Heart disease outcome gap narrows between men and women; sudden cardiac arrest survival and incidence in young athletes; new blood test predicts severity of spinal cord injuries – Morning Medical Update

Heart disease outcome gap between men and women narrows

A new study from Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City reveals that while heart disease remains a leading cause of death for women, the gap in outcomes between men and women has narrowed over the past 20 years. Researchers analyzed over 40,000 patient records from 2000 to 2019, finding that while women were more likely to have comorbidities and less severe blockages, they were also less likely to receive cardiac medications or bypass surgery. However, the disparity in major cardiac events between genders has decreased significantly since 2015. Experts emphasize the need for increased awareness and tailored treatment approaches for women’s heart health.

Sudden cardiac arrest survival and incidence in young athletes

Two new studies presented at ACC.25 in Chicago, and published in JACC and JAMA, highlight disparities in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) survival among young athletes and improvements in long-distance race survival. Among 641 young athletes who experienced SCA from 2014 to 2023, Black and non-White, non-Black athletes had lower survival rates than White athletes, particularly during exertion, despite overall improvements due to increased emergency preparedness. Meanwhile, an analysis of 29 million marathon and half-marathon runners from 2010 to 2023 found that while SCA incidence remained stable, mortality significantly declined, likely due to universal CPR training and AED availability. Most race-related cardiac arrests occurred in the final stretch, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention in high-risk groups. Both studies underscore the importance of improved emergency response and policy efforts to address disparities in SCA outcomes.

Experimental blood test predicts spinal cord injury severity and recovery

Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a simple blood test that could help determine how severe a spinal cord injury (SCI) is and predict a patient’s chances of recovery. By analyzing DNA and protein markers in the blood, the test — called the Spinal Cord Injury Index (SCII) — was 77% accurate in forecasting long-term recovery, aligning with MRI results and clinical exams. Published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, this breakthrough could lead to more personalized treatment and faster access to clinical trials.