Top 5 Cardiovascular Content of 2023

Our top 5 most-viewed cardiovascular content focuses on how intense or distributed physical activity equally reduces cardiovascular risk, how a heart-healthy diet lowers cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk by 30%, a sharp rise in global atrial fibrillation (AF) cases, significant cardiovascular risk differences between Black and White women, and the SURPASS-CVOT trial's patient characteristics and COVID-19 challenges.

Here are the top 5 most-viewed cardiovascular content from 2023. Click here to check out all of our coverage on cardiovascular conditions.

5. Concentrated Exercise Reduces Cardiovascular Risk Similarly to Distributed Exercise

Engaging in intense physical activity for 1 to 2 days or spreading moderate activity across multiple days each similarly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, according to a study analyzing data from the UK Biobank cohort. The research compared an "active weekend warrior" pattern—where at least 50% of the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) occurred in 1 to 2 days—with MVPA evenly distributed across multiple days. Both patterns were associated with lower risks of AF, myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure, and stroke over a 5-year period. The findings suggest that physical activity, regardless of the pattern, may optimize cardiovascular risk reduction.

Read the full article here.

4. Research Identifies 6 Food Groups With Largest Impact on Cardiovascular Outcomes

A study replicating the PURE study suggested that a diet focusing on fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, moderate fish intake, and whole-fat dairy—while including or excluding unprocessed red meat and whole grains in moderation—significantly lowers the risk of CVD and mortality. The findings were based on 244,597 individuals across 80 countries and challenge dietary recommendations, emphasizing protective foods for improved heart health. The researchers developed a healthy PURE diet score based on 6 specific foods linked to longevity and found that individuals with a score of at least 5 points had a 30% lower risk of death, an 18% lower risk of CVD, a 14% lower risk of MI, and a 19% lower risk of stroke compared with individuals with a diet score of 1 point or less. The associations held across different income levels and regions, emphasizing the global impact of dietary choices on cardiovascular outcomes.

Read the full article here.

3. Global Burden of Atrial Fibrillation Rises Sharply Over 30 Years, Study Finds

A global analysis of data from 1990 to 2019 revealed a significant increase in the burden of AF and atrial flutter (AFL), particularly in middle-income countries, with the absolute number of cases more than doubling. Women account for much of the increase, and factors such as obesity and alcohol use have become key drivers of the diseases, replacing smoking. The prevalence of AF/AFL has risen the most in lower-middle and upper-middle income countries, but high-income countries still have the highest number of cases across the population.

Read the full article here.

2. More Black vs White Patients Have Risk Factors for LV Hypertrophy

A study analyzed cardiovascular risk factors and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in Black and White young adult female patients classified as obese, using data from the National Growth and Health Study. The analysis of 553 patients revealed significant differences between Black and White cohorts in various cardiovascular risk variables, including weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference, insulin levels, glucose levels, blood pressure, and more. The study findings suggested potential racial differences in cardiovascular risk factors among young adults, emphasizing the need for future research to explore social determinants of health and various adiposities to address disparities in cardiovascular outcomes. The study's limitations include a population of only Black and White female patients and the use of less accurate echocardiogram for LVMI measurement compared with cardiac MRI.

Read the full article here.

1. How SURPASS-CVOT Spotlights Tirzepatide for Cardiovascular Outcomes: Dr Stephen Nicholls

In an interview, Stephen Nicholls, PhD, MBBS, Monash University and Victorian Heart Hospital, described the patient characteristics in the SURPASS-CVOT trial; patients had type 2 diabetes, a BMI greater than 25 kg/m², were at high cardiovascular risk, and had clinically manifested atherosclerotic CVD. COVID-19 presented challenges, but recruitment continued successfully, possibly reflecting excitement about tirzepatide. The trial, comparing tirzepatide to dulaglutide, faced COVID-19–related difficulties, including ensuring patient visits and addressing the potential impact of COVID-19 on clinical events. Nicholls explained that investigators addressed these challenges by closely working with sites, emphasizing the importance of health advice, promoting up-to-date vaccine status, and leveraging the closer relationship between patients and site clinicians in clinical trials.

Watch the interview here.