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New clues link Long COVID and POTS

A new study has found a significant link between Long COVID and POTS, with nearly two-thirds of Long COVID participants meeting the diagnostic criteria for POTS. The study suggests that POTS may be contributing to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog in some individuals with Long COVID.

SourceAdelaide University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeCase study·DateSep 16, 2026

Taking the stairs could cut risk of early death

A meta-analysis of nearly 1,900 studies found that climbing stairs significantly reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Regular stair climbing was associated with lower risks of heart-related problems and major cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 12, 2026

New USF study identifies promising strategy to protect the heart in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine have identified a promising strategy to protect cardiac function in people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The study found that the experimental drug Setanaxib preserved cardiac function and reduced scarring, suggesting NOX4 as a potential therapeutic target for future treatments.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2026

Hydroxychloroquine may protect people with skin lupus from heart health risks and metabolic complications, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers find

Researchers found that hydroxychloroquine use was associated with better cardiovascular and cardiometabolic health outcomes in patients with discoid lupus erythematosus. The study also found a lower risk of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and coronary artery disease among hydroxychloroquine users.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateMay 26, 2026

How immune cells spur repair of the heart

Macrophages are among the earliest responders to heart injury, activating an inflammatory program that helps kickstart regeneration. The researchers found that dampening this response specifically in macrophages promotes blood vessel growth and heart muscle cell proliferation, both essential for regeneration.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2026

Innovative procedure outperforms drugs for advanced atrial fibrillation

A minimally invasive catheter ablation procedure has been shown to provide substantial benefits for patients with advanced forms of atrial fibrillation. By targeting faulty electrical signaling in the heart, the procedure can lead to improved control of the disease and reduced risk of serious adverse events.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 27, 2026

When the nervous system starves the brain: Autonomic dysfunction unmasked as a hidden driver of treatment-resistant depression

A study published in Brain Medicine suggests autonomic dysfunction, particularly parasympathetic and sympathetic imbalances, contributes to depressive symptoms in patients unresponsive to conventional antidepressants. Low-dose medications targeting these imbalances may offer a new approach to treatment.

SourceGenomic Press·JournalBrain Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 31, 2026

Walking pace found to strongly predict risk of death

A new study found that walking pace is a strong predictor of mortality risk, especially in people with existing health conditions. Combining walking pace with other physical measures improved mortality predictions, suggesting a simple and cost-effective way to identify high-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2026

Regular exercise reduces atrial fibrillation recurrence by nearly 50% after catheter ablation, study shows

A new study from CU Anschutz researchers found that regular physical activity can significantly lower post-ablation atrial fibrillation recurrence risk. Adults who engaged in moderate exercise for 30 minutes three times a week had markedly lower rates of AF recurrence compared to those who were less active.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalJournal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology·DateFeb 6, 2026

City of Hope opens clinical trial to protect heart health of prostate cancer patients receiving hormone therapy

A phase 2 clinical trial is comparing three strategies to protect heart health in prostate cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy. The study will assess the impact of intermittent fasting, GLP-1 medication, and nutritional counseling on cardiovascular and metabolic risks associated with androgen deprivation therapy.

SourceCity of Hope·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 26, 2026

An abnormally slow heart rate is associated with xylazine-fentanyl overdose; primarily seen in northeastern United States

Researchers identified bradycardia as a symptom of xylazine-opioid overdose, particularly in the Northeast, where xylazine is more prevalent. This finding may aid emergency medicine physicians in detecting xylazine exposure and providing harm reduction counseling.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAddiction·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 13, 2026

First 3D genetic mapping of the heart uncovers genes implicated in sudden death

A new study has uncovered 42 genetic locations associated with hypertrophy of the left ventricle, a major risk factor for sudden death. The research, conducted using three-dimensional MRI images and genome-wide analysis, could lead to earlier identification of individuals at greater risk.

SourceMedical Research Council (MRC) Laboratory of Medical Sciences·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 7, 2025

Pick up the pace of your daily walk to boost longevity, experts say

A novel analysis confirms the benefits of regular walking at a faster pace in improving health, particularly for low-income and Black populations. The study found that fast walking as little as 15 minutes a day was associated with a nearly 20% reduction in total mortality.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 29, 2025

Heart-healthy habits also prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, COPD, other diseases, Emory study finds

A new study from Emory University reveals that maintaining optimal cardiovascular health can significantly improve overall physical and psychological well-being. The review confirms that heart-healthy behaviors positively impact brain function, vision, hearing, muscle strength, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 18, 2025

AI-assisted model enhances MRI heart scans

A cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan usually takes anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes. The AI-assisted model developed by Mizzou researchers can turn low-quality MRI heart scans into high-quality images in less time, while improving patient experience and reducing costs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMagnetic Resonance in Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 25, 2025

Cardiorespiratory effects of wildfire smoke particles can persist for months, even after a fire has ended

Exposure to lingering fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke was associated with increased hospitalization risks for various cardiorespiratory conditions, including ischemic heart disease and respiratory diseases. The study's findings highlight the need for research into the long-term health impacts of wildfire smoke.

Seeing blood clots before they strike

Researchers developed a new imaging technique that uses artificial intelligence and high-speed microscopy to track platelet behavior in real-time. The study shows promise for personalizing heart disease treatment by monitoring clotting risk in patients with coronary artery disease.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2025

World Sleep Society recommendations on wearable sleep trackers aim to empower consumers and clinicians, and foster industry partnership

The World Sleep Society releases recommendations on wearable sleep trackers, providing clear guidelines for consumers, clinicians, researchers, and manufacturers. Key takeaways include choosing a device suitable for individual use cases and focusing on fundamental sleep measures rather than specific stages of sleep.

Breakthrough gene therapy offers hope for rare, deadly heart disease in young men

A team of researchers has developed a gene-therapy strategy to treat arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy type 5 (ARVC5), a rare and deadly hereditary disease. The treatment, using adeno-associated viruses, improved cardiac function and prolonged survival in mice with ARVC5-like disease.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2025

The heart remembers: Scientists describe how early-life cardiac injury in parents influences the development and function of the heart in the next generation

Scientists have discovered that early-life cardiac injury in parents can alter heart development and function in offspring, leading to improved cardiac remodeling and increased blood ejection volume. This finding suggests a potential long-term impact on cardiovascular health.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025