In 2023, significant advancements and breakthroughs were made in the field of heart disease prevention and treatment. Heart disease, which affects millions of people each year, is a pressing issue in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults will develop some form of cardiovascular disease by 2035, resulting in projected total costs of $1.1 trillion.
Researchers and clinicians across the country are dedicated to developing better interventions and treatments for heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States, regardless of gender, and affects most racial and ethnic groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
One major breakthrough in 2023 was the discovery that glucose-lowering drugs, originally used for type 2 diabetes, can also improve heart health in people with obesity who do not have diabetes. Semaglutide, a medication shown to lower the risk of heart problems in people with diabetes, was found to have positive effects on heart failure and obesity.
Another significant development was the cardiovascular benefits of tirzepatide, a dual-acting drug for type 2 diabetes. This drug showed promising results in reducing body weight and lowering the risk of cardiovascular death, stroke, and heart attack.
Advancements in lipid and hypertension management were also highlighted, with a focus on finding less invasive ways for people to take their medications. Injectable medications that only require administration every six months were found to be effective, but the cost remains a challenge.
Researchers also explored the interconnection between obesity, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, known as cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome. Understanding this relationship is crucial for preventing and managing this syndrome, which is linked to premature death and disability.
The year 2023 also saw advancements in endovascular thrombectomy, a minimally invasive procedure for removing stroke-causing blood clots from the brain. This procedure was found to benefit both small and large strokes, leading to improved outcomes and increased functional independence.
Looking ahead to 2024, experts are excited about the era of gene editing, with promising research showing the potential to reduce LDL cholesterol and cure sickle cell disease using CRISPR gene-editing technology. The development of drugs for treating lipoprotein (a), a previously untreatable heart disease risk factor, is also a focus for the coming year.
Overall, the advancements and breakthroughs in heart disease prevention and treatment in 2023 offer hope for improved outcomes and a better quality of life for those affected by this widespread and deadly condition. Additionally, the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 opens the door for new approaches to drug discovery, including the use of stem cells, artificial intelligence, and computer models.