Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The study of 5,951 women aged 63 to 99 found that higher levels of physical activity and lower amounts of sedentary time were associated with reduced heart failure risk. Promoting regular physical activity and limiting sedentary time may be a prudent strategy for primary prevention of heart failure in older women.
A new study published in JAMA Cardiology found that taking 3,600 steps per day is associated with a 26% lower risk of developing heart failure. The study also found that accumulating more light and moderate intensity daily activities can help prevent heart failure.
Using intravascular imaging to guide stent implantation significantly improves survival and reduces adverse cardiovascular events compared to angiography-guided PCI. The study found a 25% reduction in all-cause death, 45% reduction in cardiac death, and improved outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease.
A team of researchers from Texas Heart Institute and Baylor College of Medicine have made a significant discovery about the underlying molecular cell states within transplanted pediatric hearts. They found that donor-derived tissue-resident macrophages are crucial for graft acceptance, but their loss leads to allograft failure.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a tool that uses standard blood test results to identify individuals at increased risk of having a heart attack within six months. The study analyzed data from 169,053 individuals and identified 90 molecules linked to a first heart attack.
A new tool, developed with a machine learning-based approach, can predict diuretic response in patients with ADHF. The BAN-ADHF score may lead to personalized strategies for effectively managing congestion in hospitalized patients.
A study by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that despite guidelines supporting outpatient management, nearly two-thirds of low-risk PE patients remain hospitalized. The findings suggest that many patients with acute PE are being needlessly admitted to the hospital for inpatient management.
Experts recommend increasing the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in lower extremity revascularization procedures to optimize outcomes and reduce complications. The technique provides detailed information about vessel walls, plaque composition, and blood flow characteristics, enabling more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
A new study found that paying doctors to visit rural areas is a cost-effective way to provide reasonable access and effective care. The study estimates the financial costs of mitigating cardiologist shortages by studying outreach patterns over 30 years in Iowa.
A new method allows for the estimation of exercise thresholds based on dynamical correlation properties of heart rate variability, optimizing athlete training and injury prevention. This method utilizes heartbeat interval measurements from sports watches and heart rate monitors, providing a reliable alternative to current methods.
The American Heart Association has made significant medical advancements over the past 100 years, including the development of artificial heart valves and implantable pacemakers. The organization continues to work towards health equity, with a focus on removing barriers to healthcare for diverse populations.
A recent study published by the Mayo Clinic found that an AI-enabled digital stethoscope can detect peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially life-threatening condition, more accurately than regular care. The researchers identified twice as many cases using the AI-powered tool.
A new case series study published by the Henry Ford Health team shows that severe mitral stenosis can be safely and successfully treated using Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL)-enabled percutaneous balloon mitval valluplasty, offering a promising treatment option for patients with no other options.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that digoxin treatment significantly reduced mortality and the need for a transplant among infants undergoing a hybrid procedure for single-ventricle physiology. The researchers analyzed data from 259 infants who received digoxin during their interstage per...
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that maintaining aerobic fitness is linked to a 7-14% lower risk of hospitalizations for any reason. Increased fitness also reduces hospital admissions due to cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest potential benefits for individual health and healthcare costs.
The National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative study demonstrates a 71% survival rate for patients treated with the new protocol, which involves rapid initiation of mechanical circulatory support and right heart catheterization. This significant improvement in survival rates is expected to save thousands of lives each year.
Black patients in integrated communities experience greatest benefits from PCI-CF openings, including a five times greater likelihood of receiving same-day PCI. Segregation is associated with poorer outcomes for racial minority groups.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients who received the anticoagulant drug warfarin after bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement had lower incidence of mortality and decreased risk of blood clots. The use of warfarin was associated with a 32% reduction in mortality risk, making it an effective treatment for these patients.
A pregnant patient with severe vasospastic angina successfully carried a healthy baby to full term after starting treatment with calcium channel blockers. The case highlights the importance of careful diagnosis and treatment, which can alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found that telemedicine patients with hyperlipidemia experienced significant decreases in LDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels. Virtual appointments were shown to be as effective as in-person visits in improving cholesterol levels, overcoming barriers to access for patients.