A new study suggests that incorporating heart scans into routine care could save thousands of lives in the UK. The SCOT-HEART study found that patients who received a computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scan had a 40% lower risk of heart attack within five years.
The new guidelines recommend open heart surgery for patients with complex coronary artery disease, as it provides better long-term survival and outcomes compared to stent placement. In contrast, patients with simpler disease can benefit from both surgical bypass and PCI, with complete revascularization being the preferred option.
Guidelines recommend inducing labour or caesarean section at 40 weeks to minimize pregnancy risks, particularly for women with congenital heart disease. Women with heart disease face higher mortality risk during pregnancy compared to healthy counterparts.
A recent study published in the journal Addiction found that individuals who experience hangovers continue to exhibit impaired cognitive function, including poorer attention and memory, the day after a heavy drinking session. This highlights the need for workplaces to reconsider their guidelines on alcohol intoxication at work.
A smartphone application has been shown to effectively screen for atrial fibrillation, with a verification process that can be downsized or omitted. The study found that approximately 225 people would need to be screened to detect one new case, making this technology an attractive option for widespread screening.
Research suggests that very high HDL cholesterol levels may increase the risk of heart attack and death, contrary to traditional views. The study found a U-shaped curve in the relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk, with both low and extremely high levels increasing the risk.
The guidelines recommend starting most patients on two blood pressure lowering drugs as a single tablet to improve control rates and reduce strokes, heart disease, and early deaths. A healthy lifestyle is also recommended for all patients, regardless of blood pressure level.
A new non-invasive test called FFRCT accurately reflects invasively measured fractional flow reserve, showing it can safely guide treatment for patients with moderate stenosis. The study found that patients with normal FFRCT results had a similar prognosis to those with mild or no stenosis.
The 2018 Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction provides clarity on diagnosing a heart attack, distinguishing between myocardial infarction and myocardial injury. Elevated troponin levels are not sufficient for diagnosis, and oxygen shortage detection via electrocardiogram is crucial.
A new study published by the European Society of Cardiology has investigated the major cause of heart attacks in women, finding that spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a leading factor. The study also identified emotional stress as a key trigger for SCAD, which can lead to narrowing, aneurysms, or tears in the arteries.