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Can J Cardiol 2021 Mar 26. Epub 2021 Mar 26.

McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada.

The 2021 guidelines primary panel selected clinically relevant questions and produced updated recommendations, on the basis of important new findings emerging since the 2016 guidelines. In subjects with clinical atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, most subjects with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, and those with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥5 mmol/L, statin therapy continues to be recommended. We have introduced the concept of lipid/lipoprotein treatment thresholds for intensifying lipid-lowering therapy with non-statin agents, and have identified the secondary prevention patients who have been shown to derive the largest benefit from intensification of therapy with these agents. Read More

Circulation 2021 Mar 29:CIR0000000000000961. Epub 2021 Mar 29.

This statement summarizes evidence that adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, preterm delivery, gestational diabetes, small-for-gestational-age delivery, placental abruption, and pregnancy loss increase a woman's risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and of developing subsequent CVD (including fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and heart failure). This statement highlights the importance of recognizing APOs when CVD risk is evaluated in women, although their value in reclassifying risk may not be established. A history of APOs is a prompt for more vigorous primordial prevention of CVD risk factors and primary prevention of CVD. Read More

J Nutr 2021 Mar 23. Epub 2021 Mar 23.

Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Center for Nutrition Research, Institute for Food Safety and Health, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, USA.

Background: Certain fruits, such as strawberries, may impart cardiometabolic benefits due to their phytochemical content.

Objectives: Study aims were to assess the effects of strawberry intake on cardiometabolic risk factors and vascular endothelial function in adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia.

Methods: This study was a randomized, controlled, double-blinded, 2-arm, 2-period (4-wk/period) crossover trial. Read More

Echocardiography 2021 Mar 18. Epub 2021 Mar 18.

Clinic for General and Interventional Cardiology/Angiology, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.

Background: Left ventricular (LV) non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LV-NC) is rare, and data of segmental myocardial mechanics are largely lacking. We investigated myocardial longitudinal mechanics in adults with symptomatic LV-NC (n = 30) versus individuals with healthy hearts (n = 150). The contribution of compacted and non-compacted myocardial layer to systolic LV function has to be determined. Read More

Plant Dis 2021 Mar 18. Epub 2021 Mar 18.

Gansu Agricultural University, College of Plant Protection, Lanzhou city, Gansu, China;

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the most economically important crops in China, containing carbohydrates, protein, fiber, numerous vitamins and minerals, and is a heart healthy food (Raidl, 2020). Potato infected by Fusarium spp. exhibits quality and yield decline, and even death. Read More

Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars 2021 Mar;49(2):143-150

Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the impact of applying lifestyle intervention in the form of a continuous care model (CCM) on reducing dietary sodium intake and blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a 2-group design on a total of 50 patients who were hypertensive (experimental and control) as a pre‒post test study. A healthy lifestyle (emphasizing physical activity and heart-healthy diet) in the form of CCM, which considers the patient as an active agent in the health process, was conducted in the experimental group over a period of 4 months. Read More

Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med 2020 Jul 29;22(7). Epub 2020 May 29.

Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.

Purpose Of Review: The burden of heart failure (HF) is a significant national and global public health problem, with prevalence rates on the rise. Given the significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs attributable to HF, it is of utmost importance to utilize preventive strategies to prevent the development of HF. Therefore, we sought to address how a multi-modal risk assessment approach can be used to stratify patients for HF risk and guide implementation of therapeutic strategies to prevent HF. Read More

Molecules 2021 Feb 24;26(5). Epub 2021 Feb 24.

Department of Nutrition, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA.

Plant-based foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and other foodstuffs, have been deemed as heart healthy. The chemicals within these plant-based foods, i.e. Read More

J Am Coll Cardiol 2021 Feb;77(5):593-608

Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Frankel Cardiovascular Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Electronic address:

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a key component of a heart-healthy diet. For patients without clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, 2 or more servings of fatty fish per week is recommended to obtain adequate intake of omega-3 PUFAs. If this not possible, dietary supplementation with an appropriate fish oil may be reasonable. Read More

AIDS Care 2021 Jan 23:1-9. Epub 2021 Jan 23.

Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.

People with HIV (PWH) have an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with the general population. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a tailored intervention aimed at increasing CVD risk perception and the adoption of heart-healthy behaviors in PWH. Forty adults were randomized to receive personalized feedback on CVD risk and discussion of risk reduction or health education. Read More

Pediatr Ann 2021 Jan;50(1):e4-e9

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in adults in the United States. Cardiovascular health as a child and adolescent is important in setting the path for a heart-healthy life in adulthood. One major impact on cardiovascular health that can have its roots in childhood is dyslipidemia. Read More

J Nutr Biochem 2021 Apr 8;90:108570. Epub 2021 Jan 8.

Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Electronic address:

Optimizing diet quality in conjunction with statin therapy is currently the most common approach for coronary artery disease (CAD) risk management. Although effects on the cardiovascular system have been extensively investigated, little is known about the effect of these interventions in the colon and subsequent associations with CAD progression. To address this gap, Ossabaw pigs were randomly allocated to receive, for a six-month period, isocaloric amounts of either a heart healthy-type diet (HHD; high in unrefined carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, fiber, supplemented with fish oil, and low in cholesterol) or a Western-type diet (WD; high in refined carbohydrate, saturated fat and cholesterol, and low in fiber), without or with atorvastatin therapy. Read More

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 Jan 8;70(1):1-6. Epub 2021 Jan 8.

Approximately 15.5 million cancer survivors were alive in the United States in 2016 with expected growth to 26.1 million by 2040 (1). Read More

J Nutr Biochem 2021 Apr 31;90:108577. Epub 2020 Dec 31.

Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging; Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA. Electronic address:

Diet quality and statin therapy are established modulators of coronary artery disease (CAD) progression, but their effect on the gastrointestinal tract and subsequent sequelae that could affect CAD progression are relatively unexplored. To address this gap, Ossabaw pigs (N = 32) were randomly assigned to receive isocaloric amounts of a Western-type diet (WD; high in saturated fat, refined carbohydrate, and cholesterol, and low in fiber) or a heart healthy-type diet (HHD; high in unsaturated fat, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, supplemented with fish oil, and low in cholesterol), with or without atorvastatin, for 6 months. At the end of the study, RNA sequencing with 100 base pair single end reads on NextSeq 500 platform was conducted in isolated pig jejunal mucosa. Read More

Health Psychol 2020 Dec 21. Epub 2020 Dec 21.

Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology.

Couple distress is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, whereas support is associated with heart-healthy behaviors and better CVD outcomes.

Objective: To assess the clinical benefit of the Healing Hearts Together (HHT) intervention, an attachment-based relationship enhancement program for couples in which 1 partner has CVD, on relationship quality, mental health, and quality of life (QoL).

Method: Patients from a tertiary cardiac care center and their partners (N = 78; 39 couples) attended the 8-session HHT group. Read More

J Clin Lipidol 2021 Jan-Feb;15(1):212-217. Epub 2020 Dec 9.

The Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX, USA.

Background: The effects of fish oil products containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on LDL-C levels are controversial.

Objective: To determine if changes in erythrocyte DHA are associated with changes in LDL-C levels.

Methods: In this prospective observational study, erythrocyte DHA levels and LDL-C levels were measured in 9253 individuals who presented for at least two examinations at a medical clinic. Read More

Heart Lung Circ 2021 Mar 9;30(3):324-349. Epub 2020 Dec 9.

School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a dominant and highly penetrant monogenic disorder present from birth that markedly elevates plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentration and, if untreated, leads to premature atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). There are approximately 100,000 people with FH in Australia. However, an overwhelming majority of those affected remain undetected and inadequately treated, consistent with FH being a leading challenge for public health genomics. Read More

Am J Prev Cardiol 2020 Dec 18;4:100128. Epub 2020 Nov 18.

Hacettepe University Medical Faculty, Department of Cardiology, Ankara, Turkey.

Objectives: The coronavirus-disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the restructuring of health-services to prioritize the treatment of COVID-19. The severe restrictions on daily life affected the management of chronic diseases. Patients with a previous history of premature myocardial infarction (MI) are a vulnerable group requiring frequent and continued medical attention both in the pandemic and non-pandemic era. Read More

Stud Health Technol Inform 2020 Nov;275:228-229

CAPHRI Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Physical activity is a vital part of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). However, heart-healthy physical activity levels in people with cardiovascular disease drop significantly after CR. This exploratory study employs qualitative and survey methods within a co-creation approach. Read More

Front Public Health 2020 29;8:509714. Epub 2020 Oct 29.

City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States.

Currently, tamoxifen is the only drug approved for reduction of breast cancer risk in premenopausal women. The significant cardiovascular side effects of tamoxifen, coupled with lack of a survival benefit, potential for genotoxicity, and failure to provide a significant risk-reduction for estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, all contribute to the low acceptance of tamoxifen chemoprevention in premenopausal women at high-risk for breast cancer. While other prevention options exist for postmenopausal women, there is a search for well-tolerated prevention agents that can simultaneously reduce risk of breast cancers, cardiovascular disease, and type-2 diabetes. Read More

Indian Heart J 2020 Sep - Oct;72(5):451-453. Epub 2020 Aug 22.

Cardiac Wellness Institute, Chennai, India. Electronic address:

There is an increasing incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Indian men and women of younger ages but research related to CVD risk behaviors in college-going women in India is limited. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted among 554 students from two women's colleges in Chennai showed that there was an alarmingly high prevalence of unhealthy diet and inadequate exercise, a moderately high prevalence of psychosocial risk and a low prevalence of tobacco use and alcohol consumption. It is imperative to increase awareness and provide targeted interventions to help our young women adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle. Read More

J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2021 Mar;41(2):100-108

Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Program, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada (Drs Ghisi, Alavinia, and Oh and Ms Aultman); Programme PREV Prévention Secondaire et Réadaptation Cardiovasculaire, Lévis, Canada (Ms Rouleau and Dr Ross); Réseau de santé Vitalité Health Network, Programme Cœur en santé/Cardiac Wellness Program, Moncton, Canada (Mss Dufour-Doiron and Belliveau and Dr Brideau).

Purpose: The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the effects of a comprehensive education intervention on maintenance of knowledge, exercise behavior, heart-healthy food intake, self-efficacy, and health literacy 6 mo after comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR), and (2) to identify predictors of exercise maintenance 6 mo after comprehensive CR.

Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted to test the effects of a structured educational curriculum in three CR programs in Canada. Participants completed surveys pre-, post-CR and 6 mo post-discharge to assess knowledge, heart-healthy food intake, self-efficacy, and health literacy. Read More

Kidney Int 2020 11;98(5):1095-1097

Associate Dean for Research, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Hyperkalemia in patients on dialysis is associated with an increased mortality rate. Dietary restriction is often not effective and deprives patients of heart-healthy foods. Lowering the dialysate K concentration can potentially increase the risk of arrhythmias. Read More

Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2021 Jan;30(1):27-37

Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation, University of California Irvine School of Medicine, Orange.

Purpose Of Review: Medications used frequently after kidney transplantation, including calcineurin inhibitors, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers and antimicrobials, are considered the leading culprit for posttransplant hyperkalaemia in recipients with a well functioning allograft. Other risk factors include comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension and heart failure; and consumption of a potassium-enriched diet. We review the mechanisms for hyperkalaemia following kidney transplantation that are addressed using nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Read More

Am J Clin Nutr 2020 12;112(6):1415-1416

School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.

Ugeskr Laeger 2020 Sep;182(37)

The decline in mortality from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) of 81% from 1990 to 2015 is dramatic and one of the greatest successes of Danish public health care. Improved treatment regimes and changes in modifiable risk factors contribute equally to the decline in mortality (47% vs. 44%). Read More

Heart Lung Circ 2021 Jan 22;30(1):e37-e40. Epub 2020 Aug 22.

Monash Cardiovascular Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia; MonashHeart, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Vic, Australia. Electronic address:

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of mortality in Australian women. We identified gender differences in healthy lifestyle adherence in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for CAD.

Methods: Consecutive patients were prospectively recruited from three Australian institutions (2016-2017). Read More

Nutrients 2020 Aug 6;12(8). Epub 2020 Aug 6.

Heart and Lung Center, Cardiology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00029, Helsinki, Finland.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) cause every fifth death worldwide. However, it is possible to prevent the progression of ASCVDs by reducing circulating concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Recent large meta-analyses demonstrated that by reducing the dietary intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, it is possible to reduce the risk of ASCVD events. Read More

Can J Cardiol 2020 Sep 5;36(9):1372-1383. Epub 2020 Apr 5.

Labatt Family Heart Center, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Together with heart-healthy lifestyle habits, statins serve as the cornerstone of primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adults. Several conditions, most notably familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), cause early dyslipidemia and vascular disease, contributing to the development and progression of atherosclerosis from childhood and increased cardiovascular risk. In recent decades, studies increasingly have evaluated the safety and efficacy of statins in such high-risk youth. Read More