Quality Improvement for Institutions
www.cvquality.acc.org

Cardiovascular Quality and Research News

ACC CV Quality SmartBrief

The ACC CV Quality SmartBrief eNewsletter is a free, twice-weekly briefing for health care stakeholders interested in quality care. Learn more about the ACC CV Quality SmartBrief and subscribe.

  • Boosters may reduce hospitalizations in autoimmune disease

    A study published in The Journal of Rheumatology shows the effectiveness of COVID-19 booster vaccinations in reducing hospitalizations among patients with autoimmune conditions. The research found that monovalent boosters reduced hospitalization rates by 38%, while bivalent boosters showed a 32% reduction. The study emphasizes the importance of these vaccinations in high-risk populations, despite challenges such as potential data inaccuracies and biases. Medscape (12/21) Learn More

  • SARS-CoV-2, vaccines may be linked to CV complications

    Cardiovascular complications from SARS-CoV-2 infections remain a concern, with acute infections increasing the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and arrhythmias, Dr. Matthew Durstenfeld writes. Vaccines have reduced the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections but have raised concerns about rare cases of myocarditis, particularly in young men. Meanwhile, long COVID continues to present challenges, with symptoms such as fatigue and chest pain overlapping with cardiovascular disease. Infectious Disease Special Edition (free registration) (12/22) Learn More

  • Long Island faces "tripledemic" surge in hospitalizations

    Hospitals in Long Island are experiencing a surge in hospitalizations because of a "tripledemic" of influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus. Physicians at Northwell Health have seen increases in respiratory viruses, and the New York State Department of Health reports a 30% increase in flu cases, a 15% rise in COVID-19 cases and a 35% rise in RSV cases across the state. WNBC-TV (New York City) (12/18) Learn More

  • US hospitals see patient engagement, risk mitigation gains

    US hospitals have made significant progress in risk mitigation, analytics and patient engagement, according to the American Hospital Association's 2026 Environmental Scan. However, hospitals need more support in leadership, process optimization and digital tool integration. Quality leaders are also focusing on AI, accountability structures, bundled care models and workplace violence prevention. Becker's Hospital Review (12/19) Learn More

  • Supporting physicians with multiple areas of cardiac imaging expertise

    Imaging organizations should consider how to support physicians with expertise in echocardiography, cardiac CT, nuclear cardiology and cardiac MRI, says Dr. Steven Wiener, president of the American Society of Echocardiography. Cost and time burdens related to training, certification and society memberships are concerns for many physicians, and groups should look at shared maintenance of certification programs and co-located meetings, Wiener says. Cardiovascular Business (12/17) Learn More

  • AI, biomarker model boosts respiratory infection diagnosis

    A study published in Nature Communications suggests that combining the FABP4 biomarker with AI analysis could significantly improve the diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia. The research found this model achieved accuracy of 96% in a validation cohort, outperforming both the biomarker and AI analysis alone. The study highlights the potential of this approach in reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. MedPage Today (free registration) (12/17) Learn More

  • Experts: Health equity needs policy overhaul, social movement

    Experts at the launch of the Bridging Our Divide campaign detailed persistent health inequities in the US, emphasizing stark disparities in insurance coverage and care access among Black, Hispanic and LGBTQ+ populations. Rural communities also face significant barriers, with limited access to primary care and higher mortality from injuries. Panelists stressed that economic and racial gradients compound these health gaps, and argued that only "revolutionary change," such as universal health care and social mobilization, can address the systemic barriers. MedPage Today (free registration) (12/21) Learn More

Temp Styles

American College of Cardiology: 2400 N St. NW, Washington DC 20006