As cardiologists, clinicians and researchers convene in Chicago for the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, they will hear from more than 80 Johns Hopkins University-affiliated researchers, staff and students who are presenting research, moderating panel discussions or hosting special sessions. This year, they will share updates surrounding a variety of cardiovascular health topics — ranging from strategies to assesses risks for heart and kidney problems to the latest science surrounding personalized risk assessments for cardiovascular disease and how community-based programs may be used to help lower blood pressure. There are also more than 140 Johns Hopkins University-affiliated presentations or sessions included at the Scientific Sessions this year, which includes 61 speaker-led presentations, 17 moderated or panel discussions, three simulations, two hall experiences and other abstracts and special sessions that include research collaborations with faculty, students and staff.
Select highlights include discussions about:
Improving cardiovascular and kidney health
The first clinical guideline for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome was released in June and researchers will discuss various topics through several presentations. These range from assessing risks with Life’s Essential 8 to biological pathways involved with CKM and the role of existing combination therapies and emerging treatments.
Managing blood pressure and cholesterol
A team of experts, including nurses and public health researchers, will share updates about community-based interventions and social risk factors that influence and could potentially be used to support and improve cardiovascular health across the lifespan. Additionally, following the 2026 clinical guideline for dyslipidemia, cardiologists will discuss the latest research and implementation science in screening people for and managing elevated cholesterol and lipid levels. This includes sharing updates about personalized risk assessments, including when coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores may improve predictions, new research surrounding lipoprotein(a) and ApoB, and educational frameworks that could help close gaps in risk management.
Personalizing cardiovascular disease risk predictions
Physician-scientists will discuss differences with using genetic risks for clinical obesity compared to BMI for predicting risks for heart disease. They will also discuss links between circulating proteins and risks for developing critical limb ischemia, a severe form of peripheral artery disease, and how imaging may provide more detailed insight about different types of genetic cardiomyopathies, which may help detect abnormalities earlier, improve risk predictions for complications and personalize treatment for patients. Additionally, researchers will share updates about how stress following childbirth may be linked to early changes in cardiovascular health — particularly among women with a history of preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication linked to future risks for heart and vascular disease. This research is designed to improve early identification of women at risk for cardiovascular disease after pregnancy and inform future prevention strategies.
Using digital twin technology to personalize atrial fibrillation ablation
Engineers, electrophysiologists and cardiologists have been studying how a computer simulation of a person’s heart could help medical teams personalize ablation for irregular heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation, and reduce complications by practicing the procedure with a digital model of their heart in advance. They will provide updates about this digital twin technology research through a cardiovascular seminar and abstract poster presentation.
Heart failure in focus: Assessing early-stage research, diagnostics, and care
Experts will also discuss translating research from the lab into clinical care, current predictions and diagnostics and long-term health outcomes associated with different types of heart failure. Several other sessions will discuss the latest research with congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, stroke and topics related to women’s cardiovascular health.
