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.

Heart attack deaths are way down after decades of breakthroughs—but other risks have skyrocketed
Researchers explored more than 52 years of data, highlighting several key trends in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
FDA finalizes new heart warnings for COVID-19 vaccines
The new warnings, first proposed to Pfizer and Moderna in April, are now officially required by the FDA. They provide additional information about the potential risks of myocarditis and/or pericarditis associated with these vaccines.
Popular obesity drugs limit amputations, heart issues among patients with peripheral artery disease
Semaglutide, tirzepatide and other GLP-1 drugs appear to provide significant value for patients with moderate PAD.
American College of Cardiology now supports early use of medication to treat obesity
The group highlighted the proven effectiveness of these drugs, especially semaglutide and tirzepatide, while noting that eligibility, affordability and availability will still play key roles in any treatment decisions.
Cannabis is bad for the heart—should the risk be taken more seriously?
Use of the drug more than doubles a person's risk of dying from heart disease, according to a new analysis of 24 different studies. In a separate editorial, two physicians shared their concerns and highlighted the importance of discussing these risks with patients.

Oral penicillin a better choice than injections for some patients with rheumatic heart disease

Patients who exhibit symptoms of an allergic response to injectable penicillin may actually be experiencing a cardiac reaction that can be avoided with an oral treatment.

Vitamin D supplements fail to lower risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer or death

The study compared two different doses of vitamin D with a placebo.

High levels of ‘good’ cholesterol may be bad for men

This trend, however, did not carry over to women with high HDL-C levels.

Diabetes, hypertension more common among breast cancer survivors

Women who received left-sided radiation or endocrine therapy appear to be impacted the most by this trend.

FDA announces a new recall for extended-release metformin due to contamination

The FDA first announced the detection of high levels of NDMA, a contaminant associated with cancer, in extended-release metformin products back in May 2020.

How taking blood pressure medication can lead to kidney damage

The study's authors noted that patients should keep taking their medications as normal. However, they see a definite need for more research in this area.

Want to live longer and have a healthier heart? Add more olive oil to your diet

Swapping out just 10 grams per day of margarine, butter, mayonnaise or dairy fat for olive oil can make a big difference.

Adults with type 2 diabetes are not taking care of their hearts

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association explored this issue in great detail.

Heart Health

Heart attack deaths are way down after decades of breakthroughs—but other risks have skyrocketed

FDA finalizes new heart warnings for COVID-19 vaccines

Popular obesity drugs limit amputations, heart issues among patients with peripheral artery disease

American College of Cardiology now supports early use of medication to treat obesity

Cannabis is bad for the heart—should the risk be taken more seriously?