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.
A new poll by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine finds that most men consider a carnivore diet to be 'masculine' and would change their diet if it put their health at risk. The survey also found that consuming meat is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, erectile dysfunction, and reduced fertility.
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 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.
A new study by the University of Ottawa suggests that a tiny molecule, methylglyoxal, plays a major role in triggering neurological disorders after a heart attack. The molecule accumulates in the brain following a heart attack and is linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Researchers found a significant association between fatty liver disease and increased cardiovascular risk, including nearly twice the rate of cardiovascular events. Patients with hepatic steatosis had a higher amount of noncalcified, rupture-prone coronary plaque.
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.
The updated guidelines recommend treating high cholesterol earlier and using advanced tests like Lp(a) and CAC scans to identify hidden risks. Primary care clinicians play a crucial role in implementing these changes, but challenges exist due to short office visits and insurance coverage limitations.
Researchers developed a new class of stretchy bioelectronics that can stick to biological tissue and relieve hypertension while causing less damage to surrounding tissue. The CaroFlex device uses gentle electrical frequencies to modulate the baroreceptor reflex, providing effective treatment for drug-resistant hypertension.
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.
Researchers found that amiloride, a common blood pressure medication, improves artery flexibility and lowers blood sugar levels in patients with obesity. The study suggests that amiloride could be a potential strategy to reduce arterial stiffening and cardiovascular risk in these patients.
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.
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.
In patients with symptomatic rheumatic heart disease, digoxin significantly reduced the risk of a composite of all-cause death or new-onset or worsening heart failure. The treatment had little risk of toxicity, making it a promising therapeutic option for these patients.
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.
Dr. Rebecca T. Hahn, MD, is the first imager to receive the TCT Geoffrey O. Hartzler Master Operator Award for her groundbreaking work in imaging structural heart procedures. Her unparalleled expertise has redefined the role of imaging in cardiovascular care.
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.
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.
A coordinated 10-year plan to improve long-term wellbeing and reverse child obesity trends is underway. The GenHEART program, spearheaded by Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, targets heart health, diet, exercise, sleep, and more.
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 UK-led trial found that a procedure to reopen blocked heart arteries can reduce chest pain and improve quality of life. Patients who received the treatment had more angina-free days and better quality-of-life scores than those in the placebo group.
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 study published in Cells suggests that declining estrogen levels alter epigenetics, which may explain the rise in heart disease risk after menopause. The researchers identify a potential link between estrogen loss and changes in cardiovascular health.
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 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 study found that higher midlife cardiorespiratory fitness is strongly associated with later onset of chronic disease, lower overall disease burden, and longer life expectancy. Adults with higher fitness levels developed fewer chronic diseases and spent more years free from serious illness.
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 new study reveals a strong link between extreme climate events and the incidence of heart disease among middle-aged and older adults in 157 Chinese cities. Exposure to extreme heat, cold, and precipitation increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, with higher BMI-related risks associated with temperature intensity and cold-induce...
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.
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 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.
A team-based program in community health clinics helped low-income patients reduce their blood pressure more than standard care alone. After 18 months, patients in the team-based program saw a significant drop in systolic blood pressure and showed better adherence to hypertension treatment.
Researchers developed an analytic tool using machine learning to predict how CPAP affects cardiovascular disease risk in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The study found significant variation in treatment response across the cohort, identifying subgroups who benefited or were harmed by the therapy.
Treatment with i.v. furosemide plus HSS significantly decreased serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers IL-6, sST2, hsTnT, galectin-3, and NT-proBNP. The study found that this combination therapy modulated some miRNA expression and was associated with reduced miR181b expression compared to furosemide alone.
The Adams Valve Institute aims to expand the treatment of valvular heart disease, focusing on complex surgeries and underserved populations. The Institute will promote innovation in advanced imaging, reconstructive surgical techniques, and breakthrough research.
A new study found that older people who forego necessary dental procedures due to financial barriers may experience heart failure, a heart attack, a stroke, or dementia. The researchers suggest that alleviating upstream factors such as financial constraints could prevent chronic disease.
The program aims to improve the ability to predict, prevent and treat health complications in people living with Fontan circulation. Clinicians and researchers will generate scientific and clinical insights to develop tools guiding care for patients with Fontan circulation.
A new AI-based system analyzing blood vessels at the back of the eye has been shown to identify people at risk of heart problems with strong correlation. The system, called CLAiR, received Breakthrough Device designation and demonstrates promise as a noninvasive screening method.
Research found that people who spend a higher proportion of their total physical activity doing vigorous activity have substantially lower risks of all eight serious health conditions. The benefits of vigorous activity remained even when the amount of time was modest.
The study developed a novel multi-task deep LASSO algorithm that identified six core clinical indicators, establishing four stable MASLD subtypes with distinct characteristics. The classification system enables targeted interventions, prioritizing fibrosis screening and aggressive cardiorenal protection for specific subgroups.
A study found that late sleep schedules are linked to unhealthy eating habits, including increased calorie intake and snacking, as well as reduced physical activity, particularly during school hours. The researchers suggest that parents should pay attention to their children's sleep timing during adolescence.
A new study found that consuming more than nine servings of ultraprocessed foods daily increases the risk of major cardiac events by 67%. The study also found that sugary foods carry a higher risk and that Black Americans have nearly double the increased risk compared to other groups.
A new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that children born to mothers with placental abruption are at a higher risk of developing heart disease or dying from cardiovascular disease by age 28. The risk was approximately 4.6 times higher compared to those born without this complication.
Registration is now open for TCT 2026, the annual scientific symposium of CRF, taking place October 31 - November 3 in San Diego. The event will feature a dynamic program with groundbreaking research and expert-led tutorials.
Researchers found that exercise and aggressive cardiovascular risk reduction improved heart health, but did not produce measurable cognitive benefits over two years in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights a critical gap between vascular risk reduction and brain health.
Researchers at King's College London have been awarded £191,000 to enhance the prediction of aortic coarctation by adapting their established biomarker from MRI to ultrasound. The goal is to improve the accuracy of CoA diagnosis before birth using routine 2D scans.
The 2020 facility revision criteria for rotational atherectomy did not increase adverse events among patients treated for coronary artery disease. The expansion of RA eligibility to low-volume, non-training hospitals improved patient care and reduced geographical disparities.
A study of 2,000+ participants found nine specific gut microbe metabolites associated with coronary heart disease risk. The researchers call for further research into these molecules as potential novel treatments.
The updated guideline consolidates evidence-based recommendations for managing dyslipidemias, offering a comprehensive approach to lower risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The guideline recommends earlier intervention through healthy lifestyle changes and considers the use of a new cardiovascular disease risk calculator, P...
A new biotech company, Ibnova Therapeutics, will accelerate treatments for heart disease through cellular therapies, backed by Australian and Danish partnerships. The company aims to conduct human clinical trials within three to five years.
A new study published in the Hypertension journal found that women who experience pregnancy complications may face an increased risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. Higher stress levels during and after pregnancy are associated with higher blood pressure levels 2-to-7 years after delivery.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that AI analysis of mammograms can predict the risk of serious heart disease in women. Women with mild calcification were 30% more likely to suffer serious cardiovascular disease, while those with severe calcification were two to three times more likely.
Recent studies identify distinct gut microbial communities in people with dyslipidemia, suggesting a connection between the gut microbiome and heart disease precursor. The researchers found higher levels of Bacteroides caccae and lower levels of bacteria linked to metabolic stability. Future research aims to restore functional balance ...
A new study found that heart attack deaths rose by 1.2% among adults under 55, particularly women who were more likely to die from a severe form of the condition. The research highlights the need for earlier risk identification and consideration of non-traditional risk factors to improve treatment.
A ketogenic diet reduced high blood sugar and improved aerobic capacity in mice with hyperglycemia. The diet caused remodeling of their muscles, making them more oxidative and reactive to aerobic exercise. Researchers believe that combining the keto diet with exercise may be key to achieving optimal health benefits.
Researchers found that a bacterial metabolite regulates heart function through specific brain cells, revealing a new gut-brain-heart axis. This discovery points to potential therapies for hypertension and heart failure, and may serve as a biomarker for identifying patients at high risk.
A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging found that women with lower plaque levels in their arteries are still at risk of heart attacks. The research suggests that moderate increases in plaque burden can have a disproportionate impact on women due to their smaller coronary arteries.
Researchers developed a new model to predict long-term survival after heart failure in elderly Japanese patients. The Top-20 XGBoost model incorporates physical function metrics, rivaling the importance of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and provides a more accurate estimation of mortality risk.
A new position statement from CSANZ and ACRA highlights telehealth as a critical tool for increasing access to quality cardiovascular care. The guidance provides best practice guidance for safe use by clinicians while emphasizing patient-centered, culturally inclusive multidisciplinary care.
A new study finds that US South Asians have higher rates of prediabetes, diabetes, and hypertension than other population groups, despite healthier diets and exercise habits. The study identifies a critical window in the 40s when risk is already high, but disease is still preventable with early intervention.
A new study finds that the quality of macronutrients matters more than their quantity for heart health, with diets rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study also found improved cardiovascular biomarkers in healthy versions of low-carb and low-fat diets.