A study found that patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) who also have atrial fibrillation (AFib) are at a significantly higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and death. The presence of AFib nearly doubles the risk compared to PAD alone.
A tailored approach to vitamin D3 supplementation in heart attack patients reduces their risk of a second heart attack by half, according to a new study from Intermountain Health. The study found that monitoring and adjusting blood levels of vitamin D3 to optimal levels significantly reduces cardiovascular risk.
Researchers from Intermountain Health have found that GLP-1 receptor agonists do not increase the risk of pancreatitis or adverse cardiac events in patients with high triglycerides. Patients taking these medications had a four times lower risk of developing pancreatitis compared to those not on the medication.
A new study from Intermountain Health found that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and death within five years after giving birth. Women with chronic hypertension and severe forms of HDP had the greatest risk of future cardiovascular events.
A new study found that routine coronary artery calcium CT scans can uncover other medical issues in patients, with 247 cases identified out of 2,284 patients who received the scan. These findings included lung abnormalities and issues with almost every organ tested.
A study of 40,000 patients found that those with no coronary artery calcium have lower risk of death from all causes, including non-cardiac medical conditions. Patients with any level of CAC are 2-3 times more likely to die than those without CAC.
A comprehensive program in urgent care clinics and emergency departments significantly increased HIV testing for patients being evaluated for other sexually transmitted diseases. The program resulted in a 42% increase in HIV testing in urgent care clinics and a 53% increase in Intermountain emergency departments.
Researchers at Intermountain Health found that using ePneumonia, a computerized clinical decision support tool, reduced mortality rates among patients with pneumonia, particularly those experiencing socioeconomic hardship. The study also showed that this technology helped overcome unconscious biases in treatment decisions.
A new study published in the Journal of Perinatology has found that optimizing darbepoetin dosage can reduce the need for blood transfusions in premature babies. The research, led by Intermountain Health, tested two different dosing schedules and found that both resulted in similar overall health outcomes.
A new study from Intermountain Health shows the gap in heart disease outcomes between men and women is narrowing, with no significant differences by sex from 2015-2019. Women tend to have more comorbidities and stable chest pain, but less severe blockage and revascularization compared to men.
A new study by Intermountain Health finds that peripheral artery disease is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, particularly in women. The condition affects nearly 10% of the US population and has a high mortality rate, with patients having a 50% chance of dying from it.
A large new study of over 40,000 patients found that a zero coronary artery calcium score continues to be an accurate indicator of low risk for coronary heart events even as people age. Patients with a zero plaque burden had a two to three times lower risk of death from any cause, including in seniors.
A new study compares prescribing recommendations based on traditional risk factors vs. coronary artery calcium scoring. The study found that patients assessed using the Pooled Cohort Equation had a higher rate of statin medication recommendations than those assessed using the coronary artery calcium score, with 50.7% vs. 22.3% respecti...
Proactive screening of diabetic patients with coronary heart disease does not improve long-term survival rates or lower future cardiac events, according to a new study. The study found that focusing on proven interventions like medication management and lifestyle changes can help patients with diabetes lead healthier lives.
A new study by Intermountain Health found that coronary artery calcium scores are highly effective in identifying those at risk for future heart attacks and death, with similar predictive power in women as in men. The study revealed that individuals with a CAC score of zero were three times less likely to die from any cause.
A new study by Intermountain Health found that 40% of newly diagnosed heart failure patients also have atrial fibrillation, leading to poorer outcomes. Patients with both conditions require more aggressive treatment and regular screenings.
Researchers used Intermountain Risk Score to predict major cardiac events in patients being evaluated for kidney transplant, with a five-year follow-up period showing 171 patients experiencing cardiac events. The study's findings suggest the potential use of calculating such a score in people undergoing kidney transplant evaluation.
A new study by Intermountain Health found that air pollution primarily increases inflammation in patients with heart disease, particularly those with heart failure. Elevated inflammatory markers were observed in these patients during periods of poor air quality, suggesting they are more susceptible to the impacts of air pollution.
A new study from Intermountain Health reveals that genetic screening can effectively identify individuals with familial hypercholesteremia (FH), a condition affecting about 1 in 250 people. By targeting these patients with treatment, researchers aim to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and death.
A new study from Intermountain Health reveals that air pollution from wildfires and winter inversions poses different risks of heart attack and severe chest pain. Short-term increases in fine particulate matter were associated with increased risk of heart attack during the winter inversion season, but not summer wildfire season.
A new study found that genetic screening can identify patients with an inherited risk of cardiomyopathy, allowing for closer monitoring and improved treatment. The study suggests that widespread genetic testing can lead to better outcomes for these patients, including reduced deaths.
A new study by Intermountain Health found that high levels of coronary calcium are common among people who have a heart attack but no known risk factors. The study suggests that scans to detect plaque buildup should be part of standard care for these patients, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
A new study led by Intermountain Health and University of Utah Health found that an antibiotic stewardship program significantly reduced prescribing rates of antibiotics at urgent care centers in Utah. The program, implemented for 38 clinics, included education, electronic health record tools, and transparent benchmarking dashboards, r...
A new study by Intermountain Healthcare and Stanford University found that overprescribing antibiotics for upper respiratory infections causes significant patient harm. Researchers analyzed 51 million patient encounters and found that one in 300 patients experienced severe side effects, such as diarrhea or candidiasis, after receiving ...
A new study by Intermountain Health found that long-term intermittent fasting can lead to better outcomes in COVID-19 patients who required cardiac catheterization. Patients who practiced regular fasting had a lower rate of heart failure-related hospitalization, complications, and death compared to those who did not fast. The study sug...
Testing for ApoB protein, which carries LDL cholesterol, may be a more accurate way to test for heart disease risk. Researchers found that ApoB levels positively correlated with LDL cholesterol but showed an increased risk in patients with normal or low LDL levels.
Using risk assessment tools, an 'active' approach to statin selection doubles the rate of appropriate statin use in patients at risk for cardiovascular events. This approach also leads to lower LDL cholesterol and lower rates of major adverse cardiac events.
Researchers at Intermountain Health studied nearly 150,000 COVID-19 patients and found a significant increase in chest pain rates six months to one year after infection. Long-term cardiovascular complications may be emerging, Dr. Heidi May notes., Chest pain persisted as a problem despite no major events like heart attacks or strokes.
A new study of nearly 136,000 patients found significant increases in depressive symptoms and severity during the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of infection status. Depression symptoms rose from 45% to 55% of patients between 2016 and 2022, with no difference seen between infected and uninfected individuals.
A new study by Intermountain Healthcare found that following up a cardiac event with a statin prescription and cholesterol measuring blood test prevents 94% of patients from having or dying from a second cardiovascular event. Patients without follow-up care were at a 60% risk, compared to just 6% for those who received treatment.
Researchers at Intermountain Healthcare found that taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) does not reduce the severity of COVID-19 illness or death. Not being on an SSRI was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization and death from COVID.
Researchers at Intermountain Healthcare discovered that patients without standard modifiable heart risk factors who experience a heart attack fare better, with lower rates of revascularization procedures and subsequent major cardiac events. This finding highlights the need to identify patients at risk for an event before it happens.
Researchers identified four categories of antimicrobial stewardship programs: Collaborative Model, Centrally Coordinated Model, Centrally Led Model, and Collaborative, Consultative Network Model. The study aims to enhance patient care and reduce antibiotic resistance by understanding best practices in these models.
Researchers from Intermountain Healthcare discovered that individuals who practice intermittent fasting experience fewer severe complications from COVID-19. The study analyzed data from patients enrolled in the INSPIRE registry, finding that those who regularly fasted had lower rates of hospitalization or death due to coronavirus.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that lactated Ringer solution is a safer and more effective alternative to normal saline as an IV fluid for emergency department and hospital patients, reducing the risk of kidney injury by 2.2%.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that patients who received lactated Ringer solution instead of normal saline for IV fluids had a lower risk of kidney injury and death. The study, which included nearly 150,000 hospital patients, showed a 2.2% reduced risk of major adverse kidney events.
A new study by Intermountain Healthcare finds that alcohol does not provide extra heart protection for patients taking statins. In contrast, moderate drinkers had lower rates of major adverse cardiac events in primary prevention patients who were not on a statin.
A real-time electronic decision support system helped reduce intensive care unit admissions, improve antibiotic use, and lower overall mortality rates for patients with pneumonia. The study found a 38% decrease in mortality among community hospital patients using the system.
The $4.6 million NIH grant will help implement a telehealth-enabled audit and feedback process to monitor adherence to recognized standards of care in 14 Intermountain Healthcare ICUs. This study aims to reduce the time patients spend on mechanical ventilators, improving lung protective mechanical ventilation best practices.
Patients with atrial fibrillation are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 complications, including hospitalization and cardiovascular events. The study found a significant increase in mortality rates among those with a history of atrial fibrillation compared to the general population.
A new study from Intermountain Healthcare found that low-frequency intermittent fasting raises galectin-3 levels, a protein tied to inflammatory response, and lowers rates of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. This suggests that even occasional fasting may have positive health effects.
A new study by Intermountain Healthcare finds that nearly 40% of patients reported new or continuing symptoms of depression during the pandemic. This increase in depression was associated with higher emergency department visits for anxiety and chest pain, highlighting the negative impact of the pandemic on physical and mental well-being.