Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of early statin therapy in children with familial hypercholesterolemia and found that it significantly reduced coronary heart disease survival rates. After 10 years, young adult patients who received statins from childhood had not suffered from cardiovascular complaints.
Research suggests that exposure to specific environmental toxins during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital heart defects in children. The study found a strong correlation between certain chemicals and rates of congenital heart defects, particularly septal defects and conotruncal defects.
Research shows childhood cancer survivors are more likely to experience premature heart disease and a decline in arterial function, with a 9% decrease in arterial health seen among leukemia survivors who completed chemotherapy. Lifestyle changes can help mitigate these risks.
Research presented at American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2013 found hospitalized children under 18 have lower survival rates during night shifts. Thirty-four percent of children survived after cardiac arrest on day or evening shifts, compared to 11 p.m.-6:59 a.m. where only 34% survived.
Researchers found that a one-minute CPR video training improved responsiveness, chest compression depth, rate, and hands-off interval time. The study suggests ultra-brief video training could be an effective universal intervention for improving CPR skills in public venues.
A study found that CPR for 38 minutes or longer can improve a patient's chances of surviving cardiac arrest. Sustaining CPR for this extended period also reduces the risk of severe brain damage and preserves normal brain function.
A retrospective study found that pre-hospital plasma transfusions reduced trauma patient mortality by 8% and improved coagulation status by 40%. Although not statistically significant, survival to hospital discharge also showed a 13% improvement.
Comprehensive hypertension programs that coordinate care using multiple resources may lead to better overall blood pressure control. Lifestyle changes for patients were strongly recommended as well. The advisory provides eight principles for developing an effective high blood pressure treatment algorithm.
A new technology has been developed to diagnose and possibly treat a deadly heart condition in unborn babies. The magnetic EKG, or magnetocardiogram, was used to diagnose long QT syndrome in fetuses with 89% accuracy, identifying those at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
A new test identifying low levels of placental growth factor may predict severe high blood pressure in pregnant women. It could also prevent unnecessary hospitalizations by monitoring those at high risk for developing preeclampsia.
A comprehensive review from the American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of personalized care for older adults with cardiovascular disease. The statement highlights key factors such as lifestyle changes, medication regimens, and revascularization strategies that can provide benefits and risks.
A hands-free ultrasound device combined with a clot-busting drug was safe and effective in treating ischemic stroke patients, with 65% returning home or to rehabilitation. The technology opens up more arteries in the brain, helping stroke patients recover, according to researchers.
Researchers found that GWTG-Stroke Performance Achievement Award (PAA) recognition hospitals were more likely to provide all recommended guideline-based care for patients, even if they didn't have Primary Stroke Center (PSC) certification. Hospitals with PSC certification also followed higher levels of adherence to stroke care guidelines.
The American Heart Association recommends treating unhealthy behaviors like smoking and poor diet as aggressively as high blood pressure. Healthcare providers should implement the five A's to connect patients with specialists and arrange follow-up care to promote significant behavior changes.
A new study suggests that regular leisure-time exercise can significantly lower the risk of developing high blood pressure. Researchers found that individuals who exercised for four hours or more per week had a 19% lower risk compared to those who exercised less than one hour per week.
A new study found that children with specific heart birth defects are at a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis, a serious bacterial infection. The risk is especially high in those with heart defects associated with cyanosis and cardiac surgery within the past six months.
Children with high blood pressure readings are three times more likely to develop the condition as adults. The study highlights the need for pediatricians to regularly check blood pressure and weight in children.
A study of 1,256 Argentine women found plaque buildup was more common among those with type 2 diabetes. Researchers recommend screening for heart disease in younger women with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
A new study found that children who retained sodium in their urine were more likely to develop high blood pressure. The test can help pediatricians manage and treat hypertension in patients, providing valuable information for early intervention.
A study tracking 1,117 healthy adolescents found that obese children quadruple their risk of developing high blood pressure in adulthood. Overweight children double their risk. Healthy diet and exercise may help reduce this risk.
Researchers found that heart disease patients with positive attitudes exercised more and had a lower risk of dying during the follow-up period. Positive mood and exercise also cut the risk of heart-related hospitalizations.
Researchers have discovered a compound that successfully blocks smooth muscle growth and promotes repair of the injured endothelium in stented arteries. This innovation has the potential to eliminate blood clots forming inside stents, reducing the risk of complications.
Researchers have developed a new subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillator (S-ICD) that detects abnormal heart rhythms and delivers shocks without wires touching the heart. The device has shown promising results in a 33-site study, with 99% of patients remaining complication-free 180 days after implantation.
A recent study found that smoking is linked to a similar increased risk of stroke for men and women worldwide. Women smokers are at greater risk for a more deadly type of stroke. Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk, suggesting hormonal differences may contribute to the higher risk in women.
Researchers found a higher risk of stroke in patients with mild and moderate/severe hypertensive retinopathy. The study suggests retinal imaging could provide additional information on stroke risk in people with high blood pressure.
Researchers tracked premature babies into their 20s and found that those born prematurely had a smaller but heavier right ventricle with thicker walls and less pumping capacity. The earlier the birth, the greater the impact on right ventricle size and function.
A study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that a no-smoking law in Colorado casinos resulted in a 20% drop in ambulance calls, largely attributed to the elimination of secondhand smoke. This reduction is thought to be due to both smokers avoiding toxic effects and quitting smoking altogether.
A small study found that college football players, especially linemen, may develop high blood pressure over the course of their first season. Researchers noted a significant increase in blood pressure levels among players after the season, with 47% considered pre-hypertensive and 14% having stage 1 hypertension.
Women with acute ischemic strokes are less likely to arrive at the hospital in time for best treatment, with women arriving an average of 27 minutes later than men. Despite this, researchers found no gender gap once patients arrived within four hours of symptoms onset.
A study of 17 women who had a heart attack found that most feared resuming sex due to health concerns. Despite these fears, many resumed sex within four weeks, driven by a desire to reconnect with their partners.
A study of 26,902 male health professionals found that skipping breakfast was associated with a 27% increased risk of heart attack or death from coronary heart disease. Men who reported eating late at night also had a higher risk of coronary heart disease, but this may not be a major public health concern due to low prevalence in the s...
A large-scale study found that exercising regularly can reduce stroke risk in adults by up to 20% compared to those who are inactive. The study suggests that moderate to vigorous intensity exercise can have a significant impact on reducing stroke risk, particularly among men.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association journal found that elevated blood pressure rates rose by 27% in children and adolescents over a 13-year period. The research highlights the link between high body mass, larger waistlines, and excessive sodium intake as contributing factors to this trend.
A new study found that DNA particles in the blood can serve as markers of disease and may help identify patients with severely narrowed coronary arteries. Higher levels of these particles were linked to high levels of coronary artery calcium deposits.
Researchers found that simultaneously controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. The study suggests that prescribing medications and regular doctor visits can greatly benefit certain populations, including older adults and Hispanic-Americans.
A new study suggests that non-invasive brain stimulation can significantly improve aphasia recovery in stroke survivors. The treatment was found to be most effective when administered early after the stroke, typically within five weeks, and showed a threefold improvement over sham stimulation in patients with anomia.
Research reveals a gene called CPT1A, which regulates fat breakdown in the liver, may increase risk of heart disease when methylated. The study found elevated levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower adiponectin levels in patients with this genetic switch turned off.
Researchers analyzed data from two large clinical trials to investigate the impact of high-dose statins on kidney function. The findings suggest that higher-strength statins do not increase the risk of hospitalizations with kidney injury when compared to low-dose statins.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that elderly patients can benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) just like younger individuals. The study of 5,399 patients revealed that older patients were as likely to experience life-threatening electrical shocks but had higher ra...
Researchers found a 13-fold increase in wrist procedures for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2004-07 and 2012. This shift may improve PCI safety, particularly in high-risk patients, by reducing bleeding complications.
Researchers found that small differences in health status are associated with large reductions in stroke risk. A better score on the Life's Simple 7 health factors is linked to a lower stroke risk, with ideal blood pressure being the most important indicator.
A new experimental iPhone application has been shown to transmit diagnostic heart images faster and with greater reliability than current methods. The app could help save lives by speeding treatment for STEMI, the deadliest type of heart attack.
Researchers compared electronic health records of 115,737 patients across 18 outpatient practices, finding significant variations in controlling hypertension, diabetes, and smoking cessation. The study aims to improve outpatient care and provide a baseline for quality improvement efforts.
Researchers found that patients with heart failure and heart attack face a high risk of death and re-hospitalization within the first year after discharge. The risk of re-hospitalization for heart failure takes more than 43 days to decline significantly, highlighting the importance of post-discharge care.
Patients with blood clot-related strokes received better care at Get With The Guidelines-Stroke participating hospitals, which saw reduced 30-day and one-year mortality rates and re-hospitalizations compared to non-participating facilities.
A study found that Massachusetts' healthcare reform in 2006 led to a 3.6% increase in average quarterly hospital admissions, similar to neighboring states without reform. The total days of inpatient care increased by 0.94%, and hospital charges per quarter rose by 1.1% more than in comparison states.
A study published in the American Heart Association found that middle-aged individuals who improved their fitness levels reduced their heart failure risk by 20% for every one MET improvement. This research highlights the importance of incorporating regular exercise into mid-life routines to decrease the risk of heart failure.
A study found that young women are less healthy and have a poorer quality of life prior to a heart attack compared to men of similar age. Researchers also discovered that women are more likely to have conditions associated with heart disease, such as diabetes and depression.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that increased heart disease risk factors can negatively impact cognitive function in young adults. The study revealed a significant association between smoking, diabetes, and poor cognitive scores, with heavy smokers experiencing a lower cognitive function than non-smokers.
A study found that a diet low in grains, beans, and certain vegetables combined with anti-aging supplements improved blood vessel function. Patients consumed a restricted diet and took antioxidants to slow cell aging, potentially reversing high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.