A study in the European Heart Journal found individuals who were working 55 hours or more per week had a 40% greater likelihood of being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, compared with those who were working 35 to 40 hours each week. The findings were based on data for 85,494 participants enrolled in studies in the UK, Finland, Denmark and Sweden.

Research shows women with high-risk pregnancies or who have pregnancy complications are at higher risk of heart disease later in life, prompting outreach efforts and collaboration between cardiology and obstetrics. Nurse scientist Margo Minissian of the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute screens women for cardiovascular risks shortly after delivery and then on an annual basis, and she helps them lead a healthy life so they can avoid heart disease.

A study in The Pharmaceutical Journal showed that insulin resistance "plays a primary and causative role in the pathogenesis" of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia. Researchers advise patients to eat a high-fat, low-glycemic load diet and to become physically active to lower insulin resistance and prevent the development of cardiovascular disease and other metabolic syndrome diseases.

Forty-one medical centers in the US are testing whether the Sensi-Vest, which uses electromagnetic waves to measure fluid in the lungs, could reduce hospital readmissions for heart failure patients. Ohio State University cardiologist Dr. Rami Kahwash said the information can be used by physicians to change patient medications or take other actions to help patients avoid a hospital stay.

Diabetes patients may reduce their risk of having microvascular complications by improving glycemic control, George Bakris, M.D., director of the American Society for Hypertension Comprehensive Hypertension Center at the University of Chicago Medicine, said during a presentation at the Heart in Diabetes Conference. Several studies have shown that improved glycemic control also influences cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes, Bakris said.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the Senate will postpone consideration of the revised Better Care Reconciliation Act while Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., recovers from surgery to remove a blood clot from above his eye. McCain's absence means the GOP party would likely not have the 50 votes needed to advance the legislation, following announcements by Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, that they will vote against a procedural measure that would let the legislation advance.

A CMS fact sheet said the proposed 2018 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule would encourage fairer competition between hospitals and physician practices by improving payment alignment. The CMS also is seeking comments on potential changes to the evaluation and management coding guidelines, which could be outdated.

The 22nd Annual Scientific Session of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology offers a dynamic, disease-based approach to nuclear imaging education. With high-level, interactive programming, the meeting will provide attendees with the most up-to-date specialized curriculum on nuclear cardiology and its emerging trends and techniques. Physicians can earn a maximum of 27.5* AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and up to 18.5 ABIM MOC points. Register now.

You still have time to play "What Is This Image?" The prize is an ASNC Gift Pack, which includes our messenger bag, cap and phone charger. At year's end, one winner will be selected at random and will receive FREE registration to ASNC's Annual Meeting in 2018. Submit your interpretation.