American Heart Association (AHA)

The American Heart Association (AHA) funds cardiovascular medical research, educates consumers on healthy living and fosters appropriate cardiac care in an effort to reduce disability and deaths caused by cardiovascular disease and stroke. The AHA also is a key resource for the latest cardiology science through its journals and annual meeting.

Intermittent fasting may increase risk of death from heart attack, stroke

Time-restricted eating is popular in the United States, but new research suggests it may do more harm than good if taken to certain extremes. 

March 18, 2024
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped cardiologists, radiologists, nurses and other healthcare providers embrace precision medicine in a way that ensures more heart patients are receiving personalized care.

Diabetes increases risk of death, complications when patients undergo CABG or PCI for left main disease

Researchers also found that CABG and PCI were each associated with their own advantages and disadvantages, highlighting the importance of shared decision-making. 

March 15, 2024
Adults who regularly drink sweetened beverages face a heightened risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to new data published in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.

Heart issues more common in adults who drink soda, other sweetened beverages

Diet sodas made with artificial sweeteners are associated with an even higher risk of issues than sugar-sweetened sodas.

March 12, 2024
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has helped cardiologists, radiologists, nurses and other healthcare providers embrace precision medicine in a way that ensures more heart patients are receiving personalized care.

AI helps cardiologists deliver personalized healthcare—but there is still plenty of work to do

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association explores the many ways AI and machine learning are being used to improve care for heart patients.

March 7, 2024
Marijuana use among older adults is associated with a heightened risk of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, according to new research published in the American Journal of Cardiology. “Marijuana use increases sympathetic nervous system activity and inhibits cardiac parasympathetic innervation, resulting in elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and an increase in myocardial oxygen demand.

‘Just like smoking tobacco’: Cannabis use increases stroke risk by 42%, heart attack risk by 25%

“It can be a challenging discussion to have with patients because there is evidence that cannabis has some therapeutic properties," one researcher said. "However, as suggested by this study, cannabis use also has significant cardiovascular risks.”  

March 4, 2024
Pricing for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) varies significantly throughout the United States, according to new findings published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.[1] Researchers emphasized that higher prices were not necessarily associated with better patient outcomes. Photo by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels

Heart surgery prices vary from one part of the US to the next

Researchers explored the costs associated with CABG at more than 500 U.S. hospitals. 

February 27, 2024
Elderly patient doctor. Despite an expanded indication from the FDA and lower prices, patient access to these cholesterol-lowering medications remains a significant issue.

Insurance plans still denying more claims for PCSK9 inhibitors than other cardiovascular drugs

Despite an expanded indication from the FDA and lower prices, patient access to these cholesterol-lowering medications remains a significant issue.

February 22, 2024
artificial intelligence AI deep learning

AI, blood thinners and patient positioning: Exploring late-breaking science at the International Stroke Conference

ISC 2024 in Phoenix has already featured several eye-opening late-breaking presentations. One study, for example, found that positioning a stroke patient's head differently before surgery can significantly decrease the risk of neurological complications. 

February 8, 2024