More belly weight increases danger of heart disease even if BMI does not indicate obesity
Statement Highlights:
- Research on how obesity impacts the diagnosis, management and outcomes of heart and blood vessel disease, heart failure and arrhythmias is summarized in a new statement.
- Waist circumference, an indicator of abdominal obesity, should be regularly measured as it is a potential […]
Smartphone app detects silent atrial fibrillation in American Indians
Research Highlights:
- A smartphone-based electrocardiogram or ECG screening accurately detected a previously unknown irregular heart rhythm – called atrial fibrillation – in American Indians.
- American Indians are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation and may benefit from screening before the recommended age […]
Gender-affirming hormone therapy may increase risk of high blood pressure
Research Highlights:
- Transgender and gender-diverse people have higher rates of hypertension compared to the general population.
- Within two to four months of starting gender-affirming hormone therapy, transgender women had a lower average systolic blood pressure, and transgender men had a higher average systolic blood […]
Good dental health may help prevent heart infection from mouth bacteria
Statement Highlights:
- Good oral hygiene and regular dental care are the most important ways to reduce risk of a heart infection called infective endocarditis caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- There are four categories of heart patients considered to be at highest risk for […]
AHA Media Alert: Information and resources on heart rhythm issues and pacemakers
Former Vice President Mike Pence undergoes pacemaker procedure for heart rhythm […]
ACP and AHA partner on new open access journal–Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases
The new online-only, peer-reviewed journal will publish case reports relevant […]
Another way “good” cholesterol is good: combatting inflammation
Research Highlights:
- The ability of HDL particles (commonly known as “good” cholesterol) to reduce inflammation in the cells that line blood vessels may help predict who is more likely to develop a heart attack or other serious heart-related event.
- Gauging the anti-inflammatory capacity of […]
Hypertension Journal Report: Certain high blood pressure medications may alter heart risk in people with HIV
Research Highlights:
- Some blood pressure medications altered the likelihood of subsequent heart disease, stroke or heart failure in a study of veterans who have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
- Patients with HIV prescribed beta-blockers were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease compared to patients taking […]
Exercise, healthy diet in midlife may prevent serious health conditions in senior years
Research Highlights:
- Regular exercise and a healthy diet for middle-aged adults may be key to achieving optimal cardiometabolic health later in life.
- Cardiometabolic health risk factors include the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health conditions such as excess body fat around the waist, high […]
Long-term space travelers will need high-intensity exercise to protect heart health
Research
Highlights:
- Sustained low-intensity exercise does not completely
counteract the effects of weightlessness on the heart muscle, which will
atrophy […]