The American Heart Association has unveiled its new guidelines on ultraprocessed foods, emphasizing that most of these foods are detrimental to health, especially heart health. The guidelines challenge the notion that all ultraprocessed foods are equally harmful, noting that certain categories, such as whole grain breads and low-sugar yogurts, may be less harmful. The release precedes the HHS' upcoming "Make America Healthy Again" report, which will address potential policy changes around ultraprocessed foods.

BiVACOR's titanium total artificial heart has been accepted into the FDA's TAP program, aimed at speeding development of medical technology expected to have a high impact. The device, which recently received breakthrough status, is designed for patients with severe heart failure who are not candidates for traditional left ventricular assist devices.

An American Heart Association/American Stroke Association policy statement published in the journal Stroke highlights significant barriers to stroke rehabilitation in the US, such as insurance denials, high costs and "care deserts." The statement calls for reforms, including fully transparent payer databases, research reflecting real-world recovery challenges and a database to track stroke rehabilitation utilization, costs and outcomes.

The Association of Black Cardiologists has begun an initiative to address cardiology deserts -- areas with little or no access to cardiologists -- with a focus on Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia and Arkansas. Supported by Amgen, the campaign is intended to empower patients to manage hypertension and lipid levels through education and community health assessments. Earlier research in JACC showed that nearly half of US counties were without a practicing cardiologist, and the figure was 86% for rural counties.

A study published in JACC shows that paclitaxel-coated balloon therapy significantly reduces target lesion failure in patients with multilayer in-stent restenosis, compared with uncoated balloons. The study, led by Dr. Ajay Kirtane of Columbia University, involved 600 patients and found a 23.8% failure rate with the coated balloon versus 40% with the uncoated balloon. The research highlights the need for a long-term management strategy for ISR patients.

E-cigarettes marketed as "clear" have a greater cardiovascular impact than other vapes, according to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The study found that clear e-cigarette users had significantly higher increases in heart rate and blood pressure compared to non-users and users of other flavored vapes.

Researchers have enhanced a stroke risk calculator for atrial fibrillation patients by incorporating blood tests, as reported in the Journal of Thrombosis and Hemostasis. The improved tool, CHA2DS2-VASc-Biomarkers, offers a more precise prediction of stroke risk, aiding doctors in deciding on anticoagulation treatments. This advancement, led by Dr. Mary Cushman from the University of Vermont, aims to personalize patient care and reduce unnecessary bleeding risks associated with blood thinners.

Wearable and digital health technologies have the potential to significantly improve cardiovascular care, but a patient-centered approach is needed, according to a presentation at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology's Congress on CVD Prevention. Cardiologist Seth Martin suggested inviting patients to bring their devices and apps into the clinic and offering guidance about which types of data are likely to be most useful.

A meta-analysis in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions suggests that a coronary sinus reducer offers potential benefits for patients with refractory angina, improving Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class, Seattle Angina Questionnaire scores and treadmill exercise times. However, the analysis notes that these improvements are more pronounced in single-arm studies than in placebo-controlled trials. Authors emphasize the need for larger, placebo-controlled trials to better understand the device's long-term efficacy and safety, as it is associated with risks such as cardiac tamponade and device embolization.

Use any leftover fresh corn to add seasonal sweetness to this silky soup.

Abstract submissions for the 2026 Cardiovascular Nursing Symposium are open! We encourage all health care professionals involved in innovation projects, original research or graduate capstones related to cardiovascular risk reduction and disease management to submit an abstract for presentation at the symposium. Submissions close Dec. 6, 2025. Learn more.

As the population ages, cardiovascular disease in older adults is becoming more complex--driven not just by age, but by underrecognized risk factors like inflammation, air pollution, and social isolation. This article uncovers the "hidden triggers" accelerating heart disease in seniors, from dehydration and hyperuricemia to cognitive decline. You'll gain insight into the latest research and practical strategies nurses can use to address these emerging risks through prevention, education, and better care. Read the article.