Top in cardiology: Intermittent fasting, smartwatch app for AF

Intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets may carry favorable cardiovascular effects, according to a recent review published in the American Journal of Medicine. It was the top story in cardiology last week.

Another top story was about the FDA clearance of Fitbit’s ECG app that is designed to detect atrial fibrillation (AF).

Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:

Ketogenic, intermittent fasting diets may be heart-healthy

There is modest evidence that the ketogenic and intermittent fasting diets may have favorable cardiovascular effects, according to a recent review. While noting that “both allow foods that are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease,” researchers wrote that “either dietary plan may be beneficial, if the general criteria of established ‘heart-healthy’ diets are also followed.” Read more.

Smartwatch app to detect AF receives FDA clearance

Fitbit announced that an ECG app to identify AF through its smartwatch (Fitbit Sense) has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA. The app allows patients to take an ECG at any time, especially when they suspect unusual cardiac symptoms, according to a press release from the company. Read more.

Hostility may predict mortality in ACS

Hostility may increase mortality risk in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), although it may not affect the risk for recurrent ACS, researchers found. Read more.

Likeability, acceptance in childhood may affect circulatory disease risk in adulthood

Children with low peer status and marginalization at school may have an increased risk for circulatory diseases in adulthood, researchers found. Read more.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes could increase late ASCVD risk

Adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and low birth weight, were independently linked to atherosclerotic CVD in postmenopausal women, according to recent data. Read more.