Top news of November: COVID-19 and the heart, virtual AHA, TAVR system recall and more

Healio and Cardiology Today have curated a list of the most-read cardiology news from November.

Last month, readers were most interested in highlights from the virtual American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, including a keynote by Anthony S. Fauci, MD, on COVID-19 and the heart, results of the STRENGTH trial and a new study that shows benefit of a polypill; Boston Scientific’s recall of the Lotus Edge transcatheter aortic valve replacement system; CV issues related to vaping and smoking; and more. Read these articles, and others, below.

No benefit of daily omega-3, vitamin D supplementation for AF prevention

Taking omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D3 supplements did not increase nor decrease the risk for incident atrial fibrillation over 5 years, according to results of the VITAL Rhythm trial. Read more

Fauci: Underlying CVD drives risk for COVID-19 severity, death

COVID-19 can cause severe CV complications, manifested by arrythmias, myocardial injury, thromboembolic phenomenon and cardiomyopathies, Anthony S. Fauci, MD, said during a presentation at the AHA Scientific Sessions. Read more

STRENGTH: No CV benefit with omega-3 carboxylic acid

Administration of high-dose omega-3 carboxylic acid compared with corn oil placebo did not reduce incidence of major adverse CV events among statin-treated adults with elevated triglycerides at high CV risk. Read more

INVESTED: High-dose influenza vaccine fails to reduce death, CV events in high-risk cohort

Injection of a high-dose influenza vaccine did not affect all-cause death, cardiac or pulmonary hospitalization compared with a lower dose in patients with prior MI or HF hospitalization, according to findings from the INVESTED trial. Read more

AAP publishes list of heart-related practices that may be unnecessary

In coordination with the Choosing Wisely initiative, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a list of common medical therapies and practices related to pediatric heart health that may be unnecessary, such as routine ECGs for student athletes. Read more

Cardiologists have ‘growing concerns’ about CV harm from marijuana, vaping

Marijuana use for recreational and medicinal purposes has increased during the past several years, along with a rise in vaping nicotine products for recreational use and smoking cessation. Read more

Daily polypill plus aspirin lowers risk for CVD, death

Adults at intermediate CV risk assigned a polypill plus aspirin were 31% less likely to experience a CV event or death compared with those assigned double placebo over a nearly 5-year period, according to new data from the TIPS-3 trial. Read more

Boston Scientific recalls all Lotus Edge TAVR systems, halts research, manufacturing

Boston Scientific announced it has initiated a global voluntary recall of all unused inventory of its transcatheter aortic valve replacement system due to complexities linked to the product delivery system. Read more

Nighttime BP may be independent predictor of future CVD

Fluctuations in nighttime BP may represent a key predictor of future stroke, CAD and HF, according to a study published in Circulation. Read more

Proinflammatory foods linked to CVD risk, changes in lipid levels

In a recent study, high intake of proinflammatory foods such as red or processed meats and refined carbohydrates was associated with a 38% increased risk for CVD and a poor lipid profile. Read more

Iron supplementation for deficiency in acute HF lowers risk for future hospitalization

Supplementation in iron-deficient patients hospitalized with acute HF reduced subsequent HF hospitalization by approximately 26% compared with placebo, according to findings from the AFFIRM-AHF trial. Read more