The American Heart Association has released its list of top cardiovascular research for 2024, focusing on prevention, treatment and the benefits of anti-obesity medications. The research highlights improvements in assessing cardiovascular risk, identifying early prevention opportunities and treating heart failure.
A new study reveals that lung cancer screening CTs can detect coronary artery disease in 83% of cases, with high levels found in 30%. This finding highlights the potential benefits of lung cancer screening for identifying and managing cardiovascular risk factors.
Researchers found that ablation reduced ICD shocks for ventricular tachycardia and episodes of VT not detected by the ICD. This minimally invasive procedure destroys abnormal heart tissue causing VT, offering a better alternative to long-term medication side effects.
A new scientific statement highlights improvements in diagnosis, initial treatment, and long-term management of patients with Kawasaki Disease, emphasizing the need for tailored management strategies. Advances in cardiac imaging techniques and risk categorization have led to better patient outcomes.
A new hourglass-shaped stent could improve blood flow and alleviate severe chest pain in people with microvascular disease. The study found that 76% of participants experienced improvement in their daily activities, including walking and climbing stairs without pain.
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.
Cardiovascular diseases like heart failure and atrial fibrillation are linked to cognitive impairment and increased risk of dementia. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and identifying vascular risk factors early may help preserve brain function and reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease.
The conference will feature comprehensive coverage of various topics in cardiovascular medicine, including can't-miss sessions. ACC Middle East chapter teams will also compete in the ACC FIT Jeopardy competition.
A history of COVID-19 can double the risk of heart attack, stroke or death for up to three years after diagnosis. Genetic analysis revealed individuals with non-O blood types were twice as likely to experience cardiovascular events.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that subclinical atherosclerosis is independently associated with the risk of dying from any cause. The study also showed that monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis can improve the prediction and prevention of death from any cause.
A study published in JACC demonstrates that subclinical atherosclerosis burden and progression independently predict death from any cause. Asymptomatic individuals with high carotid plaque burden and coronary artery calcification are at increased risk of mortality.
The 2024 guideline provides comprehensive recommendations for assessing cardiovascular disease risk and managing patients taking SGLT2-inhibitors. It also highlights the importance of judicious screening and evidence-based management of cardiovascular conditions before, during, and after noncardiac surgery.
A new study found that up to 10 million people in the US could qualify for Medicare-covered semaglutide injections, depending on their level of cardiovascular risk. Those with higher risk scores would be eligible for full or partial coverage, potentially expanding access to this life-saving medication.
A new study finds that four unhealthy behaviors, including smoking and physical inactivity, contribute significantly to socioeconomic disparities in coronary artery disease mortality. The researchers conclude that targeted public health policies can help reduce these disparities and improve heart health for low-income individuals.
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.
Research explores relationship between cardiac metabolism dysfunction and heart failure in the elderly, revealing potential therapeutic targets for improved cardiac outcomes. The study highlights the critical role of Pdk4 and MIF in cardiac metabolism, suggesting innovative treatments to manage interconnected cardiovascular conditions.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of detecting non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCA/INOCA) caused by microcirculation dysfunction. A risk factor-weighted clinical likelihood model helps estimate pre-test likelihood, allowing for targeted testing and treatment. The guidelines also recommend invasive coronary functiona...
High levels of lipoprotein (a) found in 20-34% of Polish patients with heart disease or at risk. Lp(a) measurements may be crucial in preventing cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis progression.
Researchers at Edith Cowan University have uncovered a significant genetic connection between Alzheimer's disease and several coronary artery disease-related disorders, offering opportunities to improve health outcomes. The study found that some of the same genes played a role in or are associated across these conditions.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that older women over 65 who require complex heart surgery are more likely to be treated at low-quality hospitals, where they also die in greater numbers. The sex disparity in mortality doubled from high-quality to low-quality hospitals.
Black participants with greater access to green spaces had up to 35% lower odds of calcification, while those near a river had 32% lower odds. These findings highlight the potential benefits of environmental policies promoting public health and addressing racial and neighborhood-related health disparities.
Researchers used an advanced AI tool to identify rare coding variants in 17 genes linked to coronary artery disease, shedding light on its molecular basis. The findings could lead to novel risk identification and treatment targets for cardiovascular care.
A laboratory study found that passive heat exposure stresses the heart, increasing myocardial blood flow in all participants, regardless of age or health status. Adults with a history of CAD are at particular risk and may benefit from minimizing cardiac strain during extreme heat by staying cool.
Research from the University of Illinois has found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. The study reveals how PFAS chemicals interact with pro-inflammatory pathways, providing potential explanations for the increased risk.
Researchers used facial thermal imaging and AI to accurately predict coronary artery disease in a study of 460 people. The approach was found to be more effective than conventional methods, identifying traditional risk factors such as high cholesterol and smoking.
Research finds insulin levels correlate with triglycerides, ApoB, non-HDL cholesterol, and free cholesterol in women with atherosclerotic coronary disease. The study suggests these laboratory-associated flags indicate early coronary atherosclerosis in both diabetic and non-diabetic women.
A Danish-Spanish collaboration is launching the REACT initiative to develop early detection and prevention methods for atherosclerosis. The project aims to identify new means to detect atherosclerosis at earlier stages and at a younger age, enabling precision treatment and prevention.
The 2024 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease aims to improve patient outcomes by emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment. Coordinated care among a multispecialty team is crucial in reducing the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke, and death for individuals with PAD.
Researchers have discovered a protein marker to help identify cells able to repopulate in patients with damaged blood vessels. These cells could form new blood vessels and contribute to the repair of heart tissue after a heart attack.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a way to boost protective effects of sphingolipids in blood vessels, slowing the development and progression of coronary artery disease. The study suggests revising current views on ceramides' role in the disease, instead finding that their levels remain stable in endothelial cells.
Randles developed computational tools to harness supercomputers, creating highly precise simulations of biophysical processes. Her work has direct impacts on patient care, including simulations of 700,000 heartbeats and cancer cells moving through the body.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that treating gum disease after a heart rhythm ablation procedure can lower oral inflammation and reduce the risk of AFib recurrence. Researchers found that an index measuring the severity of gum inflammation was associated with the return of AFib, highligh...
A new study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that preventive angioplasty for heart attack patients does not improve prognosis. The research included 1542 patients and showed no difference between treatment groups in terms of new heart attacks or all-cause deaths.
A recent study has found increased coronary vessel wall thickness in asymptomatic individuals living with HIV, which is significantly associated with impaired diastolic function. The study also highlights the impact of HIV on developing subclinical coronary artery disease and its effects on heart function.
A large study found that drinking more than one drink per day can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, especially among young to middle-aged women. The risk was highest among those who engaged in binge drinking, with women facing a 68% higher risk compared to moderate drinkers.
Researchers discovered changes to blood vessels in the brain that can increase stroke and dementia risk are common in people with heart conditions. The study confirms heart disease as a main cause of these changes, highlighting the importance of imaging tests to guide safer treatment choices.
Researchers found that nontraditional stroke risk factors like migraines are as important as traditional risk factors like high blood pressure for adults younger than ages 35-45. The association between stroke and nontraditional stroke risk factors was stronger in adults younger than 35 years old.
Research highlights treating anxiety and depression in people with heart disease can significantly reduce emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and even death. The study found that talk therapy and antidepressant medications improved heart outcomes among those with blocked arteries or heart failure.
Bruno Scheller developed a procedure using drug-coated balloons to treat coronary and peripheral artery disease, improving patients' quality of life. The technique has been widely recognized and effective, with countless patients spared further pain and surgery.
A multicenter randomized trial showed a paclitaxel-coated balloon to be superior to an uncoated balloon in preventing target lesion failure in patients with coronary in-stent restenosis. The study included 600 patients and demonstrated the effectiveness of paclitaxel-coated balloons as a treatment option.
A new study published in Radiology found that coronary artery calcium scoring can identify patients with a low risk of heart attacks or strokes. Patients with a zero coronary artery calcium score showed very low risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, suggesting they may not require invasive coronary angiography.
A new study published in Radiology found that ultrahigh-spatial-resolution photon-counting detector CT improved the assessment of coronary artery disease, allowing for reclassification to a lower disease category in 54% of patients. This technology has the potential to improve patient management and reduce unnecessary interventions.
A study has identified 1,289 genetic markers associated with Type 2 diabetes, including 145 newly discovered markers. The research provides risk scores for diabetes complications and suggests potential genetic targets for new treatments.
A new study found that women with migraines and long-term hot flashes or night sweats are at increased risk of heart disease and stroke. However, the research suggests that focusing on prevention and correcting unhealthy habits can help most women mitigate this risk. Women who have experienced both migraines and vasomotor symptoms for ...
Researchers have developed a new gene mapping technique that reveals how genetic alterations in cells lining blood vessels contribute to coronary artery disease. The technique, called Variant-to-Gene-to-Program (V2G2P), identifies biological mechanisms driving CAD risk by linking genetic variants to gene expression and function.
A recent survey found that 51% of Americans are unaware that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. This lack of knowledge can be deadly, with nearly half of adults having some form of cardiovascular disease.
The study found that APOE4 carriers have elevated LDL cholesterol levels, increasing their risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis. In contrast, APOE2 carriers have lower cholesterol and reduced atherosclerosis prevalence.
Experts recommend increasing the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in lower extremity revascularization procedures to optimize outcomes and reduce complications. The technique provides detailed information about vessel walls, plaque composition, and blood flow characteristics, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has updated its guidelines to no longer recommend routine daily aspirin use for primary prevention of heart attacks or death. However, daily aspirin may be considered for people with high risk factors for heart attack, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. The new guidelines emphasize the ...
Researchers at UVA Health System created an 'atlas of atherosclerosis' revealing critical processes that form harmful plaque buildup. The study provides unprecedented insights into atherosclerosis and its impact on coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Black patients in integrated communities experience greatest benefits from PCI-CF openings, including a five times greater likelihood of receiving same-day PCI. Segregation is associated with poorer outcomes for racial minority groups.
Research found a significant linear relationship between age of coronary heart disease onset and dementia, highlighting the detrimental influence of premature cardiovascular events on brain health. Adults diagnosed with coronary heart disease at a young age may be at increased risk of developing dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and vascu...
Biomedical engineers at Duke University created a new 'digital twins' framework using smartwatch data to capture personalized arterial forces over 700,000 heartbeats. This approach reduces the computational load by simulating tasks in parallel, enabling real-time tracking of cardiovascular disease progression and risk assessment.
Thirty-two institutions earned the SET-10 distinction, with top ten recognized globally for their dedication to advancing scientific knowledge in interventional cardiovascular medicine. The rankings span six categories and acknowledge excellence within and outside the United States.
A new resorbable scaffold has been shown to be more effective than traditional angioplasty in treating severe artery blockages in the lower leg. In a large clinical trial, patients who received the scaffold had a 74% chance of avoiding adverse events, compared to 44% for those who underwent angioplasty.
A single infusion of CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels in people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition that increases heart attack risk. The treatment has shown potential as a long-term or permanent option for high LDL-C control.
The ORBITA-2 trial found that stenting improves symptoms compared to a placebo procedure, providing evidence-based treatment for stable chest pain. The study suggests updating guidelines for stable coronary artery disease and offers patients and medical teams two treatment strategies with similar benefits.
A recent study published in Circulation found that non-ischemic or dual cardiomyopathy occurs in 1 out of every 6 patients with coronary artery disease. These conditions are characterized by heart muscle damage and can lead to worse long-term outcomes. The researchers used cardiac MRI to determine the cause of cardiomyopathy, which has...
Researchers have developed AI tools that can effectively detect heart valve disease and predict cardiovascular risk using digital stethoscopes. A study found that AI-powered digital stethoscopes predicted nearly 90% of valve disease diagnoses, offering a promising tool for transforming CVD care.
The American Heart Association has selected five finalists in its 6th annual Health Tech Competition to present their innovative technologies. The competition aims to drive technology innovation and transform the landscape of heart and brain health.