Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
A study of over 5,000 ACS patients found that 71.8% were malnourished, with worsening malnutrition status linked to increased risk of poor outcomes. The researchers suggest that nutritional screening may be a useful tool for identifying high-risk patients and improving cardiovascular care.
The American College of Cardiology has issued an expert consensus decision pathway to guide the initiation and monitoring of diabetes medications. The new guidance incorporates emerging study data on novel therapies that have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes patients.
Women in their 30s and 40s with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Despite this, the risk appears to decrease for women over 50. The study highlights the importance of maintaining heart health through lifestyle changes such as exercise and a balanced diet.
A position paper from the European Society of Cardiology highlights the cardiovascular risks of e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents. The authors call for stricter regulations on marketing and sales, as well as education campaigns to raise awareness about the negative effects of vaping.
Men with higher incomes are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure due to lifestyle factors such as obesity and excessive alcohol consumption. In contrast, women with higher household income tend to have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
A combined analysis of six studies found that consuming chocolate more than once a week was associated with an 8% decreased risk of coronary artery disease. The researchers attributed the potential benefit to flavonoids and other heart-healthy nutrients in chocolate.
ESC Congress 2020 presented over 400 topics covering the entire spectrum of cardiology, including late-breaking science studies, clinical trials, and ESC Guidelines. The event featured four new Clinical Practice Guidelines launched live during the congress.
The African Heart Rhythm Association (AFHRA) statement highlights barriers to effective pacing, including skilled implanter shortages and high device costs. Researchers propose solutions, such as improved local training and collaboration with governments to address these challenges.
A large study found that continuing opium use after bypass surgery increases the risk of death, heart attack, and other adverse events. Stopping opium use is safe and may even be beneficial, according to researchers.
Stephen L. Bacharach, PhD, is recognized for his contributions to gated cardiac blood pool imaging, informatics, and data processing. His research has had a significant impact on nuclear medicine and cardiology.
Researchers found that in-person and remote assessments of jugular venous pressure often agreed, correlating with right atrial pressure measurements. The study's results could enable more frequent checks and reduce trips to the doctor's office for heart failure patients.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that excessive sugar consumption is associated with increased fat stores around the heart and abdomen. The researchers analyzed data from a cohort study and found that higher intakes of sugary drinks and added sugar were related to greater fat stores.
A study of 140 WNBA players reveals their hearts are larger and thicker than most women, due to physical conditioning and height. The research provides a normative dataset for female athletes, enabling better identification of cardiac problems.
Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that tai chi was linked to a boost in both mood and quality of life for patients with coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and stroke. The study also found that tai chi was associated with better mental health quality of life and reduced depression.
A recent study by cardiologists at the University of Alberta found that combining a blood-thinning drug rivaroxaban with aspirin daily reduces major adverse events and mortality rates in patients with chronic coronary disease who have had an angioplasty. The treatment was found to be significantly better than aspirin alone in preventin...
The SCAI has released an expert consensus statement outlining recommendations for the management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The guidelines emphasize a continuum of care from pre-hospital to hospital and post-hospital phases to enhance survival and quality of life.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has issued a position statement on the performance of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). The guidelines recommend diagnostic procedures, procedural standards, and operator standards for ASCs, emphasizing patient suitability ...
The American College of Cardiology has issued a framework for safely reintroducing invasive cardiovascular procedures and diagnostic tests. The document highlights the need to prioritize patients with untreated cardiovascular disease and ensure fair access to care, while also protecting patients and healthcare workers from COVID-19.
A new study found that while heart attack symptoms can vary between men and women, chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath were the most common symptoms in both. Women were more likely to experience pain between the shoulder blades, nausea or vomiting, and shortness of breath compared to men.
Cardiologists successfully treated an 80-year-old patient after evaluating data from her Apple Watch, which showed signs of marked ST segment depression. The digital diagnostic aid may prevent myocardial infarctions and save many lives.
A new study found that Canadian patients can wait significantly longer for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures, with wait times varying greatly across provinces. The study highlights the need for improved access to TAVR care and calls for policy makers to re-evaluate funding mechanisms.
Filtered brew is safest for reducing heart attacks and death, with a 15% reduced risk of death from any cause compared to no coffee. Drinking filtered coffee was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality in men and women, especially those consuming 1-4 cups per day.
The SCAI, ACC, and ACEP released a consensus statement providing recommendations for systematic care of AMI patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The document outlines strategies to minimize exposure to the virus while ensuring healthcare worker safety.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has issued recommendations on adult congenital cardiac interventional training, focusing on eligibility, training environment, and procedural volume. The guidelines suggest a minimum of 150 ACHD catheterization cases for trainees to participate in as primary or first assistant.
New Medicare rules lowered procedural volume requirements for hospitals offering TAVR, increasing access for people with aortic stenosis and low surgical risk. However, concerns exist about whether the increased access will be in areas where it is truly needed, particularly in rural regions.
A recent study published in Cardiovascular Research found that exercise has a profound impact on metabolism, leading to dramatic changes in metabolites related to energy production and waste elimination. The research also identified a specific metabolite called DMGV that may predict who does not benefit from exercise.
In a broad patient population, TAVR showed non-inferiority to open-heart surgery at one year. However, TAVR patients had higher rates of vascular complications and aortic regurgitation.
A phase three clinical trial found alirocumab to substantially reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in adult patients with HoFH, with an average relative reduction of 35.6%. The drug also reduced other harmful lipids typically elevated in people with FH.
A study analyzing data from nearly all TAVR patients in the US found that 34 medical centers reported worse-than-expected survival and quality-of-life outcomes among patients undergoing the procedure. The researchers identified key outcomes, including stroke, bleeding, kidney injury, and valve leakage, to assess patient care.
A randomized trial found that ticagrelor alone reduced major bleeding risk and no increased heart attacks, strokes, or other adverse events compared to dual therapy. The study suggests ticagrelor monotherapy as an optimal strategy for reducing bleeding risk in ACS patients treated with stents.
A new study found that Rivaroxaban significantly reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after lower limb orthopedic surgery by 75%, compared to heparin, without increasing the risk of bleeding. This breakthrough has significant implications for patients undergoing non-major orthopedic surgeries.
In a two-year follow-up, patients undergoing TAVR showed comparable death, stroke, and rehospitalization rates compared to those who underwent open-heart valve replacement surgery, according to the PARTNER 3 trial. However, TAVR had higher rates of valve thrombosis, highlighting the need for further research on the procedure's durability.
A new study confirms the safety and success of TAVR procedures in patients with a bicuspid valve, achieving low rates of death or disabling stroke and high device success rates. The procedure proved effective even for complex cases, with a high rate of successful outcomes
A 10-year study found no significant differences in death, heart attack, or stroke rates between cardiac stenting and CABG for patients with left main coronary artery disease. However, more patients receiving a stent needed a repeat procedure to unblock the same artery.
A clinical trial found that smokers who received nicotine-containing e-cigarettes had a significantly higher quit rate compared to those who received only counseling. Participants using e-cigarettes reduced their daily cigarette consumption by 13 cigarettes per day, with overall quit rates of 21.9% at 12 weeks.
A new study found vericiguat significantly lowers cardiovascular death and hospitalization rates in patients with worsening heart failure. With a median follow-up period of 10.8 months, the drug showed a 10% lower rate of primary endpoint events compared to placebo.
Researchers found evinacumab, a monoclonal antibody, reduced LDL cholesterol to near-normal levels among patients with HoFH, meeting the primary endpoint. Patients achieved an average relative reduction of 49% and nearly half had LDL cholesterol below 100mg/dL.
Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid EPA found to explain significant reductions in cardiovascular events and deaths among patients taking prescription fish oil. Achieved EPA levels on the drug strongly correlated with lower rates of cardiovascular events.
A recent survey of 2,025 cardiologists found that over a third report feeling burned out, with mid-career doctors and women being the most affected. Burnout is linked to long hours worked and lack of work-life balance.
A statistical analysis predicts that a highly purified fish oil therapy could prevent thousands of cardiovascular events each year. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and showed a 25% reduction in cardiovascular events for patients with elevated triglyceride levels.
The American College of Cardiology has released the first competency statement for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in adult cardiovascular medicine. The document outlines core competencies for systems-based practice, medical knowledge, and procedural skills to improve access to care and enhance patient satisfaction.
Researchers investigate coronary microvascular spasm using real-time blood flow velocity measurement during acetylcholine testing. The study aims to provide objective evidence on the existence of coronary microvascular spasm, a condition affecting chronic coronary syndromes.
A study of over 99,000 postmenopausal women found that consuming 58-74 grams of protein per day significantly reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Increasing protein intake by 10-20 grams daily can potentially lower this risk and has implications for cardiovascular health.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that people who took more steps daily, as tracked by their smart watch, had lower blood pressure on average. The research used data from over 638 participants who wore an Apple Watch for about five months.
A rare case of a giant right atrial myxoma with dual blood supply from the left and right coronary arteries was reported. The tumor was successfully excised via open-heart surgery, with no recurrence during a 3-year follow-up.
Performing postdilation after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) for acute coronary syndromes may improve intracoronary nitrate infusion rates, myocardial blush grade, and drug-eluting stent use. However, it does not predict final TIMI flow grade or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
Rates of deaths related to hypertension have risen sharply across the US, with a 72% increase in rural areas and a 20% increase in urban areas. High blood pressure can cause damage to arteries and lead to events such as heart attacks or strokes, emphasizing the importance of taking it seriously.
A recent study found nearly 1 in 20 US adults use e-cigarettes, with a rise in current use among women, middle-aged adults, and former smokers. Blood samples suggest e-cigarette exposure is equivalent to tobacco smoke in promoting oxidative stress and heart disease.
Research highlights the critical role of social and financial factors in assessing cardiovascular risk, particularly food insecurity, housing instability, and financial hardship. Studies found that these factors can increase the likelihood of heart disease by over 50%.
A plant-based diet can reduce cardiovascular risk, but consuming less-healthful foods like sweets and refined grains may negate these benefits. Focusing on specific, healthful plant-based food groups is crucial for reaping heart health benefits.
A study of 329 female college athletes found nearly half had higher than normal blood pressure levels, with 61% classified as elevated. The research highlights the need for further study into cardiovascular risks in this largely overlooked group.
Research found that sleeping seven or eight hours a night is associated with lower evidence of arterial stiffness and a reduced risk of heart disease. However, both short and long sleep durations were linked to increased plaque buildup in the carotid arteries. A balanced sleep pattern may be key to maintaining cardiovascular health.
A study found that patients who listened to music for 30 minutes a day had lower levels of anxiety and pain, as well as reduced rates of certain heart conditions. Music therapy was more effective than standard treatment alone in reducing these symptoms.
A large-scale study finds a strong association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ischemic heart disease in female veterans. Women with PTSD were 47 years old on average, five years younger than those without the condition, highlighting the need for earlier screening and routine care.
Women with coronary artery disease experience more chest pain due to plaque build-up, but have less extensive disease compared to men. The study highlights the need for more research and clinicians to adopt a dual focus to prevent cardiovascular events and improve patients' quality of life.
A new study suggests that giving birth to a low-weight baby under 5.5 pounds may be an independent risk factor for developing changes in heart function that can lead to heart failure. Researchers found that women who experienced adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia or pre-term birth, had a higher risk of heart failure at 30...
A study found that per capita radiation exposure in the US decreased by 20% between 2006 and 2016, mainly due to a decline in nuclear medicine procedures. Meanwhile, CT scans increased but saw a small drop in effective dose thanks to advancements in dose modulation technology.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that women with heart disease often face barriers to cardiac rehabilitation due to lack of time, social support and transportation issues. The authors identified ways to modernize cardiac rehabilitation by offering enjoyable physical activities, flexible class tim...
A study simulated city centre pollution levels and found that bad air for just two hours caused cardiovascular disease effects lasting a whole day. The research suggests even 'safe' pollution levels can be devastating to health, emphasizing the need for improved air quality in cities.
A two-year pilot study increased statin medication use by 24-45% and high-intensity statin treatment by 349%, resulting in significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL levels. The partnership demonstrated the impact of public health partnerships on treating cardiovascular disease.