A Bibliometric Review of Bibliometric Studies Published in Cardiology Journals

Bibliometric research in cardiology has expanded alongside the growing volume and diversity of cardiovascular research.

To systematically map bibliometric studies published in cardiology journals and identify the major diseases, clinical areas, interventions, technologies, and emerging themes receiving bibliometric attention.

Scopus was searched in August 2026 using bibliomet in the Title field and cardio in the Source Title field, followed by selection of cardiology-related journals.

A total of 203 publications were identified, comprising 136 articles (67.0%) and 67 reviews (33.0%). Output increased substantially after 2021, reaching a peak of 41 publications in 2023, followed by 38 in 2024 and 32 in 2026. Hu, Y. was the most prolific author (n=8), while the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences was the leading institution (n=35). China accounted for 148 publications, followed by the United States (17), Pakistan (8), Canada (6), India (5), Spain (5), and Turkey (5). Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine published the most studies (n=80), while the National Natural Science Foundation of China was the leading funding source (n=54). The identified literature covered diverse cardiovascular diseases, procedures, interventions, technologies, and emerging themes. Early studies emphasized productivity, citations, journals, research groups, and geographical patterns, whereas recent studies increasingly examined specific diseases, mechanisms, therapies, imaging, and surgery. Emerging areas included artificial intelligence, molecular research, genetics, exosomes, non-coding RNAs, and environmental factors.

Overall, bibliometric research has shifted toward specialized, technology-driven, molecular, and interdisciplinary cardiovascular topics.