AHA Names 7 Cardiovascular Research Breakthroughs in 2024

The American Heart Association (AHA) has released its annual review of major scientific advances in cardiovascular research, citing significant progress in 2024 [1]. We summarise a few of the key advances they name in their article, with essential reading referenced:

 

1.Rising cardiovascular disease burden

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence is expected to rise from 11.3% to 15% of the U.S. population by 2050, with stroke prevalence predicted to double. Obesity, a major risk factor, could affect over 60% of the population [2]. CVD-related healthcare costs are projected to triple to $1.3 trillion by 2050 [3]. These trends stress the urgent need for prevention and early intervention.

2. Improved risk prediction and prevention

Several new studies showed breakthroughs in risk assessment and prevention. The Platelet Reactivity ExpreSsion Score (PRESS) has been introduced as a genetic tool to identify patients at risk for atherothrombosis, supporting targeted antiplatelet therapy [4].

Further, 3 seminal papers linked childhood cholesterol exposure, hypertension, and sedentary behaviour to poor cardiovascular health in adulthood, underlining the importance of early intervention [5–7].

3. Advances in heart failure and cardiogenic shock

In a phase 3 trial, finerenone was shown to be effective in reducing cardiovascular events in patients with preserved ejection fraction heart failure, as well as in patients with chronic kidney disease or diabetes [8].

Another trial demonstrated that transcatheter mitral valve repair improved outcomes in patients with functional mitral regurgitation, changing practice [9].

4. Anti-obesity medications

Drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide have shown significant cardiovascular and weight-loss benefits in patients with and without diabetes, representing a major advance in obesity management [10–12].

5. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Long-term results support surgical septal myectomy and alcohol septal ablation for obstructive HCM, and aficamten improved exercise capacity and symptoms in the SEQUOIA-HCM trial [13, 14].

6. Reassessing beta-blockers

Findings suggest beta-blockers may not benefit all heart attack survivors, particularly those with preserved ejection fraction, revising guidelines [15].

7. Minimally invasive stroke treatments

The ENRICH trial showed promising outcomes for minimally invasive surgery in lobar intracerebral haemorrhages [16].

Implications for practice

It was an exciting year in cardiology, with clear advances in early prevention, advanced risk prediction, and new therapeutic strategies in addressing the rising burden of CVD. Cardiologists are encouraged to consider these insights in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes. Consider this your Holiday Reading List!

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   1. American Heart Association. AHA names biggest advances in cardiovascular research for 2024. Accessed on 19 December 2024 at https://www.heart.org/en/around-the-aha/aha-names-biggest-advances-in-cardiovascular-research-for-2024
   2. Joynt Maddox KE, et al. 2024;150(4):e65-e88.
   3. Kazi DS, et al. Circulation. 2024;150(4):e89-e101.
   4. Berger JS, et al. Nat Commun. 2024;15(1):6902.
   5. Takaoka M, Nature. 2024;634(8033):457-465.
   6. Robinson CH, et al. JAMA Pediatr. 2024;178(7):688-698.
   7. Agbaje AO. Eur J Preventive Cardiology. 2024;31(12):1480–1492. 
   8. Solomon SD, et al. N Engl J Med 2024;391(16):1475-1485.
   9. Anker SD, et al. N Engl J Med 2024;391(19):1799-1809.
   10. Lincoff AM, et al. N Engl J Med 2023;389(24):2221-2232.
   11. Kosiborod MN, et al. N Engl J Med 2024;390(15):1394-1407.
   12. Packer M, et al. N Engl J Med 2024; Nov 16. Doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2410027.
   13. Maurizi N, et al. Circulation. 2024;150(17):1377-1390.
   14. Maron MS, et al. N Engl J Med 2024;390(20):1849-1861.
   15. Yndigegn T, et al. N Engl J Med 2024;390(15):1372-1381.
   16. Pradilla G, et al. N Engl J Med 2024;390(14):1277-1289.

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Posted on 19 December 20243 February 2025