A new study published in Stroke Journal Report found a significant link between smoking and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), a type of bleeding stroke. Heavy and moderate smokers had three times the risk of fatal SAH, while light smokers had slightly less risk.
New research found that middle-aged adults with healthier heart habits have a significantly lower risk of developing high blood pressure over the next decade. The study, which included 2,930 Black and white adults, showed a 6% lower risk for each one-point higher Life's Simple 7 score.
A study of 26,000 heart transplants found that patients receiving hearts from severely obese donors had similar short-term and long-term outcomes as those receiving hearts from non-obese donors. The research has the potential to expand the critically low donor pool by increasing the number of obese donors.
Common medications can cause arrhythmias, which can lead to symptoms like tachycardia or bradycardia. Healthcare professionals should monitor patients for risk factors and adjust medication dosages accordingly.
A recent study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging Journal found that biologic therapy for psoriasis can significantly reduce high-risk plaque in heart arteries over a one-year period. The treatment was associated with an 8% reduction in coronary plaque, similar to the benefits of statin therapy.
Researchers used AI to analyze stool samples from over 1,000 individuals, identifying clusters of bacteria that could indicate existing or non-existent cardiovascular disease. The study suggests fecal microbiota composition could serve as a convenient diagnostic screening method for CVD.
A new study published at American Heart Association's Hypertension 2020 Scientific Sessions found that treatment to lower high blood pressure did not increase and may have decreased the risk of developing orthostatic hypotension. The study, which analyzed data from nine large clinical trials, found that more aggressive blood pressure t...
A survey of healthcare professionals found that many rely on manual blood pressure measurements and outdated criteria for diagnosis, contradicting current guidelines. Using automated office blood pressure monitors may not be optimal for determining new cases of hypertension.
New research suggests that reducing or eliminating high blood pressure medications in COVID-19 patients who develop hypotension can prevent acute kidney injury and death. The study found that nearly 60% of patients had a history of hypertension, making it the most common co-occurring health issue.
Adults with higher leg fat have reduced risk of high blood pressure, according to new research. The study found that participants with more leg fat were less likely to develop all types of high blood pressure.
Researchers found that shorter rest periods, such as zero, two, and five minutes, yield the same results when measuring blood pressure. This discovery could help improve the efficiency of blood pressure assessments in busy clinical settings.
A new study suggests that children and adolescents diagnosed with white-coat hypertension may progress to sustained hypertension if not monitored regularly. White-coat hypertension is a condition where blood pressure increases only in a doctor's office, but its impact on kids is unclear.
A new study reveals that the percentage of US adults with controlled high blood pressure has declined by 11% between 2017-2018 and 2013-2014. The decline is attributed to less effective use of blood pressure medication and management, particularly among older adults.
A pharmacist-led telemonitoring program has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. The study found a significant reduction in serious cardiovascular events among patients enrolled in the telemonitoring group compared to those receiving routine primary care.
Research found occupational exposures to pollutants, including burning wood and vehicle exhaust, were associated with abnormal heart function and structure. Long-term exposure to these pollutants may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially among low-income occupations.
A Danish study found that none of the most common high blood pressure medications increase depression risk, while nine lowered it. The medications enalapril and ramipril, amlodipine and other calcium antagonists, and beta-blockers like propranolol lowered depression risk.
Adding corticosteroids to standard intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for high-risk Kawasaki disease patients can boost initial response and prevent complications. The combination approach reduced the need for a second course of therapy by 35% and the risk of coronary artery abnormalities by 47%.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that PAD patients with depressive symptoms have a poorer recovery rate. Women are twice as likely to be depressed than men. The study highlights the importance of integrating mental health screening and treatment into chronic disease management for optimal outcomes.
A home monitoring program improves infant survival rates and weight gain for babies with single ventricle heart defects. The program helps recognize potential complications early and provides caregiver training to improve outcomes.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that brain activity in the inferior frontal lobe is associated with the severity of self-reported angina and frequency of chest pain among people with coronary artery disease. The researchers also discovered that stress-related factors, including depressive symptoms and PTSD, we...
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association recommends incorporating dietary screening into routine health care visits. The goal is to assess an individual's total dietary pattern and provide actionable next steps, helping patients set achievable dietary goals.
Among patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease, limited use of recommended medications was observed. Despite similar treatment needs, Hispanics of Mexican background reported the lowest usage of cardiovascular medications, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A new study found that while overall US cardiac death rates declined between 1999 and 2017, the pace of decline slowed significantly since 2011. County-level disparities in premature cardiac deaths have grown, with out-of-hospital deaths increasing and socioeconomic factors playing a key role.
Research shows that patients under 54 hospitalized for arrhythmia who also abuse alcohol are 72% more likely to die before discharge. The study highlights the need for integrated care models to address problematic alcohol use and improve patient outcomes.
Research published at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2020 Scientific Sessions found that weight loss is not always the best strategy to enhance aerobic fitness in young women. In fact, a lower body mass index (BMI) may be aerobically counterproductive for many women under 30, who still have high aerobic ...
Research suggests that a genetic variant common in people of East Asian descent may make them more susceptible to adverse responses to e-cigarettes. The study found that mice with this gene had significantly higher heart rates and increased oxidative stress when exposed to e-cigarette aerosols compared to those without the gene. These ...
Research finds flu vaccination significantly lowers risk of heart attack, TIA, death, and cardiac arrest in adults over 50 and high-risk groups. Vaccination rates are under-utilized, especially among vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of increasing flu vaccinations.
Researchers have discovered a new pathway that could potentially treat heart failure, with the ability to alter SERCA, a key enzyme in the heart's contraction process. A new model has also been developed to predict the impact of heart muscle cells on heart function after injury.
Children with low cardiorespiratory fitness are at risk for premature heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Improving CRF through regular physical activity, such as sports or high-intensity interval training, can lead to better academic achievement, mental health, and overall health.
Researchers found that regular physical activity is a safe approach for people living in polluted regions to prevent high blood pressure. High blood pressure risk increased with higher levels of air pollution, but each increase in physical activity level led to a lower risk.
A long-term study of Mexican Americans found a significant decline in recurrent strokes, with rates dropping by 64.7% between 2000 and 2013, compared to a 37.4% decrease among non-Hispanic whites.
A new study published in Stroke Journal found that having multiple social disadvantages can increase stroke risk by 50% or more. Researchers analyzed data from over 27,000 adults and found that those with three or more social determinants of health were nearly two and a half times more likely to experience an incident stroke.
A large study found that taking common hypertension medications such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs can lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The benefits were seen in patients over 55 and those with a history of colon polyps, but only for the first three years after a negative baseline colonoscopy.
New research suggests a link between lifetime discrimination and the development of hypertension in African Americans. The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, found that greater lifetime discrimination was associated with an increased risk for hypertension.
A new study published by the American Heart Association has found a connection between narrow retinal artery diameters and higher blood pressure in young children. Researchers analyzed data from over 260 children aged six to eight, finding that narrower retinal vessel diameters were associated with increased systolic blood pressure.
A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal found that people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes who develop heart failure have the highest 5-year risk of death, three times higher than those without heart or kidney disease. Researchers also identified patients with cardiovascular or kidney disea...
A simulation model suggests that all tax designs would generate substantial health gains and lower health costs in the US. The tiered sugar content tax could generate the largest health gains and cost savings, particularly among younger adults, blacks, and Hispanics.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association found that rural stroke patients are more likely to die from stroke-related complications and receive inadequate treatment. Compared to urban patients, rural patients had lower rates of receiving clot-busting medication and undergoing endovascular thrombectomy, leading to highe...
Current cigarette smoking is associated with a significantly higher risk of stroke among African Americans, with the risk doubling for those who smoke compared to nonsmokers. The study found that smokers were more than twice as likely to experience stroke, and the risk increased with the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
A large study in northern Italy found that even frail elderly people (65 and older) who take blood pressure medication as prescribed live longer. The healthiest older people experienced the biggest survival boost, with benefits greatest for those taking more than 75% of their prescribed doses.
A study analyzing Seattle EMS and hospital data found that the benefits of bystander CPR outweigh the risks of COVID-19 infection. The research suggests that bystander CPR is a lifesaving endeavor with minimal risk, even during the pandemic.
Type 2 diabetes affects American Indians and Alaska Natives at three times the rate of white Americans, linked to higher cardiovascular disease rates. Obesity is prevalent, with 30-40% of American Indians having obesity, which increases risk factors for heart disease.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association finds that palliative care significantly lowers rehospitalization rates and improves patient outcomes for those with heart failure. Palliative care added to standard treatment plans can reduce hospital readmissions by up to 25%.
The study found that women and racial minorities were significantly underrepresented in pivotal trials supporting approval of new cardiometabolic medicines. This underrepresentation may lead to variation in treatment outcomes and survival, emphasizing the need for increased diversity in clinical trial participants.
A study found that higher spirituality in stroke survivors was associated with better quality of life, even when caregivers reported depression. Spirituality played a protective role in illness, and its importance should be recognized by health professionals.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients' survival rates after resuscitation vary greatly, with probabilities ranging from less than 3% to over 22%. Younger patients with shockable rhythms had higher survival rates without severe neurological disability.
Researchers found that COVID-19 patients with ischemic strokes tend to be younger and have more severe strokes compared to non-COVID stroke patients. Additionally, the rate of imaging-confirmed acute ischemic stroke in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 is lower globally than for non-COVID patients.
Research finds women are less likely to be prescribed statins, aspirin, and ACE-inhibitors, but more likely to be prescribed diuretics for heart disease treatment. Women should discuss benefits and risks with their physicians about using heart disease medications.
A new study found that treatment with antibodies and steroids restored heart function in most children with COVID-19-related multi-system inflammatory syndrome. The majority of patients recovered quickly with intravenous immune globulin and adjunctive steroid therapy, suggesting a promising approach to managing this condition.
Researchers found that patients with peripheral artery disease or stroke were less likely than those with coronary artery disease to receive recommended treatments to prevent heart attack. Lifestyle changes and medication, including statins and aspirin, are crucial for all three types of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.