Researchers discovered a genetic material involved in regulating HDL cholesterol levels. A microRNA called miR-33a helps keep high-density lipoprotein stable, and inhibiting it may raise HDL levels. Additionally, biopolymer hydrogel injections improved heart function and quality of life in heart failure patients.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2010 found that a minimally invasive procedure is a safe alternative to traditional surgery for treating congenital heart defects. The procedure, known as transcatheter closure, was associated with a 62% reduced risk of neurological events.
Researchers discovered reusing explanted ICDs with sterilized batteries is safe for patients. Shorter sleep duration linked to carotid artery thickening in men, while rapid body cooling improves heart function after CPR. Intravenous iron treatment boosts quality of life and kidney function in some chronic heart failure patients.
A new study found that automated remote patient monitoring did not improve outcomes for heart failure patients, despite daily interactions with healthcare clinicians. The system was compared to usual care based on national guidelines and showed no effect on hospitalization rates or mortality.
Researchers found that people taking anti-clotting medication often unaware of dangers of taking herbal supplements, posing a risk to patient safety. Overweight black teenagers are at high risk for cardiovascular disease due to non-traditional risk factors such as insulin resistance and family history of heart attack.
According to the American Heart Association, only 12% of men and 13% of women had all four health factors at ideal levels. Researchers found that death rates were 55% lower for participants with five to seven health factors at ideal compared to those with no health factors at ideal levels.
Researchers found that injecting a platelet inhibitor directly into the heart through a coronary artery may restore blood flow more effectively than conventional administration after a severe heart attack. In contrast, erythropoietin did not reduce heart damage but may increase it in patients over 70 years old. Additionally, measuring ...
Researchers identified irregular heartbeat in pacemaker recipients as a potential stroke risk factor. Meanwhile, disparities in cardiovascular care persist despite healthcare reform, with African-Americans and those with lower socioeconomic status receiving fewer invasive procedures. Stress tests using exercise electrocardiography and ...
Research found that women with high job strain have a 40% increased risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and the need for procedures to open blocked arteries. Job insecurity was also associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as high blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and excess body weight.
A new protocol significantly reduced radiation exposure in children undergoing electrophysiology procedures, with a 22% reduction in X-ray machine time and 52% reduction in dose entering the skin. The protocol also showed a 51% reduction in median effective dose, correlating to decreased lifetime cancer risk.
Recently bereaved individuals experience elevated heart rates and potentially harmful heart rhythm changes, increasing the risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death. These effects tend to normalize within six months.
The proportion of adult smokers dropped dramatically from 32.8% to 12.2% over the past three decades, with greater decreases among adults with higher income and education levels. Current smokers were smoking less, with a decrease in average daily cigarette consumption.
Researchers found that xanthelasmata, cholesterol deposits on eyelids, are an independent marker of underlying artery disease and predict a higher risk of heart attack, ischemic heart disease, and death. Additionally, women who slept for 10 hours or more had a 63% increased risk of stroke compared to those who slept seven hours per night.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that light to moderate drinking among male coronary artery bypass patients was associated with 25% fewer subsequent cardiovascular procedures and death compared to non-drinkers. However, heavy drinkers were twice as likely to have subsequent cardiovascular ...
A study of 7,981 black and white adults found no link between fatal strokes and vitamin D deficiency among blacks. In contrast, whites with deficient vitamin D levels had a doubled risk of dying from a stroke compared to those with higher levels.
Researchers project a significant reduction in high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke among adults if teenagers consume less salt each day. A study suggests that reducing sodium intake by 3 grams per day can decrease hypertension rates by 44-63% and coronary heart disease cases by 7-12%.
Researchers found that cardiac arrest patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia may experience substantial neurological awakening, which can start as early as day three but becomes apparent at day seven. This challenges the current paradigm of withdrawing care based on a 72-hour neurological exam.
A new solar-powered device accurately measures systolic blood pressure with high accuracy, ideal for rural areas. The device costs $32 and has significant savings on battery usage, making it a promising tool to slow the rise in cardiovascular disease.
Overweight children experience a stronger effect of body mass index (BMI) on blood pressure compared to normal-weight peers. Even modest reductions in BMI may have a substantial positive impact on blood pressure in overweight kids.
A study of Caribbean families found that genetic factors influence aldosterone production and blood pressure in individuals of African descent. Genetic data revealed a strong association between aldosterone levels and diastolic blood pressure readings.
Researchers found cardiac damage in mice exposed to low-dose sarin, including left ventricular dilation and prolonged ventricular repolarization. The study suggests a potential link between low-dose chemical warfare agent exposure and long-lasting heart problems.
A recent study by CARDIAC in West Virginia found that nearly 20% of fifth-grade students have high blood pressure. The comprehensive screening program used upper-level students to help with readings and adapted to the chaotic school environment to measure blood pressure.
Patients with peripheral artery disease experience high rates of hospitalizations and associated costs, even after initial procedures to clear blockages in leg arteries. Preventive strategies, including healthy lifestyle adoption, may help arrest or stall the progression of the disease.
Researchers found that downloadable LIA software reduces inappropriate shocks by 46% in patients with fractured leads. The study demonstrates the possibility of making other improvements to devices while they're implanted.
Research suggests that heart patients with Type D personality are at a higher risk of developing future cardiovascular issues. A three-fold increase in such risks was observed among Type D patients compared to those without this personality profile.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that Mexican-American stroke survivors with a heart rhythm disorder have more than twice the risk for another stroke compared to non-Hispanic whites. Additionally, their recurrent strokes are more likely to be severe, although they do not have a higher risk of death after stroke.
A new study found that higher education is associated with improved cardiovascular health outcomes in high-income countries, but not in low- and middle-income countries. Smoking rates unexpectedly increased with greater education level among women in these regions.
A new study published by the American Heart Association compares the risks of diabetes drugs rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, finding that patients taking either medication have a similar risk of heart attack, heart failure, or death. The study included over 36,000 patients and followed them for 33 months.
A new study found that people whose hearts pump less blood have brains that appear older, with decreased brain volume and atrophy. This association was seen even in those without cardiovascular disease, suggesting a link between cardiac index and brain health.
A new study found that exposure to ground-level ozone over several weeks increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels and decreased heart-protective protein Cav1 in rats. This suggests a link between O3 exposure and cardiac dysfunction, highlighting the potential risks of air pollution on cardiovascular health.
Researchers implanted genetically engineered stem cells with cytokines HGF, SDF-1, and VEGF to reduce organ damage and improve cardiac function after a heart attack. The results showed that two therapies - SDF-1 and Akt1 overproduction - limited cardiac damage.
Researchers used nanoparticles to destroy atherosclerotic plaque in pigs, reducing plaque volume by 56.8% after six months. Combining nanoparticles with adult stem cells showed the greatest reductions in plaque volume and signs of new blood vessel growth.
A small multi-center study found that stroke risk temporarily increases for an hour after consuming one drink of alcohol, doubling the risk. However, consistent use of small amounts of alcohol may reduce overall risk due to beneficial changes in blood lipids and flexible blood vessels.
Research from the Sleep Heart Health Study found that severe obstructive sleep apnea raised the risk of heart failure and coronary heart disease in men. Men with the most severe OSA faced a 58% higher risk of developing heart failure and a 68% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those without OSA.
Research based on data from over 1,200 patients found that stroke complications deprive patients of an additional 2 years of healthy life. The Complication in Acute Stroke Study (COMPASS) also highlights the importance of formal screening for dysphagia and early rehabilitation to improve stroke outcomes.
Researchers have discovered a new source of stem cells that can form heart muscle cells, which can help repair damaged hearts. The stem cells, called human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal cells (hAMCs), were obtained from the amniotic membrane and showed promising results in laboratory studies.
A new laser-balloon catheter successfully interrupted irregular electrical pulses in patients and pigs, offering a potential new treatment for abnormal heartbeats. The treatment achieved 100% accuracy in clinical trials and had long-lasting effects, making it a promising alternative to traditional ablation procedures.
A large study found that frequent doctor visits can help diabetes patients lower their high blood pressure to normal levels more quickly. Patients who visited their primary care physicians at intervals of one month or less saw a faster decline in blood pressure, with an average time to reach normal levels of just 0.7 months.
A study published in the American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report found that reducing sugar-sweetened beverage consumption by one serving per day is associated with a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure over 18 months. The researchers suggest that this reduction can lead to substantial health ben...
A study of 1,800 heart attack patients found that nearly half received instructions on resuming sex, but fewer discussed it with their doctors. Men were more likely to report a loss of sexual activity if they didn't receive information on when to resume.
A comprehensive health promotion program developed by CSX Transportation reduced cardiovascular disease-related medical claims from 56.6% to 48.3% and hospital claims from 6% to 4.3%. The program, launched in 2004, included interventions such as biometric screenings, nutrition and exercise coaching, and on-site fitness centers.
A pharmacist-led home blood pressure monitoring program supported by the American Heart Association's Heart 360 website improved blood pressure control for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The program, which used online tools and clinical pharmacy specialists to adjust medications based on proven protocols, resulted in a signif...
A survey of patients and healthcare providers in the southeastern US found that most patients are satisfied with their care, but doctors often lack training on multicultural awareness. The study highlights the importance of effective communication between patients and doctors to address disparities in healthcare outcomes.
Researchers found pacemaker reuse associated with a 4% decrease in overall complications compared to new device implantation. No increased risk of infection or device malfunction was observed.
Researchers found significant cost increases in Medicare claims between 2003 and 2006, with DES contributing $3.32 billion to growth and ICDs contributing $774 million. Average costs for coronary artery disease and chronic heart failure patients increased substantially, driven by the use of these devices.
A long-term surveillance study found that blood-clot related strokes decreased by 11.6% among whites in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area between 1999 and 2005. In contrast, stroke rates remained stable for blacks during the same period. The study's lead author notes that racial disparities in stroke rates worsened over time.
A nationwide smoking ban would lead to a significant reduction in heart attack hospitalizations, with 18,596 fewer admissions expected. The ban could also save over $92 million in direct healthcare costs.
Researchers found that black patients had slightly higher 30-day readmission rates than white patients, with disparities persisting at minority-serving hospitals. Improving efforts at poor-performing hospitals could increase quality of care and reduce racial healthcare disparities.
Researchers found that only 14% of participants knew to call 9-1-1 for three common stroke symptoms, while 37% reported not calling. The study emphasizes the critical role of symptom recognition and emergency medical services in reducing delays in hospital arrival.
Women with type 2 diabetes who consumed more whole grains and bran had a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and all causes. The study found that high bran intake reduced the risk by 35% for CVD mortality and 28% for overall mortality.