modulate inflammation across major cardiovascular risk factors, making them potential biomarkers for early detection and targets for prevention. Specific miRNAs regulate individual immune cell types in cardiovascular pathology, such as promoting M2 polarization and reducing plaque burden.
A study from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that coexisting hypertension and type 2 diabetes nearly doubled over two decades, with about two-thirds of participants with diabetes also having hypertension. This combination is linked to substantially higher mortality risk compared to having neither condition.
A new guideline aims to improve hypertension management in Canada, focusing on practical recommendations for primary care providers. The guideline uses WHO's technical package as a framework, addressing discrepancies in blood pressure targets and guideline complexity.
A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that US excess deaths have been increasing for decades, with working-age adults disproportionately affected. The study found that over 1.5 million 'missing Americans' would have been averted if the US had mortality rates similar to other high-income countries.
A novel, noninvasive method for measuring central venous pressure (CVP) has been validated in a clinical pilot study using quantitative compression ultrasound (QCU). The study achieved an impressive r² correlation coefficient of 0.82 with a mean absolute error of just 1.08 mmHg.
A new study found that living in disadvantaged neighborhoods can cause menopause to start earlier, leading to a higher risk of long-term health issues. The research followed nearly 700 women and found those in highly vulnerable areas experienced menopause approximately two years earlier.
The American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines - Heart Failure registry reveals lasting benefits for hospitalized heart failure patients and hospitals. Hospitals engaging with the program consistently outperform peers on process measures and patient outcomes.
The American Heart Association has awarded nearly $1.2 million in planning grants to 12 researchers testing the efficacy of food is medicine interventions, such as produce prescriptions and medically tailored groceries. The grants support clinical trial protocols to develop and test these approaches for treating chronic diseases like c...
Researchers found that residual inflammation in psoriasis patients is linked to obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and increased systemic inflammation. This study suggests that despite good skin response to biologics, patients may still exhibit broader health implications, such as cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that male bodybuilders have a high risk of sudden cardiac death, with professional bodybuilders facing a more than fivefold increase in risk. The study highlights the need for greater awareness, preventive strategies and policy changes within the bodybuilding community.
Lad Oborny, a Kansas teen, has been awarded the title of 2025 National Teen of Impact Winner by the American Heart Association. He raised over $220,000 to support the organization's mission and promote heart health in his community.
The American College of Cardiology has issued a tool to guide clinicians and patients in effectively tracking and managing cardiovascular health using Apple Watch. The tool provides best practices for incorporating Apple Watch data into care plans, creating implementation plans, and developing processes for working with patients.
A new molecular process discovered by researchers contributes to the failure of donor hearts after transplant, but a therapy using medication for high blood pressure has been found to reduce damage. The treatment significantly improves the function of donor hearts and increases their distance in cold storage.
A new study suggests that controlling eight key health risk factors can significantly reduce premature death risk in people with high blood pressure. By addressing these risk factors, researchers found a 40% lower risk of early death and up to 53% less risk of death due to cardiovascular disease.
Katrina Ascencio-Holmes, a chief nurse officer at Sutter Health, is the American Heart Association's 2025 National Woman of Impact Winner. She works to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease in women and funds lifesaving mission through the Go Red for Women movement.
A new study found that patients using factor Xa inhibitors experienced significantly fewer cardiovascular problems than those on other anticoagulants. Researchers followed over 1,000 patients aged 80 and above for up to five years, revealing lower rates of heart failure, artery disease, and cardiovascular death.
Research found that GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly reduced the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. Treatment with these medications after bariatric surgery was associated with a 67% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events or death.
A new analysis of the SELECT trial shows semaglutide reduces major cardiovascular events by 40% within 3-6 months, even before significant weight loss and full target dose. The study found that semaglutide's effects on reducing inflammation, blood sugar, and blood pressure may contribute to its early clinical benefits.
A Danish study found that adverse waist-to-height ratio trajectories in childhood are associated with increased cardiometabolic risk at age 10. Children with gradually increasing central obesity showed early signs of metabolic and cardiovascular risk, including elevated blood pressure and insulin resistance.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies involving over 178,000 women found that those with infertility history have a 14% increased risk of heart or blood vessel conditions, as well as higher risks of heart disease and stroke. Younger women and those undergoing fertility treatments are at greater risk.
A systematic review found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse health outcomes. The study suggests that limiting intake of such foods may offer measurable health benefits.
A multicentre study found that biological ageing, measured by frailty index and telomere length, can predict cardiovascular disease risk more accurately than traditional tools. The study, involving over 14,000 individuals, suggests that incorporating biological age into risk assessments could improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that children born to mothers with obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders have higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The study's findings suggest that early blood pressure interventions could start as early as pregnancy.
Viet Le, a clinician and researcher, will serve as the next editor of the American College of Cardiology's CardioSmart program. The program aims to personalize care and foster partnership between patients and clinicians through trusted resources and tools.
A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that individuals with Down syndrome have a higher risk of age-related cardiovascular diseases, particularly ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. The researchers also noted an increased risk of heart attack in young people with Down syndrome.
A study of 273,770 individuals with cardiovascular disease found that increasing lipoprotein(a) levels significantly increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. Treatment with high-impact LDL-C lowering therapies may help reduce this risk.
Researchers at University of East Anglia developed 4D flow MRI scan to diagnose aortic stenosis more accurately and reliably than current ultrasound techniques. The technology offers more accurate measurements of blood flow through heart valves, leading to better prediction of when patients need surgery.
Researchers found persistent inflammation in heart and lungs of patients with long COVID, even after standard tests return normal results. This study uses advanced PET/MRI imaging to detect abnormal patterns that could serve as early warning signs of future cardiac and pulmonary conditions.
A cohort study found that exposure to conversion therapy increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, inflammation, and high blood pressure in SGM individuals. The findings highlight the need for stronger public health interventions to ban conversion therapy practices.
Dr. Kenneth Rosenfield is a distinguished interventional cardiologist recognized for his seminal work in endovascular therapy and pioneering innovative techniques. He has made significant contributions to the field of vascular medicine, including the development of self-expanding stents and drug-coated balloons.
New technologies, including pVAD systems and aspiration-based thrombectomy systems, demonstrate reduced serious cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients. These innovations provide safer options for patients with complex PCI and improve functional outcomes.
A recent study highlights the alarming rise in cardiovascular deaths for those with obesity, disproportionately impacting minorities and women. Contrary to common perception, patients with obesity and critical limb ischemia experience significantly improved survival rates compared to non-obese patients.
New data reveals women are 8% more likely to experience major complications after TAVI and 50% more likely after LAAO device placement. Black patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia face a significantly higher combined rate of major amputation and death, yet are 10% less likely to see a vascular specialist.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry reveals that childhood trauma significantly increases the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors, including harmful alcohol consumption, smoking, and illicit drug use. The research also found an unexpected connection between trauma and cardiovascular health, wit...
A new analysis of population surveys estimates that exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) contributed to 356,238 global heart disease deaths in 2018, accounting for 13% of all global mortality. The study also found higher death risks in the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and Pacific regions.
A study found that genetic predisposition to higher muscle strength is associated with lower all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in aging men. The association remained significant even after adjusting for lifestyle factors such as smoking and body mass index.
The American Heart Association has awarded $1M to research the link between cardiovascular risk reduction and GLP-1 use. The studies aim to identify predictors of cardiovascular risk reduction among individuals with obesity and cardiovascular disease taking GLP-1 medications, enabling more precise and effective care.
Researchers found that measuring lipoprotein markers in a simple blood test can identify individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease more effectively. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 people and showed that the total number of 'bad cholesterol' particles is the most important factor to consider when testing for future h...
Researchers developed an automated machine learning program to identify potential cardiovascular incidents and fall/fracture risks based on bone density scans. The algorithm shortened screening time and found moderate to high AAC levels in 58% of older individuals, placing them at high risk of heart attack and stroke.