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

Permanent pacemaker implantation after TAVR increases healthcare costs by $24,000 per patient

Researchers say their new analysis, based on five years of U.S. data, highlights just how important it is to keep post-TAVR PPMI rates to a minimum. 

March 5, 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
healthcare business deal

Cardiologists partner with imaging AI specialists to improve care for high-risk heart patients

The new collaboration is designed to ensure patients who may face an increased risk of heart disease receive the follow-up care they need.

February 29, 2024
A diabetic foot ulcer that does not heal due to low blood supply from peripheral artery disease (PAD), and the before and after interventional angiograms of the patient's revascularization treatment. Images courtesy of Foluso Fakorede, MD

Experts hope improved PAD awareness can lead to fewer leg amputations

Nearly 80% of Black and Hispanic adults said they never discussed PAD with a doctor, which vascular experts say is a major problem.

February 28, 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
Carrie Redick RN MSN NEA-BC, director of interventional cardiology and structural heart, Morristown Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, explains the need for financial literacy among structural heart program directors at the Transcatheter Cardiovascular therapeutics (TCT) 2023 meeting.

Why financial literacy is so important for structural heart program directors

Carrie Redick, an ICU nurse for nearly 20 years, said understanding more about financial data improved her ability to acquire funding and other resources for her program when necessary. 

February 27, 2024
Joseph Swicklik, RT, Mayo Clinic, demonstrates how to use magic to calm pediatric patients during imaging exams.

Using 'magic' to calm pediatric patients during imaging exams

Joseph Swicklik, RT(R)(CT), Mayo Clinic, says magic tricks can help calm pediatric patients to overcome anxiety and make medical imaging exams run much smoother.

February 26, 2024