A study of nearly 2,400 elderly heart attack survivors found that only 9.8% filled prescription medications for smoking cessation within 90 days after discharge. Factors such as age and previous heart procedures made it less likely for patients to use these medications.
A multicenter trial found that 13 out of 36 advanced heart failure patients treated with LVAD and intensive drug therapy recovered enough heart function to have the device removed. The study suggests that these devices can be used to reverse heart failure, especially when combined with drug therapy.
Researchers studied nearly 3,000 black participants in the Jackson Heart study, who reported their smoking status. The study found that those smoking over a pack a day had a 62% higher risk of developing diabetes compared to others.
Children born via Cesarean section may be more likely to become overweight or obese, with a 40% greater odds of this outcome compared to those born vaginally. The association is strongest among mothers who are already obese, suggesting that vaginal delivery may help mitigate the risk.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that black and Hispanic children are more likely to receive compressions-only CPR, but conventional CPR leads to better survival rates. Conventional CPR also improves brain function and discharge outcomes in infants.
Studies in the US and Denmark show that older adults are undertrained in CPR, with only 18% reporting current training. Higher education level and household income are linked to increased likelihood of CPR training, but there is a steep drop-off after age 50. The elderly often cite lack of knowledge and fear as barriers to performing CPR.
A new training model improved CPR skills among hospital staff by integrating low-dose-high frequency psychomotor simulation into their daily duties. Quarterly simulations resulted in significant improvements in chest compression fraction and overall clinical outcomes, leading to a 14% increase in effective compressions.
A study found that prior statin use was associated with higher survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Patients with Type 2 diabetes showed the most significant improvement in survival rate. Statins were linked to increased survival to hospital discharge and beyond a year after the event.
A new study finds that smokers are at nearly twice the risk of developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm compared to non-smokers. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk by substantial amounts, particularly among current and former female smokers.
A new study of over 200,000 cancer survivors found that those diagnosed at younger ages have a higher risk of death from heart disease. Cancer survivors diagnosed between 15-19 years old had a 4.2 times higher risk compared to the general population.
Two studies published in American Heart Association journals found that regular leisure and commuter biking reduces heart attack risk by 11-18% over 20 years. Habitual biking as little as half an hour per week provides some protection against coronary artery disease.
Research found that exposure to fine particulate matter air pollution is associated with abnormal changes in the blood, including increased micro-particles indicating cell injury and death, and proteins that inhibit blood vessel growth. This suggests that living in a polluted environment could promote the development of high blood pres...
Researchers found that medication adherence significantly impacts long-term survival rates for heart patients undergoing bypass surgery and stenting. Patients who adhered to prescribed medication therapy had a higher event-free survival rate compared to non-compliant patients.
Researchers found that short episodes of atrial fibrillation are associated with a low risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications. Patients experiencing only brief episodes of the condition were at no greater risk than those without atrial fibrillation, suggesting that anticoagulants may not be necessary in this group.
Dr. Calum MacRae wins $75M One Brave Idea research award from AHA, Verily and AstraZeneca to uncover causes of coronary heart disease. The research project will focus on identifying novel markers in people genetically prone to heart disease.
A new electrical stimulation therapy helped stroke survivors with hand weakness improve hand dexterity more than an existing technique. The therapy, which allows patients to control the stimulation through a wearable glove, showed greater improvement in hand function for those less than two years post-stroke.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that regular exercise can lead to lower healthcare costs, even for those with established cardiovascular disease. Participants who met exercise guidelines had average yearly medical costs $500 lower than those who didn't.
Research reviewed 224 studies on Internet and mobile device interventions, finding improved diets, increased physical activity, and modest weight loss over 3-12 months. Programs with goal-setting, self-monitoring, and healthcare provider interactions were most effective.
Research reveals that patients under 50 who survive a heart attack are at almost twice the risk of dying from heart disease, largely attributed to smoking and other factors. Younger survivors have higher cardiovascular disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
A Canadian study found folic acid fortified food reduced rates of congenital heart defects, with significant declines in conotruncal and coarctation of the aorta defects but no impact on chromosomally associated defects. The findings are applicable to the US population due to similar implementation timelines.
Research suggests that younger women with coronary heart disease are vulnerable to the damaging effects of psychological stress on their heart. The study found that stress-induced, reduced blood flow occurred more frequently in younger women than men, especially among those under 50 years old.
Researchers found that anemia was present in about a quarter of patients with stroke upon admission, associated with a higher risk of death for up to one year following either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Elevated hemoglobin levels were also linked to poorer outcomes and a higher risk of death.
A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that limited access to nearby stores selling fresh food may increase residents' risk of developing signs of early heart disease. The research found that healthy food stores within one mile of their home significantly reduced or slowed the progression of coronary artery calcium buildup.
A global analysis of over 968,000 participants from 90 countries reveals that more than 30% of adults worldwide live with high blood pressure, with 75% living in low- and middle-income countries. The prevalence of hypertension is increasing in these countries, while decreasing or steady in high-income nations.
Researchers found that omega-3 fatty acids improved the structure and tissue of the heart in patients receiving current guideline-based therapy after a heart attack. The treatment reduced left ventricular end-systolic volume index by 5.8% and scarred connective tissue formation by 5.6%.
A new study published in the American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report found that secondhand marijuana smoke can cause temporary damage to blood vessels, similar to tobacco smoke. Exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke lasted for at least 90 minutes, whereas tobacco smoke exposure recovered within 30 minutes.
A study by Japanese researchers found that watching TV for 2.5-4.9 hours daily increased pulmonary embolism deaths by 70%, with even more hours increasing the risk further. The risk is likely higher due to underreporting of deaths from this condition.
A new study found that spending 2.5 hours per week on recreational physical activity can lower the risk of coronary heart disease in women under 50 by 25%. The benefits of physical activity for cardiovascular health have been shown in previous studies, but this research focused on younger women.
Smoking is a leading risk factor for subarachnoid hemorrhage in women, with those who smoke up to 30 cigarettes per day facing the greatest danger. Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of this condition, making it an essential step in maintaining brain health.
New research suggests that greater fluctuations in 'bad' cholesterol levels may be associated with lower cognitive performance in elderly adults. The study found that participants with the highest LDL cholesterol variability took longer to complete a cognitive test, indicating poorer brain health.
Researchers found that a non-surgical treatment using patient's own bone marrow stem cells improved symptoms and increased physical activity in patients with angina. The treatment involved injecting a 'catalyst' molecule to stimulate stem cell migration into the bloodstream, followed by re-injection of harvested stem cells.
Researchers found that pre-stroke risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, significantly influence future stroke and dementia risk. After one year post-stroke, survivors retain a high risk of recurrent strokes or dementia for at least five years.
Research found blood glucose health deteriorating in obese adults, despite progress in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study suggests controlling weight in obese adults to reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications.
The study found that SAPIEN 3 TAVR resulted in an over 85% one-year survival rate for high-risk and inoperable patients, significantly higher than previous studies. Patients also experienced improved quality of life and no significant increase in moderate leaking around the prosthetic valve.
Researchers found that taking magnesium supplements can reduce blood pressure in people with magnesium deficiency or insufficiency. Magnesium intake of 368 milligrams per day was associated with significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with effects lasting up to three months.
The new scientific statement highlights the potential of commonly used medications and nutritional supplements to cause or worsen heart failure. Healthcare providers should inform patients about all prescription and over-the-counter medications they may be taking, as well as nutritional supplements, to prevent drug-drug interactions.
A growing number of US adults are living with congenital heart defects, necessitating improved healthcare services and data collection systems. The condition affects approximately 2.4 million people in the US, with a 40% increase in adults compared to 2000 estimates.
A new video has been found to help patients with advanced heart failure choose comfort care over more aggressive treatments. Patients who watched the video were more likely to opt for comfort care and had a better understanding of their treatment options.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that about one in every nine men will experience sudden cardiac death, most before age 70. The study also revealed that sudden cardiac death claims up to 450,000 American lives each year, with no prior symptoms of cardiovascular disease being a common cause.
Researchers estimate that heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia affects up to 1.5 million people in the US. Patients with this condition are at five times higher risk for coronary heart disease over the long term compared to those with average LDL cholesterol levels.
Research suggests that pregnant women with blood pressure in the prehypertension range have a 6.5 times greater odds of developing metabolic syndrome after giving birth. This finding highlights the dynamic nature of blood pressure during pregnancy and underscores the importance of monitoring blood pressure levels.
Research reveals significant disparities in cardiac arrest care between men and women, resulting in higher mortality rates for women. Women tend to receive fewer life-saving procedures, such as angioplasty and therapeutic hypothermia, due to various factors including age, health status, and underlying conditions.
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation journal found that consuming more whole grains is linked to a lower risk of death. The analysis of 12 studies involving over 786,000 participants revealed a significant association between whole grain intake and reduced mortality rates.
Long-term exposure to household air pollution from fuels like kerosene, diesel, or natural gas may increase the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular death. Burning cleaner fuels, such as natural gas, is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular deaths, according to new research.
A prospective observational study of 19,815 adults found that those with higher fitness levels had a 37% lower risk of stroke after age 65. The study's findings support the independent role of exercise in preventing stroke and reinforce the benefits of being physically fit throughout life.
African-Americans are more likely to die of stroke at younger ages, with no disparity observed after age 85. Researchers emphasize the importance of preventing strokes through addressing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes in African-American communities.
Research found that smoking increases kidney function decline by 83% in current smokers compared to non-smokers. Smoking also worsens inflammation levels, suggesting a possible mechanism between smoking and kidney function decline.
Higher blood pressure fluctuations are associated with faster declines in brain and cognitive function among older adults. Average blood pressure readings were not linked to changes in brain function, suggesting that controlling blood pressure instability may be key to preserving cognitive function.
According to new research, nearly half of all heart attacks are 'silent', with symptoms appearing so mild that they are barely noticed. Silent heart attacks increase the risk of dying from heart disease and other causes, and can be as deadly as those with classic symptoms.
Researchers used ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to discover who might have masked hypertension among a high-risk population. Participants wore devices around their arm and hip for 24 hours, revealing hidden high blood pressure readings outside of the doctor's office.