Dr. Jorge A. Miranda joins The Texas Heart Institute as leader of the newly established Limb Preservation Clinic, enhancing cardiovascular care for patients at risk for limb-threatening conditions. The clinic offers a team-based approach addressing immediate and underlying causes of peripheral vascular disease and cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery found that non-white patients have twice the risk of dying within 30 days of carotid endarterectomy compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from over half a million patients and highlights persistent racial disparities in medical outcomes.
Dr. Jeffrey Popma joins CRF as Chief Scientific and Strategic Officer, bringing decades of clinical and research experience to drive forward pivotal programs and initiatives. His leadership will shape CRF's future and fuel innovation at the Clinical Trials Center.
A recent study suggests that metabolic surgery can reduce the need for oral diuretics in patients with heart failure, resulting in a 65% decrease in diuretic use at 24 months after surgery. Patients who underwent metabolic surgery also experienced significant weight loss and improved quality of life.
Symbiosis has developed an adjustable TMVR system, ValSync, which can adapt to complex anatomies. The company aims to overcome current limitations and improve patient eligibility, safety, and procedure time with its three-step process.
A new study suggests that adding physical activity into daily life can help lower blood pressure. Replacing sedentary behaviors with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day was estimated to lead to a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure, while just five minutes of activity a day was also associated with reduced levels.
Research published in PLOS ONE reveals that prolonged sitting can boost the risk of heart disease and accelerate aging in young adults. The study found that even moderate exercise may not be enough to counteract the negative impacts of prolonged sitting.
Light ex-smokers experience a CVD risk reduction similar to never-smokers within years of smoking cessation. Heavy ex-smokers require longer periods, up to 25 years, for their residual CVD risk to align with that of never-smokers.
A randomized trial found early TAVR to be safe and effective for patients with asymptomatic severe AS, reducing the risk of composite endpoints and favorable health status outcomes. Patients who received early TAVR had better left-ventricular and left-atrial health compared to those on clinical surveillance.
The ECLIPSE trial found that routine orbital atherectomy had similar outcomes as conventional balloon angioplasty before stent implantation. Procedural complications were largely similar between groups, with no reduction in target vessel failure.
A machine learning algorithm developed by University of Cambridge researchers can detect and grade heart murmurs in dogs with high accuracy, similar to expert cardiologists. The technology has the potential to empower primary care veterinarians to provide early detection and treatment, improving quality of life for dogs.
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation recognizes 29 leading institutions for their contributions to groundbreaking research advancing interventional cardiovascular medicine. The 2024 SET-10 rankings celebrate institutions making significant impacts across various categories, including basic science and clinical research.
A new study suggests that immunotherapy may be an effective treatment strategy for heart failure by blocking scar tissue formation and improving heart function. Researchers identified a type of fibroblast cell responsible for scar tissue and used a monoclonal antibody to reduce its formation, showing promising results in mouse models.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University developed a fast and accurate blood test that can detect the earliest signs of a heart attack in minutes. The stand-alone test provides results in five to seven minutes, making it more accessible for first responders and people at home.
Researchers at Penn Engineering and PSOM will develop AI systems to predict treatment response in breast cancer, heart attacks, and sepsis. The goal is to support clinicians with accurate and transparent predictions, leading to better health outcomes for patients.
A nationwide mortality data study found Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults have the third highest cardiovascular death rate in the US, with approximately 40% of deaths attributed to coronary heart disease. The study highlights a need for focused interventions to promote cardiovascular health among NHPI adults.
Biomedical engineer Jeff Saucerman has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to study low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 and its impact on heart failure and treatment outcomes after a heart attack.
Researchers develop smartphone-adaptable tool to measure impact of nicotine-infused e-cigarettes on cardiovascular health. The study reveals vaping with nicotine accelerates vascular aging and impairs left ventricle function.
Researchers found that patients who consumed caffeine had better vascular health, as measured through endothelial cells. The study suggests that caffeine may play a role in controlling disease progression and improving cardiovascular health.
A new study identifies phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate as a key regulator of the SK2 channel, which plays a critical role in cardiac ion channels and heart rhythm. The research provides critical translational insights into possible mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure.
A global study highlights the life-saving impact of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) in heart failure patients, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study estimates that optimal implementation could save over 1 million lives per year, with significant regional disparities to address.
Research found that babies conceived through assisted reproductive technology have a 36% higher risk of major heart defects compared to naturally conceived babies. The study also showed that multiple births are associated with an even greater risk of congenital heart defects.
Researchers identified changes in the UBR4 gene as a key driver of fibromuscular dysplasia, a blood vessel disorder affecting up to five percent of adults. The discovery could lead to therapeutic approaches for the condition, particularly beneficial for women who account for 90% of cases.
Researchers developed a tri-culture heart-on-a-chip model of cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells to mimic in vivo cardiac behavior. The study successfully replicated endothelial cell morphology and functionality, as well as cardiac function with increased contractility.
A new UCLA-led study found that Chinese American immigrants' cardiovascular health increases with length of residence and varies by US location. Participants who resided in Chicago showed lower mortality levels from heart disease compared to those in Los Angeles.
A temporary heart stimulator self-assembles around the heart after injecting nanoparticles, correcting irregular heartbeats and facilitating ECG measurements. The device can operate for up to five days with low power inputs from handheld devices like mobile phones.
Patients with post-COVID-19 mRNA vaccination myocarditis show lower cardiovascular complications at 18 months compared to those with conventional myocarditis. However, affected patients may require medical management for several months after hospital discharge.
A modeling study estimates that cancer screening costs over $40 billion annually in the US, with an emphasis on enhancing equitable access to recommended screenings. However, experts argue that this estimate may underestimate the true cost due to lack of consideration for subsequent testing, ineligible patients, and overdiagnosis.
A new study analyzing health records from 46 million adults in England found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. The incidence was up to 10% lower after the first dose and up to 27% lower after two doses, especially with the AstraZeneca vaccine.
A new study has identified CCL27 and TNFRSF14 as genetic markers in inflammation that may contribute to stroke recurrence. These findings could lead to novel drug targets to mitigate disability and mortality after a first stroke.
Researchers discovered that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) inhibits the Orai1 channel, a store-operated Ca2+ channel, reducing gastric fundus smooth muscle contractions. DHA also prevents excessive gastric motility by targeting two types of Ca2+ entry channels.
A major study found that people who gained excess weight from their 20s onwards had less healthy hearts by the time they were in their 60s. The researchers linked weight gain in young and middle-aged adults to enlarged hearts that pump blood less well, over and above the effect of being overweight in later years.
Researchers found that men with a higher proportion of blood cells missing the Y chromosome have a higher risk of dying from heart failure. Elevated Y chromosome loss is associated with decreased treatment response in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, a progressive disease causing heart failure and death.
Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine will investigate how injured heart cells communicate with other cells throughout the body using microvesicles known as exosomes. The study aims to understand how specific molecules, such as microRNAs, facilitate communication pathways between cells in the heart and vasculature.
Researchers found that inhibiting the AGTR1 receptor with losartan disrupted cancer growth, slowed development and prolonged survival in mice. This targeted gene therapy also protected the heart against chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.
A Canadian Journal of Cardiology review article finds that plant-based meat alternatives tend to reflect a heart-healthy dietary pattern, improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The authors recommend incorporating PBMAs into a healthy diet as an excellent protein source, with options lower in saturated fat and sodium.
Researchers discovered a step-by-step process of calcification in aortic valves, revealing two defense mechanisms: osteopontin and collagen fibers. The study provides new insights into understanding cardiovascular calcification and potential therapeutic applications.
A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that chronic loneliness may significantly raise the risk of stroke among older adults. The research suggests that loneliness, experienced chronically, plays an important role in stroke incidence and is associated with a higher risk of long-term disability and mortality.
A study using induced pluripotent stem cells has revealed that inflammation triggered by retrotransposons and interferon signaling causes atherosclerosis in Werner syndrome patients. The researchers propose targeting the interferon signaling pathway as a potential treatment for reducing stroke and heart attacks.
A study by Linköping University researchers found that disturbed blood flow can cause inflammation and breakdown of the vessel wall in cases of aortic dilation. This discovery could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for patients at risk of serious complications.
In individuals with a diabetes duration of 10 years or less, bariatric metabolic surgery was associated with greater weight loss and reduced mortality compared to first-generation GLP-1RAs. No differences were observed between treatment modalities in patients with longer diabetes duration.
Researchers at Uppsala University found that macrophages in injured muscle tissues transform into cells resembling mural cells, promoting restoration of blood flow and healing. This finding highlights the potential for immunotherapies to enhance vascular integrity and tissue repair.
A study published in Heart Rhythm examined the potential dangers of energy drink consumption in patients with genetic heart diseases. The research found a temporal relationship between energy drink consumption and sudden cardiac arrest events, but caution is advised due to the small relative risk.
A recent Cleveland Clinic-led study found that high levels of the sugar alcohol xylitol are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. The research team identified a link between xylitol consumption and elevated platelet activity, which can lead to blood clots and thrombosis.
Researchers found a significant association between higher Mediterranean diet intake and lower risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular disease. The study's findings suggest that modest changes in established risk factors can yield substantial long-term benefits from following a Mediterranean diet.
Patients who received COVID-19 vaccines after acute coronary syndromes had similar rates of primary composite end point and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to unvaccinated patients. Retrospective studies have shown a short-term reduction in MACE risk after COVID-19 vaccination.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that orange peel extracts can reduce harmful chemicals in the body. The study identified a compound called feruloylputrescine that inhibits the enzyme responsible for TMA production, paving the way for developing functional foods enriched with bioactive compounds.
The SELECT Trial found semaglutide to significantly reduce the risk of kidney-related complications and improve kidney function in individuals with overweight or obesity and cardiovascular disease. The study revealed that semaglutide's ability to prevent macroalbuminuria was a key factor in reducing kidney-related events.
The study identified specific patterns in blood samples of patients who had different clinical outcomes after a heart attack. These patterns, known as 'immune signatures', are associated with either better or worse recovery of heart function. The findings could lead to the development of new diagnostics and treatments for heart failure.
Researchers have discovered two independent ways genetic variants in HTRA1 increase cardiovascular disease risk, including stroke. The study found that rare and common variants affect protease activity and concentration, respectively.
A new study reveals that high consumption of ultraprocessed foods among young children is strongly associated with increased adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors. The findings highlight the need for targeted public health initiatives to encourage healthier eating habits and reduce the burden of diet-related diseases.
The Global Burden of Diseases study reveals a 49.4% increase in global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to metabolism-related risk factors between 2000 and 2021. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI are key contributors to poor health and early death.
A meta-analysis of seven randomized trials found that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has comparable long-term safety and efficacy to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). However, TAVR was associated with an increased likelihood of needing a pacemaker and moderate-to-severe paravalvular leaks.
A UK Biobank study suggests that adults living with obesity who were underweight or average weight in childhood may be at increased risk of all-cause mortality. The study found that adult men and women who reported being thinner as children had higher mortality risks, with a 63% and 60% increase respectively.
A new study found that elite runners who broke the four-minute mile barrier lived on average almost five years longer than the general population. The study reveals that aerobic fitness has a vital role in longevity and healthy living.
Almost 90% of U.S. adults met criteria for cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic syndrome (CKM) stage 1 or higher, with 15% meeting advanced stage criteria that did not improve between 2011 and 2020. Advanced stages were associated with increased risk among older age, men, and Black adults.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have released a new clinical guideline for effectively managing individuals diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The guideline recommends exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, including low-to-moderate intensity recreational activities, while also introducing a...
Jeffrey W. Moses, MD, is recognized for advancing the field of interventional cardiovascular medicine through technical excellence and leadership. Dr. Moses has performed over 20,000 interventional procedures and made significant contributions to clinical research and educational activities in interventional vascular therapy.
The American Society for Nutrition's NUTRITION 2024 will bring together thousands of experts to share emerging scientific and policy developments in food, nutrition, and public health. Over 1,600 original research studies will be presented during the meeting.
Scientists at University of Pittsburgh show that limiting glutamine and serine intake can halt disease progression in rodent models. The findings suggest a potential new therapy for patients with pulmonary hypertension, offering hope for improved treatment options beyond medications.