A new meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology suggests that Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors can improve outcomes for heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. The medication has been shown to reduce the risk of death from heart-related causes and hospitalization by 22%.
A new study found that only alcohol consumption consistently triggers episodes of atrial fibrillation, a common heart condition. The study used an individualized testing method, where participants tested various triggers, including drinking alcohol and caffeine, to find the most effective ways to manage their AF.
A new study published in Annals of Medicine recommends that athletes returning to training after long COVID undergo a series of tests and receive regular advice from medical specialists. The researchers defined long COVID as symptoms lasting more than four weeks, and warned of the risk of organ damage and mental health issues.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have identified a new type of cell in the heart that may play a crucial role in regulating heart rate. The cells, termed nexus glia, resemble astrocytes found in the brain and are located in the outflow tract of the heart, where many congenital heart defects occur.
Extreme heat events are associated with a greater risk of death from ischemic heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. Preventive strategies aim to reduce hyperthermia and dehydration to minimize cardiovascular risk during extreme heat events.
A new study reveals that glial cells in the heart play a critical role in regulating heart rate and rhythm, as well as driving its development in the embryo. The discovery suggests that glia may also be important in other organs.
A nationwide observational study published in Circulation found that lower levels of income and education are associated with reduced chances of survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The study analyzed data from 31,373 cases of OHCA between 2010 and 2017, showing a correlation that was observed in both men and women.
A new study found that stroke survivors are more likely to continue cigarette smoking than cancer survivors, putting them at higher risk for subsequent strokes and heart disease. Researchers recommend developing robust smoking cessation programs for stroke patients similar to those offered to cancer patients.
Patients with atrial fibrillation are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 complications, including hospitalization and cardiovascular events. The study found a significant increase in mortality rates among those with a history of atrial fibrillation compared to the general population.
A new study found that a simple surgical technique called posterior left pericardiotomy significantly reduces the risk of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The procedure, which involves draining excess fluid and small clots from the heart sac, was associated with a 56% lower incidence of irregular heart rhythm...
A randomized trial found that drinking caffeinated coffee is associated with a 54% increase in premature ventricular contractions and fewer episodes of supraventricular tachycardia. Coffee consumption also promotes more physical activity but reduces sleep duration, which can have numerous adverse health outcomes.
A study found that repairing both the mitral and tricuspid valves during mitral valve surgery can reduce the risk of severe tricuspid valve leakage in adults with moderate or less than moderate tricuspid regurgitation. This approach also showed improved outcomes, including lower mortality rates and better survival.
A new risk score developed by Mount Sinai researchers can help predict possible contrast-associated acute kidney injury among patients undergoing PCI. The 'Mehran-2 CA-AKI Risk Score' enhances management of high-risk patients before, during, and after the procedure.
Women with breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation and dying from heart-related issues within the first year. The condition was more common in women who did not receive surgery or radiation as their initial treatment.
A new trial shows that the novel surgical device venous external support (VEST) may improve outcomes of coronary bypass grafting using leg veins by preventing intimal hyperplasia, a key factor in vein graft failure.
A NIH-funded study found that patients with a two-step surgical approach for 'leaky heart valves' had better short-term outcomes, but were more likely to need a pacemaker. The procedure involved repairing the tricuspid valve at the time of mitral valve surgery, and results showed reduced risk of death, reoperation, or severe regurgitat...
Research suggests women with lingering COVID-19 symptoms experience heart rate irregularities during physical exertion, leading to delayed recovery and reduced exercise tolerance. Targeted rehabilitation programs are needed to manage these consequences in women with persistent heart and lung problems.
A large study of collegiate athletes reveals persistent COVID-19 symptoms are rare, but exertional chest pain warrants further clinical evaluation. The study used the Outcomes Registry for Cardiac Conditions in Athletes and found low prevalence of exertional symptoms upon return to exercise.
Researchers have developed AI-powered computer models to predict heart attacks, strokes, and stress-induced blood pressure changes. The models use machine learning to detect early signs of aortic valve anomalies, enabling at-home monitoring and improved diagnostic accuracy.
Research found that adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and atrial fibrillation were less likely to notice irregular heartbeat symptoms, had a lower quality of life, and experienced more co-occurring health conditions than those without diabetes. This delay in diagnosis may lead to more complications such as stroke.
A new study finds that genetic testing for cardiomyopathies and arrhythmias simultaneously can detect conditions more accurately than single-condition tests. This leads to better diagnosis and treatment options, such as targeted therapies and monitoring devices.
Scientists discovered an important protective response in the heart that can prevent excessive scarring after a heart attack. The study found that this reactive response can limit cardiac fibrosis by preventing oxidant build-up in heart cells, potentially leading to new therapies to repair scarring damage.
A study found a significant decrease in heart attacks in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to reduced air pollution. The study analyzed daily pollution measurements and heart attack frequency, revealing a 6% decrease in heart attacks for every 10 µg/m³ drop in particulate matter 2.5.
A decade-long study of young Black adults in the US reveals a rising burden of traditional cardiometabolic conditions, including congestive heart failure and depression. The study found a nearly 20% increase in major adverse cardiac events among young Black adults from 2007 to 2017
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2021 found that consuming higher amounts of vegetable fat or polyunsaturated fat may lower stroke risk, while eating more red meat, processed red meat, and non-dairy animal fat may increase it. The research analyzed data from over 117,000 participants and sug...
Researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 women aged 18-44 with disabilities and found lower diet quality, food insecurity, and physical activity levels compared to their able-bodied peers. The study highlights the importance of addressing dietary barriers for women with disabilities.
A study found that consuming high amounts of herbs and spices daily can lead to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The researchers discovered that adding just 1.3 teaspoons of herbs and spices a day to an average American diet resulted in lower blood pressure after four weeks.
SourcePenn State·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 8, 2021
A randomized trial comparing plug-based and suture-based vascular closure techniques after TAVR found that the plug-based technique had a shorter time to hemostasis but higher access-site complications. The study, CHOICE-CLOSURE, reported similar mortality rates between both groups.
A large study found that sleeping between 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm is associated with a lower risk of developing heart disease compared to earlier or later bedtimes. The study also showed that the riskiest time for cardiovascular disease is after midnight, potentially due to reduced morning light exposure.
Researchers found that cardiac arrests in the cath lab had slightly lower survival rates compared to those in the operating room. However, they were more likely to survive than those in the intensive care unit.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) guided by fractional flow reserve (FFR) did not meet noninferiority for one-year outcomes compared to bypass surgery. However, FFR-guided PCI performed favorably in patients with low SYNTAX scores and less complex disease.
Researchers found that firefighters experience significant increases in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure when responding to emergency calls, with most having uncontrolled hypertension. The study aims to raise awareness about the risks of cardiovascular disease among firefighters.
Research presented at American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2021 found that Latino adults who followed a healthy dietary plan had healthier hearts in terms of structure and function. The study, which evaluated over 1,800 participants, suggests that adherence to healthy eating patterns can lower risk of heart disease.
Using methamphetamines, opiates, cocaine, and cannabis increases the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation. Acute alcohol consumption also raises the risk for immediate and first-time atrial fibrillation episodes. The study, based on a large California database, found associations between substance use and cardiac arrhythmia.
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients from socially vulnerable neighborhoods experienced higher death and cardiac event rates, even after adjusting for pre-existing conditions. The study used the Social Vulnerability Index to analyze data from over 20,000 patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
A team of researchers from Flinders University has developed a single mathematical equation that can accurately model and predict the behavior of ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening heart rhythm. The equation uses principles from renewal theory to predict the population dynamics of 'rotors' found in the heart during VF.
Patients with diabetes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have lower target lesion failure rates with amphilimus-eluting stents compared to zotarolimus-eluting stents. At one year, amphilimus-eluting stents met the criteria for noninferiority and superiority over zotarolimus-eluting stents.
A new contrast agent has been developed to detect and image blood clots noninvasively, using a targeted approach to find clots anywhere in the body. The agent was tested in patients with atrial fibrillation and showed promising results.
Women face unique socioeconomic barriers that set back their cardiovascular health early in life, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke. These disparities can be mitigated through policy changes, community support, and diversification within the cardiology workforce.
The COVID-19 pandemic has sharply curtailed scientific research globally, with nearly all labs closing in 2020 and many clinical trials halted. The American Heart Association calls for increased federal funding to rebuild the research enterprise, targeting early career investigators, women, and underrepresented groups.
Scientists at Lewis Katz School of Medicine discovered that reintroducing the protein LIN28 into adult heart stem cells improves their chances of survival. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for heart disease using stem cell therapy.
A team of scientists has discovered that male-female differences in protein expression occur immediately after embryonic cells become heart cells called cardiomyocytes. This finding provides new opportunities for research into cardiac disease and treatment, as well as advancing the biological study of sex differences.
A recent review published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in individuals with heart disease. Despite higher mortality rates from influenza, many Americans under 65 with heart disease have low vaccination rates.
Researchers have found that heart cells regulate their circadian rhythms through changes in sodium and potassium ion levels, which can impact heart rate. This new understanding may lead to better treatments and preventative measures for combating heart conditions.
Researchers have discovered three new genetic variants linked to fibromuscular dysplasia, which affects women in their prime and is often associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications. The study provides new insights into the disease's genetic basis and potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers identify key neurons and signaling pathway regulating female activity before ovulation. Discoveries could lead to new treatments for menopause that sidestep estrogen and reactivates the circuit with CRISPRa technology.
A recent study by the Smidt Heart Institute found that middle-aged and older women are being diagnosed with 'broken heart' syndrome more frequently—up to 10 times more often—than younger women or men of any age. The incidence has been rising steadily since before the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting a possible link between stressors, brai...
A new study found that daily phthalate exposure may lead to 100,000 premature deaths among older Americans each year, resulting in a $40 billion to $47 billion annual economic burden. The study suggests a link between phthalate exposure and increased risk of heart disease and early death.
A multicenter study found cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging to be highly accurate in diagnosing and excluding cardiac tumors. The results show that CMR provides prognostic value beyond clinical factors.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise may be associated with an increased risk of developing heart failure. The correlation appears to be greater in people who are former smokers or have high blood pressure.
A new study suggests that a plant-based diet can improve vaccine efficacy and reduce COVID-related health issues. Studies have shown that healthcare workers with lower waist circumferences had better immune responses to the Pfizer vaccine.
The ACC Middle East 2021 conference will showcase the latest evidence-based strategies for improving heart health in the Middle East. The event features presentations from renowned experts on the most impactful clinical trials and contemporary best practices in treating cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet studied long-term outcomes of patients with pacemakers after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and found no significant difference in mortality. The study included over 3,400 patients, with 481 receiving permanent pacemakers within 30 days of surgery.
A study by Intermountain Healthcare found that notifying pharmacies of discontinued prescriptions can prevent almost 200 safety events over two months. By using a CancelRX functionality in their electronic medical record system, the team was able to avoid these events and ensure patients only receive correct medications.
Researchers found that providing patients with a clinician team roster increased recognition of each clinician's name and face, with an average increase of 4.57 out of 5 on a five-point Likert scale. This improvement was particularly notable during the COVID-19 pandemic when universal masking made facial recognition more challenging.
A new study found that maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and having a healthy body weight can significantly lower the lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged adults. The research included over 5,993 participants and analyzed the relationship between cardiovascular health and genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have developed patient-specific whole-heart models to predict risk of sudden cardiac death and outcomes of cardiac procedures. These models incorporate individual geometry, structure, and other patient-specific information, enabling personalized diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that adopting the DASH diet, losing weight and improving aerobic fitness can lower blood pressure significantly. The study suggests lifestyle modifications can help people with resistant hypertension successfully lose weight and increase their physical activity.
Researchers found that shrinking waveforms on electrocardiograms can help identify high-risk patients with COVID-19 or influenza, allowing for more aggressive monitoring and treatment. The study also showed that this technique may be particularly useful in overwhelmed systems where timely intervention is crucial.
The ACC Quality Summit Virtual brings together clinicians, administrators, and quality professionals to translate data into achieving quality care. Key findings include innovative health care strategies and exceptional leadership, as showcased by the 2021 Ray Bahr Award of Excellence winner.