Top Cardiology Journals

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.