ISCP March 2019 newsletter available online
April 04 ,2019
Overview:Latest newsletter including message from new ISCP President Augusto Gallino and more ISCP news and upcoming meetings. more
International Society of Nephrology shines a light on kidney health policy in Asia and Pacific
April 23 ,2019
Overview:The International Society of Nephrology (ISN), a member of the Global Coalition for Circulatory Health, held its biannual World Congress of Nephrology Forum in Melbourne – 12 to 15 April 2019. The ISN Global Kidney Policy Forum, held on the Friday 13 April, focused on the quality, sustainability and equity of access to kidney care […] The post International Society of Nephrology shines a light on kidney health policy in Asia and Pacific appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
FDA expands arrhythmia indications for ECG smartphone app
April 23 ,2019
Overview:AliveCor announced that its consumer ECG device received two 510(k) clearances by the FDA for its ability to detect bradycardia and tachycardia.This ECG technology (KardiaMobile) has previously been cleared by the FDA to detect atrial fibrillation and normal sinus rhythm, according to a press release from the company. This device is paired with the Apple Watch and can instantly analyze ECGs and detect any arrhythmias.“Until today, patients have been frustrated when devices label their ECG reading as ‘unclassified’ or ‘inconclusive,’” Ira Bahr, CEO of more
In older adults, functional mobility influences 30-day readmission rates after MI
April 23 ,2019
Overview:Functional mobility among older adults after acute MI is a strong predictor of readmission within a 30-day period, according to findings published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.John A. Dodson, MD, MPH, and colleagues sought to develop and validate an acute MI readmission risk model for older patients that considered functional impairments and could be used before hospital discharge.“In general, there has been a lot of interest in preventing hospital readmissions among older patients within 30 days of discharge from the hospital because of how common and costly they are,” more
‘Top 10’ herbs, supplements that may provide therapeutic effects
April 23 ,2019
Overview:PHILADELPHIA — The prevention or treatment of some medical conditions, such as cancer-related fatigue, heart disease, infertility and osteoporosis may be complemented with herbs and supplements, according to a speaker at the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine Meeting.Many patients are interested in non-pharmacologic options for managing or preventing disease, and some are acting based on information found on the internet or other less reliable sources. Some agents have been shown to be beneficial, but clinicians should also advise patients to be cautious and to recognize more
PCI for acute heart attack improves outcomes in older patients
April 23 ,2019
Overview:An increased use of PCI in older patients from 2000 to 2016 contributed to a survival benefit at the time of their first acute MI, according to a study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions.“We know that PCI is safe, feasible and improves overall survival and well-being in younger adults who have a heart attack, but older adults tend to have more complex medical needs, and live with geriatric syndromes like frailty, multiple chronic conditions, cognitive impairment and use multiple medications,” Abdulla A. Damluji, MD, MPH, assistant professor at Johns Hopkins more
Statins safe, efficacious in lowering LDL cholesterol in RA
April 22 ,2019
Overview:A daily 40-mg regimen of atorvastatin is safe and produced a significantly greater reduction in LDL cholesterol than placebo among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to data published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.“The extent to which statins affect lipid levels and reduce [cardiovascular events] in RA remains uncertain, due to the small number of RA patients included in general population trials,” George D. Kitas, MD, PhD, FRCP, directorate of research and development at the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, and colleagues wrote.The researchers noted that “the more
Less physical activity increases mortality risk
April 22 ,2019
Overview:Patients who were the least physically active had an increased risk for all-cause and CVD mortality, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.Those who reported moderate to vigorous physical activity based on current recommendations lessened or eliminated this association, according to the study.“Our results support continued efforts to promote physical activity in those segments of the population that sit a lot for whatever reason,” Emmanuel Stamatakis, PhD, professor of physical activity, lifestyle and population health at the more
Skipping breakfast increases CVD mortality risk
April 22 ,2019
Overview:Adults who skipped breakfast had a significantly increased risk for CV mortality, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.Shuang Rong, MD, PhD, of the department of nutrition and food hygiene at Wuhan University of Science and Technology in China and of the department of epidemiology at University of Iowa College of Public Health in Iowa City, and colleagues analyzed data from 6,550 participants (mean age, 53 years; 48% men) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III aged 40 to 75 years who were free from CVD or cancer at more
Incident HF risk reduced in adults with plant-based diet
April 22 ,2019
Overview:A plant-based diet had an inverse association with incident HF risk compared with the southern diet, which had a positive risk for incident HF, according to findings published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.Kyla M. Lara, MD, MS, and colleagues sought to determine associations of five dietary patterns with incident HF hospitalizations among U.S. adults.“The need for population-based preventive strategies for heart failure is critical,” Lara, a cardiology fellow at Mayo Clinic, who was at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai when the study was conducted, more
Newer guidelines raise rate of pediatric hypertension
April 22 ,2019
Overview:Guidelines implemented by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2017 identified more children with adverse metabolic profiles in childhood and elevated CV risk in adulthood compared with the 2004 guidelines, according to findings published in Hypertension.The study, led by Tingting Du, MD, PhD, and colleagues, sought to evaluate the consequences of 2017 pediatric hypertension definitions compared with 2004 guidelines on pediatric hypertension and to assess the performance of the guidelines in predicting adult hypertension, metabolic syndrome and left ventricular hypertrophy.“After more
Harmful medications prescribed to nearly 25% of patients with HFrEF
April 21 ,2019
Overview:Approximately 24% of patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction were prescribed a medication that could potentially lead to or worsen HF as defined by current guidelines, according to a study published in The American Journal of Cardiology.Paulino A. Alvarez, MD, cardiologist and assistant professor of internal medicine at University of Iowa in Iowa City, and colleagues analyzed data from 40,966 patients (75% aged 51 to 64 years; 64% men) with HFrEF.Pharmacy claims for potentially harmful drugs were assessed either from retail pharmacies or mail specialty pharmacies. Potentially harmful more
Links between culture, health to be explored at CMHC West
April 20 ,2019
Overview:The Cardiometabolic Health Congress is in the final stages of planning for the upcoming CMHC West: Advancing Cardiometabolic Health From East to West taking place in Phoenix from May 3 to 5.The annual conference will offer an extensive agenda, with sessions spotlighting recent results from various clinical trials and updated health guidelines.Led by clinical experts and thought leaders in cardiometabolic health, the event will include a wide variety of educational formats including didactic sessions, interactive Q&A lectures, panel discussions and more.Furthermore, the event's educational more
Atherectomy system for small vessel PAD receives FDA clearance
April 18 ,2019
Overview:Avinger announced that an image-guided atherectomy system for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with peripheral artery disease received 510(k) clearance from the FDA.The system (Pantheris SV, Avinger) is an updated version of a previous system (Pantheris, Avinger) that was cleared for marketing by the FDA in July 2018. This newer version has a longer length and lower profile, allowing it to be used in small vessels between 2 mm and 4 mm in diameter, according to a press release from the company. It also includes an enhanced cutter design, stiffer shaft and a refined optical CT imaging more
Low LDL, triglycerides increase stroke risk in women
April 18 ,2019
Overview:Women with LDL levels below 70 mg/dL and low triglyceride levels had increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke, according to a study published in Neurology.“Strategies to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, like modifying diet or taking statins, are widely used to prevent cardiovascular disease, but our large study shows that in women, very low levels may also carry some risks,” Pamela M. Rist, ScD, assistant professor in the division of preventive medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, said in a press release. “Women already have a more
New antiplatelet lowers bleeding risk in stroke
April 18 ,2019
Overview:The novel antiplatelet agent ACT017 confers reduced risk for bleeding and may be a safe and effective alternative for patients with stroke, according to early findings published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.Christine Voors-Pette, MD, a principal investigator and manager of medical operations at QPS Holdings LLC in the Netherlands, and colleagues evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ACT017 (QPS Holdings LLC), a glycoprotein VI antibody, in healthy subjects.“There is a clear need for a novel antiplatelet agent that resolves more
Delayed cardioversion noninferior to early cardioversion for AF
April 18 ,2019
Overview:A wait-and-see approach for patients who presented to the ED with atrial fibrillation was noninferior to early cardioversion for return to sinus rhythm at 4 weeks, according to results from the RACE 7 ACWAS trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine.“The wait-and-see strategy, with delayed cardioversion if needed within 48 hours after symptom onset, has several advantages for patients,” Nikki A.H.A. Pluymaekers, MD, of Maastricht University Medical Center, and colleagues wrote. “First, cardioversion (along with its potential complications) may be avoided. Second, more
CAC scores, self-reported health status may improve CV risk prediction
April 18 ,2019
Overview:Coronary artery calcification score and self-rated health status were poorly connected and may in fact be complementary when predicting CV risk, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.“The combination of [self-rated health] and CAC score may provide similar risk discrimination to the [Pooled Cohort Equations] and may be a useful and parsimonious approach to initial risk prediction in screening programs, in research studies and, selectively, in clinical practice,” Olusola A. Orimoloye, MD, MPH, postdoctoral fellow at the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of more
3 ways to reduce burnout
April 18 ,2019
Overview:PHILADELPHIA — Data indicate that rates of physician burnout are declining, but it remains a significant issue for clinicians, a speaker at the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine Meeting told attendees.A study recently published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggested that 43.9% of physicians reported at least one symptom of burnout in 2017, down more than 10% from a similar report 3 years earlier, Richard M. Wardrop III, MD, PhD, professor and vice chair of education and faculty development at the University of Mississippi Medical Center said.“Though the epidemic of more
More research urgently needed to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease
April 18 ,2019
Overview:Sophia Antipolis, 15 April 2019: Heart disease remains the world’s leading cause of death, and today top European scientists outlined their battle plans for the coming years, calling for more investment in research. This call-to-action was produced by the EU-funded ERA–CVD, a coalition of 24 partners including the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).1 “In spite […] The post More research urgently needed to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
VIDEO: Transparency improves patient care, builds just culture
April 17 ,2019
Overview:PHILADELPHIA — While strategies such as public reporting, transparency and using clinical decision support and electronic health records are necessary and effective in improving patient care, there is also a need to improve the culture in medicine, according to a presenter at the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting.The best way to manage medical errors when they occur is to be open and honest with patients, Allen Kachalia, MD, JD, general internist, academic hospitalist and senior vice president for patient safety and quality at Johns Hopkins Medicine, told Healio Primary Care Today.“It’s more
Half of patients on statins have suboptimal response at 2 years
April 17 ,2019
Overview:More than half of patients undergoing statin therapy failed to achieve LDL reduction of more than 40% within 2 years, and these patients were at elevated CVD risk compared with optimal responders, according to findings published in Heart.Ralph Kwame Akyea, MBChB, and colleagues assessed LDL response and future CVD risk in patients after initiation of statins.“The positive correlation between the incidence of CVD and levels of [LDL] concentration has been well established,” Akyea, a research associate faculty of medicine & health sciences at the University of Nottingham in the more
Post-angioplasty dissection repair device receives FDA approval for PAD
April 17 ,2019
Overview:Intact Vascular announced that a dissection repair device for patients with peripheral artery disease after undergoing an angioplasty has been approved by the FDA.Approval of the device (Tack Endovascular System, Intact Vascular) was based on results from the TOBA II trial, according to a press release from the company.As Cardiology Today’s Intervention previously reported, in TOBA II, the endovascular implant used to repair dissections caused by plain or drug-coated balloons during angioplasty in peripheral procedures was associated with positive outcomes including 30-day freedom from more
Chagas: The time is now to end 110 years of neglect, Llega el momento de acabar con 110 años de invisibilidad
April 11 ,2019
Overview:[English] The people affected by Chagas disease will claim this 14th of April as World Chagas Day in the hope of increasing global awareness, and building on the progress already made against this disease, which has been neglected for more than one century. 11 April 2019. The International Federation of Associations of People Affected […] The post Chagas: The time is now to end 110 years of neglect, Llega el momento de acabar con 110 años de invisibilidad appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
Taking Action for Circulatory Health and Sustainable Development
April 07 ,2019
Overview:Ottawa/Geneva, April 7, 2019 – Heart disease, hypertension and stroke, and associated conditions such as kidney diseases and diabetes are largely preventable, yet they are the major causes of mortality in the world, with more than 75 percent of the related deaths occurring in low and middle income countries. According to a report by the […] The post Taking Action for Circulatory Health and Sustainable Development appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
American College of Cardiology, World Heart Federation to Partner for ACC.20/WCC in Chicago
March 19 ,2019
Overview:GENEVA/WASHINGTON (March 18, 2019) — The American College of Cardiology and the World Heart Federation will jointly host the ACC’s 69th Annual Scientific Session with WHF’s World Congress of Cardiology (ACC.20/WCC), taking place March 28-30, 2020, in Chicago. “The ACC and WHF are strategically aligned in our goals to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease […] The post American College of Cardiology, World Heart Federation to Partner for ACC.20/WCC in Chicago appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
When it comes to heart health, women are still being left behind
March 08 ,2019
Overview:Today is International Women’s Day, an opportunity to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, as well as a global call to action for accelerating gender equality. Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality. When it comes to heart disease, women are still being left behind. A study published in the Journal of […] The post When it comes to heart health, women are still being left behind appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
Raising awareness of rare diseases
February 28 ,2019
Overview:Currently, 5% of the world’s population is living with a rare disease – that’s 350 million people. In a bid to raise awareness of these diseases, and their potential impacts, Rare Disease Day is held annually on the last day of February. Targeted primarily at the general public, the campaign is also aimed at policy […] The post Raising awareness of rare diseases appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
WHF and the European Federation of Periodontology to publish recommendations on the links between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease
February 20 ,2019
Overview:Oral hygiene contributes to a healthy heart Severe gum disease increases risk of heart attack and stroke Periodontal treatment reduces inflammation and other factors leading to hardening of arteries Madrid, Spain, 19 February 2019. Proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can support cardiovascular health. This, in a nutshell, is what dental and […] The post WHF and the European Federation of Periodontology to publish recommendations on the links between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
Update from the 144th Session of the WHO Executive Board
February 14 ,2019
Overview: Twice a year, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 34 members of the Executive Board (EB) get together ahead of the World Health Assembly (WHA), which is the decision-making body of the WHO. The WHO EB’s main functions are to determine policies, agree on the WHA agenda, appoint the director, supervise financial policies, and review […] The post Update from the 144th Session of the WHO Executive Board appeared first on World Heart Federation. more
WHF Co-Organises RHD Regional Regional Workshop in Egypt
February 12 ,2019
Overview:From 21-22 January 2019, the World Heart Federation were proud to co-organise the EMRO Rheumatic Heart Disease Consultative Meeting alongside partners Reach and the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO EMRO). Held at the EMRO office in Cairo, Egypt, the meeting was convened to focus on the development of national programmes […] The post WHF Co-Organises RHD Regional Regional Workshop in Egypt 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