Field Guide
Top Cardiology Journals
Journals for cardiovascular research, heart studies, and cardiology practice. This guide covers 5 journals with impact factors, acceptance rates, review timelines, and open access costs - everything you need to choose the right venue for your research.
Journal Comparison Table
| Journal | Tier | Impact Factor | Acceptance Rate | Review Time | Open Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circulation | Top Tier | 38.6 | ~7% | 17 days median to first decision | See details |
| European Heart Journal | Top Tier | 35.6 | ~10% | ~20 days | See details |
| Journal of the American College of Cardiology JACC | Top Tier | 21.7 | ~5% | 14-21 days for initial decision | See details |
| Circulation Research | Strong Option | 16.5 | ~10% | 21-35 days for initial decision | See details |
| JAMA Cardiology | Strong Option | 15.6 | ~8% | 14-21 days to first decision | See details |
Found your target journal - now check if your manuscript is ready
Most desk rejections come down to scope and framing, not the science itself. A Pre-Submission Diagnostic checks your manuscript against what cardiology editors actually look for before you commit to a submission. Six-section report, about 30 minutes. Free Readiness Scan.
Check your manuscript βUnderstanding Journal Tiers
Tier 1 (Circulation, JACC, European Heart Journal): The 'big three.' For practice-changing clinical trials, major cohort studies, or groundbreaking mechanistic insights. Circulation and JACC: 8-12 weeks to first decision, 85%+ desk rejection. European Heart Journal: similar selectivity.
Tier 2 (JAMA Cardiology, Circulation Research): JAMA Cardiology for clinical research that doesn't meet the big three bar. Circulation Research for basic/translational work - mechanism, not clinical trials. Both are excellent venues but not in the top tier.
Tier 3: For cardiology-specific journals not listed above (e.g., JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions, European Journal of Heart Failure). These are solid for subspecialty work when the big journals aren't realistic.
Publishing in Cardiology
Cardiology publishing is dominated by three journals that form the core of the field: Circulation, JACC, and European Heart Journal. Understanding the subtle differences between these giants is crucial for manuscript placement. Circulation is the American Heart Association's flagship journal and the most-cited cardiovascular journal. It publishes across the full spectrum - from basic science to clinical trials. If your work impacts how cardiologists practice, Circulation wants it. JACC (Journal of the American College of Cardiology) is arguably the most influential cardiology journal in terms of clinical practice guidelines. JACC editors are particularly rigorous about clinical trial methodology. If your work doesn't meet CONSORT standards, don't bother submitting. European Heart Journal is the global counterpart to JACC, with slightly more European authorship and a broader scope that includes more translational work. It's considered equal in prestige to Circulation and JACC - the "big three" of cardiology. JAMA Cardiology, launched in 2016, has rapidly established itself as a major venue. It offers faster timelines than the traditional giants and is particularly strong on health services research and outcomes. Circulation Research focuses on basic and translational cardiovascular science - not clinical cardiology. If your work is about mechanisms of heart disease, not clinical trials, this is your venue.
Guidance by Career Stage
π Graduate Students
Grad students face significant barriers in cardiology - the field is dominated by clinical data from large trials, which grad students rarely have. Your realistic path: Circulation Research for basic work, or build a publication record in less selective journals first. Don't aim for the big three without exceptional data and senior co-authorship.
π¬ Postdocs
Postdocs with clinical trial data should target JAMA Cardiology first - faster timeline, more accessible. With strong trial results and a PI with credentials at the big three, Circulation/JACC/EHJ become realistic. Postdocs with basic science should target Circulation Research.
π¨βπ¬ Principal Investigators
PIs in cardiology benefit from the field's clinical focus. The big three are realistic targets if you have rigorous clinical data. Consider JACC for US-focused impact, European Heart Journal for global reach, Circulation for breadth. JAMA Cardiology is a strong choice for faster publication with solid impact.
β±οΈ Review Timelines
Circulation: 8-12 weeks to first decision, typically 3-4 months from submission to acceptance for selected papers. JACC: 6-10 weeks initial review, very efficient. European Heart Journal: 8-12 weeks. JAMA Cardiology: 4-8 weeks, faster than the big three. Circulation Research: 6-10 weeks.
π Open Access & Costs
All major cardiology journals are subscription-based. Circulation offers open access for ~$4,500. JACC offers open access for ~$5,000. European Heart Journal charges ~β¬4,000-5,000 for open access. JAMA Cardiology: $3,000 for open access. Circulation Research: ~$4,000.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- βSubmitting basic science to Circulation instead of Circulation Research
- βNot following CONSORT guidelines for clinical trial submissions to JACC
- βNot having an external statistical reviewer look at your clinical data before submission
- βConfusing Circulation (clinical) with Circulation Research (basic)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cardiology journal has the highest impact factor?
Circulation leads at 38.6, followed by European Heart Journal (35.6) and JACC (21.7). However, JACC is arguably the most influential for US clinical practice - impact and influence don't always correlate in cardiology.
What's the difference between Circulation and Circulation Research?
Circulation publishes clinical cardiology - trials, outcomes, guidelines. Circulation Research publishes basic and translational cardiovascular science - mechanisms, models, physiology. They have different scopes and different audiences.
Can I submit a cohort study to Circulation Research?
No - Circulation Research specifically focuses on 'original research on the biology of the cardiovascular system.' Cohort studies with clinical outcomes belong in Circulation, JACC, or European Heart Journal.
Detailed Journal Guides
Related Resources
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A Pre-Submission Diagnostic reviews your scope, significance framing, methods, and literature coverage against cardiology journal standards - before you submit. Six-section report, delivered in about 30 minutes. Free Readiness Scan.
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