Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
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.
A study published in Heart Rhythm has found that handheld electro-shockers can interact with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) such as pacemakers, posing a risk to individuals. The risk is primarily based on the applied voltage, but also on the manufacturer and type of implanted CIED.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a handheld device that can accurately record heart sounds without requiring precise placement on the chest. This innovative device, which uses six sensors to capture clearer heart sounds, has the potential to transform heart disease screening and diagnosis.
The American College of Cardiology and MedAxiom have collaborated on a major initiative to transform cardiovascular care. The partnership provides a comprehensive framework for health systems to integrate innovative care delivery models, including AI-enabled clinician and health system solutions.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Cardiology analyzed data from multiple clinical trials to assess the therapeutic impact of pulmonary artery denervation (PADN) on pulmonary hypertension patients. PADN showed significant reductions in mean right atrial pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary vascu...
The American College of Cardiology has recognized 2025 winners of its Young Investigator Awards for outstanding contributions to cardiovascular research and medicine. The award recipients include researchers in basic and translational science, clinical investigations, and outcomes research.
Women who experienced pre-eclampsia have an accelerated accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors compared to those without the condition. The study found that these risk factors occur almost a decade earlier, primarily due to premature and accelerated hypertension development.
A clinical trial found that electronic messages sent to providers improved care for patients with severe aortic stenosis, including higher rates of treatment with valve replacement. The study also showed improved survival for patients in the notification group, with an average increase of 12 days.
A new study found that compound heatwaves significantly increase cardiac mortality and are more impactful than traditional binary definitions of heatwaves.
Dr. David Winchester will lead the American College of Cardiology's Board of Governors, guiding chapters representing all 50 states and promoting heart health improvement in communities. His term aims to address practice challenges through advocacy and chapter support.
A recent study found substantial rural-urban disparities in cardiometabolic risk factors and cardiovascular diseases among US adults. Social risk factors are identified as the primary driver of these disparities, with efforts to address socioeconomic conditions in rural communities critical to reducing the gap.
A new study from Mass General Brigham identified patients with heart ultrasound results indicating thickened heart muscle, a condition often caused by hypertension. The study used natural language processing to analyze electronic health records and found that physicians were nearly four times as likely to diagnose hypertension and pres...
Prof Silvia G. Priori recognized for groundbreaking research on cardiac arrhythmias, leading to novel treatments and therapies, including gene therapy approaches.
Dr. Christopher Kramer began a one-year term as head of the American College of Cardiology, addressing workforce issues, health equity and AI-driven solutions to improve cardiovascular care. With over 35 years of membership and leadership roles, Kramer brings experience in cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.
A centralized notification pathway increased hypertension treatment in individuals with left ventricular hypertrophy. This study highlights the potential of leveraging underutilized cardiovascular data to enhance healthcare delivery.
A large-scale study found that limiting fluid intake in patients with stable heart failure has no health benefits and may even cause increased thirst. Conversely, drinking more fluids without restriction did not lead to any negative outcomes, suggesting that fluid restrictions are unnecessary for these patients.
A new study found that survival rates for athletes suffering sudden cardiac arrest vary significantly by race, with 57% of Black athletes and 54% of other race athletes dying between 2014-2023. Improved emergency preparedness likely played a role in increased survival rates.
A new transcatheter valve has shown high survival rates and improved quality of life in patients with aortic regurgitation. The trial found an overall mortality rate of 8.1% at one year, meeting non-inferiority to open heart surgery outcomes.
Despite a rise in long distance running participation, cardiac arrests during US marathons and half-marathons have shown no significant increase, indicating improved emergency response measures are at play.
A large randomized controlled trial found no significant difference in health status between patients with restricted and unrestricted fluid intake. Despite this, patients on fluid restriction reported more thirst and had lower overall health scores at baseline compared to those with liberal fluid intake.
Early IABP use did not improve 60-day survival or transition patients to long-term treatment compared to standard medical care. The trial found that the device offered no additional benefit, leading to its early termination.
Ferric carboxymaltose did not significantly reduce time to first heart failure hospitalization or cardiovascular death in patients with heart failure and iron deficiency. The treatment also did not reduce total number of heart failure hospitalizations compared to placebo.
A new study has found that clopidogrel outperforms aspirin monotherapy in reducing heart attack rates without increasing bleeding risk in high-risk patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Researchers observed a significant reduction in ischemic endpoints, primarily driven by a decrease in heart attacks.
Patients with severe triple-vessel heart disease showed no significant difference in outcomes between CABG and PCI at five years. The FAME-3 trial enrolled 1,500 patients with triple-vessel disease and found that both procedures performed similarly well, considering recent advances in surgical and minimally invasive techniques.
The Finerenone Trial found that sudden death was the primary cause of higher cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure and mild or preserved ejection fractions. The study suggests that finerenone may not significantly impact cardiovascular mortality, but its effects on overall mortality are unclear.