A new study published in JACC suggests that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio provide critical information about cardiovascular risk, even among people with a normal BMI. Individuals with elevated central adiposity were associated with higher risks for most outcomes, regardless of their weight status.
Researchers have developed a new stretchable catheter that can reveal features of arterial plaque not visible with conventional imaging. The device uses electrical measurements to identify metabolically active plaques, allowing doctors to spot potentially deadly buildup before it causes a heart attack.
A new review highlights how molecular biology advances are reframing PAH as a complex vascular remodeling disease driven by endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and genetic susceptibility. Emerging therapies target the BMP/TGF-β pathway, growth factor signaling, and inflammatory pathways.
A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.
Non-invasive approaches are expanding options for assessing portal hypertension, with elastography techniques and biochemical markers showing high sensitivity and specificity. AI-powered predictive models combine clinical data to improve diagnosis, but should not replace invasive HVPG, which remains the gold standard.
A new hypothesis proposes that women's reproductive resilience is key to understanding longevity, with menopause representing an important inflection point in the loss of reproductive resilience. This framework challenges traditional views on aging and fertility, highlighting the importance of studying women in longevity research.
Researchers tracked nearly 80,000 adults with type 2 diabetes over ten years, finding those who consistently took their prescribed medication stayed free of serious heart and circulatory complications for over seven extra months. Low adherence was linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in younger adults.
Adding tirzepatide to standard care reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, by 32% compared to sitagliptin. The study found significant benefits on individual MACE components and mortality from any cause.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that even low levels of physical activity can increase life expectancy for adults with or without atrial fibrillation. The research tracked over 87,000 adults in Norway for 15 years and found a positive association between physical activity and reduced stro...
A new study from UT Health San Antonio found that any degree of physical activity can slow cognitive decline in Hispanics. The research, which included 402 participants, also showed that controlling blood sugar levels and cardiovascular health are associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline.
A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has discovered a crucial communication system on cell surfaces that plays a significant role in heart development. Alterations in three key proteins can disrupt this system, leading to congenital heart defects.
Katherine Wilemon, Family Heart Foundation CEO, receives Honorary Fellow Award from ASPC for her advocacy and research efforts in inherited lipid disorders. The award reflects the organization's impact on advancing care and awareness for conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia.
A new prediction model developed by McGill University researchers can identify younger women at higher heart disease risk years before traditional screenings. The model takes into account pregnancy complications such as hypertension and gestational diabetes to estimate future risk.
A new meta-analysis of 114,000+ participants found that low-dose omega-3 supplementation is not associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, even among individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk. In contrast, high-dose prescription therapies may modestly increase AF risk in these patients.
Researchers from Pennington Biomedical Research Center propose a new framework for defining and diagnosing obesity, which considers the effects of excess adiposity on organs and tissues. This approach provides a more biologically grounded and clinically actionable method for guiding treatment decisions.
Ochsner Health has received multiple Get with the Guidelines achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following research-based guidelines for treating heart disease and stroke. This recognition reflects Ochsner's unwavering commitment to clinical excellence in cardiovascular care.
Research highlights importance of cardiovascular care in breast cancer patients and survivors throughout life. Cardiovascular risk factors and interventions are essential to prevent disease progression and improve quality of life.
Scientists have uncovered a new mechanism used by heart cells to resist reprogramming and found that carbohydrate sulfotransferase 7 (CHST7) is the most potent preventer of reprogramming in mouse and human cells. By targeting CHST7, researchers may develop treatments to help the heart fix itself after injury.
STS appoints Justine Varieur Turco as its new CEO/Executive Director, tasked with advancing the society's strategic priorities and improving patient outcomes in cardiothoracic surgery. With over 20 years of executive leadership experience, Turco aims to build on STS's legacy and support the specialty's continued advancement.
A large study of over 65,000 postmenopausal women found that a higher adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was associated with a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Women who followed the diet more closely had a decreased risk of heart failure and stroke compared to those in the lowest-adherence group.
A study led by Robert Koeth found a connection between elevated blood levels of TMAO, a gut bacteria byproduct, and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The research team discovered that TMAO changes the heart's electrical environment, making it more susceptible to abnormal rhythms.
A new study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology predicts that generic semaglutide will dramatically increase cost-effectiveness and health system affordability for patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiorenal risk. The estimated annual cost of providing GLP-1RAs to all indicated patients would be $3.35 to $5.31 billion at pre-g...
Researchers analyzed data from 2,201,446 women and found associations between adverse pregnancy outcomes and an increased long-term risk of developing peripheral artery disease. Women who experience gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or preterm delivery have a significantly increased risk of PAD later in life.
Researchers have found 17 gene variations in alpha-actinin-2 associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of sudden cardiac death. These variations affect the protein's stability and interactions, highlighting potential targets for new treatments.
A new UTHealth Houston study found that women experiencing pregnancy complications are at a higher risk of developing peripheral artery disease later in life. The study analyzed data from over 2 million women in Sweden and showed that preterm delivery, preeclampsia, and other adverse outcomes can lead to increased cardiovascular risks.
The American Heart Association states that consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to 5 cups of caffeinated coffee, is safe and may be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease for some individuals. However, high doses of caffeine from energy drinks and other sources may cause cardiovascular harm.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that a single daily dose of a polypill significantly enhances cardiac function and reduces hospitalizations for patients with heart failure. The treatment, which combines three types of medications, shows promise as a simplified approach to optimal therapy.
A cross-sectional study reveals substantial commercial price variation for common cardiovascular services, influenced by payer contracting strategies and market dynamics. The findings underscore the need for greater transparency and regulatory oversight to promote efficient healthcare spending.
A new study found that adults with disabilities have more than three times the rate of alcohol use disorder diagnoses compared to adults without disabilities in the US. Adults with serious mental illness and acquired brain injuries had the highest rates of AUD, with men with disabilities having the highest rates.
Patients who suffered a serious heart attack had higher levels of micro and nanoplastics in their blood compared to those with chronic ischemic heart disease and normal coronary arteries. The study also revealed that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution and smokers had higher levels of microplastics in their blood.
A study by Rutgers researchers found that cardiovascular health during pregnancy was associated with the timing of new hypertensive and metabolic diagnoses after delivery. Women with poorer scores were diagnosed sooner than those with better scores, even without major complications.
A study found that oxalic acid, a natural metabolic by-product, promotes inflammatory processes and contributes to cardiovascular disease in people with chronic kidney disease. Elevated levels of oxalate were detected in patients with primary hyperoxaluria and showed a link to IL-17A-mediated inflammation and cardiorenal organ damage.
Bradley A. Maron, MD, a renowned clinical cardiologist and researcher, has been appointed as the new editor-in-chief of Circulation. He will focus on strengthening and expanding the legacy of the journal, introducing new editorial features to publish high-quality cardiovascular science and medicine.
A global analysis found alcohol use and smoking to be common risk factors for both breast cancer and atrial fibrillation/flutter in women ages 55 and older. High-risk zones were predominantly in Western countries with greater exposure to these lifestyle risks.
New analysis reveals that most obesity medications do not meaningfully improve quality of life, cardiovascular health, or reduce mortality risk. However, some emerging drugs like tirzepatide and subcutaneous semaglutide show potential benefits in weight loss and reduced heart failure risk.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen shows that exercise plays a crucial role in improving cardiovascular health even after significant weight loss. Participants who exercised developed healthier blood vessels and lower inflammation compared to those who relied on medication alone.
Researchers discovered a potential drug developed at Michigan Medicine reverses metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in animal models by disrupting the disease-driving pathway that links the gut and liver. DT-109 improved gut health, reducing inflammation in livers of nonhuman primates.
Researchers found minor cardiac dysfunction can predict microscopic tissue degradation in brain regions associated with Alzheimer's disease, leading to poor long-term memory performance.
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 European Association of Preventive Cardiology has published a comprehensive framework guiding cardiac evaluation in the Armed Forces. The new statement recommends cardiac screening for all new military recruits and individuals engaging in high-hazard duty occupations, including ECG-based testing and cardiovascular risk assessment.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open has found an association between cardiovascular disease risk factors and visual impairment in Hispanic/Latino adults. The research suggests that individuals with three or more risk factors, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension, are more likely to experience visual impairment.
Expanding heart failure care to pharmacists and nurse practitioner-led medication management can save approximately 10 lives and prevent 25 hospitalizations per 1,000 patients. This service is estimated to be cost-effective and improve patient outcomes, providing a roadmap for a stronger healthcare system.
SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 29, 2026
A study by the University of São Paulo found that people with diabetes who have had COVID-19 tend to recover more slowly and experience more long COVID complications, including greater physical and cognitive difficulties. The study also found a higher risk of cardiovascular complications, such as heart attacks and angina.
The updated international definition of heart failure introduces a new classification system emphasizing earlier detection and personalized treatment. The revised framework standardizes terminology, recognizing that heart failure is not a static condition.
The new calculator predicts that over 98% of people eligible for statin treatment are at low risk of serious muscle disorders. The tool aims to support informed treatment decisions by providing personalized risk estimates, helping patients and clinicians weigh benefits and risks.
A Japanese cohort study found that better maternal cardiovascular health during pregnancy is associated with lower risks of offspring developmental delay at age 4. The study suggests a potential protective effect of optimal maternal cardiovascular health on child development.
A long-term study published in Circulation found that consuming sugary drinks and fruit juice in childhood may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life. The study suggests that substituting these beverages with whole fruits, milk, and water may be associated with a lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) has been shown to improve gait and restore communication between cortical brain networks in mice with ischemic stroke. This treatment targets neural mechanisms that may lead to improved motor function, according to the study.
A survey of healthcare professionals revealed limited cardio-oncology training during undergraduate and postgraduate education, with only 10% reporting exposure to the subject during medical school. The study highlights the need for standardised educational programmes to address cardiovascular side effects of cancer therapies.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed epigenetic drugs that can reprogram perivascular fat cells to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health. By targeting specific gene-expression regulators, these drugs aim to prevent vascular damage in people with obesity and metabolic disease.
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 ...
A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that using smartphone apps or wearable technologies can increase daily step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among people with heart disease. The analysis showed that digital tools, such as self-monitoring, feedback, and goal setting, can motivate patients to be more active.
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.
A new study by Uppsala University researchers shows that internet-based CBT can significantly reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety in women with broken-heart syndrome, a condition often triggered by extreme stress. The treatment also helps patients better cope with emotions related to their illness.
A new study reveals that obesity is reshaping the global cardiovascular disease crisis, with heart disease now peaking in people aged 50-54 rather than the elderly. The study projects over 1.37 million premature cardiovascular deaths attributed to obesity by 2050, primarily in South Asia and low-income countries.
A new study suggests that moderate sitting may be beneficial for highly active adults, contradicting previous guidelines. The research found a J-shaped association between daily sitting time and health outcomes, with the lowest risk at approximately 4 hours of sitting per day.
A recent study of 42,000 adults taking blood pressure medications and GLP-1s found higher rates of hypotension events, including dizziness and fainting. The study highlights a potential safety concern for patients aged 65 and older and those with diabetes.
A new AI model analyzed 30 years of EHR data to identify patients with primary aldosteronism, a common cause of high blood pressure. The model correctly flagged over 90% of cases while missing fewer than 10%, suggesting it could improve screening for this condition.
A new study found associations between cardiac remodeling and higher risks of breast and colorectal cancers, with left ventricular mass index linked to breast cancer risk and reduced peak left atrial strain predictive of colorectal cancer risk. The study suggests that early heart changes may serve as an early marker for identifying ind...
A new preclinical study by Amsterdam UMC researchers overturns a key assumption in the biological pacemaker field. They show that transcription factor TBX18 does not generate true pacemaker activity, while ion channel Hcn2 produces robust pacemaker function in the heart.