Articles tagged with Cardiology
A novel screening approach called VEST uses virtual echocardiography to identify patients at high risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a life-threatening form of heart failure. The tool has been shown to generate accurate PAH risk scores without manual calculations and can guide timely referrals for expert care.
The Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions (ACNAP) will host its annual congress from 12 to 14 June 2025 in Sophia Antipolis, France. Nurses and allied health professionals will share knowledge and network to drive real change in cardiovascular care.
A recent study found that nearly 1 in 6 adults with hypertension and 3 in 10 with diabetes were unaware of their condition by 2021-2023. Young adults and women are disproportionately affected by a lack of awareness.
Research led by Amsterdam UMC reveals the hearts of female elite athletes have different characteristics compared to their male counterparts. Female athletes exhibit dilation of the heart chambers, whereas males show thickening in combination with a dilation of the heart muscle. This finding can aid doctors in identifying possible hear...
A new study reveals that combining heart valve replacement with specific drug therapy offers significant survival benefits for patients with severe aortic stenosis and cardiac amyloidosis. The treatment significantly lowers the risk of death in both forms of treatment, especially when combined.
A cross-sectional study found a strong association between chronic cannabis use and endothelial dysfunction. The findings suggest that THC may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease through distinct mechanisms, similar to tobacco smoking.
The university successfully secured funding for two new clusters, SCALE and CPI, which will focus on understanding cellular architecture and cardiovascular diseases. The clusters aim to pioneer new paths in medicine through innovative research.
The study analyzed 14.7 million excess US deaths from 1980 to 2023, finding that rates remained higher than pre-pandemic levels. Excess deaths during and after the pandemic were largely driven by pre-existing causes such as drug overdose, firearm injury, and cardiometabolic disease.
A study found that prescribing guideline-directed medical treatment to patients 90 years and older following their first heart attack can improve survival rates. The greatest benefit was observed in those who received all four recommended therapies, including beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.
A new smartphone app, ECHAS, can help people determine if they are suffering from a heart attack or stroke and need medical attention. The app, developed by experts at UVA Health and other leading institutions, proved effective in identifying patients with cardiac and neurological emergencies.
The 4D-ACS trial showed a 49% reduction in net adverse clinical events and a 77% decrease in bleeding events with one-month DAPT followed by prasugrel 5mg monotherapy, demonstrating enhanced safety without compromising ischaemic protection for East Asian ACS patients.
A meta-analysis of PROTECTED TAVR and BHF PROTECT-TAVI trials reveals no significant difference between control arms with and without cerebral embolic protection devices during TAVI. This conclusion challenges the use of CEP devices in TAVI procedures.
The FAITAVI trial found that FFR-guided PCI reduced major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events at 12-month follow-up in patients with intermediate coronary artery disease undergoing TAVI. FFR-guided PCI was associated with lower rates of all-cause death and ischaemia-driven target vessel revascularisation.
Professor Lars Wallentin and Professor Stefan James will receive the award on behalf of a wider team of Swedish cardiovascular registry experts who have advanced cardiovascular medicine through SWEDEHEART and SCAAR registries. The award recognises their contributions to improving patient care in Sweden and globally.
The RESIL-Card project is piloting its resilience assessment tool in selected European countries to evaluate its effectiveness, usability, and relevance for healthcare professionals. The tool provides structured guidance for assessing and improving the resilience of cardiovascular care pathways.
The National Heart Centre Singapore is launching a nationwide AI initiative to reduce hours of specialist analysis for cardiac scans from minutes, aiding early detection and prediction of coronary artery disease. The SENSE project will apply advanced machine learning technology to interpret cardiac imaging scans.
Surgeons at Mount Sinai performed the world's first heart-liver-kidney triple organ transplants in New York State, with two patients making full recoveries after the surgeries. The procedures were led by Anelechi Anyanwu and Sander S. Florman and represent a significant milestone in complex organ transplantation.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that male bodybuilders have a high risk of sudden cardiac death, with professional bodybuilders facing a more than fivefold increase in risk. The study highlights the need for greater awareness, preventive strategies and policy changes within the bodybuilding community.
Researchers identified a biological process causing donor heart damage during cold storage and found that a drug can prevent this damage. Treatment with the drug nearly tripled pumping strength in human donor hearts, improving blood flow and reducing cell injury.
Two out of five heart failure patients do not see a cardiologist annually, significantly increasing mortality risk. Patients who receive regular cardiology care are 24% less likely to die in the following year, with optimal visits ranging from once to four times per year depending on recent hospitalization and diuretic use.
A study of 1,792 participants found that a higher waist-to-height ratio was associated with an increased risk of heart failure. The research suggests that waist-to-height ratio may be a better metric than BMI to identify patients who could benefit from therapies for obesity.
A pharmaceutically produced cannabidiol formulation demonstrated a good overall safety profile, including cardiac safety, in patients at increased cardiovascular risk. The trial found low rates of cardiac side effects, with one patient experiencing mild QTc prolongation detected by electrocardiogram.
Researchers created over 3,800 anatomically accurate digital hearts to investigate how age, sex, and lifestyle affect heart disease. They found that age and obesity cause changes in the heart's electrical properties, which could explain why these factors are linked to a higher risk of heart disease.
A nationwide cohort study found that immune checkpoint inhibitors significantly increase the risk of myocarditis in NSCLC patients, with a 7.4-fold increase in risk compared to non-users. Cardiac monitoring for at least six months following ICI initiation is recommended.
A new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that flavan-3-ols in tea and dark chocolate can reduce blood pressure readings. Regular consumption of these compounds was shown to improve blood vessel function, benefiting cardiovascular health.
Three Chinese, Indian, and South Korean researchers were awarded for their high-quality research on heart disease prevention and management. The American College of Cardiology recognized the contributions to advancing global heart health and patient outcomes.
Researchers at Hiroshima University find that Porphyromonas gingivalis can infiltrate the heart and drive scar tissue buildup, raising the risk of atrial fibrillation. The study provides evidence that periodontitis may be contributing to the surge in AFib cases globally.
A cohort study of 12,480 mother-offspring pairs found that pre-pregnancy obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with increased offspring blood pressure. These risk factors may also promote a faster rate of blood pressure change from age 2 to 18 years.
A systematic review found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse health outcomes. The study suggests that limiting intake of such foods may offer measurable health benefits.
Viet Le, a clinician and researcher, will serve as the next editor of the American College of Cardiology's CardioSmart program. The program aims to personalize care and foster partnership between patients and clinicians through trusted resources and tools.
A new study reveals a significant increase in ischemic heart disease prevalence across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania between 1990-2021. The regions experience distinct risk factors, including air pollution, dietary patterns, and high blood pressure.
Researchers at University of East Anglia developed 4D flow MRI scan to diagnose aortic stenosis more accurately and reliably than current ultrasound techniques. The technology offers more accurate measurements of blood flow through heart valves, leading to better prediction of when patients need surgery.
A cohort study found that exposure to conversion therapy increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, inflammation, and high blood pressure in SGM individuals. The findings highlight the need for stronger public health interventions to ban conversion therapy practices.
A study of over a million people found that shingles vaccination lowers the risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke and coronary heart disease, by up to 26%. The vaccine's protective effect lasts for up to eight years, with strongest benefits in younger people and men.
Researchers found daily increases of 11-24% in asthma-related emergency department visits over the first episode of a wildfire event, continuing up to 6 days after it ended. However, a second period of heavy smoke did not result in an increase in asthma-related ED visits.
The EuroPCR 2025 conference will cover interventions for coronary and peripheral vessels, valvular disease, heart failure, hypertension, and stroke. Sessions on complex topics will be held throughout the four-day programme, with a focus on sharing solutions.
Researchers discovered a promising new approach to treating hemorrhagic shock, which tripled survival rates and maintained healthy organ function. Activating Protein Kinase C epsilon (PKC-ε) significantly improved early survival rates and physiological stability following severe hemorrhage.
SCAI has announced its new leadership for 2025–26, with Dr. Srihari S. Naidu assuming the role of President during SCAI Scientific Sessions 2025. Dr. Naidu plans to prioritize practical, high-impact science, advocating for policies that protect and empower the workforce.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has launched a program called Ready to Launch, which connects medical students and early-career residents with leaders in interventional cardiology. The program aims to provide exposure to real-world clinical scenarios and lasting professional relationships.
A novel technique, BATMAN, prevents LVOT obstruction during TMVR with a success rate of 92.7% and shorter procedure times. The study's findings suggest BATMAN may be an alternative to traditional LAMPOON techniques, offering improved efficacy and safety for certain patients.
A large registry study found that single antiplatelet therapy is associated with lower six-month mortality and major bleeding risk compared to dual antiplatelet therapy after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This new standard of care may provide better outcomes for high-risk patients with coronary artery disease.
The conference brings together leading experts to examine cardiovascular disease trends and share insights on prevention and management. ACC Asia 2025 will also recognize over 30 individuals who have earned the Fellow of the ACC designation.
The SCAI/SCCT expert opinion document presents a comprehensive framework for using CCTA to guide PCI. It outlines current evidence and future opportunities, providing practical guidance on image acquisition, interpretation, and procedural strategy. The document aims to bridge the gap between imaging and intervention, emphasizing educat...
A study of 500 early cardiogenic shock patients found that nearly one-quarter experienced poor outcomes, including increased risk of care escalation, deterioration, and in-hospital mortality. The research underscores the need for timely diagnosis and treatment to improve survival rates among this vulnerable population.
Researchers have discovered a new pathway that may lead to a treatment for high blood pressure and aortic aneurysms. By targeting the protein DUSP-3, the team was able to block the development of aortic aneurysms and reduce hypertension in mice.
A cohort study found associations between pre-pregnancy overweight, smoking during pregnancy, and formula-feeding with adverse cardiovascular health trajectories in early childhood. The study suggests that addressing these factors through interventions may optimize cardiovascular health in children.
A new study identified 56 non-clinical risk factors associated with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), finding that improving unfavorable profiles could prevent up to 63% of SCA cases. Lifestyle habits and environmental factors were found to be the most impactful in preventing SCA cases.
The first-ever Cardiogenic Shock Academy features a simulation lab, providing hands-on training for treating patients in cardiogenic shock. More than 160 healthcare practitioners from around the world attended the academy, which aimed to address the lack of conclusive research for managing CS.
Researchers identified a potential new treatment, lorundrostat, which reduced systolic blood pressure in individuals with uncontrolled or treatment-resistant hypertension. The study found a significant 15-point reduction in systolic blood pressure compared to placebo.
A study from the University of Illinois Chicago found that simple consultations during emergency room visits can significantly lower blood pressures and improve hypertension management. The intervention, which included smartphone-paired blood pressure monitors, was particularly effective for patients from underrepresented backgrounds, ...
A new AI algorithm, Viz HCM, can quickly and specifically identify high-risk heart patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and provide individualized risk assessments. The algorithm's findings can help doctors prioritize the highest-risk patients for earlier appointments and treatment.
UTHealth Houston researchers discovered an interaction between two proteins, BMAL1 and HIF2A, regulating the heart's response to injury after a heart attack. This study provides new avenues for treating heart attacks by considering the timing of drug administration.
A new AI algorithm has been calibrated to quickly identify patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and provide individualized risk assessments. The tool can help prioritize high-risk patients for earlier appointments and treatment, leading to better patient outcomes.
A noise-adapted AI model using lead I ECGs estimated heart failure risk with high accuracy, suggesting a potential strategy for early detection. The study's results highlight the promise of wearable and portable ECG devices in identifying at-risk patients.
The Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital cardiology faculty practice has received the 2024 Human Experience Pinnacle of Excellence Award from Press Ganey, a leading patient experience organization. The hospital ranks among the top 5% of healthcare providers in delivering patient experience over three years.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that people with a certain heart valve abnormality are at increased risk of severe heart rhythm disorders even after successful valve surgery. The condition is more common in women and younger patients, and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.
Using intravascular imaging (IVI) to guide stent implantation reduces death, stent thrombosis, and repeat procedures in severely calcified lesions. IVI outperforms conventional angiography in improving patient outcomes.
A new study suggests that treating patients earlier with a combination of statins and ezetimibe could prevent thousands of new heart attacks over a decade. By lowering LDL or 'bad' cholesterol in the blood, this treatment strategy can stabilise changes in the vessels and decrease the risk of new events.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes like gestational diabetes and high blood pressure contribute significantly to cardiovascular disease risk factors in midlife. Prioritizing weight management among those considering pregnancy may promote both maternal and future cardiovascular health.
Stephan Windecker, a world-renowned cardiologist, will be honored with the TCT 2025 Career Achievement Award for his extraordinary contributions to interventional cardiology. His extensive research has shaped clinical practice worldwide and influenced the future of cardiovascular medicine.