EurekAlert! In the Spotlight - Heart Health Month

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

In recognition of Heart Health Month, we’re spotlighting the importance of cardiovascular wellness. From risk factors and prevention to innovative treatments, we’re exploring the science and stories shaping heart health today.

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 16-Dec-2025 16:11 ET (16-Dec-2025 21:11 GMT/UTC)

16-Jun-2025

AI detects hidden heart disease using existing scans stored in patient records

Mass General Brigham
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at Mass General Brigham, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), developed an AI tool called AI-CAC that analyzes routine chest CT scans to identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular events by detecting coronary artery calcium (CAC). The tool, shown to be highly accurate and predictive of 10-year mortality, could enable earlier intervention and help repurpose millions of existing CT scans for proactive heart disease prevention.

Journal: NEJM AI
Funder: United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

16-Jun-2025

Link identified between low-fiber diet and the more dangerous type of atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries

Lund University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A Swedish multi-centre study led by researchers at Lund University shows a link between low fibre consumption and the presence of unstable or high-risk plaque in coronary arteries – the type of plaque that can trigger blood clots and cause heart attacks. The study also links dietary pattern to the composition of the plaques, i.e. how potentially dangerous they are.

Journal: Cardiovascular Research
Funder: Hjärt-Lungfonden