Researchers found that everolimus reduced scar tissue growth in stents, preventing re-blockages by 46-40 percent. The oral medication shows promise as a treatment for restenosis and may reduce the need for stenting.
Researchers found that combining calcium scores and CRP levels can gauge the presence, amount, and stability of artery-clogging plaque. Elevated CRP levels were linked to increased risk of coronary events, while combined tests showed a six-fold difference in heart attack risk between high-risk and low-risk individuals.
Research found that reducing blood pressure to less than the standard goal also lowered artery stiffness in patients with high blood pressure. The study involved 142 nondiabetic patients who received antihypertensive drugs, resulting in a significant decrease in artery stiffness for those with lower target pressures.
The tolerance-hyperbaric test (THT) can identify pregnant women at high risk for gestational high blood pressure and preeclampsia up to 23 weeks before clinical confirmation. The test's sensitivity reaches 99% by the third trimester, providing early prevention opportunities.
Research suggests that drinking water can improve a person's ability to stand and reduce the likelihood of fainting, particularly for individuals who donate blood. Healthy participants were tested using tilt-table testing, with results showing an average increase of 40.9 minutes in tolerated standing time when hydrated.
A double-blind, randomized controlled trial found that taking aspirin at bedtime significantly reduced the risk of preterm labor and preeclampsia in pregnant women with high blood pressure. The study also showed significant weight gains in babies born to mothers who took aspirin at night.
A large study found that non-dippers have higher levels of fibrinogen, a clotting factor, which could account for increased risk. Fibrinogen levels vary over the year, peaking in winter months, and a 75 mg/dL increase translates to an 85% increased risk for coronary events.
Drs. Gerald DiBona and John Hall have overturned the medical community's long-held understanding of kidney function, revealing that increased nerve activity leads to high blood pressure. Their research shows that abnormal kidney function causes salt and water excretion to decrease, resulting in hypertension.
Researchers found that depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) reduces flow-mediated dilatation, a key indicator of endothelial function. DMPA can still be used safely by healthy women without cardiovascular risk factors, but those with risk factors should review their decision with their physician.
A recent study found that simvastatin significantly reduced hsCRP levels in patients with high LDL cholesterol after just two weeks of treatment. The results suggest that statins may work through multiple mechanisms to reduce inflammation and prevent heart disease events.
A study of 321 participants found that higher CRP levels are associated with increased coronary calcium and atherosclerosis, even after adjusting for traditional risk factors. The findings suggest a potential new link between inflammation and heart disease.
Patients with post-stroke dementia are at an increased risk of death within two years, with a relative risk of mortality six-fold compared to those without dementia after stroke. Dementia is also associated with poorer survival rates and reduced treatment adherence due to medication non-compliance.
A new program, social problem-solving telephone partnerships (SPTP), uses phone calls to help family caregivers resolve challenges of caring for stroke survivors. The study found that caregivers who received SPTP improved significantly in their depression, emotional well-being, and mental health over four weeks.
Researchers found omapatrilat to be effective in treating heart failure, with some indications of superiority over standard ACE inhibitors. Patients with both hypertension and heart failure showed the greatest benefit from omapatrilat.
A combination therapy of aspirin and coumarin reduced artery re-closure after heart attacks by 45% in a clinical trial. The therapy also improved problem-free survival rates and reduced the incidence of second heart attacks, according to researchers from the American Heart Association.
A new study confirms high cholesterol as a significant risk factor for stroke death in women, particularly those under 55. Cholesterol levels were found to be associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke death across all age groups.
A study of 12,804 SAH cases found that mortality rates decreased with increasing hospital volume, with highest-volume hospitals having 32% lower mortality. Longer stays and higher costs were also associated with higher-volume hospitals.
Research found that African populations with a fish-rich diet had lower leptin levels compared to those on a vegetarian diet. This association suggests that consuming fish may improve the body's sensitivity to leptin, which could help prevent obesity and related health issues.
Researchers found that combining irbesartan with amiodarone significantly reduced the likelihood of recurring atrial fibrillation. The study involved 154 patients and showed a nearly 85% probability of maintaining a stable heartbeat for those treated with irbesartan, compared to 63% for those without.
Researchers found that a therapy combining electrical stimulation with bilateral movement significantly improved motor skills in stroke patients compared to unilateral movement or physical therapy alone. The study suggests that involving the unaffected limb can help restore function and create new neural pathways.
Researchers found a link between abnormal retinal blood vessels and cognitive decline, potentially providing an early warning system for dementia. Low vitamin C levels in the blood were also associated with increased stroke risk, particularly among hypertensive men.
A genetic polymorphism in the PON1 gene has been found to significantly increase stroke risk in young adults by a factor of 4.10 compared to those without the abnormality. The presence of this genetic abnormality also interacts with other risk factors, such as smoking and high blood pressure, to multiply stroke risk.
A new study has found that heavy drinkers are at a higher risk of bleeding stroke, with hypertension and genetic factors also contributing to the condition. The research, conducted by the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, involved 107 individuals with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and 197 without stroke.
Research found that consuming at least 300mcg of folate per day reduces stroke and cardiovascular disease risk. Folate, a B-vitamin, is found in citrus fruits, leafy greens, beans, and grain products.
A gene mutation that affects antioxidant production is associated with a 50% increase in heart disease risk, even among those without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Individuals carrying the mutation have an 80% higher risk of developing brain vessel disease.
Researchers discovered that calcification of breast blood vessels is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Women with diabetes, older age, and low educational background are at higher risk. Mammograms might one day be used to better determine a woman's cardiovascular risk.
A new study challenges the Hispanic paradox, finding that U.S.-born Mexican Americans have higher rates of heart disease deaths than non-Hispanic whites. Researchers also found that Mexico-born Hispanics were not significantly different in mortality risk.
Men and women who smoked cigarettes had a significantly increased risk of heart attack, with female smokers facing an 80% greater risk than their peers. This contradicts the initial assumption that leanness is cardio-protective, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers found a link between non-traditional jobs and social roles with increased coronary heart disease and death. Men who identified as househusbands had an 82% higher 10-year death rate compared to working men.
A study analyzing US commercials aired during children's shows found a surge in fast-food portion sizes since the 1970s. Researchers suggest this could contribute to childhood obesity and heart disease if combined with decreased physical activity.
Researchers analyzed participants' CETP genes to find genetic markers for heart disease. They discovered a pattern of gene variations called haplotype, which showed a significant association with the person's response to statin therapy.
Researchers found that 46.7% of coronary heart disease patients were firstborn, with lower rates of cigarette smoking and similar risk factors compared to younger siblings. The study suggests primogeniture as an independent predisposing determinant of CHD, which should be taken into account when assessing global patient risk.
A study of 122 men and women who suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrests found that women were more likely to report psychological stressors as triggers before their arrest, while men were more likely to report physical exertion. The study suggests that emotional triggers may play a role in sudden cardiac death for women.
A study found that women with a history of heart attack were 2.7 times more likely to have impaired cochlear function than those without, highlighting a potential link between CVD and age-related hearing loss. The research used a new technology to test cochlear function in over 1,600 participants aged 52-97.
A new study found that tiredness, frustration, and fatigue can increase the risk of heart attacks. Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 participants, aged 45-64, to determine if psychological factors such as anger, vital exhaustion, and chronic fatigue could predict long-term heart attack risk.
A study found that Finnish men with high mercury levels in their hair had a 60% increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 70% increased risk of coronary heart disease. The study suggests that avoiding regular consumption of old, large predatory fish is key to reducing the risk.
Women over age 65 who took vitamin D had a significant reduction in heart disease risk compared to those who didn't. The study found that vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of heart disease death by nearly one-third, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A study suggests that robot-assisted sensorimotor therapy can help stroke survivors recover movement abilities years later. The robot exercises patients' limbs and rebuilds nerve pathways from the brain to the injured limb, leading to improved movement abilities.
The study found that childhood hemorrhagic strokes declined by 79%, while ischemic strokes declined by only 19%. Black children were more than twice as likely to die from stroke-related deaths, highlighting the need for further research into risk factors and prevention strategies.
Researchers found that sudden changes in body position and negative emotional stress/anger are linked to an increased risk of ischemic strokes. The study suggests that awareness of these potential triggers can help prevent strokes, particularly among older adults.
A team of Danish researchers compared data from the Copenhagen Stroke Study to investigate possible differences in causes of TIAs and strokes. They found that TIA patients were half as likely to have diabetes and claudication, suggesting alternative causes beyond blood clots.
A training program improved emergency physicians' ability to diagnose strokes via CT scans, leading to a significant increase in accurate diagnoses. Remote review of CT scans using teleradiology also showed reliable results in evaluating stroke patients for thrombolytic therapy.
A portable ultrasound device has been developed to detect neck artery blockages with high accuracy. The device takes only 8.8 minutes to perform a comprehensive examination, compared to 30 minutes or longer for standard laboratory ultrasounds.
The Coordinated Stroke Strategy led to a dramatic increase in stroke treatment rates, from 3.5 patients per month to an average of six patients per month. Intracerebral hemorrhage hospitalization rates varied by gender and geography, with higher rates among men and in the southern United States.
A new study finds that the updated birth control pills pose a significant stroke risk for women. The risk is similar to that of first-generation pills and higher than non-users.
Researchers found that dedicated stroke teams can improve treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) without increasing hospital costs. The use of tPA increased by 2.1 times in the year with a specialized team compared to the year without one.
The study found that prehospital administration of the clot-dissolving drug reteplase decreased treatment time by more than 30 minutes at hospitals with average transport times and in-hospital treatment times. The savings exceeded 45 minutes at slower treatment time hospitals, highlighting the potential to improve patient outcomes.
A six-year study found that regular low-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking four times a week, reduced CRP levels and improved blood vessel function in men. The study showed a significant reduction in inflammation markers for genetically susceptible individuals.
A new protein test has been developed to improve heart attack detection, particularly in cases of non-ST segment elevation heart attack. The test shows significant predictive value and could lead to a doubling of identified patients with mild heart attacks.
Acupuncture was found to significantly reduce sympathetic nerve activity in critically ill chronic heart failure patients, but blood pressure and heart rate remained unaffected. Further study is needed to confirm the treatment's effectiveness and potential benefits for patients with severe heart failure.