Myocardial Infarction

TCT 2026 Master Operator Award to be presented to Rebecca T. Hahn, MD

Blocking stress signals could limit harmful inflammation after heart attack

Researchers discovered that stress hormones trigger neutrophils to detach from blood vessel walls and travel to the heart, causing inflammation. Blocking these stress signals with beta blockers may prevent excessive inflammation and improve heart healing.

As syphilis cases rise, study links infection with higher risk of stroke, heart attack and other serious cardiovascular problems

A study from Tulane University found that long-term, untreated syphilis increases the risk of serious cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and aortic aneurysm. Adults with syphilis were more likely to develop these problems than similar patients without the infection.

Researchers predict coronary heart disease in diabetes subgroup

A new study by Lund University researchers found that genetic risk scores can predict coronary artery disease even before diabetes onset. The study identifies a group at high risk of developing both conditions, offering potential for early detection and prevention.

Influenza vaccine could protect against heart attack and stroke even among people who get infected

Researchers found that influenza vaccination reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke by half for those who got infected, even if they didn't get vaccinated beforehand. The study's findings suggest prioritizing influenza vaccination among high-risk populations could have significant public health impact.

Microaxial flow pump does not improve outcomes for high-risk heart attack patients without cardiogenic shock

A new trial found that using a microaxial flow pump before and during cardiac stenting procedures for high-risk heart attack patients with severe heart attacks did not reduce heart damage. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, also showed increased bleeding complications.

Colder weather linked to 40,000 heart-related deaths yearly in the United States, study finds

A study of over 14 million cardiovascular deaths found that colder temperatures are responsible for significantly more heart-related deaths than milder months. The optimal temperature for heart health is 74°F, with temperatures under this point accounting for approximately 40,000 deaths each year.

Registration for TCT 2026 now open

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.

Major heart attack study reveals ‘survival paradox’: Frail men at higher risk of death than women despite better treatment

A groundbreaking study found that frail men have a significantly higher risk of dying within one year after a heart attack, challenging the prevailing narrative that high clinical risk is predominantly a female issue. The research highlights the need for sex-informed care pathways to address this disparity.

Mask-wearing during COVID-19 linked to reduced air pollution–triggered heart attack risk in Japan

A nationwide Japanese study of 270,000 patients found that widespread mask-wearing during the pandemic significantly lowered PM2.5-associated risk of MINOCA, a non-obstructive type of heart attack. The study suggests that simple protective measures like mask use can mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with air pollution.

Childhood obesity causes early vascular damage, according to a study of children in São Paulo (Brazil)

A study found that childhood obesity can lead to premature vascular damage in children as young as six, increasing the risk of diseases such as atherosclerosis and heart attack. The research identified early signs of inflammation and dysfunction in the endothelium, highlighting the need for public policies to prevent childhood obesity.

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.

Human heart regrows muscle cells after heart attack, world-first study shows

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.

Cedars-Sinai reports heart attacks, general illness spiked after LA fires

A new study from Cedars-Sinai found a 118% increase in visits for general illness and significant spikes in heart attack and lung complication cases following the January 2025 LA fires. Fine particles released by wildfires can cause injury, particularly to the heart and lungs.

Reducing saturated fat intake shows mortality benefit, but only in high-risk individuals

A systematic review of 17 randomized trials found that reducing saturated fat intake lowered all-cause mortality and cardiovascular deaths among high-cardiovascular risk individuals. For people at low to intermediate risk, cutting or replacing saturated fat intake offered little benefit over 5 years. The study suggests that saturated f...

Switching immune cells to “night mode” could limit damage after a heart attack, study suggests

Researchers identified a way to suppress daily fluctuations in immune cells' activity, which may prevent tissue damage during daylight hours. A drug that targets neutrophils was found to alleviate inflammation and protect against infections.

Calcium in breast arteries predicts future cardiovascular disease

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.

SwRI, Trinity University to synthesize novel compound to mitigate effects of stroke, heart attack

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.

Even low-intensity smoking increases risk of heart attack and death

A large analysis found that even low-intensity smokers have a significantly higher risk of heart disease and death compared to non-smokers. Quitting smoking at a younger age is the best way to decrease this risk.

During a heart attack immediate stenting of other arteries isn’t always necessary

Researchers found that waiting to treat narrowed coronary arteries after a heart attack is safe and can reduce the number of stent procedures. An MRI scan at a later stage can provide reassurance for patients.

Mass General Brigham researchers find PCSK9 inhibitor reduced risk of first heart attack, stroke

In a clinical trial of 12,257 patients at high risk, investigators found that adding the drug evolocumab to a patient’s treatment reduced the risk of a first heart attack, first stroke, or coronary heart disease death by 25%. The study also showed a 36% reduction in heart attacks and a nominally lower rate of death in the evolocumab arm.

Young adults with elevated cholesterol often go untreated, study finds

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...

A new patch could help to heal the heart

MIT engineers have developed a programmable drug-delivery patch that can reduce damaged heart tissue by 50 percent and improve cardiac function. The patch is designed to release different drugs at specific times, promoting healing and regeneration of cardiac tissue.

Women missing cardiac rehabilitation, despite key benefits

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...

AI ECG better detects severe heart attacks in emergency setting

A study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions found that AI-based ECG interpretation detected more ST-segment elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs) and had fewer false positives than standard triage. The technology improved accuracy, reduced unnecessary activations, and has the potential to shorten time to treatment.

CRF and Fogarty Innovation announce strategic merger

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.

CRF unveils 2025 SET-10 Rankings spotlighting global leaders in cardiovascular research

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.

‘Weight loss’ drug helps heart regardless of amount of weight lost

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.

Artificial intelligence can better predict future risk for heart attack patients

A new AI-based risk assessment tool, GRACE 3.0, has shown better predictability of future risk for heart attack patients compared to traditional methods.

Over 99% have a risk factor before heart attack, stroke or heart failure

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.

Geomagnetic disturbances caused by the Sun influence the occurrence of heart attacks, especially among women

Researchers found a correlation between solar storms and an increase in heart attacks, especially among women. Data from São Paulo's public health network showed that women are more susceptible to geomagnetic disturbances, which may be related to changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and circadian rhythm.

Family Heart Foundation announces recommendations to improve universal screening for underdiagnosed genetic condition in children, which causes early onset cardiovascular disease

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.

Psychological distress common after a heart attack, may lead to future heart conditions

A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of recognizing and treating depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder among heart attack survivors. Psychological distress after a heart attack is common and can affect physical recovery and long-term heart health.

Not all heart attack patients receive the same type of care, researchers find

A new study found significant racial disparities in the care of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in Florida. Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black patients were less likely to receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a recommended treatment, compared to non-Hispanic white patients. This disparity resulted in ...

CRF and the Jon DeHaan Foundation to launch TCT AI Lab at TCT 2025

The TCT AI Lab equips clinicians with skills to integrate AI into clinical practice, advancing precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes. The initiative is made possible by a generous grant from the Jon DeHaan Foundation.

Carlos Collet, MD, Ph.D., joins CRF® as director, cardiovascular imaging, physiology and translational therapeutics

Dr. Collet joins CRF to accelerate integration of cutting-edge research into clinical practice and expand global leadership in cardiovascular education. He will lead efforts to unify translational science, technological innovation, and education.

Variations in glucose levels may indicate severity of heart attack damage

Research in Brazil found that glycemic delta, a measure of blood sugar variability, is associated with the size of the heart attack and the strength of heart contractions. The study suggests that high glycemic delta may be a biomarker for worse outcomes in patients who have experienced their first acute myocardial infarction.

Combination of mini-camera and AI predicts recurrent heart attack

A recent study from Radboud University Medical Center shows that AI can rapidly assess coronary arteries for vulnerable spots, allowing for more accurate prediction of recurrent heart attacks. This breakthrough could lead to tailored medication or preventive stents, improving patient outcomes.

CNIC-led REBOOT clinical trial challenges 40-year-old standard of care for heart attack patients

A new clinical trial has found that beta-blockers, commonly prescribed for cardiac conditions, offer no clinical benefit for patients who have had an uncomplicated myocardial infarction. The REBOOT trial enrolled 8,505 patients and showed no significant differences between those receiving or not receiving beta-blockers in rates of deat...

Inflammation may explain why women with no standard modifiable risk factors have heart attacks and strokes

Researchers found that women with high hsCRP levels had a significantly increased lifetime risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and major cardiovascular events. Statin therapy can help reduce risk among these individuals by 38%.

Gene therapy restores functionality in non-human primates after heart attacks

Researchers have successfully treated damage caused by heart attacks in non-human primates using gene therapy, restoring both strength and rhythm of the damaged hearts. The treatment improved heart function in pathological conditions with no adverse effects observed.

Myocardial infarction may be an infectious disease

Researchers discovered that atherosclerotic plaques contain gelatinous biofilms formed by bacteria, which can trigger inflammation and rupture of the plaque leading to myocardial infarction. The study also validated an antibody targeting these bacteria, suggesting new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for myocardial infarction.

Research uncovers why IBD causes blood clots—and how to prevent them

Researchers discovered that inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) leads to blood clotting due to a lack of layilin protein, which prevents platelets from forming unwanted clots. A drug targeting Rac1 activity could reduce excessive clotting and alleviate day-to-day IBD symptoms.

Stalking, obtaining restraining order linked with increased cardiovascular disease risk in women

Women who experienced stalking and/or obtaining a restraining order had a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. The study found a 41% increase in CVD risk among women who experienced stalking and a 70% increase among those with restraining order history.

New mRNA-based therapy that shows promise in heart regeneration after heart attack

Researchers identified a new strategy to repair damaged heart tissue by reactivating the PSAT1 gene through synthetic modified messenger RNA. The study found that mice treated with PSAT1-modRNA showed robust increases in cardiomyocyte proliferation, reduced tissue scarring, and improved heart function.

FAU researchers advise: prescribe high potency statins in treatment, prevention

Researchers from FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine recommend using high-potency statins as the primary pharmacologic approach in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and a healthy diet, are also crucial in reducing cardiovascular risk.

Scar tissue in athletes’ hearts tied to higher risk of dangerous cardiac rhythms

A new study found that scar tissue in the heart of healthy male endurance athletes aged 50 or older may increase their risk of abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death. The research used magnetic resonance imaging and ECG recorders to track the participants' heart activity over two years.

Marginalized neighborhoods and health outcomes in younger heart attack survivors

Living in marginalized neighborhoods negatively impacts health service utilization among young heart attack patients. Structural and systemic factors contribute to these disparities, warranting further investigation.

At-home heart attacks and cardiac deaths on the rise since COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found cardiac deaths exceeded expected levels between 2020 and 2023, with a significant increase in 2020 and 2021. The study suggests potential shortcomings in cardiac care during and after the pandemic.

Whether it's smoking or edibles, marijuana is bad for your heart

A new study found that chronic cannabis use, whether smoked or consumed as edibles, is associated with significant cardiovascular risks. People who regularly used marijuana had reduced blood vessel function comparable to tobacco smokers.

Family Heart Foundation announces results of real-world study in 273,770 individuals with cardiovascular disease demonstrating that risk of subsequent cardiovascular event increases with rising lipoprotein(a) levels

A study of 273,770 individuals with cardiovascular disease found that increasing lipoprotein(a) levels significantly increases the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. Treatment with high-impact LDL-C lowering therapies may help reduce this risk.

TCT 2025 Master Operator Award to be presented to Kenneth Rosenfield, MD, MSc

Dr. Kenneth Rosenfield is a distinguished interventional cardiologist recognized for his seminal work in endovascular therapy and pioneering innovative techniques. He has made significant contributions to the field of vascular medicine, including the development of self-expanding stents and drug-coated balloons.

Simple test could better predict your risk of heart disease

Researchers found that measuring lipoprotein markers in a simple blood test can identify individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease more effectively. The study analyzed data from over 200,000 people and showed that the total number of 'bad cholesterol' particles is the most important factor to consider when testing for future h...

Injectable therapy could prevent heart failure after a heart attack

Scientists developed an injectable therapy that protects the heart from damage after a heart attack by blocking the interaction between two proteins, Keap1 and Nrf2. The study showed decreased inflammation, cell death, and improved cardiac function in animal models.

This injected protein-like polymer helps tissues heal after a heart attack

Researchers developed a new therapy that can be injected intravenously right after a heart attack to promote healing and prevent heart failure. The therapy both prompts the immune system to encourage tissue repair and promotes survival of heart muscle cells after a heart attack, showing effectiveness up to five weeks after injection.

Simple medication can save the lives of cardiac patients

Early application of ezetimibe in combination with statins reduces risk of new cardiovascular events and death in cardiac patients. The study analyzed data from 36,000 patients who had a myocardial infarction between 2015 and 2022.

TCT 2025 Career Achievement Award to be presented to Stephan Windecker, MD

Stephan Windecker, a world-renowned cardiologist, will be honored with the TCT 2025 Career Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions to interventional cardiology. His extensive research has shaped clinical practice worldwide and influenced the future of cardiovascular medicine.

Public housing smoking ban reduced heart attacks and strokes

A new study found that a 2018 US public housing smoking ban led to reduced hospitalizations for cardiovascular problems. The ban resulted in modest declines in heart attacks incidence rates and small differential declines in strokes among adults aged over 50.

Scientists unveil starfish-inspired wearable tech for heart monitoring

The device uses AI technology to detect potential heart problems and provides real-time health insights. It has multiple points touching the skin near the heart, allowing for more accurate tracking even during movement.

New Emory research may revolutionize how stroke, heart attack, related blood-clotting conditions are treated

Researchers created a thromboinflammation-on-a-chip model that can sustain blood clots for several months and track treatment options. This model reveals critical information on clot resolution and suggests new drug combinations to protect endothelial function in patients with sickle cell disease.