Top in cardiology: Remote ICD deactivation; FDA OKs next-gen cardiovascular CT scanners

A small study suggested that remote deactivation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators in patients receiving hospice care was feasible.

Doing so meant that patients did not have to be transported to a clinic, and both patients and family members reported high satisfaction with this approach to end-of-life care.

It was the top story in cardiology last week.

The second top story was about Arineta Cardio Imaging receiving FDA 510(k) clearance for its new cardiovascular CT scanners. The SpotLight and SpotLight Duo have the capability to produce high-resolution images to detect lung cancer, COVID-19 and other pulmonary diseases.

Read these and more top stories in cardiology below:

Remote ICD deactivation feasible in patients receiving comfort-based end-of-life care

Remote deactivation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators was successful in patients transitioned to end-of-life care, with patients and family reporting high satisfaction with the protocol, researchers reported. Read more.

FDA clears next-generation cardiovascular, thoracic CT scanners

Arineta Cardio Imaging announced the FDA 510(k) clearance and launch of its next generation cardiovascular CT scanners. Read more.

Kidney disease strongest predictor of sudden cardiac arrest for Hispanic/Latino adults

Data from a population-based study showed that more than half of Hispanic or Latino adults who experienced sudden cardiac arrest had a prior diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, with 20% on dialysis, researchers reported. Read more.

Living alone ups risk for any hospitalization in patients with heart failure

Adults with heart failure who reported living alone were more likely to be hospitalized for any reason compared with those who reported living with others, according to data from a meta-analysis. Read more.

Obesity before, during pregnancy leading cause of later heart disease

Data show overweight or obesity before or during early pregnancy is a strong predictor of adverse pregnancy outcomes that influence postpartum CVD, underscoring the need for counseling about excess weight. Read more.