ECG Flags COVID Mortality; ICDs & Depression; Pre-Conception Test for Heart Disease?

Low QRS amplitude on ECG was an independent predictor of mortality in patients with COVID-19. (Journal of the American College of Cardiology)

Stroke survivors trying to regain arm function in rehabilitation found incremental improvement with vagus nerve stimulation in the VNS-REHAB trial. (The Lancet)

The American College of Physicians released a guideline on the use of point-of-care ultrasound for patients with acute dyspnea.

A theory posits that dual SGLT1 and SGLT2 inhibition could improve cardiovascular outcomes for people with diabetes. (Circulation)

Philips' Stellarex paclitaxel drug-coated balloon did not increase deaths at 5 years over percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in a 600-patient meta-analysis supporting its safety.

Clotting drug tranexamic acid did not raise complication rates for high-risk patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries. (Anesthesiology)

Some implantable cardioverter-defibrillator recipients are more likely to experience anxiety or depression than others, according to research reported at the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) virtual meeting.

Also from EHRA: heart failure patients with left bundle branch block undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy had similar results on His-bundle pacing and biventricular pacing alike, according to a small randomized study. (JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology)

Pregnancy in the cardiac cath lab can be safe with the right precautions taken, one group says. (Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions)

FGF23 protein levels track the progression of left ventricular hypertrophy and can be altered by medication, a study in chronic kidney disease patients found. (Circulation Research)

Orchid promises its pre-conception tests can inform couples of their risk of passing down heart disease and diabetes, among other common diseases, to future children. (MIT Technology Review)

The American College of Cardiology, Heart Rhythm Society, and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions signed onto a letter to CMS asking for improved transparency in the Merit-based Incentive Payment System. (Cardiovascular Business)

A version of Medtronic's Pipeline Flex Embolization Device, an existing flow diverter used to treat brain aneurysms, with a surface modification for reduced thrombogenicity was approved by the FDA.

The Cordis Precise PRO Rx carotid stent system is under Class I recall because of a risk of separation of the atraumatic distal tip of the sheathed delivery system in patients.

Phoenix Cardiac's BACE surgical device received Europe's CE Mark to treat functional mitral regurgitation.

Also cleared by European regulators was Abbott's Ultreon 1.0 Software, an optical coherence tomography imaging platform powered by artificial intelligence.

Two dietary patterns were found to be associated with heart risk: one consists of high chocolate confectionery, butter, and low-fiber bread intake with fewer fruits and vegetables; and the other consists of sugary beverages, fruit juice, and table sugar or preserves. (BMC Medicine)

Founded by five U.S. organ procurement organizations, the new Biostasis Research Institute will be dedicated to researching technology for tissue and organ storage.

Scientists can now keep a neonatal mouse heart beating on a petri dish for about a month, paving the way for new research on cardiac regeneration. (Journal of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine)

New Valve Academic Research Consortium-3 endpoints and definitions were proposed for aortic valve research. (European Heart Journal)