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New $3.1M NIH grant for University of Houston to study how ‘spongy heart’ disease develops — and whether it can be stopped

University of Houston researcher Mingfu Wu has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to investigate left ventricular noncompaction, a serious heart condition that can lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The study aims to uncover a common mechanism behind different genetic causes of LVNC and potentially identify new targets fo...

Cardiac rehabilitation cuts hospital admissions and heart attack risk

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces hospital admissions by a third and heart attack risk by more than a quarter, with long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness. Digital programmes can be just as effective as traditional centre-based services, making rehabilitation more accessible.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 17, 2026

Hormone therapy use for hot flashes and night sweats in peri- and early postmenopause linked to lower cardiovascular risk in women

A US study of 20 years of health data found that hormone therapy initiated during peri- or early postmenopause reduces cardiovascular disease risk by 22% compared to those who did not use hormone therapy. The protective effect was strongest among Black women and those who initiated therapy within 10 years of menopause onset.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 8, 2026

How can stressed mitochondria actually protect your heart?

A new study found that inducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) during embryonic development protects the adult heart from chemotherapy toxicity in mice. The study discovered that stressed mitochondria release citrate, leading to long-term epigenetic changes that promote beneficial mitohormetic adaptations. These findings s...

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 4, 2026

Taking the stairs could cut risk of early death

A meta-analysis of nearly 1,900 studies found that climbing stairs significantly reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Regular stair climbing was associated with lower risks of heart-related problems and major cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 12, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal review highlights new directions in pulmonary arterial hypertension

A new review highlights how molecular biology advances are reframing PAH as a complex vascular remodeling disease driven by endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and genetic susceptibility. Emerging therapies target the BMP/TGF-β pathway, growth factor signaling, and inflammatory pathways.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 11, 2026

Artery-on-a-chip helps predict stroke risk

Researchers developed an artery-on-a-chip platform to predict ischemic stroke risk by replicating a patient's specific vascular structure and blood flow dynamics. The tool, called a 'physical twin,' reveals that three-dimensional vascular shape and local flow disturbances matter more than simple narrowing in predicting stroke risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Biomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2026

Two ways to read a genome: Scientists reveal the first body-wide, single-cell atlas that maps DNA folding and epigenetics together

Researchers at Salk Institute create a body-wide single-cell atlas of two major epigenetic systems, revealing that cell-type-specific epigenetic features can affect disease risk. The study identifies over 1.36 million differentially methylated regions and 283,606 differential chromatin loops across the human body's cell types.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2026

Untangling the risk factors for developing multiple chronic conditions among UK South Asian populations

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani individuals are more likely to develop multimorbidity, a condition where people experience multiple chronic illnesses simultaneously. The research identified sociodemographic and genetic factors that increase the risk of developing these conditions,...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 9, 2026

New study uncovers a potential “Sitting paradox”: moderate sitting may benefit highly active adults

A new study suggests that moderate sitting may be beneficial for highly active adults, contradicting previous guidelines. The research found a J-shaped association between daily sitting time and health outcomes, with the lowest risk at approximately 4 hours of sitting per day.

SourceJournal of Sport and Health Science·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2026

Finerenone slows kidney function decline and reduces cardiovascular-kidney risk in non-diabetic chronic kidney disease, major trial shows

The Phase III FIND-CKD trial found that finerenone significantly slowed kidney function decline and reduced the risk of cardiovascular-kidney outcomes in adults with non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Finerenone also demonstrated a consistent effect across prespecified subgroups, supporting its broad applicability in these patients.

SourceBeyond·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 4, 2026

Seven-second X-ray scan accurately detects severity of heart valve regurgitation in patients with repaired congenital heart defects

A simple, seven-second X-ray scan can accurately detect the severity of pulmonary valve regurgitation in patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot. The test uses dynamic chest radiography and requires minimal radiation, offering a more accessible diagnostic option for those who cannot undergo traditional methods.

SourceKyushu University·JournalRadiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2026

Stretchy implants could stick to arteries to treat high blood pressure

Researchers developed a new class of stretchy bioelectronics that can stick to biological tissue and relieve hypertension while causing less damage to surrounding tissue. The CaroFlex device uses gentle electrical frequencies to modulate the baroreceptor reflex, providing effective treatment for drug-resistant hypertension.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2026

One protein, two roles

Researchers found that Adgrl2 plays a crucial role in building both brain synapses and blood vessels, with different cell types producing distinct versions of the protein. Removing Adgrl2 from endothelial cells caused blood vessels to become leaky and lose their integrity.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Low-dose triple-pill cut risk of recurrent stroke by about 40%, global trial shows

A global trial involving 1,670 patients with intracerebral haemorrhage found that treatment with a single pill combination of three low-dose blood pressure medicines reduced the risk of another stroke by 39%. The study showed significant benefits in reducing major cardiovascular events and improving blood pressure control.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 22, 2026

Redo surgical mitral valve replacement shows long-term survival advantage over transcatheter valve-in-valve

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.

SourceThe Society of Thoracic Surgeons·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateApr 21, 2026

Having more kids associated with reduced risk of stroke and brain damage, research co-led by UT Health San Antonio shows

A new study co-led by UT Health San Antonio found that having three or more live births is associated with a reduced risk of stroke and brain damage in women. The research suggests that reproductive factors, such as the number of live births, may be an important predictive factor in assessing stroke risk in women.

SourceThe University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 20, 2026

Pivotal study of minimally invasive stent therapy shows improved quality of life for patients with blood clots

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients with post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) who received stent treatment showed significant improvement in their condition and quality of life. The study, C-TRACT, enrolled 225 patients and compared two treatment strategies.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 13, 2026

Sleep patterns may reveal hidden heart risks

Research from Flinders University finds that people with sleep apnea who experience dramatic night-to-night breathing problems are 30% more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. The studies suggest that repeated changes in oxygen levels and sleep disruption can quietly stress the heart and blood vessels over time.

SourceFlinders University·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2026

Small-volume hypertonic saline plus furosemide linked to lower inflammatory and remodeling markers in acute heart failure

Treatment with i.v. furosemide plus HSS significantly decreased serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers IL-6, sST2, hsTnT, galectin-3, and NT-proBNP. The study found that this combination therapy modulated some miRNA expression and was associated with reduced miR181b expression compared to furosemide alone.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeNews article·DateApr 7, 2026

Taking pressure off the lungs

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered that targeting the CNP/GC-B signal pathway may provide a promising approach for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). The study reveals that CNP/GC-B signaling plays a protective role against PAH, and administration of CNP ameliorates experimental pulmonary hypertension.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 17, 2026

Vascular smooth muscle cells-specific BCAT2 deficiency attenuates diabetic atherosclerotic calcification via histone propionylation

This study reveals the regulatory role of BCAT2-mediated BCAA catabolism in VSMCs and its impact on intraplaque calcification in diabetic atherosclerosis. BCAT2 deficiency attenuates vascular calcification severity, decreases calcium salt deposition, and suppresses osteogenic phenotypic transition of VSMCs.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeNews article·DateMar 16, 2026

Society of Interventional Radiology publishes practice guidance for treatment of chronic pelvic pain

The Society of Interventional Radiology has published new practice guidance for treating chronic pelvic pain in women with venous-origin disorders, emphasizing interventional radiology's role in care. The guidance provides evidence-based recommendations on diagnosis, treatment options, and imaging.

SourceSociety of Interventional Radiology·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 3, 2026

New research finds heart health benefits in combining mango and avocado daily

A new study found that adding one avocado and a cup of mango to daily meals and snacks for eight weeks improved vascular function among adults with prediabetes, while also reducing diastolic blood pressure. The Avocado-Mango diet showed significant increases in flow-mediated dilation and nutrient-dense nutrients without changes in calo...

SourceWild Hive·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 24, 2026

Telehealth in cardiovascular care

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.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalHeart Lung and Circulation·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 16, 2026