When it comes to heart health, some pieces of advice have stood the test of time and continue to form the bedrock of approaches: eat well and exercise, for instance. But because science is ever evolving, researchers learn and add new pieces to the heart health puzzle all the time. The good news? Both doctors and patients have some new tools to aid in maximizing heart health.

A modern-day stethoscope

The stethoscope has been a standard piece of medical care since its invention 200-plus years ago. In that time, it has evolved from a rudimentary paper tube to a horn-shaped instrument to more contemporary versions like 1999’s recording stethoscope. Now, however, doctors have developed a stethoscope integrated with artificial intelligence, and it looks to be a game changer.

In just 15 seconds, this new AI-led stethoscope can detect up to three heart conditions: heart failure, heart-valve disease, and abnormal heart rhythms. The instrument analyzes miniscule changes in heartbeat and blood flow, all while taking a rapid ECG. Armed with the new tool, doctors will now be able to detect these heart conditions earlier than ever, leading to earlier treatment and better outcomes. “For patients, as clinicians adopt this new technology, this could mean earlier identification of silent valve disease or rhythm problems, leading to confirmatory testing and more timely treatment,” says Christopher R. deFilippi, MD, a cardiologist at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

GLP-1s may offer cardioprotective effects

You can’t toss a stone without hearing about the new class of weight loss drugs, and today, nearly one in five adults is using one. While GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy have a proven track record in helping people lose weight, researchers are learning they can also be protective against heart attack and stroke. This held true for both types of weight-loss drugs, tirzepatide and semaglutide. Compared to the commonly prescribed diabetes drugs sitagliptin, the GLP-1s afforded patients an 18 percent reduction in heart attack or stroke.

Even better, the Mass General Brigham researchers who studied the data found that the cardiovascular benefits kick in relatively early. What’s unknown yet is exactly why GLP-1s have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. The researchers recommend further studies to letter understand the mechanism, but in a world full of GLP-1 use, the added benefit of cardiovascular health is welcome news.

A new blood pressure drug

For many patients with high blood pressure, standard therapy isn’t enough. The New England Journal of Medicine reported that a new drug called baxdrostat may be tailor-made for this population. Baxdrostat is an aldosterone synthase inhibitor, and a recent large clinical trial demonstrated its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure in patients whose hypertension remained uncontrolled despite traditional treatment methods.

“Importantly, baxdrostat isn’t yet approved for routine clinical use, but in December 2025, AstraZeneca announced that the FDA accepted its new drug application under priority review,” says deFilippi.

Diet and exercise continue to be the gold standard when it comes to heart health, and should always been the first line of defense. But thanks to research, there is a growing list of tools that patients can turn to when they need a little extra help.

Want more good news for health?  Staying healthy can be easier than ever just by using your phone! Check out our session on Mobile Health Apps on February 21! Details are here.

YOUR TURN

Have you tried any of these new answers to heart issues? If not, would you? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Amanda Loudin is a Maryland-based freelancer who specializes in health and science content. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Fortune magazine and many other outlets. When not writing you can find her out running, hiking or biking.