Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Breaking down barriers to cardiac regeneration

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.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

Availability of generic semaglutide removes barrier to affordable diabetes care, experts predict

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...

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 22, 2026

Study finds pregnancy complications may increase risk for artery disease

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.

Heart failure ‘polypill’ improves cardiac function, cuts hospitalization risk

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 20, 2026

Patients who suffer heart attack have more micro and nanoplastic in their blood

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2026

People with disabilities are diagnosed with alcohol use disorder at much higher rates than non-disabled people

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.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2026

Inflammation links the kidney and the heart

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.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2026

Drug candidate treats severe fatty liver disease by protecting the gut in animal models

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Vascular organoid patches offer new hope for coronary artery disease treatment

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.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJul 2, 2026

Cardiac screening advice published for military personnel

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJul 1, 2026

Enlisting pharmacists and nurse practitioners in medication management can fill critical gaps in heart failure care, save lives, and reduce hospital stays

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

Smartphone apps, wearable trackers helped people with heart disease boost physical activity

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.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 17, 2026

Strength training linked to lower heart disease risk in women

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 ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 17, 2026

New study uncovers a potential “Sitting paradox”: moderate sitting may benefit highly active adults

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.

SourceJournal of Sport and Health Science·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2026

CBT can help after a broken heart

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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 15, 2026

UCLA-led research suggests early heart changes may predict future cancer risk

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...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 11, 2026

Sleepy days and restless nights are a dangerous combination for blood pressure

A new study from Penn State College of Medicine found that excessive daytime sleepiness is associated with a higher risk of both prevalent and incident hypertension. Individuals reporting excessive daytime sleepiness had 52% higher odds of prevalent hypertension and 74% higher odds of incident hypertension compared to normal controls.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2026

South and Southeast Asia lead the world on taxing sugary drinks

A new analysis tracks global sugar-sweetened beverage tax adoption across 183 countries, revealing South Asia's significant lead in tax implementation. The study found that countries with higher burdens of type 2 diabetes and obesity are more likely to adopt taxes, but not necessarily those with high rates of sugary drink consumption.

SourceTufts University·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateJun 8, 2026

Finerenone slows kidney function decline and reduces cardiovascular-kidney risk in non-diabetic chronic kidney disease, major trial shows

The Phase III FIND-CKD trial found that finerenone significantly slowed kidney function decline and reduced the risk of cardiovascular-kidney outcomes in adults with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Finerenone also demonstrated a consistent effect across prespecified subgroups, supporting its broad applicability in these patients.

SourceBeyond·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 4, 2026

Seven-second X-ray scan accurately detects severity of heart valve regurgitation in patients with repaired congenital heart defects

A simple, seven-second X-ray scan can accurately detect the severity of pulmonary valve regurgitation in patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot. The test uses dynamic chest radiography and requires minimal radiation, offering a more accessible diagnostic option for those who cannot undergo traditional methods.

SourceKyushu University·JournalRadiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2026