News from NYU Langone Health
Why Hospitals Are Phasing Out a Popular Operating Room Anesthetic
Bloomberg News
Hospitals worldwide are phasing out the popular anesthetic desflurane due to its significant environmental impact as a potent greenhouse gas. Health systems in the EU, Scotland, and other countries are eliminating its use, and hundreds of hospitals in the U.S. and Canada have already stopped its routine application. Tessa Huncke, an anesthesiologist at NYU Langone Health, and vice chair, Perioperative Medicine and Clinical Enterprise, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, described the switch to less-polluting alternatives as "low-hanging fruit" that makes a "big difference in the carbon footprint of the operating room." NYU Langone is among the health systems leading this effort and expects to complete its phase-out of the anesthetic this year.
2/03/2026
Top 5 Ways To Stay Heart Healthy
NBC News Daily
For American Heart Month, Harmony R. Reynolds, the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology and director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone, shared five key tips for heart health. First, she advised knowing the signs of a heart attack, such as chest discomfort that can radiate to the jaw, neck, or arms, and calling 911 if symptoms last over 15 minutes. Second, she stressed the importance of "knowing your numbers," especially your LDL cholesterol for prevention. Third, she urged everyone to learn CPR, noting that anyone can save a life by pushing hard and fast on the chest. Fourth, she highlighted the importance of sleep for maintaining healthy blood pressure. Finally, Dr. Reynolds recommended setting reasonable, immediate goals, like a ten-minute walk today, rather than making large, future plans.
2/02/2026
Taking Action to Prevent Heart Disease
NBC News Daily
In observance of American Heart Month, Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, the Joel E. and Joan L. Smilow Professor of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine, the Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology and director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone, shared key tips for cardiovascular health. She emphasized that prevention should be lifelong and start at any age. Dr. Reynolds advised everyone to "know your numbers," including blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and to track personal metrics like exercise minutes and sleep. She recommends aiming for at least seven, and ideally eight, hours of sleep per night. She also debunked a common myth, stating that heart disease symptoms in women are very similar to those in men. The most common symptom is chest discomfort, which may not be severe pain and can be felt in the jaw, neck, shoulders, arms, back, or upper stomach.
2/02/2026
Heart doctors say millions of Americans are making common grocery mistakes — simple swaps can help
Fox News
Improving cardiovascular health can be achieved through simple, sustainable grocery swaps, according to health experts. Sean P. Heffron, MD, preventive cardiologist at the Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at NYU Langone Health, advises that any dietary changes should be incorporated gradually to ensure they are maintained over time. He recommends adding heart-healthy staples like tinned fish, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and eating seasonally. Dr. Heffron also suggests swapping snacks like chips for unsalted roasted nuts to reduce sodium and saturated fat intake, emphasizing that a diet is a lifetime commitment.
Also reporting was: MSN Thailand, WSFX-TV (Wilmington, NC), Aol, New York Post
2/02/2026
Fitness Trends Fact Or Fiction
Pix 11
Julia Iafrate, DO, Sports Medicine Physician at NYU Langone Health, discusses several fitness trends. Regarding vibration plates, she explains they can help engage the core, improve bone mineral density in post-menopausal populations, and offer pain relief for those with fibromyalgia. However, she emphasizes they are not a replacement for a full workout. Dr. Iafrate also addresses the "100 jumps" trend, noting that while jumping can increase bone density, it should be avoided by those with stress fractures or severe osteoporosis. Finally, she defends Pilates, stating it is a valuable workout that complements strength and fitness training.
2/02/2026
What To Know About Seahawks Star Sam Darnold’s Oblique Injury
Forbes
In an article about Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold’s oblique injury, Natasha N. Desai, MD, clinical assistant professor in NYU Langone's Department of Orthopedic Surgery and co-director of the Center for Women’s Sports Medicine, provided expert commentary. She explained that throwing is 'oblique heavy' and recovery can take two to eight weeks. Desai noted that physical therapy would likely continue up to the Super Bowl and could include deep core activation exercises. She also suggested that functional taping and heating pads could be used to provide external support and help muscle fibers bear loads more reliably during the game.
2/02/2026
New Data on Antidepressants and Bleeding Risk in TBI
Medscape
A new study in Neurology found that antidepressant use before a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not associated with increased short-term mortality or worse clinical outcomes. The research indicated that patients on these medications had similar 30-day mortality rates and were not hospitalized longer than non-users. Commenting on the findings, Brian D. Hainline, MD, clinical professor of neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, called the results reassuring. He noted that antidepressants do not behave like anticoagulants in individuals with head trauma and that the primary early risk concerns remain the injury mechanism and frailty.
2/01/2026
8 Mistakes Cardiologists Say Could Be Wrecking Your Heart Health
Health
An article outlines eight common mistakes that can damage heart health, featuring expert advice from several cardiologists. Harmony R. Reynolds, MD, director of the Center for Women's Cardiovascular Health and associate director of the Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at NYU Langone Health, advises against scrolling on phones before bed, as it disrupts sleep, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. She also warns against keeping junk food in the house and stresses the importance of not ignoring early warning signs of heart problems like chest pain, as delayed treatment can cause permanent damage.
Also reporting was: MSN Thailand
2/02/2026
Anxiety or a Heart Problem? Why Midlife Women Are Often Told It’s ‘Just Stress’
Flow Space
Midlife women's heart disease symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as stress or anxiety, a dangerous blind spot in medicine according to cardiologists. The article highlights that women have a significantly higher chance of being misdiagnosed than men, partly because their symptoms can be subtle and don't always follow classic patterns. Shaline D. Rao, MD, chief of Cardiology at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, emphasizes that a history of anxiety should not preclude a cardiac evaluation, as women can present with anxiety-like symptoms during active cardiac disease.
2/02/2026
The protein powerhouse that boosts energy - and lowers blood pressure
The Independent (US)
A comparison of salmon and eggs finds that salmon is superior for lowering blood pressure due to its omega-3 fatty acids. The American Heart Association suggests about three grams of omega-3s daily is optimal. While eggs do not have the same benefit, Anais R. Hausvater, MD, a cardiologist and co-director of the Cardio-Obstetrics Program at NYU Langone Health, notes they do not impact blood pressure and are a great source of protein and fat that promotes satiety.
2/02/2026
What 10,000 Steps a Day Gets Right (and Wrong) About Health and Weight
SELF Magazine
While the 10,000-steps-a-day goal is not a magic number, consistent daily movement, or non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), is vital for metabolism and weight management. Holly Lofton, MD, clinical associate professor of medicine and director of the Medical Weight Management Program at NYU Langone Health, notes that the COVID-19 lockdowns demonstrated how reduced daily activity can lead to weight gain. The article emphasizes that small movements like walking, doing chores, or even fidgeting contribute significantly to overall calorie burn and can help maintain weight loss, as a smaller body naturally uses less energy.
Also reporting was: MSN Thailand, Head Topics
2/02/2026
City & State NY
Toni McLaurin, MD, professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, was recognized as a 2026 Black Trailblazer. Dr. McLaurin is also the chief of orthopedics for New York City Health + Hospitals/Bellevue and is part of the Trauma Division of NYU Langone Orthopedics. The list also includes Angela Jefferson, a social worker with Partnership with Children, who previously held leadership roles at NYU Langone.
2/02/2026
The Health Divide: The cost of a medical education is changing who can afford to become a doctor
Center for Health Journalism
An essay in JAMA highlights the escalating cost of medical education, which now averages over $371,000, as a major deterrent for aspiring physicians from diverse backgrounds. The article notes that significant debt, often exceeding $200,000, influences specialty choices and may lead to a loss of talent, particularly from underrepresented communities. This trend has troubling implications for patient care in underserved areas. As a potential solution to this crisis, the authors point to institutions like the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, which has implemented a policy to cover tuition for every student admitted to its M.D. program.
2/02/2026
People Magazine
Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva has returned to competition following a doping scandal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she tested positive for the banned heart drug trimetazidine. The positive test led to her team forfeiting its gold medal. The article quotes Sean P. Heffron, MD, preventive cardiologist at the Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease at NYU Langone Health. He explained that the drug might allow an athlete to train at a higher intensity for longer periods.
Also reporting was: Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sport UK, Aol
2/02/2026
What to know about Catherine O’Hara’s rare heart condition, dextrocardia
STAT
Following the death of actress Catherine O’Hara, an article on the rare heart condition dextrocardia features expert commentary. Adam Small, MD, cardiologist and associate medical director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program at NYU Langone Health, explained that when all organs are in a mirror-image position, the body can still function properly. Dan G. Halpern, MD, cardiologist and medical director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program at NYU Langone Health, noted that related conditions can cause lung problems or infertility. Both physicians emphasized that while most defects are caught early, some are discovered accidentally in adulthood.
2/02/2026
A Recent Study Finds That It May Be Possible To Reverse Gray Hair
Women's Health
A study published in *Nature* found a potential mechanism for why hair turns gray, suggesting it may be reversible. Researchers discovered that melanocyte stem cells in mice can get stuck in hair follicle compartments, preventing them from producing the protein needed for hair pigment. Qi Sun, PhD, lead study author and a postdoctoral fellow at NYU Langone Health, stated that addressing this mobility issue could be a new approach for preventing or reversing gray hair. The findings are based on mouse models, and further research is needed to determine if they apply to humans.
Also reporting was: MSN Thailand, Aol, Yahoo Health
2/02/2026
7 Things All Women Should Know About Their Heart Health
The Virgin Islands Daily News
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, but their heart health has historically been understudied. The article outlines sex-specific risk factors, noting that pregnancy complications like preeclampsia can increase later risks. Anais Hausvater, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine and co-director of the Cardio-Obstetrics Program at NYU Langone Health, states that patients often do not report these complications and doctors may not ask. The piece also details how heart attack symptoms, causes, and necessary diagnostic tests can differ for women, highlighting significant gaps in medical research.
2/02/2026
‘Push this forward’: MyLungHealth helps identify eligibility for lung cancer screening
HemOnc Today
A randomized trial conducted at University of Utah Health and NYU Langone Health found that a patient-facing digital tool, MyLungHealth, significantly improved the identification of individuals eligible for lung cancer screening. The study, which included over 31,000 adults, showed the electronic health record-integrated tool led to a higher likelihood of determining screening eligibility and increased orders for low-dose CT scans. The intervention was designed to address the significant underutilization of lung cancer screening, which is recommended for high-risk individuals and can reduce mortality by about 20%.
2/02/2026
U.S. Physical Therapy (USPH) Forms Key Alliance with NYU Langone
GuruFocus
U.S. Physical Therapy (USPH) has announced a 10-year strategic partnership with NYU Langone Health to enhance physical therapy services in the New York metropolitan area. Through its subsidiary, Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy, USPH will integrate its 60 outpatient clinics into NYU Langone Health's clinical services network. This collaboration is set to begin in the coming months and aims to expand the reach and efficiency of physical therapy care across Long Island and the broader region. The article also provides a detailed financial analysis of USPH's market performance and valuation.
Also reporting was: MSN Thailand
2/02/2026
NYU Langone Health Partnering With Isaac Health To Expand Virtual Memory Care Access Across New York
Pulse 2.0
NYU Langone Health has partnered with Isaac Health to expand access to specialized brain health and memory care through a virtual model. The collaboration connects Isaac Health’s telehealth clinic with NYU Langone Health’s neurology services, creating a new pathway for patients to receive timely evaluations and ongoing management. Patients within the NYU Langone Health system can be referred to Isaac Health. Isaac Health's co-founder and chief medical officer, Joel Salinas, MD, MBA, clinical associate professor in the Department of Neurology at NYU Langone Health, practices within the Pearl I. Barlow Center for Memory Evaluation and Treatment.
2/03/2026
Anirban Maitra named director of NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center
POLITICO
Anirban Maitra, MD, was named director of NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, which he joined last year as co-director of a new gastrointestinal cancer center.
2/02/2026
