A large-scale study published in the American Heart Association rapid access journal report found that cigarette smoking is a significant predictor of stroke in Chinese men. Researchers analyzed data from over 170,000 participants and found that smokers were 2-3 times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke compared to never-smokers.
A study found that US adults have a higher prevalence of stroke than Europeans, mainly due to higher rates of stroke risk factors in the US. The gap is more pronounced among poor Americans, who are more likely to have a stroke.
Researchers found that older Americans with high stroke risk, but without a history of stroke, experience accelerated cognitive decline. The study, conducted by the American Heart Association, analyzed data from over 17,000 participants and found that those at high risk declined twice as fast as those considered low-risk.
A large study found that moderate aerobic fitness can significantly reduce stroke risk for men and women. The study analyzed data from over 60,000 participants and found that those with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness had a lower risk of stroke, regardless of other risk factors.
Researchers found that daytime dozing significantly increases the risk of stroke in older adults. Moderate dozing doubled the risk, while significant dozing quadrupled it. The study suggests that sleep problems may be an important and novel stroke risk factor.
Pak H. Chan receives the Thomas Willis Award for major contributions to stroke understanding, while S. Claiborne Johnston and Pooja Khatri receive awards for clinical stroke research and young investigator recognition respectively.
Researchers found that calling a doctor's office instead of 9-1-1 can delay patients from reaching the emergency room during the critical three-hour window for acute stroke treatment. Calling an emergency number or ambulance is the quickest way to receive timely treatment and potentially avoid serious post-stroke disability.
Middle-aged women's waistlines have widened in recent years, increasing their stroke risk. The study found that obesity and blood sugar markers are key contributors to this trend, highlighting the need for obesity-curbing efforts.
Studies found that stroke patients who arrive in the emergency department during off-hours, especially on weekends, are more likely to die in the hospital. Hemorrhagic strokes showed a significant increased risk of mortality compared to ischemic strokes.
After Italy's comprehensive smoking ban in 2005, acute coronary events among adults decreased significantly, particularly in younger age groups, with a 11.2% reduction for those aged 35-64 and a 7.9% decrease for those aged 65-74.
A new simplified scoring system accurately assesses overall cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and individual component risks. The system, developed from 12 years of patient data, shows significant correlation with 10-year CVD risk.
A study of 1,739 participants found that vitamin D levels below 15 ng/mL were associated with a twice higher risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers also observed an increase in cardiovascular risk with each level of vitamin D deficiency.
Researchers found that a higher waist-to-hip ratio is associated with a greater risk of heart disease, even when adjusting for other factors. The study suggests that focusing on waist-hip ratio rather than weight alone can provide a more accurate prediction of heart disease risk.
Two studies found that exercise training increases the growth of new muscle cells and blood vessels in weakened muscles of people with heart failure. The studies showed significant improvements in muscle cell regeneration and vasculogenesis, leading to better health status and increased exercise capacity.
A new study published at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that cholesterol-lowering medication simvastatin can disrupt sleep patterns in some individuals. Researchers compared two types of statins and observed a significant adverse effect on sleep quality among those taking simvastatin.
David R. Holmes Jr., a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, received the James B. Herrick Award for his pioneering contributions to interventional cardiology and advancements in coronary revascularization through balloon angioplasty and stenting. His work has significantly improved patient care and saved countless lives.
A new vaccine targeting angiotensin II has shown promising results in reducing blood pressure in a small study. The vaccine produced strong antibody responses and significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressures in patients with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure.
Researchers found that fasting was associated with lower odds of being diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who fasted. Fasting was linked to healthier arteries, even in people with diabetes, although the study does not recommend skipping meals for diabetics.
A small study found that diesel exhaust increases clot formation and blood platelet activity in healthy volunteers, which could lead to heart attack and stroke. Researchers measured clot formation, coagulation, and inflammatory markers after exposure to diluted diesel exhaust.
A small study found that energy drink consumption increased systolic blood pressure by 7.9% within four hours and heart rate by 11% on the seventh day. The increases could be clinically significant in patients with heart disease or those who consume energy drinks frequently.
Steve Sternberg, a medical correspondent for USA Today since 1997, has received the American Heart Association's Howard L. Lewis Achievement Award for his outstanding reporting on heart disease and stroke. He is recognized for his dedication to making a difference through his writing.
Researchers found that heart failure nurses make a positive impact on patients' adherence to nonpharmacologic treatment, particularly in daily weighing and fluid/salt restrictions. The study showed improved compliance with these measures in patients receiving intensive support from a heart failure nurse.
A new study found that early BMI rebound age is associated with adverse cardiovascular risk factors and may signal potential heart disease risk as early as age 7. The study of 308 children showed that earlier BMI rebound age correlates with a greater likelihood to become obese adults, particularly girls.
Using CPR combined with bystander use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) significantly increases the chances of surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The study found that when bystanders provided CPR and attached an AED, survival increased to 36 percent – approximately four times that of CPR alone.
A five-year study of electronic health records from 15 VA hospitals found significant variations in high blood pressure return-to-normal rates between winter and summer. The average difference was 7.76 percent, suggesting that seasonal factors such as weight gain and exercise may influence blood pressure.
Researchers found that breastfed babies had a lower average body mass index (BMI) and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL or 'good' cholesterol) levels in adulthood. These protective factors against cardiovascular disease were observed even after accounting for personal and maternal demographic risk factors.
Researchers found that ABO-incompatible infant heart transplantation is as safe as transplantation with compatible blood group types. The study suggests that this procedure could significantly reduce the number of infants who die while waiting for a donor heart, with mortality rates potentially decreasing by up to 20%.
Edmund H. Sonnenblick, a renowned NY cardiologist, received the national Research Achievement Award posthumously from the American Heart Association. His groundbreaking work helped redefine the human heart as a self-renewing organ, significantly advancing understanding of cardiac muscle structure and function.
Ralph L. Sacco, a Florida neurologist, received the American Heart Association's Chairman's Award for his leadership in creating Power To End Stroke, a nationwide educational campaign aimed at raising stroke awareness among African Americans. The program has reached every state in the continental US and made measurable progress in spre...
Darwin Labarthe, a renowned epidemiologist and educator, has been recognized by the American Heart Association for 40 years of mentoring young physicians and research fellows. He directed the training of over 885 participants during the annual seminar's 33-year existence.
A small, implantable device supporting the heart works equally well for men and women, benefiting twice as many women awaiting transplants. The device helps patients with severe congestive heart failure, enabling them to leave hospitals and return to active life.
Marc Alan Pfeffer identified destructive structural changes in the diseased heart and led clinical trials showing ACE inhibitors can slow or reverse these changes. His work expanded knowledge of hypertension and heart attacks' impact on cardiac muscle tissue, paving the way for effective treatment approaches.
Kenneth E. Bernstein identified key components of blood pressure control and was awarded the American Heart Association's Basic Research Prize for his work. His discoveries have led to a major approach in treating hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy.
Dr. Paul K. Whelton has been awarded the American Heart Association's Population Research Prize for his pioneering work in documenting the burden of cardiovascular diseases. His research has provided vital data on hypertension and its impact on populations worldwide.
Researchers found that PAD prevalence increased from 3.7% to 4.6% among asymptomatic adults aged 40-70 between 1999-2004. The study suggests a link between rising obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking rates, emphasizing the importance of screening for PAD in asymptomatic patients.
A study of 27,000 women found that regular physical activity can significantly lower cardiovascular risk by 40% over 11 years. The research highlights the importance of exercise in reducing inflammation and blood pressure as key contributors to cardioprotection.
Researchers found that 50% of overweight, hypertensive adults achieved normal body weight and blood pressure after six months of treatment with a reduced-calorie diet. This suggests that blood pressure may be secondary to body weight rather than essential hypertension in these patients.
A study of California adults with high blood pressure found that nearly half do not take medication, despite seeing a doctor. Regular doctor visits significantly improve medication adherence in those who do take pills.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure require more coordinated brain blood flow to perform memory tasks, even after treatment. This increased coordination was observed in the four areas of the brain involved in memory: thalamus, posterior parietal, prefrontal area, and hippocampus.
Studies have shown that hypertension awareness, treatment, and control are lower among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanics. However, a recent study found that Hispanic men and women responded as well or better than non-Hispanics when treated aggressively with medication. At four years, blood pressure was controlled in 72% of Hispanic w...
A Dutch study found that starting statin therapy at age 8 safely delays early artery damage caused by FH. The study showed that earlier initiation of statin treatment results in smaller carotid intima-media thickness at a later age, with no serious clinical or laboratory adverse events reported.
Infants born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy had substantially higher systolic blood pressures compared to those whose mothers didn't smoke and weren't exposed to smoke. The study, which controlled for various factors, found a direct association between maternal smoking and newborn systolic blood pressure.
A study by the American Heart Association found that women are less likely than men to have their LDL cholesterol controlled, with a notable 10% gender gap. The study analyzed data from commercial and Medicare managed care plans and showed equal or better outcomes for women in most dimensions of care, except for cholesterol control.
Researchers found that a single-tablet combination of atorvastatin and amlodipine is less costly and at least as effective in preventing cardiovascular events. The study suggests this approach may be beneficial for patients with high blood pressure, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing medical costs.
A study by the American Heart Association found that patients who used an online education program were more aware of treatment options and asked their doctors about care. The program provided personalized information in lay language, leading to improved patient knowledge and behavior.
Young women with heart disease often experience atypical symptoms such as jaw pain, sweating, and shortness of breath. These individuals are twice as likely to die in the hospital compared to similarly aged men, highlighting the need for prompt medical attention and increased awareness of risk factors.
A simple procedural change has significantly reduced cardiopulmonary arrests outside a pediatric hospital's intensive care unit. The American Heart Association recommends calling the cardiac emergency team at warning signs of respiratory problems or heart issues, rather than waiting for CPR initiation.
Researchers found that employees who participated in a workplace health program improved their blood pressure control and diabetes management, with significant reductions in absenteeism and workplace accidents. The program's comprehensive wellness system, which included coaching, incentives, and health screenings, was key to its success.
A three-year study found that patients with bleeding strokes received significantly less cholesterol-lowering medications, diabetes medication, and weight-loss management compared to those with ischemic strokes. Smoking cessation therapy also showed significant disparity between the two groups.
Implanted pumps improved heart function in many patients awaiting a heart transplant, allowing them to leave the hospital without a pump and without a new heart. The devices also showed progressive improvement in exercise capacity and reduced signs of heart damage.