Researchers report that patients who undergo non-cardiac surgery within six weeks of receiving a coronary stent are more likely to experience reduced blood flow to the heart, heart attack, and death. The risk is higher for those with recent heart attacks.
Researchers predict a significant increase in cardiovascular disease events and deaths in China between 2010 and 2030, driven by demographic changes and rising risk factors. Dramatically reducing smoking and controlling elevated blood pressure could prevent up to 5.7 million deaths by 2030.
Research found that long-term anabolic steroid users had weaker left ventricle function and impaired diastolic function compared to non-steroid users. Eighty-three percent of steroid users had low ejection fraction, linked to increased risk of heart failure and sudden cardiac death.
A British study found that nearly two-thirds of patients were unaware they had a minor stroke and over one-third delayed seeking medical attention for more than 24 hours. The study suggests a lack of public awareness about recognizing the signs of a minor stroke, with people from all demographics showing similar lack of knowledge.
Scientists developed a modern intelligent drug that inhibits platelet activity at cool temperatures, preventing blood clots during therapeutic hypothermia. The new drug loses its function when the body is rewarmed, minimizing bleeding problems.
Scientists have developed tissue-engineered grafts composed of adult stem cells that can replace synthetic vascular bypass grafts. The study found that these grafts prevented clotting and thickening of the graft wall, improving their effectiveness in treating peripheral artery disease and dialysis access grafting.
A large study found that walking at a brisk pace (3 miles per hour) or for two hours a week significantly lowers the risk of stroke in women. The study followed 39,315 female health professionals over 11.9 years and found lower risks for total, clot-related, and bleeding strokes.
A study found that Mexican Americans are 40% less likely than non-Hispanic whites to call 9-1-1 and be taken to the hospital via ambulance for stroke, leading to delayed medical treatment. Women, particularly those from the Hispanic community, were also more likely to experience delays in receiving timely care.
A study found that black patients were less likely than white and Hispanic patients to receive evidence-based stroke care, but hospital improvements narrowed the gap. Despite lower treatment rates, black patients had better hospital mortality rates than whites and Hispanics.
Research finds that erectile dysfunction is a strong predictor of death from all causes and cardiovascular events in men with cardiovascular disease. Men with ED were more likely to suffer death, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failures compared to those without ED.
Daily sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is linked to an increased risk of diabetes, with estimates suggesting 130,000 new cases of diabetes attributed to the increased consumption between 1990 and 2000. The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to half of discretionary calorie allowance.
A recent study published in the American Heart Association rapid access journal report found that frequent exposure to secondhand smoke among 13-year-olds is associated with increased blood vessel wall thickness and functioning problems. This increases the risk of future blood vessel hardening and other heart disease factors.
A pilot study found that a college course focused on social issues related to food resulted in healthier diets than traditional health-focused courses. Students who took the 'Food and Society' course reported an improvement in their healthful eating diet score, increased vegetable consumption, and decreased high-fat dairy consumption.
A standard ICD test is associated with significant thought-processing problems that improve for most patients after one year. The study found that more than one-third of participants experienced cognitive decline, mainly affecting attention and memory.
Researchers found that men and women who drank four or more cups of coffee daily had an 18% lower risk of hospitalization for heart rhythm disturbances. The study involved 130,054 participants and showed consistent results among different ethnic groups, smokers, and nonsmokers.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that children with insomnia and shorter sleep duration have impaired modulation of heart rhythm during sleep. This impairment can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in young children, highlighting the importance of healthy bedtime habits for their overall...
A study by American Heart Association found that organized physical activity is associated with better academic performance, lower body fat levels in adolescent girls, and improved overall health. The research suggests that encouraging regular physical activity can lead to healthier, happier, and smarter children.
Researchers found that smoking significantly increases the risk of an intracranial aneurysm in people who carry common gene variants. The risk increased by more than five-fold when combined with smoking, highlighting the importance of quitting to reduce genetic susceptibility.
A study found that blacks are more likely to have an undiagnosed key risk factor for stroke and have a higher stroke incidence. The research also revealed significant racial and geographic disparities in stroke incidence and treatment, with blacks being less likely to receive recommended treatment to prevent stroke.
In a study of 1,056 severe stroke patients, researchers found that intracranial stenting and intra-arterial tPA were effective in restoring blood flow, with success rates of 76% and 72%, respectively. Other treatment techniques showed lower restoration rates.
A study found that virtual reality gaming using the Wii system improves motor function in stroke patients, with significant speed and grip strength gains. The Wii technology activated mirror neurons involved in brain plasticity, enabling effective rehabilitation.
A study found that single men, particularly those in unhappy marriages, had a 64% higher risk of fatal stroke compared to married men. The research, based on data from 1963, also suggested that even successful marriages may not protect against stroke.
Patients treated based on 'time last seen normal' did just as well as those with witnessed strokes, having no more disabilities and reduced risk of bleeding in the brain. Treatment within 3 hours after last seen normal may be beneficial for patients with unwitnessed strokes.
A study found that nearly four in 10 TIA and minor stroke patients exhibit deficits in executive functions, including speed of mental processing and abstraction. Researchers emphasize the importance of using specific measures to detect cognitive impairment in these patients.
Research found that high dietary fat intake and trans fat consumption are associated with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke in post-menopausal women. The study analyzed data from 87,230 women aged 50-79 and found that those consuming the most daily fat had a 40% higher risk of clot-caused strokes.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that stroke incidence is increasing among young adults (20-45 years) while decreasing among older adults. The average age of stroke patients dropped significantly between 1993 and 2005, with a notable increase in younger patients.
Acute stroke care has improved significantly at hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke program, with overall composite care improving from 72% to 93%. Hospital participation made a big impact on stroke death rates, reducing the risk-adjusted odds of in-hospital mortality by 10%.
A new software technology allows doctors to visualize 3D images of heart arteries in the catheterization lab, improving assessment and treatment of coronary artery disease. This can reduce radiation exposure and decrease analysis time for cardiologists.
A new study published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association found that a higher degree of obesity increases the risk of stroke, regardless of race, gender, or how obesity is measured. The study analyzed data from 13,549 middle-aged men and women and found significant disparities in stroke rates between whites and blacks.
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries who attended more cardiac rehabilitation sessions had better outcomes, including a reduced risk of heart attack and death. Researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 patients age 65 and older, finding that those who attended all 36 sessions had the lowest mortality rates.
A study found that dispatcher-assisted bystander CPR improves survival rates and poses only a minimal risk of injury. The research suggests that assertive dispatch programs can increase the proportion of victims receiving early CPR, but future studies should aim to improve individual community's dispatcher-assisted CPR programs.
Researchers found that bone marrow cells can significantly reduce the risk of death or another heart attack in patients who have had a heart attack. The treatment, known as progenitor-cell therapy, showed benefits for at least two years after the initial heart attack.
Research found that long-term physical activity activates telomerase and stabilizes telomeres, reducing telomere shortening in human leukocytes. This activation has an anti-aging effect on the cardiovascular system, potentially preventing age-related disease.
Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of vascular damage, with obese toddlers facing a four-fold higher risk compared to adolescents. The study found significant links between secondhand smoke exposure and markers of vascular injury in both toddler and adolescent populations.
Researchers found that boiling or baking fish with low-sodium soy sauce and tofu is beneficial for heart health, while eating fried, salted, or dried fish increases risk. Omega-3 intake varied by gender and ethnicity, with men who consumed more omega-3s having lower cardiac death rates.
Research found that 8% of obese individuals perceive themselves as satisfied with their body size or believe they can gain weight. These misperceptions are associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases and lower likelihood of seeking medical care.
A motivationally-enhanced cardiac rehabilitation program for women with coronary heart disease significantly improves depressive symptoms and adherence rates compared to traditional programs. The intervention, tailored to the needs of women and their stage of readiness, led to sustained improvements at a 6-month follow-up period.
Hardening of the arteries has been detected in ancient Egyptian mummies, dating back to 3,500 years ago. Atherosclerosis, a build-up of fat and cholesterol in blood vessels, was found in four out of 20 mummies.
A study found that the average BMI of adult Americans increased from 26.5 to 28.8 kg/m2, undermining progress in reducing blood pressure and fasting glucose risk factors. Despite public health efforts, there is no net improvement in the overall cardiovascular risk factor profile.
Students with low socioeconomic status showed significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and fat-free mass after daily school physical activity classes. The study found that these children increased their VO2max by 14% and gained 2.6% more lean body mass.
A large study found acute heart attack patients received an average of 14.5 millisieverts of ionizing radiation, equivalent to 725 chest X-rays, during their hospital stay. Physicians may be unaware of cumulative dose accumulation from tests and should consider radiation exposure when diagnosing and treating heart attacks.
Research shows that biotech soybean oil enriched with SDA produces more EPA than traditional ALA, reducing heart disease risk. The oil's high efficiency and absence of contaminants make it a promising source of omega-3 fatty acids for humans.
Research suggests that active Wii sports and Wii fit activities can increase energy expenditure to levels comparable to moderately intense exercise. The study found that some activities, such as boxing and single-arm stand, require high energy expenditures of up to 5.6 METs.
Researchers found that postmortem genetic testing can identify mutations associated with SUD, allowing for targeted assessment and reduced costs. The study estimated a cost savings of $1 million per 150 cases, making it a more affordable option than comprehensive cardiac testing.
A recent study found that rapidly cooling a person in cardiac arrest can significantly improve survival rates and neurological outcomes. The early cooling method, known as RhinoChill, was shown to be safe and effective in minimizing brain damage during the critical period of cardiac arrest.
Researchers compared two surgical strategies for treating infant heart defects and found that a new shunt procedure improved survival rates at 12 months, but had more complications. However, by two years, the difference in survival rates disappeared, leaving uncertainty about which procedure is safer long-term.
A quality improvement program increased hospitals' adherence to evidenced-based therapies, narrowing gender- and age-related disparities in coronary artery disease care. Average adherence improved significantly across all patient groups.
Research found that premenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency were three times more likely to develop systolic hypertension 15 years later. Vitamin D has a well-established role in bone health, and deficiency may also increase cancer risk and immune function problems.
A high-fructose diet was found to raise blood pressure in men, while a gout drug helped protect against the increase. The study also showed that excessive fructose consumption is associated with metabolic syndrome and may contribute to obesity and diabetes.
A meta-analysis of 13 studies found that heart attack rates started to drop immediately following smoking ban implementation, reaching 17% after one year, then continuing to decline over time. The study provides strong evidence for the benefits of smoke-free laws in reducing cardiovascular disease.