A new clinical trial suggests that long-term use of candesartan, a drug currently used to treat hypertension, may significantly reduce the symptoms of genetic heart disease.

The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease is releasing the following response to the study “Sex Differences in Medical Care and Early Death After Acute Myocardial Infarction” in journal Circulation.

As the holidays arrive, a group of researchers has identified the precise mechanisms by which binge drinking contributes to clogs in arteries that lead to heart attack and stroke, according to a study published today in the journal Atherosclerosis. The works adds to a growing body of evidence that drinking patterns matter as much, if not more, to risk for cardiovascular disease than the total amount consumed.

Bacteria that can cause serious heart disease in humans are being spread by rat fleas, sparking concern that the infections could become a bigger problem in humans. Research published in the December issue of the Journal of Medical Microbiology suggests that brown rats, the biggest and most common rats in Europe, may now be carrying the bacteria.

Did you read about the revolutionary study of the statin drug, Crestor? A story in the LA Times (reprinted in the Star Tribune) was almost breathless in its praise:

In a study to be published in the Nov. 12 special edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers at McGill University, Johns Hopkins University and six other institutions from around the world question the American Heart Association's recent suggestion that millions of North American cardiac patients be automatically screened for depression.

According to new research, Crestor dramatically cut deaths, heart attacks and strokes in patients with healthy cholesterol levels but who had high levels of a protein associated with heart disease. The maker of Crestor, AstraZeneca, funded the study.

High blood pressure experienced during pregnancy could be a woman's earliest warning that she is at risk of developing heart disease - the number one killer of Canadian women - says Queen's University professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graeme Smith.

University of Maryland School of Medicine physicians lead drive to improve accuracy of electrocardiogram interpretation

New studies demonstrate effective way to deliver gene therapy; MU scientist proves therapy can be beneficial for the heart

New research continues to link tart cherries, one of today's hottest "Super Fruits," to lowering risk factors for heart disease. In addition to lowering cholesterol and reducing inflammation, the study being presented by University of Michigan researchers at next week's American Dietetic Association annual meeting, found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered body weight and fat – major risk factors for heart disease.

If the heart becomes diseased during its embryonic/fetal development, it can regenerate itself to such an extent that it is fully functional by birth, provided some of the heart cells remain healthy.