A new study found that the heart sends signals to the brain to increase sleep after a heart attack, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. This communication between the heart and brain is mediated through the immune system and can lead to improved recovery and reduced risk of further cardiovascular events.
The TAVR UNLOAD study found that transcatheter aortic valve replacement did not significantly affect the primary composite endpoint in patients with systolic heart failure and moderate aortic stenosis. However, TAVR improved quality of life compared to clinical AS surveillance.
Researchers propose a comprehensive biomarker-based approach to assess cardiovascular risk by combining markers of chronic inflammation with cardiac health indicators. This approach reveals the significant impact of aging-related inflammation, or 'inflammaging,' on heart health and opens new avenues for targeted interventions.
A study found that using an orbital atherectomy device to remove calcium from blocked coronary arteries before stenting procedures did not improve patient outcomes. The device was used on patients with moderately severe calcification, rather than extreme cases, and did not show significant benefits.
The PROTECTED trial found no significant impact of cerebral embolic protection on periprocedural stroke risk, but suggests a trend towards greater stroke reduction in US cohorts compared to outside the US
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that 84% of adults with congenital heart disease reported good or better health-related quality of life, despite complex CHD. However, participants with complex CHD were less likely to meet physical activity guidelines and reported mood disorders.
A recent study found that early aortic valve intervention had no impact on all-cause death or unplanned hospitalization related to aortic stenosis in asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis and myocardial fibrosis patients. The results suggest further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals a decline in heart failure mortality in Sweden over the last 20 years. Despite improvements, the prognosis for heart failure patients remains concerning, with 25% of those diagnosed in 2022 dying within a year.
Results from the DanGer Shock trial show a 12.7% reduction in all-cause mortality with routine use of Impella CP in STEMI and cardiogenic shock patients. The Impella ECP pivotal study will also be presented, demonstrating safety and survival benefits for high-risk PCI patients.
Research suggests standing for long periods does not improve cardiovascular health and may increase circulatory issues. Sitting for over 10 hours a day was found to increase cardiovascular disease risk, highlighting the need for regular movement throughout the day.
The third annual TCT MedTech Innovation Forum will address pressing cardiovascular medicine challenges and unveil disruptive solutions. Visionary leaders from the medtech landscape will convene to explore bold solutions, share pioneering insights, and shape the future of cardiovascular care.
Biomedical engineer Jeff Saucerman has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to study low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 and its impact on heart failure and treatment outcomes after a heart attack.
A nonselective extracorporeal blood purification device reduced cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury in nonemergent patients. The study showed a significant reduction of AKI in the first 7 days after surgery.
The conference will feature comprehensive coverage of various topics in cardiovascular medicine, including can't-miss sessions. ACC Middle East chapter teams will also compete in the ACC FIT Jeopardy competition.
A recent study by the MunichBREW II team discovered that binge drinking can cause clinically relevant arrhythmias in healthy young adults, especially during the recovery phase. The study found that peak blood alcohol values of up to 2.5 grams per kilogram led to an increasingly rapid pulse and increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
A new image processing strategy for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging identifies areas responsible for complex ventricular tachycardias, enabling preoperative planning and reducing procedure times and complications. The systematic approach eliminates operator bias and increases sensitivity for detecting these regions.
Researchers identify modifiable determinants of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and arterial transit time (ATT) in older adults. A higher BMI was associated with lower CBF and longer ATT, while cardiorespiratory fitness linked to longer ATT in specific brain regions.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new potential risk marker for cardiovascular disease in older women. Low levels of an anti-inflammatory antibody are associated with a higher risk of heart attack and coronary heart disease, independent of other known risk factors.
The study found that progress in reducing excess mortality among Black individuals was stalled by an increase in mortality from external causes. Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers still pose significant health risks to the US Black population.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that subclinical atherosclerosis is independently associated with the risk of dying from any cause. The study also showed that monitoring the progression of atherosclerosis can improve the prediction and prevention of death from any cause.
A clinical trial found that mavacamten, a cardiac myosin inhibitor, reduced biomarkers of cardiac wall stress and injury in patients with heart failure. The treatment showed no significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction.
Long-term treatment with the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist finerenone is estimated to extend event-free survival by up to 3 years among people with heart failure. The FINEARTS-HF randomized clinical trial found this benefit in patients with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction.
Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences are studying the molecular mechanisms of coagulation factor XII as a contributor to heart failure with reduced ejection. The goal is to develop better preventive and treatment options for this irreversible condition, which affects millions of Americans.
Research found that babies conceived through assisted reproductive technology have a 36% higher risk of major heart defects compared to naturally conceived babies. The study also showed that multiple births are associated with an even greater risk of congenital heart defects.
The 2024 guideline provides comprehensive recommendations for assessing cardiovascular disease risk and managing patients taking SGLT2-inhibitors. It also highlights the importance of judicious screening and evidence-based management of cardiovascular conditions before, during, and after noncardiac surgery.
A study published in JACC found that metal exposure is associated with progression of plaque buildup in the arteries, comparable to traditional risk factors like smoking and diabetes. The findings support considering metal exposure as a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
The new European Society of Cardiology Guidelines recommend regular screenings for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) to prevent complications. The guidelines also emphasize personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle changes, medication, and efficient blockage treatments.
The RESILIENCE clinical trial explores the effectiveness of remote ischemic conditioning to prevent cardiotoxicity in lymphoma patients undergoing anthracycline-based chemotherapy. The trial aims to reduce heart failure prevalence and improve quality of life for cancer survivors.
Researchers identified changes in the UBR4 gene as a key driver of fibromuscular dysplasia, a blood vessel disorder affecting up to five percent of adults. The discovery could lead to therapeutic approaches for the condition, particularly beneficial for women who account for 90% of cases.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates the benefits of catheter-based mitral valve repair for patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation. The procedure showed a significant reduction in recurrent hospitalisations and improved quality of life after 12 months.
A recent study published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology found that quitting smoking can significantly lower the risk of atrial fibrillation, with former smokers having around 13% lower risk and current quitters having an 18% lower risk. The benefits of quitting are seen shortly after stopping smoking.
A study examines cardiac rehabilitation (CR) knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) among patients with heart failure and cardiology healthcare providers. Key findings highlight the importance of proper knowledge and attitudes in effective self-management, indicating potential room for improvement.
A study at the European Society of Cardiology Congress found that an AI-enabled digital stethoscope helped doctors identify twice as many cases of pregnancy-related heart failure compared to a control group. The tool was 12 times more likely to flag heart pump weakness, leading to better diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment.
Very intensive lipid-lowering therapy significantly regresses atheroma volume at the lesion level compared to statin therapy alone. This study found greater enlargement of the minimum lumen area and more frequent transition to stable plaque phenotypes with alirocumab treatment.
A nationwide study in Sweden reveals that short-term exposures to lower air temperature and cold spells are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction hospitalization after two-six days. Researchers found that this delay in hospitalizations suggests a delayed onset of cold-related impacts on MI risk.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial found finerenone improved outcomes in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. The drug also showed benefits regardless of the ejection fraction and even in patients on other approved therapies.
A blood test that measures three modifiable factors together can better predict cardiovascular risk than any marker used alone. The study found that inflammation is at least as important as cholesterol in predicting cardiovascular events.
Researchers found that digital consultations significantly improved medication adherence among heart failure patients, with 28% receiving optimal medication combinations after 12 weeks. The study also showed no negative impact on patient satisfaction or quality of life.
Researchers found that supplementing potassium only when levels fell below 3.6 mEq/L was noninferior to the current practice of maintaining higher levels, with no increase in adverse outcomes. Lower thresholds did not worsen clinical outcomes or dysrhythmias.
A novel low-dose 3-in-1 blood pressure pill (GMRx2) significantly reduces blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. After six months treatment, the GMRx2 group achieved a 5.8mmHg lower systolic blood pressure compared to standard care.
Sacubitril/valsartan significantly reduced hospitalization for any reason, particularly in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction below normal. Lower rates of cardiac and pulmonary hospitalizations were also observed in this patient population.
Treatment with prehospital pulse-dose glucocorticoid improved acute parameters, but did not reduce final infarct size after 3 months. The trial was likely underpowered due to smaller-than-anticipated final infarct sizes.
The new guidelines evaluate PAAD as part of the same cardiovascular system, acknowledging the interconnectedness between aortic and peripheral vascular diseases. The updated recommendations focus on chronic management, screening, and comprehensive treatment strategies to improve treatment outcomes.
A new substudy of the SELECT Trial found that semaglutide reduced rates of all-cause death, CV death, and non-CV death, including death from COVID-19, in patients with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease without diabetes. Semaglutide also showed protective effects against COVID-19-related adverse events.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of detecting non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NOCA/INOCA) caused by microcirculation dysfunction. A risk factor-weighted clinical likelihood model helps estimate pre-test likelihood, allowing for targeted testing and treatment. The guidelines also recommend invasive coronary functiona...
Continuation of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors before major noncardiac surgery was not associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications compared to discontinuation. The study aimed to investigate the impact of continued use of these medications on surgical outcomes.
A recent study led by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that semaglutide reduced deaths from cardiovascular disease and infections, including COVID-19, in obese and overweight patients. The study involved over 17,000 participants and showed a 19% lower overall death rate compared to placebo.
High levels of lipoprotein (a) found in 20-34% of Polish patients with heart disease or at risk. Lp(a) measurements may be crucial in preventing cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis progression.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have identified a novel mechanism of cardiac inflammation that may prevent heart failure after a heart attack. The borderzone, surrounding the infarcted area, is found to be a key region for this inflammation, with heart muscle cells playing a dominant role in initiating it.
TCT 2024 features groundbreaking research on minimally invasive techniques, pharmaceuticals, technologies, and devices to treat or prevent cardiovascular disease. The event showcases the latest advancements in interventional cardiology and offers a platform for clinicians to learn about new interventions and strategies.
Middle-income countries experience a disproportionate burden of cardiovascular disease, with higher mortality rates and significant disparities in prevention and management. The latest data from the European Society of Cardiology Atlas of Cardiology highlights the urgent need for effective strategies to address these inequalities.
Women undergoing cardiac surgery have a lower risk of developing postoperative atrial fibrillation compared to men, but are more vulnerable to its associated long-term morbidities. A study found that once atrial fibrillation develops, women have a significantly higher risk of mortality than men.
A new study found that interval exercise is better suited for men with low blood sugar levels, while continuous exercise is more effective for women. The research suggests that gender-specific recommendations should be considered when prescribing aerobic exercise to patients with type-1 diabetes.
Researchers have designed a shunt that can expand when activated by light, potentially reducing the number of open-chest surgeries needed to accommodate growing children. In lab experiments, they found the shunt could be expanded incrementally, with adjustments customizable to each child.
Researchers analyzed echocardiographic reports from 225,163 patients to identify trends in AFMR. The study found that MV surgery significantly improves clinical outcomes and reduces mortality in elderly patients burdened with conditions like atrial fibrillation.
A new heart MRI technique accurately estimates pressures inside the heart to predict heart failure risk in a general population. Key risk factors identified include age over 70, high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol consumption, and male gender.
The American College of Cardiology has released a new guidance on managing patients hospitalized for heart failure, recommending tailored therapy based on clinical trajectory. The updated Expert Consensus Decision Pathway aims to improve disease management and reduce mortality.
A UofL cardiologist is leading a Phase II clinical trial of a new stem cell therapy for heart failure, the first in the US to use intravenous delivery. The trial aims to determine whether one or multiple doses of mesenchymal stem cells improve health and quality of life for patients.
A team of scientists from Scripps Research has developed an AI tool that can diagnose heart conditions, including heart attacks, using just three electrodes and a simpler electrocardiogram technology. The tool was tested on 238 ECGs and showed accurate clinical assessment results similar to those from original 12-lead ECGs.
Scientists have developed a new way to 3D print materials that are strong enough to support human tissue and vary in shape and size. The breakthrough, known as CLEAR, helps pave the way toward a new generation of biomaterials for personalized implants and tissues.