Top news of June: Pediatric CVD screening, COVID-19 vaccination and myocarditis risk, more

Healio and Cardiology Today have curated a list of the most read cardiology news of June 2021.

Readers were most interested in the new American Academy of Pediatrics statement on pediatric CVD screening; the American Heart Association and CDC on COVID-19 vaccination and myocarditis risk; ASCVD screening for commercial drivers and pilots; and more.

AAP: Screen all children for potential heart-related issues

In a new policy statement, the AAP said all children — particularly those entering middle school — should be screened for conditions that can lead to cardiac arrest or death, regardless of their athletic status. Read more

Myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccine treatable; AHA urges continued vaccination

Seven patients who developed myocarditis-like symptoms after COVID-19 vaccination were able to recover after treatment, according to a case series published in Circulation. Read more

Consistent fruit, vegetable consumption confers lower risks for CVD, all-cause mortality

Snacking on fruit after breakfast, fruit during lunch, vegetables during dinner and dairy after dinner was associated with lower risks for CVD and all-cause mortality, according to new dietary data. Read more

Rethinking ASCVD screening, management in commercial drivers, pilots

The evaluation and management of CAD has critical implications in certain populations. A recently published review addresses this topic for two high-risk populations, commercial motor vehicle drivers and commercial pilots. Read more

In genetic analysis, statin-induced LDL decline linked to new-onset diabetes

In a Mendelian randomization analysis, LDL reduction associated with statin use was linked to elevated odds of type 2 diabetes, but not with other pleiotropic effects. Read more

FDA, Medtronic alert doctors to halt implantation of ventricular assist device system

The FDA and Medtronic alerted health care providers to no longer implant patients with end-stage HF with a ventricular assist device system. Read more

AHA statement recommends increasing physical activity to reduce BP, cholesterol

A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association published in Hypertension recommends increasing physical activity to aid in lowering mildly to moderately elevated BP and blood cholesterol in adults. Read more

Decline in Kawasaki disease may be linked to pandemic preventive measures

The decrease in Kawasaki disease rates in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic may be attributable to pandemic prevention efforts, including mask-wearing, hand-washing and physical distancing, researchers reported. Read more

CDC: Benefits of COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccines outweigh myocarditis risks

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices agreed with CDC staff recommendations that myocarditis risks in young people associated with messenger RNA-based COVID-19 vaccines did not outweigh the vaccines’ benefits. Read more

Lipid-lowering therapy use low, LDL elevated in patients with PAD

Among patients with peripheral artery disease, use of lipid-lowering therapies was low and LDL remained elevated, according to findings published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Read more