Loneliness tied to CVD; how climate change affects the heart

Social isolation and loneliness are associated with a 29% increased risk for myocardial infarction and/or cardiovascular death and a 32% increased risk for stroke and stroke death, according to the American Heart Association.

In addition, researchers found that socially isolated adults with three or fewer social contacts per month may have a 40% increased risk for recurrent stroke or myocardial infarction, as well as a lower 5-year heart failure survival rate compared with those who have more social contacts. It was the top story in cardiology last week.

Another top story featured an interview with Martha Gulati, MD, MS, FACC, FAHA, FASPC, president of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology Congress, about how climate change is affecting cardiovascular health and how U.S. hospital systems disproportionately contribute to this global emergency.

Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:

Social isolation, loneliness may drive risk for fatal or nonfatal MI, stroke

Social isolation and loneliness are common and underrecognized determinants of cardiovascular and brain health, and more research is needed to understand causal pathways and interventions, according to a new scientific statement. Read more.

VIDEO: Cardiologists ‘can be silent no more’ on climate change and its effect on the heart

In this Healio video exclusive, Gulati issues a call to action for cardiologists to acknowledge the detrimental effect of climate change on heart health. Watch video.

Data predict ‘worrisome’ increase in CV risk factors, CVD by 2060

Researchers project a substantial increase in cardiovascular risk factors, including a 40% increase in diabetes and a 30% increase in hypertension, along with a parallel rise in CVD by 2060, likely stressing an already burdened health care system. Read more.

In US, hypertension diagnosis occurs earlier in Black, Hispanic adults

Among U.S. adults, Black and Hispanic individuals are younger when diagnosed with hypertension compared with white individuals, according to new data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Read more.

MS-CHAT: Counseling from trained medical students may help patients quit smoking

Trained medical students may be able to provide effective tobacco cessation counseling to hospitalized patients, thereby improving patient access to counseling services, a speaker reported. Read more.