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.

Dexcom issues new recall for CGM apps due to safety risk—users urged to update immediately
The FDA has categorized this as a Class I recall. If patients update their phone or watch apps as needed, they can continue to use these devices like normal.
Plant-based diets linked to lower risks of death, heart disease, stroke and diabetes
Diets that prioritize plant-based foods are associated with several health benefits, according to a new study of more than 3.4 million adults. Such diets also show potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Health systems use AI to target patients who may have elevated Lp(a) levels
"We can start helping people right now, and it would be meaningful if we can raise more awareness to reduce the burden of CVD," explained Katherine Wilemon, founder and CEO of the Family Heart Foundation.
Oral GLP-1 drug linked to weight loss in patients with and without diabetes—is FDA approval next?
Eli Lilly and Company is back with even more positive data on orforglipron, its oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. The company says it is "moving with urgency" toward gaining key regulatory approvals and getting the drug in the hands of patients.
Cardiology group thanks Taylor Swift for spreading word about nuclear stress testing
When Taylor Swift speaks, the world listens. And when she recently appeared on a podcast for the very first time, she shared the story of how a nuclear stress test saved her father's life.

Another antihypertensive drug recalled over possible cancer risk

ScieGen Pharmaceuticals has issued a recall of the blood pressure drug irbesartan after lab testing revealed a carcinogenic impurity, the FDA announced in a MedWatch Safety Alert.

Women’s BP, heart rates regularly shift to meet social, physical demands

A study out of Binghamton University in New York suggests heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) respond to environmental demands by undergoing allostasis rather than homeostasis, adding further evidence to a hypothesis scientists have mulled for years.

Will another adjunct to statins fit in the cholesterol drug market?

Another drug with the potential to lower cholesterol beyond maximally tolerated statin therapy is preparing to enter the marketplace, STAT reported on Oct. 28.

Vitamin D levels in blood tied to cardiorespiratory fitness

A new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology identified a strong link between vitamin D levels in the blood and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)—with individuals in the top quartile of vitamin D being almost three times more fit than those in the bottom quartile after adjustment for clinical characteristics.

Lower blood pressure, BMI may precede dementia

Low blood pressure (BP) and weight loss could signal an impending diagnosis of dementia, while elevated blood glucose levels may represent a consistent risk factor for the condition, according to a 14-year study published in the October issue of JAMA Psychiatry.

NHS England: 500 diabetics die each week from preventable complications

Figures released by England’s National Health Service have revealed that around 500 U.K. residents die prematurely each week from complications of diabetes, including amputations, CVD, stroke and kidney disease.

Canagliflozin becomes first oral diabetes drug approved to reduce MACE

The FDA has approved canagliflozin (Invokana) to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including stroke, heart attack and cardiac death in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. It is the first oral diabetes medication to gain this indication, according to drug manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies.

Evolocumab cuts LDL, CV events in patients with kidney disease

Evolocumab appears to be equally effective at reducing LDL cholesterol and preventing cardiovascular events regardless of a patient’s kidney function, according to a new subanalysis of the FOURIER outcomes study presented at the American Society of Nephrology’s annual Kidney Week in San Diego.

Heart Health

Dexcom issues new recall for CGM apps due to safety risk—users urged to update immediately

Plant-based diets linked to lower risks of death, heart disease, stroke and diabetes

Health systems use AI to target patients who may have elevated Lp(a) levels

Oral GLP-1 drug linked to weight loss in patients with and without diabetes—is FDA approval next?

Cardiology group thanks Taylor Swift for spreading word about nuclear stress testing