When people actually prove their adherence to the Mediterranean diet using blood tests, this eating pattern was associated with stronger protection from type 2 diabetes than previously thought. (PLOS Medicine)

The global burden of cardiovascular deaths attributable to very cold and very hot temperatures increased from 1990 to 2019. (European Journal of Preventive Cardiology)

The common sedative dexmedetomidine was associated with reduced new-onset atrial fibrillation (Afib) in ICU patients. (JAMA Network Open)

Afib was associated with an overabundance of certain species in the gut microbiome. (eBioMedicine)

Procedural efficacy was high in the early experience with the new Heliostar irrigated radiofrequency balloon, which was designed to give operators impedance values that quantify the grade of contact during pulmonary vein isolation. (EP Europace)

An interatrial shunt without a permanent implant? Radiofrequency-energy excision of the interatrial septum showed promise in terms of pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and functional improvement at 6 months. (JACC: Heart Failure)

DELIVER trial participants derived consistent benefits from dapagliflozin (Farxiga) across the spectrum of ejection fraction. (JAMA Cardiology)

The case where a swallowed fishbone, nearly an inch long, pierced through the heart into the left atrium and caused a Staphylococcus aureus infection. (European Heart Journal)

FDA cleared the Heart Seat -- a smart toilet seat that measures heart rate and oxygen saturation -- maker Casana announced.

Medtronic said the FDA approved its next-generation Micra AV2 and VR2 leadless pacemakers featuring 40% more battery life than older devices.

The Endurant abdominal aortic aneurysm stent graft system boasted 94.7% freedom from aneurysm-related mortality and 64.1% sac regression in 10-year postmarketing data, Medtronic also announced.

Among young people who survive acute myocardial infarction (MI), women are disproportionately more likely to be rehospitalized for cardiac and noncardiac reasons. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

After coronary artery bypass grafting, subsequent angioplasty on the graft, as opposed to the native artery, was tied to a higher 5-year MI risk. (Clinical Cardiology)

Merck scientists report phase I data supporting the macrocyclic peptide MK-0616 as an oral PCSK9 inhibitor that may lower LDL cholesterol. (Circulation)

People with more painful areas on their body were prone to MI but not stroke. (JACC: Advances)

In 2000-2014, Black Americans with better survival rates tended to be those born in Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. (Journal of the American Heart Association)

A country with fewer than 10 cardiac specialists, Zambia just had its first total aortic arch replacement surgery with guidance from University of Michigan surgeons. (Michigan Medicine)

MPI 8, an anticoagulant targeting polyphosphate, is being developed for potential clinical use without bleeding side effects. (Nature Communications)

Scientists are hoping that their "vein on a chip" could be a good lab model of blood clot formation, according to the University of Birmingham.

Nicole Lou is a reporter for MedPage Today, where she covers cardiology news and other developments in medicine. Follow

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