Researchers developed an energy-harvesting device that uses piezoelectricity to convert heartbeat-induced vibrations into electricity. The device can generate enough power to continuously operate a pacemaker without the need for battery replacements.
A crowdsourcing contest led to the identification of over 1,400 automated external defibrillators in public places, providing crucial data for quick bystander response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Public education remains a key priority to improve use of AEDs.
A Japanese study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2012 found that family members were least likely to administer CPR after a cardiac arrest, but most likely to receive telephone instructions. Researchers attributed this to cultural and demographic issues in Japan, including a large gender gap.
Suicide rates in the US rose sharply from 1999 to 2010, with a quadrupled increase from 2008 to 2010, accounting for around 1500 additional deaths per year since 2007. Rising unemployment is believed to be a major contributor to this trend.
Daniel J. Rader, MD, has been awarded the American Heart Association's (AHA) Clinical Research Prize for developing new methods to identify factors regulating fat particle metabolism and testing their impact on atherosclerosis. His research focuses on genetic and pharmacologic regulation of lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis.
A new study maps England's heart disease rates, showing a growing gap between rich and poor communities, especially among those over 65. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address social determinants of health and improve cardiovascular care in vulnerable populations.
A recent study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that cardiac bypass surgery is superior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for adults with diabetes and multi-vessel coronary heart disease. After five years, the CABG group had fewer adverse events and better survival rates than the PCI group.