A study of 806 patients with heart failure found that reducing sodium intake improved symptoms such as swelling, fatigue, and coughing. However, it had no effect on rates of death, hospitalization, or emergency department visits. The researchers recommend a lower sodium intake limit for heart failure patients.
The trial evaluated the use of mavacamten as an alternative to heart surgery or alcohol septal ablation for treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Findings showed significant reduction in left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient and improvements in quality-of-life measures.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has released a position statement on best practices for clinical proctoring, aiming to reduce the potential risks involved with medical proctoring. The document highlights the importance of effective communication, preparation, and oversight in proctoring experiences.
Cedars-Sinai researchers created a clinical risk assessment algorithm that identifies patients at highest risk of treatable sudden cardiac arrest. The algorithm, based on 13 clinical, electrocardiogram, and echocardiographic variables, has the potential to enhance prevention and treatment options for this fatal condition.
A randomized controlled study found that lack of sufficient sleep increased calorie intake and visceral fat area by 9% and 11%, respectively. The study suggests that inadequate sleep is a previously unrecognized trigger for visceral fat deposition, potentially contributing to obesity and metabolic diseases.
A new test predicts sepsis soon after infection in mice, enabling early antibiotic treatment and markedly increased survival. The findings provide a platform for developing rapid clinical tests for early sepsis detection and intervention.
Researchers developed an AI-based computer algorithm that accurately predicted heart health risks based on voice recordings alone, identifying a high biomarker score associated with increased CAD-related events. The study suggests voice technology could be a powerful screening tool in remote healthcare delivery and telehealth.
A new study by the American College of Cardiology reveals that exercise nearly doubles the cardiovascular benefit for individuals with depression or anxiety. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events by up to 22% in those with anxiety and depression, compared to 10% for those without these con...
A nationwide study found that Black and Hispanic individuals are 41% less likely than white individuals to receive CPR when suffering cardiac arrest in public and 26% less likely at home. The disparity persists regardless of neighborhood income level, suggesting access to training may play a role.
Researchers used a programmable button to page phlebotomists for blood draws, reducing the time it took to diagnose a heart attack by an average of 11 minutes. The study showed a significant reduction in processing times, from 14% faster diagnosis to 2.5-minute shorter blood draws.
A study found that 42% of TikTok videos on high blood pressure focused on alternative medicine, while only 5% mentioned exercise. Most creators were not healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for more emphasis on credible sources.
A study suggests that smartwatch heart rate measurement algorithms are less effective in people with darker skin tones due to increased melanin absorption. Researchers emphasize the need for diverse population inclusion and explore alternative light wavelengths for more accurate readings.
Researchers analyzed health records of nearly half a million patients post-heart attack and found that depression was associated with a nearly 50% higher stroke risk compared to those without depression. The study highlights the need for greater attention to mental health in research and practice.
A recent study found that approximately 1 in 3 heart attack survivors experience significant mental decline in the days and months following their heart attack. Cognitive deficits can impact quality of life and treatment adherence, emphasizing the need for cardiologists to monitor patients regularly.
A study found that living near high levels of transportation noise increases the risk of heart attack by 72%, with 5% of hospitalizations attributable to elevated noise levels. Noise exposure can cause chronic stress, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress, leading to cardiovascular health issues.
A study found that female principal investigators led fewer trials and those funded by industry sponsors, but more trials led by women were associated with higher enrollment of female subjects. This highlights the need for increased female representation in clinical trial leadership.
Researchers at CNIC discover that bone marrow activation is an early event in the development of atherosclerosis, leading to inflammation and plaque formation. The study identifies metabolic syndrome as a key trigger for this process.
A comprehensive literature review found that consuming plant-based alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) rich in walnuts and flaxseeds can lower cardiovascular disease risk by 10% and fatal coronary heart disease risk by 20%. ALA may also benefit heart health when combined with other omega-3s.
The American College of Cardiology's health policy statement outlines organizational and individual strategies to address bias, discrimination, bullying and harassment in the workplace. The statement provides resources and tools for individuals, organizations, and professional societies to build respectful and inclusive work cultures.
The American College of Cardiology has issued clinical guidance on the evaluation and management of adults with key cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19. The document provides recommendations for diagnosing and treating myocarditis and managing long COVID, including a framework for safe return to play for athletes.
Researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University discover a molecular pathway driving maladaptive processes in heart failure, revealing the importance of GRK5's catalytic activity and nuclear presence. The study opens doors to new therapeutic strategies for treating this devastating condition.
A study by American College of Cardiology reveals that childbearing women cardiologists face discriminatory violations of maternity leave practices, with 75% experiencing potential illegal violations. The survey found a significantly higher rate of pregnancy complications among these women compared to the general population.
Researchers have found that two receptors on the surface of endothelial cells come together to enable new blood vessel growth. The discovery reveals a new connection between copper metabolism and angiogenesis, highlighting CTR1 as a potential therapeutic target for conditions like ischemic heart disease.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet studied long-term outcomes of bioprosthetic aortic valves implanted between 2003 and 2018. They found significant differences in performance depending on valve model, with Perimount having the lowest risk of replacement and mortality among patients
Diagnosing heart attacks after heart surgery is difficult due to current diagnostic tools' shortcomings. UTSW faculty members propose more innovation to accurately interpret troponin levels and distinguish between surgical complications and normal heart manipulation.
A new collection of scientific articles reviews the past decade of research on women's cardiovascular health, identifying key differences between men and women. The studies highlight critical gaps in current knowledge and emphasize the need for a more tailored approach to diagnosing and treating heart disease and stroke risk in women.
A new AI algorithm developed by physician-scientists can effectively identify and distinguish between two life-threatening heart conditions: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and cardiac amyloidosis. The algorithm uses specific features from cardiac ultrasound videos to flag high-risk patients, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Patients with both high lipoprotein(a) and coronary artery calcium score face a 20% increased risk of heart attack or stroke over 10 years. Researchers hope to raise awareness and improve early prevention for these patients.
Researchers found that daily life movement, including housework and self-care activities, significantly benefits cardiovascular health. Women with at least four hours of daily life movement had a 43% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, 62% lower risk of cardiovascular disease death.
Researchers have made a significant breakthrough in predicting heart attacks and strokes by developing a non-invasive method using super-resolution ultrasound imaging. The technology aims to detect high-risk atherosclerotic plaques that are prone to rupture, allowing doctors to prescribe life-saving interventions.
A study of 31 patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) reveals a high correlation between ulcerated plaque in the femoropopliteal artery and poor angiographic runoff scores, suggesting a possible origin for arterial embolism. This discovery could lead to improved treatment methods for PAD.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that more than half of young women in the US have at least one risk factor for poor heart health before pregnancy. Optimizing heart health before and during pregnancy can prevent complications, deliver a healthy baby, and even reduce the risk of heart disease years later.
The annual conference will cover important themes such as decision-making in coronary revascularization, specific treatment of complex lesion subsets, and the use of adjunctive tools. CTO Plus 2022 will feature 12 live case transmissions performed by world-class faculty members.
The ACC Cardiovascular Summit Virtual aims to equip healthcare leaders with essential leadership skills through three days of live content and on-demand learning. Participants will learn innovative approaches to patient care, clinician experience, and leadership strategies for collaboration, teamwork, and workforce well-being.
A study found that approximately one-third of the US population lacks access to emergency departments with acute stroke capabilities and telestroke capacity. The research estimated these proportions to better understand healthcare disparities in stroke care.
The ACC cardiooncology course is designed to educate clinicians on improving awareness, identification, monitoring, and management of cardiovascular diseases in cancer patients. The course aims to help clinicians minimize cardiotoxicity from cancer therapies, leading to improved overall survival and quality of life for oncology patients.
A multidisciplinary research team from the University of Pittsburgh seeks to improve vascular graft integration by developing fully biodegradable tissue-engineered vascular grafts. The goal is to keep compliance-matched as it degrades and remodels, reducing long-term graft failure rates.
A study led by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds that Black patients with dilated cardiomyopathy have a higher risk of family members being affected. The research analyzed data from 1,220 patients and their relatives, revealing that 39% of Black patients had at least one first-degree family member with the condition.
Researchers have discovered a new method to predict heart attacks by analyzing the gene expression of foamy macrophages, revealing a person's cardiovascular health. The study found that foamy cells can be both beneficial and detrimental depending on their behavior in individuals with certain conditions.
Hospitalizations for hypertensive crises more than doubled between 2002 and 2014, despite reports of overall progress in blood pressure control. The study found that women had similar hospital mortality rates to men, but with a higher risk of dying during a hypertensive crisis.
Natural supplements taken by athletes may pose serious health risks, including cardiovascular effects and contravention of anti-doping rules. Athletes often have limited knowledge about supplement effects on sports performance and overall health.
The USPSTF recommends against screening for atrial fibrillation in asymptomatic adults aged 50 or older. The current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening, which is associated with a substantial increase in stroke risk. Atrial fibrillation is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke.
A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that implementing lifestyle interventions in preschool can significantly improve cardiovascular health habits in children. The SI! Program, which included more than 3,800 children aged 3-5 years from 50 schools across three countries, showed a significant inc...
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) will host THT 2022 from February 1-2, 2022. The conference features new and emerging treatments for heart failure, including transcatheter approaches and innovative monitoring strategies.
Researchers analyzed 6,800 cases of sudden cardiac death in the UK, finding a significant association between sexual intercourse and sudden death in young individuals. The study also identified key cardiac conditions that increase the risk of sudden death during or immediately after sex.
A new PET/CT artificial intelligence model has been developed to predict the risk of future heart attacks with improved accuracy. By combining information from PET and CT angiography, the model provides a more robust prediction of heart attack risk than clinical data alone.
A study found that consuming more than 7 grams of olive oil per day is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative, and respiratory disease mortality. Replacing margarine, butter, mayonnaise, and dairy fat with olive oil was also linked to improved health outcomes.
Research in mice suggests that first-responder cells launching repair after a heart attack promote more inflammation than necessary, threatening optimum healing of the heart.
Researchers developed a computer model of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, shedding light on its mechanism and substrate specificity. This knowledge creates opportunities for therapeutic interventions against cardiovascular disease.
Research finds GNAO1 expression affects calcium ion regulation in cardiomyocytes, leading to cardiac dysfunction and heart failure progression. Suppression of GNAO1 improves pathology in multiple mouse models.
A recent study published by Queen Mary University of London has found that certain risk factors for heart disease are linked to changes in the structure and appearance of the heart. The research analyzed images from over 30,000 people's heart MRI scans using a new imaging toolkit called radiomics.
A new Northwestern University study has derived and validated the first set of risk prediction models for lifetime risk of heart failure. The models can identify individuals at greatest risk, especially among young adults, allowing physicians to start prevention measures sooner.
A study by Osaka City University found that the Kihon Checklist is a useful tool in assessing frailty in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. The checklist, originally developed for Japan's long-term care insurance system, correlated with clinical scores to identify patients at high risk of mortality.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that frail patients with atrial fibrillation are under-prescribed for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), a safer alternative to traditional warfarin treatment. Despite needing DOACs most, these patients are less likely to receive them than non-frail patients.
A new study from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that family members of children with life-threatening conditions are 50-70% more likely to experience mental and physical health issues. The study examined four types of life-threatening conditions and found mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers to be at higher risk.
A clinical trial found that remote monitoring of medication's potential arrhythmic side effects is feasible and safe for patients with mild COVID-19. The study used handheld devices to transmit digital ECGs, suggesting a potential expansion of clinical research to broader populations and reducing participants' burdens.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that fetal MRI can detect at least one other abnormality in almost 57% of fetuses with heart defects. Additionally, approximately a quarter of all fetuses had structural brain abnormalities, regardless of the severity of the heart defect.
A recent study found significant inequities in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), a medication typically used for treating diabetes, among different racial and ethnic groups. The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, showed that Black patients were 19% less likely to have a GLP-1 RA prescription compared to white patients.
Scientists have found that the gene PBK is overexpressed in pulmonary hypertension, causing excessive cell proliferation and thickening of pulmonary artery walls. They are now exploring PBK inhibitors to reduce cell proliferation and improve heart and lung function.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that omega-3 fatty acids activate the GPR32 receptor, which reduces inflammation in blood vessels and prevents atherosclerosis. This breakthrough discovery paves the way for new strategies to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease using omega-3 fatty acids.