A secondary analysis of the Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE) cohort study found that black and non-black women with obstructive coronary artery disease had similar long-term cardiovascular outcomes. The study suggests that guideline-based treatment, including statins and ACE inhibitors, may reduce racial disparities in cardi...
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine suggests that ECG-AI can flag some risks years sooner than current risk calculator equations by identifying signs of coronary artery disease, such as calcification and blockages. The technology has the potential to save more lives by identifying people who do not know they have coronary disease.
Researchers found that polygenic risk scores identify only 11% of individuals who develop disease and generate 5% false positives. The scores contribute little health benefit while adding cost and complexity to healthcare systems.
Researchers analyzed UK data to identify patterns of illnesses in individuals leading up to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. High blood pressure, respiratory tract infections, heart conditions, and asthma were commonly observed, suggesting earlier diagnosis may be possible.
A new study from Tulane University found that walking more than five flights of stairs daily can cut the risk of heart disease by 20%. The study, published in Atherosclerosis, used UK Biobank data from 450,000 adults and found that stair climbing reduced cardiovascular disease risk in those with multiple risk factors.
A large study published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that patients with severe psoriasis have a high prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction, which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Psoriasis severity and duration, as well as the presence of psoriatic arthritis, are independently linked to redu...
A new CT test can identify individuals with stable angina at a reduced risk of three-year adverse outcomes despite having high coronary artery calcium scores. The test uses AI algorithms and computational fluid dynamics to simulate blood flow through the coronary arteries.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure while lying flat on their backs had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death. The study suggests that measuring blood pressure in different body positions may help identify cardiovascular disease risk.
A recent study from Mayo Clinic found that exercise test abnormalities, such as low functional aerobic capacity, predicted non-cardiovascular causes of death like cancer, alongside cardiovascular-related deaths. The study's findings suggest that clinicians should focus on data beyond ECG results to identify patients at risk.
Researchers found that optimized statin therapy can significantly reduce mortality and cardiovascular events in US military veterans with coronary artery disease. Widespread use of ezetimibe alongside statins may lead to additional reductions in cardiovascular risk.
Public health experts recommend continuing routine mask-wearing in healthcare settings to protect vulnerable patients and staff from COVID-19. The authors argue that while severe cases have decreased, asymptomatic spread remains a threat, particularly among high-risk patients and healthcare workers who may not be aware they are infected.
Octapharma's Balfaxar, a prothrombin complex concentrate, has received FDA approval for the urgent reversal of acquired coagulation factor deficiency induced by vitamin K antagonist therapy. The product demonstrated effective hemostasis in 94.6% of patients and was non-inferior to comparator Kcentra.
A novel molecular pathway has been identified, explaining how a mutation in the ACTA2 gene can cause individuals in their 30s with normal cholesterol levels to develop coronary artery disease. The mutation leads to stress in smooth muscle cells, triggering the production of excess cholesterol and driving atherosclerotic plaque formation.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has released a new clinical guideline for managing antithrombotic therapy in patients with COVID-19-related arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to improve risk-evaluation and treatment course.
A novel PET perfusion radiotracer, 18F-flurpiridaz, demonstrates high diagnostic efficacy for obese patients with coronary artery disease, outperforming traditional imaging methods. The study showed improved sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing significant CAD, even at lower radiation doses.
A new ultra-high-resolution CT technology has been developed to detect coronary artery disease in high-risk patients, providing a potentially significant benefit for people previously ineligible for noninvasive screening. The technology delivers excellent image quality and accurate diagnosis with high sensitivity and specificity.
Chronic exposure to low levels of contaminant metals through household items, air, water, soil, and food increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing for exposure are key steps to implement public health initiatives.
The American Heart Association invites researchers to compete in a data challenge to better understand how lipoprotein(a) levels impact cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. The winning project can receive a $40,000 cash prize.
Researchers at UCSF tested a nitroglycerin patch for treating menopausal women experiencing severe hot flashes. The study found short-term improvements, but benefits did not last past 12 weeks, with some side effects reported.
A supervised hospital walking program has been shown to reduce nursing facility admissions for older adults by lowering the proportion of patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities from 13% to 8%. However, low participation rates and limited impact on length of stay or inpatient falls were noted.
A new study published in JAMA finds that adding a coronary artery calcium score to traditional risk factor models improves CHD risk discrimination for middle-aged adults. The researchers suggest this non-invasive imaging technique could be a reliable predictor of heart disease, particularly in older adults.
Researchers have identified 16 genes associated with an increased risk of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), a type of heart attack primarily affecting young to middle-aged women. The study also found that patients with SCAD have some genetic protection from the risk of conventional coronary artery disease.
A global clinical trial found that bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are nearly as safe and effective as conventional metal stents in treating coronary artery disease. The study, led by a researcher from the Mount Sinai Hospital, showed improved outcomes for patients when properly implanted.
Research highlights unique effects of Asian American subgroups on heart disease and Type 2 diabetes risk. Variations in cardiovascular risk among Asian Americans indicate the need for individual subgroup data to better understand health risks.
A new study reveals delayed diagnosis of HoFH leads to premature cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for increased lipid screening and aggressive treatment. Despite available therapies, most patients require further lipid-lowering treatments.
A study found that young women are more likely to experience adverse outcomes and rehospitalization after a heart attack, with non-cardiac hospitalizations showing the most significant disparity. Researchers highlight the need for public awareness and sex-specific post-heart attack care.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive technique using laser speckle imaging to visualize microvasculature in donor hearts and detect abnormal blood flow. The method enables precise visualization of blood circulation, potentially identifying hearts suitable for transplantation.
A study published in Circulation Research identifies the FHL5 gene as a key regulator of vascular disease, including heart attacks and aneurysms. The discovery advances our understanding of the underlying causes of vascular disease and provides new insights into genetic risk factors.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland identified 12 cell types involved in CAD pathogenesis. The genetic risk factors for CAD take effect via smooth vascular muscle cells, which change their phenotype as the disease progresses.
A machine learning model has been developed to predict a patient's risk for a sleep disorder using demographic, lifestyle, physical exam results, and laboratory values. The model identified depression, weight, age, and waist circumference as the greatest predictors of a sleep disorder diagnosis.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 12, 2023
A cohort study of over 9,000 persons found that asymptomatic middle-aged individuals with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis are at an 8-fold increased risk for myocardial infarction. The study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing obstructive coronary artery disease in patients without known cardiovascular disease.
The Lp(a) Discovery Project will develop clinical standards for optimal patient care through a new screening measure and quality improvement interventions. The three-year project aims to fill knowledge gaps around Lp(a) and encourage better treatments to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that the single mechanosensitive protein VGLL3 induces fibrosis, thickening and scarring tissue. The study suggests targeting this protein could lead to new treatments against fibrosis.
The VALOR-QI program will provide a blueprint for quality care improvement, focusing on high-risk patients and addressing health equity gaps. It will offer education, staff training, monitoring, and other steps to achieve better compliance with cholesterol management.
A real-world analysis found that high-risk Americans who fail to reach guideline-recommended LDL-C levels experience a 44% higher rate of cardiovascular events. The study, presented at the AMCP Conference, used data from over 300 million Americans and compared those who met and maintained recommended targets with those who did not.
Women have a roughly 30-40% higher risk of dying following coronary artery bypass surgery, with female patients having a 2.8% rate of death during or soon after surgery compared to 1.7% for male patients.
A study of over 1.2 million patients found women remain at higher risk for adverse outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting. No significant improvement in outcomes has been observed over the past decade.
Researchers created a novel pre-clinical model of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), which closely resembles clinical cases in humans. The model can aid in developing targeted pharmacological solutions to correct tissue changes associated with NSTEMI.
Researchers have found a significant link between frequent marijuana use and an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), with daily cannabis users being about one-third more likely to develop the condition. The study used data from 175,000 people and suggested that cannabis use disorder is associated with a higher risk of CAD.
A recent study finds a strong association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and an increased risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. The study suggests that hypertensive disorders in pregnancy can be classified as risk factors for cardiovascular disease, highlighting the importance of prenatal care.
Scientists have identified genes that play key roles in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), a leading cause of death worldwide. The study found notable differences in gene activity between males and females, as well as between cells that were multiplying and those that were not.
Researchers identified a panel of novel blood biomarkers associated with sudden cardiac arrest, which have the potential to enhance clinical prediction. Additionally, an AI-powered ultrasound technology can accurately identify coronary artery calcium buildup, potentially replacing CT scans as a diagnostic tool.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of rapid evaluation for TIA, which can lead to full-blown stroke. The statement offers a standardized approach to evaluating people with suspected TIA, including guidance for hospitals in rural areas with limited resources.
Muscle mass and blood pressure are key factors in maintaining healthy arteries, with higher muscle mass and lower blood pressure linked to reduced arterial stiffness. The study found that these associations remain significant even after accounting for age.
Researchers from Osaka University found that tricaprin supplementation leads to remarkable regression of coronary artery plaque and resolution of symptoms in patients with triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy. The study's findings provide a novel treatment concept for coronary atherosclerosis.
Researchers at Mount Sinai developed a digital marker for coronary artery disease using machine learning and electronic health records. The model accurately measures CAD on a spectrum, revealing distinct gradations of disease risk and survival, which may otherwise be missed with conventional binary frameworks.
Dr. Urbut's award-winning research explores a new framework to predict coronary artery disease throughout an individual's lifespan, incorporating genomic and nongenomic risk factors. The American Heart Association recognized her innovative work in improving cardiovascular disease prevention.
A new PET imaging method is more effective than angiograms in determining the need for coronary stents or bypass surgery, according to UTHealth Houston researchers. The study confirms that PET threshold of severity at which stents and bypass surgery improve survival compared to medical treatment alone.
Scientists at Medical College of Georgia discover a new target to intervene in coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. The target is ATIC, a gene essential for purine production, which increases in response to arterial disease.
Dr. Matt Budoff will investigate the effects of Colchicine in people with coronary artery disease, comparing it to placebo. The goal is to determine if this anti-inflammatory medication can reduce plaque volume and improve patient outcomes.
The American Heart Association statement highlights telehealth's benefits in managing cardiovascular disease, including cost-effectiveness and improved rehabilitation. However, challenges like access to broadband internet and privacy security concerns hinder widespread adoption.
A new study found that a personalized 'precision' testing approach for people with stable chest pain led to more efficient evaluations and improved diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The approach involved assessing cardiovascular risk factors to identify low-risk individuals who may not benefit from further testing.
Neighborhood walkability is associated with lower cardiovascular disease burden and risk, according to two preliminary studies. The analysis found that even after considering other factors, walkability alone was linked to a 0.1% decrease in cardiovascular disease for each one-point increase in walkability score.
A new study found that soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels are significantly higher in patients with heart failure, predicting both heart failure and death. When combined with traditional measures like BNP, suPAR's predictive ability increases.
Researchers have identified a new way to treat young children with Kawasaki Disease by using mTOR inhibitors to prevent coronary artery damage and aneurysms. The treatment has shown promise in preclinical studies and could potentially be trialled rapidly in the clinic for children with KD.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of managing PAD based on a person's experience of symptoms, rather than relying solely on clinical measures. This approach aims to improve patient-centered care and outcomes, particularly for individuals with severe limb ischemia or comorbidities.
A national study found that patients with cardiovascular disease had a higher mortality rate than those without, but this association was largely due to shared risk factors. Myocardial injury was common among critically ill COVID-19 patients and associated with poor outcomes.
Children with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia are diagnosed earlier and have higher untreated LDL-C levels than adults, while those not identified early miss out on decades of life-saving treatment. This study emphasizes the need for universal screening to identify children with HoFH or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to assess retinal vasculature, predicting cardiovascular disease and death. The model captured half to two-thirds of circulatory disease deaths in those most at risk, outperforming traditional risk frameworks.
Women with a history of gestational diabetes are at substantially higher risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Continuous monitoring is crucial to mitigate these risks.