Air pollution may raise mortality risk
August 21 ,2019
Overview:In a study of more than 600 cities around the world, short-term exposure to air pollutants was linked to increased risks for all-cause, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality.Using health and environmental data from the Multi-City Multi-Country (MCC) Collaborative Research Network database, Yuming Guo, MD, PhD, of the department of epidemiology and preventive medicine at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues assessed the association between inhalable particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with daily all-cause, CV and respiratory mortality in 652 more
RELAX-AHF-2 published: Serelaxin fails to reduce CV mortality, worsening HF
August 21 ,2019
Overview:IV infusion serelaxin in patients hospitalized with acute HF did not improve CV mortality at 180 days or worsening HF at 5 days when compared with placebo in the RELAX-AHF-2 trial.The study, now published in The New England Journal of Medicine, enrolled 6,545 patients (mean age, 73.1 years; 39.6% women; 5% black) hospitalized for acute HF who were assigned to receive a 48-hour IV infusion of serelaxin at 30 µg/kg of body weight per day in addition to standard care (n = 3,274) or placebo (n = 3,271).At 180 days, the primary endpoint of death from CV causes occurred in 8.7% of the more
Viable myocardium not linked to long-term CABG benefit for ischemic cardiomyopathy
August 21 ,2019
Overview:Myocardial viability was not linked to a long-term benefit from CABG in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, according to results from the STICH study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.Viable myocardium was associated with left ventricular systolic function improvement regardless of treatment, although this was not related to long-term survival, according to the study.“Patients seem to benefit whether or not they have a positive or negative result of a myocardial viability test,” Julio A. Panza, MD, FACC, chief of cardiology at Westchester Medical Center in more
Nicotine-free vaping harms blood vessels after single session
August 21 ,2019
Overview:Nicotine-free e-cigarettes were harmful to blood vessels after just one use, according to study results published in Radiology.“While e-cigarette liquid may be relatively harmless, the vaporization process can transform the molecules — primarily propylene glycol and glycerol — into toxic substances,” Felix W. Wehrli, PhD, director of the Laboratory for Structural, Physiologic and Functional Imaging and professor of radiologic science, biochemistry and biophysics in the department of radiology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, said in a more
Coexisting HF, type 2 diabetes impacts cardiac remodeling, outcomes, quality of life
August 21 ,2019
Overview:In a recent study, patients with HF and coexisting type 2 diabetes had smaller left ventricular volume, higher mitral E/e’ ratio, poorer quality of life and worse clinical outcomes as well as several other phenotype specific differences.The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, evaluated patients in the ASIAN-HF Registry who had HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; n = 5,028; 21.8% women; mean age, 60 years; 40.2% type 2 diabetes) or HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF; n = 1,139; 49.7% women; mean age, 68.7 years; 45% type 2 diabetes) more
Improvement in PTSD symptoms linked to lower risk for diabetes
August 21 ,2019
Overview:Researchers reported that clinically meaningful improvement in PTSD symptoms compared with less than clinically meaningful or no improvement was linked to a 49% lower risk for incident type 2 diabetes.Although prior research had indicated a link between PTSD and increased risk for type 2 diabetes, no research has determined whether clinically meaningful reduction in PTSD symptoms is linked to lower risk for incident type 2 diabetes, Jeffrey F. Scherrer, PhD, of Saint Louis University School of Medicine, and colleagues wrote in JAMA Psychiatry.Scherrer and colleagues conducted a retrospective more
One health system’s experience relevant to looming price transparency rule
August 21 ,2019
Overview:The Trump administration’s ongoing effort to lower health care costs and increase transparency resumes later this summer when HHS is expected to propose a rule that explains how hospitals would be required to disclose the amount patients would pay for services before they receive care.Data indicate the toll medical costs are taking on Americans.A PLoS One study found that 9% of American households had medical debt in 2013, with the bill totaling nearly $3,000 in some instances. A report in The American Journal of Medicine found the share of bankruptcies linked to medical problems rose more
Biomarker-based strategy assesses likely benefit of ezetimibe added to statin therapy post-ACS
August 20 ,2019
Overview:A biomarker-based approach may effectively identify a gradient of risk among post-ACS patients who would most benefit from the addition of ezetimibe to statin therapy.According to a secondary analysis of the IMPROVE-IT trial published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers found that a multi-marker approach using established CV biomarkers to evaluate risk for recurrent CV events in post-ACS patients and clinical benefit showed a pattern of greater absolute risk reduction in CV death, MI and stroke when ezetimibe was added to statin therapy in patients at greater more
Former heavy smokers may have elevated CVD risk beyond 5 years after cessation
August 20 ,2019
Overview:A new study confirms that heavy smokers have a significantly lower CVD risk within 5 years compared with current smokers. However, compared with individuals who never smoked, the risk for CVD remained significantly elevated beyond 5 years.According to the data published in JAMA, using pooled data from the Framingham Heart Study, researchers reported that in a cohort of 8,770 individuals (mean age 42.2 years; 55% women; 60.5% ever smokers; 27% heavy smokers), within 5 years of quitting, smoking cessation was associated with a lower rate of incident CVD compared with current smokers: 6.94 per more
DAPA-HF results demonstrate diabetes drug reduces worsening of heart failure
August 20 ,2019
Overview:AstraZeneca today announced positive top-line results for its landmark phase 3 DAPA-HF trial, noting that the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin met the primary composite endpoint of reduction of cardiovascular death or the worsening of heart failure compared with placebo in participants with and without diabetes, according to a company press release.DAPA-HF is the first heart failure outcomes trial with an SGLT2 inhibitor investigating the treatment of heart failure in adults with reduced ejection fraction in addition to standard of care in patients with and without type 2 diabetes. The safety more
Risk for events after PCI increases in hypertension, high platelet reactivity
August 20 ,2019
Overview:Patients with hypertension and residual high platelet reactivity with clopidogrel had an increased risk for MACE at 2 years after PCI, according to results from the ADAPT-DES study published in The American Journal of Cardiology.“We already know that hypertension and residual high platelet reactivity are risk factors for thrombotic events, but we show for the first time that the presence of hypertension moderates the effect of residual high platelet reactivity on the risk of thrombotic events,” Björn Redfors, MD, PhD, medical director of the Data Coordinating Center at the more
Wyanoke Group announces Healio rebranding
August 19 ,2019
Overview:In an effort to improve the user experience for its health provider audiences, the Wyanoke Group is rebranding its live event, digital and publishing arms under the Healio umbrella, the company announced in a press release.The changes, which will take effect Sept. 3, include:“As the Healio platform continues to grow and evolve, the wider adoption of the Healio brand was the next logical progression,” Peter N. Slack, President and CEO of the Wyanoke Group, said in the release. “The rebranding strategy provides a clearer and more cohesive user experience for our loyal audience more
FDA approves baroreflex activation therapy for advanced HF
August 19 ,2019
Overview:The FDA has approved the Barostim Neo System for the improvement of symptoms in patients with advanced HF who are not suited for treatment with other HF devices, such as cardiac resynchronization therapy. The FDA gave the device a Breakthrough Device designation, according to an agency press release.The baroreflex activation therapy system (CVRx Inc.) is indicated for patients with regular heart rhythm who are not candidates for cardiac resynchronization therapy and have a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% or less.“Patients with advanced heart failure have limitations of more
DAPT may offer greatest benefit 21 days after minor stroke, TIA
August 19 ,2019
Overview:The benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy after high-risk transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic stroke was limited to the first 21 days after the event, according to a pooled analysis of the CHANCE and POINT trials published in JAMA Neurology.“It’s important to remind people that the benefits of clopidogrel-aspirin far exceed the excess risks of hemorrhage in the few weeks after a minor stroke or TIA,” S. Claiborne Johnston, MD, PhD, dean, vice president for medical affairs and Frank and Charmaine Denius Distinguished Dean’s Chair at The University of Texas at more
Genetic predisposition to insomnia linked to modestly higher CVD risk
August 19 ,2019
Overview:Genetic liability for insomnia was associated with a modest but increased risk for CAD, HF and ischemic stroke, in addition to BMI, waist-to-hip ratio and type 2 diabetes, according to a new study published in Circulation.Adults with genetic liability to insomnia had greater risk for ischemic stroke (OR = 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.11), as well as several ischemic stroke subtypes including large-artery stroke (OR = 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24), small vessel stroke (OR = 1.08; 95% CI, 0.99-1.17) and cardiometabolic stroke (OR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.99-1.14); CAD (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.08-1.17); and HF (OR = more
Analysts debate Senate drug pricing bill’s likelihood of making an impact
August 19 ,2019
Overview:The Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act, introduced last month by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has passed a Senate committee and now awaits further action.As the bill stands right now, it would significantly change Medicare Parts D and B, reduce out-of-pocket costs for Americans, save Medicare about $85 billion during the next decade and, in the short term, save Medicaid about $15 billion, according to a press release issued by Grassley.Experts consulted for this story on the bill’s viability and chances of becoming more
AHA: Prescription fish oil effectively lowers high triglycerides
August 19 ,2019
Overview:Four grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid together or eicosapentaenoic acid alone, is clinically useful as monotherapy or in addition to other therapies to reduce triglycerides after implementing diet and lifestyle changes and addressing any underlying causes, according to an American Heart Association science advisory published in Circulation.“From our review of the evidence from 17 randomized controlled clinical trials on high triglyceride levels, we concluded that treatment with 4 g daily of any of the available more
Bempedoic acid/ezetimibe combination lowers LDL, CRP
August 18 ,2019
Overview:Compared with placebo or either agent alone, a combination of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe lowered LDL to a greater degree, researchers reported.The researchers also wrote that the combination was effective at reducing high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.“The results of this study show that the bempedoic acid/ezetimibe [fixed-dose combination] tablet provided significant additional LDL lowering and [high-sensitivity] CRP reductions when added to maximally tolerated statin therapy,” Christie M. Ballantyne MD, professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, said in a press more
MI prevalence elevated in areas of high fast food availability
August 17 ,2019
Overview:Areas with high density of fast food outlets had greater prevalence of MI compared with other areas, according to findings presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand.The addition of one fast food outlet per 100,000 people to an area resulted in an increase of more than four MIs per year, researchers reported.“Ischemic heart disease, including heart attack, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide,” Tarunpreet Saluja, from the University of Newcastle in Callaghan, Australia, said in a press release. “It is known that more
TAVR systems approved for low-risk patients
August 16 ,2019
Overview:Edwards Lifesciences and Medtronic announced that their transcatheter aortic valve replacement systems have been approved by the FDA for use in patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis at low surgical risk. “It’s remarkable the recovery advantage these patients get from this procedure,” Mathew R. Williams, MD, director of the Heart Valve Center at NYU Langone Health, told Healio. “They go from a debilitating disease where they can’t walk to the bathroom without getting out of breath to literally walking 2.5 hours after the procedure and going home the more
Report from WHF-IDF event on CVD in people with diabetes now available
August 08 ,2019
Overview:“CVD is silent. People must be educated and talk to their doctors.” This is one of the key messages that Stela Prgomelja, an international health advocate and person living with CVD and diabetes, brought to the WHA side event Joining forces to fight CVD in people with diabetes: pathways to solutions. Alongside calls for increased education […] The post Report from WHF-IDF event on CVD in people with diabetes now available appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
This World Heart Day … Be a Heart Hero
August 07 ,2019
Overview:World Heart Day 2019 (WHD) focuses on creating a global community of Heart Heroes… people from all walks of life who are acting now to live longer, better, heart-healthy lives by making a promise. From professionals involved in cutting-edge cardiology research and heart healthcare to everyday people looking after their and their loved ones’ hearts … we can […] The post This World Heart Day … Be a Heart Hero appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
WHO launches new report on the global tobacco epidemic
July 27 ,2019
Overview:Many governments are making progress in the fight against tobacco, with 5 billion people today living in countries that have introduced smoking bans, graphic warnings on packaging and other effective tobacco control measures – four times more people than a decade ago. But a new WHO report shows many countries are still not adequately implementing […] The post WHO launches new report on the global tobacco epidemic appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
NOACs and fixed-dose combination antihypertensive medications added to WHO Essential Medicines List
July 26 ,2019
Overview:On July 9, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated their core guidance documents on medicines and diagnostic tests to address health challenges, prioritise highly effective therapeutics, and improve affordable access for patients, with a significant focus on NCDs. The new WHO Essential Medicines List (EML) includes fixed-dose combination antihypertensive medications and new oral anticoagulants (NOACs), which are […] The post NOACs and fixed-dose combination antihypertensive medications added to WHO Essential Medicines List appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
WHF and partners call on UN Secretary General to reject proposal for a “more nuanced” relationship with tobacco industry
July 25 ,2019
Overview:Secretary General Antonio Guterres United Nations, S-233 New York, NY 10027 Dear Secretary-General Guterres, On behalf of the members of the Global Coalition for Circulatory Health, we are writing to you because we are deeply concerned by a letter on the role of the tobacco industry in the United Nation’s (UN) 2030 Agenda that you […] The post WHF and partners call on UN Secretary General to reject proposal for a “more nuanced” relationship with tobacco industry appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) carries out first-ever survey of Cardiac rehabilitation around the globe
July 05 ,2019
Overview:Just one in 12 ischemic heart disease patients globally can get rehab to prevent another event, according to the first-ever audit of cardiac rehabilitation around the world, undertaken by WHF Member, International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR). Juxtaposing audit results with estimates from the Global Burden of Disease study, it was determined that over […] The post International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (ICCPR) carries out first-ever survey of Cardiac rehabilitation around the globe appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
PHFI announces eLearning courses on Health Promotion & Tobacco Control
June 12 ,2019
Overview:The Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) is a public private initiative that has collaboratively evolved as a response to redress the limited institutional capacity in India for strengthening training, research and policy development in the area of Public Health. These courses commenced in 2011 as a capacity building initiative for those looking to gain […] The post PHFI announces eLearning courses on Health Promotion & Tobacco Control appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
Air pollution and cardiovascular disease: a window of opportunity
June 11 ,2019
Overview:In recent years, air pollution and its impact on people’s health has become a significant issue on the global health agenda. Nine out of ten people worldwide breathe polluted air, which disproportionately affects those living in low-resource settings. According to a recent World Health Organisation report, more than twenty percent of all cardiovascular disease deaths are caused by air […] The post Air pollution and cardiovascular disease: a window of opportunity appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
Following 110 years of neglect, the World Health Assembly declares an official day for Chagas disease
May 24 ,2019
Overview:[Spanish version below] Delegates at the 72nd World Health Assembly (WHA) have today approved the creation of a World Chagas Day. People affected by Chagas worldwide celebrate this important step in fighting for recognition of this neglected disease. Geneva, 24 May 2019 – The International Federation of People Affected by Chagas Disease (FINDECHAGAS) today celebrates […] The post Following 110 years of neglect, the World Health Assembly declares an official day for Chagas disease appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
‘Chagas Disease – Breaking the Silence’
May 13 ,2019
Overview:Chagas Disease affects more than 7 million people worldwide, but only 1 in 10 are diagnosed and less than 1% receive treatment. When left untreated, Chagas can cause serious heart and digestive system problems – 12,000 people die each year from causes associated with the disease. Chagas often affects the poorest and most marginalised, and like other neglected tropical diseases, it has been […] The post ‘Chagas Disease – Breaking the Silence’ appeared first on World Heart Federation. 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