Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum brings together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, payors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and opportunities for innovation in cardiovascular care. The forum aims to shape the future of patient care through informed discussion and real-world insight.
A study finds that redlined neighborhoods are associated with increased risk of heart disease, comorbidities, and reduced access to healthcare. Residents of these neighborhoods face lower cholesterol screening rates, higher diabetes and obesity rates, and limited health insurance options.
A new study found that post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization for heart failure among patients undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac surgery. POAF may be an early marker for heart failure, and its presence could contribute to the development of the condition.
The American Heart Association has revised its cardiovascular health checklist to include sleep duration as a key factor in ideal heart and brain health. The new Life's Essential 8 score replaces the previous Life's Simple 7 and assesses factors such as diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and blood pressure.
A recent study published in Circulation Journal Report reveals that only 20% of U.S. adults and children have ideal cardiovascular health. The Life's Essential 8 checklist, updated by the American Heart Association, assesses heart health through eight key components, including diet, physical activity, and sleep duration.
A recent study found that only under 30% of children and adolescents in the US have high cardiovascular health scores. The proportion of high CVH declined with increasing age, with 56% of 2-5-year-olds having high scores compared to 14% of 12-19-year-olds.
Researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology develop a new method to terminate arrhythmias by disrupting spiral waves with a single designed stimulus, utilizing a concept called 'teleportation' to move the waves out of control. This approach may reduce energy and pain compared to traditional defibrillation.
Research found significant disparities in cardiac rehabilitation participation by race/ethnicity regardless of income. Cardiac rehabilitation programs combine physical activity with counseling to improve recovery after a major cardiovascular event.
The American Heart Association warns that e-cigarette use in adolescents can lead to stunted lung development and altered cardiovascular systems, increasing the risk of heart disease over time. Long-term exposure to e-cigarette aerosols has been linked to increased blood pressure, impaired blood vessel function, and arterial stiffness.
Researchers found that invasive therapy for non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients with CKD is associated with lower mortality and reduced risk of cardiac events. The study challenges the dominant practice of offering medical management instead of invasive therapy for this population.
New technology measures peak velocity of blood flow in the heart accurately, helping doctors diagnose and monitor patients with heart failure. The 4D heart MRI scan provides precise imaging of the heart valves and flow inside the heart, enabling better treatment planning.
Researchers at Ohio State University created a mathematical model that assesses the efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs in treating myocardial infarctions. The study found that certain combinations of these drug inhibitors were more efficient at reducing inflammation, offering new possibilities for improving patient outcomes.
A new study links polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events and pregnancy outcomes during delivery, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Women with PCOS are at a higher risk for heart complications compared to those without the hormone disorder.
The American Heart Association scientific statement emphasizes the importance of collecting data on sex differences in acute ischemic stroke treatment and outcomes. Researchers need to consider biological factors, such as sex, when studying stroke treatment, while social factors may be more relevant for quality of life assessments.
A study using PET imaging found that severe obstructive sleep apnea is associated with abnormal heart blood flow reserve, increasing the risk of heart disease. The findings suggest that cardiac PET imaging can identify high-risk OSA patients.
Researchers have created a new electrical test to screen hundreds of gene mutations, pinpointing harmful mutations that cause inherited heart disorders and sudden death. The breakthrough can identify genetic variants associated with neurological conditions, muscle and kidney diseases.
A comprehensive analysis of testosterone replacement therapy found no increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events in the short-to-medium term. Testosterone treatment was also found to reduce serum cholesterol levels, but no significant differences were observed in blood pressure or glycaemic parameters.
A new study found that adult survivors of childhood cancer are 80% more likely to be undertreated for cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The study highlights the need for increased awareness among healthcare professionals and improved health management strategies for cancer survivors.
A large-scale study found that having multiple heart-related conditions significantly increases dementia risk, even for those with high genetic risk. Researchers analyzed data from over 200,000 people and discovered widespread brain damage among those with more than one cardiometabolic condition.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. After a single session or ten sessions, the treatment reduced peripheral and central blood pressure in some patients by up to 15 mmHg.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have invented a new type of porous solar cell that can power medical devices, including pacemakers. The innovative technology reduces the size of bulky batteries and eliminates the need for high temperatures or toxic gases in production.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly one-quarter of over 24,000 patients had mitral annulus calcification, a chronic degeneration of tissue at the base of the heart's mitral valve. This condition is associated with higher mortality rates and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new virtual biopsy using cardiovascular magnetic resonance has been proven safe and effective in detecting signs of heart rejection in heart transplant patients. The non-invasive procedure reduces complications and hospital admissions compared to traditional invasive biopsies.
Researchers at Northwestern University unveiled a new smart pacemaker that harmlessly dissolves in the body after use. The device communicates with a coordinated network of wearable sensors to continuously monitor physiological functions and autonomously detect abnormal cardiac rhythms.
Researchers at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago discovered that macrophages play a crucial role in cardiac repair after a heart attack by inducing vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and promoting healing. This finding offers new hope for developing novel therapeutic approaches to preserve heart function.
Researchers from NTU and NUS found a link between NAFLD and blood vessel damage, leading to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases. High levels of chemokines attract immune cells into blood vessels, causing inflammation and damage.
A recent study published in eLife found that eating up to one egg per day may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers identified 24 metabolites associated with self-reported levels of egg consumption and found that individuals who ate eggs regularly had higher levels of a protein called apolipoprotein A1.
A study by researchers at UCSF found that e-cigarette use costs the US $15 billion annually in healthcare expenditures, with each user paying around $2,000 extra per year compared to non-users. The study, published in Tobacco Control, highlights the growing concern over health care costs associated with e-cigarette use.
The American Heart Association has updated its guidelines for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in children and adolescents, providing new evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. The update aims to improve cardiovascular disease prevention and management in young populations.
Researchers developed photocontrolable drugs that can increase and decrease heart rate by using light of different colors, similar to approved beta-blockers. This study demonstrates the potential of photopharmacology in future therapies with reduced side effects.
A new analysis of the PROGRESS-CTO registry shows a significant increase in successful CTO PCI procedures, with higher efficiency and lower risk of complications. The findings demonstrate improved operator training and real-world experience leading to better patient outcomes.
The DIPRA study found no significant difference in hand function between distal radial artery access and conventional proximal radial artery access. Radial artery occlusion occurred more frequently with PRA, but the risk was negligible.
A study found that colchicine significantly improved survival rates for patients hospitalized with worsening heart failure. Colchicine may also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with a buildup of cholesterol in their arteries.
The Disrupt PAD III trial found intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) to be effective in treating severely calcified peripheral artery lesions, with high patency rates compared to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). IVL also showed reduced severe complications and need for additional interventions.
A nationwide study reveals lower rates of cardiac catheterization and revascularization among non-Hispanic Black patients with a history of cocaine use compared to white patients. The findings suggest implicit bias in treatment, emphasizing the need for health equity.
A recent national survey suggests that few cardiologists and care team members are trained in cardio-obstetrics, a specialty combining cardiology, obstetrics, and primary care. Only 29% of clinicians reported receiving cardio-obstetrics teachings during training.
A nationwide study analyzing rates of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) found a nearly 30% decline following the COVID-19 pandemic. STEMI cases have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting continued hesitation among patients to seek hospital care despite having a heart att...
A retrospective analysis reveals significantly higher mortality rates for low-income residents hospitalized with STEMI compared to higher-income residents. The findings highlight the need to examine social factors that impact healthcare outcomes for the most vulnerable.
A nationwide study of 100 million hospitalizations found that percutaneous coronary intervention is safe and increasing among cancer patients. The study suggests that PCI can nearly double from 2016 to 2018 among patients with thrombocytopenia, without significantly increasing mortality.
A recent cohort study found that previous cardiovascular conditions, including heart surgery and heart failure, were associated with increased COVID-19 severity in US pediatric patients. The study highlights the importance of pre-existing medical conditions in determining COVID-19 outcomes in children.
A new study published in Open Heart found that patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis benefit from early valve replacement surgery to prevent irreversible heart muscle damage. The research showed that timing of surgery is crucial in reducing mortality and hospitalization rates.
The Nurses and Allied Professionals community is being recognized for their dedication and skills in advancing cardiovascular care. The Andreas Grüntzig Ethica Award celebrates their expertise, physical presence, and impact on patient care.
A new study reveals that allergic asthma is a significant risk factor for human cardiovascular diseases, with certain medications affecting heart health. Researchers found that inflammatory cells play a crucial role in both conditions and that targeting them may lead to better treatment options.
A new case report highlights the risks of herbal supplements containing CBD and berberine, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias. The study involves a patient who experienced dizziness and fainting after taking high doses of hemp oil and berberine supplements, leading to a life-threatening condition.
Research links prediabetes to increased heart attack risk in young adults, highlighting the importance of lifestyle changes and routine health check-ups. The study found that individuals with prediabetes are 1.7 times more likely to be hospitalized for a heart attack compared to those without.
The Cardiovascular Research Foundation (CRF) announced that TVT: The Structural Heart Summit will feature 12 studies as Late-Breaking Clinical Science and Featured Clinical Research. These studies highlight advances in transcatheter aortic valve replacement, mitral, tricuspid, and left atrial appendage occlusion therapies.
A study found that maternal obesity impairs heart health and function of the fetus, altering gene expression and increasing risk of cardiac problems in later life. Sex differences were observed, with females experiencing impaired cardiac function that worsened with age, while males showed impairments from birth.
A new study published by Harvard Medical School and The University of Texas Medical Branch found that despite international consensus on treating acute myocardial infarctions, there are substantial variations in treatment and outcomes across six high-income nations. The U.S. stands out for its high risk of death within a year of hospit...
Researchers have found that flu viruses can directly infect heart cells, leading to electrical malfunctions and scarring. The study suggests that clearing the viral infection may be key to reducing flu's effects on the heart.
The TVT 2022 program features cutting-edge research on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other structural heart therapies. The meeting will focus on patient evaluation, imaging modalities, and therapeutic options.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal shows that MRI is superior to echocardiography for diagnosing heart failure and predicting patient outcomes. The research found that MRI can accurately measure left ventricular filling pressure, leading to improved diagnosis and reduced need for invasive assessments.
Researchers found that pericyte precursor cells and endothelial cells work together simultaneously during embryonic development, contrary to previous theories. This discovery may lead to new strategies for repairing damaged tissue after stroke or heart attack.
A study published in The BMJ finds substantial differences in heart attack care across six high-income countries, including low use of blood vessel procedures in England and Netherlands, and high death rates in the US and Taiwan. This research highlights areas for improvement in these nations.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that women (18-55) and people of color with chest pain were evaluated less thoroughly and took longer to be seen in the ER. The delay could have implications for treatment and outcomes, highlighting the need for future research.
Research reveals mental illness disrupts autonomic functions, leading to greater blood pressure variations during the day. People with mental health issues often experience reduced heart rate variation, indicating poor stress response and exacerbating chronic stress effects.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can detect weak heart pumps in patients using single-lead Apple Watch ECGs. The study found high participation rates and high-quality data from over 46 states and 11 countries, demonstrating the potential for this tool to be widely used.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have developed an AI tool that accurately predicts pancreatic cancer patients based on CT scan images. Lowering blood cholesterol has also been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer by enhancing immune cell action. Additionally, a new study found that an ultrasound probe plugged into a smartphone can b...
Researchers discovered that non-cardiac protein subunit CHD4 interacts with three cardiac genes mutated in patients with congenital heart disease, leading to misexpression of non-cardiac genes and faulty heart development. This finding provides a new mechanism for the prevalence of congenital heart disease in humans.
A recent study found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection, hospitalization, and death among heart transplant recipients. The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, compared vaccinated and unvaccinated patients at a single center and showed a notable difference in outcomes.
A large observational study found that calcium supplements increased the risk of death and cardiovascular disease in older adults with aortic valve stenosis. The study, published in the journal Heart, suggests that long-term continuous calcium supplementation should be avoided for patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease.