Heart Health

This news channel includes content on cardiovascular disease prevention, cardiac risk stratification, diagnosis, screening programs, and management of major risk factors that include diabetes, hypertension, diet, life style, cholesterol, obesity, ethnicity and socio-economic disparities.
 

Nauman Mushtaq, MD, Northwestern Medicine, explains the value of CT coronary calcium scoring for patients and for the cardiology business model.

The many benefits of using low-cost CT coronary calcium scoring to screen patients

CT calcium scoring provides valuable evaluations of intermediate-risk patients in addition to making good business sense for hospitals. Nauman Mushtaq, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Northwestern, shared his own experience with this technology. 

March 1, 2024
Regularly eating avocados is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.

Top 5 diets for heart health: Expert panel puts Mediterranean, DASH at the top

The Ornish diet, a plant-based option developed to help prevent heart disease, also made the final ranking. 

February 26, 2024
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new warning against the use of watches, rings and other devices that claim to measure blood glucose levels without piercing the skin. These unapproved devices come from “dozens of companies” and are sold “under multiple brand names.”

FDA warns against use of unauthorized smartwatch, smart ring devices to measure blood glucose levels

Any devices that claim to make blood glucose measurements without piercing the user's skin are associated with a heightened risk of error, the agency said. 

February 22, 2024
Michael Garshick, MD, director of the cardio-rheumatology program, cardiologist and assistant professor, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains the role of inflammation in coronary disease development and how this risk factor can be detected and treated.

Targeting coronary inflammation helps cardiologists provide better care

Michael Garshick, MD, examines the role of inflammation in coronary disease development, detailing how this risk factor can be detected and treated.

February 15, 2024
what is a flexitarian diet? plant-based but limited meats

Flexitarian diet, a plant-based option that includes small amounts of meat, linked to key cardiovascular benefits

The study, designed to compare flexitarians with vegans and omnivores, focused on young and middle-aged adults in good health who had been following the same diet for at least one full year.

February 13, 2024
Salt substitutes are associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure without increasing the risk of low blood pressure, according to new findings published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.[1]

Salt substitutes reduce hypertension risk by up to 40%

Many patients do not want to limit their salt intake, even when a doctor tells them the numerous health benefits. Salt substitutes may represent another way forward. 

February 12, 2024
ACC 2023 ACC.23 American College of Cardiology

American College of Cardiology announces late-breaking research for ACC.24 in Atlanta

The group's annual meeting heads to Atlanta this April. TAVR, GLP-1 agonists, medical imaging guidance and blood pressure control are just some of the topics that will be presented during late-breaking sessions.

January 29, 2024
Following a plant-based diet can significantly lower a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or dying from cardiovascular causes, according to new research published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention and Health.[1] The study’s authors emphasized that a person can still occasionally eat meat, fish or dairy products and still see substantial benefits—the key is to keep such things to a minimum and embrace fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, teas and coffees.

Plant-based diets lower risk of heart attack and stroke—going 100% vegan not necessary to see benefits

The study’s authors emphasized that a person can still occasionally eat meat, fish or dairy products and still see substantial benefits—the key is to keep such foods to a minimum.

January 26, 2024

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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