A Tulane University study found that being female is not a universal stroke risk factor for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), especially for those under 75. Women age 75 and older or with comorbidities have a higher stroke risk, suggesting a more personalized approach to prevention.
A new observational study suggests that the way ultra-processed foods are made contributes to health risks like diabetes, heart disease, and early death. Even after accounting for nutritional quality, researchers found that people who ate more ultra-processed foods had worse health outcomes.
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
Journalists from eligible European countries can submit entries in two categories: Women’s Health and Pharmaceutical Strategies. The total prize fund is €45,000, with €10,000 awarded to the first prize winner.
New York Valves 2026 will unveil groundbreaking clinical science and innovation in transcatheter aortic valve replacement and mitral/tricuspid valve therapies. The conference features 22 late-breaking clinical science presentations that aim to transform the treatment of structural heart disease.
Weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with better ability to cope with daily household tasks such as cleaning and grocery shopping. The study also found that maintaining weight loss for long periods results in improved functionality and independence. Patients who regained lost weight experienced poorer outcomes over time.
Two new international studies found that healthy lifestyles can have a protective effect on childhood cancer survivors, reducing the risk of chronic health problems. The studies suggest that physical activity, a healthy weight, and other lifestyle factors can significantly reduce the burden of disease in adulthood.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adults with better Life's Essential 8 scores had lower odds of becoming severely ill or dying from COVID-19. The research suggests that having a healthy heart helps prepare the body for real-life stress tests, such as infectious diseases like COVID-19.
A new study predicts rising temperatures will dramatically increase heat-related heart disease in the US by 200% by 2050. Southern states are projected to see the largest increases, driven by high heart disease burdens, fast temperature rises, and poverty.
A report by the European Society of Cardiology advocates for dedicated women's heart centers to improve diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women. These centers can enhance quality of life, reduce symptoms, and increase survival rates for women with cardiovascular disease.
The American College of Cardiology has issued a new Expert Consensus Decision Pathway to guide postpartum cardiovascular care, emphasizing comprehensive visits and effective management of CV emergencies. The guideline aims to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality by optimizing cardiometabolic outcomes.
Researchers identified a key protein called PERM1 that is restored in patients whose hearts recover after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. PERM1 regulates energy production and contractile function in heart cells, and its normalization is associated with improved cardiac function.
A new study of over 1 million young Swedish men found that the risk of atrial fibrillation is less than previously calculated, and the benefits of high fitness levels outweigh the risks. After age 40, the balance shifts in favor of higher fitness levels, suggesting that the benefits of exercise may be more significant.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 20, 2026
A recent study found that consuming common preservative food additives increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Non-antioxidant preservatives, in particular, were linked to a higher risk of hypertension.
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.
A longitudinal study found that mothers with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy had children with suboptimal cardiovascular health and arterial injury in early adulthood. Optimizing pregnancy health may support offspring cardiovascular well-being.
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 global analysis found that nearly 90% of the increase in adults with hypertension occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Global hypertension prevalence has risen to 33%, affecting 1.7 billion people, with control rates being only about 40% globally.
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.
Patients with congenital heart defects are more likely to experience a first acute heart attack at an earlier age, averaging 58 years old. Despite this, there is no difference in mortality rates or risk of further heart attacks between the group with congenital heart defects and those without.
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.
A large prospective study found that incorporating imaging and blood biomarker data into risk assessment improves prediction of adverse cardiac events in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study used clinical history, cardiac MRI, and blood biomarkers to predict outcomes, providing fuller and more accurate predictions.
A new model for predicting outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been developed by incorporating prospective data, including clinical history, imaging, and blood biomarker tests. This study found that integrating these methods into risk assessment can improve the prediction of fatal and nonfatal cardiac events.
Researchers found a high-risk subgroup of patients with the 'lemon-on-sticks' phenotype, characterized by low BMI and high WHR, who had poor outcomes and higher all-cause mortality rates compared to other phenotypes. This study highlights the need for personalized therapy in heart failure.
Researchers found that low-dose digoxin and digitoxin reduced worsening heart failure events in patients with mild-to-moderate heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The treatment was generally well-tolerated and safe, offering a cheap and effective option for managing the condition.
Treatment with digitalis glycosides reduces worsening heart failure events in HFmrEF and HFrEF patients, suggesting its use as additional therapy to reduce worsening heart failure events. The study found no significant interaction with other important study characteristics.
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.
A European Society of Cardiology consensus report suggests that ultra processed food consumption is linked to cardiovascular disease and death. The report calls for doctors to advise patients on limiting UPF intake to prevent cardiovascular risks.
A new study suggests that both very low and very high resting heart rates are associated with an increased risk of stroke. The research found a U-shaped pattern, with stroke risk lowest at heart rates of 60-69 bpm and highest at below 50 bpm or above 90 bpm.
Researchers used MRI to analyze muscle composition in 11,348 participants and found that higher intermuscular fat and lower muscle mass were associated with increased cardiometabolic risk factors. Lean muscle mass was only protective against these risks in men, while women's muscle mass declined after age 40.
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.
Researchers identified a unique metabolic fingerprint in the hearts of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity. The study reveals disrupted glucose metabolism and accumulated metabolic products, which are linked to structural changes in the heart and disease severity.
A study published in Radiology used AI to analyze whole-body MRI scans from over 66,000 participants, revealing that skeletal muscle quality is a strong predictor of diabetes, major cardiovascular events, and mortality. The researchers also found that high visceral fat and low skeletal muscle were associated with increased risks of the...
A recent study found that positive psychology interventions such as mindfulness and gratitude journaling can consistently improve blood pressure and inflammation markers within weeks. The researchers suggested that ongoing reinforcements are necessary to stay on course for long-term benefits.
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.
Researchers discovered that body temperature plays a key role in which tissues are affected by TRPM4 ion channel mutations. The findings explain why disease-causing TRPM4 mutations lead to mutually exclusive conditions, such as severe skin diseases like PSEK and heart disorders like progressive familial heart block.
Researchers discovered that stress hormones trigger neutrophils to detach from blood vessel walls and travel to the heart, causing inflammation. Blocking these stress signals with beta blockers may prevent excessive inflammation and improve heart healing.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that small abnormalities in blood sugar, lipids, and inflammation years before pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy and pre-eclampsia. The findings may contribute to earlier risk assessment and preventive measures.
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.
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 study published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found that plant-based dietary patterns were associated with significantly lower C-reactive protein levels compared to omnivorous diets. This reduction may indicate less background inflammation and lower cardiovascular risk.
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.
The 2026 Semmelweis-Richter Journalism Award is now open for entries, with a focus on high-quality health journalism and its impact across Europe. Journalists can submit articles in two categories until June 9, 2026, with a total prize fund of €45,000.
A new study published in Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes journal links cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome to a higher risk of developing cancer. The study found that individuals with advanced heart, kidney, and metabolic disease face a sharper increase in cancer risk only in the later stages of CKM syndrome.
A University of Cincinnati study proves the feasibility and scalability of collecting blood from patients in cardiac arrest during treatment. The approach, which involves paramedics delivering samples to a biorepository, showed significant variation among patients and underscores the need for further research.
A study published in PLOS Medicine has identified two new genetic pathways contributing to cardiometabolic disease, including heart disease and obesity. The research analyzed lipid metabolites and their link to disease, suggesting that targeting specific metabolic pathways could prevent or lower the risk of disease.
Researchers aim to determine the connection between circulating lipoprotein (a) and calcific aortic valve disease, with a focus on biomechanics and early detection. They will also explore how mechanical forces influence disease progression and treatment.
The study found a decline in age-standardized incidence rates for ischemic heart disease (IHD) in high-income countries, but a rapid rise in burden due to the increasing number of older adults and a growing global population. The total number of incident IHD cases is expected to continue rising until 2030.
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 CDC study found that approximately half a million post-9/11 U.S. veterans had high blood pressure, highlighting the need for early prevention strategies. The study also revealed that Black veterans were more likely to have high blood pressure and women were often undiagnosed.
A global trial involving 1,670 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage found that treatment with a single pill combination of three low-dose blood pressure medicines reduced the risk of another stroke by 39%. The study showed significant benefits in reducing major cardiovascular events and improving blood pressure control.
A comprehensive study reveals that high sodium intake, low fruit consumption, and lack of whole grains are the primary drivers behind 5.9 million cardiovascular deaths worldwide. Researchers emphasize the need for targeted policy interventions, such as mandatory front-of-pack labeling and food reformulation in high-population countries.
A recent review highlights how AI enables precision treatment, continuous monitoring and individualized prognostic modeling for heart failure patients. AI integrates large-scale structured electronic health records and multimodal imaging to characterize cardiac structure and function, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Researchers at Kumamoto University discovered that combining cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) scan markers can identify patients at highest risk for future heart failure and death. The 'delayed phase' scan detects localized scarring and subtle damage throughout the heart muscle, providing a synergistic view of heart health.
A new multicenter study finds that reoperative surgical mitral valve replacement demonstrates significant long-term survival benefits over transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve procedures in patients with failing bioprosthetic valves. At five years, rSMVR patients had lower mortality and more favorable valve performance.
A study of 1,338 older adults found that longer, more frequent, and morning naps were associated with higher mortality rates. Excessive daytime napping was linked to increased risk of neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases, and greater morbidity.