Clinical Research

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]

Restricting salt intake too much may backfire for some heart patients

Limiting salt is a common recommendation for patients hoping to improve their heart health or lose weight. According to a new analysis of more than 1,700 patients, however, going too far with such restrictions can lead to worse outcomes. 

July 19, 2022
A TAVR procedure being performed at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago.

TAVR outcomes take a hit when patients present with heart failure or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

In-hospital mortality was especially high among TAVR patients presenting with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, according to a new analysis.

July 18, 2022
TricValve Transcatheter Bicaval Valves System P+F Products + Features GmbH

TricValve device proven safe and effective after 6 months for patients with severe symptomatic TR

The study's authors explored data from 35 patients who received the TricValve Transcatheter Bicaval Valves System. All patients presented with severe tricuspid regurgitation.

July 15, 2022
older female patient and doctor

Early follow-up care boosts outcomes, including survival, among heart failure patients

Researchers tracked data from more than 450,000 patients treated over the course of 15 years, sharing their findings in JAMA Network Open.

July 14, 2022
focused rotary jet spinning Harvard heart model ventricle biofabrication

New manufacturing technique for artificial hearts a 'major step forward’

Focused rotary jet spinning appears to hold some key advantages over 3D printing and other techniques. Engineers at Harvard think it could represent the future of organ biofabrication. 

July 13, 2022
The KardiaBand device from AliveCor is a more reliable tool for identifying atrial fibrillation (AFib) than the Apple Watch 4, according to a new head-to-head analysis published in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology.

KardiaBand outperforms Apple Watch in diagnosing AFib, but a cardiologist’s perspective is still crucial

The study's authors noted that the ECG acquisition technology in these wearable devices appears to be quite effective. The automated algorithms, however, could still be improved. 

July 8, 2022

“We need an answer now”: Cardiologist awarded $2.3M to study cannabis use and heart health in people living with HIV

The four-year analysis will use cardiac MRI scans to closely monitor the heart health of people living with HIV who regularly use cannabis to treat their symptoms. 

July 6, 2022
A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare. Sex differences in TAVR one-year mortality.

AFib patients more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure or bleeding following TAVR

The study, published in the American Journal of Cardiology, included data from more than 900 TAVR patients. Overall morality was 22.7% among patients with AFib and 14.4% among patients without AFib.

July 5, 2022