Noting that studies linking mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) with complex traits are often limited by small sample sizes or focused on specific phenotypes in clinically selected cohorts, researchers recently reported data from more than 600,000 participants in the Million Veteran Program (MVP) to perform a multiancestry analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation and cardiometabolic phenotypes across European (EUR), African (AFR), Admixed American (AMR) and East Asian (EAS) populations.
Postoperative Hypertension Treatment Only Recommended for Symptomatic Inpatients
Using medication to lower asymptomatic postoperative hypertension, a common clinical condition in admitted surgical patients, can have adverse outcomes, so postoperative hypertension should only be treated in inpatient surgical patients when it’s symptomatic, according to a recent review article.
Heart Failure Duration Linked to Cardiac Remodeling, Dysfunction
A new study proposed that pathophysiologic features associated with increased risk in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) might reflect distinct phenotypes or disease stages related to heart failure (HF) duration and then set out to document that.
Catheter Ablation Safe, Career-Preserving for Servicemembers with Tachycardia
Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common supraventricular tachycardia, and treatment for U.S. active-duty servicemembers (ADSM) can have unique career implications and might affect military retention.
COVID-19 Vaccine Shows Significant Protection Against MACE in Veterans 75 or Older
Past research has demonstrated that receipt of vaccines was associated with reduced COVID-19–associated cardiovascular risk. A new study took that a step further, finding evidence of vaccine effectiveness against the broader outcome—all-cause major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), suggesting that “likely reflects the hidden burden of undetected SARS-CoV-2 and associated complications that are amenable to reduction by COVID-19 vaccination.”
Blood Pressure Drug Found to Reduces Arterial Stiffness, Especially in Older Patients
Low-dose amiloride, a potassium-sparing diuretic, appears to improve blood pressure and arterial stiffness in adults with overweight or obesity and features of metabolic syndrome, according to a new study.
For Veterans With Familial Hypercholesterolemia, More Treatment Options Now Available
VA research is helping to change the massive underdiagnosis and undertreatment of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), using the unparalleled scale of the Million Veteran Program to identify affected veterans and return actionable results. As the treatment landscape expands, including multiple PCSK9 inhibitor option, clinicians now have the tools to bring even severely elevated LDL-C under control.
Short-Term Meal Delivery With Phone Dietitian Counseling Lowered BP in Veterans
In middle-aged and older veterans with hypertension and obesity, short-term meal delivery followed by telephone dietitian counseling improved DASH diet adherence and lowered blood pressure, showing promise as an intervention to improve health outcomes in this high-risk population, according to a recent study.
Agent Orange Exposure Linked to Higher Cardiovascular Risks for Veterans
Veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War era might face higher odds of requiring coronary artery bypass graft surgery after coronary stent procedures, along with a greater overall burden of cardiovascular risk factors, according to a retrospective analysis of VA data.
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Reveals Decreased Exercise Capacity After Military Deployment
Following deployment, military personnel who completed cardiopulmonary exercise testing for pulmonary diagnoses showed a decrease in exercise capacity compared with normal controls, according to a recent study.
Extreme Heat Events Linked to Increased Mortality Risk in California Veterans With Cardiometabolic Diseases
When evaluating the effects of extreme heat events, California veterans with common cardiometabolic diseases have increased risk of mortality, particularly those who reside in lower socioeconomic status neighborhoods or are experiencing homelessness, according to a recent study.
Modestly Increasing Cardiorespiratory Fitness Significantly Lowers Risks of Alzheimer’s, Other Dementia in Veterans
Modestly improving cardiorespiratory fitness in low-fit veterans lowered their risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) 13%-24%, according to a new study.
Low Social Determinants of Health Attenuate Improvements for AF Patients
A recent study suggested that social determinants of health (SDoH) might influence the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes related to atrial fibrillation(AF).
Peer Messaging to Help Black Veterans Control Hypertension
Even though hypertension treatment advances have resulted in improvements in blood pressure control and self-management, disparities persist for Black veterans.
Composition of Carotid Plaques Different Between Chinese, U.S. Patients
It is known that the clinical manifestations of cerebrovascular disease are known to differ between the Chinese and United States populations, as do the plaque features on imaging.
Ibrutinib Linked to Increased Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death, Asymptomatic Arrhythmias
Ibrutinib, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) widely used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other hematologic malignancies, continues to demonstrate cardiovascular risks beyond the well-known complications of hypertension and atrial fibrillation, according to new data from researchers at the National Institutes of Health and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
A Guideline-Concordant Liberal Transfusion Strategy Didn’t Reduce Death, Major Ischemic Events in Older Veterans Undergoing Surgery
A liberal transfusion strategy compared with a restrictive strategy did not significantly reduce 90-day postoperative death or major ischemic event rates, according to a study involving U.S. veterans.
Beta-Blockers Still Frequently Prescribed First-Line for Hypertension at VA
For more than a decade, national guidelines have discouraged first-line beta-blocker use among patients without compelling indications. Yet, according to a new study, the practice is still common at the VHA, and interventions are needed to improve guideline-concordant initial treatment for hypertension.
ECG-Based Devices Should Be Used to Evaluate Heart Rate Variability in Adults
In adults, pulse rate variability (PRV) and heart rate variability (HRV) aren’t interchangeable, and electrocardiography (ECG)-based devices should be used when HRV is clinically relevant and autonomic function needs to be evaluated, according to a study that addressed misinformation on wearable smart devices purchased by consumers to monitor their health.
Combined Measurements Can Identify Frailty Risk in Veteran HF Patients
Veteran heart failure patients who are at increased risk of frailty can be identified by combining data on their cross-sectional frailty status and frailty trajectories, which offer a comprehensive assessment, according to a recent study.
Depression Is a Significant Risk Factor for Heart Failure in U.S. Veterans
Depression raised the risk of heart failure in U.S. veterans by 14%, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors, according to a new study.
Dietary Cholesterol Intake Directly Linked to Heart Attack Risk in Veterans
Veterans with a higher dietary intake of cholesterol are at increased risk of having a heart attack, according to a recent study that shows a direct link between dietary cholesterol intake and heart attack risk.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survival High in Military, but More Prevention Called For
Sudden cardiac arrest is a silent and often fatal event that strikes without warning, even among those in peak physical condition. In the civilian world, survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are alarmingly low.
How Different Heart Failure Types Are Affected by CKD
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined by the KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) guideline as abnormal kidney structure or function, present for more than 3 months, with implications for health.
A Quarter of U.S. Veterans Older Than 60 Have Been Diagnosed with CVD
One in 4 U.S. veterans age 60 and older have reported being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease at some point, which has potential implications for their physical and mental health, according to a recent study.
As-Needed Blood Pressure Medication Linked to Adverse Outcomes in VA Hospitals
In hospitalized veterans, use of at least one as-needed blood pressure medication was associated with higher risk of acute kidney injury and rapid drop in blood pressure, as well as increased risk of stroke, heart attack or death, according to a recent study.
Sexual Orientation Affects Prevalence of Atherosclerotic CVD in Veterans
Sexual orientation appears to have some unexplained effect on cardiovascular health, according to a new study.
Veterans With HIV Tended to Have CVD Events Earlier Than Those Without
HIV patients have an increased atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, making them more susceptible to severe cardiovascular complications, according to previous research.
Mary Jo Pugh Spearheads Research Into TBI Link to Heart Issues
As an investigator at the Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences Center of Innovation (IDEAS COIN) at the Salt Lake City VA, the longitudinal studies that Mary Jo Pugh, PhD, RN, has helped build during her 25-year career have demonstrated that traumatic brain injury (TBI) greatly increases a patient’s risk for a host of comorbidities, most notably chronic cardiovascular disease.
Traumatic Brain Injury Linked to Much Higher Risk of Arrhythmia in Veterans
Traumatic brain injury, especially involving penetration, significantly increased the risk for atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter in U.S. military servicemembers and veterans, according to a new study.
