In Global News: Blood Pressure Guidelines, TMVR, and Older Donor Lungs

Patient Care

The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology released an updated definition of high blood pressure this week.

Heart patients in Malaysia seem to be successfully reducing their cholesterol levels, though cholesterol levels are still on the rise in the general population.

A lung surgeon discusses the immediate and long-term effects of air pollution in Delhi, India.

Drugs and Devices

Medtronic presented 30-day outcomes from the pilot study for its Intrepid™ transcatheter mitral valve replacement system, which indicate successful implantation in nearly all patients and reduced regurgitation.

Four cardiac health monitoring apps and devices received recent approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The US FDA will now permit an electric stimulation device to be marketed for opioid withdrawal, though the device is contraindicated in patients with cardiac pacemakers.

Research, Trials, and Funding

Lungs from donors over 60 years old might be suitable for patients who need double lung transplants.

Researchers from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, highlight the importance of psychosocial factors in health as they report high financial stress is associated with 13-fold higher odds of having a heart attack.