ESC

At EHRA 2026, Pierre Jais presented results from the BEAT-PERS AF trial suggesting pulsed field ablation may offer a safer, effective alternative to radiofrequency ablation in persistent AF, prompting renewed focus on optimizing ablation strategies for this high-risk group.

At EHRA 2026, Ben Petrazzini discussed new research that shows AI can improve identification of sudden cardiac death in electronic health records, enabling more accurate large-scale studies and advancing prevention strategies.

Balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) has experienced a complex evolution in clinical practice, transitioning from an early therapeutic innovation to limited use, and more recently to a redefined role in the era of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). In the first of our new practice pearls series, In Rhythm, Dr Gustavo Samaja (Sanatorio Colegiales, Buenos Aires, Argentina) shares practical insights into the contemporary role of BAV, including patient selection, procedural strategies, and its use as both a bridge and a decision-making tool. He also discusses how evolving healthcare systems and resource considerations continue to shape the balance between BAV and TAVI in everyday clinical practice.

New data to be presented at ACC 2026 suggest that shingles vaccination is associated with a reduced risk of major cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke. In a large observational analysis, vaccinated individuals showed lower event rates within 12 months of follow-up. While the findings are subject to study limitations, they add to growing evidence linking infection prevention with cardiovascular risk reduction.

Late-breaking data from the Phase 3 HOPE-3 trial of deramiocel in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, presented at the 2026 Muscular Dystrophy Association Clinical & Scientific Conference, suggest potential benefits across cardiac and functional outcomes. The investigational first-in-class therapy is currently under review by the FDA for the treatment of DMD cardiomyopathy, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act target action date of 22 August, 2026.

Hypertension affects over 1.4 billion adults worldwide and remains the leading modifiable risk factor for global cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. It is responsible for an estimated 10.8 million deaths annually and contributes significantly to the global burden of ischaemic heart disease, ...

Europe loses 1.7 million lives each year to cardiovascular disease, a burden that costs billions and affects millions more. The Safe Hearts Plan sets out an ambitious shift toward prevention, earlier detection and recognition of lifelong genetic risk. As expectations rise, debate is already growing over whether the strategy can translate bold goals into measurable improvements in care and outcomes across the EU.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains a major clinical challenge in Europe, with ongoing needs for greater precision, safety, and long-term durability in ablation. The recent CE Mark approval of the TactiFlex™ Duo Ablation Catheter, combining high-resolution mapping with emerging pulsed-field ablation (PFA) technology, offers a new option to help address these gaps. Dr John Silberbauer explores how the device may enhance AF treatment, reviews the supporting clinical evidence, and considers what this milestone means for physicians and patients across Europe.