Cardiovascular Health

Preliminary research by the American Heart Association suggests the opioid epidemic in the United States may have led to an increase in the number of strokes due to bacterial infections of the heart (infective endocarditis).

There have been 15 events of deep vein thrombosis and 22 events of pulmonary embolism reported across the European Union and United Kingdom.

Investigators recommended avoiding risk factors such as smoking and switching to a transdermal administration route for testosterone.

The investigators said testosterone therapy may have some benefits for older men, but they did not find any benefits in artery function, which is a determinant of future cardiovascular risk.

A more sensitive test capable of detecting heart function issues early in cancer treatment may be beneficial in preventing heart failure.

Investigators found significant decreases in heart rate among patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome who received ivabradine for 1 month.

Recreational substance use was associated with 1.5 to 3 times higher odds of heart disease, with stronger associations among young women.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant decline in the volume of overall heart surgeries, as well as an increase in deaths following coronary artery bypass grafting, according to research.

The research will have implications for clinicians when prescribing blood-thinning medications after Fontan surgery, a complex congenital heart disease operation redirecting blood flow from the lower body to the lungs.

Health care providers should monitor blood pressure starting in early adolescence, especially for individuals at high cardiovascular risk, such as Black populations.

The label also states LVEF is a variable measure and clinical judgment should be used in deciding which patients to treat.

The study is the first of its kind to focus on the effect of cannabis on blood pressure, heart rate, and metabolic parameters in adults 60 years of age and older with hypertension.

To analyze the outcomes of drinking caffeinated coffee, researchers categorized consumption as 0 cups per day, 1 cup per day, 2 cups per day, and more than or equal to 3 cups per day.

In addition, the study found that daily coffee consumption helps heart attack survivors by lowering their risk of death after a heart attack and can help prevent heart attacks or strokes in healthy individuals.

Attaining healthy blood sugar levels after pregnancy did not decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in mid-life for women with a history of gestational diabetes.

The investigators said the undertreatment of coronary artery disease in women largely stems from a failure to recognize key differences in cardiovascular risk factors and symptoms in women.

Cardiovascular health risks exacerbated by lifestyle changes caused by the pandemic will become an even more critical issue in coming years.

Since its introduction to the US market in 2003, questions have risen as to the safety, long-term consequences, and risk of cardiovascular detriments that e-cigarettes pose to users.

Rather than having an intrinsically lower risk of severe COVID-19, the patients in the study may have adhered more strictly to social distancing guidelines compared to the general population.

Three international cardiovascular outcomes trials are currently examining the cardioprotective effects of different influenza vaccine formulations.

Stroke is not among the covered diagnoses for cardiac rehab, despite many similar cardiovascular risk factors, according to the study.

Radiologists should be aware of pulmonary artery thrombosis so that they can work with pharmacists to facilitate accurate diagnoses and management techniques.

Research highlights the need for cardiologists and cardio-oncologists to be involved in the treatment of men with breast cancer due to common risk factors and potential cardiotoxic effects of treatment.

With increasing rates of diabetes and its risk factors, the researchers emphasized the urgency of developing effective interventions.

Two of the studies specifically address the concerns about the lack of women in stroke clinical trials, causing a dearth in information to ensure appropriate stroke treatment for women, which has been an issue for scientists.

The objective of this study was to determine whether age is a key factor in sex-related differences among patients who experienced a heart attack.

The study authors noted that although the Western diet does not promote good cardiovascular health, it is not clear exactly what contribution fried food might make to the risks of serious heart disease and stroke.

High blood pressure may be an accelerant of cognitive decline in middle-aged and older adults, according to research published in Hypertension.

New treatment approach is designed to treat retracted blood clots, which form over extended periods of time and are especially dense.

Smoking was associated with not only a greater risk of disease, but also an increased risk of severe COVID-19.