Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
A groundbreaking study analyzing 12 million deaths finds that stock market volatility is associated with a heightened risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and suicide. Daily stock returns show significant correlations with mortality risks, particularly among older adults, males, and those with lower education levels.
A new study found that an AI program generated explanations of heart test results in most cases, with 73% deemed suitable for patients without changes. The AI explanations were also rated as easy to understand by non-clinical participants, reducing worry in many cases.
The AHA PREVENT equations could reduce eligibility for statin and antihypertensive therapy among 15.8 million US adults due to lower atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk predictions. This change may impact treatment guidelines and recommendations.
A new scoring system has been developed to diagnose Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF), enabling more effective identification of patients. The HFpEF-ABA score model uses age, BMI, and atrial fibrillation to estimate the probability of HFpEF in individual patients.
A recent study published in ESC Heart Failure found that kidney dysfunction can be used as a criterion to stratify patients requiring implantable defibrillators. The research identified two key independent predictors for the risk of sudden cardiac death: left ventricular ejection fraction and estimated glomerular filtration rate.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new scoring model using prehospital resuscitation data to predict neurological outcomes of patients with OHCA. The R-EDByUS score achieved high precision, enabling healthcare providers to make quick and accurate decisions upon hospital arrival.
Community disadvantage status affects hospital stroke care services, with disadvantaged hospitals having lower certification rates. Hospitals in most advantaged communities show higher likelihood of becoming stroke certified.
A nationwide study from University of Alabama at Birmingham compares two cardiovascular health metrics, Life’s Simple 7 and Life’s Essential 8, with the well-established Pooled Cohort Equation to determine their predictive values for mortality. The researchers found that PCEs outperformed LE8 and LS7 scores in mortality risk prediction.
A Mediterranean diet-based intervention has been shown to optimize cardiometabolic biomarkers in children and adolescents. The study found that this dietary approach can help improve cardiovascular health in young people, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Researchers developed an AI model to analyze heart MRI scans, which can save NHS time and resources. The model provides a complete analysis of the entire heart using a view that shows all four chambers, leading to faster and more accurate diagnosis of heart failure and other cardiac conditions.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that older women over 65 who require complex heart surgery are more likely to be treated at low-quality hospitals, where they also die in greater numbers. The sex disparity in mortality doubled from high-quality to low-quality hospitals.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has shown that pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed over 17,600 patients and found no significant risk of esophageal damage or other complications, increasing confidence in the use of PFA technology.
A recent analysis found that nearly half of US counties lack a cardiologist, exacerbating rural-urban health disparities. Counties without cardiologists tend to be more rural, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and experience higher cardiovascular mortality rates.
A large-scale genetic survey found that genes can influence the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Researchers analyzed over 400,000 individuals and identified six genes whose genetic changes significantly affect a person's risk.
Dr. Harish Manyam has developed a groundbreaking system that addresses potentially dangerous problems associated with traditional pacemakers and defibrillators. The leadless pacemaker, in combination with a novel subcutaneous defibrillator, eliminates the need for lead extraction procedures.
A study by Pusan National University researchers found that repeated item development training enhances faculty members' accuracy in predicting and adjusting item difficulty levels, leading to better educational outcomes. The training improved the quality of MCQ assessments in medical education.
Between 2013 and 2023, private equity firms acquired 41 outpatient cardiology practices, corresponding to 342 clinic sites. The study highlights the critical need to monitor the effects of private equity acquisitions on quality of care and outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine will investigate how injured heart cells communicate with other cells throughout the body using microvesicles known as exosomes. The study aims to understand how specific molecules, such as microRNAs, facilitate communication pathways between cells in the heart and vasculature.
A Canadian Journal of Cardiology review article finds that plant-based meat alternatives tend to reflect a heart-healthy dietary pattern, improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The authors recommend incorporating PBMAs into a healthy diet as an excellent protein source, with options lower in saturated fat and sodium.
Researchers discovered a step-by-step process of calcification in aortic valves, revealing two defense mechanisms: osteopontin and collagen fibers. The study provides new insights into understanding cardiovascular calcification and potential therapeutic applications.
A survey of 150 million adults in the US suggests that nearly a third of those aged 60 or older are using aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease without medical advice. The findings highlight the urgent need for physicians to discuss the benefits and risks of aspirin use with their patients.
A cohort study of 10,634 participants reveals that childhood risk factors are associated with adult cardiovascular disease. The study highlights the importance of intervening in childhood to reduce the incidence of adult CVD, particularly for body mass index (BMI) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Women with obesity-related heart failure experienced greater weight loss and improved HF symptoms compared to men. Semaglutide improved HF-related symptoms, physical limitations, exercise function, reduced inflammation, and lower blood pressure across both sexes.
Researchers studied cancer survivors under 25 who had cancer since 1958 and found they were three times more likely to develop cancer later in life. Socioeconomic factors also played a role in survival rates, with lower education levels and foreign backgrounds increasing risk.
Researchers developed a computational method to estimate sudden cardiac death risk using one-minute heart rate measurements at rest. The new method provides a significantly better estimate than previous analyses, identifying differences in heart rate intervals between high-risk and healthy patients.
A study published in Heart Rhythm examined the potential dangers of energy drink consumption in patients with genetic heart diseases. The research found a temporal relationship between energy drink consumption and sudden cardiac arrest events, but caution is advised due to the small relative risk.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found a positive association between heavy lifetime cannabis use and cardiovascular disease mortality among female participants. The study suggests that long-term cannabis use may have negative effects on mortality rates, highlighting the need for further research.
A cohort study found lower moderate to vigorous physical activity levels linked to increased cardiovascular disease or mortality in normoglycemic Hispanic and non-Hispanic adults. Adults with prediabetes may gain from reducing sedentary behavior and improving lifestyle factors beyond exercise alone
A recent Cleveland Clinic-led study found that high levels of the sugar alcohol xylitol are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. The research team identified a link between xylitol consumption and elevated platelet activity, which can lead to blood clots and thrombosis.
A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology found that dual direct-current cardioversion is significantly more effective than single cardioversion in restoring sinus rhythm in obese patients with atrial fibrillation. The study demonstrated a 98% success rate for dual cardioversion, compared to an 86% success rate for single cardioversion.
Innovative devices and techniques have been developed to treat high-risk patients with comorbidities, coronary lesion characteristics, and hemodynamic status. The use of adjunctive mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices is supported for severely reduced left ventricular function or acute decompensated heart failure with complex c...
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology highlights how pollution is a greater health threat than war, terrorism, and other diseases. The researchers emphasize the need for better monitoring of pollutants to identify at-risk communities and understand individual-level risk factors.
A study by the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center found that only 23% of heart attack patients received dietary counseling within 90 days of hospitalization. Nutrition counseling, often provided by registered dietitian nutritionists, may reduce cardiovascular risk for patients.
Higher Mediterranean diet adherence was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality risk. The study found that cardiometabolic factors played a partial role in this inverse association.
Patients who received COVID-19 vaccines after acute coronary syndromes had similar rates of primary composite end point and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared to unvaccinated patients. Retrospective studies have shown a short-term reduction in MACE risk after COVID-19 vaccination.
Researchers found that 6% of patients with heart failure progressed to dialysis within a year, highlighting the need for integrating heart and kidney care. The study emphasizes prioritizing kidney function assessment in all patients with heart failure and promoting systemic changes to manage both conditions simultaneously.
Research highlights varied associations between social isolation and mortality risk across demographic groups, including socioeconomic disparities. The study emphasizes the importance of considering sociodemographic heterogeneity in understanding the impact of social isolation on health outcomes.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus identified key elements to improve diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) in women, addressing the common misdiagnosis of heart attacks. The new guidelines provide recommendations to help clinicians better address sex-specific symptoms and treatments.
The conference will feature 12 late-breaking clinical trials and science presentations on transcatheter aortic valve replacement, mitral and tricuspid devices and techniques. Data from these trials will guide the selection of patients who will benefit most from procedures and define optimal treatment strategies.
A new study reveals that high consumption of ultraprocessed foods among young children is strongly associated with increased adiposity and other cardiometabolic risk factors. The findings highlight the need for targeted public health initiatives to encourage healthier eating habits and reduce the burden of diet-related diseases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.