Latest news with #AmericanCollegeofCardiology
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
New study reveals single dietary factor that increases risk for heart disease: 'Our findings strengthen the importance'
New study reveals single dietary factor that increases risk for heart disease: 'Our findings strengthen the importance' An international study found that diets low in fiber may contribute to a higher risk of heart attacks, offering another reason to eat more plants. Researchers analyzed heart scans from nearly 1,400 people across Europe and Australia and discovered a clear link between low fiber intake and the buildup of dangerous plaques in the arteries. These plaques were more likely to rupture and lead to serious cardiac events. The study was published in the journal Cardiovascular Research and focused on people with existing coronary artery disease. "Our findings strengthen the importance of cardioprotective dietary recommendations," the researchers noted in the study's conclusion. The benefits of fiber were consistent even among those already taking heart medications or cholesterol-lowering drugs. While fiber has long been associated with improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and better blood sugar control, this study is among the first to directly connect fiber intake to the makeup of arterial plaques. Specifically, people who ate less fiber were more likely to have lipid-rich plaques, which are softer and more prone to rupture than fibrous or calcified plaques. That rupture risk can trigger heart attacks, even in people already on medication, making fiber an important yet often overlooked part of long-term heart care. A 2025 report from the American College of Cardiology linked plant-based eating patterns to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, indicating that other researchers have come to similar conclusions. And a long-term study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that replacing red meat with legumes, nuts, or whole grains significantly lowered the risk of heart-related death, especially in younger adults. There are several health benefits. Fiber-rich diets are tied to reduced inflammation, improved cholesterol control, and more stable blood sugar, all of which can help prevent artery damage over time. Heart-healthy eating patterns such as the Mediterranean and DASH diets emphasize whole grains, vegetables, and legumes not only for weight control but also because they support long-term cardiovascular health. These findings align with other recent research that shows how dietary changes, even small ones, can lower the risk of chronic illness. Why do you eat plant-based foods? The health benefits It's cheaper It's good for the planet I prefer the taste Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
Medscape
08-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Vaccination Added to Pillars of Heart Disease Prevention
Evidence that major communicable diseases, including influenza, pneumococcus, and COVID-19, can lead to cardiovascular disease has prompted the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) to issue a consensus statement calling for routine vaccinations as a part of managing cardiovascular risk. Beyond preventing complications of the target infectious diseases, 'vaccinations have profound effects on the CV [cardiovascular] risk and as such should be considered the fourth pillar of medical CV prevention besides antihypertensives, lipid-lowering drugs, and medications that treat diabetes,' the statement read. The idea is not entirely new. In 2021, the society issued guidelines for heart failure that recommended flu and pneumococcal vaccinations to prevent hospitalizations from heart failure. In the 2023 guidelines on acute coronary syndromes from the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC), annual vaccination against flu was recommended for patients with a chronic coronary disease 'to reduce cardiovascular morbidity, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death.' The new statement differs by reviewing the 'extent to which infectious diseases can trigger CV morbidity and mortality,' an area with an expanding amount of data to provide evidence-based recommendations, according to Thomas F. Lüscher, MD, one of the corresponding authors of the document. In supporting vaccination as a major tenet of prevention, the statement provides 'more visibility and much more in-depth evidence than has been the case in the guidelines,' said Lüscher, who is the current president of the ESC and a consultant cardiologist at the hospital associated with King's College and the Imperial College in London, England. Due to a substantial increase in research regarding a variety of vaccinations, such as those for SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the statement is timely, Lüscher said. So far, on the basis of 'reasonably solid evidence,' vaccinations for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and pneumococcus can all be recommended for reducing the risk for CV events. Citing several mechanisms by which infectious diseases contribute to CV risk, such as increased oxygen consumption by the myocardium and upregulation of inflammatory pathways, Lüscher and his coauthors predicted vaccinations for other infectious diseases are likely to join the list recommended for risk reduction when more evidence accrues. The ongoing registry-based randomized DAN-RSV trial now underway in Denmark aims to enroll 130,000 people and may provide evidence for RSV in particular, he and his colleagues stated. Vaccines applied for general public health must show a favorable benefit-to-risk ratio to gain regulatory approval. For patients with comorbidities, the relative protection from an acute disease might be even greater, but the consensus statement makes clear people with coronary artery disease receive an additional health benefit from at least some of these vaccines through reduced CV risk. Major complications from immunizations occur in fewer than 10 per 100,000 patients for approved vaccines and are generally controlled with prompt treatment, according to the ESC statement, citing multiple studies. Milder adverse events, such as injection site reactions or transient flu-like symptoms, are tolerable and, again, are outweighed by reducing the risk for CV events, the document stated. Myocarditis has been reported as a rare reaction to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, but this complication appears to occur mainly in younger men, typically resolves spontaneously, and is rarely severe. In addition, the authors of the consensus statement noted the risk for myocarditis from untreated COVID-19 has been estimated to be sixfold higher than myocarditis related to vaccination. According to the consensus statement, the strongest evidence for a CV benefit has been generated from trials with influenza and pneumococcal vaccines. In the multicenter double-blind IAMI trial, for example, which randomly assigned patients after an acute myocardial infarction to influenza vaccine or placebo, immunization was associated with a 41% reduction ( P < .014) in the risk for CV death over 12 months of follow-up. In a meta-analysis of studies evaluating the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, protection was associated with a 10% reduction (95% CI, 0.84-0.99) for any CV event, including acute myocardial infarction, for patients aged 65 years or older. Observational data support a CV benefit from the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, but the rationale is mostly supported by the evidence of protection from severe COVID-19 and long COVID, according to the consensus statement. No comparable document from the AHA/ACC has so directly addressed the role of vaccinations in reducing CV risk, but an AHA spokesperson, Suzanne Grant, vice president for Media Relations & Issues Management (National), pointed out that the 2025 AHA/ACC guidelines for the management of acute coronary syndromes gave annual influenza vaccination a level 1A recommendation for the specific goal of reducing the risk for major CV events. Other infectious diseases do not appear in those guidelines; however, the AHA spokesperson noted the evidence makes clear 'infections can trigger or worsen CV events in people with existing heart disease' and, so, supported the premise that vaccinations, at least for influenza, should be administered specifically for cardiac risk reduction. Lüscher noted the ESC consensus statement is not a new set of guidelines but rather an intensive review of evidence to guide clinicians in regard to this area of risk management. The timing is based mainly on the growing accrual of new evidence, but Lüscher acknowledged a second rationale for surveying the evidence. 'Another aspect is the conspiracy theories on vaccination,' he said. 'Here, we provide solid evidence that vaccination is more than just prevention or reducing the severity of infection but, indeed, has long-term benefits.'
Business Wire
07-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Elucid Appoints Dr. Robert Pelberg as New Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Elucid, an AI medical technology company focused on providing physicians with a more precise view of atherosclerosis to drive patient-specific therapeutic decisions, has named Dr. Robert 'Bob' Pelberg as its new senior vice president of medical affairs. A highly accomplished cardiologist and nationally recognized expert in cardiovascular computed tomography angiography (CCTA), Dr. Pelberg brings to Elucid decades of clinical experience and a deep understanding of advanced imaging technologies and clinical research. In his new role, he will help shape and execute the company's clinical and research strategies and will lead the company's clinical operations quality efforts, ensuring compliance to the highest clinical quality and regulatory standards. 'Dr. Pelberg's appointment marks a critical step in Elucid's mission to deliver clinically valuable and scientifically rigorous tools to physicians." Share Dr. Pelberg's hiring comes at a pivotal moment for Elucid, as it accelerates both its clinical research strategy and commercial growth of its flagship product PlaqueIQ TM image analysis software. PlaqueIQ is the first and only FDA-cleared, non-invasive plaque analysis based on objective histology rather than subjective CCTA visual estimates. PlaqueIQ quantifies and classifies plaque morphology based on ground-truth histology, the gold standard for characterization of plaques. The software is designed to help physicians prioritize and personalize treatment based on actual disease, rather than population-based risk. 'Dr. Pelberg's appointment marks a critical step in Elucid's mission to deliver clinically valuable and scientifically rigorous tools to physicians. He will play a key role in expanding awareness of the company's software and key features within the medical community—engaging with clinicians, guiding study design, and articulating the clinical value of Elucid's histology-based technology in improving cardiovascular care, with our plaque analysis software today and our FFR-CT product in the near future,' said Kelly Huang, CEO of Elucid. 'Together, we are committed to helping align product development with real-world clinical needs, ultimately enhancing the impact of Elucid's work in transforming diagnostics for coronary artery disease.' Dr. Pelberg is board certified in cardiovascular diseases, cardiac CT angiography, nuclear cardiology and echocardiography. He is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the American Society of Echocardiography, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. He is also the author and co-author of numerous books as well as clinical publications in the field of cardiac CT. With extensive leadership experience directing cardiovascular service line clinical operations, he most recently served as a clinical cardiologist and advanced cardiac imager at The Christ Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute. 'As physicians, we know the importance of having a clear understanding of each patient's coronary plaque and how that impacts their risk of future cardiac events, including heart attack and stroke, as well as how to care for each individual based on their own plaque assessment. I share Elucid's vision of a future where physicians will be able to incorporate patient specific plaque characteristics to create personalized care pathways in coronary artery disease that can ultimately help reverse the prevalence of heart attack and stroke,' said Dr. Pelberg. 'I look forward to contributing to the company's mission and helping deliver on that goal.' About Elucid Elucid is a Boston-based AI medical technology company dedicated to developing technology designed to provide physicians with a more precise view of atherosclerosis (coronary plaque buildup), the root cause of cardiovascular disease. The company's PlaqueIQ TM image analysis software is designed to help physicians prioritize and personalize treatment based on actual disease, rather than population-based risk of disease. PlaqueIQ includes the only FDA-cleared computed tomography angiography (CTA) algorithm that objectively quantifies plaque morphology validated against ground truth histology, the gold standard for characterization of plaque, as indicated by renowned pathologists. PlaqueIQ equips physicians with critical information regarding the type and amount of plaque in arteries that can lead to heart attack and stroke. Elucid is also pursuing an indication for FFR CT, derived from its plaque algorithm, to help identify coronary blockages and the extent of ischemia non-invasively. For more information, visit
Medscape
30-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Top Updates in 2025 ACS Management Guidelines
The 2025 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guidelines on the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) were finally published recently, marking the first update after an 11-year hiatus. Despite this long gap, most acute care clinicians have remained current on ACS management through the European guidelines and other continuing medical education sources. Still, many of us have been eager to see whether the new US guidelines would contain any surprises or major breakthroughs. For those that have kept up with the literature on accelerated diagnostic protocols, troponins, anticoagulants, and related topics, the new guidelines may not feel groundbreaking. Nonetheless, the publication provided some critical reminders and a few key updates that all acute care providers should know. What follows is a selection of the most important takeaways, in my opinion, for providing acute care to patients presenting with ACS. This is not intended to be a comprehensive review of ACS management or of concepts that are already well-established in current practice. Key Points and Updated Information Posterior MI remains underdiagnosed. Missed or delayed diagnosis of acute posterior myocardial infarction (MI) remains common in acute care, largely because ST-segment elevation (STE) is lacking on the standard 12-lead ECG. Instead, these patients tend to present with ST-segment depression in the right precordial leads V1-V3. The authors remind us that the recommended method of detecting posterior MI is through the use of posterior leads in any patients with concerning symptoms and ST-depression in the right precordial leads. If ≥ 0.5 mm of STE is present in any one of the posterior leads, the diagnosis of acute posterior MI is made and justifies acute reperfusion therapy (ie, thrombolytics or immediate cardiac catheterization/percutaneous coronary intervention). Missed or delayed diagnosis of acute posterior myocardial infarction (MI) remains common in acute care, largely because ST-segment elevation (STE) is lacking on the standard 12-lead ECG. Instead, these patients tend to present with ST-segment depression in the right precordial leads V1-V3. The authors remind us that the recommended method of detecting posterior MI is through the use of posterior leads in any patients with concerning symptoms and ST-depression in the right precordial leads. If ≥ 0.5 mm of STE is present in any one of the posterior leads, the diagnosis of acute posterior MI is made and justifies acute reperfusion therapy (ie, thrombolytics or immediate cardiac catheterization/percutaneous coronary intervention). A normal ECG does not rule out ACS. The authors also remind us that the absence of electrocardiographic findings of ischemia does not rule out ACS. The authors also remind us that the absence of electrocardiographic findings of ischemia does not rule out ACS. Troponin-negative ACS ('unstable angina') still exists. The authors spend some time reviewing the pathophysiology of ACS and its correlation with troponin elevation. In this section, they remind us of a critical point: 'Unstable angina' (ie, troponin-negative ACS) still exists, even in this day of highly sensitive troponins. Just as they have reminded us that a nonischemic ECG does not rule out ACS, a negative troponin does not rule out ACS. They also remind us that even in the setting of a STEMI, a troponin test may be negative if measured within a short time from the onset of symptoms. The authors spend some time reviewing the pathophysiology of ACS and its correlation with troponin elevation. In this section, they remind us of a critical point: 'Unstable angina' (ie, troponin-negative ACS) still exists, even in this day of highly sensitive troponins. Just as they have reminded us that a nonischemic ECG does not rule out ACS, a negative troponin does not rule out ACS. They also remind us that even in the setting of a STEMI, a troponin test may be negative if measured within a short time from the onset of symptoms. Repeat ECGs are essential. The importance of serial ECG testing in patients with concerning symptoms and initially negative ECGs is emphasized. The authors state that 11% of patients ultimately diagnosed with STEMI had an initial ECG that was negative. Therefore, failure to repeat ECGs in this group of patients can result in a significant number of missed STEMIs and, in my experience, has been a common complaint in litigated cases. The importance of serial ECG testing in patients with concerning symptoms and initially negative ECGs is emphasized. The authors state that 11% of patients ultimately diagnosed with STEMI had an initial ECG that was negative. Therefore, failure to repeat ECGs in this group of patients can result in a significant number of missed STEMIs and, in my experience, has been a common complaint in litigated cases. Some patients require urgent catheterization despite the absence of STE. Another common cause of litigation is failure of healthcare providers to remember that there are groups of patients that need immediate cardiac catheterization despite the absence of STE on the ECG. In fact, the guideline indicates that catheterization should be undergone within 2 hours (Class I recommendation). These patients with ACS are categorized as unstable or very high-risk, and they include: Patients in cardiogenic shock. Patients with signs or symptoms of acute heart failure, including new or worsening mitral regurgitation or acute pulmonary edema. Patients with refractory angina. Patients with hemodynamic or electrical instability (eg, sustained ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation). Another common cause of litigation is failure of healthcare providers to remember that there are groups of patients that need immediate cardiac catheterization despite the absence of STE on the ECG. In fact, the guideline indicates that catheterization should be undergone within 2 hours (Class I recommendation). These patients with ACS are categorized as unstable or very high-risk, and they include: Blood transfusion thresholds remain uncertain. The indication for blood transfusion in patients with ACS has been a source of uncertainty for decades. Although large randomized studies to provide a clear answer are still lacking, the authors suggest (Class IIb) that in patients with ACS and acute or chronic anemia, packed cell transfusions should be provided to achieve a hemoglobin level ≥ 10 g/dL in order to reduce cardiovascular events. Viewpoint The ability to manage ACS in an evidence-based manner is critical to anyone who practices acute care medicine. These most recent US guidelines provide a fairly comprehensive review of the management of ACS, and I recommend a thorough read of the entire publication. However, I would most strongly emphasize knowledge of the points noted above because, in my experience, these have continued to be a source of confusion or missed opportunities to diagnose and properly manage this high-risk group of patients. Amal Mattu, MD, is a professor, vice chair of education, and co-director of the emergency cardiology fellowship in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. Follow Dr Mattu on X.
The Star
26-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Trainee cardiologists win international competition, a first for Malaysia
(From left) Dr Chen, Dr Yee and Dr Ang receiving a certificate from ACC president Prof Christopher Kramer (second right) and vice-president Prof Roxana Mehran in Singapore. THREE specialist trainee doctors from Ipoh's Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun have made Malaysia proud by winning an esteemed international cardiology competition held in Singapore. The team, which comprised Dr Chen Tai Meng, Dr Ang Jian-Gang and Dr Yee Shen Yew, won the competition organised by the American College of Cardiology (ACC). The event was held in conjunction with the ACC Asia 2025 together with the Singapore Cardiac Society Annual Scientific Meeting early last month. It was also the first time a Malaysian team won the competition since its inception in 2018. The team will now represent Malaysia to compete in the global ACC's Annual Scientific Session, which will be held in New Orleans in the United States next March. The International FIT (Fellows-In-Training) Jeopardy competition allows trainee doctors in cardiology to test their clinical knowledge on a range of topics. These could include prevention, imaging and intervention, selected from hundreds of questions submitted by ACC members. The Malaysian team defeated the Philippines team and the defending champions from Singapore during the competition. The Perak team was chosen to represent the country following a national competition held by the National Heart Association of Malaysia.
