EurekAlert! In the Spotlight - Heart Health Month

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.

A simple supplement improves survival in patients with a new type of heart disease

The University of Osaka
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A multi-institutional research team led by Osaka University found that tricaprin, a natural supplement, improved long-term survival rates in patients with triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy, a new type of heart disease characterized by impaired triglyceride breakdown in heart and smooth muscle cells. Tricaprin improved clinical symptoms and long-term survival. Studying the effects of tricaprin on patients of different ethnicities would be an ideal next step to gather more evidence in favor of the drug.

Journal: Nature Cardiovascular Research
Funder: Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development

12-Feb-2025

Is this the new 5:2 diet?

University of Sydney
Book Announcement

A new book by Professor Luigi Fontana with recipes from Healthy Longevity Chef Marzio Lanzini at the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre (CPC) has set out a medical science-backed plan for eating more plant-based meals to enhance overall health and longevity.

12-Feb-2025

Mayo Clinic researchers and surgeons test virtual reality to calm presurgery jitters

Mayo Clinic
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Heart surgery is a serious and invasive medical procedure, and that can be intimidating for a patient. A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggests that virtual reality (VR) can be an effective tool to reduce preoperative anxiety in older patients undergoing their first open-heart surgery.

Journal: Mayo Clinic Proceedings

12-Feb-2025

Extensive study on telemedicine for diabetes and coronary heart disease – Senior author concludes: "The hype around medical apps needs to be put into perspective"

Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Can telemedicine and exercise apps improve the health of people with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease? A large study led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) shows that the positive effects are minimal. Study leader Prof. Martin Halle views the results as clear evidence of misplaced priorities in medical care. Direct care from medical professionals remains crucial.

Journal: Nature Medicine
Funder: Federal Joint Committee (Innovationsfonds des Gemeinsamen Bundesausschusses

12-Feb-2025

National study underway to test new mechanical heart pump

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan
Business Announcement

A national clinical trial is underway to compare a novel mechanical heart pump to the only device currently used to treat end-stage heart failure. The INNOVATE study, led by University of Michigan, will compare the investigational BrioVAD System to Abbott's HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist System

Funder: BrioHealth Solutions, Inc.

12-Feb-2025

High BP may develop at different ages and paces in East & South Asian adults in the UK

American Heart Association
Peer-Reviewed Publication

South Asian adults in the United Kingdom may face high blood pressure-related heart risks earlier in life, while East Asian adults see risks rise in later years, according to a new study in Hypertension Journal.

Journal: Hypertension

12-Feb-2025

Survey: Women prefer female doctors, but finding one for heart health can be difficult

El Camino Health
Reports and Proceedings

A new national survey conducted by El Camino Health found women (59%) are much more likely than men (36%) to agree that a doctor of their same gender can relate better to their experiences, concerns and symptoms. But that can be hard to come by for heart care.

11-Feb-2025

JSCAI article at THT 2025 sets the standard for training pathways in interventional heart failure

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Interventional heart failure (IHF) has rapidly evolved as a critical subspecialty within cardiology at the crossroads of advanced heart failure and interventional cardiology. The increasing complexity of patient care—spanning both pharmacological treatments and an expanding array of device-based therapies—has underscored the urgent need for a standardized approach to training and career development in this field.

That’s the message from experts in a comprehensive review, “Charting the Course for Careers in Interventional Heart Failure: Training, Challenges, Future Directions,” highlighted at Technology and Heart Failure Therapeutics (THT) 2025 in Boston, MA. Co-published in JSCAI, the article highlights and addresses training gaps to advance the specialty, with an eye toward enabling future trainees to drive innovation and improve outcomes for patients with complex heart failure.

Journal: Journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions
Meeting: THT 2025: Technology and Heart Failure Therapeutics

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

Latest News Releases

A simple supplement improves survival in patients with a new type of heart disease

Is this the new 5:2 diet?

Mayo Clinic researchers and surgeons test virtual reality to calm presurgery jitters

Extensive study on telemedicine for diabetes and coronary heart disease – Senior author concludes: "The hype around medical apps needs to be put into perspective"

National study underway to test new mechanical heart pump

High BP may develop at different ages and paces in East & South Asian adults in the UK

Survey: Women prefer female doctors, but finding one for heart health can be difficult

JSCAI article at THT 2025 sets the standard for training pathways in interventional heart failure

Cancer’s ripple effect may promote blood clot formation in the lungs

NFL Alumni Association shares 8 plays needed to improve heart health