A global validation study led by NYU Langone Health confirms the accuracy of the American Heart Association's PREVENT tool in predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk for diverse populations. The tool, which considers kidney health and albuminuria levels, was found to be highly effective in identifying patients at high CVD risk.
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.
Advances in pediatric heart care have increased survival rates, but a shortage of donor hearts means many children still die waiting. Experts urge a shift from 'perfect' donor hearts to carefully selected organs and technological innovations to expand the donor pool.
Researchers are using space-based experiments to develop new methods for protecting and repairing heart tissue, with the goal of creating more robust tissue engineering techniques. By studying the effects of microgravity on heart tissue, scientists hope to identify new targets for therapy and improve patient outcomes.
Experts at ISHLT's annual meeting explored how countries allocate heart transplants, with a focus on balancing competing priorities like saving the sickest patients and ensuring fairness. The discussion highlighted key differences in global allocation schemes, including France's data-driven model, which aims to prioritize patients base...
Partial heart transplantation replaces only defective valves and related structures, eliminating need for repeat replacements. This procedure can provide thousands of additional valve transplants annually, benefiting young patients worldwide.
Researchers found that people with severe obesity and heart failure have weakened heart muscles, which can be reversed through weight loss. The study identified a chemical change in a protein called troponin I as the underlying cause of this condition.
A new global allocation system is being proposed to address inequities in organ allocation for heart transplants. The proposal aims to reduce disparities and ensure no viable donor heart goes unused globally.
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.
A recent review highlights how AI enables precision treatment, continuous monitoring and individualized prognostic modeling for heart failure patients. AI integrates large-scale structured electronic health records and multimodal imaging to characterize cardiac structure and function, enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
A randomized trial demonstrated that Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) is an effective strategy for cardiac resynchronisation in patients with heart failure. LBBAP was found to reduce device-related complications and procedure times compared to biventricular pacing.
Individuals with screening-detected atrial fibrillation have a threefold increased risk of developing heart failure compared to those without AF. The incidence of HF was diagnosed early after AF detection, emphasizing the importance of identifying and treating HF in patients with AF.
Combining resistance training and aerobic exercises significantly enhances aerobic fitness, muscle strength, and walking distance in heart failure patients. Adding resistance training to aerobic workouts increases muscle strength more than exercising aerobically alone.
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.
A post hoc analysis of the Finerenone Trial reveals that sudden death in heart failure was often preceded by modest worsening of symptoms and declining quality of life. The study suggests limited specificity for sudden death among other modes of death, implying a complex trajectory before modes of death.
The EMPEROR-Preserved risk model demonstrated good performance in the FINEARTS-HF trial, showing that baseline risk does not modify the relative treatment effect of finerenone. Finerenone has been shown to have a significant benefit for heart failure patients.
A new study finds that heart failure and atrial fibrillation share similar genetic and molecular mechanisms, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of these two conditions. The research reveals that the pathological response involves multiple cell types communicating with each other, leading to a fundamental shift in how atrial fibril...
A study of over 25,300 participants found that consuming a high amount of dietary salt (4,200mg/day) increases the risk of new-onset heart failure by 15%. Reducing sodium intake could lead to a significant reduction in heart failure cases and deaths.
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.
A new 4D digital heart model has been shown to improve patient outcomes in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for heart failure. The model, developed at the University of Calgary, enables personalized pacemaker placement, leading to a 10.8% increase in heart function compared to standard care.
A new AI-powered method predicts peak oxygen consumption with high accuracy, identifying high-risk patients with advanced heart failure. The study's multi-modal model uses cardiac ultrasound images and electronic health records to detect this critical measure.
A new study reveals that prior authorization requirements for heart failure medications can significantly delay pharmacy fills, particularly for those with lower socioeconomic status or Medicaid insurance. The study found that patients with prior authorization prescriptions took three times as long to fill their ARNI prescriptions and ...
Researchers at Rice University developed a CRISPR-based technique that increases mitochondrial production in heart cells, improving energy levels and pumping contractions. The system successfully boosted mitochondrial function in human cell types, animal models, and adult human heart donor tissue.
A new study by Cleveland Clinic and Dyania Health demonstrates the potential of large language models in accurately identifying patients who could benefit from clinical research. The AI system reviewed 1,476 patients and identified 46 as potential matches, resulting in a more diverse patient population.
A study published in European Heart Journal found that nearly half of hospitalised heart failure patients are readmitted within a year, with the risk of death also remaining high. Patients with severely reduced heart function face the highest risk, highlighting the need for careful follow-up and tailored care.
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 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 recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that oral semaglutide has a potential benefit in reducing heart failure events among people with type 2 diabetes and existing heart failure. The data support the use of oral semaglutide as a treatment option for these patients.
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.
A new study from Uppsala University reveals a substantial increase in cardiomyopathy diagnoses in Sweden between 2004 and 2023, associated with high excess mortality rates. The study highlights the need for improved detection and targeted treatments to address this growing public health concern.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to estimate blood oxygen levels in heart failure patients using standard cardiac MRI. This breakthrough could spare thousands from undergoing risky tube procedures, allowing for safer and more frequent monitoring.
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.
Researchers at University of California San Diego discover gene therapy restoring connexin-43 improves heart function and extends survival in several forms of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The approach may have broader therapeutic potential across multiple genetic forms of the disease, addressing a critical unmet need.
Researchers identify circulating extracellular vesicles produced in diseased kidneys as the culprit behind toxicity in the heart. The discovery could lead to the development of a blood test to identify patients at high risk for serious heart problems and novel treatments to prevent and treat heart failure.
Researchers have shown that human hearts can regrow muscle cells after a heart attack, paving the way for new treatments to reverse heart failure. The discovery was made possible by pioneering techniques that use living tissue samples taken from patients during bypass surgery.
A study of 800+ US hospitals and 700,000 patients reveals disparities in care among Asian American subgroups. Filipino and Vietnamese patients are least likely to receive guideline-recommended heart failure care.
Researchers discovered that inhibiting a protein called RBM20 can improve heart filling and flexibility in mice with heart failure. The study also found positive impacts on energy metabolism, mitochondrial function, antioxidant balance, and blood flow.
Adults born with heart defects are at increased risk of cardiac complications as they age. The new guideline provides recommendations for monitoring, counseling, and treating Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), including mental health assessment and physical activity guidance. It also emphasizes the importance of access to ongoing speciali...
A $25M study will enroll 18,000 adults at high risk of heart disease and track their progress using smartphone fitness trackers. The trial aims to prove that increasing physical activity can prevent heart attacks and strokes.
A new study found that calcium accumulation in breast arteries and its progression on mammograms can predict future cardiovascular disease. Women with more severe calcification and those whose calcification worsened over time had a higher risk of heart-related events, such as heart attack, stroke, and death.
Researchers at SwRI and Trinity University are working on a new prodrug to mitigate ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), which causes permanent cellular and tissue damage. The team aims to protect against IRI by targeting protein misfolding during cellular stress.
Researchers at Penn State are developing a small, durable ventricular assist device (VAD) specifically designed for young children with heart failure. The PSU Child VAD aims to provide long-term support while waiting for a heart transplant, improving quality of life and outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a bacterial enzyme called zmpB that can cause fatal heart complications in people infected with pneumonia. The enzyme potentiates the invasion of Streptococcus pneumoniae into the heart, leading to damage and potentially life-threatening outcomes.
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-...
A large study found that people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of sudden cardiac death, particularly in younger adults. The research also showed that sudden cardiac death contributes to shorter life expectancy for those with diabetes.
Recent trials have shown that catheter-based procedures can match the long-term results of open-heart surgery in relatively healthy patients with valvular disease. These procedures offer life-saving options to people too frail for open-heart surgery and are expected to bring more upcoming trials to New Brunswick.
Researchers tracked 120 older veterans taking gabapentinoids and loop diuretics, finding that only 4 doctors correctly identified the gabapentinoids as the cause of leg swelling. The study highlights the dangers of 'prescribing cascades' and emphasizes the need for regular monitoring and alternative treatment options.
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.
A new online calculator uses percentiles to help younger adults forecast their risk of a heart event over the next 30 years. The tool calculates a person's 30-year risk of developing heart disease using common health measures, such as blood pressure and cholesterol.
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.
SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 12, 2025
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.
Researchers found that an earlier blood transfusion may reduce the risk of heart failure and irregular heartbeat in adults with heart disease. The study suggests that waiting until hemoglobin levels are low before transfusing blood may not be the best strategy for high-risk patients.
A new study found that standard medical care, including blood thinners, is the better choice for older people with irregular heart rhythms who are at high risk of stroke and bleeding. The catheter-based procedure was non-inferior to medical therapy in reducing stroke risk but caused more bleeding in higher-risk patients.
The study suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors can benefit patients with varying levels of kidney function and albuminuria. Routine use of these medications may lead to improved kidney outcomes across different patient groups.
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 comprehensive analysis of 70,000 participants across 10 trials found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression by 38% and slowed eGFR decline by 51%. The treatment was beneficial for all levels of kidney function and albuminuria levels, particularly in reducing hospitalizations.
The new approach uses lab-grown heart tissue made from reprogrammed adult stem cells, delivered through a tiny incision. In preclinical testing, the stem cell patch restored heart function and improved healing, offering a new way to repair damaged hearts.
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...