Accessing the Latest Cardiology Research
Yes, patients can and should access the latest original cardiology research through multiple evidence-based, professionally curated online resources that are specifically recommended by major cardiovascular organizations.
Recommended Patient Resources for Cardiology Research and Information
The American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and related organizations have identified several high-quality platforms where patients can access current cardiovascular information:
Primary Evidence-Based Websites
CardioSmart (https://www.cardiosmart.org) provides educational materials, risk calculators, and mobile applications specifically designed for patient education in cardiovascular disease 1
American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org) offers educational materials with interactive tools for engaging patients 1
CDC Heart Disease Resources (https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease) provides written materials and podcasts for reliable health and safety information 1
Additional Specialized Resources
Go Red for Women (https://www.goredforwomen.org) offers patient education in both English and Spanish 1
WomenHeart (https://womenheart.org) serves as a support organization specifically for women with heart disease 1
Mended Hearts (https://mendedhearts.org) functions as a support organization for cardiac patients 1
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (http://www.aacvpr.org) provides educational resources for patients 1
Important Considerations About Online Medical Information
Quality and Reliability Concerns
Patients should be aware that medical information taken in isolation and without formal medical training can often lead to out-of-context diagnoses and treatment recommendations 1. The information quality and sources are highly variable on the Internet and warrant verification and discussion with healthcare providers 1.
Direct-to-Consumer Content
A significant pitfall is that direct-to-consumer content provided by industry is often difficult to differentiate from content provided by scientists and clinicians, and anecdotes and testimonials may appear very convincing 1.
Integration with Healthcare Providers
Electronic Health Records and Patient Portals
With increasing numbers of patients who have regular access to the Internet, awareness of online information reflecting current evidence-based and professionally developed standards of care should be encouraged and promoted 1. Many electronic health record systems now allow patients to:
- Access their own medical records, correspondence, and laboratory tests 1
- Request prescription refills 1
- Communicate nonurgent issues with providers through secure messaging 1
- Access their latest test results from home via secure login 1
Personal Health Records
Personal health records (PHRs) or personal health vaults allow patients to store their own medical histories, prescriptions, blood pressure readings, and lab results 1. Most PHRs also allow patients the ability to research their health conditions, enabling them to learn more about their own medical conditions and treatments 1.
Accessing Original Research Publications
Open Access Publishing
Among contemporary articles published in major cardiovascular journals, open access publishing accounts for over 40% of articles and provides patients with direct access to peer-reviewed research 2. Open access articles in major cardiovascular journals (Circulation, European Heart Journal, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, JAMA Cardiology) are freely available without subscription 2.
Research Databases
While patients can access research through PubMed and other databases, the complexity of interpreting original research requires careful consideration and discussion with healthcare providers 1.
Practical Implementation Strategy
Patients should utilize the professionally curated websites listed above as their primary sources, supplemented by discussions with their cardiology team about any research findings they encounter 1. This approach balances patient empowerment with appropriate medical guidance and context 1.