Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
New technology measures peak velocity of blood flow in the heart accurately, helping doctors diagnose and monitor patients with heart failure. The 4D heart MRI scan provides precise imaging of the heart valves and flow inside the heart, enabling better treatment planning.
Researchers found significant decrease in national Kawasaki disease cases in 2020, coinciding with school closures and masking mandates. KD cases rebounded after lifting of masks and return of in-person schooling, hinting at respiratory portal of entry as trigger.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends genetic testing for athletes with certain genetic mutations to prevent sudden cardiac death. Athletes with conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome may need to limit their exercise intensity or take preventive measures such as wearing a defibrillator.
Women with a history of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia have a 2.4-fold increased risk of developing hypertension 10 years post-pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of screening for hypertension in this population and suggests that routine screening can help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
A randomized controlled trial found that spinal anesthesia was associated with worse pain immediately after surgery, but differences diminished over time. Researchers also found higher rates of pain reliever prescriptions at 60 days in the spinal anesthesia group.
A new study from Mount Sinai Heart found that heart failure patients unvaccinated against COVID-19 are three times more likely to die from it than those who are fully vaccinated and boosted. The research also shows that these unvaccinated patients face higher risks of hospitalization and ICU admission if infected with the virus.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly one-quarter of over 24,000 patients had mitral annulus calcification, a chronic degeneration of tissue at the base of the heart's mitral valve. This condition is associated with higher mortality rates and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A major international study reveals the significant impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular services worldwide, with a substantial decline in hospital admissions and increased mortality rates. The study warns that problems with heart health will continue to accrue unless mitigation strategies are implemented quickly.
A new virtual biopsy using cardiovascular magnetic resonance has been proven safe and effective in detecting signs of heart rejection in heart transplant patients. The non-invasive procedure reduces complications and hospital admissions compared to traditional invasive biopsies.
A recent study published in JACC: Advances has discovered a significant correlation between the racial demographics of cardiovascular disease fellowship programs and the race of their program directors. The study, led by Indiana University researcher Ankur Kalra, found that fellows from diverse backgrounds are more likely to be accepte...
A study found that states with laws requiring CPR/AED training in high school had higher rates of bystander CPR after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest compared to those without such mandates. The study suggests that this intervention can help reduce health disparities, particularly among low-income and minority communities.
A real-world study found that clopidogrel monotherapy was associated with reduced risk of net adverse clinical events and major cardiac events, compared to aspirin monotherapy. Clopidogrel also showed a lower incidence rate of clinically relevant bleeding events.
A new analysis of the PROGRESS-CTO registry shows a significant increase in successful CTO PCI procedures, with higher efficiency and lower risk of complications. The findings demonstrate improved operator training and real-world experience leading to better patient outcomes.
The study found that patients treated with paclitaxel drug-coated devices (DCDs) had a similar survival rate as those treated with non-drug coated devices (NDCDs), regardless of the patient's mortality risk and device type. The analysis included over 168,000 patients treated from 2015 to 2018.
The DIPRA study found no significant difference in hand function between distal radial artery access and conventional proximal radial artery access. Radial artery occlusion occurred more frequently with PRA, but the risk was negligible.
A one-year study validated the Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) system's safety and efficacy in treating congenital heart disease patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation. The study showed favorable clinical and hemodynamic outcomes, including low mortality rates and minimal interventions.
A new analysis from the NACMI registry found that STEMI patients with COVID-19 have a significant increased risk of in-hospital mortality compared to pre-pandemic levels. Clinical characteristics and treatment strategies differ between men and women, highlighting the need for continued research into cardiovascular health impacts of COV...
A study found that colchicine significantly improved survival rates for patients hospitalized with worsening heart failure. Colchicine may also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with a buildup of cholesterol in their arteries.
The Disrupt PAD III trial found intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) to be effective in treating severely calcified peripheral artery lesions, with high patency rates compared to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). IVL also showed reduced severe complications and need for additional interventions.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions has released official guidelines for the management of patent foramen ovale (PFO), addressing five clinical scenarios. The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for PFO closure in various situations, aligning with stroke neurology principles.
A nationwide study analyzing rates of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) found a nearly 30% decline following the COVID-19 pandemic. STEMI cases have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting continued hesitation among patients to seek hospital care despite having a heart att...
A retrospective analysis reveals significantly higher mortality rates for low-income residents hospitalized with STEMI compared to higher-income residents. The findings highlight the need to examine social factors that impact healthcare outcomes for the most vulnerable.
A nationwide study of 100 million hospitalizations found that percutaneous coronary intervention is safe and increasing among cancer patients. The study suggests that PCI can nearly double from 2016 to 2018 among patients with thrombocytopenia, without significantly increasing mortality.
A nationwide study reveals lower rates of cardiac catheterization and revascularization among non-Hispanic Black patients with a history of cocaine use compared to white patients. The findings suggest implicit bias in treatment, emphasizing the need for health equity.
A recent national survey suggests that few cardiologists and care team members are trained in cardio-obstetrics, a specialty combining cardiology, obstetrics, and primary care. Only 29% of clinicians reported receiving cardio-obstetrics teachings during training.
A new study published in Open Heart found that patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis benefit from early valve replacement surgery to prevent irreversible heart muscle damage. The research showed that timing of surgery is crucial in reducing mortality and hospitalization rates.
The Nurses and Allied Professionals community is being recognized for their dedication and skills in advancing cardiovascular care. The Andreas Grüntzig Ethica Award celebrates their expertise, physical presence, and impact on patient care.
A new study has shown that Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is just as effective as conventional open-heart surgery in treating severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. The procedure offers a safer and faster recovery for patients, with improved symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life at 6 weeks.
A new study reveals that allergic asthma is a significant risk factor for human cardiovascular diseases, with certain medications affecting heart health. Researchers found that inflammatory cells play a crucial role in both conditions and that targeting them may lead to better treatment options.
A new case report highlights the risks of herbal supplements containing CBD and berberine, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias. The study involves a patient who experienced dizziness and fainting after taking high doses of hemp oil and berberine supplements, leading to a life-threatening condition.
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have found that histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) regulates heart stiffness by acting on titin protein. This discovery could lead to novel treatments for heart failure, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
The American Journal of Roentgenology has published best practices for managing an iodinated contrast media (ICM) shortage in radiology practices. To mitigate the shortage, practice leaders should prioritize examination findings and reduce overall ICM usage.
A team of researchers has successfully treated damaged pig hearts with cardiac progenitor cells, demonstrating the formation of new cardiac tissue and improved cardiac function. The treatment could potentially be used to treat patients with serious heart failure, particularly older patients with coexisting conditions.
The TVT 2022 program features cutting-edge research on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other structural heart therapies. The meeting will focus on patient evaluation, imaging modalities, and therapeutic options.
Researchers at UC San Diego describe the underlying signaling pathway that causes PAH and a novel monoclonal antibody therapy that blocks abnormal blood vessel formation. The study reveals two opposing roles of NOTCH ligands and opens a door to a potentially new treatment for PAH.
A flying intervention team deployment was significantly associated with shorter time to endovascular thrombectomy, supporting consideration for some stroke systems of care. The findings may need further research to confirm long-term clinical outcomes and applicability in other geographic settings.
A new study found positive trends in long-term patient outcomes after a heart attack, but disparities persist among low-income and Black communities. The 10-year recurrent AMI rate was 27%, three times higher than previously reported, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce health inequalities.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have developed a novel approach to reprogramming cardiac implantable devices during MRI scans remotely. This technology has shown safe and effective results, saving time and money by eliminating the need for device representatives or on-site personnel.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can detect weak heart pumps in patients using single-lead Apple Watch ECGs. The study found high participation rates and high-quality data from over 46 states and 11 countries, demonstrating the potential for this tool to be widely used.
A new type of cardiac defibrillator implanted under the skin has been found to significantly reduce patient complications, including lead-related complications and blood clotting. The subcutaneous ICD has shown promising results with an average age of patients included in the study ranging from 18 to 60 years old.
A new study in Heart Rhythm reveals that only 12% of clinical electrophysiologists are women, with significant disparities in representation compared to other cardiologic specialties. The study highlights the need to recruit and retain more women in electrophysiology to improve patient care.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have developed an AI tool that accurately predicts pancreatic cancer patients based on CT scan images. Lowering blood cholesterol has also been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer by enhancing immune cell action. Additionally, a new study found that an ultrasound probe plugged into a smartphone can b...
A new study reveals that cardiac surgery causes distinct patterns of cortisol secretion, which may reflect individual physiological differences and inflammatory responses. Researchers identified three dynamic phenotypes: single-pulse, two-pulse and multiple-pulse dynamics, suggesting improved diagnostics and personalized interventions ...
A recent study found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death among heart transplant recipients. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, compared vaccinated and unvaccinated patients at a single center and showed a notable difference in outcomes.
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that measuring intramuscular fat in thigh muscles can predict cardiovascular health outcomes in heart failure patients. Patients with lower intramuscular fat had higher grip strength and were less likely to be hospitalized.
A large-scale study found a link between SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations and an increased risk of myocarditis, particularly among younger individuals. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, analyzed data from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.
Researchers found that gamification increased daily steps by an average of 647 for postpartum individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, demonstrates the effectiveness of text-based gamification interventions to improve physical activity among high-risk postpartum women.
Researchers found daily e-cigarette use altered inflammatory markers in the brain, colon, and heart, while lungs showed gene expression changes; flavors influenced organ responses to infections like COVID-19.
Adults with a history of allergic disorders are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. Asthma is the primary contributor to this risk, particularly among Black male adults.
Current guidelines for treating women's obesity, hypertension and diabetes are based on men's studies. Researchers call for sex-specific guidelines to accurately treat these conditions in women, as they have different risk factors and manifestations.
Researchers have gained unprecedented insights into the heart's dynamic ultrastructure using high-resolution electron microscopy. This knowledge is crucial for developing new therapeutic concepts for heart attacks and cardiac arrhythmias.
The American College of Cardiology is partnering with the Korean Society of Cardiology to host ACC Asia 2022 Together with KSC Spring Conference. The conference aims to critically examine emerging trends in cardiovascular care and share evidence-based strategies for improving heart health.
Research found that nearly half of heart disease patients have insomnia, which is significantly associated with recurrent heart events. Insomnia accounted for 16% of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events in this study, suggesting that treating insomnia could reduce cardiovascular problems in these patients.
Researchers at MUSC have developed a device to remove toxic chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin, from the blood after cancer treatment. The device uses heat and an activated carbon filter to effectively remove the drug, potentially reducing harmful side effects.
Researchers found a significant decline in in-hospital mortality and secondary endpoints for STEMI patients with COVID-19 in 2021 compared to 2020. Vaccination status showed zero hospital deaths among vaccinated patients, while unvaccinated patients experienced high death rates.
Dr. Valentin Fuster is receiving the inaugural 'Valentin Fuster Award for Innovation in Science' at the ACC's 71st Annual Scientific Session. The award honors his contributions to cardiovascular medicine and scientific research.
Dr. Edward Fry has been an ACC member for nearly 30 years and will lead transformational cardiovascular care to improve heart health and close access gaps. As the new president, he aims to work with members to drive innovation and knowledge in optimizing cardiovascular care and outcomes.
A new clinical trial found that the drug mavacamten alleviates shortness of breath in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The treatment also improves symptoms and heart failure biomarkers.
A Cleveland Clinic-led trial found that an experimental 'gene silencing' therapy significantly reduced blood levels of lipoprotein(a), a key driver of heart disease risk, by up to 96%-98%. The therapy targets the gene responsible for Lp(a) production and has shown strong efficacy with no major safety concerns reported.
Researchers analyzed interviews with participants and found that the program's success was due to its community context, support network, and direct contact with pharmacists. The team plans to track barbershop patrons and explore how public health measures during COVID-19 impacted community-based health interventions.