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: 28-Oct-2025 10:11 ET (28-Oct-2025 14:11 GMT/UTC)

16-Sep-2025

After weight loss regular exercise rather than GLP-1 weight-loss drug reduces leading cause of heart attack and strokes

European Association for the Study of Diabetes
Reports and Proceedings

Maintaining weight loss with regular exercise rather than the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) liraglutide, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, seems to reduce atherosclerosis development in adults with obesity—a leading underlying cause of cardiovascular disease.

Meeting: Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)

16-Sep-2025

‘Virtual clinical trials’ may predict success of heart failure drugs

Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new way to predict whether existing drugs could be repurposed to treat heart failure, one of the world’s most pressing health challenges. By combining advanced computer modeling with real-world patient data, the team has created "virtual clinical trials" that may facilitate the discovery of effective therapies while reducing the time, cost, and risk of failed studies.

Journal: npj Digital Medicine

16-Sep-2025

FAU researchers show adopting healthy habits can improve cognitive decline

Florida Atlantic University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers emphasize that cognitive decline is not inevitable with age and urge a shift toward lifestyle-based prevention. Up to 45% of dementia risk is linked to modifiable factors like poor diet, inactivity and isolation. Landmark trials like POINTER and FINGER show that structured interventions – featuring exercise, healthy diets, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement – can significantly boost cognitive function and potentially reduce Alzheimer’s risk.

15-Sep-2025

CRF and the Jon DeHaan Foundation to launch TCT AI Lab at TCT 2025

Cardiovascular Research Foundation
Meeting Announcement

The Cardiovascular Research Foundation^® (CRF^®) and Jon DeHaan Foundation today announced the launch of the TCT AI Lab, a groundbreaking new program debuting at TCT^®2025, October 25–28 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The TCT AI Lab is a first-of-its-kind destination dedicated to integrating artificial intelligence into clinical practice. Over three intensive days, clinicians will progress from the fundamentals of AI to hands-on clinical applications – guided by leading innovators at the forefront of digital medicine.

15-Sep-2025

Target: BP initiative helps more than 10M adults with hypertension

American Heart Association
Business Announcement

Nearly half of U.S. adults — 122.4 million people — are living with high blood pressure (BP), a leading preventable risk factor for heart disease, stroke and premature death, according to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update.

15-Sep-2025

Mount Sinai launches cardiac catheterization artificial intelligence research lab

The Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Business Announcement

New AI research lab at The Mount Sinai Hospital aims to transform patient care for complex heart procedures

15-Sep-2025

Artificial protein mimicking elastin aids tissue regeneration

Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Joint research team from POSTECH and Inha University Develops Next-Generation Biomaterials for Treating Heart Valves, Blood Vessels, and Ligaments.

Journal: Acta Biomaterialia

9-Sep-2025

Carlos Collet, MD, Ph.D., joins CRF® as director, cardiovascular imaging, physiology and translational therapeutics

Cardiovascular Research Foundation
Business Announcement

The Cardiovascular Research Foundation^® (CRF^®) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Carlos Collet as Director, Cardiovascular Imaging, Physiology and Translational Therapeutics. A globally recognized interventional cardiologist and imaging expert, Dr. Collet will spearhead efforts to accelerate the integration of cutting-edge research into clinical practice, elevate CRF^®’s academic contributions, and expand its global leadership in cardiovascular education. His work will unify translational science, technological innovation, and education to advance CRF^®’s mission.

8-Sep-2025

Flying lifesavers: Drones could soon respond to cardiac arrests

University of Warwick
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In the UK there are more than 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) annually, but fewer than 10% of people survive. Early CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to restart the heart can at least double the chance of survival. AEDs are safe for the public to use, even without training, but it can be difficult for bystanders to locate and retrieve one quickly during an emergency.

Journal: Resuscitation Plus
Funder: National Institute for Health Research, Health and Care Research Wales

8-Sep-2025

Developing a novel drug for acute myocardial infarction, acute kidney injury, and subsequent chronic organ failure

University of Tsukuba
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Despite advances in life-saving treatments, acute myocardial infarction and acute kidney injury often progress to chronic heart and kidney failure, respectively. Researchers at University of Tsukuba have identified a critical role of macrophages and neutrophils in these processes and successfully developed a novel drug that demonstrated efficacy in mouse models.

Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation