Top news of October: FDA approves new ICD system, gene therapy may treat HCM and more

Healio and Cardiology Today have compiled a list of the most-read cardiology news of October 2023.

Readers were most interested in the FDA approval of a extravascular ICD system with anti-tachycardia pacing; the association between HDL level and dementia risk; gene therapy to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; and more.

FDA approves extravascular ICD system with anti-tachycardia pacing

Medtronic announced it received FDA approval for its extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and defibrillation lead to treat tachycardia that may cause sudden cardiac arrest. Read more

High or low HDL tied to slightly elevated risk for dementia

Older adults with high levels or low levels of HDL had a small increased risk for dementia compared with those with average levels, researchers reported in Neurology. Read more

Should athletes with genetic heart disease return to play after sudden cardiac arrest?

Recently, there have been a number of cases in which high-profile athletes have had sudden cardiac arrest due to a variety of causes. Read more

‘One giant leap for HCM’: Gene therapy may reverse hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Despite advances made for the treatment and management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the condition remains a debilitating one for many patients, who are often undiagnosed until the disease has progressed. Read more

Home blood pressure measurements ‘missed opportunity’ to tackle CV risk

Out-of-office BP measurements provide the clearest picture of CV risk for patients and are the ideal method to diagnose and treat hypertension, yet most clinicians still rely on inaccurate clinic readings, according to a speaker. Read more

AHA highlights disease overlap with new term: Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome

The American Heart Association unveiled a new term to reflect the interplay of several metabolic and renal conditions driving risk for CVD, along with an updated algorithm and guidance for screening, management and collaborative care. Read more

With little evidence, CGM benefits for people without diabetes ‘largely hypothetical’

Continuous glucose monitoring is becoming a mainstay of care for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, yet providers should be cautious about the technology’s application for people without diabetes looking for a “wellness” tool. Read more

Prioritize, optimize sleep to reap cardiometabolic benefits

Simple steps to optimize poor sleep habits can translate to large gains in cardiometabolic health, including improvements in BP, insulin resistance and even appetite regulation. Read more

VIDEO: Which is the superior method for weight loss – drugs or surgery?

In this Healio video exclusive, Donna H. Ryan, MD, and Christopher Still, DO, FACP, discuss the optimal treatment strategy for patients who require weight loss beyond diet and lifestyle changes. Read more

AI model accurately predicts atrial fibrillation within 1 month of sinus rhythm

With nearly 90% accuracy, an artificial intelligence-based model consistently predicted atrial fibrillation within 31 days among patients with sinus rhythm, according to findings published in JAMA Cardiology. Read more