Strict phosphate control may slow coronary artery calcification for patients on dialysis
February 24 ,2021
Overview:Compared with standard targets, lower serum phosphate levels led to smaller changes in coronary artery calcification scores, suggesting stricter phosphate control may delay calcification progression for patients on hemodialysis.“In patients on maintenance dialysis, cardiovascular mortality risk is remarkably high, which can be partly explained by severe coronary artery calcification (CAC),” Yoshitaka Isaka, MD, PhD, of the department of nephrology at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan, and colleagues wrote. “Hyperphosphatemia has been reported to be more
Treatment by physician of same sex may confer better CV outcomes
February 24 ,2021
Overview:Female physicians demonstrated better patient outcomes compared with their male counterparts due to the lower likelihood of male physicians providing guideline-recommended care to female patients, researchers reported.Since 2019, women comprised most medical students in the U.S.; the percentage of female medical students rose from 46.9% in 2015 to 50.5% in 2019. Despite this trend, some subspecialties such as cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and vascular surgery have lower number of female physicians, with women representing only 12.6% of cardiologists, the researchers wrote.“We did more
CV involvement in malaria death may be area for diagnostic, therapeutic improvement
February 24 ,2021
Overview:Due to potential underreporting of CV complications in malaria infection, consistent monitoring for and treatment of CV complications may represent unmet areas in care, researchers reported.According to a review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, malaria was responsible for 400,000 deaths globally in 2018, and although CV involvement was not commonly attributed to infection mortality, complications may be unrecognized and underreported from a lack of diagnostic testing or overlap with other fatal events.“Malaria continues to be a serious health problem in more
High plant protein intake inversely associated with CVD, dementia mortality in older women
February 24 ,2021
Overview:Dietary protein from different sources was associated with varying risk for CVD mortality and death from dementia or cancer among older women, according to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.In addition, the partial substitution of plant protein for animal protein was associated with lower risk for all-cause, CVD and dementia mortality among postmenopausal women, researchers reported.“Our findings have potentially significant public health implications. Dietary guidelines worldwide do not distinguish healthier choices for dietary protein from unhealthier more
Meet Your Heart Doctor: connecting health professionals with CVD patients
February 24 ,2021
Overview:Last year, the Kenya Cardiac Society (KCS) launched the “Meet your Heart Doctor” campaign with the support of the World Heart Federation through the World Heart Grant Programme. The initiative aimed to connect health professionals with people living with cardiovascular disease (CVD) across the country through mainstream media as well as existing patient support groups. […] The post Meet Your Heart Doctor: connecting health professionals with CVD patients appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
Any physical activity improves CV fitness; timing may play role
February 24 ,2021
Overview:The timing of moderate to vigorous physical activity bouts may improve cardiorespiratory fitness for adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity, especially for men, according to an analysis of Look AHEAD study data.“In our study, we find that performing regular physical activity is better for cardiovascular fitness than not being active,” Roeland J.W. Middelbeek, MD, MSc, staff physician, research associate and instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and Joslin Diabetes Center, told Healio. “What we also found is that the timing of physical activity — which more
Ketosis may benefit cardiometabolic health in CVD
February 23 ,2021
Overview:Ketosis, as achieved via ketogenic diet or supplements, may improve cardiometabolic health in patients with CVD, particularly HF, according to a review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.“We found that data from experimental and human studies suggest ketone bodies exert protective effects on patients with heart disease. As heart disease remains the leading killer worldwide, determining new ways to offer cardiac protection is vital to this patient population,” B. Daan Westenbrink, MD, PhD, cardiologist and translational scientist at University Medical more
KDIGO updates 2012 guideline on managing blood pressure in CKD, largely informed by SPRINT
February 23 ,2021
Overview:Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes has revised its guideline on managing blood pressure in patients with chronic kidney disease. The guideline was originally published in 2012.“Since then, completion of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) sponsored by the National Institutes of Health along with several related meta-analyses and the revision of BP guidelines by many guideline task forces around the world prompted the re-examination of the KDIGO guideline on BP,” the organization wrote in an executive summary, noting the guideline is still specific to more
USPSTF recommends low-dose aspirin to prevent preeclampsia in high-risk patients
February 23 ,2021
Overview:The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has released draft guidance today that recommends 81 mg of aspirin daily as preventive medication for preeclampsia in high-risk patients who are more than 12 weeks pregnant.Women who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic hypertension, renal disease or autoimmune disease have the highest risk for developing preeclampsia. Other women at high risk include those with high pre-pregnancy BMI, multifetal gestation, a family or personal history of preeclampsia and related serious complications in a prior pregnancy, as well as women aged older than 35 more
Awareness of imminent diabetes diagnosis fails to change patients’ behavior
February 23 ,2021
Overview:Adults who were aware of their prediabetes status were more likely than those who were unaware to report a perceived risk for diabetes, data show.However, the risk awareness was not associated with a meaningful difference in dietary or physical activity behaviors, according to researchers.Erica Li, MD, a family medicine specialist at Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia, and colleagues conducted a secondary analysis of 2015 to 2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The survey assessed participants’ personal risk for developing diabetes, general health more
REVEAL Lite 2 risk calculator a simplified model to assess mortality risk in PAH
February 23 ,2021
Overview:Use of an abridged version of the REVEAL 2.0 risk calculator, REVEAL Lite 2, provided a simplified method of mortality risk assessment for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, researchers reported in Chest.“REVEAL Lite 2 was developed to provide clinicians with a simplified risk calculation method that can be routinely implemented in clinical practice, where data for patients may lack and be time-constrained,” Raymond L. Benza, MD, cardiologist in the department of medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Healio. “It provides discrimination more
High-dose edoxaban safety favorability vs. warfarin greater in women than men
February 23 ,2021
Overview:Among women with atrial fibrillation at elevated CV risk, treatment with high-dose edoxaban vs. warfarin conferred greater reduction in hemorrhagic stroke and major bleeding compared with men, with similar efficacy, researchers reported.“The principal findings of this secondary analysis ... were that the magnitude of reduction in multiple serious bleeding endpoints with a higher-dose edoxaban regimen vs. warfarin, including intracranial hemorrhage, fatal or life-threatening bleeding, and the composite of clinically relevant major or nonmajor bleeding, were greater in women than in men,” more
Low physical activity level may confer risk for instant, short-term MI death
February 23 ,2021
Overview:Moderate to high physical activity levels were associated with lower risk for instant and 28-day death related to MI, according to results published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.“Less myocardial stunning, less ischemia-induced arrhythmias, improved left ventricular function and improved survival after a cardiac arrest have been documented in patients hospitalized with MI who experience pre-infarction angina; an equivalent of ischemic preconditioning,” Kim Wadt Hansen, MD, PhD, postdoctoral research fellow in the department of cardiology at Bispebjerg more
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy impact heart structure, function over time
February 22 ,2021
Overview:Women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy or hypertension after pregnancy had significant differences in left ventricular structure and function over time, researchers reported.“Although there has been some characterization of structural cardiac changes among women with a history of [hypertensive disorders of pregnancy], the underlying mechanisms for these changes are incompletely understood,” Malamo E. Countouris, MD, clinical instructor of cardiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Heart and Vascular Institute, and colleagues wrote in the Journal of the more
Intensive arm rehabilitation after stroke improves functional outcomes
February 22 ,2021
Overview:Intensive arm motor therapy improved modified Rankin Scale scores among a “substantial” portion of patients who had experienced a stroke, according to findings published in Neurology.The study results demonstrated that gains in specific motor impairments correlated with a higher likelihood of improvement, the researchers noted.“Trials of acute stroke therapies often assess benefit using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), which covers functional outcomes, is categorized by the WHO-International Classification of Function (ICF) as a measure of activities limitations (previously more
Conservative fluid strategy during cardiac surgery does not reduce ICU stay
February 22 ,2021
Overview:In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, a conservative fluid management strategy reduced the amount of bolus fluid administered but did not reduce ICU length of stay compared with usual care.The Fluids After Bypass Study evaluated a protocol-guided strategy that utilized stroke volume variation to guide administration of bolus fluid and compared it with usual care fluid administration until desedation or up to 24 hours in patients in the ICU after cardiac surgery.“IV fluid therapy is commonplace in patients following cardiac surgery, with reports of up to 93% of patients receiving at more
Exercise, not hormone therapy, improves vascular function in middle-aged men
February 22 ,2021
Overview:A supervised center-based exercise training program, not testosterone therapy, improved vascular function among middle-aged men with central adiposity, according to research published in Hypertension.“The global increase in testosterone use has been very large, particularly among middle-aged and older men who might see it as a restorative hormone to increase energy and vitality,” Daniel J. Green, PhD, Winthrop Professor and cardiovascular exercise physiology researcher in the School of Human Sciences at The University of Western Australia in Perth, said in a press release. “However, more
Long-term exposure to air pollutants confers CV, respiratory health risk
February 22 ,2021
Overview:Long-term exposure to air pollutants may pose a significant risk to CV and respiratory health in the Medicare-age population, according to a study published in Circulation.“Recent studies looking at the nonfatal health effects of air pollution have shifted their focus from short-term to long-term exposure. ... More studies are now exploring multiple air pollutants simultaneously in recognition of the fact that air pollution is a mixture of compounds with varying toxicities,” Mahdieh Danesh Yazdi, PharmD, MPH, PhD, environmental health research fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of more
Improved care needed to combat rising HF rates globally
February 21 ,2021
Overview:Countries with a low sociodemographic index need improved medical care to combat increasing rates of HF, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.“Although advances in medical therapy and device assistance have significantly improved the outcomes of HF, implications of HF are still dramatic. ... Besides the clinical burden, HF-related costs are particularly heavy,” Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, MD, PhD, from the department of mathematics and statistics at York University in Toronto, and colleagues wrote. “Therefore, it is an onus from the more
ACC to launch initiative to improve awareness, care in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
February 20 ,2021
Overview:The American College of Cardiology announced it received a grant from Bristol Myers Squibb to launch the Accelerating Innovation for Medical Excellence in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy initiative.According to an association press release, the AIME HCM initiative is designed to increase awareness and understanding of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, activate clinicians and optimize disease management to improve outcomes.Following a comprehensive survey of cardiologists in early 2020, the ACC developed education modules to increase awareness of the diagnosis and treatment of hypertrophic more
Boston Scientific recalls ICD due to short-circuit risk
February 19 ,2021
Overview:Boston Scientific issued a recall for its implantable cardioverter defibrillator due to a manufacturing process that may allow moisture inside the defibrillator, causing a short-circuit in the delivery of high-voltage shocks.Intended to provide electrical shock to stop dangerously fast heart rhythms and pacing for a short time after shocks if needed, a press release from the FDA noted that if moisture enters the device (Emblem S-ICD, Boston Scientific), patients may experience less shock than intended or may not receive a shock at all. The device may also beep, not respond to a device more
Call to Heads of State of the African Union to Ratify the African Medicines Agency Treaty
February 05 ,2021
Overview:Over 40 leading organizations who represent patients, product development partnerships, youth groups, researchers and industry, are urging Heads of State and Government to ratify the African Medicines Treaty in order to simplify regulatory frameworks and enable patients across Africa to access effective, quality medicines. The statement, issued today by the International Alliance of Patients Organizations […] The post Call to Heads of State of the African Union to Ratify the African Medicines Agency Treaty appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
Leading cardiovascular organizations call for urgent action to reduce air pollution
January 28 ,2021
Overview:Geneva (28 January 2021) – Air pollution is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and a major contributor to the global burden of disease. Long-term exposure to air pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of death from COVID-19. This dangerous “triple threat” of air pollution, COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease should be […] The post Leading cardiovascular organizations call for urgent action to reduce air pollution appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
WHO Executive Board 148: Keeping CVD at the center of the global health debate
January 27 ,2021
Overview:These strong words from Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, may best summarize the 148th Executive Board of the WHO: “The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure – and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world’s poorest countries.” […] The post WHO Executive Board 148: Keeping CVD at the center of the global health debate appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
Addressing substandard and falsified medical products at #EB148
January 25 ,2021
Overview:This is a statement made at the 148th session of the WHO Executive Board on Agenda item 10: Substandard and falsified medical products by members of the Fight the Fakes Alliance. Honourable chair, distinguished delegates, On behalf of the World Heart Federation, International Alliance of Patient Organizations, International Council of Nurses, International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations, […] The post Addressing substandard and falsified medical products at #EB148 appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
Addressing non-State actors involvement in WHO’s governing bodies at #EB148
January 23 ,2021
Overview:This is a statement made at the 148th session of the WHO Executive Board on Agenda item 22.1 by the World Heart Federation and Members of the Global Coalition. Honourable chair, distinguished delegates, Thank you for the opportunity to deliver this statement on behalf of UICC, WCRF International, WHF, WOF and supported by NCD Alliance. […] The post Addressing non-State actors involvement in WHO’s governing bodies at #EB148 appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
Addressing social determinants of health at #EB148
January 22 ,2021
Overview:This is a statement made at the 148th session of the WHO Executive Board on Agenda item 16: Social determinants of health (Document EB148/24) by the World Heart Federation and NCD Alliance. The World Heart Federation supported by NCD Alliance welcomes the DG’s report on addressing social determinants of health (SDoH). We strongly support the […] The post Addressing social determinants of health at #EB148 appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
WHF welcomes WHO’s resolution on Oral Health at #EB148
January 21 ,2021
Overview:This is a statement made at the 148th session of the WHO Executive Board on Agenda Item 6: Political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases by the World Heart Federation and members of the Global Coalition. Honourable chair, distinguished delegates, As Members of the […] The post WHF welcomes WHO’s resolution on Oral Health at #EB148 appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
Addressing Diabetes as a Public Health Concern at #EB148
January 21 ,2021
Overview:This is a statement made at the 148th session of the WHO Executive Board on Agenda item 6: Draft Decision on Addressing Diabetes as a Public Health Concern by the International Diabetes Federation, supported by the Global Coalition for Circulatory Health and the NCD Alliance. Honorable chair, distinguished delegates, This statement is delivered on behalf […] The post Addressing Diabetes as a Public Health Concern at #EB148 appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
WHF urges massive worldwide vaccination against COVID-19
January 20 ,2021
Overview:The World Heart Federation (WHF) joins the global health community in welcoming the roll-out of approved COVID-19 vaccines, a ground-breaking scientific achievement with health and social benefits. Millions of doses of vaccines are being administered in more than 50 countries. WHF regards the vaccine as a critical tool in our fight to ward off the […] The post WHF urges massive worldwide vaccination against COVID-19 appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
ACC.20/WCC Virtual continues!
April 05 ,2020
Overview:The World Heart Federation and American College of Cardiology held their first ever virtual congress March 28-30. But it’s not over. All of the ACC.20/WCC Virtual live sessions are now available on demand, along with additional videos, abstracts and slides — all for FREE. This includes Late-Breaking Clinical Trials, Featured Clinical Research, Young Investigator Awards, Keynotes, and more. All content will […] more
2020 ISCP Annual Meeting cancelled
February 26 ,2020
Overview:Notice of Cancellation We regret to have to inform our colleagues and friends that the 2020 ISCP Annual Scientific Meeting in Miami will now be cancelled. The Board of Directors of ISCP was forced to take the decision based on advice from different sources raising concern about the threat posed by the Covid-19 virus which […] more
European Cardiology Review (ECR) now on PubMed and PubMed Central
October 30 ,2018
Overview: European Cardiology Review (ECR) confirms that it has been accepted for indexing on PubMed Central and PubMed. All ECR articles starting from the first issue in July 2014, will now be published online in full on PubMed Central, providing greater access for our authors’ articles amongst the global cardiology community. ECR is a […] more
WHF to attend the WHO Executive Board meeting in January 2017
January 23 ,2017
Overview:From 23 January to 01 February 2017, the World Health Organization(WHO) will host the 140th session. From 23 January to 01 February 2017, the World Health Organization(WHO) will host the 140th session. From 23 January to 01 February 2017, the World Health Organization(WHO) will host the 140th session. From 23 January to 01 February 2017, […] more