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NIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute


Bypass surgery favorable for initial treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia

Researchers found that bypass surgery resulted in a 32% lower risk of major medical events related to CLTI, as well as significant reductions in repeat surgeries and amputations. Adults without optimal veins for the bypass had no significant differences in outcomes between open bypass and endovascular procedures.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 7, 2022

NIH-supported study finds racial disparities in advanced heart failure treatment

A recent NIH-supported study found that Black adults treated at advanced heart failure centers received potentially life-changing therapies, such as transplants and heart pumps, about half as often as white adults due to racial bias. The researchers also suggest that unconscious bias and overt racism may be driving these disparities.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalCirculation Heart Failure·DateOct 19, 2022

Researchers find benefits and drawbacks to two-step surgical approach for “leaky heart valves”

A NIH-funded study found that patients with a two-step surgical approach for 'leaky heart valves' had better short-term outcomes, but were more likely to need a pacemaker. The procedure involved repairing the tricuspid valve at the time of mitral valve surgery, and results showed reduced risk of death, reoperation, or severe regurgitat...

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 13, 2021

NIH study shows no significant benefit of convalescent plasma for COVID-19 outpatients with early symptoms

A NIH study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that administering convalescent plasma to outpatients with early symptoms of COVID-19 did not prevent disease progression. The trial, which enrolled over 500 participants, showed a significant reduction of less than 2% in disease progression.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 18, 2021

NIH-funded studies show stents and surgery no better than medication, lifestyle changes at reducing the risk for heart attack

Two NIH-funded studies find that invasive procedures like stenting and surgery provide better symptom relief but not reduced risk for heart attack and death compared to medication and lifestyle changes. The trials followed over 5,000 patients with stable ischemic heart disease for three years.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 30, 2020

Study finds irregular sleep patterns double the risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults

A new study finds that irregular sleep patterns, such as no regular bedtime and wake-up schedule or varying amounts of sleep each night, may represent a novel and independent heart disease risk factor. Older adults with these patterns are nearly twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 2, 2020

NIH researchers develop MRI with lower magnetic field for cardiac and lung imaging condition

Researchers at NIH and Siemens developed a low-magnetic-field MRI system that improves image quality of lungs and other internal structures, making medical imaging more affordable and accessible. The new system also reduces the risk of heating and allows for safer procedures for patients with pacemakers or defibrillators.

First-time pregnancy complications linked to increased risk of hypertension later in life

Researchers found that women who experience complications such as preterm births and preeclampsia during their first pregnancy are nearly twice more likely than women without complications to develop high blood pressure later in life. The study emphasizes the need for doctors to focus on knowing the health histories of women.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 30, 2019

Mobile phone app designed to boost physical activity in women shows promise in trial

A new study found that a mobile phone app designed for physically inactive women increased their daily physical activity and helped them sustain it over nine months. The app, combined with an activity tracker and personal counseling, provided motivational messages and interactive feedback, leading to short- and long-term fitness benefits.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 2019

Novel technique reduces obstruction risk in heart valve replacement

Researchers developed a novel technique called LAMPOON to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, a common complication of transcatheter mitral valve replacement. The study found that the new method increased treatment options for high-risk patients and achieved better survival rates compared to other methods.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 20, 2019

Many with mild asthma, low sputum eosinophils respond equally well to steroids as placebo

A recent study of nearly 300 patients with mild persistent asthma found that inhaled steroids were no more effective than placebo in nearly three-fourths of the study patients. However, for those with high levels of eosinophils, inhaled steroids were better than placebo, suggesting a potential new approach to targeting specific therapies.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 19, 2019

Study links frequent red meat consumption to high levels of chemical associated with heart disease

Researchers found that people who eat a diet rich in red meat have triple the TMAO levels of those who eat a diet rich in either white meat or mostly plant-based proteins. However, discontinuation of red meat eventually lowers these TMAO levels, suggesting a promising new strategy for individualizing diets and preventing heart disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 11, 2018

Researchers use cigarette smoking behavior to identify genes that regulate blood pressure

Researchers identified dozens of genetic variations affecting blood pressure by analyzing cigarette smoking behavior in a large cohort. The study confirms the role of known genes and identifies novel ones associated with blood pressure regulation, offering potential for individually targeted treatments.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 1, 2018