Top in cardiology: Exercise lowers cardiac arrest risk, CV benefits of semaglutide

Twenty minutes of vigorous physical activity per week was associated with a lower risk for cardiac arrest, according to a European study.

Researchers reported that participants who spent 75 minutes or more on vigorous exercise did not have a significantly lower risk for cardiac arrest compared with those who spent 0 to 25 minutes per week on vigorous physical activity.

Currently, WHO, the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology recommend 150 to 300 minutes of moderate physical activity and 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week. It was the top story in cardiology last week.

In another top story, Mikhail Kosiborod, MD, FACC, FAHA, vice president of research at Saint Luke’s Health System and professor of medicine at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, reviewed research at the World Congress on Insulin Resistance, Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease on the cardiovascular benefits of Ozempic/Wegovy (semaglutide, Novo Nordisk) for adults with obesity.

“There are two landmark trials heralding a complete paradigm shift in targeting obesity as a highly effective strategy in [heart failure with preserved ejection fraction] and atherosclerotic CVD,” Kosiborod said. “I think we’re going to see a lot more in the coming years that’s really going to change practice.”

Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:

Moderate to vigorous physical activity protective against cardiac arrest

Vigorous physical activity of at least 20 minutes per week, shorter than that specified in guideline recommendations, was associated with reduced risk for cardiac arrest, according to findings published in EP Europace. Read more.

Targeting obesity may be ‘highly effective strategy’ for treating HFpEF, ASCVD

Findings from two cardiovascular outcome trials revealed that targeting obesity could become a major focus for treating cardiovascular disease and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in the future, according to a speaker. Read more.

SK ion channel inhibitor shows ability to convert atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm

In a proof-of-concept phase 2 trial, a novel SK ion channel inhibitor successfully converted atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm compared with placebo. Read more.

Consensus statement highlights best practices for cardiac catheterization in children

A consensus statement outlines best practices and competencies for cardiac catheterization in pediatric patients and adults with congenital heart disease, reflecting an evolution in practice for patients with unique procedural requirements. Read more.

Vigorous exercise not linked to risk for death, arrhythmias in long QT syndrome

In people with congenital long QT syndrome, vigorous exercise did not raise risk for death or ventricular arrhythmias compared with nonvigorous exercise, according to the results of the LIVE-LQTS study. Read more.