Researchers found that pediatric strokes are significantly under-counted using traditional methods based on diagnostic codes, with a rate of 2.4 cases per 100,000 person-years. The study suggests that more prospective studies are needed to accurately capture the incidence and cost of pediatric stroke.
A recent study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association found that longer periods of uninterrupted chest compressions during CPR lead to better survival outcomes. The study analyzed data from 506 patients and discovered that a return to spontaneous circulation was achieved in 58% of cases with minimal compres...
A study found that measuring ankle circulation using a blood pressure cuff can identify asymptomatic peripheral artery disease in stroke and TIA survivors, who are at higher risk of subsequent cerebrovascular events. The test, called ABI measurement, is easily performed in under 15 minutes and detected PAD in 26% of survivors.
A new study found that hopelessness is associated with increased thickening of neck arteries in healthy women, even before they develop clinically relevant cardiovascular disease. Apathy among stroke survivors also impeded recovery and was linked to poor cognitive status and functional decline.
A collaborative doctor-pharmacist partnership reduces hospitalizations for heart failure patients by cutting medication misuse and improving adherence. The Australian model, which includes home visits and follow-up appointments, results in a significant reduction in hospitalization rates.
Research finds that optimistic women have a 9% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 14% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to pessimistic women. A high degree of cynical hostility is associated with a higher risk of death, but not heart disease.
A new study found that adding psychosocial therapy to medication can improve depression scores short-term and long-term in stroke patients, leading to better perceived recovery, physical condition, and social participation. Depression following stroke is a significant public health problem affecting one-third of patients.
Researchers found that cooling therapy, also known as therapeutic hypothermia, improves survival rates and reduces disability after cardiac arrest. The treatment's cost-effectiveness was compared to other widely accepted healthcare interventions, including kidney dialysis and public access defibrillation.
A study of heart disease patients reveals those with prior atherosclerosis are more likely to die in the hospital and receive less recommended therapy. Researchers found these patients were also more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and earlier stroke and heart failure incidence.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that the rapid dissemination of data on new medical information led to a significant shift in clinical practice for drug-eluting stents. The use of these stents decreased from 90% to 58% within two years after the release of the studies.
A study by the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts a 46% increase in demand for cardiothoracic surgeons while supply decreases by 21% by 2025. This shortage could lead to extended waiting times, unnecessary complications, and deaths, particularly affecting populations with limited access to medical care.
Researchers found that Attention Process Training (APT) improved attention in 78 stroke survivors, with average improvements of 2.49 standard deviations higher than standard care patients on full-scale attention scores. APT is a viable and effective way to improve attention deficits after stroke.
Researchers found that acute treatment results in an average hospital stay of 8.3 days and a cost of nearly $21,000, while ischemic stroke had an average stay of 6.6 days and cost of $15,000.
A Swedish study found improved long-term survival rates among patients with intact abdominal aortic aneurysms who underwent surgical repair between 1987 and 2005. Patients in their 80s and males experienced higher relative five-year survival rates, likely due to atherosclerosis, whereas advances in postoperative care and endovascular a...
Local laws and insurance reimbursement policies prevent EMS workers from implementing national guidelines on transporting cardiac arrest patients. Community misperceptions about hospital care also hinder efforts to terminate unsuccessful resuscitation efforts.
A large study found that stroke survivors experience a decline in functional ability over five years, with those having Medicaid or no private insurance showing the greatest decline. Factors such as age, diabetes, and severe stroke severity also contribute to this decline.
A new study reports a safe and effective nonsurgical technique for repairing leaking mitral valves, which could significantly reduce risks associated with surgical repair. The Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Annuloplasty (PTMA) system improved mitral regurgitation in patients treated with the reversible implant.
Researchers discovered that music can induce moderate arousal with swelling crescendos and relaxation with decrescendos, modulating cardiovascular control. This study suggests a potential role for music in rehabilitative medicine, particularly for patients with heart and stroke conditions.
The percentage of patients lowering 'bad' cholesterol to within target levels has nearly doubled over the last decade, with significant improvements in low-risk and high-risk groups. Researchers found that 75% of patients were taking statin drugs, and only 30% of very high-risk patients achieved their LDL target.
Researchers found that high blood pressure, excessive weight, smoking, and diabetes significantly increased the size of the heart's left ventricle over short-term (4 years) and long-term (16 years) periods. These risk factors can be directly targeted for prevention and lowering may potentially lower heart failure burden.
Researchers found that a high-calorie exercise program involving daily long-distance walking resulted in greater fat mass loss and improved insulin sensitivity compared to standard cardiac rehabilitation. After five months, the high-calorie group showed significant improvements in heart risk factors and weight reduction.
A one-year study found that a computer-based system significantly lowered high blood pressure in participants, reducing systolic and diastolic pressures by an average of 11.9mmHg and 6.6mmHg, respectively. The system's regular feedback and automated alerts encouraged patients to take their medication as prescribed.
A study of 75 stroke caregivers found that while caregiving can be stressful, many families report personal benefits and rewards. Caregivers reported increased appreciation for life, feeling needed, and developing a more positive attitude towards life, with only 44% reporting no strain.
A new urine screening test has shown promise in predicting coronary artery disease by identifying specific protein patterns associated with the condition. The test uses proteome analysis to detect collagen fragments found on the surface of atherosclerotic plaques, achieving an accuracy rate of 84%.
A recent study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that patients at community health clinics are less likely to receive cardiology consultations than those at hospitals. Women and minority groups were also underrepresented among these consultations, highlighting disparities in heart care.
A German study found that people who have had a heart attack are more than three times as likely to have been in traffic within an hour of their symptoms. Driving or riding in heavy traffic poses an additional risk of eliciting a heart attack, especially for females, elderly males, and those with a history of angina.
Researchers found that children at high risk of obesity who live near parks are more likely to participate in walking activities. Parks within a half mile of their home showed the strongest association with girls walking to school and boys engaging in leisure walking, increasing by 60% for each additional park. The study suggests that ...
Researchers found strong associations between low vitamin D levels and higher risks of high blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and metabolic syndrome among adolescents. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk factors.
A recent study suggests that significantly reducing daily salt intake can have a profound impact on heart disease cases and deaths. By lowering salt consumption by just 3 grams per day, researchers estimate that nearly half a million fewer new heart disease cases and over 200,000 fewer deaths could occur in the US over a decade.
Researchers found that participants who slept less than six hours a night were 4.56 times more likely to convert from normal blood sugar levels to impaired fasting glucose compared to those getting six to eight hours of sleep. This association suggests a link between inadequate sleep and the development of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that nearly half of participants lost 5% or more of their body weight and kept it off for at least six months. The 12-week Fit Body and Soul program focused on behavioral changes to prevent future diabetes in high-risk church members.
A clinical trial of laser therapy for stroke patients found that those with moderate to moderately severe strokes experienced significant improvement, with a 9.7% absolute gain in treated patients. However, the treatment did not significantly reduce overall stroke disability, missing its primary endpoint.
A new study reveals that people at high risk of stroke are less aware of the five warning signs, including sudden weakness, vision disturbance, and confusion. Researchers found significant disparities in knowledge among different demographics, highlighting the need for targeted educational campaigns.
Research links fast food establishments to increased stroke risk in neighborhoods, with a 1% relative risk for each restaurant. The study suggests targeting areas with high fast-food presence for prevention programs.
A study found that about 64% of US hospitals did not give tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to Medicare patients between 2005 and 2007. The researchers also discovered that 40% of the US population resides in a county without a hospital that provides tPA treatment.
Patients arriving at hospitals within the golden hour are more likely to receive clot-busting treatment, with a significant reduction in brain damage. Researchers emphasize the importance of quick action and education for patients and physicians to improve stroke care outcomes.
A study found that 14% of young adults (16-50 years old) with stroke symptoms were misdiagnosed in ERs, leading to delayed treatment and potential paralysis and speech problems. Accurate diagnosis is critical to reduce disability and improve outcomes.
A small randomized study found that robotic therapy improved physical ability in stroke patients, with more significant gains in those with lower disability at the start of rehabilitation. The study suggests that robotic therapy may be useful in reducing physical disability years after a stroke.
Costantino Iadecola, a neurology scientist at Cornell University, receives the Thomas Willis Award for his pathophysiology research on cerebral ischemic injury. He will deliver a lecture on recent advances in understanding cerebrovascular injury and developing targeted treatments.
A new American Heart Association journal issue highlights unique risk factors among women and gender disparities in stroke care. Researchers found that women were less likely to receive perfect care, had a lower discharge rate, and received less aggressive treatment than men.
A study published in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association shows that high blood pressure control increased significantly in England between 2003 and 2006. In 2006, 53% of women and 52% of men achieved control, with awareness and treatment rates also increasing.
The 'chain of survival' improved out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates in Japan by increasing bystander CPR, early defibrillator use, and advanced life support. The study found a significant decrease in delay times and an increase in neurologically intact survivors.
Researchers found a significant drop in severe heart attack symptoms, including electrocardiogram abnormalities and biomarker levels. These findings suggest that better control of risk factors and hospital management contributed to the decline in deaths from coronary heart disease.
A recent analysis estimates that over 44.7 million older Americans may benefit from statin therapy, highlighting a significant gap in current treatment guidelines. The study found that nearly 80% of this segment of the population could potentially be recommended statin therapy if new criteria are adopted.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that women are more likely to experience delays in emergency medical services (EMS) care for heart-related issues. The study analyzed data from nearly 6,000 men and women and revealed that women had a 52% higher chance of being delayed during EMS care.
Researchers found that hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke program increased adherence to national recommendations, with a significant increase in guideline-based care. The study showed that all hospitals improved, regardless of size or geography, and there is still room for improvement.
A recent study found that women are twice as likely to die from a severe heart attack in the hospital compared to men, despite having similar overall mortality rates. Women were also less likely to receive certain life-saving treatments, such as reperfusion therapy and angioplasty.
A retrospective study found that gender matching in heart transplantation leads to improved short- and long-term survival rates. Male recipients receiving hearts from male donors had a 61% cumulative chance for survival, while female recipients of female donor hearts had a 25% drop in 30-day death rate.
A new study finds that air pollution has a significant impact on heart health, with personal exposure leading to increased blood pressure and systolic blood pressure. Community-level exposure is also associated with impaired blood vessel functioning, potentially contributing to sudden heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
Adults with severe heart failure see an average of 23 providers annually, while those with mild and moderate heart failure see 15.9 and 18.6 providers respectively. Heart failure patients have higher medication rates, with 61 prescriptions written in a year, increasing risk of errors and adverse events.