Top news of August: CV effects of premature menopause, salt substitutes and more

Healio and Cardiology Today have compiled a list of the top news in cardiology of August 2022.

Readers were most interested in the CV effects of premature menopause; BP benefits of salt substitutes; smartphone cameras that can detect carotid artery stenosis; and more.

Premature menopause associated with HF, AF risk

Women with a history of premature menopause, defined as menopause before age 40 years, are more likely to develop HF or atrial fibrillation over 9 years of follow-up compared with women without premature menopause, data show. Read more

Social isolation, loneliness may drive risk for fatal or nonfatal MI, stroke

Social isolation and loneliness are common and underrecognized determinants of CV and brain health, and more research is needed to understand causal pathways and interventions, according to a new scientific statement. Read more

Salt substitutes consistently beneficial for BP, survival, CV events

Salt substitutes consistently improved BP and lowered risk for mortality, CV mortality and CV events, according to a meta-analysis published in Heart. Read more

Intensive lifestyle changes associated with diabetes remission by 3 months

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes participating in a program with tailored diet and exercise programs had improved insulin sensitivity measures by 3 months, with some participants achieving diabetes remission. Read more

FDA designates recall of HVAD batteries as class I

The FDA has designated Medtronic’s recall of its ventricular assist device batteries due to electrical faults causing battery failure as class I, the most serious type. Read more

No dementia, cognitive risk with PCSK9 inhibition; statin findings mixed

Data from a genetics-based study show PCSK9 inhibition does not affect cognition function or dementia risk; however, statin use may be associated with some impaired cognitive performance that is outweighed by any CV benefits. Read more

Smartphone video motion analysis accurately detects carotid artery stenosis

Motion analysis of video recorded on a smartphone accurately identified carotid artery stenosis in adults, demonstrating utility for a tool that could improve ischemic stroke outcomes. Read more

Low vitamin D levels may be tied to HFpEF risk in Black Americans

Low serum vitamin D levels were linked to left ventricular concentric remodeling and risk for HF, particularly HF with preserved ejection fraction, according to new data from the Jackson Heart Study. Read more

USPSTF statin recommendations for primary prevention mostly unchanged since 2016

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s new recommendation statement on the use of statin therapy for primary prevention in adults aged 40 to 75 years with no history of CVD is similar to its 2016 recommendations. Read more

Myocarditis risk ‘significantly higher’ with COVID-19 vs. vaccination

Data from a large cohort in England suggest that risk for myocarditis, while small overall, is significantly higher after SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated individuals vs. after COVID-19 vaccination, researchers reported. Read more