Articles tagged with Cardiology
A new analysis found that virtual reality effectively reduced anxiety during coronary angiography and had more stable vital signs than standard care. VR was superior to standard care in reducing anxiety and associated with significantly lower changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
A higher cumulative cardiovascular health score in young adulthood is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney events in midlife. The study emphasizes the importance of early life prevention efforts.
Research presented at the European Emergency Medicine Congress finds that doctors and nurses are more accurate than AI in triaging patients in emergency departments. While AI showed some promise in flagging critical cases, its overall accuracy was lower than clinicians' across most metrics.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions calls for Medicaid payment parity, fairer valuation of CHD procedures, and new compensation models to support care for children and adults with congenital heart disease. This policy statement aims to improve outcomes by addressing economic inequities in the healthcare system.
A study of 676 patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest found that neurological outcomes were similar regardless of socioeconomic background. However, lower-income areas had lower bystander CPR rates, suggesting disparities in pre-hospital care.
A binational study found nearly 6 in 10 US adults and 3 in 10 Japanese adults discontinued semaglutide within 12 months of treatment. Patients with established cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease had higher discontinuation rates, highlighting the need for alternative treatments.
The latest Global Burden of Disease study reveals a significant increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden worldwide, with CVD causing one in three deaths globally. The report estimates that 79.6% of all CVD deaths are attributable to modifiable risk factors, which has increased globally by 97.4 million since 1990.
The SCAI Door to Lactate Clearance Cardiogenic Shock Initiative aims to improve outcomes in cardiogenic shock by using lactate clearance as a practical solution. Measuring lactate at diagnosis and every 2-3 hours can guide early management decisions.
New research shows that music therapy significantly decreases heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and patient-ventilator asynchronies for patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (ICU). Music therapy is a safe, low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention that complements conventional treatments.
A new clinical guideline has been issued for 18F-flurpiridaz PET myocardial perfusion imaging, providing recommendations for patient selection, imaging protocols, and interpretation of results. The guideline aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy and optimize resource utilization for the evaluation of coronary artery disease.
A major report published by the European Society of Cardiology outlines expert recommendations for diagnosing, treating, and preventing COVID-19-related cardiovascular effects. The report emphasizes the importance of vaccination, cardiac rehabilitation programs, and equal access to services.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 trials found GLP-1 RAs significantly improved glycemic and weight outcomes in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes or obesity. However, gastrointestinal adverse effects warrant attention in long-term management.
The new lab, led by Dr. Annapoorna Kini, will focus on leveraging AI in interventional cardiology, from procedural to educational aspects. The lab aims to optimize complex treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes through AI-powered insights.
A new trial found that P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy may reduce bleeding while preventing recurrent ischaemic events compared to 12 months of DAPT. However, the study failed to demonstrate noninferiority for death and ischaemic events between P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy and dual antiplatelet therapy.
A new trial found sacubitril/valsartan to be superior to enalapril for heart failure patients with Chagas disease, driven by a significant reduction in NT-proBNP levels. The study provides evidence for a pharmacological treatment specifically for this high-risk population.
Two trials found that drug-coated balloons and stents did not reduce the risk of amputation or improve quality of life compared to uncoated devices. Target vessel reinterventions were reduced in the first year, but differences disappeared with longer follow-up.
A study found that home-based hypertension care led to significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and improved hypertension control in rural South Africa. The intervention included technology-supported interventions and community health workers, resulting in over 80% of patients achieving hypertension control.
A recent trial found that discontinuing oral anticoagulation (OAC) therapy after successful ablation of atrial fibrillation resulted in a lower risk of stroke, systemic embolism, or major bleeding. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism between groups.
New research suggests that standard antiplatelet therapy after complex stenting does not provide a significant clinical benefit, while increasing the risk of bleeding complications. The study's findings challenge the notion that more aggressive antiplatelet therapy is always better for high-risk patients.
A randomized trial found that routine coronary computed tomography (CCT)-based follow-up did not reduce death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or stent thrombosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for left main coronary artery disease. Spontaneous MI was reduced in the CCT arm compared to the control arm.
A recent study has found that ivabradine, a medication used to treat angina and heart failure, was ineffective in preventing myocardial injury (MINS) after noncardiac surgery. In the trial, patients who received ivabradine had a higher risk of MINS compared to those who took a placebo.
A recent study has found that surgical left atrial appendage occlusion does not reduce the risk of ischaemic stroke, transient ischaemic attack, or cardiovascular mortality in high-risk non-atrial fibrillation patients after valvular surgery. In contrast, there may be a slight benefit for high-risk patients with CHA₂DS₂VASc ≥3.
In a randomized trial, pulsed field ablation (PFA) showed comparable efficacy to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients resistant to antiarrhythmic drugs. PFA also had a shorter procedure time and fewer complications.
Researchers found that digital twin-guided ablation significantly improved arrhythmia-free survival compared to standard PVI alone in patients with persistent AF. The personalized approach precisely targeted individual mechanisms underlying AF, without compromising safety or extending procedure time.
Immediate complete revascularisation was not noninferior to staged complete revascularisation in patients with STEMI and multivessel disease. Patients with signs of heart failure showed more harm from immediate complete revascularisation.
A new study published in Lancet found that evolocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, did not improve vein graft disease rates after coronary artery bypass surgery. The treatment substantially lowered LDL-C levels but had no effect on early saphenous vein graft failure.
A new study found that dual antiplatelet therapy did not reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and actually increased the risk of major bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. The 12-month trial results showed no significant difference between DAPT and aspirin al...
A new study found that reducing dual antiplatelet therapy duration after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) improves graft patency while decreasing bleeding risk. Patients who received de-escalated DAPT had similar ischemic benefits and better bleeding safety compared to those on longer DAPT periods.
A recent trial found that shorter durations of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after a heart attack showed equivalent efficacy in reducing recurrent events, with a lower risk of major bleeding. The study suggests limiting DAPT duration to 3 months may be safer for patients.
A randomized trial found that intravenous cangrelor provided immediate and effective platelet inhibition without increasing major bleeding, improving outcomes for patients with cardiogenic shock. The study's results suggest that IV cangrelor could represent a major advancement in treating this life-threatening condition.
A randomized controlled trial demonstrated the safety of reconditioned pacemakers, with noninferior procedure-related infection rates compared to new devices. The study, led by Doctor Thomas Crawford, used a comprehensive protocol for cleaning and testing, and gained FDA approval for export to countries with permission.
A new study published in JAMA found that routine H. pylori screening did not significantly reduce the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients hospitalised for myocardial infarction. However, subgroup analyses showed lower risk ratios for patients with mild and moderate anaemia.
Adding aspirin to long-term anticoagulation therapy increased the risk of cardiovascular events, death, and major bleeding in patients with chronic coronary syndrome who required anticoagulation. The AQUATIC trial found that aspirin significantly increased all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular events in this high-risk population.
Atrial fibrillation treatment with biomarker-based risk scores does not improve clinical outcomes compared to usual guideline-based care. The study found no benefit in reducing stroke or death rates, despite changes in medication use.
In a randomized trial, patients with acute MI who received one month of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) had noninferior cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event rates when switching to P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy. This switch reduced bleeding risk while maintaining ischaemic event protection.
A study found that extended apixaban treatment lowered VTE recurrence by 87% in high-risk patients with provoked thromboembolism. The therapy also demonstrated a low risk of major bleeding, making it an effective option for these patients.
In-hospital initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors did not significantly reduce short-term risk of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure in patients admitted for heart failure. However, combining trial data shows positive effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on reducing early risk of cardiovascular death or worsening HF and all-cause mortality.
The REBOOT trial found that beta-blocker therapy had no significant impact on all-cause death, reinfarction, or heart failure admission in patients with myocardial infarction and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40%. In contrast, a meta-analysis suggests potential benefits for patients with mildly reduced LVEF (40–49%).
The BaxHTN trial found baxdrostat 1 mg and 2 mg significantly reduced seated SBP in patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension. The medication showed substantial ambulatory SBP reductions and controlled SBP rates of 40% after 12 weeks.
A comprehensive cardiovascular screening program for men aged 60-64 years did not significantly reduce all-cause death, according to a new study. However, the program was associated with a higher incidence of severe bleeding, particularly intracranial and gastrointestinal bleeding.
A large trial found that mavacamten treatment did not improve patient-reported health status or peak oxygen consumption in patients with symptomatic nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study included 580 patients and lasted for 48 weeks, but no significant differences were observed between the mavacamten and placebo groups.
In patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, aficamten showed significant improvements in exercise capacity and symptoms compared to metoprolol. The MAPLE-HCM trial found that aficamten increased peak oxygen uptake by 2.3 mL/kg/min, resulting in a better outcome than metoprolol.
A pooled analysis of two trials found vericiguat improved outcomes for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The medication significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular mortality, heart failure hospitalization and all-cause mortality across a broad range of patients.
The KARDIA-3 trial found a 5-mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure with zilebesiran 300 mg, but the difference was not statistically significant. The therapy has potential for informing future trials on improving cardiovascular outcomes in patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
The DIGIT-HF trial found that digitoxin significantly reduced the risk of composite mortality and hospitalisation for worsening heart failure among patients with advanced heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. Patients who received digitoxin had a lower rate of all-cause death and hospitalisations compared to those on placebo.
The new guidelines provide clear practical recommendations for diagnosing and treating patients with valvular heart disease, emphasizing the importance of shared decision-making and patient-centered care. The updated guidance aims to reduce under-treatment, especially in the elderly, and promote more equitable access to high-quality care.
The ESSENCE-TIMI 73b trial found olezarsen to substantially lower triglyceride levels, achieving normal levels in over 80% of patients. The treatment also showed efficacy in reducing other lipoproteins with no significant effect on LDL-C.
The BETAMI and DANBLOCK trials found that beta-blocker therapy significantly reduced all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with myocardial infarction and preserved or mildly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction. The study also showed a notable decrease in the incidence of new MI.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening with ECG patches led to a modest increase in AF diagnosis and anticoagulation exposure among older patients at moderate-to-high stroke risk. The AMALFI trial found a 6.8% increase in AF diagnosis, but AF diagnosis unrelated to the patch occurred more commonly than expected.
The updated guidelines focus on a woman's autonomy to make reproductive choices about high-risk pregnancies. They recommend personalized pregnancy-related risk assessment and thorough exploration of maternal preferences as part of the shared decision-making process. The guidance aims to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity by provid...
The POTCAST trial found that increasing potassium levels to the high-normal range significantly reduced the risk of sustained ventricular tachycardia, ICD therapy, unplanned hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality. This benefit was observed across various subgroups, including those with ischemic heart disease and heart failure.
Vericiguat, a guanylate cyclase stimulator, did not meet its primary endpoint of reducing cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. However, it lowered the risk of cardiovascular death, which translated to fewer all-cause deaths.
A meta-analysis of four trials found that beta-blocker therapy significantly reduced all-cause mortality, new myocardial infarction, and heart failure in patients with mild left ventricular ejection fraction reduction after a heart attack. The study showed a 25% relative reduction in the composite endpoint
The new guidelines introduce a unifying term for inflammatory myopericardial syndrome and provide easy-to-use flow charts to support medical professionals in diagnosing and treating myocarditis and pericarditis. The recommendations also prioritize patient return to work and exercise, aiming to improve clinical outcomes.
Researchers found no reduction in total mortality, cardiac death, or sudden cardiac death among patients with these high-risk profiles. ICD therapy added to standard medical treatment failed to improve survival outcomes.
The European Society of Cardiology has published a new update to its guidelines for managing lipid levels in patients to reduce cardiovascular risk. The guidance recommends the use of new cardiovascular risk prediction algorithms, SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP, to help clinicians treat patients with the right medications. Statins are also recom...
The European Society of Cardiology recommends systematically screening for mental health symptoms during cardiovascular care and assessing cardiovascular risk in those with mental health conditions. People living with both conditions have worse health outcomes due to the interplay between mental health and cardiovascular disease.
The VICTORION-Difference trial found that inclisiran significantly increased the proportion of patients achieving guideline-recommended LDL-C goals at 90 days compared to placebo, with a mean percentage reduction of −59.45% in the inclisiran group.
A recent study found that a minimalist approach to transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is noninferior to the standard approach, with around 80% of patients able to be safely managed without sedation. The ACURATE neo2 valve was superior to Evolut valves in reducing pacemaker implantation and improving outcomes.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who live in neighborhoods with poor access to full-service grocery stores face sharply higher odds of stroke and death. Food desert residence is linked to a 2.21-times higher risk of ischemic stroke and a 3.84-times higher risk of death over five years.