Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
The Fontan operation creates nonpulsatile pulmonary flow, leading to unique physiological consequences impacting the cardiovascular system and beyond. Innovative management strategies are needed to maintain quality of life and extend life expectancy in long-term survivors.
Review papers explore how technology will change cardiovascular care, with artificial intelligence enhancing personalized medicine and digital health accelerating clinical research. Mobile health advances track physical activity and fitness, promoting heart-healthy habits.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that patients diagnosed with high-sensitivity troponin test had a lower risk of future heart attacks, with no difference in mortality one year after the heart attack. The test also led to more coronary angiography and balloon angioplasty procedures.
A new study lengthens intervals between blood draws for stable warfarin patients, reducing frequency and discomfort. Researchers found that more than two-thirds of patients can wait longer than five weeks without needing a blood draw.
A University of Alberta study found that nearly six per cent of patients have a heart attack without any blockage in the arteries, with five per cent experiencing another heart attack or death within one year. Patients with MINOCA are twice as likely to be female and require more aggressive preventive treatment.
Research reveals that homeless individuals are at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to lack of access to healthcare and long-term management. This population faces unique challenges such as untreated hypertension and diabetes, smoking addiction, and chronic mental illness.
A survey of interventional cardiologists found that two-thirds avoided performing potentially lifesaving procedures due to concerns about public reporting. Physicians reported being pressured by colleagues to avoid procedures, even if they were preferred for the patient's condition.
Following the Kumamoto earthquake, investigators found a high risk of venous thromboembolism in people who remained seated in cars overnight. In many cases, this led to pulmonary thromboembolism, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and public awareness campaigns.
A recent study published in International Journal of Cardiology found that exposure to extreme noise annoyance increases the incidence of atrial fibrillation by up to 23%. Aircraft noise is identified as a major source of noise pollution, with 84% during the day and 69% at night. The study highlights the importance of measuring noise a...
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has updated its consensus guidelines to allow for flexibility in length of stay after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), prioritizing patient-centered care. The new guidelines assess readiness for discharge along three lines: procedural, patient, and programmatic factors.
A three-year study of 1,078 hypertensive patients with heart disease found that faster walkers had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization. The study also showed that fast walkers spent shorter lengths of time in the hospital compared to slow walkers.
Researchers found that divorce and low socioeconomic status are associated with a higher risk of recurrent heart events. Patients with higher education levels and household income had lower risks, suggesting marriage may be protective against recurrence.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that Medicaid expansion in Michigan did not negatively impact patient outcomes for coronary artery disease procedures. The research used data from 7,558 CABG procedures and 45,183 PCI procedures performed at various hospitals across the state.
The journal published a special issue on valvular heart disease, featuring case reports and major reviews that will contribute to the field. Key findings include challenges in managing patients with severe aortic stenosis and ischemic mitral regurgitation.
The MedSeq Project analyzed costs six months after genetic information was returned to physicians and their patients. Sequencing did identify health-relevant genetic information, but downstream costs were similar between sequenced and unsequenced patients.
A multi-institutional study validated age-based NT-proBNP diagnostic cutoff levels for diagnosing acute heart failure in patients seen at hospital emergency departments. The study found that a level below 300 strongly excluded a heart failure diagnosis, and the results were consistent across all groups of participants.
A large-scale study found that higher spending on heart attack care was associated with a modest reduction in patient mortality. Researchers analyzed over 640,000 hospitalizations involving patients 65 years or older hospitalized for heart attack between July 2011 and June 2014.
Pediatric cardiovascular disease research highlights modifiable factors predicting mortality after prolonged critical illness following congenital heart surgery. Smaller aortic isthmus size is associated with earlier surgical timing in complete common atrioventricular canal defects, indicating potential for improved outcomes with tailo...
A study found that patients with a high-risk PFO who received a medical device to close the hole in their heart after a stroke fared better than those who received medications alone. The trial suggested that closure can help prevent subsequent strokes and related problems, particularly in those with a high-risk PFO.
Research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session found that canakinumab had no effect on rates of newly diagnosed diabetes in people with prediabetes. Despite cardiovascular benefits, the drug did not slow or prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.
A recent study found that six-month dual antiplatelet therapy increases the risk of heart attacks in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The SMART-DATE trial showed that short-term treatment is not safe for ACS patients who have received drug-eluting stents, highlighting the need for prolonged DAPT in these cases.
A new analysis found that canakinumab substantially reduced cardiovascular event rates among patients with diabetes and those with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. The drug also showed benefits in reducing rates of major adverse cardiovascular events among high-risk atherosclerotic patients.
A new study found that using genetic information to inform drug choice reduced adverse events by 42 percent in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Genetic testing led to different prescribing patterns, including more frequent use of prasugrel and ticagrelor.
A study found that women with breast cancer who took the beta blocker carvedilol during chemotherapy had lower levels of a protein indicative of heart injury, but no difference in heart function. The study's lead author notes that further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential benefits for higher-risk patients.
A study of nearly 2,500 heart patients found that the new technology iFR was less expensive than FFR, resulting in lower healthcare costs. The study showed significant cost savings with similar outcomes, making it a more widely adoptable technology for physicians.
Patients who receive treatment during periods when interventional cardiologists are away at academic conferences experience a substantial increase in survival rates compared to those treated on matched days. The improvement is primarily driven by a group of patients with a specific type of heart attack that does not require immediate s...
A technology-based process significantly increased cardiac rehab referrals, reducing cardiovascular deaths and readmissions. The program provides resources for staff and patients, improving quality of life.
A leading cardiologist has criticized the new hypertension guidelines, which he says could lead to more harm than benefit for certain individuals. The guidelines recommend intensive treatment for patients at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, but Dr. Robert Phillips argues that those with lower risk may face unnecessary harm.
The Pascal system uses a spacer to fill the gap between leaflets and clamp them onto the spacer, tailored for patients with complex anatomy. The procedure has shown improved quality of life and reduced hospitalizations for patients with tricuspid regurgitation, affecting about 5% of people over age 75.
A study found that large day-to-day swings in outdoor temperature are associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attacks. The researchers calculated the temperature fluctuation preceding each heart attack and found that a five-degree jump in temperature differential was linked to a 5% increase in heart attack rates.
A positive outlook may help improve outcomes for people with chronic angina, reducing hospital visits and revascularization procedures. Patients who were more optimistic had fewer episodes of heart-related hospital stays, even after accounting for overall health.
Walking for at least 40 minutes, two to three times a week, significantly lowers the risk of heart failure among post-menopausal women. The study found that brisk walks and walking frequency/duration/pace all contribute equally to this benefit, making walking an accessible form of exercise for older women.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found a strong correlation between geographic and seasonal trends in coronary heart disease hospitalizations and internet search queries. The research suggests that search data can be a useful resource for tracking heart disease over time and in different regions.
Studies reveal that football players face an elevated risk of heart rhythm disorders later in life due to structural changes in the heart. College and professional players showed significant changes in cardiac structure and function, including enlargement of the aortic root and increased systolic blood pressure.
A study following women with preeclampsia found a significant increase in cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Women who had follow-up medical care after preeclampsia were less likely to receive proper monitoring for these conditions.
Cybersecurity risks exist in cardiac devices due to software integration and wireless communications, according to the American College of Cardiology's Electrophysiology Council. The potential consequences include device malfunction, battery depletion, and interruptions in life-saving therapies.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology have issued joint guidelines for the clinical quantification of myocardial blood flow using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for the measurement and interpretation of myocardial blood ...
A quality improvement toolkit improved the quality of care but not outcomes in hospitals in Kerala, India. The study found favorable trends in outcomes among heart attack patients, with lower rates of major cardiovascular events at discharge compared to usual care.
New research emphasizes the significance of hospitals adhering to treatment guidelines for heart failure patients over comparing patient volumes. Lower-volume hospitals have been found to have worse adherence to essential processes, such as prescribing beta-blockers and running tests to check heart function.
A new study found that standing burns more calories than sitting, with a 65 kg person losing 10 kg in 4 years by substituting standing for sitting for 6 hours a day. Standing is linked to lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.
A new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that standing burns more calories than sitting. By substituting standing for sitting for six hours a day, adults can expend an extra 54 calories, equivalent to 5.5 pounds in one year.
A European Society of Cardiology study found that nearly a quarter of patients with chronic ischaemic cardiovascular disease are dead or hospitalised within six months. The study identified factors such as older age, history of peripheral revascularisation and chronic kidney disease as strongly associated with high risk.
A new high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) assay can measure lower concentrations of troponin, allowing for earlier diagnosis of heart attacks. The test has shown a significant reduction in wait times for emergency department patients, as well as improved patient satisfaction and safety.
A new study found that exercising four to five times a week can improve maximum oxygen intake during exercise by 18% and elasticity of the left ventricular muscle of the heart by over 25%. The research suggests that beginning exercise in late middle age can help reverse damage to sedentary hearts.
Researchers found that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who receive comprehensive cardiovascular care from a cardiologist are more likely to survive the first year after diagnosis. This is associated with a 32% lower death rate compared to those who do not receive specialized care.
A new diagnostic test found that disappearing of heart murmur while standing reliably rules out pathologic heart murmurs in children. The test showed a high predictive positive value and specificity, but poor sensitivity, making it a valuable tool for primary care docs to exclude costly cardiologist referrals.
Research suggests anabolic androgenic steroid use may be associated with early coronary artery disease in healthy young individuals. The study found that steroid users had atherosclerosis, reduced HDL levels, and impaired HDL function.
The study found that exercise time improved by 28.4 seconds in PCI-treated patients, but not significantly in sham-PCI treated patients. SCAI questions the reliability of the findings due to the small number of patients and subjective endpoint used.
A study presented at the Mexican Congress of Cardiology found that pacemakers can be safely reused after sterilisation, potentially increasing access to life-saving treatment for those who cannot afford it. The procedure involves washing and sterilizing donated devices, which were used in patients with a minimum battery life of six years.
The new guidelines aim to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. The guideline recommends the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and provides guidance on genetic counseling and testing.
A study found that using WhatsApp to send ECGs directly to hospital cath labs reduced treatment times and improved patient outcomes for patients with STEMI in Argentina. The results showed a significant decrease in mortality rate, hospital stay, and improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction.
Dr. Alec Vahanian, MD, is recognized for advancing the field of interventional cardiovascular medicine through technical expertise and innovation. He has performed pioneering procedures, including percutaneous mitral commissurotomy and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Researchers found skipping breakfast associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and poorer cardiometabolic health. Participants who skipped breakfast had higher waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels.
Studies have shown that patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis will develop symptoms or cardiac events within four years. Following recommended exams every six to 12 months can improve clinical outcomes, according to a study of 300 patients.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treatment and survival rates differ by racial neighborhood composition. Neighborhoods with higher percentages of black residents had lower bystander CPR and defibrillator use, as well as lower survival rates compared to predominantly white neighborhoods.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital are set to present groundbreaking findings on cardiovascular treatment at the ESC Congress 2017. These studies, including CANTOS and RE-DUAL PCI, will provide new insights into the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapy and dual antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that implanted cardiac monitors detected a substantial incidence of previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AFib) in high-risk patients. The detection rate was nearly 30% at 18 months, with even higher rates at longer follow-up periods.
The new guidelines expand indications for transcatheter valves in intermediate risk populations, recommend a heart team approach for symptomatic aortic stenosis, and suggest non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists in atrial fibrillation patients with aortic valve disease.
A recent study found that women at high risk of cardiovascular events are more likely to receive lower doses and less potent statin treatments, which can increase the risk of preventable events. According to the DYSIS study, women were 32% less likely to reach the recommended LDL cholesterol target compared to men.
A study found that more than half of heart patients are admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) for noncardiac conditions such as sepsis or renal failure. This shift in patient composition requires providers to reassess training and staffing models, with implications for care and outcomes.