A Canadian study found that hospital-initiated tobacco cessation interventions significantly improved patient outcomes, including a 35% success rate for quitting at 6-month follow-up. Patients who received the Ottawa Model were also less likely to be re-admitted to the hospital or visit emergency departments.
Patients with coronary artery disease spend an average of eight hours each day sitting, which is related to higher BMI and lower cardiorespiratory fitness. Limiting sedentary behaviors can improve health alongside regular exercise.
Researchers from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Oxford University found that multiple common genetic variants contribute to heart disease, rather than a few rare variants. They identified 202 genetic variants in 129 gene regions that explain approximately 23% of coronary heart disease's heritability.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a new pathway linking the brain to high blood pressure. The study suggests new approaches for treating hypertension and heart failure, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Scientists at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute have discovered a connection between elevated PCSK9 levels and acute heart attacks in patients. Elevated PCSK9 levels were found in blood samples from patients who had experienced a heart attack, but not in those who had never had one or had recovered from a previous attack.
A Canadian national survey found that most women lack knowledge of heart disease symptoms and risk factors. Women surveyed were often unaware of their own risk status and had a low understanding of the major symptoms of heart disease.
Researchers found that providing in-hospital counseling and post-care support can lead to significant health system savings while increasing the number of quitters. The Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC) was shown to be a cost-effective intervention, generating benefits in terms of reduced hospital readmissions and deaths.
A new study identifies how a genetic variant in the SPG7 gene contributes to cardiovascular health by promoting chronic inflammation and cell division. The researchers found that the variant can activate itself in certain circumstances, leading to increased production of free radicals and more rapid cell division.
A new study found that patients who underwent cardiac device surgery without interrupting warfarin treatment had a 80% lower risk of developing significant hematomas compared to those bridged with heparin. This approach also reduced prolonged hospital stays, re-interruption of anticoagulation, and re-operations.
Researchers have identified a link between inflammation and heart disease through the largest genetic study of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) to date. The study found that lipid metabolism and inflammation play a significant role in CAD, providing evidence for a novel pathway for prevention and treatment.
A pilot program at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute has demonstrated a significant improvement in patient care for diabetic patients. The program resulted in higher notifications to doctors, referrals to community diabetes management programs, and lower average blood sugar levels among in-patients.
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute's bedside genetic test has successfully protected patients with a specific genetic variant from adverse events. The test uses a simple cheek swab and has been shown to be effective in reducing high on-treatment platelet reactivity, a marker for complications after stenting.
A novel point-of-care genetic test has been shown to be clinically feasible and accurate, enabling rapid personalization of anti-platelet therapy for patients at risk. The study demonstrates that tailored treatment successfully protected all patients with the at-risk genetic variant from adverse events.
A team led by Yves Marcel has discovered a process called autophagy that mobilizes and exports cholesterol from cells. This could provide a new target to reverse atherosclerosis, the main cause of heart attack and stroke.
A novel gene called MLIP has been identified as affecting heart development and the aging process. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding cardiac development and loss of cardiac function.
A massive study has identified 13 new genes linked to coronary artery disease, with most operating through unknown mechanisms. The discovery opens up new avenues for therapies and highlights the complexities of heart disease.
A new therapeutic implant has been proven to synchronize and strengthen a fading heart beat, reducing the risk of death by 24% compared to current treatment. The device therapy, called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), also improves quality of life and reduces hospital admissions for worsening heart failure.
A landmark study by the University of Ottawa Heart Institute reveals that 70% of Ontario adults are either overweight or obese. The analysis also shows a strong link between high blood pressure and above normal BMI, with obesity levels increasing with age.