A new study found that combining EPA and DHA in popular supplements may blunt heart health benefits, while higher EPA levels alone lowered the risk of major cardiac events. Higher DHA levels worsened health outcomes, suggesting that not all Omega-3s are created equal.
Researchers found that switching to 'as-needed' follow-up care can save families from unnecessary medical care and expense. Children with scheduled follow-up appointments were more likely to receive antibiotics, which are not a standard treatment for viral diseases like bronchiolitis.
A 15-year study found that peripheral arterial disease patients may not be prescribed life-saving statins at the same rate as other atherosclerotic conditions. Statin prescription rates have increased over time, leading to improved patient outcomes, but a significant treatment gap remains.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center found that omega-3 fatty acids do not increase the risk of prostate cancer, contrary to earlier studies. High levels of omega-3s also showed a lower risk of adverse cardiovascular events and death in patients with severe coronary artery disease.
Researchers identified 22 new mutations in the TITIN gene associated with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease weakening the heart muscle. Patients with these mutations had severe cardiomyopathy and poorer outcomes, highlighting the need for genetic testing and aggressive monitoring.
Researchers found that cardiac catheterization patients who practiced regular intermittent fasting lived longer than those who didn't. Long-term routine fasting remained a strong predictor of better survival and lower risk of heart failure, according to the study.
Researchers found that patients who received nudges had better adherence (80%) compared to those in the control arm. Nudges supported patient decisions without restricting options.
A new study has developed best practice treatment guidelines to quickly identify and treat patients with e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (E-VALI). The guidelines recommend shorter courses of steroids for outpatients and higher doses for critically ill patients, resulting in improved clinical outcomes.
A new AI system can accurately identify key findings in chest X-rays of pneumonia patients in just 10 seconds, significantly outperforming current clinical practice. This ultra-quick detection enables physicians to confirm a pneumonia diagnosis faster, allowing for timely treatment and reducing delays for severely ill patients.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center found that wrist-worn step trackers can estimate exercise capacity and determine health status of patients with pulmonary disease. This technology allows for more frequent monitoring of patient progress and disease management, enabling early interventions to improve outcomes.
A new study found that delayed antibiotic delivery for sepsis patients is associated with lower ER triage scores, particularly among those assigned mid-range scores. This delay can result in longer door-to-antibiotic times of up to 32 minutes, impacting patient survival.
A study found that 38% of ICU clinicians invite family members into the room during procedures, with 90% reporting a positive experience. However, 35% express concerns about sterility, distraction, or legal permissibility, highlighting the need for addressing these issues to promote greater inclusion.
A new study by Intermountain Healthcare introduces the Summit Score, a computer-calculated system that predicts COPD patient outcomes with higher accuracy. The score takes into account various risk factors and can help doctors plan and administer better patient care.
A new laboratory-based method, LIVE score, predicts outcomes for COPD patients and identifies those at high risk of death or disease advancement. The study found that patients with high-risk scores had the highest one-year mortality rates and palliative care referrals.
A study from the Intermountain Healthcare Heart Institute has identified eight new gene mutations that may cause or contribute to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy, a form of heart disease not caused by known external influences. The researchers found that at least 40% of patients have an underlying genetic cause for the disease.
A new study shows that identifying coronary artery calcium in patients' arteries can help determine their future risk of a heart attack. Patients with CAC are more likely to have a cardiac event within 90 days and over the following years compared to those without CAC.
A new study found that catheter ablation significantly reduces the risk of dementia and stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation and carotid arterial disease compared to medication treatment. Researchers identified 5,786 patients and found that ablation made a significant difference in those with both conditions.
A new study found that taking statins reduces the risk of a second major adverse cardiovascular event by almost 50% when patients adhere to their prescribed regimen. However, only about six percent of patients in an insured population follow their statin medication as directed.
A multidisciplinary team-based approach involving cardiac and maternal/fetal/newborn specialists saved the life of a pregnant woman with heart failure. The team successfully managed her care for seven weeks, delivering the baby prematurely but saving both mom and child.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that risk-score guided care improved healthcare delivery for high-risk heart failure patients, reducing mortality rates by 48% and 30-day readmission rates by 25%. This innovative approach uses personalized risk scores to direct patients to advanced levels of care.
A new study found that patients with bacterial pneumonia are at a 60% greater risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death compared to those with viral pneumonia. Researchers recommend aggressive treatment and close monitoring for patients with bacterial pneumonia, particularly those with pre-existing heart conditions.
A new study found that patients with atrial fibrillation show signs of asymptomatic brain injury. Three biomarkers were significantly higher in AF patients, suggesting chronic cerebral injuries may contribute to neurodegenerative problems.
A new study found that a smartphone app can identify potentially fatal heart attacks with high accuracy, similar to a standard 12-lead ECG. The app's speed and accessibility could significantly improve treatment times and save lives.
Researchers found that testing coronary calcium levels is a more accurate predictor of blocked coronary arteries and need for revascularization than standard risk-assessment equations. Coronary calcium scores can identify patients at high risk and help prevent overtreatment.
A new study of over 174,000 patients found that being treated with too much medication for hypothyroidism can lead to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke. The research suggests that the optimal healthy range of free thyroxine (fT4) levels may need to be reconsidered.
A two-year study found that indoor HEPA filters significantly reduce fine-particulate matter in the air, with a 55% reduction in PM2.5 levels when used during poor air quality days.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a significant impact on the US healthcare system, with estimated annual costs of $32 billion. The prevalence of NAFLD mirrors the rising trend of obesity in the United States, affecting roughly 100 million Americans.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center found that about 16 percent of sepsis patients diagnosed in emergency departments are treated and released for outpatient management. Despite this, these patients have fairly good outcomes, including a similar chance of dying in the following 30 days as admitted patients.
A new risk-score tool utilizing laboratory tests effectively identifies COPD patients at high risk of hospitalization due to a flare-up. The tool, known as the LIVE Score, allows for earlier interventions and improved patient care.
A new combined risk score model integrates CHA2DS2-VASc and Intermountain Risk Scores to derive and validate a new stroke prediction score, nearly doubling ability to predict stroke risk. The integrated IMRS-VASc model assigns people more accurately to the risk group that relates to their actual prognosis.
Research from Intermountain Medical Center reveals that carotid artery disease and atrial fibrillation significantly increase a patient's chances of developing dementia due to restricted blood flow to the brain. The study stresses the need for physicians to monitor and screen patients for both diseases, especially those with risk factors.
Researchers identified abnormal RNA activity linked to enlarged left atrium and atrial fibrillation. They found microRNA-21-3p levels associated with adverse heart growth, enabling potential targeted medications.
A study found that using a centralized infectious disease support program decreased overall antibiotic use and the overuse of broad-spectrum drugs in smaller hospitals. Program 3, which included a pharmacy-based initiative and expert consultation via hotline, saw a significant reduction in antibiotic use compared to baseline data.
Research found that acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is associated with elevated levels of fine particulate matter PM2.5 in young children, even those as young as two months old. The study, involving over 100,000 patients, suggests that air pollution may impair the immune response and increase susceptibility to infections.
Researchers found that stress from open-heart surgery reduces vitamin D levels in patients. However, aggressive supplementation with vitamin D3 before and after surgery can completely eliminate the drop in vitamin D levels. This study highlights the importance of maintaining optimal vitamin D levels to prevent cardiovascular problems.
Researchers found that imaging technologies more precisely predict who's at risk for heart attacks, allowing for timely prevention. The study used PET/CT imaging to measure coronary artery calcium, revealing existing disease and identifying patients at high risk.
A new study from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that alpha blockers and alpha 2 agonist medications increase blood pressure variability, associated with a higher risk of death. Researchers recommend using alternative medications that show a decrease in mortality risk.
A new study found that patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement experienced significant improvements in their quality of life, ranking their healthiest possible score at 72.9/100 just 30 days post-procedure. This improvement was sustained up to one year after the procedure.
A new study by the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute has identified protein pathways associated with changes in triglyceride and hemoglobin A1c levels in diabetic patients. The findings suggest a link between these pathways and increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death.
A study by Intermountain Medical Center found that PET scans detected severe obstructive coronary artery disease at a rate of 79% compared to 70% for SPECT scans. Additionally, PET scans identified patients who did not need an invasive procedure more accurately than SPECT scans.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center are building a worldwide DNA registry to identify genetic codes that determine health risks. The GeneRosity Registry will allow for more specific searches, validating new genetic findings and driving future studies.
The new app, developed by Intermountain Healthcare researchers, monitors heart failure patients' medical tests and health status to promptly notify clinicians. Using the app led to significantly improved detection of disease advancements, with intervention patients' survival rates increasing.
A new study led by Intermountain Medical Center suggests that cortisol levels in family members of adult ICU patients can predict long-term anxiety. Researchers found that 32% of family members experienced anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms three months after hospital discharge.
Researchers found that individuals with A, B, and AB blood types have an elevated risk of heart attacks during times of significant air pollution compared to those with O blood type. The study links increased risk of heart attack associated with small particulate pollution to increased risk for people with coronary artery disease.
A study of 62,070 hospitalized heart patients found that only 30.1% were on statins three years after discharge, highlighting a significant treatment gap. Reasons for non-adherence included cost, lack of follow-up screenings, and prior diagnosis before starting the medication.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center found that patients with reduced levels of the common heart hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) had significantly lower readmission rates and mortality, with a 30% lower risk of hospital readmission within 30 days and a 54% lower mortality rate.
Researchers found that statins prescribed at the time of discharge significantly reduce the risk of future heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular events. High-intensity statin doses showed greater benefits, particularly for younger patients, with a 21% reduction in risk.
A study of over 60,000 patients with known heart disease found that follow-up LDL cholesterol tests significantly reduce the risk of reoccurring heart attacks and strokes. Patients who didn't receive these tests were more likely to experience major adverse outcomes.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that patients with extreme blood pressure swings were more likely to die than those with stable blood pressure. The study suggests that controlling blood pressure on a regular basis is crucial to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A five-year study found that genetic testing can help tailor the warfarin dosage to individual patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, resulting in significant reductions in adverse side effects. The study showed a 75% decrease in major bleeding and a 15% decrease in blood clots.