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New scientific statement on blood pressure measurement in people
Statement highlights: Oscillometric devices, which use an electronic pressure sensor within the blood pressure cuff, can reduce human error and the risk to the environment from older devices which use mercury. Patients who measure their blood pressure at home should use a device with an upper arm cuff that has been checked for accuracy by a healthcare provider.
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Better options needed for children at higher risk of premature heart disease
Statement Highlights: New developments in identifying and treating the increased risk of premature heart disease in children and teens with certain medical conditions associated with increased cardiovascular risk are discussed in a scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Obesity and severe obesity are now considered significant risk factors for an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in children and teens.
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Updated treatment guidelines for atrial fibrillation recommend a new class of blood thinners to help prevent stroke
Focused Update Highlights: Newer anticoagulants, known as non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs), are recommended over the traditional warfarin to prevent stroke in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib). Weight loss is recommended for overweight or obese people with AFib.
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Statins have low risk of side effects
Statement Highlights: Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are associated with a low risk of side effects. The benefits of statin therapy for most people outweigh the risks.
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Updated cholesterol guidelines offer more personalized risk assessment, additional treatment options for people at the highest risk
Statement Highlights: High cholesterol, at any age, can increase a person’s lifetime risk for heart disease and stroke. A healthy lifestyle is the first step in prevention and treatment to lower that risk. The 2018 guidelines recommend more detailed risk assessments to help health care providers better determine a person’s individualized risk and treatment options. In some cases, a coronary artery calcium score can help determine a person’s need for cholesterol-lowering treatment, if their risk status is uncertain or if the treatment decision isn't clear.
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Diagnosing and treating resistant hypertension
Statement Highlight: Resistant blood pressure affects 12 percent to 15 percent of people currently being treated for high blood pressure.
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Chagas disease, caused by a parasite, has spread outside of Latin America and carries a high risk of heart disease
Statement Highlights: Chagas disease is caused by a parasite, transmitted by a blood-sucking insect— Trypanosoma cruzi – and less frequently, from mother to fetus or by contaminated food or drink. About one third of infected individuals develop chronic heart disease. Though mostly found in Central and South America, Chagas disease has become more common worldwide, including an estimated 300,000 infected persons in the United States.
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Societies Release Updated Guideline for Treating Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patients
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Associated today released an updated guideline for the management of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients.
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A diverse diet may not be the healthiest one
Statement Highlights: Scientific evidence to date does not support the notion that eating a diverse diet is healthy or promotes a healthy weight. Some studies suggest that a diverse diet may increase food consumption and the prevalence of obesity.
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New tools, old rules: limit screen-based recreational media at home
Advisory Highlights: Screen time from computers, phones, tablet computers, video games, TV and other screen-based devices is associated with increased sedentary behavior in children and teens. Sedentary behaviors contribute to overweight and obesity. TV viewing has decreased among young people, but overall screen media consumption has increased substantially in this age group.
