A recent study found that adults with heart disease who took vitamin D doses tailored to their individual needs reduced their risk of another heart attack by more than half. The study also showed that supplementation appeared beneficial for preventing heart attack specifically.
A new study found that a polypill combining medications for heart failure improved heart function, symptoms, and quality of life. Adults with reduced ejection fraction heart failure who took the combined medication had fewer hospitalizations and greater medication adherence than those taking individual pills.
Using stress cardiac MRI testing to measure blood flow around the heart appears to improve diagnosis and patient quality of life for people with suspected angina. The test can help identify small vessel problems that may be causing chest pain, which are often under-recognized in women and other groups.
A new study found that adding a PCSK9 inhibitor to a high-intensity cholesterol-lowering regimen reduced the risk of a first major cardiovascular event among adults with ASCVD or diabetes. The study suggests long-term lowering with PCSK9 inhibitors can improve cardiovascular morbidity and mortality over time.
A new study found that routine coronary artery calcium CT scans can uncover other medical issues in patients, with 247 cases identified out of 2,284 patients who received the scan. These findings included lung abnormalities and issues with almost every organ tested.
Researchers identified 15 bacterial species linked to CAD, including strains of friendly bacteria that can turn harmful. The study suggests that microbes play a critical role in the development and progression of CAD through inflammation, metabolic imbalance, and other pathways.
The American Heart Association brought hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and Hands-Only CPR awareness to a historic college football game, aiming to empower young athletes and their families with critical knowledge. The organization aims to double cardiac arrest survival rates by 2030 through its Nation of Lifesavers movement.
A preliminary study found that low-dose aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, among adults with Type 2 diabetes. The analysis of 11,500 individuals over 10 years showed that consistent aspirin use led to significant reductions in cardiovascular event rates.
Researchers found that combining three biomarkers – lipoprotein(a), remnant cholesterol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein – can reveal a nearly three-fold increase in heart attack risk. This combination approach may aid health care professionals in identifying individuals with high-risk profiles earlier.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that accurately diagnosed multiple structural heart diseases from single-lead ECG sensors on smartwatches. The algorithm was trained on over 266,000 12-lead ECG recordings and prospectively validated in a real-world setting.
A study found a nearly linear relationship between nighttime light exposure and an increased risk of heart disease. The research suggests that reducing exposure to excessive artificial light at night can counteract the effects and may be a public health concern.
Research found acute and chronic viral infections increase risk of heart attacks and strokes, while long-term risks persist for HIV, hepatitis C, and herpes zoster. Vaccination measures, including flu shots, can reduce cardiovascular disease risk by 34%.
Researchers monitored new-onset atrial fibrillation after CABG to assess long-term risk and guide treatment recommendations. The study found very low AF burden in patients, challenging current guideline recommendations for oral anticoagulation.
Dr. Emelia Benjamin will receive the award for her sustained record of excellence in teaching and mentoring early- and mid-career clinicians and researchers. Her research focuses on atrial fibrillation, mobile health, inflammation, and chronic pain.
The American Heart Association has acquired the Cardiometabolic Center Alliance program, strengthening efforts to provide holistic management of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health. This partnership aims to expand patient-centered care and improve outcomes for patients with cardiometabolic disease.
The American College of Cardiology has released a scientific statement on inflammation and its connection to various cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and heart failure. The statement confirms years of research confirming the importance of inflammation as an underlying contributor to CVDs.
A multidisciplinary panel published in the Journal of Pediatrics advocates for accelerated diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia, a life-threatening genetic condition. Universal lipid screening is recommended to identify affected children at high risk of heart disease decades earlier than those without the condition.
A recent study analyzing data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Surveys (2016-2023) found that cardiovascular disease risk increased in Mexico between 2016 and 2023. The average 10-year CVD risk was estimated at 9.5% using region-specific tools, highlighting the need for accurate models to predict local disease burden.
This study highlights racial and ethnic disparities in percutaneous coronary intervention, with the largest disparity occurring when patients initially present to PCI-capable hospitals. Racial disparities persisted throughout the care process, affecting patients' receipt of PCI.
New research from the American Heart Association reveals that most people with atrial fibrillation (AFib) are unaware of the condition before being diagnosed. The study found that AFib patients reported experiencing an average of three symptoms before receiving a diagnosis, highlighting the importance of recognizing early warning signs...
Patients with atrial fibrillation who live in neighborhoods with poor access to full-service grocery stores face sharply higher odds of stroke and death. Food desert residence is linked to a 2.21-times higher risk of ischemic stroke and a 3.84-times higher risk of death over five years.
A study of 2,201 patients after heart bypass surgery showed that dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor and aspirin did not reduce cardiovascular risks but increased the risk of excessive bleeding. The results contradict current guidelines recommending dual therapy for these patients.
Dr. Valentin Fuster, a renowned cardiovascular expert, has been awarded the inaugural World Heart Federation oration lecture for his groundbreaking work in promoting global cardiovascular health. He will discuss early detection and education as key strategies for preventing heart disease, focusing on low- and middle-income countries.
Late-breaking clinical trials and science at TCT 2025 will present pivotal data on novel therapies, devices, and techniques aimed at preventing and treating cardiovascular conditions. The symposium delivers high-impact findings that shape clinical practice and enhance outcomes for patients with heart and vascular disease.
The American Heart Association has extended its Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator program until 2028, expanding access to cardiovascular care and quality improvement resources for over 1,000 rural hospitals. This extension aims to address the significant disparities in health outcomes between urban and rural communities.
A new study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that over 6% of patients experienced early hemodynamic valve deterioration just one year after undergoing TAVI. Smaller implanted valve sizes were significantly associated with the development of HVD, while larger valves appeared to be protective.
A recent study has found that women who experienced stalking or obtained restraining orders are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke than those who did not. Researchers analyzed data from over 66,000 women and found a strong association between stalking and cardiovascular disease.
The MISSION Act implementation led to significant decreases in travel times for eligible veterans seeking non-VA care. However, this shift was linked to a rise in major adverse cardiovascular events within 30 days of procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting.
Safflower yellow pigments have demonstrated clear clinical efficacy in the treatment of coronary heart disease, with anti-myocardial ischemia, mitigation of ischemia-reperfusion injury, and reduction of atherosclerotic damage. Their mechanisms involve inhibition of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and platelet aggregation.
Scientists at The University of Texas at Arlington identified a new enzyme, IDO1, that plays a crucial role in inflammation and cholesterol regulation. By blocking this enzyme, macrophages regain their ability to absorb cholesterol, offering a potential new way to prevent heart disease.
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.
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 study found that P2Y12 inhibitor therapy was associated with a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke compared to aspirin in patients with coronary artery disease. No significant difference in major bleeding was seen between groups.
The PREVENT calculator improved estimates of heart attack risk when combined with coronary calcium score. Researchers analyzed nearly 7,000 adults and found that the PREVENT score matched the level of calcium buildup according to the CAC score.
People with critically ill heart disease may benefit from palliative care, which focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. The new American Heart Association statement suggests integrating palliative care principles into the management of patients with critical cardiovascular illness.
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 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 successfully treated atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease using DT-109 in nonhuman primates, which has potential as a dual therapy for two common conditions. The compound reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and stopped critical processes that lead to vascular calcification.
Scientists developed a machine learning model that incorporates factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and medical history to predict CAD risk. The new model outperformed the standard clinical model, identifying individuals at highest risk of developing CAD more accurately.
Using intravascular imaging (IVI) to guide stent implantation reduces death, stent thrombosis, and repeat procedures in severely calcified lesions. IVI outperforms conventional angiography in improving patient outcomes.
Swedish researchers have identified 20 genetic variants associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. The study used advanced imaging techniques to examine millions of genetic variants, providing new insights into the disease process and potential ways to prevent it.
A new study from Intermountain Health shows the gap in heart disease outcomes between men and women is narrowing, with no significant differences by sex from 2015-2019. Women tend to have more comorbidities and stable chest pain, but less severe blockage and revascularization compared to men.
Despite a rise in long distance running participation, cardiac arrests during US marathons and half-marathons have shown no significant increase, indicating improved emergency response measures are at play.
A new clinical trial found that oral semaglutide can significantly reduce cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes and pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The medication decreased the risk of major cardiac events by 14% compared to placebo, with nonfatal myocardial infarction seeing the greatest reductions in risk.
Researchers studied women with ischemia symptoms without blockages in their heart arteries. The five-year trial found no significant difference between intensive medical therapy and usual care for serious cardiovascular events.
A remote booster program after cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces daily sitting time and increases light physical activity, lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Participants who received coaching via phone and digital communication showed a clear improvement in sedentary behavior and increased physical activity.
A growing body of evidence suggests a significant link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and heart disease. Researchers pooled data from nearly 250,000 patients in seven studies, finding HPV-positive individuals had a 40% higher likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease.
A cross-sectional study of Ugandan adults with and without HIV found the prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis disease to be much lower than expected in similar populations in the Global North. The study's results refute prior notions that well-controlled HIV infection is associated with increased CAD risk.
The study found that combining coronary calcium score with a primary prevention strategy in intermediate-risk patients with a family history of coronary artery disease reduces atherogenic lipids and slows plaque progression compared to usual care. This data supports the use of CAC scores to assist intensive preventive strategies.
A novel LASSO-derived model was developed to predict coagulation disorders after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in elderly individuals. The model demonstrated good prediction performance, identifying preoperative and intraoperative variables associated with coagulation disorders.
Research on treating moderate aortic valve dysfunction during rheumatic mitral valve surgery shows concomitant aortic valve surgery may improve echocardiographic outcomes. The study suggests delaying aortic valve surgery may be a viable option for patients with moderate predominant aortic regurgitation.
Preoperative anemia is a recognized risk factor for adverse outcomes in CABG, but it does not affect the long-term survival advantage associated with CABG. This study provides evidence that surgical intervention can still be beneficial for ICM patients despite preoperative anemia.
Kennesaw State researcher Chen Zhao has earned the 2025 American Heart Association Institutional Research Enhancement Award for his innovative study on non-invasive blood flow prediction in cardiovascular disease diagnosis. His technology uses coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) scans to measure Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR...
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients who can exercise during cardiac stress testing have a lower mortality rate than those who cannot. The researchers discovered that assessing a patient's ability to exercise during testing provides a stronger distinction between high- and low-risk patients.
A new deep learning technique called CTLESS enhances myocardial perfusion imaging accuracy without requiring additional radiation scans. This method leverages deep learning to estimate attenuation maps, improving diagnostic interpretation and potentially boosting technological health equality across the U.S. and worldwide.
A cross-sectional study found that TV football game food ads are often high in sodium, calories, and fat content. This can pose a risk to adults with pre-existing heart conditions, who may be vulnerable to dietary deviations due to frequent exposure to advertising.
Dr. Joseph F. Sabik III, MD, has been elected as the President of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for the 2025 term, aiming to enhance data quality, support innovative studies, and provide cutting-edge training for cardiothoracic surgeons.
A study published in European Heart Journal found that face-to-face supervised exercise programs offer the greatest benefits for patients' mental health and quality of life. Home-based programs showed more modest results, highlighting the importance of professional supervision.
Researchers document five cases of parvovirus B19-induced myocarditis in preschoolers from northern Greece, highlighting the virus's unique impact on endothelial cells. The study emphasizes the importance of quick diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity in children.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found CAD is common in cirrhotic patients, but cirrhosis itself may not be associated with increased CAD risk. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatitis C virus infection are also linked to CAD presence.