Articles tagged with Cardiology
A new study has improved the detection of heart failure in women, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment. The research used magnetic resonance imaging to fine-tune how pressures inside the heart are measured, increasing accuracy by 16.5% for female patients.
A meta-analysis of seven randomized trials found that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has comparable long-term safety and efficacy to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). However, TAVR was associated with an increased likelihood of needing a pacemaker and moderate-to-severe paravalvular leaks.
A study by Linköping University found that access to professional interpreters significantly increases Heart School attendance among foreign-born patients, leading to better treatment goals and outcomes. In contrast, Swedish-born patients showed no difference in participation rates with or without interpreters.
The 2024 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease aims to improve patient outcomes by emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment. Coordinated care among a multispecialty team is crucial in reducing the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke, and death for individuals with PAD.
Cardiovascular biomarkers strongly associated with cardiovascular events and mortality. Adding biomarkers to established risk factors improved heart failure and mortality prediction, but only slightly enhanced atherosclerotic disease risk prediction.
A clinical trial found that aficamten significantly increased maximum oxygen use in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This improvement enables patients to perform everyday tasks more easily, such as walking and household chores. Researchers believe aficamten has promise as a treatment for this condition.
The V142I transthyretin variant is associated with substantial risk for heart failure hospitalization and death in Black individuals, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction. Further investigation into the complex interplay between the variant, ancestry, social determinants of health, and biological factors is warranted.
A new study found that elite runners who broke the four-minute mile barrier lived on average almost five years longer than the general population. The study reveals that aerobic fitness has a vital role in longevity and healthy living.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have released a new clinical guideline for effectively managing individuals diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The guideline recommends exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, including low-to-moderate intensity recreational activities, while also introducing a...
A new study found that children who spent more time being sedentary in childhood had a higher risk of developing heart enlargement, which increases the risk of heart attacks and premature death. In contrast, light physical activity was shown to reduce this risk by 49%.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that children diagnosed with hypertension are at a higher risk of major adverse cardiac events later in life. Improved detection, follow-up, and control of pediatric hypertension may reduce the risk of adult cardiovascular disease.
Jeffrey W. Moses, MD, is recognized for advancing the field of interventional cardiovascular medicine through technical excellence and leadership. Dr. Moses has performed over 20,000 interventional procedures and made significant contributions to clinical research and educational activities in interventional vascular therapy.
This cross-sectional study investigates differences in cardiovascular health metrics among diverse populations. It reveals significant disparities in cardiovascular health at the intersection of race, ethnicity, and sexual identity.
A new genetic testing procedure identifies patients at high cardiovascular risk due to clonal haematopoiesis and carotid artery stenosis. This allows for early detection of increased mortality and a personalized cardiovascular risk profile, enabling therapy adaptation and prevention of atherosclerotic disease progression.
Robert A. Harrington, MD, will be honored for his groundbreaking work in clinical research and clinical excellence. He has made extraordinary contributions to the field of interventional cardiology, transforming cardiovascular care through his pioneering research and mentorship.
A study of 26,000 US participants found that both individual- and area-level social determinants contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. The findings suggest that these factors should be considered in future risk assessment tools, especially for Black individuals.
A new study suggests that stimulating specific areas of the brain can affect heart rate in individuals with depressive disorders. The researchers found high accuracy in identifying optimal treatment spots using heart rate measurements during brain stimulation.
The JACC family of journals published a series on chronological vs biological aging, exploring its impact on CVD risk, progression, and management. The series emphasizes the need for tailored prevention and treatment strategies.
Contemporary US heart failure mortality rates have surpassed those in 1999 due to reversals from 2012 to 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated these increases, partly due to healthcare access limitations.
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) and Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) will collaborate on the development of New York Valves 2024, focusing on advances in surgical approaches and techniques in valve disease. The summit will feature expert discussions, live-case demonstrations, and hands-on training.
A new study published in JNCI Cancer Spectrum found that following a healthy diet, such as the DASH diet, lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease in breast cancer survivors. Women whose diets were most similar to DASH had a 47% lower risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular-related events.
Research published in Heart Rhythm suggests that the three-month blanking period after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation may not be necessary, as early AF recurrence is a predictor of late recurrence. The authors propose shortening the blanking period to one month, citing studies that show higher risks of long-term recurrence for patie...
A multidisciplinary team is developing computational models to predict heart valve leakage in children with specific birth defects. The models use 2D and 3D echocardiogram data to simulate the shape of valves and potential weak spots, enabling surgeons to plan surgeries more effectively.
Researchers found that cardiologists who received payments from LVAD manufacturers were more likely to use those devices during percutaneous coronary intervention procedures. The study highlights the need to reevaluate industry gifts and their potential impact on clinical decision-making.
The updated Fitness to Drive Guidelines recommend driving restrictions for individuals with seven cardiac conditions, including active coronary artery disease and implantable devices. These guidelines aim to support physicians in advising patients on safe driving practices.
A clinical trial found that a nasal spray called etripamil effectively and safely treated recurrent episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) in patients. The study showed that two-thirds of participants experienced relief within an hour, with an average time needed for symptom relief being 17 minutes.
Researchers developed a new method to detect heart failure using smartphones by analyzing heart movement. The technology has been shown to be accurate in identifying patients with heart failure, offering potential benefits for remote monitoring and treatment.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that half of patients discharged from hospital after a heart attack are treated with beta-blockers unnecessarily. The study shows that these patients have suffered a small heart attack and have retained heart function afterwards.
A randomized controlled trial confirms the routine use of Impella CP improves survival in patients who have had a heart attack with STEMI cardiogenic shock. The device reduces 180-day mortality by 12.7% compared to the control arm.
Dr. Himabindu Vidula will lead the American College of Cardiology's (ACC) Board of Governors for a one-year term, focusing on membership engagement and community outreach. Her goal is to strengthen how the ACC serves its members and the broader cardiovascular care community.
A new study found that high-dose influenza vaccine significantly improved humoral response in patients with heart failure or prior myocardial infarction. Vaccination remains crucial in preventing influenza-related complications in high-risk populations.
The randomized clinical trial demonstrates plozasiran's potential to reduce triglyceride levels in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Additional studies are needed to determine its impact on complications associated with the condition.
Researchers found that withdrawing aspirin one month after PCI significantly reduced major and minor bleeding incidents by 55% compared to dual antiplatelet therapy. The study, ULTIMATE-DAPT, showed no increase in adverse ischemic events, suggesting continuing aspirin may cause harm without benefit.
A new approach to heart bypass surgery has been successfully tested, using non-invasive cardiac-CT scan images and AI-powered blood flow analysis. The trial showed a 99.1% feasibility rate, indicating that the procedure is safe and effective without invasive diagnostic catheterisation.
A new study found that inter-atrial shunts improve symptoms and outcomes in heart failure patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), but worsen outcomes in those with preserved LVEF. The device reduces high pressures in the left atrium, causing shortness of breath and hospitalizations.
A new AI-based video biomarker is associated with aortic stenosis development and progression, allowing for opportunistic risk stratification across various imaging modalities. The study's findings suggest potential applications on handheld devices for early detection and intervention.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with a reduced risk of infective endocarditis in high-risk individuals following invasive dental procedures. However, its effectiveness in moderate-risk individuals is unclear.
Researchers develop method to preserve donor hearts for more than 24 hours, a major improvement over current six-hour time window. The new approach uses normothermic ex-vivo heart perfusion and has shown strong improvements in extending the shelf-life of donor hearts.
A study led by Michigan Medicine found that around 10% of deaths following percutaneous coronary intervention are potentially preventable. Complications during procedures contributed to 20% of the nearly 1,200 deaths reported during the study period.
New York Valves: The Structural Heart Summit is a world-class educational experience for the field of structural heart interventions. The summit will showcase advanced techniques, evidence-based medicine, and live-case demonstrations, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to explore the newest techniques and technologies.
Patients with post-COVID condition exhibit lower aerobic capacity and muscle strength compared to control groups, indicating potential benefits of cautious exercise regimens. The study highlights the need for personalized exercise recommendations to mitigate further skeletal muscle deconditioning in PCC patients.
A Mayo Clinic study suggests that active workstations, incorporating walking pads, bikes, and standing desks, can improve neurocognitive function and reduce sedentary time without reducing job performance. The study found improved reasoning scores when participants used active workstations compared to sitting.
Among a sample of over 3,100 people with heart disease, 89% consumed more than the recommended daily maximum of 1,500 mg of sodium, and study participants on average consumed more than twice this amount. Limiting sodium intake is crucial for reducing major adverse cardiovascular events.
People who use e-cigarettes are significantly more likely to develop heart failure compared with those who have never used them. The study found a substantial association between e-cigarette use and an increased risk of heart failure, especially for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
A new study suggests that most essential care for cardiovascular health happens in general primary care clinics, but many at high risk don't receive it. The study found that large percentages of people with major cardiovascular risk factors didn't see a primary care provider or cardiologist in the past year.
A study shows post-menopausal women experience a steep rise in heart problems due to reduced estrogen levels, accelerating plaque buildup and cardiovascular risk. Researchers highlight the importance of recognizing early warning signs and increasing screening for coronary artery calcium.
A large study found that drinking more than one drink per day can increase the risk of coronary heart disease, especially among young to middle-aged women. The risk was highest among those who engaged in binge drinking, with women facing a 68% higher risk compared to moderate drinkers.
A new study suggests that anxiety and depression in younger women may accelerate the development of cardiovascular risk factors, putting them at nearly par with men of the same age. The researchers found that these mental health conditions were associated with a much higher relative risk among young women than seen in other groups.
A new study found that people with high genetic stress sensitivity are more likely to experience heart attacks during stressful periods, such as holidays and elections. Those who also have anxiety or depression are at even higher risk, with their likelihood tripled.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that sleeping less than seven hours a day increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, with females facing a greater risk. The study pooled data from 16 studies and found that short sleep duration was significantly associated with a higher risk of hypertension.
Researchers used Google Street View to analyze built environment factors and found they can predict 63% of coronary heart disease variation between neighborhoods. Features like green spaces and walkable roads are associated with lower risk, while poorly paved roads with higher risk.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that earlier puberty onset is associated with higher adult cardiometabolic risk and mediates the effects of childhood risk factors. The research suggests targeting puberty onset may improve health outcomes in at-risk girls.
Over 11,000 participants from around the globe will share knowledge and skills on interventions for coronary and peripheral vessels at EuroPCR 2024. The course features 66 Late-Breaking Trials and Hotlines, as well as simulation-based learning sessions and focus on imaging.
A multi-institutional team is creating innovative technologies to reduce complications associated with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), including infection, thrombosis, stroke, and bleeding. The new LVAD will deliver a physiological response to changes in the recipient's activity levels using a 'smart' Maglev drive technology.
The study provides reference electrocardiographic data for elite female basketball athletes, highlighting common international criteria-defined training-related findings. Abnormal ECG findings were rare in this athlete group, suggesting a low risk of cardiovascular issues.
Bruno Scheller developed a procedure using drug-coated balloons to treat coronary and peripheral artery disease, improving patients' quality of life. The technique has been widely recognized and effective, with countless patients spared further pain and surgery.
A BIDMC-led trial found that patients treated with a paclitaxel-coated balloon experienced lower rates of in-stent restenosis compared to those with an uncoated balloon. The study showed that drug-coated balloons offer an effective treatment strategy for managing coronary disease.
A new poll suggests that more than half of people aged 50-80 taking aspirin don't have cardiovascular disease, raising concerns about the effectiveness of routine aspirin use. Guidelines now focus on those with a history of cardiovascular issues or high risk due to personal health and family history.
New research suggests that direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are less effective and safer in certain patient scenarios, such as those with mechanical heart valves or thrombotic antiphospholipid syndrome. DOACs should not be the standard treatment for all patients who need to treat or prevent blood clots.
Researchers found that pulse oximeters underestimate blood pumping and overestimate resistance, affecting treatment decisions. Direct blood oxygen measurement is crucial for accurate guidance, especially for Black patients already at higher risk.