Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
A global study published in JACC found that secondary prevention medications for cardiovascular diseases are underused worldwide, with little improvement over time. Medication use varied by country income level, with lower rates in low-income countries.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center is acquiring Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville's cardiology practice, adding two experienced interventional cardiologists and a nurse practitioner. The move will provide closer access to Vanderbilt-quality cardiovascular care in northern Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.
Frank J. Hildner, MD, FSCAI, was a founding member and past president of SCAI, establishing the organization's journal and promoting innovation in interventional cardiology. His legacy continues through the Hildner Lecture and numerous awards recognizing his contributions to cardiovascular care.
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.
Researchers found AI-based imaging technology improves disease diagnosis accuracy, particularly in cardiology, oncology, neurology, and ophthalmology. The technology also enhances diagnostic efficiency and reduces healthcare disparities by delivering high-quality diagnostics to underserved areas.
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.
Researchers analyzed data from 13,205 adults aged 65 and over, finding that those who had experienced parental divorce before age 18 had 1.61 times higher odds of having a stroke. This association remained even after controlling for known risk factors such as diabetes and depression.
A national survey of 1,008 Americans found that nearly two-thirds use a device to monitor their heart health, but only one in four shares the data with their doctor. This lack of sharing can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication between patients and healthcare providers.
A Michigan Medicine study suggests that higher out-of-pocket costs for initial cardiac rehabilitation sessions are a major barrier to participation. Patients who shared the cost of their first session attended more sessions than those who paid nothing, but still had lower odds of completing over 24 sessions.
The ePRO monitoring system significantly improved patient-physician communication and treatment explanations, supporting patient-centered cardiovascular care. The study found that the system's implementation enhanced patient outcomes and reduced healthcare disparities.
Research led by University of Pittsburgh scientists found that exposure to long-wavelength red light reduces blood clots in humans and mice. The study's findings have the potential to reduce deaths and disabilities caused by blood clots worldwide.
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.
A polypill containing a statin and three half-standard dose antihypertensives could significantly reduce health disparities in low-income, majority Black populations with limited access to healthcare. The study suggests that this treatment approach may be a high-value intervention for preventing cardiovascular disease.
Trametinib reduces mortality and morbidity in children with severe HCM caused by pathogenic variants in the RAS/MAPK pathway. The study provides strong evidence for personalized treatment targeting the underlying genetic causes of RASopathies.
The 2024 MedAxiom survey report highlights the importance of APPs in designing and implementing team-based care models, which can alleviate workflow challenges and drive better outcomes. The report provides data-driven solutions for compensation, incentives, and performance management to retain and motivate Advanced Practice Providers.
A study found that persistent short sleep duration from pregnancy to 2-7 years after delivery is associated with adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. The researchers suggest exploring sleep-targeted interventions for improved cardiometabolic health, particularly among high-risk populations.
Researchers developed a non-invasive way to assess fat composition around the heart using magnetic resonance imaging. This technique may help doctors identify patients at greatest risk for cardiac problems and predict treatment outcomes.
A 13-year-old patient underwent a minimally invasive procedure to receive a dual chamber leadless pacemaker, treating congenital complete heart block. The AVEIR device was implanted via the right internal jugular vein, allowing the child to resume sports activities without restrictions.
A cohort of 1,500 children found cardiovascular health scores began to decline at approximately age 10, associated with health behaviors. This study identifies modifiable health behaviors for prevention efforts to optimize CVH in early life and may contribute to disparities in adulthood.
A new blood test reveals heart transplant patients at risk of rejection by analyzing DNA fragments in their blood. This non-invasive test is comparable to existing US tests and could save millions in public healthcare costs.
A new study published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that persistent childhood tobacco smoking significantly increased the risk of premature heart damage by age 24. The study followed 1,931 children from age 10 to 24 and found that active smoking was associated with a 52% increased risk of heart damage.
A study published in JACC found that children who started tobacco smoking at age 10 were significantly more likely to experience premature cardiac injury and increase their risk of cardiovascular mortality. Researchers also discovered that continued smoking from childhood can cause lasting damage to heart muscle and function.
Two University of Michigan faculty members, Robert Bartlett and Zhen Xu, have been elected to the National Academy of Inventors for their innovative research and groundbreaking technologies. Bartlett developed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, a technology providing cardiac and respiratory support, while Xu invented histotripsy, a t...
The ACC Young Scholars Program introduces promising students to cardiovascular medicine and pairs them with mentors for a year of research and education. Participants will attend bi-monthly webinars and participate in Camp Cardiac, a two-day event featuring hands-on training in CPR and point-of-care ultrasound techniques.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has successfully completed the first-ever Interventional Cardiology Match, marking a significant milestone in the field. The inaugural match saw an impressive participation rate, with 164 programs committing 326 positions.
Population-level improvements in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels slowed, while adverse trends in glucose levels accelerated in more recent US birth cohorts. Public health initiatives targeting antecedent health behaviors are needed to improve cardiometabolic health across generations.
Researchers have developed a new coronary risk score specifically for women, accurately predicting and categorizing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The findings suggest that this novel approach can help identify high-risk women earlier, reducing the risk of heart attacks and sudden cardiac 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.
Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, has made significant contributions to the understanding of atherosclerosis through his research on inflammation, thrombosis, and treatment breakthroughs. His work has led to major advances in diagnosis and therapy, including the development of a cardiovascular 'polypill' that reduces cardiovascular mortality.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University identified a mini-brain within the heart with its own nervous system that controls the heartbeat. This discovery challenges current views on how the heartbeat is controlled and may lead to new insights into heart diseases and treatments.
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.
Ken Perry, a UTA senior, has been recognized for his research on the connection between high-fat meals and cardiovascular health. He won two awards from the American Physiological Society for his work analyzing data collected from previous studies, which showed a correlation between high-fat consumption and changes in brain blood flow.
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.
The Heart Institute is celebrated for delivering unparalleled treatment and support to children with heart conditions. It has consistently provided high-quality cardiac care and specialized disease management for all forms of cardiomyopathy.
A recent study suggests that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may influence key cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure and lipid profiles. The research found a strong association between GERD and elevated blood pressure and increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
A University of Gothenburg thesis found that survival rates for sports-related cardiac arrest are significantly higher in facilities with CPR, defibrillation, and AEDs. Women fare worse due to delayed CPR starts.
A study reveals disproportionate burden of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome among certain populations, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. The research highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic disparities in cardiovascular health.
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.
A new oral medication, muvalaplin, has shown promising results in lowering lipoprotein(a) levels, a marker of cardiovascular risk. The study's findings suggest that muvalaplin may be a valuable treatment option for individuals with high lipoprotein(a) levels.
Zerlasiran, a small-interfering RNA targeting hepatic synthesis of apolipoprotein(a), significantly reduced time-averaged lipoprotein(a) concentrations by over 80% during 36 weeks of treatment. This finding has potential implications for the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Research reviews suggest that exercise benefits outlast cardiovascular risks, even in those with heart conditions. Benefits outweigh risks due to medical screening, AEDs, CPR, and legislation. Studies found death rates increased starting from age 35, peaking in males over 45.
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.
A study reveals that nearly 137 million US adults are eligible for semaglutide therapy, more than the number eligible for statins. Semaglutide's broad eligibility could lead to increased adoption and treatment options for US adults.
A recent study found that electronic letter reminders highlighting the cardiovascular benefits of influenza vaccines increased vaccination rates among over 2 million adults in Denmark. The strategy showed a greater impact on those who have had a heart attack, improving flu shot rates by potentially being cardioprotective. The research ...
Researchers evaluated coronary heart disease polygenic risk scores to determine their performance and agreement at the population level. They found that while scores performed similarly, they generated highly variable individual-level risk estimates, highlighting the need for refined statistical methods.
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.
New study suggests that small group differences may reflect important benefits for individual patients with cardiomyopathy. The authors recommend explicitly describing patient-level data to support clinical interpretation of results.
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...
The London Health Sciences Centre was the first and only hospital in Canada to implant a new extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) during clinical trials. The device has been shown to provide long-term safety, efficacy, and performance, offering better comfort and care for patients.
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 survey of older adults with heart conditions found that their sexual health impacts mood and well-being, but most healthcare professionals do not offer this information. Patients favor conversations with healthcare professionals about sexual health, including topics like medication side effects and anxiety before sex.
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.
A study analyzing data from over half a million adults found lower survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in predominantly Black and Hispanic communities, with improvements seen since the pandemic waned but not yet reaching pre-pandemic levels
A new plastic device has been developed to secure the surgical field during robot-assisted heart surgery, allowing surgeons to operate with greater independence. The device, made from a type of plastic used in medical implants and aerospace industry, expands to a certain size and retains its shape.
Dr. Robert Harrington, Weill Cornell Medicine Dean, is honored with the 2024 Chairman's Award for his contributions to cardiovascular science and technological innovation. He has dedicated his career to improving research methods and advancing access to care for those with heart disease.
Light ex-smokers experience a CVD risk reduction similar to never-smokers within years of smoking cessation. Heavy ex-smokers require longer periods, up to 25 years, for their residual CVD risk to align with that of never-smokers.
Doctors at Mayo Clinic used a new catheter-based approach to draw out resistant pockets of infection in the heart without surgery. Over 90% of participants had their infection cleared, with lower in-hospital mortality compared to those whose infections remained.
Aging adults face increased risk of life-threatening complications when undergoing elective noncardiac surgeries too soon after a heart attack. Delaying surgery for three to six months following a heart attack can significantly reduce this risk, according to new research published in JAMA Surgery.