Research on the causes and treatment of heart disease. Covers light exposure and heart health, sex differences, heart-in-a-dish models, and cardiac risk.
Researchers at Penn State will test whether a remote program focused on gardening, cooking, nutrition education, and peer support can help adults build healthier habits and influence their children's health. The program aims to combine enjoyment and intrinsic motivation for sustained behavior change.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed the first human model for desmin-related cardiomyopathy (DRM), a familial disease affecting approximately 1 in 2,000 individuals worldwide. The engineered tissue model allows for the study of protein aggregation and misfolding, which is thought to contribute to the diseas...
According to a new American Heart Association scientific statement, fewer than 5% of US military veterans may achieve optimal cardiovascular health. The statement highlights military veteran-specific risks and strategies to improve cardiovascular health and longevity. Practical opportunities to improve lifestyle behaviors, cardiometabo...
Researchers found that high levels of BNP hormone directly activates platelets, leading to blood clot formation and blockages. This discovery provides a biological explanation for the increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with high BNP levels.
Scientists have developed a treatment that 'reawakens' heart muscle cells, promoting repair and improving heart function after a heart attack. The treatment, using mRNA therapy, temporarily activates proteins that help regenerate heart tissue, leading to a stronger heartbeat and increased blood pump efficiency.
A new study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago found that singing in a choir improves breathing capacity and reduces depression and anxiety in children born with a single heart ventricle. The program, which included private and group instruction, also enhanced perceived school functioning.
A new study has found that routine invasive procedures for stable heart disease do not improve long-term survival compared to drug therapy alone. The study, which followed over 5,000 patients with stable coronary artery disease, revealed that early invasive procedures eased symptoms and improved quality of life but did not reduce the r...
The annual number of TAVR procedures among patients younger than 70 rose from 15 in 2014 to 134 in 2024, with surgical aortic valve replacement remaining the predominant approach. TAVR was particularly popular among patients aged 60 to 69, with lower rates of acute kidney injury and bleeding compared to SAVR.
US adults 65 and older face rising heart valve disease deaths due to aging population and limited healthcare access. The study found a reversal of progress in valvular heart disease mortality, with higher death rates for older adults and those living in rural communities.
Researchers at The Mount Sinai Hospital found combining rotational atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy before coronary stent placement improves stent expansion in patients with calcified coronary nodules. The study, NODULE-SHOCK, showed a 19% increase in stent area compared to IVL alone.
Eating a healthy diet is associated with reduced risk of heart disease and death among cancer survivors, with some dietary patterns showing stronger protective effects than others. The study found that participants with the highest adherence to a healthy diet increased life expectancy by up to 3.32 years.
Researchers found that sotagliflozin reduces excessive platelet activation, a process that can lead to dangerous blood clots that block flow to the heart and brain. The drug also makes platelets less likely to stick together and form blood clots, potentially lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Henry Ford Health has enrolled the first US patients in a clinical trial evaluating pulmonary artery denervation, a treatment for pulmonary hypertension related to heart disease. The trial aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of the investigational treatment.
Researchers propose that the timing between pregnancies may be the key factor in determining the long-term health of women who have more children. The study found that the postpartum recovery window can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more and is influenced by factors like pre-pregnancy weight, breastfeeding, and sleep.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that predicts functional decline after heart failure, identifying patients at risk of losing independence despite surviving hospitalization. The model outperformed traditional prognostic approaches, highlighting the importance of physical function at discharge.
Gene therapies can already change clinical care, but their use in common conditions raises concerns about permanent harm and competition with existing treatments. Cardiologists propose strategies for determining when genomic therapy is justified, including considering the benefits, risks, and long-term safety monitoring.
Heart failure alters the bone marrow, reducing protective cells that regulate inflammation, reports a study conducted at Science Tokyo. The bone marrow niche is found to play an important role in transmitting the effects of cardiac stress to blood cell forming stem cells.
Researchers identified three key particles that contribute to heart disease risk after 'bad' cholesterol is lowered, including triglyceride-rich lipoprotein and lipoprotein(a). The study suggests that measuring or targeting these particles may improve prevention alongside existing treatments.
A study by York University researchers found that despite rising CVD cases, cardiac rehab programs have stagnated globally, creating inequities and barriers to care. Hybrid and alternative models are more accessible but often underfunded, leading to unequal access to life-saving services.
A major new report from the European Society of Cardiology outlines how health services can protect people with heart disease in heatwaves. The report provides practical guidance on preparing patients for extreme heat, managing medication, advising on hydration and cooling, and monitoring patients during hot weather.
University of Houston researcher Mingfu Wu has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to investigate left ventricular noncompaction, a serious heart condition that can lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The study aims to uncover a common mechanism behind different genetic causes of LVNC and potentially identify new targets fo...
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys discovered that blocking an energy transfer enzyme shifts mammalian hearts into a regenerative state, promoting regeneration and improving recovery after a heart attack. By modulating heart cell metabolism, scientists can potentially awaken the heart's dormant regenerative abilities.
A new study found that drones can significantly reduce the time between cardiac arrest reporting and defibrillation, particularly in rural and congested areas. By combining fixed AEDs with drones, access times can be reduced by up to 3.76 minutes, with over 95% of cases covered within five minutes.
A new study suggests that semaglutide reduces heart disease risk beyond just weight loss, but the exact mechanism is unclear. The study analyzed data from a clinical trial of semaglutide, which found that patients taking the drug had a 20% lower risk of heart disease, but only half of this reduction could be explained by changes in kno...
A new blood test called TRIPLEcheck helps doctors choose the right medication to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The test measures each patient's risk of bleeding or blood clots, allowing for personalized treatment and improved patient outcomes.
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces hospital admissions by a third and heart attack risk by more than a quarter, with long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. Digital programmes can be just as effective as traditional centre-based services, making rehabilitation more accessible.
A new study has found a significant link between Long COVID and POTS, with nearly two-thirds of Long COVID participants meeting the diagnostic criteria for POTS. The study suggests that POTS may be contributing to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog in some individuals with Long COVID.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that heart surgery infection rates vary significantly across U.S. hospitals, with some experiencing nearly double the risk of others. By reducing infections, hospitals could prevent 2,600 infections and reduce Medicare spending by $441 million annually.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 87 clinical trials found that consuming four to six servings of wholegrain per day can lower cardiovascular risk factors, including body weight, waist circumference, and total cholesterol levels. Benefits were most pronounced at intakes of 60 to 100 grams per day.
Even low levels of nighttime light exposure can lead to structural changes in the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from 11,017 participants and found that those exposed to higher levels of light saw a thickening of the heart's walls and reduced flexibility during a heartbeat.
Research of over 11,000 people found that high nighttime light exposure is associated with thickening of the heart's left ventricle and reduced flexibility during heartbeats. The study suggests that reducing nighttime light exposure could be a strategy for preventing heart disease.
A new ERC-funded project at Aarhus University aims to investigate how hormones, stress, and genetic factors influence women's coronary arteries. The project will develop new models to explain why certain cardiovascular diseases affect women differently from men, and may lead to personalized rupture-risk maps and improved diagnosis and ...
Researchers have developed a human engineered heart tissue model of diastolic heart failure, enabling treatment testing with SGLT2 inhibitors, which partially prevented disease development. The model demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of SGLT2i, improving ion exchanger function and preventing accumulation of ions in tissues.
Research suggests that mental health conditions, including PTSD, substance abuse, and depression, can increase the risk of future cardiovascular risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death. Alcohol abuse was found to be the top psychiatric predictor of serious heart and brain conditions for both men and women.
Researchers have developed a biomarker score called BioTAK to identify broken-heart syndrome, which affects postmenopausal women and is triggered by emotional or physical stress. The score uses blood biomarkers to distinguish the condition from a heart attack, providing new insights into disease mechanisms.
Dr. Sebastian Spethmann joins JMIR Cardio as Editor-in-Chief, bringing expertise in heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and digital health. He aims to integrate digital advancements into routine clinical care, enhancing cardiovascular health systems and patient outcomes.
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) presents 28 studies at TCT 2026, highlighting advances in minimally invasive interventions, pharmaceutical therapies, and breakthrough technologies. Key findings include improved outcomes for patients with heart and vascular disease.
A new study uses machine learning to predict which patients with coronary artery disease will benefit from exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation. The model accurately identifies 'non-responders' using data from cardiopulmonary exercise testing and pulse wave analysis, allowing for tailored treatment plans.
Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute have made a breakthrough in gene therapy, restoring heart function in lab-grown patient heart tissue and mouse models with genetic heart disease. The therapy may also correct other genetic heart diseases, including those caused by the MYH7 gene and TTN truncating variants.
The open-source image analysis pipeline accurately measures brain tissue changes in animal models, reducing variability among thousands of scans. The tool has the potential to improve early-stage evaluation of new therapies for acute ischemic stroke.
A meta-analysis of nearly 1,900 studies found that climbing stairs significantly reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Regular stair climbing was associated with lower risks of heart-related problems and major cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
A new review highlights how molecular biology advances are reframing PAH as a complex vascular remodeling disease driven by endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and genetic susceptibility. Emerging therapies target the BMP/TGF-β pathway, growth factor signaling, and inflammatory pathways.
A new study published in JACC suggests that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio provide critical information about cardiovascular risk, even among people with a normal BMI. Individuals with elevated central adiposity were associated with higher risks for most outcomes, regardless of their weight status.
The Marcus Foundation has awarded $28.7 million to advance a clinical trial testing a stem cell-based therapy designed to regenerate damaged heart tissue after a heart attack. Researchers aim to develop approaches that could reduce or eliminate the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that even low levels of physical activity can increase life expectancy for adults with or without atrial fibrillation. The research tracked over 87,000 adults in Norway for 15 years and found a positive association between physical activity and reduced stro...
A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has discovered a crucial communication system on cell surfaces that plays a significant role in heart development. Alterations in three key proteins can disrupt this system, leading to congenital heart defects.
Katherine Wilemon, Family Heart Foundation CEO, receives Honorary Fellow Award from ASPC for her advocacy and research efforts in inherited lipid disorders. The award reflects the organization's impact on advancing care and awareness for conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia.
Benoit Bruneau, director of the Gladstone Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, has been named an American Heart Association Distinguished Scientist for 2026. His work on heart development and gene regulation has advanced our understanding of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
A large study of over 65,000 postmenopausal women found that a higher adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was associated with a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Women who followed the diet more closely had a decreased risk of heart failure and stroke compared to those in the lowest-adherence group.
Researchers created the most detailed map of gene regulation in human heart failure, revealing how genes are controlled in specific cell types. The study identified key shifts in cell composition, gene expression, and regulatory networks, pointing to new precision medicine therapies.
Researchers developed an artery-on-a-chip platform to predict ischemic stroke risk by replicating a patient's specific vascular structure and blood flow dynamics. The tool, called a 'physical twin,' reveals that three-dimensional vascular shape and local flow disturbances matter more than simple narrowing in predicting stroke risk.
The American Heart Association states that consuming up to 400 mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to 5 cups of caffeinated coffee, is safe and may be linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease for some individuals. However, high doses of caffeine from energy drinks and other sources may cause cardiovascular harm.
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.
A nationally representative analysis found substantial gaps in LDL-C control, with increasing disparities across primary prevention categories and underuse of lipid-lowering therapy. The study provides a contemporary population-level benchmark for the updated guideline framework.
The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline substantially expands the U.S. population recommended for primary prevention statin therapy, targeting lower-risk individuals. The updated recommendations aim to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk and improve public health outcomes.
The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Multisociety Dyslipidemia Guideline reclassified approximately one-quarter of adults, with two-thirds reassigned to lower-risk categories and one-third to higher-risk categories. This shift was driven by differences in risk factors among males, non-Hispanic Black indivi...
A study by Mass General Brigham found that nearly 1 in 3 US adults without heart disease have LDL levels above the recommended goal, and 3 in 4 are not receiving any cholesterol-lowering medication. The gap is wider among those with established heart disease, where most are already receiving therapy but still not reaching goals.
A long-term study of 1,200 women in eastern Massachusetts found that those living in disadvantaged neighborhoods faced faster declines in heart health and worse cardiovascular risk before menopause. The research highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic factors in preventing heart disease.
Research highlights the significant impact of modifiable risk factors on ischemic heart disease mortality in the US. High body mass index (BMI) and fasting plasma glucose levels have increased attributable risk over the study period, emphasizing the importance of addressing these factors to reduce mortality.