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.

Are fathers included in the obesity interventions of their children?

Though research shows that fathers impact their children’s eating habits and physical activity, a study published April 10 in Preventive Medicine suggests fathers are rarely included in family interventions that combat childhood obesity.

Blood pressure meds linked to higher pancreatic cancer risk in postmenopausal women

A class of blood pressure medications—short-acting calcium channel blockers (CCBs)—was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in postmenopausal women, according to a study presented April 17 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in Chicago.

Health system combats diabetes with ‘Farmacy’ that dispenses healthy food

A team of researchers from Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania are attempting to curb diabetes among their patient population with a program that treats healthy food like a prescription drug—and it has delivered strong early results.

Urine test reveals whether patients are actually taking their CV medication

Doctors have a new ally in keeping their patients adherent to cardiovascular medication: a urine test that can determine whether a person has taken 80 different blood pressure or cholesterol drugs in the last day or two.

Losing excess weight in childhood decreases diabetes risk

New research in the New England Journal of Medicine April 5 suggests a reduction in body mass index (BMI) before puberty may decrease an individual’s risk of developing diabetes.

Extreme levels of HDL associated with increased risk of infectious disease

Both high and low concentrations of HDL cholesterol are associated with higher risks of infectious disease including gastroenteritis and pneumonia, according to new research published April 7 in the European Heart Journal.

Exercise is an effective defense for those with genetic risk of CVD

As fitness increases, risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) may decrease regardless of genetic predisposition, according to new findings published in Circulation on April 9.

INVOKANA® (canagliflozin) Demonstrated Significant Renal Protective Benefits in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease

AUSTIN, Texas, April 12, 2018 — The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson today announced an additional analysis from the landmark CANVAS Program showing INVOKANA® (canagliflozin) improved renal outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus with or at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

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