A recent NIH-supported study found that Black adults treated at advanced heart failure centers received potentially life-changing therapies, such as transplants and heart pumps, about half as often as white adults due to racial bias. The researchers also suggest that unconscious bias and overt racism may be driving these disparities.
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine found that many reasons clinicians reject transplantation in cannabis users have no scientific basis. They identified areas where more research is needed, including interactions between cannabis and immunosuppressants.
A study found that in people with significant kidney disease, psoriasis does not increase the risk of heart attack. After controlling for other risk factors, researchers found no association between psoriasis and heart attacks in patients with end-stage renal disease.
A new study found that soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels are significantly higher in patients with heart failure, predicting both heart failure and death. When combined with traditional measures like BNP, suPAR's predictive ability increases.
A global study found that cardiovascular disease risk factors are largely the same for men and women, except for high LDL levels which affect men more. Women have a lower risk of heart attack and stroke due to their estrogen's effect on vessel walls and liver function.
A national study found that patients with cardiovascular disease had a higher mortality rate than those without, but this association was largely due to shared risk factors. Myocardial injury was common among critically ill COVID-19 patients and associated with poor outcomes.
Children with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia are diagnosed earlier and have higher untreated LDL-C levels than adults, while those not identified early miss out on decades of life-saving treatment. This study emphasizes the need for universal screening to identify children with HoFH or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
A team of scientists will lead a Phase III trial to examine whether a novel physical rehabilitation intervention can reduce rehospitalizations and mortality in patients hospitalized for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The REHAB-HF program involves strength, balance, endurance, and mobility training exercises tai...
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to assess retinal vasculature, predicting cardiovascular disease and death. The model captured half to two-thirds of circulatory disease deaths in those most at risk, outperforming traditional risk frameworks.
The Leducq Foundation has awarded $7.5 million to UVA researchers, led by Mete Civelek, to investigate sex differences in atherosclerosis and $8 million to Coleen McNamara to advance immunotherapy for cardiovascular disease. These projects aim to improve understanding of heart disease and develop new treatments.
A collaborative home-based palliative care model has been shown to improve health care outcomes for adults with chronic heart failure. The study found that patients who received this care were less likely to die in the hospital and more likely to die at home compared to those who received usual care.
A nationwide study in France found that hot temperatures were closely linked with weight loss in heart failure patients, indicating a worsening of their condition. This association was strong and clinically relevant, prompting recommendations for healthcare professionals to reduce diuretic medication when weight loss occurs.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a super-fast MRI scan that can diagnose patients with heart failure in record time. The new 4D heart MRI scan takes just eight minutes to produce detailed images of the heart valves and blood flow, helping doctors determine the best course of treatment.
Researchers have identified two NLRP sensors, NLRP1 and CARD8, as key players in Coxsackievirus B3-induced heart inflammation. Targeting CARD8 may prevent CVB3 infections from progressing to heart failure. The study provides new insights into the inflammatory response triggered by this common viral cause of viral myocarditis.
A new study has identified a potential prognostic biomarker for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), where patients with higher blood levels of endotrophin are at increased risk of adverse outcomes. The finding could lead to the development of a standard blood test to assess HFpEF patients and guide treatment.
The University of Ottawa-led team aims to bridge the gap between heart and brain health by developing new diagnostic tools and treatments. They will focus on improving patient outcomes for disorders linked to both organs.
A new software application predicts the likelihood that a case of dilated cardiomyopathy has a genetic mutation. The Madrid Genotype Score identifies patients most likely to have inherited the disease, facilitating genetic screening and tailored treatment adjustments.
Studies investigate lifestyle interventions to achieve nutritional ketosis and its impact on chronic illness, sleep, and cardiovascular disease in the military. Researchers aim to understand how ketogenic diet, ketone-based beverages, and their effects on clinical outcomes will benefit soldiers' health.
Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is associated with improved birth outcomes, including lower infant mortality. The review also found that WIC participants are more likely to receive child preventative services, such as vaccines.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that low physical function after age 65 is associated with a greater risk of developing heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. The study used the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test to assess physical function in 5,570 adults over 75 years old.
Scientists have discovered three proteins with therapeutic potential to prevent cardiac damage and preserve cardiac function after a heart attack. The proteins, Chrdl1, Fam3c, and Fam3b, were identified through an innovative technology called FunSel that screens human proteins for protective effects.
A new study from the Smidt Heart Institute shows that when height is accounted for, women are 50% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AFib) than men. The study's findings suggest that medical practitioners must remain vigilant in promoting AFib prevention and early interventions among both female and male patients.
A study published in Circulation found that moderate or vigorous physical activity can lower the risk of developing heart failure. The research, which analyzed data from over 94,000 adults, suggests that increasing physical activity duration and intensity may provide greater protection against heart failure.
The study found that the probability of surviving cardiac arrest outside hospital has more than doubled in 30 years, from approximately 5% to 11%. The improvement is attributed to increased CPR training and better healthcare resources. However, ambulance delays and an increase in difficult-to-treat cases are hindering further progress.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum is an intensive summit bringing together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and drive innovation in medtech. The agenda features interdisciplinary perspectives on unmet clinical needs, financing, regulatory policy, and evolving healthcare delivery models.
Researchers at Temple University hospital found that maternal-fetal mortality can be reduced to zero through patient-tailored management of right heart function prior to delivery. Women with pulmonary hypertension who received specialized care had excellent outcomes, with 100% survival for mothers and infants.
Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and heart failure, can profoundly affect quality of life. The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of tracking symptoms to detect changes and progression.
A new study provides critical insights into the pGC-A membrane receptor, a vital component of cardiovascular regulation. The research offers a clearer understanding of this complex receptor and its signaling mechanisms, paving the way for new anti-hypertensive drugs.
Researchers mapped specific gene variants to their effects on cardiac cells, revealing unique responses to different mutations. This study provides insights into the development of precision-targeted interventions for dilated cardiomyopathy and other genetic heart diseases.
Researchers discovered distinct genetic mutations in heart failure patients, identifying potential targets for personalized treatment and improving patient care. The study's findings hold enormous potential for rethinking how to treat heart failure by understanding its root causes and the mutations that lead to changes in heart function.
A study of over 1.4 million women found that premature menopause is associated with a higher risk of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Women who experienced premature menopause had a 33% higher risk of heart failure and a 9% higher risk of atrial fibrillation compared to those without a history of premature menopause.
A new study reveals racial and gender disparities in access to life-saving heart-assisting implants, with Black patients and women facing lower rates of surgery. Despite similar survival rates, the findings suggest that unconscious bias may be influencing healthcare provider decisions.
A team of researchers, backed by a £30m grant from the British Heart Foundation, aims to develop the first cures for inherited heart muscle diseases using ultra-precise gene therapy technologies. They plan to deploy CRISPR technology to correct or silence faulty genes, potentially delivering an injectable cure within years.
A study of 12,000 Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure at risk for requiring a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) found racial and sex disparities in LVAD access. Adjusting for individual poverty and community-level social determinants of health did not alter the inequity in one-year survival among groups.
Researchers at RCSI University have created a new lab-based model to test devices for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The model enables testing of the left atrium and ventricle, two independently controlled chambers that simulate blood flow during the resting phase.
A Spanish study combines genetic and imaging data to predict patient prognosis, identifying those at risk of malignant arrhythmias or severe complications. The findings open the way for personalized medicine in treating dilated cardiomyopathy.
A pooled data analysis of 11 international studies found that NAFLD is associated with a 50% heightened risk of developing heart failure. The severity of NAFLD also increases the risk, especially with extensive liver fibrosis.
Researchers found that high blood pressure doubles the risk of severe COVID-19 hospitalization even after full vaccination and booster doses. The study analyzed adults hospitalized with Omicron-variant COVID-19 in Los Angeles between December 2021 and April 2022.
A recent study by NHCS researchers found that myocardial fibrosis is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension. The study, which used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), detected heart muscle scarring and quantified fibrosis in over 800 patients with hypertension.
Research suggests that overly restrictive salt intake may worsen outcomes for people with a common form of heart failure, particularly in younger individuals and those of black and other ethnicities. The study found that participants who consumed more salt had a lower risk of hospital admission for heart failure.
Research finds that losing the Y chromosome increases mortality from cardiovascular disease by up to 1.76 times, with a significant link between Y-chromosome loss and fibrosis promoting heart failure. The study also shows that cardiac macrophages without the Y chromosome produce substances that activate fibroblasts, leading to fibrosis.
Researchers found that men who lose their Y chromosome as they age are more likely to experience deadly heart scarring and earlier death. The study suggests an existing drug may help counteract the effects of this loss, potentially leading to longer, healthier lives for affected men.
A long-term study of 3,926 adults with CKD found that higher levels of physical activity reduced the risk of atherosclerotic events, new-onset heart failure, and death. The association was strongest for incident peripheral arterial disease and reinforces current guideline recommendations.
Grieving a close family member can significantly increase stress levels, contributing to poor prognosis in heart failure patients. The study found that bereavement was associated with increased mortality risk, particularly after death of a child or spouse/partner.
Researchers identified key predictors of cardiac sarcoidosis outcomes, including tachycardia, BNP levels, LVEF, and RFCA use. The study found a high risk of fatal ventricular arrhythmia events and heart failure hospitalizations, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and treatment strategies.
The Brigham and Women's Hospital will implement and evaluate an integrated service delivery model (PEN-Plus) for severe chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatic heart disease, in eight low- and lower-middle-income countries. The initiative aims to enable one million of the world's poorest children and you...
A new study by University of Missouri found that Black nursing home residents and those under 65 are significantly more likely to experience repeat hospital transfers. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors including 'full-code' status regarding end-of-life care, comorbidities, and inadequate staffing. The study suggests ...
A new study found that post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for heart failure among patients undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. POAF may be an early marker for heart failure, and its presence could contribute to the development of the condition.
A study of over three million patients found that post-operative atrial fibrillation increases the risk of hospitalization for heart failure. The risk is present regardless of whether surgery was performed for a heart condition, and can be as high as doubling in non-heart-related conditions.
A large study found that adult cancer survivors have a 42% greater risk of cardiovascular disease than those without cancer. The highest risks were seen in breast, lung, colorectal, and hematological/lymphatic cancers, while prostate cancer did not significantly increase the risk.
A recent study published in Open Heart found that heart failure is discussed less frequently in public discourse than conditions like cancer and dementia, with 'heart failure' mentioned just 0.28 times per million words in UK parliamentary debates between 1945 and early 2021.
A multi-institutional study found that a virtual approach can be more efficient than traditional trials, with enrollment being about five times faster. The study showed improved symptoms and health status in patients taking a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) drug.
Research found significant disparities in cardiac rehabilitation participation by race/ethnicity regardless of income. Cardiac rehabilitation programs combine physical activity with counseling to improve recovery after a major cardiovascular event.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine conducted a groundbreaking xenotransplant surgery, implanting a genetically modified pig heart into a 57-year-old patient with terminal heart disease. The patient survived for two months with a strong functioning heart showing no obvious signs of rejection.
A systematic review found that reduced gut microbiome diversity and elevated trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) metabolite levels are associated with increased risk of death and hospital visits in heart failure patients. Further research on the impact of diet and potential interventions is underway.
New technology measures peak velocity of blood flow in the heart accurately, helping doctors diagnose and monitor patients with heart failure. The 4D heart MRI scan provides precise imaging of the heart valves and flow inside the heart, enabling better treatment planning.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that individuals with at least two cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, double their risk of developing dementia. The study suggests that prevention of these diseases could be a strategy for reducing dementia risk.
A study found that US adults receiving hemodialysis with high air pollution exposure have more heart attacks and strokes compared to those with low exposure. The strongest associations were noted among patients who were Asian, older, or had chronic lung disease at dialysis initiation.
Researchers discovered that uncontrolled diabetes increases heart failure risk by 1.5 to 1.8 times in preclinical stages A and B. Early diabetes control can prevent progression to overt heart failure, suggesting a potential lifesaving strategy.
A new PET imaging agent, <sup>68</sup> Ga-FAPI-46, has been shown to predict the severity of cardiac remodeling after a heart attack by identifying active fibrosis. This biomarker has potential to aid in diagnosis and treatment selection for patients with heart failure.