Researchers warn that angiogenesis therapy could trigger growth in abnormal tissue, increase artery-clogging plaque, and stimulate inflammatory response. Despite these potential complications, the authors remain hopeful that the therapy will ultimately prove effective and safe.
The American Heart Association has recognized four dedicated volunteers for their outstanding work in advancing the association's objectives. Edward Freis, Patricia Mahoney, Michael Moore, and Robert Roberts were honored for their efforts to reduce high blood pressure and promote heart health research.
Dr. Williams has been recognized for his work implementing better medical policy for African-American and Hispanic communities in Watts and the Greater Los Angeles area. He has raised millions of dollars for various organizations, including the King-Drew Sickle Cell Center and Association of Black Cardiologists.
Distinguished leaders Bryant, Robertson, and Warfel were honored for their dedication to the American Heart Association. The organization has grown to include over 22.5 million volunteers and supporters, dedicating $337 million to research support and community programs.
Jan L. Breslow and David A. Ness received the 2001 American Heart Association Gold Heart Award for their leadership in research, administration, and volunteer work. The award recognizes their significant contributions to advancing heart health through their work with the association.
Researchers found that eating and drinking before flying increases cardiac output and improves oxygen levels in the brain and organs. This can reduce the risk of fainting spells and heart attacks by up to 21%.
The Chicago HeartSave Program successfully reduced sudden cardiac deaths at O'Hare and Midway Airports by placing AEDs one minute apart, making them easy to spot. The devices helped minimize critical response times to emergency care and improved survival rates for victims of ventricular fibrillation.
A study published by the American Heart Association suggests that laughing often and exuberantly can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Researchers compared humor responses in 150 heart patients to 150 healthy controls, finding that heart patients were 40% less likely to laugh in various situations.
A new non-invasive skin test can measure cholesterol levels in just three minutes, potentially offering a simple way to assess risk of heart disease. The test found that those with the highest skin cholesterol levels also had the greatest number of diseased arteries.
Researchers have found that transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) laser surgery can provide long-term relief from angina by creating channels for blood flow through the heart. The procedure has been shown to reduce chest pain in 60% of patients for at least five years, with some experiencing relief for up to eight years after treatment.
A study by American Heart Association finds that consuming heavy meals may trigger heart attacks, increasing risk by about four times within two hours. The research suggests that eating a large meal can lead to temporary rises in blood pressure and heart rate, potentially causing heart attacks or strokes.
A new study found that premenopausal women are more vulnerable to sudden, serious heart disease during their menstrual cycle when estrogen levels are at their lowest. The research also identified other health risks that worsen the odds for heart disease in young women.
Individuals undergoing non-emergency angioplasty in facilities without surgical backup are twice as likely to die and 20% more likely to require bypass surgery. The study suggests that the procedure can be safely performed with a backup team for emergency cases, but not for non-emergency procedures.
A study of nearly three million fitness club members found a small but definite increase in risk of exercise-related fatal heart attacks or strokes among sporadic exercisers. Regular exercise is recommended to lower this risk, particularly for those with cardiovascular disease.
Two studies found that women with the four risk factors had five times the risk of death as men, and children with metabolic syndrome risk factors were more likely to be obese. Researchers emphasize the need to prevent obesity in young people to reverse alarming trends in heart disease.
A German research team found that people who inherit two copies of the GNB3 825T allele gene have a high risk of obesity if they do not engage in regular physical activity. Exercising for two hours or more a week appears to block the genetic tendency, highlighting the importance of lifestyle in preventing obesity-related diseases.
Researchers used MRI to show that statin drugs remove fat from atherosclerotic lesions, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Statins may detect patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, identify treatment options, and monitor treatment effectiveness.
A study found that 28% of fitness clubs in Ohio failed to conduct pre-entry screenings for cardiovascular problems, while 17% reported heart attacks or sudden deaths. Gyms must implement recommended screening practices and emergency response plans to ensure member safety.
Researchers at UCLA Medical Center found that implementing a dual list for organs increases the supply of usable donor hearts for older adults. The program allows patients over 65 to receive transplants from donor hearts with minor repair needs, previously deemed unsuitable for younger patients. This approach improves patient survival ...
A follow-up study of the VEGF in Ischemia for Vascular Angiogenesis (VIVA) trial found that gene therapy did not increase the risk of cancer or adverse events in patients with severe angina. The results showed a lower rate of adverse events in patients receiving the high-dose VEGF, and encouraging reductions in chest pain after one year.
Researchers have successfully created viable new heart muscle cells using marrow stromal cells from an animal's own bone marrow. The goal is to replace dead heart muscle cells with new ones, potentially offering a treatment for life-threatening heart failure.
A study by the American Heart Association found that individuals with heart attacks are more likely to have periodontal disease, a type of gum tissue inflammation. The researchers believe that high blood levels of C-reactive protein may be linked between the two conditions.
A Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, fruit, and fish was associated with a lower risk of death after a heart attack. The study found that participants who consumed more fresh fruits and vegetables had a reduced risk of dying within 42 months after their heart attack.
A recent study suggests that trans fatty acids, commonly found in baked goods and fried foods, may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. The researchers found that diets high in trans fats led to higher triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol.
The American Heart Association has revised its cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines, eliminating the need for a pulse check by bystanders before starting chest compressions. The new guidelines instead recommend looking for signs of circulation such as breathing, movement, and response to stimulation.
Researchers found that certain genes in blood vessels produce a protective protein called HO-1, which inhibits atherosclerosis. This discovery provides new leads for treating and preventing heart disease by targeting these genetic pathways.
The proposed food label changes could lead to a reduction in heart disease deaths, with estimated annual savings of $25 billion to $59 billion in healthcare costs. Manufacturers are expected to reformulate products in response to consumer demand for lower trans fat foods.
Researchers found that men who ate two servings of high-fiber cereal per day made spontaneous changes to their diets, reducing fat intake and increasing fiber consumption. The study suggests that high-fiber cereal can be an easy way for Americans to improve their diet and reduce their risk of heart disease.
A Harvard study finds that regular vigorous exercise lowers leptin levels in both normal-weight and overweight men, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. Men who were more physically active had lower leptin levels, regardless of their weight or diet.
A new test using a urine sample and written survey can help doctors identify adolescents who smoke cigarettes, allowing for early intervention. The test also identifies 'experimenters' - young people who smoke occasionally but haven't committed to the habit full-time.
Researchers found that children whose parents scored high on dietary restraint or disinhibition had greater increases in body fat over time. Parents' impulsive eating habits also had a strong effect on their child's body fat level.
A study found that electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) scans are significantly better than traditional risk factors in categorizing heart disease risk. Combining EBCT with risk factors improved the ability to assess an individual's heart disease risk, making it a useful tool for early treatment and prevention.
A new study published in the American Heart Association finds that eating legumes, such as beans and peas, at least four times a week can lower the risk of heart disease by 19%. The study examined data from over 11,000 men and women and found that frequent bean-eaters had a 9% reduced risk for all forms of cardiovascular disease.
Middle-aged and elderly marijuana smokers increase their risk of a heart attack by more than four and a half times during the first hour after smoking, according to a recent study. The study found that the risk of a heart attack is highest in the first hour after use, but drops significantly after two hours.
Adding nurse practitioners to acute stroke teams can significantly decrease complications, leading to reduced hospital stays, fewer deaths, and improved patient recovery. This approach also helps lower the risk of urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and deep vein thrombosis.
Two studies found that nearly 40% of rural East Texas stroke patients arrived too late to receive tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), a treatment that can reverse stroke effects. The delay was often due to lack of knowledge about calling 911 or in-hospital delays.
Emergency room physicians demonstrate similar door-to-needle time and outcomes as neurologists in treating acute stroke patients. The study's results show that ER physicians can safely administer clot-busting treatments within minutes of a patient's arrival.
A study found that top hospitals in the US are falling short in stroke prevention, with 40% of patients not receiving necessary clot-preventing medications. The study, which analyzed data from 961 patients, also showed that certain groups, such as older adults and those with major heart disease, were more likely to receive treatment.
A study found that nearly 18% of people screened had significant blockages in their carotid arteries, which can lead to a stroke. Those with two or more risk factors, such as age over 65 or high cholesterol, are significantly more likely to have a blockage.
According to a new study, stroke incidence in the US may be rising, affecting over 1.2 million people annually. Researchers found that stroke numbers have remained stable for 15 years, suggesting previously reported figures may be too low.
Researchers at Oregon Stroke Center have successfully treated five stroke patients with laser clot-busting, achieving complete vessel re-opening in some cases. The study aims to examine the safety of the technique and explore its potential as a next wave of acute stroke treatment.
Omapatrilat, a vasopeptidase inhibitor, has been shown to improve cardiovascular function and reduce death rates and hospitalization for worsening heart failure. The drug may offer a potential breakthrough in treating congestive heart failure, which kills over 44,000 annually.
Researchers found that 40% of men with erectile dysfunction had significant blockages in heart arteries, which is associated with chest pain and an increased risk of heart attack. The study suggests that erectile dysfunction may be an early warning sign of potential heart problems due to atherosclerosis.
A traditional Chinese diet high in vegetables and green tea may be protective against heart disease. Researchers found that westernized Chinese individuals consumed more animal fats and dairy products than those who followed a traditional diet.
Researchers discovered a genetic cause of coronary artery spasm, a condition that causes chest pain or heart attack. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene mutation was prevalent in patients with the condition and also linked to increased risk in smokers.
Researchers have developed a new robotic technique for performing coronary artery bypass surgery, which appears to be safe and effective. The procedure uses a small tubelike instrument and robotic arms to minimize scarring and promote faster recovery times.
A study found that spouses of heart attack patients share similar risk factors, including high body mass index and smoking habits. The researchers analyzed data from 170 couples and discovered that nearly 76% of couples were overweight or obese, with women being more likely to continue smoking after their partner's heart attack.
A new scoring system used in treadmill testing has been found to improve the accuracy of diagnosing heart disease, with 77% accuracy overall compared to 69% for expert cardiologists. This method is more accurate than expensive diagnostic equipment and can provide a second opinion for physicians.
A new study found that heart disease begins to develop in childhood, with well-developed plaque deposits present in one in six teenagers. The study used ultrasound to examine the arteries of recently-transplanted hearts from people who were free of known heart disease.
A study by Hennepin County Medical Center found that cocaine users are at a higher risk of developing aneurysms in their heart arteries, with 30% of participants showing the condition. The study suggests that cocaine use causes blood vessel damage and accelerates atherosclerosis, leading to increased cardiovascular health problems.