Heatwaves killing thousands of Europeans every summer, desert dust settling over cities that have never seen a desert, and floodwaters destroying entire valleys, leaving mouldy homes: The effects of global warming on lung health are becoming ever more apparent. At the European Respiratory Society’s ERS Congress in Barcelona, experts discussed how extreme heat, dust storms, and flooding impact…
Networks of certified cardiac arrest centres could dramatically improve survival and neurological outcomes for patients who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. At the ESC 2026 congress in Munich, experts debated how hub-and-spoke models in acute cardiovascular care can standardise treatment – not only for cardiac arrest, but also for pulmonary embolism and cardiogenic shock.
People with a psychiatric disorder after a traumatic event are more likely to have increased cardiovascular risks, such as non-fatal heart attack and stroke or cardiovascular death, a new study finds.
When a myocardial infarction occurs, being able to classify its type can improve diagnosis and treatment. Now, a universal definition has been developed and published by four major cardiac societies.
Temperature extremes can increase the risk of heart failure hospitalization, a new study finds. This underscores the need for health systems to respond to and prepare for environmental stressors.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death across the EU, cutting short the lives of millions of Europeans every year, and placing an enormous strain on health systems and economies alike. Yet prevention and early intervention can have a major impact – and this is precisely the ambition of the EU Safe Hearts Plan. At a high-level event at the European Parliament in Brussels in…
Overuse of reliever inhalers is associated with higher risks of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease in asthma and COPD patients, according to a new study.
Type 2 diabetes manifests itself in two fundamentally different ways, depending on a patient's BMI, a new study reveals – with implications for how treatment should be adapted accordingly.
A cardiac rehabilitation programme tailored especially to women could help address specific needs of female patients with conditions such as heart failure, arrhythmia or after cardiothoracic surgery.
In a first for the field, a team has grown heart valves on organoids. This work is an important step toward better understanding—and treating—a number of serious heart disorders.
A new study links metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly NAFLD) to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and other metabolic complications.
Wildfires and heatwaves strain the heart and lungs, and can also affect mental health. An environmental health expert explains who is most at risk and how public health systems can prepare.
A swallowable "nanocage" may offer a new strategy for treating gastric cancer more precisely while reducing damage to healthy tissue, according to findings from a new preclinical study.
Researchers estimate that around 1.99 million deaths per year worldwide are attributable to ultrafine particles smaller than 100 nanometers – with around half of these due to cardiovascular disease.
As the aorta gains recognition as a functioning organ rather than a simple blood conduit, the lack of standardised imaging protocols is becoming an increasingly pressing concern. At ECR 2026 in Vienna, Professor Nicola Galea from Sapienza University of Rome made a compelling case for unified imaging approaches, warning that inconsistency in measurement techniques can lead to flawed clinical…
Some arrhythmias, particularly short episodes of atrial fibrillation, may go unnoticed until they cause serious health problems. Novel wearable technology aims to pick up on these hidden signs.
The microbes living in the human gut influence metabolism, immunity, and cardiovascular health. A new study now suggests they may also be closely connected to Alzheimer's disease.
Slower recovery, more complications, longer monitoring: People with diabetes face considerably worse long-term effects after a coronavirus infection – also known as long Covid, a new study shows.
A new survey highlights major gaps in cardio-oncology training, despite its increasing clinical importance for prevention and early management of cardiovascular complications in patients with cancer.
Researchers have produced the first 3D map of the heart’s electrical wiring in Tetralogy of Fallot, revealing features that may explain why many patients develop heart conduction disorders.
Artificial intelligence is enabling radiologists to extract valuable diagnostic information from routine chest imaging – identifying patients at risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease without additional scans. At RSNA 2025, researchers presented two AI-powered tools that transform standard chest X-rays and CT scans into opportunistic screening devices.
Heart disease risk has been found to increase in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), even in those with normal weight, according to new research.
New models help identify cardiovascular disease risk even before symptoms appear. The researcher's findings also indicate that the risk of heart failure is not evenly distributed across Europe.
By combining two specific markers from a standard cardiac CT scan, researchers were able to identify patients at the highest risk for future heart failure and death.
A compact LED module pairs UV-A, green and IR light with a matched photodiode to detect AGE autofluorescence — bringing biochemical risk screening to wearables and point of care testing.
Researchers have now investigated whether a person’s genetic predisposition to different diabetes subgroups can help assess the risk of developing coronary artery disease.
Siemens Healthineers has announced the availability of two blood-based biomarker tests for research use: the Atellica IM Phosphorylated tau 217 (pTau217) and the Atellica IM Brain Derived Tau (BDTau) assays. Both are run on the Atellica Solution IM and Atellica CI Analyzers.
Two new studies explore the role of the thymus – a small organ in the chest, and possibly a missing piece in explaining why people age differently, and why cancer treatments fail in some patients.
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs may help prevent further tissue damage following a heart attack, significantly reducing the risk of further life-threatening complications, a new study finds.
Researchers have discovered a new way to protect the heart during cancer chemotherapy without reducing antitumor efficacy. This could reduce long-term cardiovascular complications for patients.
Breast cancer screening could also be used to screen for cardiovascular disease, new research suggests: The risk of serious or fatal heart disease can be predicted with AI analysis of mammograms.
Diabetes and kidney disease are among the biggest — and most overlooked — drivers of heart disease. A new survey shows many people don't even know the connection exists.
Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure share a genetic link, new research from the UK and France shows. People with one condition are more likely to develop the other.
A breakthrough in cardiac electrophysiology: the first system capable of simultaneously mapping all 4 chambers of the heart, providing physicians with a comprehensive, real-time view of arrhythmias.
Not just linked to diabetes: For the first time, researchers demonstrated that insulin resistance is a risk factor for 12 types of cancer, including uterine and breast cancer.
Researchers have developed 3D volume rendering methods for cardiac MRI that display complex structures within the heart and show blood flow. This can guide treatment decisions in pediatric patients.
An AI-assisted stethoscope could help doctors identify patients with valvular heart disease who may otherwise go undiagnosed. This could reduce hospital admissions and overall healthcare costs.
Women who had a stroke caused by blocked blood vessels (ischemic stroke) are twice as likely to have another stroke during pregnancy and within six weeks of childbirth, according to a new study.
Pioneering research has shown that heart muscle cells regrow after a heart attack, opening up the possibility of new regenerative treatments for cardiovascular disease.
A widely used chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatments can cause heart damage, new research shows. This could be used to adapt treatment regimens - especially in patients with high blood pressure.
TV depictions of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest may mislead viewers about who is most likely to need cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and where it’s needed, new research reveals.
Gene-editing technologies show great promise for medical treatments and research, with the potential to cure thousands of genetic diseases. At the 2025 World Medical Innovation Forum in Boston, leading experts explored the possibilities and challenges of these rapidly advancing tools. The case of Baby KJ Muldoon – an infant treated with a personalised CRISPR therapy developed in just seven…
Cardiovascular disease and depression do not co-occur by chance; the TO_AITION project aims to enable earlier diagnosis of comorbidity, better risk prediction and personalised treatment strategies.
Can CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) be used in patients with angina to predict future major cardiovascular events? A novel AI-based approach for CCTA analysis yields promising results.
Despite significant advances in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, a new Danish study shows that social inequities in survival have remained virtually unchanged over the past 20 years.
People with diabetes face a higher risk of sudden cardiac death, a new study finds. Alarmingly, the increase in risk is especially noticeable among younger adults.
Researchers have developed a new 3D printing technique for blood vessels on glass. This could be a tool for studying stroke causes and testing patient-specific medications without animal testing.
A patient reports with chest pain, but in the coronary angiogram, the main heart arteries look clear, so it cannot be angina – right? A new study reveals that this approach can easily lead to misdiagnosis.
After a bout of influenza or Covid, the risk of heart attack or stroke may rise dramatically, and chronic infections may increase the long-term risk of serious cardiovascular disease events.
The bigger the baby, the bigger the risk: A new study shows that the birthweight of a preterm infant is linked to its mother's risk of getting cardiovascular disease later in life.
Entering menopause at an earlier age is associated with an increased risk of dementia, a new study finds. The research also suggests a way for women to combat the cognitive decline.
An international project to create a ‘digital twin’ of the human immune system could help scientists finally tackle grand challenges such as autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases.
New cardiac imaging techniques continue to uncover the secrets of the heart for cardiologists who know how to use them. At the ESC 2025 Congress in Madrid, four experts explored cutting-edge developments across different modalities. These novel approaches provide a promising glimpse of what the next generation of cardiac imaging is capable of.
It is known that depression is linked to increased incidence of metabolic diseases; now scientists have discovered that different types of depression are linked to different cardiometabolic diseases.
Using PET/CT imaging, researchers discovered that the biological activity of visceral fat may drive the progression of endometrial cancer, offering a novel angle for diagnosis and treatment.
Hospitalists frequently discuss the risks associated with tests, treatments, and/or surgical procedures with their patients. But is everyone in the clear on what a “slight risk of complications” actually means? A session on the meaning of risk to patients and how to effectively communicate risk was discussed at SHM Converge 2025, the annual meeting of the Society of Hospitalist Medicine.
Using AI to help detect one of the leading killers of women worldwide: A new machine learning model can successfully predict heart disease risk in women by analysing mammograms.
The number of patients with substance abuse disorders who are admitted to hospitals as inpatients has been steadily increasing. Hospitalists attending SHM Converge 2025, the annual meeting of the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) in Las Vegas this spring, were given practical advice on how to treat these patients.
People with both type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnoea have a higher risk of death, but treatment with CPAP may reduce that risk by around 26%, a new study finds.
Wrong equipment, inadequate posture, unusual behavior: Only 1 in 7 online stock photo images of blood pressure monitoring correctly show how blood pressure should be measured, a new study finds.
Use of an AI voice agent to prompt self-reported blood pressure readings may help improve accuracy of at-home blood pressure measures and patient outcomes in older patients with hypertension.
Systematic screening and support for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD should become normalised in cardiovascular care, cardiologists urge in a new Consensus Statement.
Hospitalists face a dual challenge when a critically ill pregnant patient is admitted to a hospital: providing safe and effective treatment for both mother and fetus. At the annual meeting of the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) in Las Vegas, an expert discussed why hospitalists must draw on a variety of skills when treating pregnant inpatients.
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has awarded Roxana Mehran, MD, from Mount Sinai, with its top honor, the “ESC Gold Medal”, during a special ceremony at the ESC Congress in Madrid.
An unexpected trigger for heart attack: Researchers show that dormant bacteria can contribute to atherosclerotic plaques and fatal myocardial infarction, effectively making it an infectious disease.
Shortages of skilled staff is creating challenges in medical laboratories across Europe. Many workers are nearing retirement age with numerous hospital laboratories having unfilled positions and facing the further issue of sharp competition from the pharmaceutical industry for skilled personnel. The challenges, and potential solutions, for medical laboratories were aired at a session looking…
Blood vessels become stiffer with age, but a new study suggests that a Covid infection could accelerate this process, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, including stroke and heart attack.
New research suggests that KFRE, a common prognostic tool to predict kidney failure, could underestimate the risk for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who also have frailty.
Type 2 diabetes greatly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, anginas, and other coronary heart diseases. Therefore, biomarkers to predict individual risk are needed, experts say.
A multicenter study involving leading hospitals across Spain, has confirmed that people with COPD show altered levels of specific metabolites in their blood.
A treatment commonly used for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), lowers the risk of serious cardiovascular events in some patients but not others, according to new research.
The earlier Alzheimer's disease is detected, the more effective treatments become. Now, a Finnish study shows that signs related to Alzheimer’s may already be found in the brain in middle age.
Women with type 2 diabetes are nearly twice as likely as men to have hidden heart damage, according to a major new study. This could lead to sex-specific risk assessment and treatments.
A neural network AI has been trained to detect cardiac amyloidosis from a single echocardiogram video of the heart's apical four-chamber view and differentiate it from similar heart conditions.
Women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or the more severe form, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, a new study shows.
Using cardiac MRI, researchers have found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with early signs of heart damage, according to a new study.
Analyzing heart imaging and a full spectrum of medical records, a new AI tool can reveal previously hidden information about a patient’s heart health, including predictions of sudden cardiac arrest.
Molecular markers in saliva could reveal the risk of a person developing major diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, new research finds.
Machine learning (ML) for personalised care, large language models for empathy training of cardiologists, wearable sensor data for better screening, and more: Digital technologies hold great potential to improve diagnosis and treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). At the ESC 2024 cardiology congress in London, four experts explored the benefits of new solutions and pointed out…
New research demonstrates CT colonography outperforms stool DNA testing in both clinical effectiveness and cost savings for colorectal cancer screening.
A quarter of deaths in the UK are caused by heart disease, the equivalent of one person every 3 seconds. New research suggests that effective diagnosis might literally be as easy as riding a bike.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the EU, yet no organized screening program exists to detect the disease before symptoms appear. This September, France will strike back with an ambitious pilot program that could boost European lung cancer screening. Professor Marie-Pierre Revel presented the details at the French Thoracic Imaging Society Spring Days in Marseille, highlighting…
A new method for predicting the risks of severe injuries during childbirth could improve care and reduce long-term complications for women.
Creating cardiac ‘digital twins’ at a large scale, researchers hope to gather new insights into heart health. This includes effects of age, sex, and lifestyle factors on heart disease risk.
Researchers have found a way to observe clotting activity in blood as it happens — without needing invasive procedures. This could open the door to better treatment of coronary artery disease (CAD).
People at risk of cardiovascular disease could be identified a decade before they have a heart attack or stroke, a new University of Dundee study has discovered.
A new device for people with or without medical training could be used as an easier, more forgiving alternative to stethoscopes to accurately detect valvular heart disease (VHD).
Soccer is not only a fun and popular sport, but can also help prevent many lifestyle-related conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity, several cancers, and mental health challenges.
A network of artificial neurons imitating the human brain could help identify patients at risk of a serious arrhythmia from an ECG and avoid many cases of sudden cardiac death, a new study suggests.
By using AI to analyse ECG data, researchers created an algorithm to predict the biological age of the heart. This could be used to identify those most at risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.
A large new study of more than 40,000 patients finds that a zero coronary artery calcium score continues to be an accurate indicator of a low risk for a coronary heart event even as a person ages.
Losing weight is a great way to improve one's overall health. But, are these benefits gone once a person is gaining weight again? Not necessarily, a new study points out.
New findings show how AI-assisted mammography may not only reveal breast cancer, but can also assess calcium buildup in the arteries within breast tissue—an indicator of cardiovascular health.
Around one third of people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) also have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), yet the condition is often undiagnosed. A new project aims to untangle this MCI-CVD connection.
Nuclear cardiology is a specialised field in nuclear medicine that evaluates the heart function to help diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease and to assess treatment efficacy, whilst minimising invasive procedures like biopsies. More recently, clinicians have increasingly opted for nuclear imaging over endomyocardial biopsy to diagnose cardiac amyloidosis, allowing for earlier…
Analysing long-term ECG recordings for signs of heart abnormalities such as arrhythmias is a time-consuming process. New research finds that AI is better suited for this task than humans.
Researchers developed a smart patch capable of real-time biometric signal monitoring and drug delivery. Potential applications include glucose management, pain relief, and chronic disease treatment.
Using 3D imaging and deep learning AI, researchers have developed a new way to accurately assess body fat and muscle distribution, which are crucial for understanding health risks.
The virus behind Covid-19 initially causes acute lung injury and respiratory failure. However, new evidence indicates the virus also involves inflammation that can affect the cardiovascular system.
Patient-specific 3D printed surgical guides could provide a clear visual aid that helps cardiac surgeons locate key treatment areas on the heart, such as the optimal location to build the bypass vein.
A survey found that many Americans use a device to monitor their heart, but few share that data with their doctor. Cardiologists explain when findings should be discussed with a medical professional.
Environmental factors such as low temperatures and carbon monoxide levels in the air have long been underestimated as risk factors for triggering a heart attack, new research suggests.
Social deprivation, infectious diseases, broken bones, and even poison apples: The life of Disney princesses is fraught with hidden health risks, a new study reveals.
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease has 2 types – a liver-specific type and a systemic type that affects other organs and tissues. This discovery could lead to better diagnosis and treatments.
As pharmacological options for subclinical Atrial Fibrillation and atrial high-rate episodes continue to run into challenges, new research suggests more physiological pacing solutions can help reduce risks of progression to clinical AF.
As new research shows, low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) can identify coronary artery calcium, a strong risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD), in patients without cardiac symptoms.
After a heart attack, women in Scotland are less likely to receive preventative medicine than men, a new study shows. This could put them at greater risk of further heart attacks, strokes and CVD.
Large language models (LLMs) have potential in healthcare settings to help support both patients and clinicians. Cardiologist Dr Robert van der Boon believes they could have several applications, including patient communication and education, clinical decision support and administrative tasks. Delegates to ESC 2024 in London heard roles explored for LLMs in areas of clinical decision-making,…
Researchers have published findings that show the genetic structure of the heart’s shape may offer new insights into individual heart health.
Skills shortages and digitalization, trends in cardiology and oncology, future prospects in laboratory medicine, and healthy aging – these pressing topics are at the forefront of discussions at this year’s Medica Labmed Forum.
A new discovery about how the liver flushes cholesterol from the body could lead to more effective treatments for cardiovascular disease – the leading cause of death worldwide.
New research has revealed that the connection between PFAS, and kidney damage may be tied to dysregulation of the gut microbiome.
People who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 have a significantly lower risk of developing more severe cardiovascular conditions linked to Covid-19 infection, a new study shows.
Measuring the calcium build up in the arteries of the breast, researchers have developed an AI-generated score for predicting cardiovascular disease in women from their mammograms.
Women with severe native valvular heart disease (VHD) are less likely to be treated in accordance with guidelines than men, finds a new study conducted at more than 200 centres across Europe.
“Evidence is mounting that pollutants in soil as well as in water may damage cardiovascular health,” find the authors of a new publication, which advocates the need for more sustainability.
A new study reveals that cardiometabolic risk factors and subclinical atherosclerosis impair the function of the microvessels that irrigate the heart, potentially increasing atherosclerosis risk.
The Nutri-Score is designed to provide consumers with information on nutritional quality. New research reveals that the ratings also correspond with the cardiovascular health impact of the products.
For coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), a ‘no-touch’ technique to harvest the saphenous vein graft has been considered superior to the conventional approach. Surprisingly, a new study comes to a different conclusion.
Emergency care specialists must be aware of critically-important factors when treating pregnant women with severe hypertension. At the EUSEM conference in Barcelona, Dr Timo Suonsyrjä, Chief Physician for the Emergency Department at Helsinki University Hospital in Finland, highlighted the key approaches and warning signs.
Nonin Medical, a provider of SpO₂ monitoring solutions, and CO₂ monitoring specialist Corscience have entered into a partnership to co-promote each other’s OEM product offerings.
New research from Denmark explores a possible connection between endometriosis and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Details are presented at the ESC 2024 Congress.
Using a melt electrowriting (MEW) technique, bioengineers have developed a hybrid structure to address the clinical need for small-diameter vascular grafts and help combat cardiovascular disease.
New resesarch suggests a new way of assessing the risk of heart failure without invasive diagnostic tests. The method involves MRI to measure heart pressure as a predictive factor.
Extensive and moderate, or short and intense? New research suggests which approach to physical exercise is more effective for improving fitness among people recovering after a stroke.
Using vascular organoids derived from stem cells, researchers gain new insights into how diabetes damages blood vessels. This could lead to to the development of new treatments.
Diagnosis and monitoring medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and infections: In this opinion article, Alix Joseph (Linxens) explores the potential of sweat analysis.
Surgeons have performed an unprecedented procedure on a two-year-old child diagnosed with scimitar syndrome. This marks the world’s first successful application of the “Double-decker Technique”.
A new heart valve comprised of biological material obtained from human cells, opens up new therapeutic avenues for patients with paediatric heart diseases, such as tetralogy of Fallot.
Anxiety and depression hit women harder than men after they have survived cardiac arrest. New research further suggests that age also plays a major role, pointing out the need for more support.
Measuring temperatures in different face regions could be used to earlier detect chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and hypertension. Researchers now show the potential of an AI-based approach.
In lab models of stroke, a research team showed that laser therapy improved blood flow in the brain and decreased stroke injury by stimulating the production of nitric oxide.
A new 3D graft printing technique offers a potential solution to reduce thrombosis and restrain aneurysmal dilatation post-surgery, with potential for improving cardiovascular disease treatments.
Philips announced its latest AI-enabled cardiovascular ultrasound platform to help speed up cardiac ultrasound analysis with AI technology and reduce the burden on echocardiography labs.
A combination of facial thermal imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) can accurately predict the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), new research finds.
Lung cancer screenings save lives – especially for those who live in economically deprived areas, a new study confirms. The researchers further demonstrate the benefits of using low-dose CT imaging.
Two companies are combining their unique expertise to develop intelligent e-skin patches to “self-sense” cardiac events in patients. The flexible patch platform will deliver a comprehensive understanding of both electrical and mechanical heart activities and has the potential to enable cardiologists to better monitor their patients.
Researchers were able to produce sub-millimetre resolution images of cardiac micro-vessels. This non-invasive new technique could allow scientists to study the physiology of the heart in more detail.
In cancer, cell deterioration can drive progression. A similar process happens in artherosclerosis, new research reveals. This finding could lead to new ways of combatting disease-causing plaque.
The stiffer the arteries, the greater the cardiovascular risk, according to a new study. The researchers suggest using this as a predictive tool, and emphasise the utility of a specific clinical tool.
AI-enhanced CT scans can accurately evaluate cardiovascular risk without contrast media, a new study shows. The technique uses coronary calcium and heart chamber size as markers for disease detection.
After a stroke or heart attack, the risk of infection is increased – however, why this happens was unknown. Now, researchers found a previously unknown cause – and a therapeutic approach.
Coronary artery disease causes more than 1.8 million heart attacks each year in Europe. In most cases, rehabilitation helps the patients to return to their everyday life. But what happens once the patients have left the rehab clinic?
Decreased rates of death and stroke: new research shows the validity of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in low-risk patients. This advocates a less invasive alternative to surgical options.
A recent suggestion to stop using the term ‘long-Covid’ may have been well-intentioned, but could ultimately do more harm than good, experts point out.
New approaches to cardiovascular radiology are evolving to help clinicians gain an increasingly better insight into heart conditions. Latest developments in cardiovascular radiology include myocardial strain imaging, 4D flow and photon-counting CT technology. An ECR 2024 session shone the spotlight on these areas of cardiovascular imaging with expert speakers outlining the pros and cons of each.
This February, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health officially launched the ‘Joint Action on cancer and other non-communicable disease prevention project‘ (JA PreventNCD). In the four-year-initiative, 22 EU member states plus Iceland, Norway and Ukraine have joined forces to combat the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across national borders.
Higher image quality, better spatial resolution: A new radiology study demonstrates how photon-counting CT imaging can improve evaluation of coronary artery disease.
Researchers have developed a 3D-bioprinted, miniaturized chip to advance the understanding of cardiovascular disease and aid in the development of new precision treatments.
As a result from better living standards and medical advances, population longevity increases – a development which, paradoxically, current healthcare systems are ill-prepared for, Sir John Bell points out. The UK’s Our Future Health programme, which he chairs, exemplifies the paradigm shift to a prevention-centered healthcare approach.
An interplanetary title for a quite down-to-earth topic: The symposium "Men are from Mars, women are from Venus" at the EACVI congress (European Association of Cardiovascular imaging) launched into the differences between the hearts of men and women. While the speakers could firmly establish that both sexes share the same home world, variations in their cardiac anatomy warrant a more…
The sound of an alarm clock in the morning might not just be annoying – it might be a health risk, according to new research from the University of Virginia’s School of Nursing.
Beware of midnight snacks: New research shows that the time at which we have our meals could influence our risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have developed a method for assessing the number and structure of aggregated blood platelets (or thrombocytes) that can potentially help quantify the risk of a severe Covid-19 infection. As a result, they have identified a predictive biomarker for the seriousness of a Covid-19 infection. This will allow physicians to adjust treatment at an early stage. The researchers used a method…
Having coronary heart disease at a younger age was associated with an increased risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, a new study finds.
A newly discovered signaling mechanism implicated in the development of ventricular fibrillation offers promise of future treatment options for this life threatening condition.
Incidence of lung cancer among people who never smoked is rising. A new AI tool opens the door for opportunistic screening for this group, using existing chest X-rays in the electronic medical record.
AI features for automation, integrated systems and more: the role of medical technology has never been as vital as today, and MedTech companies from Taiwan are putting their best foot forward to contribute. At the 2023 Medica trade fair, visitors of the Taiwanese pavilion not only had the opportunity to see the latest medical products on display, but also get acquainted with Taiwanese culture in…
A nationwide programme to reduce the risk of developing diabetes in the United Kingdom is proven beyond reasonable doubt to work, a new study reveals.
Faster, more accurate and cost-effective testing: Experts outline the beginnings and evolution of “lab-on-a-chip” technology, and its benefits for advanced and next-gen operational platforms.
A mechanism that led some patients to experience cases of deadly clotting following some types of Covid-19 vaccination has been identified in new research.
A new study shows five aspects of sleep that are almost equally important to explain the association between sleep and the risk of coronary events and stroke.
A new research collaboration aims to develop a forward-looking AI application to detect gender-specific symptoms earlier and further reduce mortality from heart disease, especially among women.
Stark inequalities in diagnosis and treatment of four of the most common heart conditions in the UK have been revealed in new research led by a team at the University of Leeds.
The earlier it starts, the more type 2 diabetes shaves off of a person's life expectancy. For people in their 30s, this can be as much as 14 years less, new research finds.
Modern cancer therapies are tough on the tumours, but often, also on the heart of the patients. The “CARDIOCARE” project aims to reduce the cardiac burden of anti-cancer therapies through more patient-tailored treatment approaches. At the ESC cardiology congress, Professor Katerina Naka from the project’s consortium explained why older patients are at the highest risk of cardiotoxic…
A team at Politecnico di Milano developed iHEART, a mathematical and computational model of the human heart designed for studying coronary artery disease.
From cancer to AI, from management to new medication: this year's Labmed Forum at MEDICA 2023 in Düsseldorf (November 13-16) once again features an exciting scientific programme.
Cardiologists in Zurich demonstrate that immediate revascularization of non-involved blood vessels offers better outcomes for patients after a heart attack than a delayed procedure.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) cost the EU an estimated €282 billion in 2021, according to late breaking research presented at the European Society of Cardiology's ESC Congress 2023.
Endometriosis, which can cause debilitating pain each menstrual cycle, as well as infertility, is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. An expert from Yale Medicine sheds light on the condition.
Whether it’s work or play that prevents us from getting enough shut-eye during the week, assuming we can make up for it by sleeping in over the weekend is a mistake.
While screening programs for several of the commonest cancers are now well established, lung cancer screening has yet to reach anywhere near the same proportion of at-risk patients.
AI can use data from low-dose CT scans of the lungs to improve risk prediction for death from lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and other causes, a new study finds.
Heat waves, cold snaps and high levels of fine particulate pollution could raise heart attack risk, according to a new study, which highlights one especially dangerous combination.
Combining two types of heart scan techniques could help doctors to detect deadly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) before symptoms and signs on conventional tests appear.
Scientists have developed a tool to create a digital replica of an individual's heart, which could inform the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
By using genetic data on multiple traits from people of non-European ancestry, scientists have improved the accuracy of polygenic scores in predicting disease risk for all.
Post-pandemic problems, ageing societies, the impact of climate change on human health: To find solutions for new and ongoing healthcare challenges, thinking outside the box is crucial. This year’s Medical Taiwan Health & Care Expo took this approach to heart: True to its motto “beyond healthcare”, the event showcased a wide range of innovative products, promising start-up presentations…
Patients with heart disease could benefit from less extensive interventions thanks to technology that creates 3D computer models of blood flow through the heart's arteries, according to new research.
Defibrillators are being used in just one in ten cardiac arrests where the lifesaving devices are available, according to new research presented at a British cardiology conference in Manchester.
British societies BCS and BJCA publish a joint policy statement to stamp out bullying, harassment, and discrimination in the specialty, endorsed by 19 affiliated organisations.
A new advanced form of CT imaging offers better cardiovascular imaging quality compared to dual-source CT (DSCT) in infants with suspected cardiac heart defects, according to a new study.
At the EACVI congress in Spain, medical imaging specialist Esaote unveiled, among other solutions, its new portable ultrasound system MyLabOmega eXP, which features advanced cardio tools and AI-powered automation.
Lyme disease, the most common tick-transmitted bacterial infection in the world, is challenging to diagnose. Initial early-stage symptoms may include skin rash, fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and/or body and joint aches. However, these symptoms are also associated with many other diseases and medical conditions.
Researchers have succeeded in introducing a vascular system into tiny living and beating model human heart muscles, an achievement which it's hoped will accelerate progress toward the ultimate goal of repairing damage from heart disease.
An international coalition of biomedical researchers has determined a new way to measure the growth rate of precancerous clones of blood stem cells that one day could help doctors lower their patients' risk of blood cancer.
Wearable devices such as smart watches could be used to detect a higher risk of developing heart failure and irregular heart rhythms in later life, suggests a new study led by researchers from University College London (UCL).
New research has debunked the idea of an “obesity paradox”, whereby overweight or obese patients with heart failure are less likely to end up in hospital or die than people of normal weight.
According to Dutch researchers, people with low income are up to 1.5 times more at risk of a heart attack or stroke than their wealthier compatriots. Ethnicity was also identified as a risk factor.
Exposure to a mixture of chemicals called PFAS - also known as 'forever chemicals' - leads to alterations in biological processes associated with a broad range of diseases, a new study finds.
In a world first, scientists from Singapore and Germany have shown that regenerative therapy to restore impaired kidney function may soon be a possibility.
Canadian researchers are developing a new, ultra-sensitive biosensor to screen for Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases. The device has successfully completed the proof-of-concept stage.
Bayer announced the acquisition of Blackford Analysis Ltd., a global strategic imaging platform and solutions provider for artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology.
Artificial intelligence (AI) may help improve care for patients who show up at the hospital with acute chest pain, according to a new study published in Radiology.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued its first comprehensive guideline on the evaluation and treatment of children and adolescents with obesity, marking an end to previous recommendations.
Both hot and cold environments trigger a stress response and can lead to cardiovascular problems. Results of a new study are especially interesting in light of the current multiple global crises.
And now for something completely different: Adults could achieve global physical activity targets by walking inefficiently for just a few minutes each day, finds a study in the BMJ.
Identification of elderly persons at risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia could be made possible by examining ergothioneine levels in the blood, researchers from Singapore find.
Time for modernisation: The current model for randomised clinical trials must be redesigned for the 21st century, according to leading European and American cardiology societies.
Reseachers from the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a method for contactless electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring through a millimeter-wave radar system.
Racism, xenophobia, and discrimination are important influences on health globally, but have so far been overlooked by health researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, finds new research.
Women are told to improve their lifestyle to prevent heart disease while men are advised to take statins. That’s the finding of a study presented at the ESC Asia scientific congress.
A promising new application for photon-counting CT: The new technology outperforms conventional CT in detecting subtle damage in the lungs of patients with persistent symptoms of Covid-19.
Tapping the thriving Radiology AI ecosystem, Bayer recently announced three collaboration agreements for its digital platform, Calantic Digital Solutions, as well as an AI accelerator program.
Breast cryoablation is an emerging treatment for early-stage, localized breast cancer that destroys malignant tumours by freezing them. During the past decade, it has been increasingly utilized as an alternative to lumpectomy, but its long-term benefits compared to other breast cancer treatments are still unproven.
The first blood test to diagnose inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) could be in use in as little as a year, following the discovery of a molecular signal in the blood.
Innovative gastrointestinal imaging, medical panel PCs with hygiene optimisation, smartphone-based diagnostic tools, and sustainable hardware setups: At Medica 2022, manufacturers from Taiwan again showed their capability to adapt and provide solutions for a world radically changed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the “Taiwan Excellence” banner, outstanding products from the island nation’s…
Swiss researchers developed a new MRI method to visualise metabolic processes in the body. Their objective is to improve the future diagnosis and treatment of heart disease.
Innovative smart weighing scales are adding a new dimension to home monitoring for healthcare. By collecting data via sensors and proprietary technology as people stand on them, the scales can assess health metrics to give users more precise measurements for a deeper understanding of their body.
A smart-ring medical device is emerging as an effective and discreet wearable for round-the-clock blood pressure monitoring. Using photoplethysmography (PPG) signals to measure the bloodstream 24/7 through the wearer’s finger, a new feature of the “Cart-I plus” ring from manufacturer Sky Labs enables it to constantly monitor hypertension without user intervention.
A session at the Medica Health IT Forum will focus on the important topic of gender-sensitive medicine and raise critical points within the field. While a key challenge remains in raising awareness and acceptance that there are medical differences between men and women, session chair Dr Martina Kloepfer points out that gender-sensitive medical care is the ‘lowest common denominator of…
White matter hyperintensities (WMH) on the brain seen on MRI represent a biomarker associated with a 50/50 risk of death within five years after a first incident acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Donor hearts from people who were Covid-19-positive appear to be as safe for transplantation as those from people without Covid-19, according to a new short-term analysis.
With the rise of syndrome-style infections, co-infections and the current antimicrobial resistance challenges, the need for multiplexed diagnostics is now more important than ever.
Not just uncomfortable, but hard on the heart: Accumulating research suggests a link between hot flashes during the menopause and cardiovascular disease risk in women.
Blood pressure is one of the most basic parameters in any healthcare status assessment and holds considerable diagnostic significance. However, clinicians should never underestimate the complexity behind the assessment, cautions Dr Rhian M. Touyz.
Bayer recently announced the launch of Calantic Digital Solutions, a new platform delivering access to digital applications, including artificial intelligence (AI) enabled programs for medical imaging.
A device using next-gen technology to automatically deliver insulin was found to be more effective at maintaining blood glucose levels than standard-of-care management for type 1 diabetes.
A new device for diagnosing bone fragility invented by the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has been approved for marketing in the European Economic Area and Switzerland. The device is based on a new approach to assessing bone quality via blood sampling.
The hearts of men and women are different – while this insight has been established for quite some time now, it might even surprise cardiologists just how deep these differences really run. In her presentation at this year’s ESC, Diana Bonderman, MD, gave a comprehensive roundup on sex differences in risk factors and subtypes of heart failure.
An important prospective study showcases improvement in outcomes for women with ischemic heart disease by attending a multidisciplinary women’s health center.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to transform cancer treatment management worldwide. Their ability to rapidly analyse and integrate routinely acquired diverse data will improve the accuracy and effectiveness of precision medical treatments.
Arthroplasty treatment of fragile patients is a major challenge faced by orthopaedic surgeons. The patients, often geriatric, come with a variety of risk factors and comorbidities that can negatively impact the success of an arthroplasty procedure.
A large epidemiological study shows that patients with an autoimmune disorder have a substantially higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than individuals without autoimmune disease.
Atrial fibrillation screening using conventional smartphones more than doubles the detection and treatment rate in older people compared to routine screening, new research finds.
Using left ventricular pressure-strain loops as a non-invasive way to assess myocardial work has benefits for cardiologists in terms of diagnosis and prognostic stratification for a wide range of heart conditions.
The critical times in a woman’s life of pregnancy and the menopause – and their relation to heart health – is explored at the ESC. The defined field of gender-specific cardiology is becoming an increasingly important area of focus, experts say.
Cardisiography is a screening method for detecting structural, rhythmical, or vascular heart disease and a decision support tool to guide targeted follow-up. Meik Baumeister, CEO of Cardisio, talks about the development and the operating principle.
It might sound like science fiction but it is reality in cardiology: with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) physicians can recognize from a patient’s headshot whether the person is suffering from coronary artery disease and is therefore at risk of myocardial infarction. But is that knowledge really useful? Professor Dr David Duncker calls for a differentiated and careful assessment of…
Clinical laboratories need to be proactive to attract transgender patients for testing and to ensure that they are comfortable with the services provided. This issue is of great importance to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), which conducted a scientific session on transgender health at its recent annual meeting in Chicago.
A team from Geneva has discovered a molecule that can identify the development of diabetes before the first symptoms appear.
New research shows that cell-cell signaling could play a key role in the thickening of arteries due to high blood pressure.
The prototype device combines eRapid and SHERLOCK technologies into a single, postcard-sized system that can simultaneously detect the presence of both SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies in a patient’s saliva.
The main goal of arthroplasty is to relieve pain, improve and restore joint function and recover quality of life. Periprosthetic joint infection remains a complication that has to be taken seriously.
Cardiomyopathy is not a uniform disease. Rather, individual genetic defects lead to heart failure in different ways, an international consortium reports.
Researchers have developed adeno-associated virus variants that target heart muscle cells and can thus be used for the precise treatment of heart diseases.
An advanced form of cardiac MRI has for the first-time enabled clinicians to measure the effectiveness of chemotherapy in patients with the life-limiting condition ‘stiff heart syndrome’.
A Europe-wide project aims to improve medical radiation protection for patients and staff by better understanding and evaluating the health effects of exposure to low-dose ionising radiation resulting from diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
People who develop an abnormal heart rhythm after surgery have an increased risk of subsequently being admitted to hospital with heart failure, according to a study of over 3 million patients.
A Stanford mechanical engineer creates multifunctional wireless robots to maximize health outcomes and minimize invasiveness of procedures.
Around one in 500 men could be carrying an extra X or Y chromosome – most of them unaware – putting them at increased risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
Individuals with diabetes display a substantially increased risk of disease in left-sided heart valves compared to controls without diabetes, a new comprehensive register study shows.
Changes in areas of the brain associated with emotion have been identified in people with Takotsubo syndrome, sometimes known as broken heart syndrome, according to new research.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable gel that can help to improve the delivery of cells into the living heart and could form a new generation of treatments to repair heart attack damage.
COVID-19 pandemic has caused “global collateral damage” by disrupting cardiac services . Across the world problems with heart health will “...continue to accrue unless mitigation strategies are speedily implemented”.
Wireless bioresorbable pacemaker bypasses need to extract non-biodegradable leads, eliminating additional risk to the patient.
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a smart stent that can monitor hemodynamic parameters. The wireless and battery-free device can transmit the data to the outside of the body.
Hyperpolarized nuclear magnetic resonance enables major medical advances in molecular diagnostics, for example for cardiovascular diseases or cancer therapy.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is a less invasive procedure that is just as effective as open-heart surgery in treating severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, a new study shows.
