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 nationwide study analyzing rates of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) found a nearly 30% decline following the COVID-19 pandemic. STEMI cases have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting continued hesitation among patients to seek hospital care despite having a heart att...
A study estimates that more than 1 million U.S. adults carry a gene for familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing high cholesterol and potentially leading to premature heart attack or death. Genetic testing may help identify those at risk, but its affordability is a concern.
The Nurses and Allied Professionals community is being recognized for their dedication and skills in advancing cardiovascular care. The Andreas Grüntzig Ethica Award celebrates their expertise, physical presence, and impact on patient care.
A new study published in Open Heart found that patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis benefit from early valve replacement surgery to prevent irreversible heart muscle damage. The research showed that timing of surgery is crucial in reducing mortality and hospitalization rates.
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have found that histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) regulates heart stiffness by acting on titin protein. This discovery could lead to novel treatments for heart failure, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
A targeted support program including patient education and regular monitoring by nurses improved blood pressure control among Black and Hispanic adults in the Bronx. The program resulted in participants taking their medication regularly and experiencing fewer episodes of uncontrolled high blood pressure.
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) announced that TVT: The Structural Heart Summit will feature 12 studies as Late-Breaking Clinical Science and Featured Clinical Research. These studies highlight advances in transcatheter aortic valve replacement, mitral, tricuspid, and left atrial appendage occlusion therapies.
Women's metabolism alters during menopause due to changes in sex hormone levels. Metabolite profiles show increased lipid and cholesterol levels, especially triglycerides and LDL particles, which can lead to atherosclerosis.
A study published in Med found that the human microbiome's variation explains different patient responses to statins. The researchers discovered a Bacteroides enriched microbiome with lower diversity was associated with stronger LDL-lowering effects but greater disruption of blood glucose levels.
The TVT 2022 program features cutting-edge research on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other structural heart therapies. The meeting will focus on patient evaluation, imaging modalities, and therapeutic options.
Researchers discovered a potential pathway linking early life infections to cardiovascular disease risk later in adulthood. High rates of infant infections were associated with elevated inflammation markers and changes to metabolic profiles.
A large retrospective study found death rates for cardiovascular diseases among Asian Americans varied by ethnicity, with some subgroups at higher risk. The study emphasizes the importance of separating Asian subgroups for accurate health outcomes and treatment strategies.
A study of 21,083 adults found that coffee consumption is associated with raised cholesterol levels, with brewing methods such as espresso showing the widest gender difference. Drinking 3-5 daily cups of espresso was linked to increased serum total cholesterol, particularly among men.
A recent study in CMAJ found that nearly half of Canadian drownings were caused by pre-existing medical conditions, with seizure disorders posing a significant risk. Young women aged 20-34 with seizure disorders were particularly vulnerable, facing a risk 23 times higher than the general population.
The American Heart Association emphasizes the need for improved research, awareness and equity in women's heart health. The advisory highlights key indicators of cardiovascular health among women, including blood pressure control and diabetes management.
A study by Kobe University researchers has illuminated the characteristics of Myeloid immune cells in coronary plaque, a major contributor to acute coronary syndrome. The findings suggest that macrophages and monocytes accumulate in the plaques of patients with acute coronary syndrome, leading to increased inflammation.
The BMJ recommends offering additional cholesterol-lowering drugs to adults at high heart disease risk, particularly those with 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels above 70 mg/dl. Ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors are recommended for the high and very high risk group, but not for those in the low risk category.
A study of 4,177 Black women found that higher education levels were associated with lower allostatic loads, indicating reduced chronic stress. Women with college degrees had lower rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
A new study from Mayo Clinic suggests that AI-enabled electrocardiograms (ECGs) can predict atrial fibrillation, a cardiac rhythm abnormality linked to one-third of ischemic strokes. The algorithm also detects other cardiac disease markers and correlates with small vessel cerebrovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have developed an AI tool that accurately predicts pancreatic cancer patients based on CT scan images. Lowering blood cholesterol has also been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer by enhancing immune cell action. Additionally, a new study found that an ultrasound probe plugged into a smartphone can b...
Researchers have engineered a tiny living heart chamber replica to study disease progression and test new treatments. The miniPUMP device mimics the real organ's mechanics, allowing for accurate tracking of how the heart grows in embryos and studying the impact of disease.
The Endocrine Society's scientific statement highlights the potential of extracellular vesicles in diagnosing and monitoring endocrine-related conditions, including cancer. These tiny vesicles may also serve as biomarkers for high blood pressure and have therapeutic roles.
A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that people with type 2 diabetes and cognitive impairment have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Cognitive function may predict a person's future risk of heart disease, according to researchers.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals a strong association between infertility and an increased risk of heart failure, particularly in women. Infertility was associated with a 16% increased risk of overall heart failure and a 27% increased risk of HFpEF.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition that can lead to chronic liver damage and cardiovascular disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as lifestyle changes can help prevent or reverse the condition.
A new study published in the Chinese Medical Journal assessed mortality risk in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with multiple diseases. The study identified four multimorbidity patterns, with cardiometabolic being the most common, and found that individuals with these patterns had a significantly increased mortality risk.
Adults with a history of allergic disorders are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Asthma is the primary contributor to this risk, particularly among Black male adults.
Researchers discovered that Viagra and a common over-the-counter drug TUDCA restored mitochondrial processes, which drive heart failure in HLHS patients. This could lead to new therapies for treating heart failure without relying on heart transplants.
A new study assesses wastewater infrastructure in 129 countries to explore community-wide health indices using Wastewater-based Epidemiology (WBE). The technique detects factors influencing health, including disease biomarkers detectable in wastewater.
A digital training program improved movement behavior, physical activity, and mental well-being in participants, while also reducing anxiety levels. The study, conducted by Goethe University Frankfurt, found that the program was particularly effective when used with professional trainers and regular questionnaires.
A study tracking children for up to half a century found five childhood risk factors predict fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events in adulthood. The findings emphasize the importance of preventive strategies starting in childhood.
Dr. Valentin Fuster is receiving the inaugural 'Valentin Fuster Award for Innovation in Science' at the ACC's 71st Annual Scientific Session. The award honors his contributions to cardiovascular medicine and scientific research.
A study suggests that the powerhouse-pruning protein Drp1 plays a crucial role in generating energy for new blood vessel growth, particularly under low oxygen conditions. When oxygen levels are low, Drp1 gets modified to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which enables glycolysis and subsequent cell signaling.
The study found significant improvements in blood flow through the heart and quality of life at one year, with all 36 patients achieving a reduction in tricuspid regurgitation severity. Longer follow-up is needed to determine how well the device continues to perform.
Researchers found that AI-enhanced diagnosis helps doctors accurately detect fetal congenital heart disease, with fellows making the most accurate diagnoses. The new system uses graphical charts to represent the AI's analysis of ultrasound videos, improving accuracy and trust among medical professionals.
A Cleveland Clinic-led trial found that an experimental 'gene silencing' therapy significantly reduced blood levels of lipoprotein(a), a key driver of heart disease risk, by up to 96%-98%. The therapy targets the gene responsible for Lp(a) production and has shown strong efficacy with no major safety concerns reported.
Researchers found that SLN360, an experimental siRNA therapy, significantly reduced blood levels of lipoprotein(a), a lesser-known driver of heart disease risk. Participants who received higher doses saw their lipoprotein(a) levels drop by up to 98% and remained lower even after five months.
Researchers found smokers have significantly lower A1AT levels, which may reduce cardiac tissue protection during a heart attack. No difference was detected in hypertensive and non-hypertensive individuals.
The trial evaluated the use of mavacamten as an alternative to heart surgery or alcohol septal ablation for treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Findings showed significant reduction in left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient and improvements in quality-of-life measures.
A new study suggests that dramatic swings in food intake can have long-term impacts on cardiovascular health and metabolism. Researchers found that rats who experienced cycles of weight loss and gain had reduced heart and kidney function, as well as increased insulin resistance.
The new ACC/AHA/HFSA guideline redefines heart failure stages to focus on prevention, updating treatment options for people with symptomatic heart failure. It recommends blood pressure control, SGLT-2 inhibitor medicines, and healthy lifestyle habits to prevent HF risk factors from developing.
Researchers investigate how mushrooms improve gut health and provide a preventive buffer against disease in Western-style diets. The study aims to understand the role of Turicibacter in dietary obesity and gut health, as well as the potential benefits of incorporating oyster mushrooms into diet.
A study of over 365,000 adults found that people who survive an ischemic stroke are more likely to develop major heart complications and have an increased risk of death and future strokes. Researchers highlight the importance of secondary prevention efforts for this high-risk population.
Cedars-Sinai researchers created a clinical risk assessment algorithm that identifies patients at highest risk of treatable sudden cardiac arrest. The algorithm, based on 13 clinical, electrocardiogram, and echocardiographic variables, has the potential to enhance prevention and treatment options for this fatal condition.
A large prospective study found a positive association between higher avocado consumption and lower cardiovascular events. Avocados contain healthy fats and other favorable components that support good cardiovascular health.
Research suggests that physically active individuals experience a milder form of COVID-19, with a reduced risk of hospitalization and death. Studies have found that physical activity can prolong vaccine effectiveness and boost the immune response, offering promising avenues for future research.
Researchers at UConn Health found that deleting TRPM2 from macrophages in mice reduced atherosclerosis by inhibiting the TRPM2–CD36 inflammatory axis. This approach prevented foamy macrophages and alleviated inflammation in arteries.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a decline in ischemic stroke presentations and treatments in Alberta, with more out-of-hospital stroke deaths. Researchers attribute the decrease to hospital avoidance during the pandemic.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that increasing chaperone-mediated autophagy activity can prevent atherosclerosis by protecting macrophages and smooth muscle cells from damage. The study suggests that boosting CMA could be an effective strategy for curbing atherosclerosis and halting its progression, particular...
A randomized controlled study found that lack of sufficient sleep increased calorie intake and visceral fat area by 9% and 11%, respectively. The study suggests that inadequate sleep is a previously unrecognized trigger for visceral fat deposition, potentially contributing to obesity and metabolic diseases.
The Experimental Biology (EB) 2022 meeting features live presentations and a moderated Q&A session on groundbreaking studies. The virtual press conference reveals potential treatments for Parkinson's disease, COVID-19 vaccine-associated side effects, and alleviating food allergies.
A new study by the American College of Cardiology reveals that exercise nearly doubles the cardiovascular benefit for individuals with depression or anxiety. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by up to 22% in those with anxiety and depression, compared to 10% for those without these con...
A study finds that extreme heat is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular mortality, particularly among men and non-Hispanic Black adults. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,100 counties in the US and found that each additional day of extreme heat was linked to an average of 600-700 additional deaths per year.
A study found that 42% of TikTok videos on high blood pressure focused on alternative medicine, while only 5% mentioned exercise. Most creators were not healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for more emphasis on credible sources.
A study found that living near high levels of transportation noise increases the risk of heart attack by 72%, with 5% of hospitalizations attributable to elevated noise levels. Noise exposure can cause chronic stress, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress, leading to cardiovascular health issues.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found a direct and significant relationship between the number of fires fought by firefighters and the risk of developing irregular heart rhythms, specifically atrial fibrillation. The analysis revealed that for every additional 5 fires fought annually, the r...
Researchers found that women are less likely to undergo common heart procedures and more likely to die in the hospital after receiving them. The study analyzed data from over 2 million hospitalizations for heart procedures between 2016 and 2019, revealing significant disparities in treatment and outcomes based on sex and race.
A study found that female principal investigators led fewer trials and those funded by industry sponsors, but more trials led by women were associated with higher enrollment of female subjects. This highlights the need for increased female representation in clinical trial leadership.
Researchers at CNIC discover that bone marrow activation is an early event in the development of atherosclerosis, leading to inflammation and plaque formation. The study identifies metabolic syndrome as a key trigger for this process.
A comprehensive literature review found that consuming plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rich in walnuts and flaxseeds can lower cardiovascular disease risk by 10% and fatal coronary heart disease risk by 20%. ALA may also benefit heart health when combined with other omega-3s.