Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
Researchers found that patients with low aortic valve gradient and severe left ventricular dysfunction have higher mortality rates after TAVR. However, patients with this profile should still be considered for the procedure due to improved quality of life for those who remain alive one year post-procedure.
A new study published by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that heart attack rates are trending down nationwide, but lower-income communities continue to experience higher hospitalization rates for acute myocardial infarction. Despite similar declines in heart attack rates across all income levels, low-income communities have n...
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that slow gait speed before surgery is associated with an increased risk of mortality and morbidity following cardiac surgery. For each 0.1 meter/second decrease in gait speed, there was an 11% relative increase in operative mortality.
A University at Buffalo study found that a smartphone app for monitoring heart palpitations provides comparable performance to traditional 14-day event monitors. The AliveCor app was found to be significantly easier to use and more acceptable to patients, with 94% compliance rate compared to 58% for the event monitor.
The SCAI 2016 Mullins Lecture by Andrew Redington discusses breakthrough advances in cath lab treatments for the failing subpulmonary right ventricle. The lecture highlights the tremendous opportunity for interventional cardiologists to develop new treatment options for their patients.
The SCAI 2016 Hildner Lecture explores how surgery and cardiology merged to form the catheterization laboratory, revolutionizing cardiac therapy. Dr. Forrester discusses the key individuals who drove this evolution, including Dwight Harken and F. Mason Sones Jr.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has released updated guidelines for cardiac catheterization laboratory (CCL) best practices. The new guidelines aim to improve the quality of care, enhance patient satisfaction, and promote consistency in cath lab operations.
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that women are significantly less likely to stick to cardiac rehabilitation programs than men. Despite women-specific clinical practice guideline recommendations, women face unique barriers, including lack of access and tailored advice.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that sedentary behavior is associated with increased amounts of calcium deposits in heart arteries, leading to a higher risk of heart attack. Reducing daily sitting time by 1-2 hours can have a significant positive impact on future cardiovascular health.
A 29-year study found nearly 28,000 children and adolescents were obese in 2014, with boys more likely than girls due to societal preference for sons. The traditional Chinese diet has shifted towards high-fat and low-fibre foods, coinciding with increasing incomes and reduced physical activity.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that well-managed warfarin therapy is associated with a low risk of complications in patients with atrial fibrillation. The annual incidence of all-cause mortality was 2.19%, and intracranial bleeding rates were 0.44%.
The American College of Cardiology published a consensus statement recommending pre-participation screenings for college athletes and establishing emergency action plans for responding to sudden cardiac arrests. The plan should include training responders, emergency communications systems, and protocols for automated external defibrill...
Researchers found that Greek dancing improved jumping ability, muscular strength, and lower limb endurance in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Patients who participated in the study jumped higher and faster, had stronger legs, and could walk further, demonstrating more endurance.
A new study has identified potential health risks for healthcare professionals performing x-ray guided cardiovascular procedures due to radiation exposure. The research found that workers with higher radiation exposure were at increased risk of developing orthopedic problems, cataracts, and cancers.
Experts advocate for Canadian-specific guidelines for athlete screening to detect cardiovascular diseases and prevent sudden cardiac deaths. The American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology have conflicting recommendations on routine ECG screening, highlighting the need for a unified approach.
The largest losmapimod study failed to show improvements in cardiovascular death and events, but suggests potential benefits for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The drug's developer plans further studies to validate these findings.
The FIRE AND ICE trial showed that radiofrequency and cryoballoon ablation are equally effective in treating atrial fibrillation, with similar rates of recurrence and no significant differences in safety outcomes. Cryoballoon patients were more likely to experience phrenic nerve injury, but this was rare and resolved in most cases.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that US prediction models for kidney injury after angioplasty performed well in Japan, predicting acute kidney injury and dialysis with high accuracy. The models have potential for clinical decision-making worldwide.
A new review highlights the importance of family-based approaches to promote heart health, focusing on caregivers, children, and family dynamics. Effective strategies include encouraging communication among family members and addressing environmental conditions that impact heart health.
Researchers compared one-year outcomes of SAPIEN 3 TAVR and open-heart surgery in patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis. Patients who underwent TAVR had better mortality and stroke rates compared to those who received open-heart surgery.
A large clinical trial of evacetrapib, a CETP inhibitor, showed no reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, despite significant increases in HDL and decreases in LDL cholesterol levels. The study's findings challenge conventional thinking on the benefits of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
Intermediate-risk patients who received TAVR with SAPIEN 3 had improved outcomes compared to surgical aortic valve replacement after one year. The trial showed reduced rates of death, stroke, and moderate or severe aortic insufficiency in TAVR patients.
A technology-based competition increased daily physical activity levels by over 3,500 steps per day and led to significant weight loss. The study, which involved over 68,000 participants from 64 countries, found improvements in exercise frequency, sitting time reduction, and overall health.
A higher volume of TAVR procedures is associated with improved patient outcomes, including lower death rates and vascular complications. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 50,000 patients, found that even hospitals performing fewer than 100 cases showed significant improvements in patient outcomes with higher procedure volumes.
The new Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) Network in Diabetes and Related Complications aims to transform health outcomes for individuals with diabetes. The network will focus on improving care and reducing costs for vulnerable groups, including Indigenous peoples, immigrants, women, and lower socio-economic groups.
Physicians and fellows from the Cardiovascular Research Foundation will present latest data on various interventional cardiology topics, including drug-eluting stents and bioresorbable vascular scaffolds. CRF's fellowship program also supports the next generation of researchers in the field.
A study of 3,900 patients reveals a decline in age and an increase in obesity rates among those suffering from severe heart attacks. The findings highlight the need for greater emphasis on preventive lifestyle changes to address rising risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
A statewide program in North Carolina improved survival rates for cardiac arrests by increasing bystander CPR and AED use, both at home and in public places. The study found significant increases in patient survival and reduced brain injury over a five-year period.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that delayed follow-up with patients after a heart attack is associated with lower medication adherence. Patients who received earlier outpatient follow-up had higher rates of medication adherence, while those with delayed follow-up had lower rates, particularly at 90 days and 1 year.
A large study found that women and men with suspected heart disease have similar symptoms, including chest pain and shortness of breath. Women, however, had more risk factors for heart disease than men but were less likely to be diagnosed.
A digital health tool, combined with traditional cardiac rehabilitation, leads to a four-fold increase in weight loss among patients. Patients also experience improved dietary habits and increased exercise time.
Patients with coronary artery disease diagnosed with depression are more likely to suffer a heart attack or die compared to those without depression. Depression was also associated with more severe chest pain and co-existing medical conditions.
A recent survey by the American College of Cardiology found that women are underrepresented in adult cardiology, comprising less than 20% of cardiologists who see adult patients. Women also face challenges related to child care and family leave policies, with more likely to report needing additional child care during nights and on-call...
A study found that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at highest stroke risk are often not prescribed the recommended oral anticoagulant therapy. The study included over 429,000 AF patients and found that only less than half of high-risk patients received an oral anticoagulant prescription.
Researchers found nearly half of AF patients at the highest stroke risk were not prescribed oral anticoagulants, highlighting a significant treatment gap. The study emphasizes the need to address barriers to anticoagulant prescription and optimize risks versus benefits for these high-risk patients.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that stenting of narrow pulmonary artery was successful in majority of patients, but accompanied by serious complications. The procedure showed a high success rate of over 75% and 14% complication rate.
Researchers developed a statistical model to predict in-hospital mortality after TAVR based on over 13,000 patients. The model includes factors like age, glomerular filtration rate, and hemodialysis, providing valuable information for patient counseling and quality improvement.
A study examining rheumatic heart disease prevalence in Eastern Nepal found that nearly 1 in 10 children have the condition. The study discovered a significant age-related increase in the incidence of rheumatic heart disease, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that elevated maternal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels before pregnancy are associated with higher LDL-C levels in adult offspring. Adults exposed to such levels have a 3.8 times higher risk of having high LDL-C levels and an adjusted level of 18 mg/dl higher.
A recent study found that Fitbit-Flex is a valid and reliable device for monitoring physical activity, particularly in cardiac patients. The device accurately tracks step counts and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.
Black adults have higher cardiovascular disease risk compared to non-Hispanic white adults. A study validated risk prediction models for CVD incidence in black adults, showing modest improvement over standard risk factors and biomarkers.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that cardiovascular disease risk prediction models developed with predominantly white populations are effective in black adults. The models were validated using data from the Jackson Heart Study and compared to existing algorithms.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found significant variations in US hospital cardiac arrest care quality. Hospitals with better adherence to recommended guidelines have higher survival rates for patients treated for in-hospital cardiac arrest. The researchers estimate that an additional 22,990 to 24,200 lives could be saved annuall...
The study provides information that can be incorporated into clinical assessments for the prevention of cardiac emergencies in basketball players. The analysis reveals that left ventricular cavity sizes in NBA players are larger than in normal adults, but proportional to body size.
A comprehensive analysis of 526 NBA players reveals larger left ventricular cavity sizes, but not necessarily indicative of increased risk. Most athletes have normal left ventricular ejection fractions, with African American athletes showing increased wall thickness and mass compared to white athletes.
Adherence to guideline-recommended care following in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) varies significantly among US hospitals, affecting patient survival. Top-performing hospitals have higher survival rates due to timely and high-quality care.
A study found that heart attack patients who experience cardiogenic shock have a higher risk of death or rehospitalization in the first 60 days post-discharge. However, by the end of the first year, the gap between the two groups narrows.
Women with hypertension and physically demanding jobs have an especially high risk of heart disease. The combination of hypertension and high physical activity at work increases the risk more than adding individual risks together.
A new report identifies several forms of testing to measure the risk of heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. These tests include exercise testing and coronary calcium scanning, which can detect silent ischemia and identify the highest-risk patients for more effective treatments. The study suggests that a significant proporti...
The American College of Cardiology and American College of Radiology have established recommendations for diagnosing chest pain in emergency departments. The guidelines assess the risks and benefits of diagnostic imaging procedures, providing guidance for clinicians to inform their judgment.
A new study from Indiana University School of Medicine found that medical students with lower reflection scores are more likely to be cited for professionalism lapses. Reflective ability enhances students' capacity for empathy, compassion, and patient-centeredness, and is essential for their professional development.
The study emphasizes that even moderate amounts of physical activity can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease mortality risk. The council found no upper limit to exercise-induced health benefits, suggesting all levels of moderate and vigorous intensity exercise result in reduced mortality compared to physical inactivity.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has released a consensus statement providing guidance for treating patients with concomitant cardiovascular disease and cancer. The document aims to increase the competency of cardiovascular professionals in caring for cancer patients, who are expected to increase to 20 milli...
Dr. John Michael Criley receives the 2016 Distinguished Teacher Award for his innovative and compassionate teaching, training over 2,200 cardiologists and medical professionals worldwide. He has made significant contributions to cardiovascular medicine through his research papers and textbooks.
A study led by Dr Gerry McCann found that treating multiple narrowed arteries during a heart attack does not increase the amount of heart muscle damage. The research suggests it is safe for cardiologists to insert stents in all discovered narrowings while treating a heart attack.
Researchers found a 15-20% reduction in hospitalization risk for heart failure or death among patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy compared to those with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. The treatment is associated with improved outcomes, but further studies are needed.
The new Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) journal has published its first issue, featuring a special focus on heart failure. Key findings include strategies to reduce heart failure readmission rates and the use of noninvasive hemodynamic monitoring for improved management.
The report analyzed outcomes of 26,414 TAVR procedures performed from 2012-2014 and found low risk for mortality, myocardial infarction, kidney injury, and neurologic complications. The most common complications were vascular and bleeding requiring transfusion, with a decrease in vascular complications over time.
Patients with coronary artery disease spend an average of eight hours each day sitting despite exercising, according to research published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention. Women tend to be less sedentary than men, but both have poorer health outcomes when sitting for long periods.
A team of cardiologists used a virtual reality device to guide the recanalization of a chronically blocked right coronary artery. The procedure was completed successfully with implantation of two drug-eluting stents, demonstrating potential for improved operator comfort and efficiency in interventional cardiology.