UnitedHealthcare now requires patients enrolled in certain Medicare Advantage plans to receive a PCP referral before seeing a cardiologist. On May 1, the insurer will start denying all claims that do not include the necessary referral. UnitedHealthcare argues that "stronger PCP engagement" is good for patient care, but many stakeholders disagree.

The introduction of a 3D pediatric transesophegeal echo probe is having a major impact on how these pediatric congenital heart patients are being treated.

The next-generation device includes a stylet-driven lead and a fixed helix. It was designed and developed specifically with LBBAP in mind. 

In fact, researchers wrote, TAVR and SAVR were linked to comparable long-term outcomes for heart patients who have previously been exposed to mediastinal radiation. 

The new analysis included data from more than 22,000 PCI patients treated at one of two high-volume U.S. facilities. Infection was the most common noncardiac cause of death.

The efficiency adjustment cuts introduced in the 2026 MPFS are based on assumptions many doctors believe to be false. The American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and other medical societies are pushing back.

Many experts still recommend SAVR over TAVR for patients younger than 65 years old with severe aortic stenosis. However, transcatheter treatments are growing more and more popular when these younger patients require a valve replacement.

The American Society for Preventive Cardiology celebrated researchers for uncovering new insights into this rare condition.

The Amend device from Valcare Medical has a closed ring shape similar to the annuloplasty rings used to treat MR during open-heart surgeries. These early patients will be followed for a total of five years.

New drug allows patients to self-treat PSVT. About 2 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with condition.

STS late-breaking study found BITA and SITA+RA have similar long-term survival, but age plays a role in which to choose.

Alzheimer’s disease already has the nation in a crisis of care capacity. The pressure to do more in response is mounting. Meanwhile the true total cost is hard to estimate since so many dementia caregivers are unpaid family members and other volunteers. 

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs unconstitutional. The administration responded by imposing a 10% rate across the board, later hiked to 15%. That will remain in effect for 150 days and require an act of Congress to extend.