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 recent USF study found that smoking cannabis and consuming omega-6 enriched processed foods compromises the immune system, leading to weakened heart function and increased inflammation. The combination can weaken the body's defense mechanism, making it harder for the heart to repair damage caused by inhaling cannabis.
A mouse study by University of California, Riverside scientists suggests microplastic exposure may accelerate the development of atherosclerosis in males. The study found microplastics dramatically worsened plaque buildup in male mice, but not females.
Researchers found that eating a Mediterranean diet with moderate portions of lean beef did not increase blood levels of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), an emerging indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. This suggests that dietary quality is more important than the amount of beef eaten in relation to heart health.
Dental teams can identify hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk through blood pressure screenings in routine care visits. The American Heart Association's Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative provides standard blood pressure screening and referral guides, empowering dentists to connect patients with primary care.
Researchers found that a plant-based diet prevented the development of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) and reversed established CMD in hypertensive rats. The diet improved function of blood vessel cells, counteracting the damaging effects of hypertension.
A Cochrane review found that low-dose colchicine reduced heart attacks and strokes in people with a history of heart disease or stroke. The study involved nearly 23,000 participants and showed that taking colchicine could prevent about two of each heart attack and stroke among those with cardiovascular disease.
A new genetic risk score combines rare and common gene variants with non-coding genome information to predict arrhythmia risk. This comprehensive framework can be applied to other genetically influenced diseases like cancer and Parkinson's Disease.
A recent study found that adults with heart disease who took vitamin D doses tailored to their individual needs reduced their risk of another heart attack by more than half. The study also showed that supplementation appeared beneficial for preventing heart attack specifically.
Sanjay Rajagopalan, a leading expert in cardiovascular medicine, has been recognized for his pioneering work on the impact of environmental risk factors on heart health. His research has informed public health policies worldwide and led to new understanding of how air pollution affects cardiovascular health.
A new study found that adding a PCSK9 inhibitor to a high-intensity cholesterol-lowering regimen reduced the risk of a first major cardiovascular event among adults with ASCVD or diabetes. The study suggests long-term lowering with PCSK9 inhibitors can improve cardiovascular morbidity and mortality over time.
A new study found that a polypill combining medications for heart failure improved heart function, symptoms, and quality of life. Adults with reduced ejection fraction heart failure who took the combined medication had fewer hospitalizations and greater medication adherence than those taking individual pills.
A new study found that providing healthy, medically tailored meals and fresh produce boxes along with nutrition counseling can improve the quality of life for people with heart failure. The 90-day trial showed significant benefits compared to dietary counseling without food delivery.
Using stress cardiac MRI testing to measure blood flow around the heart appears to improve diagnosis and patient quality of life for people with suspected angina. The test can help identify small vessel problems that may be causing chest pain, which are often under-recognized in women and other groups.
A study of 40,000 patients found that those with no coronary artery calcium have lower risk of death from all causes, including non-cardiac medical conditions. Patients with any level of CAC are 2-3 times more likely to die than those without CAC.
The American College of Cardiology and OpenEvidence are collaborating to integrate AI technology into clinical workflows, enhancing patient care and outcomes. The partnership aims to translate scientific discovery into clinical implementation, providing clinicians with timely and accurate medical evidence.
A new study reveals that a large gap between two common kidney function tests may indicate future disease, particularly among older adults. The research found that over a third of hospitalized participants had a significant difference in their creatinine and cystatin C readings, which can predict serious health problems.
A new study estimates that about 14% of adults worldwide have chronic kidney disease, with 1.5 million deaths in 2023. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent severe interventions like dialysis and transplantation.
A recent study found that fewer than half of young adults with severely high cholesterol levels start taking a statin within five years of first high LDL-C measurement. The study highlights significant care gaps in lipid management among adults aged 18-39, particularly those at high risk for premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular dis...
Researchers identified 15 bacterial species linked to CAD, including strains of friendly bacteria that can turn harmful. The study suggests that microbes play a critical role in the development and progression of CAD through inflammation, metabolic imbalance, and other pathways.
A study published in the Chinese Medical Journal identified GSTP1 as a key regulator that blocks JNK-driven ferroptosis, providing protection against DOX-induced cardiomyopathy. Overexpression of GSTP1 inhibited ferroptosis and improved DOX-induced heart injury.
The American Heart Association has named five finalists in its Health Tech Competition to present innovative solutions for cardiovascular conditions. The selected companies will showcase their technologies during the 2025 Scientific Sessions, where a panel of expert judges will evaluate their presentations.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that accurately diagnosed multiple structural heart diseases from single-lead ECG sensors on smartwatches. The algorithm was trained on over 266,000 12-lead ECG recordings and prospectively validated in a real-world setting.
A preliminary study found that low-dose aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, among adults with Type 2 diabetes. The analysis of 11,500 individuals over 10 years showed that consistent aspirin use led to significant reductions in cardiovascular event rates.
A study found a nearly linear relationship between nighttime light exposure and an increased risk of heart disease. The research suggests that reducing exposure to excessive artificial light at night can counteract the effects and may be a public health concern.
Researchers found that combining three biomarkers – lipoprotein(a), remnant cholesterol, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein – can reveal a nearly three-fold increase in heart attack risk. This combination approach may aid health care professionals in identifying individuals with high-risk profiles earlier.
Cardiac rehabilitation significantly improves short and long-term recovery for heart surgery patients, but women participate less than men due to barriers such as lower referral rates, clinician bias, and caregiving responsibilities. The American Heart Association scientific statement calls for targeted interventions to improve enrollm...
A cohort study found that poor olfaction is associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease in older adults. The study suggests that assessing olfaction may be an important factor in identifying individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease.
A new resource identifies genetic variants associated with elevated 'bad' cholesterol, a major contributor to heart disease. Clinicians can now predict patient risk for heart attacks and strokes, allowing for prevention and early treatment.
Research found acute and chronic viral infections increase risk of heart attacks and strokes, while long-term risks persist for HIV, hepatitis C, and herpes zoster. Vaccination measures, including flu shots, can reduce cardiovascular disease risk by 34%.
A large international study found that utilizing sirolimus-eluting balloons with bailout stenting only if necessary was noninferior to routine DES implantation for treating de novo coronary artery disease. The results showed comparable outcomes, including low rates of cardiac death and target vessel myocardial infarction.
A study found that super-high-pressure non-compliant balloons (NCB) are non-inferior to IVL balloon catheters for lesion preparation and stent expansion in severely calcified lesions. The results showed similar safety profiles and efficacy across various patient subgroups.
The study found that cutting balloon angioplasty is noninferior to intravascular lithotripsy in treating calcified coronary artery disease. The procedure is also less costly, making it a reasonable strategy for managing significantly calcified lesions.
The merger strengthens CRF's leadership in medtech, integrating Fogarty's expertise in early-stage innovation. The unified platform will accelerate breakthroughs into patient care, driving global progress in cardiovascular medicine.
A study found that longer accumulations of steps in one go have a greater health benefit than short bouts spread out across the day. Walking continuously for 10-15 minutes per day was associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.
A new sirolimus-eluting balloon has been shown to be noninferior to traditional treatments for in-stent restenosis. The study, presented at TCT 2025, found the balloon to be safe and effective for treating ISR without adding extra layers of stents.
A new study published in TCT 2025 reveals that at least 4.7 million people aged 65-85 living in the US have moderate or greater valvular heart disease (VHD), and at least 10.6 million have clinically significant VHD. The prevalence of VHD increases with advanced age, highlighting the need for screening and treatment programs.
Researchers at McMaster University found that simpler blood vessels increase cardiovascular disease risk and signs of biological aging. The study identified potential drug targets, including proteins MMP12 and IgG–Fc receptor IIb.
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) has announced the 2025 SET-10 Rankings, honoring institutions whose groundbreaking research is shaping the future of cardiovascular care. The rankings recognize academic and medical institutions that are advancing the science and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed novel nanomaterials to combat myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, demonstrating significant cardioprotective effects in preclinical models. These nanoplatforms improve drug enrichment efficiency and reduce systemic toxicity, showing considerable clinical translation prospects.
A large-scale cohort study found that stopping drinking even at low levels can lead to clinically meaningful reductions in blood pressure. Researchers analyzed data from over 359,000 adults and discovered that quantity of alcohol intake is the primary driver of blood pressure changes.
A new study published in The Lancet found that semaglutide, a 'weight loss' drug, can help prevent heart attacks and other major cardiac events, regardless of the amount of weight people lose. The study suggests there are multiple ways the drug benefits the heart, beyond its protective effect on cardiovascular health.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that daily step counts of 4,000 or more are associated with a 26% lower mortality risk and 27% lower cardiovascular disease risk in older women. The study suggests that even sporadic high-intensity exercise can have significant health benefits.
The American Heart Association found that nearly 9 in 10 US adults haven't heard of CKM syndrome, a condition affecting heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and obesity. The association is providing resources to help people understand the connection between heart, kidney, and metabolic health.
Christopher Chen, a renowned biomedical engineer, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine for his groundbreaking contributions to cell and tissue engineering. His research may lead to lifesaving new treatments for disease, including heart attack cures and organ repairs.
A new study published by King's College London and Maastricht University found that industrially processed hard fats commonly used in margarines and spreads are unlikely to have a significant impact on heart health when consumed in moderate amounts. The research suggests that interesterified fats, which are rich in either palmitic acid...
Dr. Amit Khera, a leading expert in preventive cardiology, will receive the 2025 Chairman’s Award for his groundbreaking clinical studies and contributions to the field of cardiovascular risk assessment. He is recognized for his tireless efforts to strengthen the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions.
Researchers developed a new model to predict risk of subsequent cardiovascular events in patients with ASCVD, outperforming current guidelines. The novel scoring tools use readily available clinical factors and blood assays, enabling easier, faster clinical translation.
A study by the American College of Cardiology reveals that heart disease mortality is on the rise in California, with low-income communities bearing a disproportionate burden. The study found significant disparities in cardiovascular disease burden across counties, with high rates of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes associated with ...
Dr. Emelia Benjamin will receive the award for her sustained record of excellence in teaching and mentoring early- and mid-career clinicians and researchers. Her research focuses on atrial fibrillation, mobile health, inflammation, and chronic pain.
A new study reveals that Veterans are disproportionately using all commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The study found that Veterans had a higher risk for former and current tobacco use, as well as multiple product use, posing significant health risks.
A study found that US-born individuals have a higher cardiovascular disease risk than foreign-born counterparts, especially those living in the US for over 15 years. Foreign-born adults face increased risks of diabetes and hypercholesterolemia with prolonged US residency.
The American Heart Association has acquired the Cardiometabolic Center Alliance program, strengthening efforts to provide holistic management of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health. This partnership aims to expand patient-centered care and improve outcomes for patients with cardiometabolic disease.
The CityUHK team is developing two core therapeutic medicines using state-of-the-art DNA surgery technology to treat liver and cardiovascular genetic diseases. Their approach offers a durable and long-lasting solution, eliminating the need for repeated medications.
A large-scale study analyzing health records for over 9 million adults in South Korea and nearly 7,000 people in the U.S. found that more than 99% had at least one risk factor before their first cardiac event. High blood pressure was the most common culprit, affecting over 95% of patients.
The American College of Cardiology has released a scientific statement on inflammation and its connection to various cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and heart failure. The statement confirms years of research confirming the importance of inflammation as an underlying contributor to CVDs.
A new study found that AI tool accurately captures details in just three minutes from a body scan, highlighting the potential of using AI to repurpose data from routine scans. Visceral adipose tissue volume and fat deposits in muscle are strongly associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk.
A recent study found that testing for lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor for heart disease, is still uncommon in the US despite modest increases over the past decade. The study analyzed 300 million patient records and found that only 0.2% of the population has been tested, with significant regional and racial disparities
The latest Global Burden of Disease study reveals a significant increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden worldwide, with CVD causing one in three deaths globally. The report estimates that 79.6% of all CVD deaths are attributable to modifiable risk factors, which has increased globally by 97.4 million since 1990.
A multidisciplinary panel published in the Journal of Pediatrics advocates for accelerated diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia, a life-threatening genetic condition. Universal lipid screening is recommended to identify affected children at high risk of heart disease decades earlier than those without the condition.
A review of hundreds of studies found a link between childhood plastic exposure and long-term health concerns like heart disease, obesity, and asthma. Parents can take simple steps to limit their children's plastic exposure, such as replacing plastic containers with glass or stainless steel.