Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
This section will publish peer-reviewed research on the clinical value of AI in cardiovascular medicine, including evidence of effectiveness and impact on access and equity. Submissions are invited on various topics, including clinical diagnosis, multimodal data integration, and implementation in real-world cardiovascular care.
Researchers have discovered a new cell type that helps stabilize the vascular network supplying oxygen to growing cardiac muscle. This discovery provides novel insights into human heart development and may guide future efforts to promote heart regeneration after injury.
A recent study found that simulated space radiation can lead to increased cardiac fibrosis, calcium dynamics, and immune function changes in rats. The researchers also discovered gene variants that may be linked to the damage
A $3 million gift from Randy Kendrick establishes the Kelly Tarantello Chair in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery at USC, supporting research into genetically engineered pig hearts as a potential bridge to heart transplant. The gift aims to save the lives and improve the health of infants with severe congenital heart disease.
Recent technical and computational improvements in coronary intravascular imaging can better characterize coronary lesions and identify high-risk plaques, improving outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease. The review highlights advances in imaging platforms, hybrid imaging systems, and artificial-intelligence approaches for ...
The American College of Cardiology recognized 21 individuals with the Fellow of the ACC (FACC) designation during the ACC Latin America 2026 conference in Medellín, Colombia. These individuals have demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing excellence in patient care and are part of the ACC's mission to transform cardiovascular care.
Researchers have discovered novel blood biomarkers, long-chain dicarboxylate acids (DCAs) and medium- to long-chain acyl-carnitines (ACs), in mouse and human blood samples exposed to air pollution. These biomarkers provide insights into how air pollution damages cell function and increases the risk of heart disease. The buildup of thes...
A new study suggests that semaglutide reduces heart disease risk beyond just weight loss, but the exact mechanism is unclear. The study analyzed data from a clinical trial of semaglutide, which found that patients taking the drug had a 20% lower risk of heart disease, but only half of this reduction could be explained by changes in kno...
A new study aims to find new ways to prevent strokes in people with chronic migraine by understanding the link between cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. The research also explores the role of immune cells in blood vessels and their impact on migraine attacks.
The AgentHeart platform provides continuous cardiovascular monitoring, seamless integration into existing workflows, and real-time actionable guidance. It reduces diagnostic delays, improves clinical trust, and supports continuous clinical reasoning, ultimately aiming to transform cardiac healthcare practices.
The studies found that women with STEMI experienced worse clinical outcomes and a higher risk of comorbidities, highlighting the need for region-specific prevention strategies. Women make up only 21% of STEMI patients in Latin America, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A recent study found semaglutide to be effective in improving various clinical outcomes in patients with frailty, with greater benefits observed in those with higher frailty indices. The medication demonstrated a positive impact on health-related quality of life, highlighting its potential as a treatment option for this population.
A nationwide study found that lower temperatures are a significant risk factor for cardiac arrests, with a daily temperature drop of over 5°C serving as a warning signal. The study developed a predictive model using meteorological data to estimate expected daily numbers of cardiac arrests up to 3 days in advance.
The study demonstrates the FIND Lp(a) model's ability to identify individuals with high Lp(a) more than twice as likely as the overall population with ASCVD. The model supports targeted Lp(a) screening, accelerating universal screening adoption and enhancing cardiovascular risk management.
The American College of Cardiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions released a joint statement on TAVR national coverage determination. The statement aims to preserve the quality framework that contributed to TAVR's success, emphasizing the importance of collaborations, registrie...
Korea University Anam Hospital's Arrhythmia Center has been designated as a Center of Excellence for PFA, recognizing its extensive experience and training capabilities in treating atrial fibrillation. The center plans to share its expertise and contribute to the training of medical professionals, extending safe and effective treatment...
A new scoring system developed by researchers at Upstate Medical University can help identify patients at high risk of intramyocardial hemorrhage after a heart attack, guiding treatment and monitoring. The system uses explainable artificial intelligence to predict patient risk in real-time, allowing doctors to make informed decisions.
Researchers found no association between strength training and increased risks of ventricular arrhythmia for people with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. A retrospective review of 355 participants showed that endurance exercise was associated with a higher risk of ventricular arrhythmia compared to strength training.
Even low levels of nighttime light exposure can lead to structural changes in the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from 11,017 participants and found that those exposed to higher levels of light saw a thickening of the heart's walls and reduced flexibility during a heartbeat.
Research of over 11,000 people found that high nighttime light exposure is associated with thickening of the heart's left ventricle and reduced flexibility during heartbeats. The study suggests that reducing nighttime light exposure could be a strategy for preventing heart disease.
The ACC Latin America 2026 conference will bring together experts and cardiovascular clinicians to examine emerging cardiovascular science and evidence-based strategies for improving global heart health. The conference will also recognize individuals who have earned the distinguished Fellow of the ACC (FACC) designation.
Researchers followed 2,700 Finnish men for 50 years, finding that those with healthy lifestyles lived longer and experienced more happiness, with only 2% showing frailty compared to 25%. A simple and affordable approach can mitigate cardiovascular risk, providing motivation for early interventions.
A new ERC-funded project at Aarhus University aims to investigate how hormones, stress, and genetic factors influence women's coronary arteries. The project will develop new models to explain why certain cardiovascular diseases affect women differently from men, and may lead to personalized rupture-risk maps and improved diagnosis and ...
A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder reveals how the brain's defense mechanism can backfire, forming micro-clots that damage tissue after the original clot is gone. This phenomenon, known as no reflow, affects up to 50% of stroke patients and can lead to long-term disability or death.
Researchers have developed a human engineered heart tissue model of diastolic heart failure, enabling treatment testing with SGLT2 inhibitors, which partially prevented disease development. The model demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of SGLT2i, improving ion exchanger function and preventing accumulation of ions in tissues.
Researchers found that gene silencer therapy may be beneficial for patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, with attenuated benefits observed when combined with TTR stabilizer therapy. The study will be presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in Munich, Germany.
Dr. Sebastian Spethmann joins JMIR Cardio as Editor-in-Chief, bringing expertise in heart failure, cardiomyopathies, and digital health. He aims to integrate digital advancements into routine clinical care, enhancing cardiovascular health systems and patient outcomes.
A Swedish study found that short-term exposure to cold spells and higher ambient temperatures increased the risk of heart failure hospitalization within days. The study highlights the need for time-sensitive management and more urgent response strategies during heatwaves.
A new trial has found that implanting an ICD in patients with mild-to-moderate heart dysfunction can reduce sudden cardiac death, particularly in younger patients. This breakthrough has the potential to save lives and expand treatment options for patients who previously were not eligible for ICDs.
NYU Langone Health has appointed Sunil Rao, MD, and Susheel Kodali, MD, as directors of the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology and interventional cardiology, respectively. Dr. Rao will oversee a nationally ranked cardiology program, while Dr. Kodali will lead the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and expand treatment options for p...
A British cardiologist and former president of the European Society of Cardiology has been found to have committed severe misconduct after receiving over £50m from lucrative drug research contracts. The investigation found that Kim Fox and his wife had served as co-directors of a contract research organisation involved in running clini...
PCORI awards funding for new patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research, addressing key healthcare questions and generating evidence for better-informed decisions. The projects will focus on emergency, hospital, and surgical care, as well as mental and behavioral health, to improve health outcomes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Cardiology Discovery shows AI-guided spatiotemporal dispersion area ablation yields an 87% pooled 12-month freedom-from-atrial-fibrillation rate for patients living with persistent atrial fibrillation. The technique aims to standardize substrate identification while preserving patient-...
A narrative review identifies five unique clinical phenotypes for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, guiding tailored patient care. The review highlights the importance of matching therapy to patient clinical profile for improved outcomes.
A single-arm observational study found dapagliflozin improves left ventricular ejection fraction by 19% in non-diabetic Egyptian heart failure patients. The study demonstrated significant echocardiographic improvements and a low rate of mild short-term adverse events.
A new review in Cardiology Discovery provides a structured clinical framework to identify and manage residual cardiovascular risks for patients surviving acute coronary syndrome. The framework groups risks into four categories and summarizes therapeutic options, emphasizing personalized risk re-evaluation for individual patients.
A comprehensive review highlights recent progress and emerging therapies for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, including cardiac myosin inhibitors, interventional techniques, and gene-based approaches. The treatment options now offer expanded pathways for both obstructive and non-obstructive patient subgroups, but limitations and uncertaint...
A new clinical framework reorients coronary disease management toward early detection and stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. The framework proposes a risk-stratified screening pathway for adults aged 40 or older with at least one traditional cardiac risk factor.
A narrative perspective calls for multidimensional patient assessment beyond risk scores to address care disparities in non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Younger patients with ongoing ischemia may benefit from early angiography despite moderate risk scores.
A clinical trial found that giving intravenous iron to patients with anaemia before heart surgery reduces the need for red blood transfusion and results in an extra day at home in the first 90 days after surgery. This treatment also saves approximately 44 units of blood products for every 100 patients treated.
Columbia researchers have developed a new technique to capture electrical activity and mechanical motion within the heart using cardiac ultrasound images. This technology allows for early detection and risk assessment of Mitral Valve Disease and arrhythmias, transforming care for those suffering from these conditions.
Scientists at University Hospital of Bonn identified a signaling pathway in the immune system that helps newborn heart cells survive and regenerate after injury. The discovery opens new possibilities for therapies aimed at repairing damaged adult hearts, which have limited regenerative capacity compared to neonatal hearts.
Researchers found that cold storage platelets (CSPs) can control active surgical bleeding as effectively as room temperature platelets (RTPs), with potential benefits including reduced wastage and increased platelet availability. CSPs may also enable platelet incorporation into inventory at locations with limited shelf life for RTPs.
Researchers discovered a statistically significant reduction in premature atrial contractions after cannabis inhalation, with no impact on daily activity levels. The findings challenge assumptions about the cardiovascular effects of cannabis and may lead to new approaches for preventing or treating abnormal heart rhythms.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that people treated with modern NOAC blood-thinning medicines experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those receiving warfarin or no anticoagulant treatment. This was associated with lower risk of other health problems, including death, stroke, and fractures.
A hybrid lifestyle program showed potential benefits for cardiometabolic health among adherent participants with obesity, but failed to achieve significant weight loss. The study suggests further investigation into the program's effects on metabolic health.
Objective physical fitness assessments reveal a graded association between balance, agility, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness with reduced all-cause mortality. This study suggests integrating fitness assessments into routine practice may improve risk stratification and guide function-oriented interventions.
A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.
Tirzepatide has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks and hospitalizations due to infections in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study found a relative risk reduction of about one-third, corresponding to a 36% reduced risk of infection-related hospitalization.
A study led by Dr. Michael Harrison found that regional dips in oxygen levels serve as a signal for the coordinated growth of heart muscle and coronary vessels. The system operates as a self-limiting feedback loop, with epicardial cells detecting hypoxia to activate genes that orchestrate expansion.
The ALARA+ Coalition has released a suite of resources to help hospital leadership and decisionmakers implement enhanced radiation and occupational safety guidelines for clinicians and staff working in fluoroscopy laboratories. The new toolkits provide practical steps to protect cath lab team members from both occupational radiation ex...
A U-shaped association exists between LVEDD and mortality in HF, suggesting high risk for both abnormally small and large ventricles. The findings support integrating LV size assessment into routine risk stratification to guide personalized management.
For 15 years, Ochsner Health hospitals have ranked as the best in Louisiana for overall care, with numerous specialties and procedures recognized as High Performing by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital's obstetrics and gynecology service lines, including lung surgery, are among the top-ranked in the nation.
UC San Diego Health has been ranked as the top care facility in California and among the top 20 in the nation for eight medical specialties. The institution achieved this distinction through its patient-dedicated, collaborative spirit and commitment to delivering outstanding care.
Research highlights importance of cardiovascular care in breast cancer patients and survivors throughout life. Cardiovascular risk factors and interventions are essential to prevent disease progression and improve quality of life.
A new program taught family physicians to perform echocardiography using an AI-guided handheld ultrasound device, reducing wait times and costs. The approach, piloted in nine clinics across Spain, estimates annual savings of €70,000 per clinic.
A study led by Robert Koeth found a connection between elevated blood levels of TMAO, a gut bacteria byproduct, and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The research team discovered that TMAO changes the heart's electrical environment, making it more susceptible to abnormal rhythms.
A large-scale prospective cohort study found that patients with blood type A had lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. In contrast, blood type O's reputation of being at lower risk is partially due to lower plasma von Willebrand factor levels, but this did not explain the increased risk in blood type A patients.
The American College of Cardiology introduces a new cardiogenic shock designation to address deadly gaps in heart attack care. The new designation aims to standardize protocols and improve outcomes for patients with life-threatening complications of a heart attack, particularly in underserved areas.
The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline substantially expands the U.S. population recommended for primary prevention statin therapy, targeting lower-risk individuals. The updated recommendations aim to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk and improve public health outcomes.