Stroke News & Brain Health - American Heart Association

DALLAS, Nov. 4, 2025 – Health care innovation often outpaces adoption — especially for people with heart disease and stroke, the world’s leading causes of death. To help bridge this gap, the American Heart Association®, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, has named five finalists in its 8th annual Health Tech Competition, hosted by the Center for Health Technology & Innovation. The competition offers a live forum for health care technology companies to present innovations designed to prevent or treat cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure and related conditions. This year’s five selected finalists will present their solutions in the Health Innovation Pavilion during Scientific Sessions 2025 — the American Heart Association’s flagship global event for the latest research and clinical advancements in cardiovascular science. Finalists include: Brainomix (in Oxford, England): Creating AI-powered software to improve stroke diagnosis and treatment decisions. Cambrian Health (San Francisco): Building an AI-powered platform that ensures clinical best practices are seamlessly executed at the point of care. Lumia (Boston): Delivering wearable solutions for people with orthostatic intolerance and chronic blood flow disorders. Noah Labs (Berlin): Transforming voice into a digital biomarker to enable earlier intervention for cardiometabolic diseases. PolyVascular (Houston, Texas): Developing minimally invasive solutions for children with congenital heart disease, aiming to reduce the need for repeated open-heart surgeries. Final presentations will be delivered live at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Nov. 8–9, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT. Finalists’ presentations will be evaluated based on: Validity: How well is the working prototype or product functioning in the market with customers? Scientific Rigor: How well does validation research use evidence-based health research? Impact: To what extent does the product improve patient outcomes through innovative technology? A panel of expert volunteer judges will review business and science presentations from each company. Judges include: Eric D. Peterson, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, professor of medicine in the division of cardiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center Lee Shapiro, J.D., volunteer chairman of the board of the American Heart Association and co-founder and managing partner of 7WireVentures Lisa Suennen, managing partner at American Heart Association Ventures Ken Nelson, partner at the Med Tech Innovators Advantage Fund Craig Beam, president of Beam & Associates Tim Benner, chief strategy officer and chief marketing officer of Masimo Henry Peck, chief business officer of LSI Star Jones, lawyer/TV personality, Divorce Court, and American Heart Association national volunteer Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., FAHA, associate dean of digital strategy and transformation at Yale School of Medicine Joseph C. Wu, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, volunteer past president (2023-24) of the American Heart Association, professor and director at the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and co-founder of Greenstone Biosciences Michael V. McConnell, M.D., MSEE, clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine Asif Ali, M.D., clinical associate professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston and director at Cena Research Institute Jessica Golbus, M.D., M.S., FAHA, assistant professor at the University of Michigan Ashoo Tandon, M.D., M.S., FAHA, FAAP, FACC, pediatric cardiologist, director of cardiovascular innovation and associate staff at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Dave Albert, M.D., founder of AliveCor Daniel Cantillon, M.D., chief medical officer of Masimo The winner will be announced live in New Orleans on Nov. 9 and will receive complimentary membership in the Center for Health Technology & Innovation Innovators’ Network, a consortium connecting entrepreneurs, providers, researchers and payers to advance cardiovascular and brain health innovation. Members collaborate with the Center and each other in different ways, including: building models for clinical outcome studies — which lowers the significant cost of developing those studies independently; helping connect the science to technology; and providing evidence that a digital platform improves health care outcomes — a key concern for providers and payers. Innovators’ Network members also have the opportunity to access the American Heart Association’s digital evidence-based scientific guidelines and clinical recommendations as they develop digital health care technologies. “The Center for Health Technology & Innovation aims to advance the rapid, efficient and effective development of health care technology,” said Robert A. Harrington, M.D., FAHA, volunteer past president of the American Heart Association (2019-2020), volunteer chair of the Association’s Health Tech Advisory Group for the Center and the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine and provost for medical affairs of Cornell University. “Joining the Innovators’ Network gives members the opportunity to leverage the consortium and work toward broadening and deepening their engagement in this arena.” To learn more about the Health Tech competition, visit: ahahealthtech.org/aha-health-tech-competition-2025. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: American Heart Association news release: NY AI medical company wins global health tech competition at Scientific Sessions 2024 American Heart Association news release: 5 health technology start-ups finalists in global heart disease solution competition Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews  ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Monica Sales: monica.sales@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org ]]>

Research Highlights: People with a condition in which protein build up stiffens heart walls – called transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy – were more likely to have a stroke if they also had a mechanical malfunction in the atrial chamber of their heart. A noninvasive risk assessment tool may help identify people with the condition who are at high stroke risk and might benefit from preventive measures, according to researchers. Note: The study featured in this news release is a research abstract. Abstracts presented at American Heart Association’s scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, and the findings are considered preliminary until published as full manuscripts in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 DALLAS, Nov. 3, 2025 — A hidden atrial dysfunction may raise stroke risk in people with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM); however, a non-invasive assessment tool may help identify those at increased risk, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025. The disease is a progressive condition that stiffens the heart muscle and may raise the risk of stroke, even when the heart rhythm appears normal. The meeting, Nov. 7-10, in New Orleans, is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science. Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a potentially fatal disease that has historically been considered rare. However, it is difficult to know the actual number of people with the disorder because it is often underrecognized. In this condition, a protein called transthyretin becomes misshapen and accumulates in the heart, nerves and other organs. This protein buildup can stiffen the heart walls, making it difficult for the left ventricle to relax and fill with a regular heart rhythm. Patients also face a significant risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) – a temporary blockage of blood to the brain. However, no tool exists to identify those at highest risk for stroke or TIA from this condition, according to the study. “Even with a regular heart rhythm, some people with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy are still at risk of stroke if their atrium doesn’t squeeze well,” said study author Aldostefano Porcari, M.D., Ph.D., consultant cardiologist at Cardiovascular Department, University of Trieste, Italy, and researcher at the National Amyloidosis Centre, University College London. “Our study indicates that atrial contraction may matter as much as heart rhythm in predicting risk. This hidden dysfunction could help guide earlier conversations and treatment about preventive strategies including anticoagulation medications.” Researchers at the U.K. National Amyloidosis Centre analyzed health records between 2003 and 2023 and reviewed those of more than 2,300 adults with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy. About 1 in 8 of the patients with regular heart rhythm had atrial electromechanical dissociation (AEMD), a condition where the upper heart chamber, the atrium, looks normal on an electrocardiogram, yet does not contract and pump blood effectively. During nearly three years of follow-up, researchers found: people with poor contraction of the atria were more than 3 times as likely to experience a stroke or TIA – compared to people with normal heart rhythm with normal atrial contraction; and these adults were also more likely to develop an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation – a risk factor for stroke – during follow-up. With this data, researchers developed a risk-prediction tool that uses two measures widely available on echocardiograms to measure the mechanical function of the atrial chamber. They found that stroke risk rose steadily as the atrium’s ability to squeeze weakened. In the highest-risk group ­– people with poor contraction – the rate was about 9 strokes per 100 people each year. The risk pattern was consistent across people with different genetic subtypes of ATTR amyloidosis and across different disease stages, suggesting atrial dysfunction represents a common driver of stroke risk in this condition. “These findings shift attention from rhythm function to how well the atrium actually squeezes,” Porcari said. The study is observational, so it cannot prove cause and effect. The next step is to conduct a prospective, multicenter study to investigate how this tool works and if preventive anticoagulation can lower the risk of stroke in people with atrial electromechanical dissociation. Researchers said the goal is to generate practice-ready evidence that can guide individualized decisions and, ultimately, help prevent disabling or fatal cerebrovascular events. Fernando D. Testai, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, vice-chair of the American Heart Association’s Brain Health Committee, who was not involved in the study noted that “patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy who remain in sinus rhythm still exhibit a significantly elevated stroke risk compared to the general population, so there is a need for novel strategies to identify high-risk individuals who may benefit from anticoagulation, even in the absence of atrial fibrillation. “This study offers evidence of a strong predictor of future stroke or TIA,” said Testai, professor of neurology and rehabilitation at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. “However, several challenges must be addressed before this approach can be integrated into clinical practice. The diagnosis of atrial electromechanical dissociation relied on speckle-tracking strain echocardiography, a specialized imaging technique which is not widely accessible and the findings require validation in larger, independent groups.” The study reviewed data from one national center, so the results may not apply to all people with cardiac amyloidosis. Other limitations include that the classification of strokes was sometimes missing, and more research is needed to determine potential treatment options for people with AEMD. Study details, background and design: A total of 2,310 adults with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (average age 76 years, 86% males and 74.5% with wild-type ATTR) were included in this analysis. About 75% of people had what is called the wild-type form, which develops with aging rather than being inherited; 5% had AEMD; about 33% had normal heart rhythm with effective left atrial contraction and 62% had atrial fibrillation on anticoagulation. Participants were observed from diagnosis to death, which was about three years, on average, Pocari said. Over 34 months, 5% of patients experienced a stroke or TIA and 31% developed atrial fibrillation. The analysis reviewed data from January 2003 to December 2023 from the U.K. National Amyloidosis Centre. Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the abstract. Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. Abstracts presented at the Association’s scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, rather, they are curated by independent review panels and are considered based on the potential to add to the diversity of scientific issues and views discussed at the meeting. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: Multimedia is available on the right column of the release link, including a video interview in English  with American Heart Association volunteer expert: Fernando D. Testai, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, vice-chair of the American Heart Association’s Brain Health Committee and is also a professor of neurology and rehabilitation at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. Spanish news release (includes Spanish video interview) Link to abstract, and the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 Online Program Planner American Heart Association news release: Advancing access to clinical trials for cardiomyopathy (May 2025) American Heart Association news release: Novel gene-editing therapy shows promise for patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (Nov. 2022) American Heart Association health information: High Blood Pressure, Atrial Fibrillation, and Your Risk of Stroke About Scientific Sessions 2025 For more news at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025, follow us on X @HeartNews,#AHA25 ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, F

Research Highlights: Optimal cardiovascular health, based on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 metrics, may decrease the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia for adults with Type 2 diabetes. Among adults with both Type 2 diabetes and a high genetic risk for dementia, researchers found that having moderate or high cardiovascular health, compared to having low cardiovascular health, greatly lowered the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and dementia over 13 years. Note: The study featured in this news release is a research abstract. Abstracts presented at American Heart Association’s scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, and the findings are considered preliminary until published as full manuscripts in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 DALLAS, Nov. 3, 2025 — Having optimal cardiovascular health may offset the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and dementia for people with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), even among those with a high genetic risk for cognitive decline, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025. The meeting, Nov. 7-10, in New Orleans, is a premier global exchange of the latest scientific advancements, research and evidence-based clinical practice updates in cardiovascular science. According to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Update, Type 2 diabetes is associated with worse cognitive functioning and faster cognitive decline. This study examined the combined impact of cardiovascular health, based on the Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, or LE8, and a high genetic risk for dementia on the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and dementia in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Life’s Essential 8 is a measure of cardiovascular health that includes eight essential components for ideal heart and brain health, as identified by the American Heart Association – 4 health behaviors and 4 health factors, including: Eat better. Be more active. Quit tobacco. Get healthy sleep. Manage weight. Control cholesterol. Manage blood sugar. Manage blood pressure. “There are multiple factors associated with Type 2 diabetes that contribute to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. People with Type 2 diabetes tend to have more obesity, higher blood pressure and insulin resistance. Controlling all those factors is also good for improving cardiovascular health,” said study corresponding author Yilin Yoshida, Ph.D., M.P.H., FAHA, an assistant professor of medicine and head of a research lab which studies precision diabetes management at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. “Our study found that following steps to improve cardiovascular health can also reduce the risk for cognitive impairment among people with Type 2 diabetes.” Researchers examined health and genetic data in the UK Biobank for more than 40,000 dementia-free adults with Type 2 diabetes. They assessed the joint effects of cardiovascular health and a genetic risk for dementia on the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and dementia over 13 years. An Alzheimer’s disease-based polygenic risk score was used to predict incident dementia and to capture genetic susceptibility to cognitive decline, with genetic risk categorized by high, moderate and low. The analysis found: During the 13-year follow-up period, 840 of the participants developed mild cognitive impairment and 1,013 developed dementia. Overall, after adjusting for age, sex and race, participants with moderate or high cardiovascular health had a 15% lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and a 15% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with low cardiovascular health. Among participants with a high genetic risk score, those with moderate or high cardiovascular health had a 27% lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and a 23% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with low cardiovascular health. Better cardiovascular health scores were also positively and significantly associated with brain volume, signifying that people with higher Life’s Essential 8 scores were more likely to have maintained brain volume. While a loss of brain volume is a natural part of the aging process, it is also a feature of cognitive decline and dementia. An analysis of U.S. adults showed similar trends. “Genes are not destiny. Maintaining optimal cardiovascular health can protect brain health even for people with Type 2 diabetes who carry the highest genetic risk for dementia,” said study first author Xiu Wu, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow of medicine in the Yilin Yoshida Lab at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. “That means, if you have a family history of Alzheimer’s or cognitive impairment, you can make the modifiable lifestyle changes that may help protect yourself.” “There has been previous research showing the benefits of following Life’s Essential 8 to reduce cognitive impairment in other populations, so it is interesting to observe these study results supporting similar findings among people with Type 2 diabetes, whom we know are also at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia,” said Hugo Aparicio, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Stroke Council Brain Health Committee. “It’s another great example of what’s good for the heart is good for the brain, even when your genes may be stacked against you.” Aparicio, who was not involved in this study, is an associate professor of Neurology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. The researchers noted the study had some limitations. It was an observational review of data and cannot establish cause and effect. Since most people do not undergo testing for genetic risk for dementia they may not know if they are at risk for it or not, although it is not known if participants in this study had such genetic testing. “In the past, we focused on the message: live healthy, live long. However, it’s not just living long, it’s living long and maintaining our cognitive function and capacity for longer independence and better quality of life. Our study’s findings support that you can do both,” Yoshida said. “Maintaining optimal cardiovascular health can protect brain health even for people with Type 2 diabetes who carry the highest genetic risk for dementia.” Study details, background or design: Health and genetic data were taken from the UK Biobank, a large-scale biomedical database that includes genetic and health information for over 500,000 adults living in the United Kingdom, ages 40 to 69 years when they enrolled between 2006 and 2010. This analysis included cardiovascular health data for 15,613 dementia-free adults with Type 2 diabetes. An additional analysis of 20,160 dementia-free adults from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Hub was also reviewed for comparison to a representative U.S. population. Cardiovascular health was assessed using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 score. Cardiovascular health was classified as high (80-100 score), moderate (50-79 score) and low (0-49 score) based on eight metrics: smoking status, physical activity, diet, sleep, body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose levels and cholesterol levels. The data was collected at the initial assessment visit (2006-2010) at which participants were recruited and consent given, then repeated during a repeat assessment visit (2012-13), at an initial imaging visit after 2014 and at a repeat imaging visit after 2019. A group of more than 20,000 dementia-free adults from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Hub was also reviewed for a comparison representative of the general U.S. population. Researchers noted 667 adults had mild cognitive impairment and 538 adults had dementia during a 15-year follow-up period. Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the abstract. Statements and conclusions of studies that are presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. Abstracts presented at the Association’s scientific meetings are not peer-reviewed, rather, they are curated by independent review panels and are considered based on the potential to add to the diversity of scientific issues and views discussed at the meeting. The findings are considered preliminary until published as a full manuscript in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: Multimedia is available on the right column of the release link, including a video interview in English with American Heart Association volunteer expert: Hugo Aparicio, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Stroke Council Brain Health Committee, who also serves as an associate professor of Neurology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. Spanish news release (includes Spanish video interview) Link to abstract in the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 Online Program Planner American Heart Association news release: Adults with heart-healthy

Puntos destacados de la investigación: Las personas con una condición en la que la acumulación de proteínas endurece las paredes del corazón, denominada miocardiopatía amiloide por transtiretina, presentaron mayor probabilidad de tener un derrame cerebral si también tenían una disfunción mecánica en la aurícula del corazón. Una herramienta de evaluación del riesgo no invasiva puede ayudar a identificar a las personas con la condición que presentan un mayor riesgo de derrame cerebral y que podrían beneficiarse con medidas preventivas, según los investigadores. Nota: El estudio que se presenta en este comunicado de prensa es un resumen de investigación. Los resúmenes que se presentan en las reuniones científicas de la American Heart Association (Asociación Americana del Corazón) no se revisan por expertos, y los hallazgos se consideran preliminares hasta que se publican como artículos completos en una revista profesional científica revisada por expertos. Prohibida su divulgación hasta las 4 a. m., CT/5 a. m., ET del lunes 3 de noviembre del 2025 DALLAS, 3 de noviembre del 2025 — Una disfunción auricular oculta puede aumentar el riesgo de derrame cerebral en personas con miocardiopatía amiloide por transtiretina (ATTR-CM); sin embargo, una herramienta de evaluación no invasiva podría ayudar a identificar a aquellas con un mayor riesgo, según un estudio preliminar que se presentará en las Sesiones Científicas del 2025 de la American Heart Association. La enfermedad es una condición progresiva que endurece el músculo cardíaco y puede aumentar el riesgo de derrame cerebral, incluso cuando el ritmo cardíaco parece ser normal. La reunión, que se realizará del 7 al 10 de noviembre en Nueva Orleans, es el principal intercambio mundial de los últimos avances científicos, de investigación y actualizaciones de las prácticas clínicas basadas en evidencia en el área de la ciencia cardiovascular. La miocardiopatía amiloide por transtiretina (ATTR-CM) es una enfermedad potencialmente mortal que históricamente se ha considerado como rara. Sin embargo, resulta difícil saber la cantidad real de personas con este trastorno ya que a menudo no se reconoce debidamente. En esta condición, una proteína llamada transtiretina se vuelve deforme y se acumula en el corazón, los nervios y otros órganos. Esta acumulación de proteína puede endurecer las paredes del corazón, lo cual dificulta que el ventrículo izquierdo se relaje y se llene con un ritmo cardíaco normal. Los pacientes también enfrentan un riesgo importante de derrame cerebral o accidente isquémico transitorio (AIT), un bloqueo temporal de la sangre que va hacia el cerebro. Sin embargo, no existe una herramienta para identificar a aquellas personas con mayor riego de derrame cerebral o AIT a causa de esta condición, según el estudio. “Incluso con un ritmo cardíaco regular, algunas personas con miocardiopatía amiloide por transtiretina aún presentan riesgo de derrame cerebral si su aurícula no se contrae bien”, afirmó el autor del estudio, Aldostefano Porcari, M.D., Ph.D., cardiólogo asesor del Departamento Cardiovascular de la Universidad de Trieste, Italia, e investigador en el Centro Nacional de Amiloidosis de la University College London. “Nuestro estudio indica que la contracción auricular puede ser tan importante como el ritmo cardíaco en la predicción del riesgo. Esta disfunción oculta podría ayudar a guiar conversaciones y tratamientos más tempranos sobre las estrategias preventivas, incluidos los medicamentos anticoagulantes”. Investigadores del Centro Nacional de Amiloidosis del Reino Unido analizaron registros de salud entre 2003 y 2023 y revisaron los registros de más de 2300 adultos con miocardiopatía amiloide por transtiretina. Alrededor de 1 de cada 8 pacientes con ritmo cardíaco regular tuvo una disociación electromecánica auricular (AEMD), una condición en la que la cámara cardíaca superior, la aurícula, parece normal en un electrocardiograma, pero no se contrae ni bombea sangre de manera efectiva. Durante casi tres años de seguimiento, los investigadores descubrieron lo siguiente: las personas con una contracción insuficiente de la aurícula tenían más de 3 veces de probabilidad de experimentar un derrame cerebral o AIT, en comparación con las personas con un ritmo cardíaco normal con contracción auricular normal y estos adultos también presentaban mayor probabilidad de desarrollar un ritmo cardíaco irregular conocido como fibrilación auricular, un factor de riesgo para el derrame cerebral, durante el seguimiento. Con estos datos, los investigadores desarrollaron una herramienta de predicción que utiliza dos mediciones ampliamente disponibles en los ecocardiogramas para medir la función mecánica de la aurícula. Descubrieron que el riesgo de derrame cerebral aumentaba constantemente a medida que se debilitaba la capacidad de contracción de la aurícula. En el grupo con mayor riesgo, las personas con una contracción insuficiente, la tasa fue de alrededor de 9 derrames cerebrales por cada 100 personas cada año. El patrón de riesgo fue consistente entre personas con diferentes subtipos genéticos de amiloidosis por ATTR y en diferentes etapas de la enfermedad, lo cual sugiere que la disfunción auricular representa un impulsor común del derrame cerebral en esta condición. “Estos hallazgos cambian la atención de la función del ritmo a qué tan bien se contrae realmente la aurícula”, dijo Porcari. El estudio es observacional, por lo que no puede probar la causa y el efecto. El próximo paso es realizar un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico para investigar cómo funciona esta herramienta y si la anticoagulación preventiva puede disminuir el riego de derrame cerebral en personas con disociación electromecánica auricular. Los investigadores afirman que el objetivo es generar pruebas preparadas para el ejercicio que puedan guiar decisiones individualizadas y, fundamentalmente, ayudar a evitar eventos cerebrovasculares incapacitantes o mortales. Fernando D. Testai, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, vicepresidente del Comité de Salud Cerebral de la American Heart Association, quien no estuvo involucrado en el estudio, observó que “los pacientes con miocardiopatía amiloide que permanecieron con un ritmo sinusal aún exhibían un riesgo significativamente elevado de derrame cerebral, en comparación con la población general, por lo que se necesitan nuevas estrategias para identificar a los individuos con alto riesgo que podrían beneficiarse con la anticoagulación, incluso en ausencia de fibrilación auricular”. “Este estudio ofrece pruebas de un sólido indicador de futuro derrame cerebral o AIT. Sin embargo, se deben abordar varios desafíos antes de poder integrar este enfoque en la práctica clínica. El diagnóstico de disociación electromecánica auricular dependía de la ecocardiografía de seguimiento de manchas, una técnica de imágenes especializada a la que no se puede acceder ampliamente, y los hallazgos requieren una validación en grupos independientes más grandes”. El estudio revisó los datos de un centro nacional, por lo que los resultados pueden no aplicar a todas las personas con amiloidosis cardíaca. Otras limitaciones incluyen que, a veces, faltaba la clasificación de los derrames cerebrales, y se necesita una investigación más exhaustiva para determinar las posibles opciones de tratamiento para las personas con AEMD. Detalles, antecedentes y diseño del estudio: En este análisis, se incluyó a un total de 2310 adultos con miocardiopatía amiloide por transtiretina (edad promedio: 76 años, 86 % de hombres y 74,5 % con ATTR de tipo salvaje). Alrededor del 75 % de las personas tenía lo que se denomina la forma de tipo salvaje, la cual se desarrolla con el envejecimiento en lugar de ser hereditaria; el 5 % tenía AEMD; alrededor del 33 % tenía un ritmo cardíaco normal con contracción auricular izquierda efectiva y el 62 % tenía fibrilación auricular con anticoagulación. Se observó a los participantes, desde el diagnóstico hasta su muerte, lo cual ocurrió, en promedio, a los tres años aproximadamente, dijo Pocari. Luego de 34 meses, el 5 % de los pacientes experimentó un derrame cerebral o AIT y el 31 % desarrolló fibrilación auricular. En el análisis se revisaron datos desde enero de 2003 hasta diciembre de 2023 del Centro Nacional de Amiloidosis del Reino Unido. Los coautores, las divulgaciones y las fuentes de financiamiento se indican en el resumen. Las afirmaciones y conclusiones de los estudios presentados en las reuniones científicas de la American Heart Association son exclusivas de los autores y no constituyen necesariamente la política ni la posición de la Asociación. La Asociación no ofrece representación ni garantía de ningún tipo de su exactitud o confiabilidad. Los resúmenes que se presentan en las reuniones científicas de la Asociación no se revisan por expertos, sino que los paneles de revisión independientes los seleccionan y consideran en función del potencial que tengan de ser un aporte a la diversidad de temas y opiniones científicos analizados en la reunión. Los hallazgos se consideran preliminares hasta que se publiquen como un artículo completo en una revista profesional científica revisada por expertos. La Asociación recibe más de un 85 % de sus ingresos de fuentes distintas a las empresas. Estas fuentes incluyen contribuciones de personas particulares, fundaciones y patrimonios, así como ganancias por inversiones e ingresos por la venta de nuestros materiales informativos. Las empresas (incluidas las farmacéuticas, los fabricantes de dispositivos y otras compañías) también realizan donaciones a la Asociación. La Asociación tiene políticas estrictas para evitar que las donaciones influyan en el contenido científico y en las posturas de sus políticas. La información financiera general está disponible aquí (sitio web en inglés). Recursos adicionales: En la columna derecha del enlace del comunicado hay material multimedia disponible, incluyen

Puntos destacados de la investigación: Según las métricas de Life’s Essential 8 de la American Heart Association (Asociación Americana del Corazón), una salud cardiovascular óptima puede reducir el riesgo de que los adultos con diabetes de tipo 2 presenten deterioro cognitivo leve y demencia. Entre los adultos que tenían tanto diabetes de tipo 2 como un alto riesgo genético de presentar demencia, los investigadores descubrieron que tener una salud cardiovascular moderada u óptima, en comparación con tener una salud cardiovascular deficiente, reducía en gran medida el riesgo de presentar deterioro cognitivo leve y demencia durante 13 años. Nota: El estudio presentado en este comunicado de prensa es un resumen de la investigación. Los resúmenes que se presentan en las reuniones científicas de la American Heart Association no se revisan por expertos, y los hallazgos se consideran preliminares hasta que se publiquen como artículos completos en una revista profesional científica revisada por expertos. Prohibida su divulgación hasta las 4 a. m., CT/5 a. m., ET del lunes 3 de noviembre del 2025 DALLAS, 3 de noviembre del 2025 — Tener una salud cardiovascular óptima puede compensar el riesgo de presentar deterioro cognitivo leve y demencia para las personas con diabetes de tipo 2 (DT2), incluso en las personas con un riesgo genético alto de presentar deterioro cognitivo, según un estudio preliminar que se presentará en las Sesiones Científicas del 2025 de la American Heart Association. La reunión, que se realizará del 7 al 10 de noviembre en Nueva Orleans, es el principal intercambio mundial de los últimos avances científicos, de investigación y actualizaciones de las prácticas clínicas basadas en evidencia en el área de la ciencia cardiovascular. De acuerdo con la Actualización de Estadísticas sobre Enfermedades Cardíacas y Ataques o Derrames Cerebrales del 2025 de la American Heart Association (sitio web en inglés), la diabetes de tipo 2 se asocia con un empeoramiento de la función cognitiva y un deterioro cognitivo más rápido. En este estudio, se examinó el impacto combinado de la salud cardiovascular, de acuerdo con los Life’s Essential 8™ de la American Heart Association, o LE8, y de un riesgo genético alto de demencia en el riesgo de presentar deterioro cognitivo leve y demencia en adultos con diabetes de tipo 2. Los Life’s Essential 8 son un indicador de la salud cardiovascular que incluye ocho componentes fundamentales para una salud ideal del corazón y el cerebro, como los identifica la American Heart Association. Estos consisten en 4 conductas de salud y 4 factores de salud, que incluyen lo siguiente: Mejorar la alimentación. Realizar más actividad física. Dejar el tabaco. Tener un patrón de sueño saludable. Controlar el peso. Controlar el colesterol. Controlar el nivel de azúcar en la sangre. Controlar la presión arterial. “Existen múltiples factores asociados con la diabetes de tipo 2 que contribuyen a un mayor riesgo de deterioro cognitivo y demencia. Las personas con diabetes de tipo 2 tienden a tener mayores índices de obesidad, presión arterial alta y resistencia a la insulina. Controlar todos esos factores también ayuda a mejorar la salud cardiovascular”, comentó la autora correspondiente del estudio, Yilin Yoshida, Ph.D., M.P.H., FAHA, profesora adjunta de Medicina y jefa de un laboratorio de investigación en el que se estudia el control preciso de la diabetes en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Tulane en Nueva Orleans. “En nuestro estudio, se descubrió que adoptar medidas para mejorar la salud cardiovascular también puede ayudar a reducir el riesgo de deterioro cognitivo en las personas con diabetes de tipo 2”. Los investigadores examinaron datos de salud y de genética en el UK Biobank de más de 40,000 adultos con diabetes de tipo 2 que no padecían demencia. Evaluaron los efectos combinados de la salud cardiovascular y el riesgo genético de demencia en el riesgo de presentar deterioro cognitivo leve y demencia durante 13 años. Se utilizó una puntuación de riesgo poligénico basado en la enfermedad de Alzheimer para predecir incidencias de demencia y detectar la susceptibilidad genética al deterioro cognitivo, con el riesgo genético clasificado como alto, moderado y bajo. El análisis reveló lo siguiente: Durante el período de seguimiento de 13 años, 840 participantes desarrollaron deterioro cognitivo leve y 1,013 presentaron demencia. En general, después de ajustar los resultados por edad, sexo y raza, los participantes con una salud cardiovascular moderada u óptima tenían un riesgo un 15% menor de presentar deterioro cognitivo leve y un 15% menor de desarrollar demencia en comparación con aquellos con una salud cardiovascular deficiente. Entre los participantes con una puntuación de riesgo genético alto, aquellos con una salud cardiovascular moderada u óptima tenían un riesgo un 27% menor de presentar deterioro cognitivo leve y un 23% menor de desarrollar demencia en comparación con aquellos con una salud cardiovascular deficiente. Las puntuaciones de salud cardiovascular más elevadas también se asociaron de manera positiva y significativa con el volumen cerebral, lo que significa que las personas con puntuaciones más altas en los Life’s Essential 8 tenían más probabilidades de mantener el volumen de su cerebro. A pesar de que la pérdida de volumen del cerebro es una parte natural del proceso de envejecimiento, también es una característica del deterioro cognitivo y la demencia. Un análisis en adultos estadounidenses mostró tendencias similares. “Los genes no son el destino. Mantener una salud cardiovascular óptima puede proteger la salud cerebral incluso en las personas con diabetes de tipo 2 que tienen el riesgo genético más alto de demencia”, afirmó la autora principal del estudio, Xiu Wu, Ph.D., becaria de posdoctorado en Medicina del laboratorio de Yilin Yoshida en la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Tulane en Nueva Orleans. “Eso significa que, si tiene antecedentes familiares de Alzheimer o deterioro cognitivo, puede hacer cambios en su estilo de vida que pueden ayudarlo a protegerse”. “Ha habido investigaciones anteriores que demuestran los beneficios de seguir los Life’s Essential 8 para reducir el deterioro cognitivo en otras poblaciones, por lo que es interesante observar los resultados de este estudio, que respaldan otros descubrimientos similares en las personas con diabetes de tipo 2, pues sabemos que también tienen un mayor riesgo de desarrollar enfermedad de Alzheimer y demencia”, comentó Hugo Aparicio, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, presidente voluntario del Comité de Salud Cerebral del Consejo de Ataques o Derrames Cerebrales de la American Heart Association. “Es otro gran ejemplo de que lo que es bueno para el corazón también lo es para el cerebro, incluso si sus genes le juegan en contra”. Aparicio, que no formó parte de este estudio, es profesor adjunto de Neurología en la Facultad de Medicina Chobanian & Avedisian de la Universidad de Boston. Los investigadores observaron que el estudio tenía algunas limitaciones, pues se trató de una revisión observacional de los datos que no permite establecer una causa y efecto. Dado que la mayoría de las personas no se somete a análisis que evalúen el riesgo genético de demencia, es posible que no sepan si tienen riesgo de desarrollarla o no, aunque no se sabe si los participantes de este estudio se sometieron a dichos análisis genéticos. “En el pasado, nos enfocábamos en el mensaje ‘Vida saludable, vida larga’; sin embargo, no se trata solo de tener una vida larga, sino de tener una vida larga y mantener nuestra función cognitiva y capacidad para tener independencia durante más tiempo y una mejor calidad de vida. Los hallazgos de nuestro estudio respaldan que es posible tener ambas”, afirmó Yoshida. “Mantener una salud cardiovascular óptima puede proteger la salud cerebral, incluso en las personas con diabetes de tipo 2 que tienen el riesgo genético más alto de demencia”. Detalles, antecedentes o diseño del estudio: Los datos de salud y genética se obtuvieron de UK Biobank, una base de datos biomédicos de gran escala que incluye información genética y de salud de más de 500,000 adultos que viven en el Reino Unido y que tenían entre 40 y 69 años cuando se inscribieron entre el 2006 y el 2010. Este análisis incluyó datos de salud cardiovascular de 15,613 adultos con diabetes de tipo 2 sin demencia. También se realizó un análisis adicional de 20,160 adultos sin demencia de la Plataforma de Investigación “All of Us” de los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud para compararlo con una población representativa de los EE. UU. Se evaluó la salud cardiovascular utilizando la puntuación de los Life’s Essential 8 de la American Heart Association. La salud cardiovascular se clasificó como óptima (puntaje de 80 a 100), moderada (puntaje de 50 a 79) y deficiente (puntaje de 0 a 49) según ocho métricas: tabaquismo, actividad física, dieta, sueño, índice de masa corporal, presión arterial, niveles de azúcar en la sangre y niveles de colesterol. Los datos se obtuvieron en la consulta de evaluación inicial (del 2006 al 2010), en la que se seleccionó a los participantes y se otorgó el consentimiento. Posteriormente, se volvió a llevar a cabo este proceso durante una nueva consulta de evaluación (del 2012 al 2013), en una consulta de obtención de imágenes inicial después del 2014 y en una nueva consulta de obtención de imágenes después del 2019. También se analizó a un grupo de más de 20,000 adultos sin demencia de la Plataforma de Investigación All of Us (sitio web en inglés) de los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud para llevar a cabo una comparación representativa de la población general de los EE. UU. Los investigadores observaron que 667 adultos tuvieron deterioro cognitivo leve y 538 adultos tuvieron demencia durante el período de seguimiento de 15 años. Los coautores, las divulgaciones y las fuentes de

Research Highlights: A review of 155 scientific studies found influenza and COVID infections raised the risk of heart attack or stroke as much as three-to five-fold in the weeks following the initial infection. Viruses that linger in the body, such as HIV, hepatitis C and varicella zoster virus (the virus that causes shingles), can lead to long-term elevations in the risk of cardiovascular events. The study researchers say preventive measures, including vaccination, may play an important role in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially in people who already have heart disease or heart disease risk factors. Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 DALLAS, Oct. 29, 2025 — In the weeks following a bout of influenza or COVID, the risk of heart attack or stroke may rise dramatically, and chronic infections such as HIV may increase the long-term risk of serious cardiovascular disease events, according to new, independent research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, an open access, peer-reviewed journal of the American Heart Association. “It is well recognized that human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus and other viruses can cause cancer; however, the link between viral infections and other non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, is less well understood,” said Kosuke Kawai, Sc.D., lead author of the study and adjunct associate professor in the division of general internal medicine and health services research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. “Our study found acute and chronic viral infections are linked to both short- and long-term risks of cardiovascular disease, including strokes and heart attacks.” The researchers set out to systematically review all published studies that investigated the association between any viral infection and the risk of stroke and heart attack, initially screening more than 52,000 publications and identifying 155 as appropriately designed and of high quality allowing for meta-analysis of the combined data. In studies that compared people’s cardiovascular risks in the weeks following documented respiratory infection vs. the same people’s risk when they did not have the infection, researchers found: People are 4 times as likely to have a heart attack and 5 times more likely to have a stroke in the month after laboratory-confirmed influenza. People are 3 times more likely to have a heart attack and 3 times as likely to have a stroke in the 14 weeks following COVID infection, with the risk remaining elevated for a year. The immune system’s natural response to viral infections includes the release of molecules that trigger and sustain inflammation and promote the tendency of blood to clot, both of which may last long after the initial infection has been resolved. Both inflammation and blood clotting can reduce the ability of the heart to function properly and may help explain the increased heart attack and stroke risk. Inflammation plays a key role in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It contributes to the formation and rupture of plaques in arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Some elevated inflammatory markers are linked to worse outcomes and higher risk of future events; thus, managing inflammation is becoming an important part of preventing and treating CVD. In studies comparing long-term risk (average of more than 5 years) of cardiovascular events in people with certain chronic viral infections vs. similar people without the infection, the researchers found: A 60% higher risk of heart attack and 45% higher risk of stroke in people with HIV infection. A 27% higher risk of heart attack and 23% higher risk of stroke in people with hepatitis C infection. A 12% higher risk of heart attack and 18% higher risk of stroke in people had shingles. “The elevated risks for cardiovascular disease risks are lower for HIV, hepatitis C and herpes zoster than the heightened short-term risk following influenza and COVID. However, the risks associated with those three viruses are still clinically relevant, especially because they persist for a long period of time. Moreover, shingles affects about one in three people in their lifetime,” Kawai said. “Therefore, the elevated risk associated with that virus translates into a large number of excess cases of cardiovascular disease at the population level.” The findings also suggest that increased vaccination rates for influenza, COVID and shingles have the potential to reduce the overall rate of heart attacks and strokes. As an example, the researchers cite a 2022 review of available science that found a 34% lower risk of major cardiovascular events among participants receiving a flu shot in randomized clinical trials vs. participants in the same trials who were randomly selected to receive a placebo instead. “Preventive measures against viral infections, including vaccination, may play an important role in decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Prevention is especially important for adults who already have cardiovascular disease or cardiovascular disease risk factors,” Kawai said. According to the American Heart Association, people may be at greater risk for cardiovascular disease because of viruses such as influenza, COVID, RSV and shingles. Additionally, because people with cardiovascular disease may face more severe complications from these viruses, the Association recommends those individuals consult with a health care professional to discuss which vaccines are right for them, as vaccination offers critical protection to people already at increased risk. Although a connection has been suggested in previous studies, researchers note there is currently limited evidence and more studies are needed to understand the possible links between heart disease risk and several other viruses, including cytomegalovirus (virus that can cause birth defects), herpes simplex 1 (virus that causes cold sores), dengue (mosquito-spread virus that can cause dengue fever) and human papilloma virus (can cause cervical and other cancers later in life). The current analysis has some limitations as it was based on observational studies rather than randomized controlled trials; however, many of the studies accounted adequately for potential confounding factors. Because most studies examined infection with a single virus, it is unclear how infection with multiple viruses or bacteria may have affected the results. The analysis focused on viral infections that impact the general public and did not identify high-risk groups (such as transplant recipients) that may be disproportionately affected. Study details, background and design: Investigators searched multiple medical databases from inception through July 2024 for studies examining the association of viral infections and cardiovascular diseases, then screened 52,336 possibly relevant publications and selected 155 studies as appropriate for analysis. Studies were published between 1997 and 2024 and most were conducted in North America (67), Europe (46) and East Asia (32). 137 studies evaluated one viral infection and 18 studies evaluated 2 or more. For each virus under consideration, researchers performed a meta-analysis of studies employing the same study design. Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript. Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: Multimedia is available on the right column of release link. After Oct. 29, 2025, view the manuscript online. American Heart Association health information: Vaccines Follow American Heart Association/American Stroke Association news on X @HeartNews Follow news from the Journal of the American Heart Association @JAHA_AHA ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries and American Heart Association Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Cathy Lewis:  cathy.lewis@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org ]]>

Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT / 5 a.m. ET Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 Note: the first bullet below under "key findings from the new survey" has been updated (10/20/25) DALLAS, Oct. 20, 2025 — About 9 in 10 U.S. adults have not heard of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a newly defined health condition affecting nearly 90% of adults that includes heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity, according to a new survey from the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere. However, many are interested in learning more about it. Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for CKM syndrome[1], including high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, high blood glucose (sugar), excess weight and reduced kidney function. The interplay of these risk factors increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and heart failure more than any one of them alone. For most of them, CKM syndrome is reversible with changes to their eating pattern, physical activity and appropriate treatment.[2],[3] “We want people to know that it’s really common to have heart, kidney and metabolic risk factors at the same time. It is reassuring that once the CKM connection was defined nearly three-quarters of those responding understood that it was important and wanted to learn more,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., FAHA, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention. CKM health includes the heart, kidneys and metabolic system (responsible for creating, using and storing energy, which affects weight and blood glucose level). These systems are connected and function together. When one system is functioning poorly, it can make the others worse. This creates a cycle that puts your health at serious risk for CKM syndrome. The Association will issue the first ever guidelines on CKM syndrome in early 2026. Key findings from the new survey: 12% of U.S. adults had heard of CKM health or CKM syndrome 79% agreed that it is important that they understand more about CKM health and 72% said they are interested in learning more about it People are most interested in learning about how CKM syndrome is treated (72%) and diagnosed (71%) 68% of U.S. adults incorrectly believe it’s best to manage individual conditions one at a time or weren’t sure of the best way to manage them 42% believed that a healthy heart would not likely be damaged by other organ systems or weren’t sure “The heart, kidney and metabolic systems are connected and, as such, should be treated in a coordinated way,” Sanchez said. "These results reveal the need to emphasize those connections and help patients understand the importance of collaborative care.” The American Heart Association’s CKM Health Initiative™ is providing a website and educational resources to help people understand how heart, kidney and metabolic health are connected and take action early to prevent a heart attack, heart failure or stroke. The Association is also working with healthcare teams across the country to improve collaboration among health care professionals who care for patients living with multiple health conditions. A new video helps by clarifying “2 truths” about heart health with a simplified visual and explanation (watch the video here): The heart pumps blood to the body The metabolic system turns glucose (sugar) from the blood into energy The process of metabolism dumps waste back into the blood The kidneys filter waste from the blood and balance fluids, which helps with blood pressure Blood pressure affects how the heart pumps blood into the body “CKM health is about your overall health,” said Sanchez. “It’s a full circle. You can take care of your overall health with regular checks of your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood sugar and kidney function.” The Harris Poll conducted a survey in August 2025 on behalf of the Heart Association to gauge public awareness of CKM syndrome and CKM health. About 4,000 U.S. adults were surveyed. Health care professionals can access resources on interdisciplinary care and information about joining the CKM Health Initiative at heart.org/CKMtools. The American Heart Association’s Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health Initiative is made possible by Founding Sponsors Novo Nordisk® and Boehringer Ingelheim,Supporting Sponsors Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Bayer, and Champion Sponsor DaVita®. Additional Resources: Multimedia is available on the right column of release link. House Calls, featuring Dr. Sanchez (video) What is CKM Syndrome? Think you have CKM syndrome? Here’s what to do next. Your Health is Connected (PDF) Myth vs Fact: Understanding CKM syndrome (PDF) Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association’s overall financial information are available here. Research Methodology The research was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of  the American Heart Association among 4,007 US adults aged 18+. The survey was conducted 8/6 - 8/22/2025. Data are weighted where necessary by education, age by gender, race/ethnicity, region, household income, size of household, marital status, employment, and smoking status to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within ± 2.0 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Maggie Francis: Maggie.Francis@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org  [1] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2818457 [2] Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Health: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association [3] Prevalence of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome Stages in US Adults, 2011-2020 | JAMA ]]>

Research Highlights: Only 1 in 7 online stock images of blood pressure monitoring aligned with the procedures recommended by clinical guidelines. Online stock images depicting blood pressure monitoring in the home were approximately three times more accurate than images depicting blood pressure monitoring in a physician’s office, health care facility or hospital. This study is among the first to review online images of people having their blood pressure measured from major stock photo websites. Embargoed until 2 p.m. CT/3 p.m. ET Monday, September 8, 2025 DALLAS, September 8, 2025 — Only 1 in 7 online stock photo images of blood pressure monitoring correctly show how blood pressure should be measured, contributing to potentially inaccurate readings at home and in physicians’ offices, health care facilities or hospitals, according to new research published today in Hypertension, an American Heart Association journal. The study is one of the first to systematically evaluate the accuracy of online images depicting blood pressure measurements on major stock photo websites based on the 2023 International Consensus on Standardized Clinic Blood Pressure Measurement. “We expected that about 50% of images would be accurate, however, our findings were worse than expected,” said lead author Alta Schutte, Ph.D., a professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of New South Wales Sydney, and co-lead of the cardiovascular program at The George Institute for Global Health in Australia. “Because people tend to remember images better than words — a phenomenon known as the picture-superiority effect — inaccurate visuals could have serious public health consequences.” Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. (From 2017 to 2020, 122.4 million adults in the U.S., or 46.7%, had high blood pressure; source: American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics) ”More people are checking their blood pressure at home. But because of the inaccurate depictions online – even on reputable websites – it is very likely that people who look for information on the internet about blood pressure will see these images and may use the incorrect technique at home. If this happens, people will get blood pressure readings that are either too high or too low, which can lead to wrong conclusions about their blood pressure and possibly too much or too little treatment when these blood pressure measures are shared with their health care team,” Schutte said. The analysis found: Only 14% of more than 1,000 images depicting adults having their blood pressure measured were accurate. Deviations from clinical guidelines that contributed to photo inaccuracy included: the individual’s back was not supported (73%); the whole forearm was not resting on a flat surface or table (55%); using a manual self-pumping device instead of an electronic or battery-operated upper-arm device (52%); feet were dangling rather than flat on the floor (36%); the health care professional (23%) and patient (18%) were talking while taking the measurement; mid-arm was not at heart level (19%); people had their legs crossed (13%); the patient was not sitting (5%); and the blood pressure cuff was placed over clothing (12%) rather than the bare arm. 25% of images showing self-measurement of blood pressure at home were accurate compared to only 8% of images depicting blood pressure measurements in a physician’s office, health care facility or hospital. Images depicting blood pressure measurements taken by the patient themselves or another person were 6 times more likely to show accurate techniques compared to images showing blood pressure measured by a health care professional. “There have been many interesting studies about errors in blood pressure measurement and the blood pressure effect of such errors, for example, if the cuff on the upper arm is not held at heart level. This is the first evaluation of publicly available images of blood pressure measurement to highlight the problem with inaccurate images,” Schutte said. “It is important for people to understand how to measure their blood pressure correctly. Inaccurate readings in clinics are also a very common problem. We want everyone to know how health care professionals should take blood pressure measurements so they can identify any mistakes if the procedure is not followed correctly,” she said. Chair of the American Heart Association’s 2025 high blood pressure guideline writing committee released last month, Daniel Jones, M.D., FAHA, said, “This study highlights the importance of using accurate images to demonstrate the proper technique for measuring blood pressure. Home blood pressure monitoring is recommended for patients to help confirm an office diagnosis of high blood pressure and to monitor, track progress and tailor care as part of an integrated care plan.” Jones, who was not involved in this study, is also a past volunteer president of the American Heart Association (2007-2008) and currently dean and professor emeritus of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. The American Heart Association has resources to help people learn proper blood pressure measurement techniques. The study has several limitations. Some images were incomplete; for instance, less than a quarter of them showed whether the person had their feet crossed or flat on the floor. If these details were clear, it might affect accuracy levels. Although the included photos were not penalized based on features that were not visually assessable, the findings may be affected. Additionally, the stock images used in this study were probably not created with the International Consensus Guidelines in mind. So, any errors found likely do not stem from an intentional misrepresentation of proper technique, yet these are the images that are typically used by the media and website developers. Study background and details: The analysis used a Google search conducted on July 22, 2024, to identify a comprehensive list of 11 major online stock photo sites (123rf, Adobe Stock, Alamy, Bigstockphoto, Dreamstime, Flickr, Freepik, Getty Images, iStock, Pikwizard and Shutterstock). The first 100 photos from each online stock photo site were downloaded for further screening. Stock photo sites with more than 10% duplicate images were excluded. Cartoon or fictional images, AI-generated images or photos without people were also excluded. Of 121,000 images, 1,106 photos identified with the search term “blood pressure check” in adults were each reviewed by two reviewers. Overall, about 63% of the images were in a physician’s office or hospital, while about 37% showed home blood pressure monitoring in a home setting. Blood pressure measurements were performed by a health care professional in 72.8% of the photos, 24.5% were done by the patient and 2.7% were taken by other people. Conflicts (reviewers not agreeing) of each online image were resolved in two stages. First, two reviewers independently examined the stock photos, then met as a group to discuss the screening criteria and determine if the image accurately depicted correct blood pressure measuring techniques. Blood pressure measurements depicted in the images were checked for accuracy based on: whether the patient or the person taking the measurement was talking or laughing; the patient’s position: sitting, whether their whole forearm was resting on the table, mid-arm at heart level, back supported by a chair, legs uncrossed, and feet flat on the floor; the type of blood pressure measurement device: an electronic upper-arm device instead of a manual device; and the blood pressure cuff: placed on a bare arm. “We have noted photos with wrong techniques on the websites of major health organizations and universities. We urge these organizations, media outlets, stock photo creators, web developers, medical journalists, and researchers to take a closer look at their online images. They should check that all images show how to measure blood pressure accurately and represent the proper techniques to reduce the likelihood of incorrect blood pressure readings at home and in clinical settings,” Schutte said. Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript. Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here. Additional Resources: Multimedia is available on the right column of release link. Spanish news release After September 8, 2025, view the manuscript online. American Heart Association news release: New high blood pressure guideline emphasizes prevention, early treatment to reduce CVD risk (Aug. 2025) American Heart Association news release: Popular home blood pressure monitoring cuff devices may not fit some US adults (Sept. 2024) American Heart Association policy statement: Self-Measured Blood Pressure Monitoring at Home: A Joint Policy Statement From the American Heart Association and American Medical Association (June 2020) American Heart Association health information: High Blood Pressure American Heart Assoc

Puntos destacados de la investigación: Solo 1 de cada 7 imágenes de archivo en línea sobre el monitoreo de la presión arterial coincidía con los procedimientos recomendados por las directrices clínicas. Las imágenes de archivo en línea que mostraban el monitoreo de la presión arterial en el hogar eran aproximadamente tres veces más precisas que las imágenes que mostraban el monitoreo de la presión arterial en un consultorio médico, un centro de cuidados de salud o un hospital. Este estudio se encuentra entre los primeros estudios en los que se revisan imágenes en línea de personas a las que se les mide la presión arterial en los principales sitios web de fotos de archivo. Prohibida su divulgación hasta las 2 p. m. CT/3 p. m. ET del lunes 8 de septiembre del 2025 DALLAS, 8 de septiembre del 2025 — Según una nueva investigación publicada hoy en Hypertension (sitio web en inglés), una revista médica de la American Heart Association, solo 1 de cada 7 imágenes de archivo en línea sobre el monitoreo de la presión arterial muestra de forma correcta cómo se debe medir la presión arterial, lo que implica lecturas posiblemente inexactas en casa y en los consultorios médicos, los centros de cuidados de salud o los hospitales. El estudio es uno de los primeros estudios en los que se evalúa sistemáticamente la precisión de las imágenes en línea que representan mediciones de la presión arterial en los principales sitios web de fotos de archivo con base en el Consenso Internacional sobre la Medición Estandarizada de la Presión Arterial en Clínicas del 2023 (sitio web en inglés). “Esperábamos que alrededor del 50% de las imágenes fueran precisas; sin embargo, nuestros hallazgos fueron peores de lo esperado”, afirmó la autora principal, Alta Schutte, Ph.D., profesora de medicina cardiovascular en la Universidad de Nueva Gales del Sur en Sídney y codirectora del programa cardiovascular en The George Institute for Global Health en Australia. “Debido a que las personas tienden a recordar mejor las imágenes que las palabras, un fenómeno conocido como efecto de superioridad de la imagen, las imágenes inexactas podrían tener graves consecuencias para la salud pública”. Según la American Heart Association, casi la mitad de los adultos en los Estados Unidos padecen presión arterial alta. (Del 2017 al 2020, 122.4 millones de adultos en los Estados Unidos, o un 46.7%, padecían presión arterial alta; fuente: Estadísticas sobre enfermedades cardíacas y derrames cerebrales [ataques cerebrales] del 2025 de la American Heart Association [sitio web en inglés). “Cada vez más personas se toman la presión arterial en casa. Sin embargo, debido a la inexactitud de las imágenes que se muestran en Internet, incluso en sitios web de prestigio, es muy probable que las personas que buscan información sobre la presión arterial en Internet vean estas imágenes y usen una técnica incorrecta en casa. Si esto ocurre, las personas obtendrán lecturas de presión arterial demasiado altas o demasiado bajas, lo que puede llevar a conclusiones erróneas sobre la presión arterial y, posiblemente, a un tratamiento excesivo o insuficiente cuando compartan estas mediciones con el equipo de cuidados de salud”, afirmó Schutte. El análisis reveló lo siguiente: Solo el 14% de las más de 1,000 imágenes que mostraban a adultos sometiéndose a una medición de la presión arterial eran precisa Entre las desviaciones de las directrices clínicas que implicaban la inexactitud de las fotos se incluían las siguientes: la espalda de la persona no estaba apoyada (73%); el antebrazo no estaba apoyado sobre una superficie plana o una mesa (55%); aparecía un dispositivo manual de bombeo en lugar de un dispositivo electrónico o que funciona con baterías en la parte superior del brazo (52%); los pies no estaban apoyados en el suelo (36%); el profesional de la salud (23%) y el paciente (18%) hablaban mientras se realizaba la medición; la parte media del brazo no estaba a la altura del corazón (19%); las personas tenían las piernas cruzadas (13%); el paciente no estaba sentado (5%); y el manguito de presión arterial estaba sobre la ropa (12%) y no sobre el brazo desnudo. El 25% de las imágenes que mostraban la automedición de la presión arterial en casa eran precisas, en comparación con solo el 8% de las imágenes que mostraban la medición de la presión arterial en el consultorio de un médico, un centro de cuidados de salud o un hospital. Las imágenes que mostraban mediciones de la presión arterial realizadas por el propio paciente u otra persona tenían 6 veces más probabilidades de mostrar técnicas precisas en comparación con las imágenes que mostraban a un profesional de la salud midiendo la presión arterial. “Se han realizado muchos estudios interesantes sobre los errores en la medición de la presión arterial y el efecto de dichos errores en la presión arterial; por ejemplo, en el caso de que el manguito en la parte superior del brazo no se mantenga a la altura del corazón. Esta es la primera evaluación de imágenes de medición de la presión arterial disponibles públicamente que destaca el problema de las imágenes inexactas”, señaló Schutte. “Es importante que las personas comprendan cómo medir correctamente su presión arterial. Las lecturas inexactas en las clínicas también son un problema muy común. Queremos que todas las personas conozcan cómo los profesionales de la salud deben tomar la presión arterial para que puedan identificar cualquier error en caso de que no se siga correctamente el procedimiento”, afirmó. El presidente del comité de redacción de las directrices sobre presión arterial alta para el 2025 de la American Heart Association, publicadas el mes pasado, Daniel Jones, M.D., FAHA, expresó: “En este estudio, se destaca la importancia de usar imágenes precisas a fin de demostrar la técnica adecuada para medir la presión arterial. Se recomienda a los pacientes que se midan la presión arterial en casa con el fin de ayudar a confirmar el diagnóstico de presión arterial alta realizado en la consulta y para monitorear, realizar un seguimiento de la evolución y adaptar la atención como parte de un plan de atención integral”. Jones, que no participó en este estudio, también fue presidente voluntario de la American Heart Association (entre el 2007 y 2008) y, actualmente, es decano y profesor emérito de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Misisipi. La American Heart Association cuenta con recursos (sitio web en inglés) para ayudar a las personas a aprender las técnicas adecuadas para medir la presión arterial. El estudio tiene varias limitaciones. Algunas imágenes estaban incompletas; por ejemplo, menos de una cuarta parte de ellas mostraban si la persona tenía los pies cruzados o apoyados en el suelo. Si estos detalles estuvieran claros, podrían afectar los niveles de precisión. Aunque las fotos incluidas no se penalizaron en función de características que no eran evaluables visualmente, los hallazgos pueden verse afectados. Además, es probable que las imágenes de archivo que se usaron en este estudio no se crearan de conformidad con las Directrices del Consenso Internacional. Por lo tanto, es probable que los errores encontrados no se deban a una interpretación errónea intencionada de la técnica adecuada, pero estas son las imágenes que los medios de comunicación y los desarrolladores de sitios web suelen usar. Antecedentes y detalles del estudio: En el análisis, se usó una búsqueda en Google realizada el 22 de julio del 2024 para identificar una lista completa de 11 sitios principales de fotos de archivo en línea (123rf, Adobe Stock, Alamy, Bigstockphoto, Dreamstime, Flickr, Freepik, Getty Images, iStock, Pikwizard y Shutterstock). Se descargaron las primeras 100 fotos de cada sitio de fotos de archivo en línea para su posterior selección. Se excluyeron los sitios de fotos de archivo con más del 10% de imágenes duplicadas. También se excluyeron las imágenes de dibujos animados o ficticias, las imágenes generadas por inteligencia artificial (IA) y las fotos sin personas. De las 121,000 imágenes, 1,106 fotos se identificaban con el término de búsqueda “control de la presión arterial” en adultos y dos revisores las analizaron. En general, alrededor del 63% de las imágenes mostraban el consultorio de un médico o un hospital, mientras que alrededor del 37% mostraban el monitoreo de la presión arterial en el hogar. El 72.8% de las fotos mostraba a un profesional de la salud realizando la medición de la presión arterial, el 24.5% mostraba a un paciente realizando la medición y el 2.7% mostraba a otras personas realizando esta acción. Los conflictos (desacuerdos entre los revisores) sobre cada imagen en línea se resolvieron en dos etapas. En primer lugar, dos revisores examinaron de forma independiente las fotos de archivo y, a continuación, se reunieron en grupo para analizar los criterios de selección y determinar si la imagen representaba con precisión las técnicas correctas de medición de la presión arterial. Se comprobó la precisión de las mediciones de la presión arterial representadas en las imágenes en función de los siguientes criterios: si el paciente o la persona que realizaba la medición estaba hablando o riendo; la posición del paciente: sentado, con todo el antebrazo apoyado en la mesa, la parte media del brazo a la altura del corazón, la espalda apoyada en una silla, las piernas sin cruzar y los pies apoyados en el suelo; el tipo de dispositivo de medición de la presión arterial: un dispositivo electrónico para la parte superior del brazo en lugar de un dispositivo manual; y el manguito de presión arterial: puesto sobre el brazo desnudo. “Observamos fotos con técnicas incorrectas en los sitios web de importantes organizaciones de salud y universidades. Instamos a estas organizaciones, medios de comunicación, creadores de fotos de archivo, desarrolladores web, periodistas médicos e investigadores a

DALLAS, 3 de septiembre de 2025 — La fibrilación auricular, o FibA, a menudo pasa desapercibida a pesar de afectar a millones de personas y aumentar hasta 5 veces[1] el riesgo de sufrir un derrame cerebral. Una nueva investigación realizada por la American Heart Association, en colaboración con The Olinger Group, revela que la mayoría de las personas con FibA (62%) no sabía que tenía la afección antes de recibir el diagnóstico[2]. Durante septiembre, Mes de la Concientización sobre la FibA, la American Heart Association, una organización que trabaja incansablemente por un futuro más sano para todas las personas en todas partes, está promoviendo a nivel nacional la concientización sobre esta afección, destacando que la identificación y el tratamiento tempranos de la FibA son fundamentales para prevenir un derrame cerebral. Cualquier persona puede tener FibA, y el riesgo aumenta con la edad. Es importante conocer los signos y factores de riesgo: Identifica los síntomas y riesgos de la FibA. El latido irregular del corazón es un síntoma frecuente de la FibA, mientras que la presión arterial alta y los antecedentes familiares son factores de riesgo clave que aumentan la probabilidad de presentar la afección. La FibA se puede controlar y tratar. Con el plan adecuado, puedes reducir el riesgo de tener un derrame cerebral, y vivir plenamente. No estás solo en tu proceso de FibA. Busca apoyo y conéctate con otras personas en MyAFibExperience.org. La FibA consiste en un latido de corazón agitado o irregular que puede provocar coágulos, ataques o derrames cerebrales, insuficiencia cardíaca y otras complicaciones relacionadas con el corazón. Según las estadísticas más recientes de la American Heart Association, el trastorno del ritmo cardíaco (arritmia) afecta a más de 6 millones de personas en EE. UU.; además, se espera que el número se duplique para el 2030[3]. “La proyección de este aumento se debe a varios factores, incluida la creciente prevalencia de la presión arterial alta, un factor de riesgo importante para la FibA, así como el aumento de los casos de diabetes, obesidad y el envejecimiento de la población”, informó José Joglar, MD, voluntario de la American Heart Association, profesor de electrofisiología cardíaca en el UT Southwestern Medical Center en Dallas y presidente de la guía 2023 para el diagnóstico y control de la fibrilación auricular. “Es importante que las personas comprendan los factores de riesgo, reconozcan los posibles síntomas y conversen periódicamente con su profesional de la salud. La detección temprana y un control proactivo pueden marcar la diferencia y salvar vidas”. Para comprender mejor este creciente problema de salud pública, la Asociación llevó a cabo una encuesta en línea a nivel nacional con 1,200 participantes, incluidos 770 pacientes con FibA y 430 cuidadores, entre enero y marzo de 2025. En el estudio se evaluó el conocimiento sobre la afección, así como las motivaciones y obstáculos que existen para el tratamiento. Los resultados revelan lagunas en el conocimiento público sobre la FibA y destacan áreas donde es fundamental aumentar la conciencia para promover un reconocimiento y diagnóstico más tempranos de la afección. Infórmate sobre los signos y factores de riesgo Los síntomas pueden variar ampliamente o no presentarse. Muchas personas relacionan la FibA con un latido rápido o irregular del corazón; sin embargo, también pueden presentarse otros síntomas, como dificultad para respirar, cansancio, mareo, dolor en el pecho o desmayos. Aunque cualquier persona puede tener FibA, el riesgo aumenta con la edad y es mayor en personas con presión arterial alta no controlada, diabetes tipo 2, sobrepeso, antecedentes de ataque cardíaco o antecedentes familiares de la afección. Según la investigación, los pacientes con FibA informaron experimentar un promedio de tres síntomas antes de recibir el diagnóstico[4], lo que destaca la importancia de reconocer las señales de advertencia tempranas, comprender los factores de riesgo personales y conversarlos con un profesional de la salud.  Control de la FibA Recibir un diagnóstico de FibA puede ser abrumador. Sin embargo, con el plan de cuidado adecuado, puedes controlar la FibA de manera eficaz y reducir el riesgo de derrame cerebral y otras complicaciones. Trabajar en conjunto con un equipo de profesionales de la salud ayuda a los pacientes a entender su tipo específico de FibA y a elaborar un plan personalizado. Entre las opciones de tratamiento para la FibA, se incluyen medicamentos, procedimientos y cambios en el estilo de vida, como controlar el peso, aumentar la actividad física, dejar de fumar y controlar afecciones como la presión arterial alta para mejorar la salud a largo plazo. El apoyo está a tu alcance No estás solo en tu proceso de FibA. Las personas que tienen FibA y sus cuidadores pueden encontrar apoyo y establecer conexiones a través de la comunidad en línea de la American Heart Association: MyAFibExperience. Durante este Mes de Concientización sobre la FibA, toma medidas y fomenta el cambio aprendiendo a identificar los signos de la FibA y conversando con tu equipo de profesionales de la salud para controlar tus factores de riesgo. Obtén más información en Heart.org/AFib. La HCA Healthcare Foundation (Fundación de Cuidados de Salud HCA) es patrocinadora nacional de la iniciativa Together to End Stroke® de la American Stroke Association y del Mes de la Concientización sobre la FibA. La American Stroke Association, una división de la American Heart Association, patrocinó la investigación con el apoyo financiero de la HCA Healthcare Foundation. Recursos Adicionales: Fotos disponibles en la columna derecha del enlace del comunicado. Comunicado de prensa en inglés ### Acerca de la American Heart Association La American Heart Association es una organización que trabaja incansablemente para promover un mundo con vidas más sanas y largas. La organización ha sido una fuente líder de información sobre salud durante más de cien años y su objetivo es garantizar la equidad en la salud en todas las comunidades. Con el apoyo de más de 35 millones de voluntarios en todo el mundo, financiamos investigaciones vanguardistas, defendemos la salud pública y proporcionamos recursos fundamentales para salvar y mejorar vidas afectadas por enfermedades cardiovasculares y ataques o derrames cerebrales. Trabajamos incansablemente para hacer avanzar la salud y transformar vidas cada día mediante el impulso de avances y la implementación de soluciones comprobadas en las áreas de ciencia, políticas y cuidados. Comunícate con nosotros en heart.org (sitio web en inglés), Facebook, X o llamando al 1-800-AHA-USA1.    Para consultas de los medios de comunicación: 214-706-1173 Darcy Wallace: Darcy.Wallace@heart.org Para consultas públicas: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org (sitio web en inglés) y derramecerebral.org [1] www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Health-Topics/Atrial-Fibrillation/FAQ-About-AFib.pdf consultado el 29 de julio de 2025 [2] American Stroke Association. (2025). AFib patient and caregiver market research: entre enero y marzo del 2025. (Disponible bajo petición) [3] S S Martin; et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2025 Update: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association Circulation. 2025;151:e1–e620. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001303 [4] American Stroke Association. (2025).  AFib patient and caregiver market research: entre enero y marzo del 2025. (Disponible bajo petición) ]]>

Puntos destacados de la investigación: El tratamiento de sustitución hormonal mediante comprimidos vaginales de estrógeno no se asoció a un aumento del riesgo de accidentes cerebrovasculares isquémicos en mujeres posmenopáusicas que ya habían sufrido un ataque o derrame cerebral, según un análisis de datos de un registro de salud de Dinamarca. Este es uno de los primeros estudios en el que se analiza el riesgo de recurrencia de ataques o derrames cerebrales en mujeres posmenopáusicas que utilizan estrógenos por vía vaginal. Prohibida su divulgación hasta las 4:00 a. m. CT/5:00 a. m. ET, jueves 21 de agosto del 2025 DALLAS, 21 de agosto del 2025 — En un registro danés, el uso de comprimidos vaginales de estrógeno no se asoció a un aumento del riesgo de recurrencia de accidentes cerebrovasculares isquémicos (sitio web en inglés) entre las mujeres posmenopáusicas, según una investigación publicada hoy en la revista médica científica Stroke, revisada por expertos de la American Stroke Association, una división de la American Heart Association. A diferencia del estrógeno oral o las formulaciones transdérmicas, como cremas y parches, a las mujeres de este estudio basado en registros habían recibido se les recetaron comprimidos de estrógeno diseñados para el uso vaginal. Estos comprimidos se disuelven de manera local y el estrógeno se absorbe a través de la mucosa vaginal para ayudar a tratar síntomas comunes de la menopausia, como la sequedad vaginal y las molestias durante las relaciones sexuales. En mujeres sanas, este leve aumento del estrógeno en el torrente sanguíneo debido a los comprimidos vaginales no parece causar problemas. Sin embargo, anteriormente se desconocía si los comprimidos vaginales de estrógeno representaban un riesgo para las mujeres con antecedentes de ataque o derrame cerebral, un grupo que se considera más vulnerable a los ataques o derrames cerebrales recurrentes. “Se sabe que el tratamiento de sustitución hormonal sistémico, como los comprimidos orales de estrógeno, puede aumentar el riesgo de sufrir un ataque o derrame cerebral después de la menopausia. Aunque, en otros estudios, no se ha detectado un aumento del riesgo de ataques o derrames cerebrales asociados al uso de estrógenos vaginales en mujeres posmenopáusicas sanas, no hay datos sobre si los comprimidos vaginales de estrógeno representan un mayor riesgo para las mujeres que ya sufrieron un ataque o derrame cerebral”, afirmó la autora principal del estudio, Kimia Ghias Haddadan, M.D., afiliada al Departamento de Cardiología del Copenhagen University Hospital – Herlev and Gentofte en Copenhague, Dinamarca.     En este estudio, se examinaron los datos de recetas médicas de más de 34,000 mujeres posmenopáusicas, de 45 años o más, que habían sufrido un primer accidente cerebrovascular isquémico según un registro nacional de Dinamarca. Se excluyó a las mujeres que habían utilizado estrógenos vaginales antes de su primer ataque o derrame cerebral. Durante los 10 años que duró el estudio, los investigadores compararon las tasas de recurrencia de los ataques o derrames cerebrales en mujeres que utilizaban comprimidos vaginales de estrógenos con las tasas de mujeres que no utilizaban el tratamiento vaginal.  El análisis reveló lo siguiente: El uso de comprimidos vaginales de estrógeno no se asoció a un aumento del riesgo de sufrir un segundo ataque o derrame cerebral en mujeres posmenopáusicas que ya habían sufrido uno anteriormente. En comparación con los casos en los que no se usaron comprimidos vaginales de estrógeno, no hubo una asociación significativa entre el uso actual, reciente o anterior de los comprimidos vaginales de estrógeno y un segundo ataque o derrame cerebral. Asimismo, no se detectó un aumento del riesgo de sufrir un segundo ataque o derrame cerebral con el uso actual de dosis altas ni con el uso actual de dosis bajas. Incluso las mujeres con un uso acumulado más alto de comprimidos vaginales de estrógeno no presentaron un mayor riesgo de sufrir un segundo ataque o derrame cerebral en comparación con las mujeres que no los usaban. “Nos sentimos cautelosamente esperanzados con los hallazgos, y fue tranquilizador descubrir que el uso de estrógenos vaginales no aumentaba el riesgo de recurrencia de ataques o derrames cerebrales en esta población de alto riesgo”, afirmó Haddadan. “En estudios realizados en Estados Unidos, como la Women’s Health Initiative (Iniciativa para la Salud de la Mujer) y el Nurses’ Health Study (Estudio de Salud de las Enfermeras), no se ha observado un aumento del riesgo de ataques o derrames cerebrales con el uso de estrógenos vaginales en mujeres sanas. Nuestro estudio extiende esta tranquilidad a las mujeres con antecedentes de ataques o derrames cerebrales. Es importante señalar que estos hallazgos indican que es probable que el estrógeno por vía vaginal sea seguro para este grupo de mujeres de alto riesgo que ya han sufrido un ataque o derrame cerebral; sin embargo, no implican que el estrógeno vaginal prevenga los ataques o derrames cerebrales”, señaló. Haddadan mencionó que los hallazgos deberían ser aplicables a las mujeres posmenopáusicas en los EE. UU. y otros países, especialmente donde se utilizan productos vaginales de estrógeno similares. Entre los aspectos positivos del estudio, se incluyen su diseño a gran escala y a nivel nacional, que proporcionó una perspectiva integral de los resultados clínicos reales en una población de alto riesgo. Mediante el uso de registros daneses, los investigadores pudieron realizar un seguimiento preciso de los diagnósticos de ataques o derrames cerebrales, las recetas médicas y la información demográfica y de salud relevante de toda la población. “Como epidemióloga, considero que este estudio es una valiosa contribución, ya que se centra en una población que, a menudo, queda excluida de la investigación sobre el tratamiento hormonal: las mujeres de mediana edad que sufrieron un ataque o derrame cerebral. Además, se examinan los comprimidos vaginales, cuya vía de administración está en aumento. Si bien el estudio no encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa con la recurrencia de ataques o derrames cerebrales, los hallazgos deben interpretarse con cautela. Los datos del mundo real no pueden explicar todos los factores clínicos y conductuales, y los registros de recetas surtidas no confirman si el medicamento se utilizó realmente. Aun así, estudios como este nos permiten explorar aspectos importantes que, a menudo, no es posible abordar en ensayos clínicos”, señaló Samar R. El Khoudary, Ph.D., M.P.H., FAHA, presidenta de la Declaración del 2020 de la American Heart Association sobre la transición a la menopausia y el riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares: implicaciones para el momento de la prevención temprana (sitio web en inglés). El Khoudary, quien no participó en este estudio, es profesora del Departamento de Epidemiología de la University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. El estudio tiene varias limitaciones. Las mujeres que utilizaron estrógenos vaginales podrían haber gozado de una mejor salud en general, lo que podría afectar los resultados. Sin embargo, los investigadores ajustaron los datos para tener en cuenta una variedad de factores demográficos y de salud, como los medicamentos, las afecciones médicas, los ingresos y el nivel educativo, con el fin de reducir el impacto de este problema. El uso de estrógenos se determinó a partir de los registros de recetas médicas, en los que se indica que el medicamento se dispensó, pero no necesariamente que se tomó según lo prescrito; por lo tanto, no se puede confirmar el uso real ni el cumplimiento del tratamiento. Además, el estudio se centró únicamente en una forma de tratamiento: los comprimidos vaginales de estrógeno, ya que es el modo de tratamiento más común en Dinamarca. Es posible que los hallazgos no se apliquen a otras formulaciones de estrógeno, como cremas vaginales, parches o anillos. El costo tampoco se considera un problema, ya que Dinamarca proporciona cuidados de salud gratuitos y universales a todos los ciudadanos. Detalles, antecedentes y diseño del estudio: En un estudio nacional, en el que se utilizaron registros médicos, se identificó a 56,642 mujeres que sufrieron un ataque o derrame cerebral entre el 1 de enero del 2008 y el 31 de diciembre del 2017. En este análisis, se incluyó a un total de 34,274 mujeres de 45 años o más (edad media de 75 años), mientras que se excluyó a 22,368 mujeres por diversos motivos. Las exclusiones incluyeron a mujeres menores de 45 años, las que tenían antecedentes de uso de estrógenos vaginales y las que habían recibido tratamiento hormonal sistémico en el año anterior a su primer ataque o derrame cerebral. Se comparó a 3,353 mujeres que sufrieron un segundo ataque o derrame cerebral con la misma cantidad de mujeres que no lo sufrieron. A partir de los datos de las recetas médicas, los investigadores evaluaron si las mujeres habían utilizado comprimidos vaginales de estrógenos y clasificaron su uso como actual (en los 3 meses anteriores), reciente (entre 3 y 24 meses antes) o anterior (más de 24 meses antes del estudio). Para evaluar si el uso de estrógenos vaginales estaba relacionado con el riesgo de sufrir un segundo ataque o derrame cerebral en mujeres posmenopáusicas, los investigadores compararon a cada mujer que sufrió un segundo ataque o derrame cerebral (grupo de casos) con una mujer de la misma edad que no lo sufrió (grupo de control). En el estudio, no se incluyeron datos sobre la raza, ya que en Dinamarca no se recopila esa información sobre los pacientes. “Esperamos que nuestros hallazgos tranquilicen a los profesionales de la salud que atienden a mujeres posmenopáusicas con antecedentes de ataques o derrames cerebrales. Según el estudio, para estas mujeres, especialmente las que presentan síntomas preocupantes de la menopausia, este tipo de tratamiento puede ser una opción segura.

Research Highlights: Hormone replacement therapy using vaginal estrogen tablets was not associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke for postmenopausal women who have already had a stroke, according to a data analysis from a health registry in Denmark. This is one of the first studies to analyze the risk of recurrent stroke for postmenopausal women using vaginal estrogen. Embargoed until 4 a.m. CT/5 a.m. ET, Thursday, August 21, 2025 DALLAS, August 21, 2025 — Using vaginal estrogen tablets was not associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke among postmenopausal women in a registry in Denmark, according to research published today in Stroke, the peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association. Unlike oral estrogen or transdermal formulations such as creams and patches, the women in this registry-based study had prescriptions for estrogen tablets designed for vaginal use. These tablets dissolve locally, and the estrogen is absorbed through the vaginal mucosa to help manage common menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse. In healthy women, this mild increase in estrogen in the bloodstream from vaginal tablets doesn’t seem to cause problems. However, it was previously unknown whether the vaginal estrogen tablets posed a risk to women with a history of stroke, a group considered more vulnerable to recurrent strokes. “It is well known that taking systemic hormone replacement therapy, such as oral estrogen tablets, may increase the risk of stroke after menopause. While other studies have not detected an increased risk of stroke associated with the use of vaginal estrogen in healthy postmenopausal women, there is no data on whether vaginal estrogen tablets pose an increased risk for women who have already had a stroke,” said the study’s lead author Kimia Ghias Haddadan, M.D., affiliated with the department of cardiology at Copenhagen University Hospital – Herlev and Gentofte in Copenhagen, Denmark.     This study examined prescription data for more than 34,000 postmenopausal women, aged 45 and older, who had experienced a first ischemic stroke in a national registry in Denmark. Women who used vaginal estrogen before their first stroke were excluded. During the 10-year study, researchers compared the rates of recurrent stroke in women who used vaginal estrogen tablets with the rates of women who did not use the vaginal treatment.  The analysis found: The use of vaginal estrogen tablets was not associated with an increased risk of having a second stroke in postmenopausal women with a previous stroke. When compared to not using vaginal estrogen tablets, there was no significant association among current use, recent use or past use of the vaginal estrogen tablets with a second stroke. Similarly, no increased risk of a second stroke was found between high-dose current use or low-dose current use. Even women with higher cumulative use of vaginal estrogen tablets did not have a higher risk of a second stroke compared to non-users. “We were cautiously hopeful about the findings, and it was reassuring to discover that the use of vaginal estrogen did not raise the risk of recurrent stroke in this high-risk population,” Haddadan said. “U.S.-based studies, such as the Women’s Health Initiative and the Nurses’ Health Study, have shown no increased stroke risk with vaginal estrogen in healthy women. Our study extends this reassurance to women with a history of stroke. “It is important to note that these findings suggest that vaginal estrogen is likely safe for this high-risk group of women who have already had a stroke; however, they do not imply that vaginal estrogen prevents strokes,” she said. Haddadan said the findings should be applicable to postmenopausal women in the U.S. and other countries, especially where similar vaginal estrogen products are used. The study’s strengths include its large, nationwide design, which provided a comprehensive view of real-world clinical outcomes in a high-risk population. By using Danish registries, researchers could accurately track stroke diagnoses, prescriptions and relevant health and demographic information across the entire population. “As an epidemiologist, I see this study as a valuable contribution because it focuses on a population often excluded from hormone therapy research, midlife women with a prior stroke, and examines an increasingly used route of administration: vaginal tablets. While the study did not find a statistically significant association with stroke recurrence, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Real-world data can’t account for all clinical and behavioral factors, and prescription fill records don’t confirm whether the medication was actually used. Still, studies like this allow us to explore important questions that are often not feasible to address in clinical trials,” said Samar R. El Khoudary, Ph.D., M.P.H., FAHA, chair of the American Heart Association’s 2020 Statement on Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing of Early Prevention. El Khoudary, who was not involved in this study, is a professor in the department of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. The study has several limitations. Women who used vaginal estrogen might have been healthier overall, which could affect the results. However, researchers adjusted for a range of health and demographic factors, such as medications, medical conditions, income and education, to reduce the impact of this issue. Estrogen use was determined from prescription records, which indicate the medication was dispensed but not necessarily taken as prescribed; therefore, actual use or adherence cannot be confirmed. And the study focused solely on one form of treatment, vaginal estrogen tablets, because it is the most common mode of treatment in Denmark. The findings may not apply to other estrogen formulations, such as vaginal creams, patches or rings. Cost is also not an issue, because Denmark provides free universal health care to all citizens. Study details, background and design: A nationwide study using health records identified 56,642 women who had experienced a stroke between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2017. A total of 34,274 women ages 45 or older (median age of 75) were included in this analysis, while 22,368 women were excluded for various reasons. Exclusions included women under the age of 45, those with a history of vaginal estrogen use, and women who had used systemic hormone therapy within one year before their first stroke. 3,353 women who experienced a second stroke were compared to an equal number of women who did not experience a second stroke. Using prescription data, researchers assessed whether the women had used vaginal estrogen tablets and categorized their use as current (within 3 months), recent (3-24 months) or past (more than 24 months before the study). To evaluate whether vaginal estrogen use was linked to the risk of a second stroke in postmenopausal women, researchers compared each woman who’d had a second stroke (case group) with a woman of the same age who did not (control group). The study did not include data on race because that information is not collected about patients in Denmark. “We hope our findings reassure health professionals caring for postmenopausal women with a history of stroke. For these women, especially those with troubling menopause symptoms, the study shows that this type of therapy may be a safe choice. It could improve their quality of life without raising the risk of another stroke,” Haddadan said. Co-authors, disclosures and funding sources are listed in the manuscript. Studies published in the American Heart Association’s scientific journals are peer-reviewed. The statements and conclusions in each manuscript are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the Association’s policy or position. The Association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The Association receives more than 85% of its revenue from sources other than corporations. These sources include contributions from individuals, foundations and estates, as well as investment earnings and revenue from the sale of our educational materials. Corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations to the Association. The Association has strict policies to prevent any donations from influencing its science content and policy positions. Overall financial information is available here.  Additional Resources: Multimedia is available on the right column of release link. Spanish news release After August 21, view the manuscript online.  American Heart Association news release: Starting estradiol therapy soon after menopause may benefit arteries (March 2020)  American Heart Association health information: Women and Stroke Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews  ### About the American Stroke Association The American Stroke Association is devoted to saving people from stroke — the No. 2 cause of death in the world and a leading cause of serious disability. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat stroke. The Dallas-based association officially launched in 1998 as a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit stroke.org. Follow us on Facebook, X. For Media Inquiries and AHA/ASA Expert Perspective: 214-706-1173 Karen Astle: Karen.Astle@heart.org For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) heart.org and stroke.org ]]>