Top news of February: Empagliflozin approved for HFpEF, Senate confirms Califf and more
Healio and Cardiology Today compiled the most-read cardiology news of February 2022.
Readers were interested in the FDA approval of empagliflozin for HF with preserved ejection fraction; the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Robert Califf, MD, MACC, to lead the FDA; cannabis use and stroke risk in young adults; and more.
FDA approves empagliflozin to reduce CV death, HF hospitalization in HFpEF
The FDA approved an expanded indication for the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin to reduce the risk for CV death and HF hospitalization in adults with HF with reduced or preserved ejection fraction, according to an agency press release. Read more
Senate narrowly confirms Califf to lead FDA again
The Senate has confirmed cardiologist Robert Califf, MD, MACC, to lead the FDA for a second time. Read more
Vegetable-rich diet may not protect against CVD
A high level of vegetable consumption was not independently associated with reduced risk for CVD, according to results from a cohort study of nearly 400,000 participants. Read more
Daily exercise at age 70 may help prevent heart disease later
Exercising for at least 20 minutes daily at age 70 years was associated with reduced risk for CV outcomes later in life, researchers reported in Heart. Read more
Cannabis use tied to recurrent stroke risk in young adults
Habitual cannabis use was associated with greater risk for recurrent stroke among younger adults with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack vs. nonuse, according to data presented at the International Stroke Conference. Read more
Most US women who give birth have unfavorable heart health before pregnancy
In 2019, most U.S. women who gave birth did not have favorable cardiometabolic health before pregnancy, researchers reported in a Go Red for Women spotlight edition of Circulation. Read more
In survivors of acute COVID-19, CV risk, burden ‘substantial’
Compared with controls, survivors of acute COVID-19 have elevated CV risks and burdens at 1 year, even if they were not hospitalized for COVID-19, researchers reported in Nature Medicine. Read more
USPSTF stance on statins for primary prevention of CVD varies by age, risk level
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended statins for the primary prevention of CVD in patients aged 40 to 75 years with at least one CVD risk factor and 10% or greater 10-year risk for CVD. Read more
FDA clears credit card-sized personal ECG device
AliveCor announced the FDA has cleared its credit card-sized personal ECG device capable of delivering medical-grade, single-lead ECGs in 30 seconds. Read more
Excess sodium from certain forms of acetaminophen may increase CVD, mortality risk
Excess daily intake of sodium from soluble or effervescent acetaminophen may increase risk for CVD and all-cause death, regardless of baseline hypertension status, according to research published in the European Heart Journal. Read more