A randomized controlled trial found that patients who received unexpected gifts and positive messages took their medication 43% of the time over 12 months, compared to 36% in the control group. The intervention reduced negative feelings and improved patient affirmation.
A new stent coated with an antibody that binds endothelial progenitor cells has been found to be as effective as drug-eluting stents in keeping arteries open in patients with coronary heart disease. The study of 1,640 international patients showed low rates of stent blockage and revascularization procedures.
Research reveals that obese children's neck artery plaque thickness is comparable to that of 45-year-olds, indicating a high risk of heart disease and stroke. The study found that children with obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, and high triglycerides had advanced vascular ages.
Research found that minority children waiting for heart transplants had significantly higher mortality rates than their white counterparts, even after controlling for age, health status, and socioeconomic factors. The study revealed a 60% greater chance of death among black children, a 50% higher mortality rate among Hispanics, and a 1...
Retired NFL players had a lower prevalence of diabetes and hypertension compared to control groups, but higher rates of elevated cholesterol and impaired fasting glucose. Staying physically active may help protect against these health risks in former athletes.
Researchers have successfully grown human-like tissue in the lab using umbilical cord blood stem cells to create functional heart valves. The tissue-engineered valves exhibited properties similar to those of natural human valves, including collagen and elastin production.
Researchers have developed a microgenerator that harnesses the heart's surplus energy to produce electricity for pacemakers and defibrillators. The innovative system, called SIMM, has shown promising results in increasing energy production with each heartbeat, potentially leading to longer-lasting devices.
Research suggests that flu vaccination can lower the risk of venous thrombotic embolism (VTE) in people with cardiovascular disease. The protective effect was more pronounced in those under 52 years old. Further studies are needed to confirm this relationship and explore underlying mechanisms.
Researchers found that 14 out of 60 patients experienced detectable interference when MP3 headphones were placed near their implanted devices. Prolonged exposure to high magnetic fields can cause pacemakers to deliver signals without regard to the patient's heart rhythm, while defibrillators may temporarily deactivate.
A study by the American Heart Association found that Hispanic patients were 57% less likely than Caucasian patients to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) one year after successful angioplasty. Hispanics also had a trend toward lower rates of overall repeat revascularization procedures, including stenting and bypass surgery.
The study found that heart failure hospitalization rates have increased dramatically among seniors in the US, with a 131% rise from 1980 to 2006. This trend is particularly concerning for women, who experienced a higher annual percentage increase rate than men.
Researchers found that heart failure patients have a fourfold higher risk of fracture and six times the risk of hip fracture compared to other heart patients. Heart failure and osteoporosis share common risk factors such as older age, female sex, smoking, and type-2 diabetes.
The study found that more Americans are living with hypertension, rather than dying from it. Treatment and control rates have improved, especially among men and certain ethnic groups.
A study published in Circulation found that American Indians have a higher incidence of stroke compared to white and black Americans, with first strokes being more deadly. Risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, and cigarette smoking.
A study found that an audio relaxation program lowered blood pressure more than listening to Mozart music in a group of elderly people with high blood pressure. The program used binaural sound and guided relaxation techniques to lower systolic blood pressure by 6.4% compared to a 5% reduction from Mozart music.
A recent study found that exposure to fine particles and black carbon from traffic sources was associated with ST-segment depression in patients with coronary artery disease. The study suggests that air pollution can affect heart health through inflammation of the heart muscle or reduced blood flow, highlighting the need for vigilance ...
A new study found that rapid weight gain in early childhood is associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adulthood. The research, published in the American Heart Association journal, suggests that changes in post-natal weight gain and childhood weight gain are linked to small but significant increases in blood pre...
Researchers found that teenagers with low sleep efficiency and short sleep duration are at a higher risk of elevated blood pressure and pre-hypertension. The study suggests that optimizing sleep quality is essential for preventing high blood pressure and other health problems in adolescents.
A study found that only 23% of stroke patients arrived at the hospital within two hours of symptom onset, making them suitable for time-dependent therapies like tPA. Patients who arrived by ambulance or received care at Primary Stroke Centers were more likely to receive a timely CT scan.
Researchers successfully grew functional human blood vessels in mice using adult human donor cells, creating a new model for tissue engineering. The study used a combination of two types of progenitor cells to form a small ball of healthy blood vessels, with the ability to rapidly grow two-layered vessels without embryonic stem cells.
Researchers found Alaskan Eskimo adults had higher rates of fatty artery plaque than the general US population due to unhealthy lifestyle habits. The study suggests that traditional heart-healthy diet and exercise may not be enough to counteract the effects of smoking.
A study of Japanese people found that men who drink heavily have a lower risk of coronary heart disease, while women quadruple their risk. Women also show a higher risk of hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes with heavy drinking.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that fatty liver disease in overweight and obese children is associated with higher levels of cardiovascular risk factors, including fasting glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. The research suggests that fat accumulation in the liver may play a more important role than obesity i...
Researchers from the American Heart Association report a link between low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and increased risk of memory loss and dementia. Studies found that participants with low HDL cholesterol showed a higher risk of memory decline compared to those with high HDL, particularly in late midlife.
A study found 10.7% of asymptomatic middle-aged individuals had silent cerebral infarctions, a brain injury caused by blood clots. Hypertension and atrial fibrillation significantly increased the risk of SCI.
A gene variation called alternative splicing may explain why some people don't respond well to cholesterol-lowering drugs. Researchers found that this variation accounted for 9% of the reduced power of statins in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
A review of heart bypass patients in Ontario hospitals found that 111 deaths (32%) might have been prevented with better care. Many preventable deaths were related to lapses in established procedures, highlighting the need for quality improvement initiatives.
A study of 290 dental patients found bacteria in the blood after tooth brushing and extractions, but with lower incidence than expected. The researchers suggest that good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of heart valve infection by reducing gingival disease and bacterial species associated with IE.
A study found that stroke patients are at high risk for falls and subsequent injuries after leaving the hospital. Researchers recommend fall prevention strategies such as lower leg strengthening, balance retraining, exercise programs, home hazard assessment, and modification to prevent falls in these vulnerable individuals.
A recent study found that walking therapy for stroke survivors is significantly more effective when conducted by a physical therapist, improving walking speed and symmetry. Human-assisted interventions allow for patient error and harder work, leading to better outcomes.
Researchers found that heart failure patients with poor health status have higher symptom burden, depression, and lower spiritual well-being than cancer patients. Palliative care is underused in heart failure patients, but identifying those who may benefit from it, such as those with low health status scores, can improve quality of life.
Researchers found that young women with heart attacks often misattributed their symptoms to fatigue or other conditions, failing to connect them with a heart condition. The study suggests that there are large gaps in understanding the symptoms and reasons for delaying prompt care among this age group.
A study at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Forum on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke found that focused measures improved high blood pressure control among veterans. The proportion of patients reaching their blood pressure goal increased from 61.8% to 64.3%, with an estimated 1,349 ...
Aerobic exercise combined with cognitive behavioral therapy may improve depression, physical function and quality of life in depressed heart failure patients. The study found that the combination group showed significant improvement in depression symptoms and physical function tests compared to other groups.
A remote monitoring program can improve heart failure patients' condition and reduce hospital readmissions. Patients who participated in the program had lower average hospital readmission rates compared to those receiving usual care.
Researchers found that lower wealth is associated with increased stroke risk up to age 65, while wealth is not a predictor of stroke beyond age 65. This study suggests that addressing the large wealth gap at age 50-64 may help reduce disparities in stroke incidence.
Researchers followed Minneapolis school children from ages 11 to 19 to track the emergence of cardiovascular risk factors. By age 19, boys were at greater cardiovascular risk despite gaining muscle mass and losing fat during puberty.
A recent study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association found that patients admitted with heart attacks during off-hours receive slower and less comprehensive care. Despite this, there is no significant difference in in-hospital death rates between those arriving during regular hours and off-hours.
Researchers found that hormone therapy started around menopause onset may have similar benefits as those without risk factors for heart disease. The study suggests that current guidelines may need to be revised for younger women taking hormone therapy.
Researchers found that low vitamin D levels are associated with a higher prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Studies suggest that vitamin D may not have a direct protective effect against PAD, but rather may be a marker for other health practices such as healthy diet and physical activity.
Women with poor kidney filtering ability are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death, according to a new study published by the American Heart Association. The research found that those with advanced kidney dysfunction had a 3.16 times higher risk of SCD than women with normal kidney function.
Researchers found that people with diabetes have the same high risk for heart attack or stroke as those who've already had a heart attack. The study suggests that all patients with diabetes receiving glucose-lowering treatment are at a particularly high risk of cardiovascular death and disease, regardless of sex and diabetes type.
A study by the American Heart Association found that minority and financially vulnerable adults with insulin-treated diabetes are less likely to monitor their blood glucose levels. The disparities were greatest for low-income Hispanics, with significantly lower rates of daily self-monitoring compared to whites.
Researchers found that toddlers aged 2-5 years absorbed more nicotine from secondhand smoke than adolescents, leading to increased markers of inflammation and vascular injury. This exposure resulted in damage to the endothelium, the inner lining of vessel walls, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that even short periods of exercise (10-30 minutes) can significantly improve quality of life for postmenopausal women, including social functioning and general health. The study's results support the idea that any amount of physical activity is beneficial, even if it's just a little bit every day.
Researchers found that family members caring for loved ones with serious heart ailments were more likely to have high blood pressure, depression, and poor eating habits. These caregivers were also less likely to follow healthy dietary guidelines.
A preschool-based intervention program helped prevent early trends toward obesity and instilled healthy eating habits in multi-ethnic 2- to 5-year-olds. The program, which included menu modifications, education, and family-based activities, was effective in reducing junk food consumption and increasing fruit and vegetable intake.
Research found that 7% of teens spend over 50 hours a week on screens, while 52% of boys and girls report average screen-time levels above 42 hours per week. Neighborhood socio-economic factors play a significant role in determining screen time habits.
A study by the American Heart Association found that individuals who received monthly personal counseling maintained significant weight loss over a 30-month period. The results showed that 42% of participants lost at least 4kg and 71% weighed less than their initial weight.
A new study finds that smoking and high blood pressure have a synergistic effect, increasing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Quitting smoking and lowering blood pressure can significantly reduce this risk, as seen in a cohort of over 563,000 participants.