A study reveals that anti-clotting treatment is underused at many hospitals in the US, with significant differences between academic and community hospitals. The American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines program aims to bridge this gap and simplify patient care.
Researchers found that black women with high blood pressure during pregnancy had the highest homocysteine levels, while white women had lower levels. The study suggests increasing folic acid intake among blacks to mitigate this risk. Homocysteine levels are influenced by diet and genetic factors.
A 40-minute surgical procedure called left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) reduces the risk of cardiac arrest and fainting episodes in people with long QT syndrome, a rare heart disorder. The study found that LCSD surgery reduced cardiac events by 91 percent compared to pre-surgery rates.
Researchers found HIV patients had significantly larger carotid IMT and higher rates of plaque build-up compared to uninfected controls. The study suggests HIV infection may be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis, with lowest CD4 counts associated with thickest artery walls.
Researchers found a strong relationship between increasing blood pressure and CVD risk in women, with even borderline elevations associated with an increased risk. The study of 5,218 female health professionals showed that for each 10 mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure, CVD risk rose by 9 percent.
Researchers found that adiponectin may be a key player in determining true risk of heart disease in obese children. The study showed lower adiponectin levels in obese children, who also had higher inflammation markers and cholesterol levels, indicating a potential 'footprint' for heart disease.
Research highlights the link between clinical depression and primary cardiac arrest, as well as low awareness of stroke risk among women in ethnic minorities. Meanwhile, studies reveal the role of adiponectin in regulating cholesterol levels and the importance of targeted educational programs to improve public health.
A recent study found that folic acid fortification was associated with a significant decline in stroke-related mortality rates. The researchers estimated that 31,000 stroke-associated deaths and 17,000 deaths related to ischemic heart disease may have been prevented each year since fortification was implemented.
Researchers found a strong correlation between obesity and high blood pressure in children aged 8-17. The prevalence of high blood pressure increased by 4.2% among overweight children, 3.5% among obese children, and 2.6% among normal-weight children over 10 years.
Researchers found that teenagers with lower BMIs had higher average anger control scores, while those with increasing BMI's had decreasing anger expression scores. This suggests that unhealthy ways of expressing anger are associated with overweight in teens.
Researchers used an interactive internet program and short videos to reduce fat intake and increase exercise levels among low-income seventh graders. The study showed that students who attended at least half of the sessions increased their physical activity and reduced dietary fat.
A new study found that only 4% of women with coronary heart disease met all four lifestyle goals, including non-smoking status and exercise. Researchers say the findings underscore the need for more effective interventions to improve compliance among high-risk women.
A study found that obesity rates among US teens have increased significantly since the 1970s, with total cholesterol and blood pressure strongly correlated to weight gain. The rate of weight gain during the teen years has roughly doubled, posing a significant risk for diabetes, strokes, and heart disease later in life.
Researchers found obese children had shorter treadmill times and lower endurance compared to non-obese peers. Obesity also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, joint problems, and atherosclerosis in adolescents.
Research found that young children who consumed moderate amounts of dairy products and fat experienced less weight gain than those on low-fat or high-fat diets. Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables was also associated with lower gains in body fat.
A study analyzing physician office data and pharmacy surveys found that the cost of high blood pressure therapy increased by $12 billion between 1990 and 2002. The primary contributors to this increase were higher prices for expensive ACE-inhibitors and ARBs, as well as a decline in diuretic prescriptions.
A study of 524 patients found Mexican-Americans are more likely to have a family history of stroke. Researchers believe this population is ideal for studying family stroke risks due to significant associations between ethnicity and stroke factors.
Researchers found a 21% higher risk of death from stroke among children under 20 in stroke belt states compared to non-stroke belt states. The study highlights the need to consider environmental and cultural factors in understanding childhood stroke.
Researchers present findings on various stroke treatments, including the effectiveness of IV magnesium in reducing death and improving functional outcome. Additionally, studies show promise for statins, oxygen therapy, and clot-busting therapies in improving neurological outcomes after ischemic stroke.
A study of 34 academic medical institutions found that seven criteria, including written procedures and emergency staff training, significantly increased the use of tPA for stroke patients. Hospitals that met all seven criteria saw a 4.7 times greater chance of treating ischemic strokes with tPA.
Patients with a history of high cholesterol had a lower risk of cognitive impairment three to six months after stroke. The study found that statin treatment, rather than the cholesterol itself, may be responsible for this effect.
A new study suggests that treating metabolic syndrome's risk-factor components might reduce stroke risk before Type 2 diabetes develops. Men with metabolic syndrome have a 78% greater stroke risk, while women have more than double the risk compared to those without the condition.
The study found that lifetime stroke risk is 21% in women at age 55, while men have a 17% risk. Blood pressure significantly increases the risk of stroke across all ages. Lifestyle changes to control blood pressure can reduce stroke risk.
A new study suggests that angioplasty can significantly reduce the risk of stroke in patients with clogged brain arteries. The procedure, which uses a tiny balloon to open blocked vessels, has been shown to be more effective than medication alone in improving outcomes.
Researchers tested a cooling helmet on patients with severe ischemic stroke, finding that it preferentially cools the brain rapidly and profoundly. The study showed excellent functional recovery in younger patients but only 20% in elderly patients.
A new corkscrew-shaped retrieval system has been shown to restore blood flow and reverse paralysis in 61 of 114 patients with ischemic strokes. The device, MERCI Retrieval System, was able to dissolve clots and open blood vessels in patients who were not eligible for standard tPA therapy within three hours.
Researchers have identified the optimal dosage of a bat-derived clot-buster for acute ischemic stroke treatment, finding a dose of 125 micrograms per kilogram to improve neurological function scores. Carotid artery screenings in seniors may also help prevent strokes and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs.
Researchers developed a device called NeuroFlo that increases blood flow to the brain by diverting it from lower extremities. The study tested its safety and effectiveness on 17 patients with ischemic strokes, resulting in improved treatment outcomes for 10 out of 15 conscious patients.
A recent study found that air pollution significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular deaths, with a 45% mortality rate attributed to heart disease, compared to 8.2% for respiratory diseases. The researchers propose that inflammation and nervous system changes may be key mechanisms behind this association.
A new study found that moderate alcohol intake may promote brain atrophy, which can lead to lower cognition and reduced extremity function. The research, published by the American Heart Association, used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess brain abnormalities in middle-aged adults.
Tissue-engineered pulmonary valves, engineered from patients' own cells, showed excellent performance in first 23 patients with up to three years of follow-up. The valves eliminated post-operative fever and shortened recovery time compared to traditional donor valves.
A study found that the terrorist attack led to an increase in heart attacks and cardiac arrhythmias, with patients experiencing psychological stress showing higher rates of these events. The findings suggest that drugs like beta blockers may help reduce the risk for people with heart disease and risk factors.
Cardiac researchers report improved blood flow to ischemic heart muscle using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), a potential new treatment for intractable ischemia. Meanwhile, ICD patients may be safer with vigorous exercise, while daytime sleepiness significantly affects the quality of life of angina patients.
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that hospital staff preparedness significantly impacts survival rates for cardiac arrests during night shifts. The research indicates that patients experiencing cardiac arrest at night have a lower survival rate compared to those who experience it during the day or evening shifts.
Researchers discovered that a growth factor, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), can increase the number of stem cells in the heart, which may help repair damaged heart tissue. After six weeks, patients showed significant improvements in heart function and metabolic recovery.
A new implantable device called OPTIMIZER II has shown promise in treating heart failure by strengthening the heart's contraction using an electrical signal. The study enrolled 25 patients with moderately severe heart failure and found a statistically significant improvement in ejection fraction and quality of life.
A study found a significant positive association between cardiovascular disease deaths and air pollutants in Athens, Greece, with a 10-mg/m3 increase in black smoke linked to a 4% increase in CVD deaths. High carbon monoxide levels also showed a strong correlation with increased heart disease risk.
A new study found that patients living in neighborhoods with high poverty rates had a 30% higher death rate after a heart attack. Researchers analyzed data from the Worcester Heart Attack Study, which included 2,539 confirmed cases of heart attack collected between 1995 and 1999.
A study examining factors that influence successful aging found a link between social isolation and increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers in men's blood. The study suggests that social relationships may influence health through biological processes, with implications for heart disease risk.
Researchers develop new approach to treating extreme artery blockages using G-CSF treatment. Insurance disparities are found in diabetic minorities with a lack of coverage driving disparities in preventive care.
A recent study by the American Heart Association recommends regular brisk but comfortable walking to boost cardiovascular fitness. Middle-aged obese adults walked at a self-selected pace and achieved recommended levels of exercise intensity.
Researchers used endothelial progenitor cells from bone marrow to repair damaged blood vessels in rats with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), reducing systolic pressure and improving microcirculation. The study suggests a regenerative approach that could lead to a new clinical therapy for this devastating disease.
A recent study has found a link between smallpox vaccination and rare heart diseases, including pericarditis and myocarditis. Twenty-four cases of these conditions were identified among 37,876 US civilian healthcare workers who received the vaccine as part of a bioterrorism readiness program.
Researchers found that women with coronary artery disease and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator have a lower rate of sustained ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation compared to men. Additionally, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in health clubs reversed sudden cardiac death in six out of eight victims, supporting the ...
Researchers tested mononuclear bone marrow cell transplant injections in patients with severe ischemic heart failure and found improved blood flow, reduced chest pain, and increased exercise capacity. Treated patients showed significant reductions in reversible defects and improvements in oxygen consumption and metabolic equivalents.
Researchers have successfully treated heart attack patients with stem cells harvested from their own bone marrow, resulting in improved cardiac function and increased blood flow to the damaged area. This breakthrough therapy could potentially lead to a new treatment for heart attacks.
Researchers found that human bone marrow-derived multipotent stem cells can differentiate into both vessels and heart muscle, regenerating essential tissues of the heart. The study shows promise for treating acute and chronic heart failure and other blood vessel diseases.
Researchers found that exposure to fine particles of less than 10 micrometers increased the risk of heart attacks in smokers, even at levels lower than current national standards. Air pollution levels in Dijon remained under four on the ATMO index 86 percent of the time.
A recent study by the American Heart Association found that heart failure patients often leave the hospital without receiving life-prolonging therapies or complete discharge instructions. The study, which analyzed data from over 33,000 patients, highlights the need for hospitals to improve their adherence to established guidelines.
The Get With The Guidelines Coronary Artery Disease (GWTG-CADSM) program improved treatment quality for heart attack patients by increasing the use of aspirin and beta-blockers. Gender gaps in treatment were also reduced, with more women receiving life-saving therapies.