A 12-year study of over 1,200 patients found that heavy coffee drinkers had a four-fold increased risk and moderate drinkers tripled their risk of heart attacks. The effect may be mediated by long-term influences on blood pressure and glucose metabolism.
Research found that depressed patients with high or low blood pressure had the highest risk of major vascular events, including stroke or heart attack, at four years. The study included 35,537 patients and showed that depressive symptoms interacted with blood pressure to predict these outcomes.
The new ESC guidelines recommend a multimodality imaging approach for diagnosing infective endocarditis, incorporating techniques such as PET-CT. A multidisciplinary team, including cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and infectious disease specialists, is crucial for effective management.
The new ESC guidelines offer improved management of pericardial diseases, including acute pericarditis and constrictive pericarditis. The guidelines provide specific diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendations, aiming to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with these conditions.
A new study published in the European Society of Cardiology reveals that prolonged television watching is associated with a higher risk of fatal pulmonary embolism. Watching TV for more than five hours per day was linked to twice the risk of death from pulmonary embolism as watching less than two and a half hours daily.
The new guidelines introduce a novel treatment algorithm for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), recommending sequential and initial combination therapies based on patient risk profiles. The guidelines also provide updated classifications, diagnostic algorithms, and assessmen...
Research found that midday naps are associated with reduced blood pressure levels and prescription of fewer antihypertensive medications in hypertensive patients. Midday sleepers had lower average 24 hour ambulatory systolic BP readings, indicating a potential reduction in cardiovascular risk.
Researchers found that patients with high risks of MI and bleeding were admitted for NSTE ACS on warmer, sunnier days with higher carbon monoxide and ozone air concentrations. Treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was more successful when the weather was sunnier but colder and with lower concentrations of air pollutants.
Researchers found that nearly 60 out of 100 000 people suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital each year and only one in ten survive. In a large study, patients with refractory cardiac arrest who were brought to the hospital with ongoing CPR had a higher survival rate compared to those resuscitated before arrival. The study's findin...
The ESC recommends DNA analysis in post mortems of young sudden death victims to identify genetic causes and facilitate early diagnosis of relatives. This approach helps protect them through personalized approaches, such as lifestyle modifications and therapies.
The ESC guidelines now strongly recommend the radial approach over femoral access for coronary angiography and PCI in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The radial approach reduces vascular complications, major bleeding events, and all-cause mortality. Additionally, the guidelines suggest a tailored duration of dual antiplatelet t...
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Europe, with four million deaths annually. Inequalities between European countries are stark, with higher death rates in Eastern Europe, indicating the impact on longevity.
Replacing time spent sitting with standing can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, according to a new study. Standing for two hours a day was associated with improved waist circumference and reduced risk of metabolic disorders.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that mothers who smoke and have a preterm birth face significantly increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. The risk increases with the number and severity of preterm births, highlighting the importance of preventing smoking among pregnant women.
A group of top doctors and scientists propose a paradigm shift in NCD prevention and treatment, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles. They suggest integrating and collaborating with various stakeholders, including governments, companies, and organizations, to create effective change.
The introduction of innovative techniques and devices has led to declining death rates from cardiovascular disease, but reimbursement systems are hindering their adoption. Delays in allocating reimbursement codes are limiting investment in future device therapies.
The European Society of Cardiology has published first-ever recommendations for managing cardiac arrhythmias in patients with chronic kidney disease. The guidelines emphasize the importance of considering renal impairment when choosing antiarrhythmic strategies, drugs, and anticoagulants.
A unique consensus paper on patient preferences for arrhythmias management emphasizes the importance of education and shared decision-making. The document highlights patients' concerns, such as stroke prevention and bleeding risks, and recommends tailored information and incorporation of patient preferences into management decisions.
Research presented at EHRA EUROPACE - CARDIOSTIM 2015 found that uninterrupted NOAC therapy during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation was not associated with periprocedural bleeding or thromboembolic complications. The study included 549 patients and showed similar results for continued NOACs versus vitamin K antagonists.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends uninterrupted anticoagulation with vitamin K antagonists during ablation and device implantation to minimize bleeding. The new guidelines also provide recommendations on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) for the first time.
Researchers found that cardiac device wearers should hold phones to opposite ear and not store phone in pocket over device to prevent unwanted electromagnetic interference. The study evaluated the effects of smartphones on pacemakers and ICDs and recommended a safe distance to maintain function.
Researchers developed a temporary pacemaker procedure allowing patients to assess potential benefits before committing to a permanent implant. Six patients with bradycardia underwent the test drive, resulting in improved exercise tolerance and quality of life after choosing permanent pacemaker implants.
A large cohort study found that men with poor sleep had a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The study also showed that sleeping disorders were associated with the social gradient, with higher rates in widowed or divorced individuals.
Cardiovascular outcomes trials are considered a high-risk venture due to long treatment periods and large sample sizes required to demonstrate incremental risk reduction. Simplifying randomized controlled trials could bring new therapies to market sooner, mitigating the impact of exclusivity loss and reducing development costs.
Patients who viewed images of their calcified coronary arteries were more likely to stop smoking, lose weight and take statins. The study suggests that visualising health threats motivates patients to make changes, reducing plasma cholesterol levels and other risk factors.
A study found that one in five young patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) require psychotropic drugs within five years, with a risk double that of healthy peers. This highlights the need for specialist care and long-term follow-up for VTE patients.
Current practice of testing athletes at rest may miss signs of right ventricular dysfunction that can lead to sudden death. A new study shows that exercise echocardiography can detect changes in the right ventricle's functioning during physical activity, providing a potential diagnostic tool for cardiologists managing athletes.
Research presented at Heart Failure 2015 found that cognitive impairment is common in elderly heart failure patients, occurring in three-quarters of patients. The study also showed that cognitive impairment predicts a worse prognosis, with an increased risk of all-cause death and heart failure readmission.
Research presented at Heart Failure 2015 reveals moderate to severe depression is associated with a 5-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Patients with moderate to severe depression had an 80% lower mortality risk compared to those without or mild depression.
Joint recommendations from the Heart Failure Association, European Society of Emergency Medicine, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine emphasize urgent diagnosis and treatment of acute heart failure. The guidelines outline tests, treatments, and management strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity.
Analysis of SWEDEHEART registry data reveals substantial secondary prevention potential in women, particularly for lipid and blood pressure control. Women experience higher rates of cardiac readmission and lower rates of risk factor control compared to men, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
A screening study of over 2,000 elite athletes revealed a surprisingly high prevalence of cardiovascular conditions, including life-threatening heart problems. The study found that 7.3% of athletes had some form of cardiovascular abnormality, highlighting the need for more accurate assessments and screenings in elite athletes.
A large cohort study found that even short duration and low intensity exercise has a negative correlation with mortality rate in the elderly. The risk of death decreased by 57% in those with higher levels of physical activity compared to those with lower levels.
A study published at the EuroPRevent congress found that employees in busy workplaces often do not meet recommended levels of physical activity, with only 6% achieving 10,000 steps per day. The research highlights the need for workplace health promotion policies to be more effectively applied to reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Research suggests that 1 in 4 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and no symptoms have coronary heart disease, increasing their risk of cardiovascular death. The study found that persistence of systemic inflammation may cause accelerated atherosclerosis process in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
A systematic review of over 320,000 patients found digoxin associated with a 21% increased risk of death from any cause. High levels of digoxin in the blood correlate with an increased death rate in patients. The authors call for randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.
A new test has been developed to predict sudden cardiac death in hemodialysis patients, combining nuclear medicine, C-reactive protein, and electrocardiogram (ECG). Patients with 2 or 3 abnormal measures were at a significantly increased risk of cardiac death.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly increases the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Researchers discovered a 34% increased risk overall and an almost doubling of SCD risk after five years of diagnosis.
A prospective multicentre observational study examined the relationship between polygamy and cardiovascular health. Men with multiple wives had a higher risk of coronary artery disease, left main disease, and multivessel disease, with risks increasing by up to 4-fold.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care found that intense anger is associated with a significantly higher risk of heart attack. The study discovered that acute coronary blockage was more likely to occur within two hours of an angry episode, with the risk being eight times higher than usual.
A new approach to cardiovascular prevention is needed, integrating cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention. Fewer than half of coronary patients receive benefits from cardiac rehabilitation and preventive care.
Research presented at the Saudi Heart Association conference reveals that 26% of participants are at high risk of having a heart attack or dying from a heart attack in 10 years. The study found that diabetes, obesity, and smoking were major contributors to this risk.
A meta-analysis of ten high-quality cohort studies found that women with a history of spontaneous preterm delivery are at increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The association was described as 'robust' and similar in strength to classic CVD risk factors.
A new research by Dr Alessandra Ghigo found that inhibiting the activity of phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma (PI3K?) protected mice with hypertension from developing heart failure. The study also showed that a PI3K? inhibitor could synergise with chemotherapy to delay tumour growth and prevent cardiotoxicity.
A large study of nearly 15,000 men and women found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of heart failure. Men who consumed up to seven drinks a week had a 20% reduced risk, while women had a 16% reduced risk compared to abstainers.
Patients with low illness acceptance have lower energy, more severe pain, and negative emotional reactions, leading to social isolation. Acceptance of illness is crucial for effective treatment and improved daily functioning.
Researchers found that blood sugar levels above 6.1 mmol/L increase the risk of early death, further hospitalizations, and diabetes in heart failure patients, even if they have normal blood sugar levels on arrival.
Yoga has been shown to improve cardiovascular risk factors, reducing body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The practice also provides stress-reducing benefits comparable to aerobic exercise.
Experts recommend reducing air pollution exposure and decreasing fossil fuel use to combat cardiovascular risk. People with heart disease are urged to follow these guidelines to minimize harm from air pollution.
A new analysis of the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial reveals that variations in renal denervation procedure performance and patient medication changes significantly impacted blood pressure reduction outcomes. The study suggests that a higher number of ablations and specific procedural patterns may be key to achieving effective denervation.