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Study Highlights: Blockages in the heart arteries caused by coronary artery calcification (CAC) can show stroke risk. Those with CAC density levels of more than 400 were three times more likely to have a stroke than those with levels under 399. Risk predictions were most accurate for people under 65 and those at low-risk of cardiovascular disease.

Study Highlights: The death of an adult sibling is associated with increased risk of death from heart attack among surviving siblings, especially if the sibling died of a heart attack. The increased risk is most evident years after the death. Healthcare providers should follow bereaved siblings to help recognize signs of acute or chronic psycho-social stress mechanisms that could lead to heart attack.

Statement Highlights: Targeting CPR education in high-risk neighborhoods could improve cardiac arrest survival rates. Survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest vary widely in the United States, from the lowest of 0.2 percent in Detroit to a high of 16 percent in Seattle. Survival rates are influenced in part by bystanders’ willingness to do CPR.

Study Highlights: In the first human study of its kind, researchers activated heart failure patients’ stem cells with gene therapy to improve their symptoms, heart function and quality of life.

Study Highlights: Women’s awareness of heart disease as the leading cause of death has nearly doubled in 15 years. Awareness rates among black and Hispanic women remains well below that of white women. Among age groups, women 25-34 years had the lowest rate of awareness at 44 percent. Culturally and generationally relevant messages on lifestyle and prevention strategies are needed.

Washington, D.C., Feb. 14, 2013 —A bipartisan group of women from the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate joined the American Heart Association on Valentine’s Day to ‘Go Red’ in support of the 43 million women who are currently living with heart disease.

For Immediate Release Washington, D.C., Feb. 11, 2013 — The American Heart Association today applauded Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) for accepting the position of House Republican co-chair of the Congressional Heart and Stroke Coalition. The association welcomes Rep. Smith to this important position and looks forward to working with him in the fight against heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers.