Research on heart failure and its treatment. Covers light exposure, heart-in-a-dish models, microRNA therapy, and surgical interventions.
A study published in Nature Medicine found that AI algorithm 'DeepRhythmAI' outperformed human technicians in analyzing long-term ECG recordings, detecting severe arrhythmias with 14 times fewer missed diagnoses. The AI algorithm achieved near-perfect sensitivity and ruled out severe arrhythmia with 99.9% confidence.
The American Heart Association reports that Black communities face disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and hypertension, leading to poorer survival outcomes. Hands-Only CPR training and heart health education are critical to addressing these disparities and advancing equitable health solutions.
A large genetic dataset and multi-omics approach identified 58 novel drug targets for both heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The study highlights the importance of developing targeted therapies for both subtypes, which have limited therapeutic options.
Researchers at Tampere University developed a new method to detect congestive heart failure using inter-beat intervals measured by smartwatches and heart rate monitors. The accuracy of the method was found to be 90% in distinguishing patients with congestive heart failure from healthy control subjects.
The International Society for Health and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) has re-launched the Global IMACS Registry to collect data on patients with durable mechanical circulatory support devices. The registry aims to advance MCS therapy and improve patient outcomes globally.
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation will host THT 2025, showcasing late-breaking clinical science presentations on transcatheter approaches to managing a wide spectrum of heart failure patients. Four dedicated sessions feature exclusive first-release data from pivotal studies and dynamic discussions on controversies in clinical trials.
A new study from the University of Birmingham found that digoxin is more effective than beta-blockers in reducing adverse events and hospital admissions for older patients with atrial fibrillation. This could lead to significant cost savings for the UK National Health Service, estimated at £102 million per year.
A cross-sectional study found that TV football game food ads are often high in sodium, calories, and fat content. This can pose a risk to adults with pre-existing heart conditions, who may be vulnerable to dietary deviations due to frequent exposure to advertising.
Researchers have identified ALPK2 as a potential therapeutic target for treating heart failure with preserved ejection function (HFpEF). The enzyme is believed to prevent stiff heart conditions through regulating the TPM1 gene. This discovery offers new hope for developing treatment options targeting ALPK2.
The American Heart Association has launched a $3 million initiative to create nationwide education on advanced heart failure treatment options. The goal is to bridge critical gaps in care and improve patient outcomes, particularly for populations with limited access to healthcare resources.
A study of 252 patients who underwent the Ross procedure found that survival rates were 95.8% at 5 years, 94.3% at 10 years, and 90.3% at 20 years. The procedure offers excellent long-term survival rates with low risk of re-intervention, making it an alternative to mechanical valve replacement.
The summit features live case demonstrations, interactive debates, hands-on training, and the latest evidence-based practices in structural heart care. Attendees will witness innovation in action, exploring breakthroughs in surgical techniques, transcatheter interventions, and personalized treatment strategies.
Researchers found that brief ozone exposure reduces blood oxygen saturation, triggers hypoxia-related biomarkers, and increases arterial stiffness. Ozone pollution is a worldwide health issue, linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Research published in the European Heart Journal found that people with high amounts of intermuscular fat are more likely to develop coronary microvascular dysfunction and future serious heart disease. The study's lead author suggests that existing measures of obesity may not be accurate for all individuals, particularly women.
University of Birmingham researchers have been awarded a grant to study the mechanisms driving early cardiac dysfunction in CKD. The study aims to identify interventions that can reverse or prevent heart disease in its earliest stages.
A nationwide cohort study in Korea found that postdiagnosis weight gain is associated with an increased risk of heart failure after breast cancer development. Effective weight intervention can protect cardiovascular health, particularly within the first few years after diagnosis.
Researchers document five cases of parvovirus B19-induced myocarditis in preschoolers from northern Greece, highlighting the virus's unique impact on endothelial cells. The study emphasizes the importance of quick diagnosis and treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity in children.
Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine analyzed the second patient to receive a genetically-modified pig organ, identifying key factors contributing to rejection and highlighting areas for improvement. The study provides valuable insights into how to prevent graft failure in future transplants.
Researchers found that injecting infarcted pig hearts with specially bioengineered cells significantly decreased the infarct area and improved heart function. The therapy worked by stimulating the proliferation of endogenous pig cardiomyocytes, which had previously been unable to divide in adult hearts.
Exposure to triclocarban, a common antibacterial agent, promotes myocardial hypertrophy in human cardiac organoids. The study found that TCC interferes with endothelial cell metabolism, leading to nitrosative stress and inflammation. This new mechanism suggests a potential treatment target for myocardial hypertrophy.
A research team led by a physician-scientist found that artificial heart patients can regenerate heart muscle cells, which may lead to new ways to treat and potentially cure heart failure. The study showed that these patients' hearts regenerate muscle cells at more than six times the rate of healthy hearts.
A new study reveals the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in hospital visits for acute coronary syndrome, particularly among older adults and women. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to ensure access to critical care during future emergencies.
A cross-sectional study found that 15 million US adults have an elevated risk of heart failure (HF), with 4.3 million having low ASCVD risk but high HF risk. The study suggests hypertension control and weight loss as key interventions to reduce HF risk.
Researchers at UCLA Health presented several breakthroughs at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, including improved survival rates for advanced breast cancer patients who receive trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), a novel ADC. Additionally, new genomic testing and circulating tumor DNA analysis may help identify high-risk patients a...
A new gene therapy has reversed the effects of heart failure in a large animal model by increasing blood pumping efficiency and dramatically improving survival rates. The therapy restored critical functions of heart cells and improved heart function on the microscopic level.
The American Heart Association has released its list of top cardiovascular research for 2024, focusing on prevention, treatment and the benefits of anti-obesity medications. The research highlights improvements in assessing cardiovascular risk, identifying early prevention opportunities and treating heart failure.
The American Heart Association has launched a new three-year initiative to standardize HCM systems of care and support better management of the disease. The initiative aims to overcome gaps in care for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, leading to delayed treatment, increased risk of complications, and preventable death.
A new study suggests that using AI-ECG tools to screen patients for low ejection fraction is cost-effective in the long term, especially in outpatient settings. The study found a cost-effectiveness ratio of $1,651 per quality-adjusted life year, indicating that the program can reduce costs over time.
A study found that middle-aged women who engaged in short bursts of vigorous physical activity, such as carrying shopping or power walking, had a significantly lower risk of heart attacks and heart failure. Women who averaged 3.4 minutes of daily activity were 45% less likely to experience a major cardiovascular event.
Researchers assess 20 years of clinical trials for cell therapy's safety and efficacy in treating heart failure, highlighting progress despite challenges. The field continues to evolve through lessons learned from past studies, with ongoing trials taking novel directions.
Researchers found a novel link between aortic stenosis and insulin resistance, with certain biomarkers increasing the risk of the disease. The study's findings suggest that managing metabolic health could be a new approach to reduce the risk of AS and improve cardiovascular health in aging populations.
The Emory University Hospital team successfully implanted the BrioVAD System, a novel magnetically levitated pump designed for patient ease and long-term health. This marks the first-time use of the device in the US, as part of the INNOVATE clinical trial.
A recent study published in Circulation found a correlation between lower levels of coagulation factor XI and an increased risk of heart failure. The research, conducted on two large community-based cohorts, also linked lower factor XI levels to a greater likelihood of atrial fibrillation and worse heart function.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that patients with heart pumps can regenerate heart muscle cells at a rate more than six times higher than in healthy hearts, offering new hope for therapies to stimulate the heart's ability to repair itself after damage.
A recent study published in the SUMMIT trial found that tirzepatide significantly reduced deaths and worsening heart failure in patients with diastolic heart failure and obesity. The drug also led to substantial weight loss and improvements in overall health and quality of life.
Researchers at UVA discovered the heart reacts to viral infections in one of three ways, with specific gene patterns indicating healing or damage. This finding may lead to better treatments for people at risk of heart failure and other chronic conditions linked to viral infections.
Prescription rates of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors increased substantially within 2 years after publication of clinical trial evidence documenting benefit. The study highlights the need to understand strategies used by higher prescribing centers to increase SGLT2i adoption.
Studies published in JACC found that anti-obesity drugs such as tirzepatide and semaglutide improved cardiac structure and function, as well as reduced cardiac risk biomarkers with lifestyle interventions. These findings suggest that these treatments may have a transformative impact on cardiovascular health beyond weight loss.
Researchers found that sacubitril-valsartan, a commonly prescribed heart failure medication, can help prevent heart damage related to chemotherapy treatment among high-risk cancer patients. The study highlights the importance of identifying patients at high risk for heart damage and suggests strategies for early intervention.
A nasal spray form of bumetanide has been found to reduce tissue swelling in heart failure as effectively as standard oral and intravenous formulations. This new treatment option could provide a valuable tool for treating heart failure, promoting care at home and reducing hospital admissions.
A new study by Intermountain Health found that 40% of newly diagnosed heart failure patients also have atrial fibrillation, leading to poorer outcomes. Patients with both conditions require more aggressive treatment and regular screenings.
A large-scale clinical trial found that intravenous infusion of exenatide during heart surgeries involving bypass did not significantly reduce the risk of death, stroke, or organ failure. The study included approximately 1,400 adults and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design.
Research found that spironolactone reduced the likelihood of heart failure after a heart attack, but did not significantly reduce deaths or other severe heart-related events. The study included over 7,000 adults in 14 countries who had experienced a severe heart attack.
A study found that pharmacists who received feedback about their heart failure patients increased the frequency of their patient interactions and prescribed more medication adjustments. The intervention, which provided educational resources and monthly audit and feedback emails, led to a significant increase in heart failure management.
In patients with mildly reduced ejection fraction, finerenone resulted in more frequent hyperkalemia but maintained clinical benefit when dose-adjusted. With protocol-directed surveillance, finerenone showed improved clinical outcomes compared to placebo, even at high potassium levels.
The Finerenone Trial found finerenone to be effective in reducing the primary end point in both women and men with heart failure. Finerenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, showed similar tolerability in women and men.
A recent study found that intensive systolic blood pressure reduction approaches can significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120mmHg led to a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease.
The international SUMMIT trial found tirzepatide lowered the risk of worsening heart failure events and cardiovascular death in obese adults with preserved ejection fraction. Participants experienced improved health status, physical function, and exercise tolerance compared to placebo.
Researchers studied heart failure patients in zero gravity to assess the impact on left ventricular filling pressures. They found that external constraint affects cardiac hemodynamics, leading to changes in blood pressure and potential new treatment avenues for heart failure management.
A study of 89,530 participants found that more than 10.5 hours of sedentary behavior per day increases the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death, even among those who meet recommended exercise levels. Replacing excessive sitting time with physical activity can lower heart health risks.
A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers found that excessive sedentary behavior increases the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death. Even among individuals who meet guideline levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sitting for extended periods can still pose significant health risks. The study's findings sugg...
A new study found that pregnant people in Massachusetts who made multiple unscheduled hospital visits during pregnancy were more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity. The study revealed that nearly half of these patients visited multiple hospitals, leading to inconsistent treatment and poor maternal outcomes.
A diet rich in soybean protein β-conglycinin has been shown to increase short-chain fatty acid production, which plays a role in protecting the heart. Analysis of gut bacteria identified an increase in specific SCFA-producing bacteria, further supporting the potential benefits of soy on heart health.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze data from 50 CF-LVAD patients and identified six prognostic factors that predicted post-implantation stroke. Lower levels of OxPhos proteins were associated with an increased risk of new strokes after implantation.
A new study found that beta blockers, commonly used to treat heart attack patients with normal pumping function, may lead to increased depression symptoms. Researchers observed more severe depression symptoms in patients who received beta blockers compared to those who did not.
A new study found that even moderate amounts of exercise can reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition. The research, led by NYU Langone Health, used data from over 6,000 participants and showed that those with higher physical activity levels had a lower risk of developing the condition.
Dr. Jeffrey Popma joins CRF as Chief Scientific and Strategic Officer, bringing decades of clinical and research experience to drive forward pivotal programs and initiatives. His leadership will shape CRF's future and fuel innovation at the Clinical Trials Center.
The American Heart Association has announced five health technology start-up companies as finalists in its 7th annual Health Tech Competition. The competition aims to drive technological advancements with the potential to transform heart and brain health patient outcomes.
Clinicians should avoid using 'never words' that can scare, offend, or diminish agency in patients and families dealing with serious illness. Researchers recommend alternative language and methods for clinicians to identify their own never words.
The American Heart Association has awarded $75,000 to local entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions addressing health inequities in their communities. The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator program supports social entrepreneurs and organizations focused on improving health outcomes.