Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
A study examining remote cardiology clinic visits during COVID-19 found disparities in patient use of care, diagnostic testing, and medication prescribing. The transition to remote visits was associated with uneven access to care, highlighting the need for improved healthcare infrastructure.
A study found that young adults with inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to experience fatal heart attacks. Researchers also discovered that patients with these conditions were less likely to be prescribed aspirin and statins after a heart attack.
The EHRA Congress explores the latest practice-changing research in heart rhythm disorders, with a focus on digital technologies, arrhythmias, and cardiac devices. Season of birth affects health, weight loss after atrial fibrillation treatment can stop arrhythmia, and remote monitoring promotes patient empowerment.
A study found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. Researchers analyzed data from the Framingham Offspring Study and classified food items into five categories, including ultra-processed foods, which were linked to a 7% increase in hard ...
Men with stable coronary artery disease who take Viagra live longer and have lower risk of new heart attack compared to those treated with alprostadil. The study's findings suggest a dose-dependent reduction in cardiovascular events.
Physicians report various symptoms, including chest pain, arrhythmias, and organ damage, in COVID-19 patients experiencing lingering effects. The experts emphasize the need for dedicated 'COVID-19 clinics' to provide longitudinal care.
The European Society of Cardiology's ESC Preventive Cardiology 2021 conference explores the latest research and strategies for preventing heart disease. Experts discuss the role of diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits in maintaining cardiovascular health and identify the most effective ways to promote physical activity and healthy eating.
Researchers at Lund University developed a new examination method using NIRS and IVUS, which identifies high-risk plaques that cannot be seen with traditional angiograms. The study found that over 14% of treated patients experienced heart disease recurrence within four years, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment.
Patients with kidney disease who exercised regularly had lower rates of death, heart problems, and end-stage renal disease. The study found that moderate-intensity exercise (150 minutes/week) provided the most health benefits.
Researchers found that statin users had lower inflammation levels and a 50% reduced risk of death from COVID-19. However, randomized clinical trials are still needed to confirm these findings.
Emerging evidence suggests ketone bodies exert protective effects on patients with heart disease, potentially providing a safer alternative to the keto diet. Increasing circulating ketone levels through multiple mechanisms may offer therapeutic advantages in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.
A systematic review found that female patients treated by female physicians experience better outcomes, while those treated by male physicians face higher mortality rates. The study suggests that increasing gender diversity in the physician workforce and improving training on patient-centered communication can help combat disparities.
A recent study by University of Alberta cardiologists shows that patients with stable ischemic heart disease and high-risk cardiac anatomy benefit from revascularization with stents or bypass surgery. This approach leads to better health outcomes, including reduced risk of death or heart attack.
Acute cardiovascular care specialty focuses on critically ill cardiac patients with urgent conditions. ESC Acute CardioVascular Care 2021 presents novel findings on treating heart attacks, differences between men and women in cardiovascular disease, and life expectancy after a heart attack.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that individuals who do not exercise have a higher risk of dying immediately from a heart attack. Regular physical activity was associated with a lower risk of instant and 28-day fatal heart attacks, with moderate to high levels of activity showing significant benefits.
Global heart failure cases rose from 33.5 million in 1990 to 64.3 million in 2017, mainly due to increased risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. The prevalence of heart failure decreased only in high-income countries, while it increased in low- and middle-income countries.
Four leading cardiovascular organizations call for structural actions to reduce air pollutants' harmful exposure, highlighting healthcare providers' crucial role in preventing illnesses. The statement emphasizes the importance of integrating air quality into disease management approaches and educating the public on clean air's benefits.
Hypertension symptoms in women are frequently misattributed to menopause, increasing their risk of heart disease and stroke. Middle-aged women with a history of pregnancy complications or early menopause are particularly at risk.
Researchers found a high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions in male breast cancer patients, including overweight, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The study highlights the need for cardiologists and cardio-oncologists to be involved in treatment due to common risk factors and potential cardiotoxic effects.
Research found that physical activity does not undo the negative effects of excess body weight on heart health. Even among those who are active, being overweight or obese increases cardiovascular risk.
Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) has published selected abstracts from the 31st Great Wall International Cardiology Conference. The abstracts cover various topics including basic and translational medicine, clinical research on cardiovascular diseases, and cardiovascular-disciplinary research.
Patients diagnosed with non-cardiac chest pain often struggle to accept normal test results due to misconceptions about heart disease. A new study shows that a brief educational intervention significantly improves patient trust and reduces future chest pain episodes.
A study found that patients who climbed four flights of stairs in less than 40-45 seconds achieved more than 9-10 METs during exercise testing, while those who took 1.5 minutes or longer achieved less than 8 METs. This correlation suggests a simple way to assess heart health outside of traditional exercise testing.
A recent study found that only seven percent of high-risk noncardiac surgery patients underwent preoperative screening for biomarkers, leading to increased mortality and complications. Researchers emphasize the need for improved compliance with guidelines and education among physicians.
Patients with atrial fibrillation are advised to avoid heavy alcohol consumption due to increased risk of stroke and other complications. Heavy drinking was associated with a 32% increased risk compared to abstainers, while moderate drinking seemed safe.
The updated HCM guideline emphasizes shared decision-making in the management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It provides recommendations on evaluation and management, medical therapies, septal reduction therapies, and SCD risk assessment/prevention. The guideline aims to personalize treatment options based on patient goals and concerns.
The European Society of Cardiology, Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology, and Asean Federation of Cardiology will present cutting-edge sessions on various aspects of cardiovascular disease. Key findings include discussions on COVID-19, acute coronary syndromes, sports cardiology, and atrial fibrillation.
A study found that social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant increase in high blood pressure among patients admitted to emergency departments. The researchers suggest that increased stress, changed behaviors, and limited personal contact may contribute to this link.
The EACVI - Best of Imaging 2020 event showcases cutting-edge research on cardiac imaging, featuring sessions on COVID-19 management and women's heart health. Experts will discuss the use of imaging techniques in patients with COVID-19 and explore fundamental differences between men and women in certain diseases.
Since its 2011 approval, TAVR has become the leading choice for aortic valve replacement in the US, with increasing volumes and improved outcomes. The STS/ACC TVT Registry data show significant reductions in mortality, stroke rates, and length of stay, while pacemaker implantation rates remain stable.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that nearly half of type 2 diabetes patients are at very high risk of fatal events within a decade. Lifestyle advice, including quitting smoking, healthy diet and regular exercise, is recommended to prevent cardiovascular disease.
A study published by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that patients with type 2 myocardial infarction often receive inconsistent care. The research indicates that patients evaluated by cardiologists are more likely to undergo stress tests and heart imaging exams, and have higher rates of follow-up cardiology visits.
Dr. Nanette K. Wenger is being recognized for her long-term record of successful teaching and mentoring of the next generation of faculty researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals. Her work has significantly improved patient outcomes, particularly in women's heart health.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that mothers' cardiovascular health significantly affects their children's risk of developing heart disease. Offspring of mothers with ideal cardiovascular health lived nine more years without cardiovascular disease compared to those with poor health.
Researchers propose adding a new metric to examine how many days patients spend at home after hospitalization, balancing current readmission rates with post-discharge care needs. The proposed '30-day risk-adjusted home time' metric could provide a more comprehensive picture of patient outcomes.
A new report from sports cardiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital and Emory University School of Medicine offers guidance for athletes' return to play after COVID-19. For asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic athletes, detailed cardiac screening is not recommended, but those with moderate to severe symptoms should be screened for h...
Cardiovascular healthcare faces a lack of diversity among its professionals, which hampers innovation and excellence. Women and underrepresented groups are disproportionately underrepresented in the field.
Research examines telehealth, health care disparities and patient-centered care during COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings include high patient satisfaction with telehealth visits and increased morbidity and mortality among cardiovascular patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
The American College of Cardiology has announced the Hani Najm Global Scholar Awards, allowing two early career cardiologists to train in the US for four weeks. The awards are part of the ACC's Campaign for the Future, aiming to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide.
A clinical trial found that active choice nudges led to significant increases in optimal statin prescribing for patients with heart disease, while passive nudges had no effect. The study suggests that small design changes can improve the impact of alerts, and future research will focus on clinician and patient nudges.
A recent study found that preventing coronary heart disease could save nearly $15 billion in GDP due to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. The study also estimated that preventing just 10% of future cases would result in $1.5 billion in monetary gains
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that resuming sexual activity within months after a heart attack is positively associated with long-term survival. Maintaining or increasing sexual frequency was linked to a 35% lower risk of death compared to abstaining.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that cardiac involvement in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is associated with myocardial injury, differing from Kawasaki disease. Long-term effects on cardiac function and sports participation require further study.
A Pesco-Mediterranean diet rich in plants, nuts, and fish reduces cardiovascular health risk. Intermittent fasting is also recommended as part of this diet.
The special journal issue features Nemours pediatric cardiologists' expertise on echocardiography and other imaging techniques used in children with cardiovascular disease. The articles highlight best practices for screening, diagnosing, and managing congenital heart disease to improve patient outcomes.
A 14-year-old boy's mysterious symptoms led to a rare diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) caused by COVID-19. A new clinical pathway has been developed to quickly identify and treat cases, saving lives with timely information-sharing.
Research found a significant increase in PCI procedures in Japan and the US between 2013 and 2017. Elective PCIs drove the increase in Japan, while non-elective PCIs were more prominent in the US.
A new study published at ESC Congress 2020 suggests that body mass index (BMI) is a more powerful risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes than genetic predisposition. Researchers found that individuals with a higher BMI were more likely to develop diabetes, regardless of their genetic risk level.
The ATPCI trial found that trimetazidine administered after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not improve outcomes in patients with chronic or acute coronary syndromes. Trimetazidine protects against myocardial ischaemia by improving the heart's metabolism, but its benefits were limited.
Researchers found that men's hearts have coarser textures and a larger surface area, while women's hearts have finer grained textures. With age, differences in heart shape decreased for both sexes, but texture differences remained.
A new study suggests that young women who experience a heart attack may have more favorable long-term outcomes compared to men. The research found that second heart attacks were less frequent in women and they were more likely to have healthy arteries. However, women were also at higher risk of stroke compared to men.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched new guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend regular exercise, including strength-building and aerobic activities, to prevent heart disease and improve overall health.
A survey of nurses caring for children with heart problems found that more than half were emotionally exhausted. Good working environments were linked with less burnout, with an 81% fall in emotional exhaustion when improving the workplace environment was implemented.
A recent study found that couples who worked on healthy habits together had better chances of losing weight, especially when they participated in lifestyle programs. The study, which analyzed data from over 400 patients, showed that having a partner with similar lifestyles helped maintain motivation and overcome practical challenges.
A large meta-analysis of 20 studies found that long naps (over 60 minutes) are associated with a 30% greater risk of all-cause death and 34% higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Napping can also increase the risk of death in women and older participants.
Research published in Open Heart found a significant reduction in cardiology services during the COVID-19 lockdown, including a 40% decrease in heart attack diagnoses at one center in Scotland. This shift was attributed to virtual outpatient clinics, redeployed staff, and rescheduled non-urgent procedures.
A recent trial found that genetic testing can significantly reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events after balloon angioplasty. The study used personalized genetic testing to identify patients with a specific gene variation that affects the activation of antiplatelet medication, resulting in a 34% reduction in adverse events.
According to an analysis of nearly 9,000 veterans, treatment in community facilities for elective PCI is associated with worse outcomes, including a 33% increased hazard of death within the first year after intervention. This trend may be linked to varying levels of expertise among community facilities.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a smartphone-based digital biomarker to detect Type 2 diabetes, providing a potential in-home alternative to blood draws and clinic-based screening tools. The algorithm correctly identified the presence of diabetes in up to 81% of patients, offering a promising solution for widespread disease screening.
A home monitoring program improves infant survival rates and weight gain for babies with single ventricle heart defects. The program helps recognize potential complications early and provides caregiver training to improve outcomes.