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Improving heart health may not be enough to protect against Alzheimer’s disease

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.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 23, 2026

ACC/AHA issue updated guideline for managing lipids, cholesterol

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...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 13, 2026

Physical function is a crucial predictor of survival after heart failure

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.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 20, 2026

Telehealth in cardiovascular care

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.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalHeart Lung and Circulation·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 16, 2026

Low-carb and low-fat diets associated with lower heart disease risk if rich in high-quality, plant-based foods, low in animal products

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.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Healthy versions of low-carb and low-fat diets linked to better cardiovascular and metabolic health

A new study found that versions of both diet patterns emphasizing healthy foods are associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that focusing on overall diet quality may offer flexibility for individuals to choose eating patterns that align with their preferences while still supporting heart health.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 11, 2026

Family Heart Foundation teams up with former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck to launch “tackle cholesterol™: Get into the LDL Safe Zone®”

The Family Heart Foundation, led by Matt Hasselbeck, aims to educate Americans about the risks of high LDL cholesterol and its connection to early heart disease. The campaign promotes free at-home screenings and offers support for individuals to protect themselves and their families from cardiovascular disease.

FAU study links ultra-processed foods to greater heart attack, stroke risk

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are associated with a 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that those consuming high amounts of UPFs had a significant increase in heart attack and stroke ...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 5, 2026

UT Health San Antonio researchers lead American Heart Association scientific statement on early recognition, intervention for post-stroke spasticity

Post-stroke spasticity affects an estimated 30-80% of stroke survivors, causing abnormal muscle tightness and involuntary spasms. Earlier diagnosis and timely intervention may improve functional outcomes and reduce long-term disability, according to the new scientific statement.

Heart damage is common after an operation and often goes unnoticed, but patients who see a cardiologist may be less likely to die or suffer heart disease as a result

Researchers found that patients seen by cardiologists had lower mortality rates and fewer serious heart problems, including heart attack, sudden failure, or irregular heartbeat. The study suggests close teamwork between surgical and heart teams can improve outcomes after major surgery.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 29, 2026

Being a night owl may increase your heart risk

Middle-aged and older adults who were more active in the evenings had poorer cardiovascular health compared to their peers who were more active during the day. This study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that evening chronotypes are associated with behaviors that can affect cardiovascular health, such ...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 28, 2026

Inflammation and autoimmune-like dysfunction may play a role in heart failure

A recent study from Penn State College of Medicine researchers found that helper T cells, typically involved in fighting infections, become overly activated in failing human hearts, causing damage. The activation of these T cells highlights the impact of inflammation and immune dysfunction in heart failure.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2026

UC Irvine and Jefferson Health researchers find differences between two causes of heart valve narrowing

Researchers found structural and functional differences between mitral annular calcification and rheumatic mitral stenosis, which may lead to inaccurate diagnoses and treatment. The study suggests using disease-specific diagnostic criteria and management guidelines for patients with MAC-related stenosis.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJan 22, 2026

Healthy aging 2026: fresh pork in plant-forward diets supported strength and brain-health biomarkers in older adults

An 18-week study found that maintaining grip strength and chair-rise performance alongside weight loss was possible without a prescribed strength-training program, alongside improvements in biomarkers linked to metabolic and cognitive aging. A plant-forward diet featuring fresh lean pork supported healthy-aging markers in older adults.

SourceNational Pork Board·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 15, 2026

Korea University study mimics heart mechanics in organoids using three-dimensional magnetic torque

A Korea University study successfully mimics heart mechanics in organoids using three-dimensional magnetic torque, enhancing cardiac differentiation, maturation, and vascularization. This breakthrough could improve drug safety testing by providing more accurate human-relevant models for cardiotoxicity screening.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalActa Biomaterialia·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

Right blood pressure drug can reduce healthcare costs

A new study found that choosing ARB drugs from the start can lead to better adherence and improved cardiovascular health. The study, which analyzed data from 340,000 patients, showed that ARB treatment resulted in fewer side effects and higher persistence rates compared to other drug classes.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 22, 2025

Stress-related brain signals drive risk of cardiovascular disease in people with depression and anxiety

A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that patients with depression are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to stress-related brain activity, nervous system dysregulation, and chronic inflammation. The study also suggests that addressing chronic stress, anxiety, or depression is crucial for heart health.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2025

Can intimate relationships affect your heart? New study says ‘yes’

A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that strong and supportive relationships can improve heart health for individuals with cardiovascular disease. The review highlights the need to include intimate partners in cardiac rehabilitation programs to support long-term heart health and quality of life.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 16, 2025

Gum disease may be linked to plaque buildup in arteries, higher risk of major CVD events

New research from the American Heart Association finds a strong association between gum disease and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and cardiometabolic health conditions. The study suggests that effective prevention and treatment of gum disease could potentially decrease the burden of cardiov...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateDec 16, 2025

AI model helps diagnose often undetected heart disease from simple EKG

Researchers developed an AI model that can detect coronary microvascular dysfunction using a common electrocardiogram, outperforming previous models in diagnostic tasks. The model can accurately identify a condition often missed in emergency department visits, providing a cost-effective and non-invasive way to diagnose serious heart co...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNEJM AI·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 2025

Uterine fibroids linked to elevated heart disease risk

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has found that women with uterine fibroids are at an elevated risk of heart disease. The research, which analyzed data from over 450,000 women, suggests that fibroids may serve as a marker for identifying women at increased cardiovascular risk.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 10, 2025

Increased risk of severe bacterial infection after high teenage BMI

A new study from the University of Gothenburg has found that high teenage BMI and poor physical fitness are associated with a higher risk of developing severe bacterial infections in adulthood. The study, which followed over 44,000 men for three decades, shows that even at high normal weight, individuals are already at increased risk.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 9, 2025

Experts call for AED placement on every commercial aircraft to boost in-flight cardiac arrest survival rates from 6% to up to 70%

In-flight cardiac arrest is a rare yet catastrophic event that claims up to 86% of air fatalities. Implementing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on board could significantly boost survival rates from 6% to up to 70%. The authors recommend standardized CPR protocols training, telemedicine integration, and mandatory AED placement.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 3, 2025

New Family Heart Foundation study finds only 13% of adults with cardiovascular disease achieve comprehensive LDL-C management

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that only 13% of US adults with cardiovascular disease met optimal LDL-C management, highlighting significant gaps between guideline recommendations and clinical care. The study suggests actionable steps to improve adherence, including increased use of non-...

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 3, 2025