Search News Releases for Scientific Statements/Guidelines
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Meditation might be useful addition to heart-healthy lifestyle and medical treatment
Statement Highlights: Traditional medical therapy for high cholesterol, blood pressure and other risk factors remains the mainstay of preventing heart disease, but meditation may be helpful to some people who want to reduce the risk of heart disease as long as they understand its benefits have not been clearly established. The statement, the first ever issued by the American Heart Association specifically on meditation, was not intended to make recommendations about whether or not meditation can lower heart disease risk, but to review what is currently known from the current scientific evidence.
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Older adults with heart disease can become more independent and heart healthy with physical activity
Statement Highlights: Improving physical function among older adults with heart disease helps heart health and even the oldest have a better quality of life and greater independence. Healthcare providers should emphasize cardiac when appropriate and provide individualized guidance on increasing daily physical activities for older patients with heart disease.
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Less invasive procedure may benefit certain heart valve patients
Focused Update Highlights: Less invasive options than surgical replacement can now be considered for certain patients needing aortic valve replacement, according to updated recommendations. The updated guidelines clarify the need for antibiotics before dental work for some patients with heart valve problems or prior surgery.
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Fish oil supplements may help prevent death after a heart attack but lack evidence of cardiovascular benefit for the general population
Statement Highlights: Omega-3 fish oil supplements prescribed by a healthcare provider may be reasonable for patients who have had a heart attack. Patients with heart failure may also benefit from supplementation with omega-3 fish oil. However, there is a lack of evidence that omega-3 fish oil supplements prevent cardiovascular diseases in the general population.
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Experts Release Guidelines for Evaluating, Managing Syncope
WASHINGTON (March 9, 2017) — The American College of Cardiology, with the American Heart Association and the Heart Rhythm Society, today released a guideline on the evaluation and management of patients with syncope. The 2017 ACC/AHA/HRS Guideline for...
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Meal planning, timing, may impact heart health
Statement Highlights: Planning and timing meals and snacks, such as not skipping breakfast and allocating more calories earlier in the day, might help reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Large studies tracking patients’ cardiovascular health over a long period are needed to show how meal timing and patterns impact disease risk.
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Women with high-risk congenital heart disease can have successful pregnancies
Statement Highlights: Women with high-risk congenital heart disease can have successful pregnancies but should seek counseling before conception to understand how their conditions could affect pregnancy and their child’s health.
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New peripheral artery disease guidelines emphasize medical therapy and structured exercise
Guideline Highlights: Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) should be on a program of guideline-directed medical therapy (including antiplatelet drugs that thin blood and statins to lower cholesterol) and should participate in a structured exercise program. Restoring blood flow to the legs through vascular procedures is appropriate for many patients with severe symptoms due to PAD. Eliminating exposure to all tobacco – including second-hand smoke – is highly recommended for patients with PAD.
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New statement provides guidance about potential interactions between statins and commonly prescribed heart disease drugs
Statement Highlights: The risk of interactions between statins and other heart disease drugs in patients with heart disease can be managed or reduced. Patients need to inform healthcare providers about all medications they are currently taking and...
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Protect kids from toxic secondhand smoke, experts urge
Statement Highlights: Secondhand cigarette smoke may harm children’s heart health in profound and lasting ways. African-American children are disproportionately exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke.
