A new program called Family SWAP uses an electronic monitoring device to help heart failure patients and their caregivers adapt to a low-salt diet. The study found that participants noticed a significant change in their ability to taste salt, while caregivers reported no increased burden.
Research studies presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014 found that people with active asthma are more likely to experience a heart attack. Participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) who required daily medications for asthma were 60% more likely to have a cardiovascular event.
Atrial fibrillation hospital admission rates have increased significantly in the US, with elderly females and those with low income experiencing higher rates. Patient characteristics such as Medicare insurance and living in areas with low median income contribute to these disparities.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014 found that young and middle-age women with stable coronary heart disease are more vulnerable to emotional stress. They experience a significant reduction in blood flow to the heart when subjected to mental stress, whereas physical stress does not cause a no...
A new study found that over 40% of energy drink exposure reports to US poison control centers involved children under 6, suffering from serious cardiac and neurological symptoms. Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and other ingredients that can cause these effects, particularly when mixed with alcohol.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014 found that implementing pre-arrival telephone CPR guidelines in Arizona increased bystander CPR rates by 41% and survival rates by 42%. The study also showed that women are more likely to survive sudden cardiac arrest compared to men.
Researchers found that popular diets such as Atkins, South Beach, and Weight Watchers result in modest weight loss at one year, but no significant impact on cardiovascular risk factors. The study suggests that a broader lifestyle intervention involving doctors and other health professionals may be more effective for long-term weight loss.
A study found that American consumers consume more than 1% of their daily calories from trans fats, exceeding the American Heart Association's recommendation. Omega-3 fatty acids have not changed significantly over the past thirty years and may help improve cardiovascular disease risk.
A study of 37,000 adults found that frequent doctor visits are the strongest predictor of blood pressure control. Having healthcare insurance and being treated for high cholesterol also increased the likelihood of keeping blood pressure under control.
Researchers found that eating muffins made with polyunsaturated oils improved blood cholesterol profiles and reduced the risk of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, those who ate muffins with saturated oils experienced increased bad cholesterol levels and insulin resistance.
A new study found that living close to a major road increases the risk of sudden cardiac death in women by 38% compared to those living far away. Researchers also discovered that proximity to major roads is associated with increased risk of fatal coronary heart disease.
Research reveals that young men and women who had a heart attack have poorer health and quality of life if they have limited social support, including friends, family, and emotional connections. This study provides new insights into the importance of social support for younger patients after a heart attack.
Researchers found that excess glucose enters cells via inflammatory pathways, sparking escalating inflammation and damaging blood vessels. Lifestyle changes like exercise and weight reduction can reduce both blood sugar and inflammation.
A recent study by American Heart Association found that small weight gain of five to 11 pounds can increase blood pressure, particularly abdominal visceral fat. This discovery suggests that even healthy individuals who experience a slight weight gain may be at risk for higher blood pressure.
A 16-week randomized clinical trial found that reducing calorie intake by 800 calories per day improved obstructive sleep apnea and lowered blood pressure in obese adults. The study suggests that moderate energy restriction can reduce both body fat and the severity of sleep apnea, leading to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers discovered using plants to produce an enzyme may improve treatment for life-threatening lung high blood pressure. The study found that replenishing ACE2 protein helped decrease pulmonary blood pressure and increase pulmonary blood flow in rats.
A recent study found that emergency room visits for high blood pressure increased by 25% between 2006-11, while admission percentages fell. Additionally, the percentage of patients who died in the hospital decreased by 36%. The researchers attributed this decline to improved treatment skills among ER and hospital physicians.
A recent study found that postmenopausal women who consume higher amounts of potassium are less likely to experience strokes and die. Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of potassium and may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and death among older women.
Researchers found that TeleStroke Units improved stroke care in rural Bavaria, Germany, by increasing the number of patients receiving tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) from 2.6% to 15.5%. The median time between arrival and tPA administration fell from 80 minutes to 40 minutes.
Researchers found that post-menopausal women with higher levels of physical activity had a lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation, regardless of their weight status. The study's lead author notes that more physically active women were less likely to develop the condition.
Researchers found consistent improvements in the use of evidence-based treatments and medications, as well as an increase in quality improvement initiatives. Hospitalization rates dropped for all racial groups, with notable declines in heart attack, unstable angina, and ischemic stroke rates.
A Danish study of 68,643 adults found that those with lower education levels were at higher risk of stroke due to smoking and high blood pressure. The risk was particularly high for men, who were more likely to experience a stroke than women, and increased with age.
New research reveals that blacks and women have a higher burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors than whites. The study analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study and found that diabetes contributes more to CVD in women, while high blood pressure is a greater risk factor for blacks.
Research found that cognitive decline before a stroke increases the risk of stroke five-fold in African-Americans, while slower brain function is linked to higher chances of stroke and death. Examining mental health may help prevent future strokes in older adults.
Research links childhood sexual abuse to higher carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) at midlife, indicating early signs of atherosclerosis. The study of 1,400 women found no explanation for the link beyond standard cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Research found that higher levels of stress, depressive symptoms, and hostility are associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in middle-age and older adults. The study used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis and found that individuals with the highest scores for these p...
Severe obesity is associated with considerable excess risk for cardiovascular diseases in young Hispanic adults, according to a new study. Young adults with severe obesity are more likely to develop high blood pressure and diabetes, both risk factors for heart disease.
A pilot study found that participants with PAD increased their ability to walk unassisted after consuming dark chocolate rich in polyphenols. The improvements were modest but suggested a potential therapeutic strategy for countering cardiovascular complications.
Severe childhood malnutrition may increase risk for high blood pressure in adulthood. Adults who endured malnutrition growing up had higher diastolic blood pressure and peripheral resistance.
Adults who watch TV for three hours or more each day may double their risk of premature death compared to those who watch less, according to new research. Sedentary behaviors like watching TV are linked to increased mortality rates, with a twofold higher risk for those watching three or more hours daily.
Researchers found that quitting snus, a Swedish smokeless powder tobacco, reduced the mortality risk by nearly half compared to those who continued using it. After a heart attack, cessation of snus use was associated with similar health benefits as smoking cessation.
Women aged 55 and under are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack, die, or require artery-opening procedures if they're moderately or severely depressed. The study found that each 1-point increase in depression symptoms is associated with a 7% increase in the presence of heart disease in women 55 and younger.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that eating moderate amounts of processed red meat increases the risk of incidence and death from heart failure in men. The study, which included over 37,000 men aged 45-79, found that those who consumed the most processed red meat had a 28% higher risk of heart failure compared...
A study found that people with poor cardiovascular health are more likely to experience cognitive decline, including learning and memory problems. Researchers analyzed data from 17,761 individuals aged 45 and older, finding that those with the lowest cardiovascular health scores had impaired cognitive function.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that radiation from heart imaging tests is relatively low and doesn't significantly raise lifetime cancer risks for most young children. However, some children with complex heart disease can be exposed to large cumulative doses that increase estimated lif...
A new study has found that non-obstructive coronary artery disease is associated with a 28-44% increased risk of major adverse cardiac events such as heart attacks or death. Patients with non-obstructive disease should consider preventive therapies like quitting smoking and taking preventative medications.
A new study found that healthcare providers are reluctant to discuss end-of-life care with heart failure patients, citing discomfort and lack of time. However, experts emphasize the importance of open communication in easing anxiety and improving patient outcomes.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Scientific Sessions 2014 found that Chinese stroke patients who received guideline-recommended treatments had a significant drop in pneumonia from 20% to almost 5%. However, only 55.5% of eligible patients received all recommended treatments.
Many breast cancer patients fail to receive treatment for heart problems despite having a higher risk of complications, according to a recent study. Researchers found that only about one-third of older breast cancer patients saw a cardiologist within 90 days of developing heart issues.
New research reveals that up to 10.1% of people who have a heart attack are newly diagnosed with diabetes due to unrecognized A1C levels. Recognizing diabetes in these patients is crucial as it can guide treatments for coronary artery disease and prevent additional cardiovascular complications.
A community-based program significantly lowered blood pressure among minority populations at high risk of developing hypertension. Participants who engaged more with the program showed greater reductions in blood pressure, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and education.
A study found that Hispanics have reduced the gap in taking prescribed heart medicines since the 2006 launch of Medicare's prescription drug benefit. Medication adherence increased most among whites and Hispanics, but only slightly among African-Americans.
Women aged 55 or younger are more likely to experience poorer physical functioning, mental functioning, quality of life, chest pain, and physical limitations after a heart attack. This disparity is attributed to various factors, including undetected chest pain, access issues, and increased work-life responsibilities.
A new study found that delaying anti-clotting medication after a coronary artery stent can increase the risk of heart attack and death. Filling prescriptions promptly within days of hospital discharge may help prevent these complications.
A new study found that a home-based walking program significantly improved walking ability in patients with clogged leg arteries, even 12 months after the program started. The program reduced symptoms of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and increased walking distance.
Researchers found that clinicians playing an online game lowered their patients' blood pressure to target levels in 142 days, compared to 148 days for those who received traditional online posting information. The game used spaced education, a technique that engages learners and translates evidence-based guidelines into practice.
A new study suggests that older individuals with a history of migraines are more likely to experience ischemic silent brain infarction, which can increase the risk of future strokes. Researchers found a doubling of these injuries in people with migraine compared to those without, highlighting the importance of lifestyle changes and pre...
New research finds that living near foreclosed properties increases risk of higher blood pressure, with each additional property within 100 meters associated with a 1.71 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure. This association may be due to unhealthy stress from perception of decreased property value and neighborhood instability.
A meta-analysis of 20 studies found that eating more fruits and vegetables can lower stroke risk, with a 32% decrease for every 200g of fruit consumed daily and an 11% decrease for every 200g of vegetables consumed daily. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is highly recommended to meet micronutrient and macronutrient requirements.
A large Japanese study found that dispatcher-assisted bystander CPR increased the delivery rate of CPR and was associated with improved neurological and overall outcomes. Children who received dispatcher-assisted CPR had a significantly higher chance of survival and better brain function compared to those who did not receive CPR.