A new study published by the American Heart Association finds that group yoga can significantly improve balance in chronic stroke survivors. The research suggests that yoga may be a cost-effective and effective way to improve motor function and quality of life for these individuals.
Researchers have successfully grown healthy small-diameter blood vessels using adult stem cells extracted during liposuction. These lab-grown vessels may replace the need for grafts from elsewhere in the body or artificial blood vessels, reducing risks of clotting and rejection.
Researchers create three-dimensional 'maps' of children's hearts to identify abnormal electrical pathways, allowing for more precise ablation procedures to correct rapid heart rhythms.
Modified human stem cells helped enhance the activity of an enzyme called telomerase, which elongates telomere length. This technique increased telomere length and activity, as well as increasing cardiac stem cell proliferation, vital steps in combating heart failure.
A German study found that focusing on high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, irregular heartbeat, and depression reduced the need for long-term care by 10% in women and 9.6% in men. The study also showed a decrease in death rates, with 2,112 expected deaths vs. 1,939 actual deaths.
Pre-notification by EMS significantly improved treatment times for stroke patients, including arrival-to-imaging and tPA treatment within 60 minutes. However, rates varied widely among hospitals and states, highlighting the need for improved stroke care systems.
Moderate coffee consumption as part of a daily routine may be linked with a significantly lower risk of heart failure. The study found that moderate coffee drinking reduces the risk by as much as 11 percent, while excessive consumption has no benefit and may even be dangerous.
A small study exposed young, healthy volunteers to ozone for two hours, showing vascular inflammation and changes in autonomic nervous system control. The findings suggest a plausible explanation for the link between acute ozone exposure and death.
A study found that a high-salt diet can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of developing hypertension. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,500 men and women and found that those consuming the most sodium were 21-86% more likely to develop high blood pressure.
Research found no increase in infective endocarditis among dental patients following updated guidelines, which restrict antibiotic use to those at greatest risk of complications. The study's results are reassuring but suggest further research is needed to support the findings.
A 34-year study found that Japanese-American men who did not eat foods rich in vitamin D had a higher risk of stroke later in life. Men with the lowest dietary vitamin D intake had a 22% increased risk of stroke, while those with the highest intake had a 27% lower risk.
A national survey found that systems treating severe heart attacks are expanding nationwide, with over 580 community-based STEMI systems registered in Mission: Lifeline. The survey also identified common barriers to implementing these systems, including competition among hospitals and finances.
Researchers found that hunter-gatherers like the Tsimane people in Bolivia have lower age-related increases in blood pressure and less risks of atherosclerosis. The Tsimane diet is high in fruits, vegetables, and potassium, and low in calories, salt, and alcohol. This study challenges traditional views on modernization's impact on health.
Research published in Circulation suggests that prolonged QRS duration is a significant predictor of sudden cardiac death in men. The study, which tracked 2,049 Finnish men for 19 years, found that even slight delays in electrical impulses through the heart can increase the risk of SCD.
Research found that moderate fitness levels can lower hypertension risk by 34% for those with a parent's high blood pressure, while highly fit individuals have a 70% lower risk. The study of over 6,000 participants suggests that even realistic exercise can provide significant health benefits.
Researchers found regional heart failure readmission rates vary widely due to availability of care and socioeconomics. Communities with higher rates have more physicians, hospital beds, and sicker populations, leading to increased readmissions among the elderly and poor.
Researchers found tPA is safe for warfarin-treated stroke patients, with similar bleeding risks regardless of medication use. The study suggests tPA should not be withheld from these patients, as it minimizes brain damage and disability.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Scientific Sessions 2012 found that home telemonitoring with pharmacist-led support improved blood pressure control in patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The study, which involved 450 patients, showed a significant reduction in blo...
A study by the American Heart Association found that STEMI patients who went directly to PCI-capable hospitals received faster treatment, with an average time of 93 minutes from first medical contact to artery-opening treatment. This can improve a patient's chances of survival.
A new study found that heart patients with a distressed personality type (Type D) reported worse health after having an implanted internal defibrillator. Those who received a shock from their device within the first year scored themselves up to 30 points lower than others, indicating poorer overall health and mental well-being.
Researchers found that heart attack survivors living less than 100 meters from a major roadway have a 27% increased risk of dying over 10 years compared to those living at least 1,000 meters away. Long-term exposure to air pollution near roadways is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death.
Researchers have successfully converted scar tissue into heart muscle cells using microRNA, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for heart attacks and heart failure. The study uses microRNAs as master switches to regulate gene expression, converting fibroblasts into functional heart muscle cells.
Researchers found that stopping anti-clotting medication in patients with irregular heartbeats increases the risk of stroke within a month. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 patients and found that both warfarin and rivaroxaban carried similar stroke risks after temporary or permanent discontinuation.
Researchers developed a non-invasive monitoring technique to assess changes in brain arteries, detecting brain damage in 61 children undergoing heart repair surgery. The 'hemoglobin volume index' allowed for real-time detection of brain injury and potential adjustments to blood pressure management.
A Swedish study found that consuming low-fat dairy products reduces the risk of stroke in adults. Low-fat dairy foods are rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and vitamin D, which may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of ischemic stroke.
Research suggests that CD36 protein, involved in cellular inflammation, increases harmful effects of LDL cholesterol. Mice infected with gum disease bacteria showed increased fatty plaque accumulation, while those with deleted CD36 gene remained plaque-free.
Researchers found that testosterone supplements improved a six-minute walking test score by 50% compared to placebo, with gains lasting for at least one year. In addition, severity of heart failure improved in 35% of treated patients, compared to 9.8% of those on placebo.
Research found patients with Medicare coverage gaps are 57% more likely to stop taking heart medications, contrary to those with supplemental insurance. The sudden exposure to full costs led to abrupt discontinuation of essential cardiovascular medications.
Researchers found that having a sibling with a stroke increases the risk of ischemic strokes by 64%, particularly in full siblings and half-siblings. The study suggests that lifestyle habits such as diet, exercise, and blood pressure control can be modified to reduce this risk.
Research finds improved survival rates among patients with non-shockable cardiac arrests when given CPR based on updated guidelines. The likelihood of survival to discharge increased from 4.6% to 6.8%, and one-year survival doubled from 2.7% to 4.9%
Researchers found depression rates were similar among stroke and TIA survivors, with 17.9% of stroke patients and 14.4% of TIA patients experiencing depression at 3 months post-hospitalization. Persistent depression was common, affecting nearly 70% of stroke and TIA patients.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that orthostatic hypotension may be associated with a higher risk of developing heart failure, particularly in individuals aged 45-55. High blood pressure was also found to contribute to this association.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that children living in a neighborhood with a specially-designed bike trail were three times more likely to engage in vigorous physical activity. The study compared two low-income neighborhoods in Chattanooga, Tenn., one with a wide trail/sidewalk for biki...
Researchers found that overweight and obese adults who used electronic devices with daily feedback messages on diet and exercise had better treatment adherence. After six months, the group with daily feedback messages lost over a 5% more weight compared to those using a paper diary.
Research at the American Heart Association's 2012 Scientific Sessions found that living in neighborhoods with favorable features, such as parks and healthy food options, is associated with better cardiovascular health. Participants with ideal health were more likely to be under age 55, male, and highly educated.
A survey of 1,000 physicians found that those who exercised regularly or didn't smoke were twice as likely to make five lifestyle recommendations to patients. The study also showed that most doctors (66%) made these recommendations, despite having unhealthy habits themselves.
Researchers found that walking briskly for an hour a day can reduce the genetic influence towards obesity by half. In contrast, watching TV for four hours a day increases the genetic influence by 50 percent.
Researchers found that sleep-deprived individuals consumed an average of 549 additional calories per day, while leptin levels increased and ghrelin decreased. This study suggests that sleep deprivation may be a preventable cause of weight gain and obesity.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's 2012 Scientific Sessions found that cooling the palms of the hands during exercise improved exercise tolerance and cardiovascular fitness in obese women. Holding a cold bottle or using a cooling device may help exercisers work out longer and stick with their regimen.
Researchers identified five distinct dietary patterns among US adults based on demographic factors such as age, race, region, gender, income, and education. These patterns include the Southern, Traditional, Healthy, Sweets, and Alcohol diets, which have clear differences in food choices across demographic groups.
Men who consumed daily sugar-sweetened beverages had a 20% higher risk of heart disease compared to non-drinkers. The study also found associations with increased triglycerides and CRP levels, but not HDL levels.
A new software program can detect ICD problems earlier than traditional monitoring methods, potentially saving thousands of patients from health risks. The automated system analyzed large databases of ICD patients and found issues with recalled leads at least a year before recalls were issued.
A study published in Stroke found that long-term diabetics are at a higher risk of stroke, with the risk increasing by 3% each year and tripling for those with diabetes for 10 years or more. The study highlights the chronic nature of diabetes and its impact on blood vessels over time.
Researchers have developed a modified protein, SuperFAK, that reduces cell damage after heart attacks by 50 percent without causing inflammation. The study suggests this protein may protect the heart during chemotherapy or following a heart attack.
Patients who underwent mitral valve repair along with bypass surgery had improved exercise capacity and reduced heart size compared to those who received bypass surgery alone. Blood markers associated with heart failure also showed improvement for dual-procedure patients.
A prospective study found that consuming flavanones in citrus fruits reduces the risk of ischemic stroke by 19% in women. Flavonoids, present in various foods and drinks, may provide protection through improved blood vessel function and anti-inflammatory effects.
The American Heart Association has launched an online-only open-access journal, packed with free peer-reviewed research on heart disease and stroke. The new journal aims to accelerate the translation of science into practice through rapid and widespread accessibility.
Researchers found that women with pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders or diabetes may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes were linked to higher CVD risk factors, including fasting glucose and insulin levels.
In a large head-to-head study, warfarin and aspirin showed similar efficacy in reducing mortality and stroke risk in patients with heart failure and normal heart rhythms. Warfarin was found to be more effective in preventing strokes after four years of treatment.
Researchers identified 27 genetic variants in 19 genes associated with brain aneurysms, including collagen 5-A2 linked to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Whole exome sequencing allowed for targeted screening of affected families, offering potential for personalized risk assessment and prevention strategies.