Community organizations bring awareness to hands-only CPR
June is CPR and AED Awareness Month and the American Heart Association set an ambitious goal to double survival the rate of cardiac arrest by 2030.
Watch as Sheryl Davis and Beth Jones join KNWA Today/FOX24 morning shows to demonstrate hands-only CPR and share details on this year's Paint the Town Red event.
See Community Clinic website here to check-out CPR classes.
Click here for tickets to Paint the Town Red.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Medscape
5 hours ago
- Medscape
SGLT2 Inhibitors for Cardio, Not Just Diabetes
When canagliflozin (Invokana) was approved in 2013, the SGLT2 inhibitor was touted as a first in a new medication class that was, at the time, the only oral, once-daily medication to reduce blood glucose as well as body weight and systolic blood pressure. Since then, additional SGLT2 inhibitors have been approved (dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, bexagliflozin, and ertugliflozin), and the indications for prescribing the medications have expanded. The medications have gone from targeting glucose-lowering to also providing cardiac protection, including for diabetes-free patients with heart failure. Next, experts said, discussions will focus on other decisions, such as when and whether to prescribe the SGLT2 inhibitors with GLP-1 receptor agonists for the best outcomes. The Path From Glucose-Lowering to Heart Benefits From the start, it was clear the medications — which work by binding to the SGLT2 protein expressed in the proximal tubules and preventing the reabsorption of filtered glucose — could help those with diabetes. What took some time to prove was their benefit for cardiac outcomes, said Paul Heidenreich, MD, MS, professor of medicine and vice chair for Quality in the Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California. Paul Heidenreich, MD, MS He chaired the 2022 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology/Heart Failure Society of America guideline on heart failure management, which added a strong recommendation for SGLT2 inhibitors for some patients with heart failure. In a recent interview, he highlighted some noteworthy findings and research on SGLT2 inhibitors in heart disease and diabetes, and other researchers tracked the rising use of the medications as studies proved their benefits. Research Timeline After the SGLT2 inhibitors were shown to benefit patients with type 2 diabetes, reducing cardiovascular events, including hospitalization for heart failure, the next natural research question, Heidenreich said, was to determine if the medications could also help those with heart failure who are diabetes-free. 'And that was shown to be true,' Heidenreich said. 'It starts as, let's control blood sugar, but then there are all these other benefits.' In the 2022 update of the guidelines, a strong recommendation is given for SGLT2 inhibitors to treat patients with chronic, symptomatic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) to reduce hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality, regardless of diabetes status. Heidenreich terms HFrEF as the worst form. It was after those studies on HRrEF that the guidelines were published, he said, recommending the medication for those patients. Next, after the guidelines had been updated and issued, other research found the SGLT2 inhibitors also helped treat those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The 2022 guidelines give the medications less than the strongest recommendation for HFpEF. With the next updating of the guidelines, Heidenreich said, he expects the SGLT2 inhibitors will also receive a strong recommendation for patients with preserved ejection fraction. As the research accumulates, there is growing use of the medication, he said. 'All the studies have shown a dramatic increase in the use [of the SGLT2 medications] in the last few years,' he said. And the guidelines are probably just one small reason, he said, with other published data on the drugs' effectiveness playing a role. He cites two major studies useful for pointing out the value of the SGLT2 inhibitors in heart health: The EMPEROR trial — The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin (Jardiance) reduced the combined outcome of cardiovascular disease and hospitalization for heart failure in those with HFpEF, regardless of diabetes status. The DELIVER trial — The SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin (Farxiga) reduced the combined outcome of worsening heart failure or cardiovascular death in those with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction or HFpEF. Worsening heart failure included unplanned hospitalization or an urgent visit for heart failure. Moving on, another question, he said, will focus on how the SGLT2 inhibitors will be prescribed and combined or not with other medications. Will physicians tend to prescribe a GLP-1, SGLT2, or both? Heidenreich hopes ongoing research will make the answers clearer in the next few years. Rising Acceptance, Use Within 2 years of publication of clinical trial evidence documenting benefit in reducing the risk for heart failure outcomes in those with preserved ejection fraction, discharge prescription rates of SGLT2 inhibitors increased substantially for these patients, researchers from the Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City, Missouri, and elsewhere reported. They set out to ask: Has the adoption rate and variation in the use of SGLT2 inhibitors changed for US patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction greater than 40% since that trial in 2021 finding benefit? Study leader Mohammad Abdel Jawad, MD, a cardiology research fellow at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, and colleagues evaluated 158,849 patients across 557 US hospitals, finding the SGLT2 inhibitor prescription rates increased from approximately 4% in July to September 2021 to approximately 24% in July to September 2023. However, they did find substantial variation in rates across hospitals. Mohammad Abdel Jawad, MD Until that trial proving benefit, Jawad told Medscape Medical News, there was no treatment this effective. 'Before the EMPEROR-Preserved trial was published in 2021, we had no proven therapies with such a consistent and clinically meaningful treatment effect in patients with heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction,' he said. He calls the trial a turning point, one that demonstrated a clear and reproducible benefit of the medication in this population. The updated guidelines from the American College of Cardiology for the medication recommending the SGLT2 inhibitors are the strongest given to any medication for this group of patients, he said. It is well-known, he said, that getting effective treatments into clinical practice can take a very long time. He cites the often-quoted finding of a 17-year time lag between research that has found treatments effective and the treatment becoming commonly prescribed. 'I think there are always delays in adopting new evidence,' agreed study co-researcher John A. Spertus, MD, MPH, clinical director of Outcomes Research at Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute and professor of medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. 'My sense is that these medications are increasingly being recognized as beneficial and relatively easy to prescribe.' Costs, Complications When the SGLT2 inhibitors were first introduced, Jawad said, 'There were case reports of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), especially in patients with type 1 diabetes or those using the drugs off-label.' John A. Spertus, MD, MPH After that, the FDA revised the labels, warning about symptoms of DKA such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and trouble breathing. The complication is rare but can be serious and life-threatening. Estimates vary, but one report estimated that the absolute rate of DKA associated with SGLT2 inhibitor use ranged from 0.6 to 4.9 per 1000 person-years. 'For the vast majority of patients with type 2 diabetes, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease, the risk is minimal and manageable with proper patient selection and education,' Jawad said. Costs are another consideration if insurance doesn't cover them. In one recent report, the out-of-pocket costs for GLP-1 receptor agonists were $166.50 compared to $81 for SGLT2 inhibitors. Without insurance, monthly costs can be $600 or more for SGLT2 inhibitors and $1300 or more for GLP-1 receptor agonists. If cost is not a barrier for the SGLT2 inhibitors, Jawad added, 'I believe there's no good reason not to prescribe them.'
Associated Press
17 hours ago
- Associated Press
Exposure to forever chemicals before birth may raise blood pressure during teen years
Research Highlights: Embargoed until 5:30 p.m. ET, Thursday, June 12, 2025 ( NewMediaWire ) - June 12, 2025 - DALLAS — Children exposed before birth to synthetic compounds called 'forever chemicals' had higher blood pressure during their teenage years, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. The study is also being presented today at the Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) Conference in Boston. The association between prenatal exposure to forever chemicals and elevated blood pressure was more pronounced among boys and children born to non-Hispanic Black mothers. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a large group of human-made chemicals used to make products resistant to water, grease and stains. People are most exposed to PFAS through drinking water, food and household products, such as food packaging, nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, and personal care products. They are called 'forever chemicals' because they do not break down easily and can build up in the environment or in the body over time. According to previous research, almost everyone in the world is exposed to PFAS through what they eat or drink, breathe or absorb through the skin. In addition, PFAS may also affect the rapidly developing fetus, a particularly sensitive time for exposure to toxic pollutants. Previous studies have also noted that high blood pressure in children increased worldwide between 2000 and 2015, raising the future risk for heart disease and stroke. This is one of the first investigations about the association between prenatal exposure to forever chemicals and offspring blood pressure from early childhood to adolescence among a racially and ethnically diverse population. The study evaluated associations of prenatal PFAS exposures with blood pressure by the child's life stage, sex and maternal race/ethnicity. 'Our study shows that prenatal PFAS exposure is associated with higher blood pressure later in childhood, especially during adolescence,' said Zeyu Li, M.S.P.H., lead author and graduate student researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. 'This suggests these forever chemicals can have long-lasting and potentially harmful effects that may only become apparent years after birth.' The study followed 1,094 children from the Boston Birth Cohort over a median of 12 years, analyzed in conjunction with more than 13,000 blood pressure readings taken at routine pediatric visits. Among children whose mothers had higher concentrations of forever chemicals in blood samples collected after delivery, the analysis found: 'We hope our findings encourage more researchers to follow children into adolescence and beyond,' Li said. 'Many past studies stopped at early or mid-childhood, however, our study shows that the health effects of prenatal PFAS exposure may not appear until the teen years.' While people can try to limit their exposure — by choosing PFAS-free products or cookware — meaningful changes to reduce everyday PFAS exposures requires action at the policy level, researchers said. 'Our results reinforce the need for stronger environmental protections,' said Mingyu Zhang, Ph.D., M.H.S., FAHA, senior author of the study and assistant professor at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School. 'Reducing PFAS exposure — especially during pregnancy and in children — requires policy-level action to limit and phase out PFAS in consumer products and industrial uses, and to strengthen monitoring and regulation of PFAS in water systems. This is not something individuals can solve on their own.' Justin Zachariah, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, chair of the Association's 2024 Scientific Statement Environmental Exposures and Pediatric Cardiology scientific statement, said: 'We must remember that these chemicals last in our bodies for years, suggesting that perhaps prenatal exposure may have occurred before conception, and these chemicals may cause changes that can carry forward for generations. Therefore, improvements we make could echo for generations to come.' The scientific statement summarizes examples of ubiquitous environmental toxicants and pollutants, including the forever chemicals studied by Zhang et al., and their associations with increasingly prevalent precursors and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and congenital heart disease. Zachariah, who was not involved in Zhang et. al's study, is an associate professor of pediatric cardiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and medical director of the cardiovascular clinical research core at Texas Children's Hospital. He noted that chemicals can interfere with hormones and disrupt usual adolescent development, perhaps including blood pressure. It is already known that boys and Black children are at higher risk of elevated blood pressure, and exposure to these chemicals may contribute to that higher risk, he said. 'If race is indicating socioeconomic disadvantage, shelf-stable processed, packaged foods are more likely to have PFAS exposure than well-rinsed fresh foods,' Zachariah said. 'In addition, the children may have lifestyles that expose them to everyday items heavily burdened with these chemicals such as toys they may chew on, rain jackets, camping tents and more.' He urges all adults to take actions like filtering water and changing cooking implements. Improved product labeling could also inform consumers about PFAS content so they can make healthier choices about exposure to forever chemicals. Study limitations include that PFAS exposure was measured using a single blood sample from the mother taken within three days after delivery, and that fewer children had blood pressure measurements taken during adolescence compared to earlier childhood. Study details, background and design: Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript. Studies published in the American Heart Association's scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association's policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Bridgette McNeill: [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
Do you know how to save a life?
(WHTM) — June is CPR and AED awareness month, and there's no better time to learn how to save a life. According to the American Heart Association, CPR can double or triple a person's chance of surviving a cardiac arrest. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The power to save a life rests in a bystander's very own hands. To perform hands-only CPR: Call 911, ensuring paramedics are in route as quickly as possible. Place your dominant hand on top of your weaker hand and straighten your arms. Press hard and fast in the center of the chest at about 100 – 120 beats per minute. Songs that match this rhythm like 'Stayin' Alive' by the Bee Gees can help keep you on track. Compressions should be at a depth of at least two inches. Do not stop giving compressions until paramedics arrive or an automated external defibrillator is placed on the patient. An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is a lightweight device that delivers an electric shock to the heart through the chest. Many public spaces, such as grocery store,s are equipped with the device. Just like CPR, an AED is easy to use. However, the AHA said many people are reluctant to jump in during a life-saving moment. The American Red Cross offers paid courses throughout the Midstate. Locations include: Harrisburg Hershey York Annville Township You can find a complete list of courses and register for them here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
