Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Wearable heart monitor increases diagnosis of irregular heart rhythm

A large study found that wearable heart monitors increased diagnoses of atrial fibrillation by 52% compared to usual care. However, it did not lead to a significant reduction in hospitalizations due to stroke. The study's findings provide inconclusive data on the effectiveness of screening for atrial fibrillation in reducing stroke risk.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 1, 2024

Doctors advise caution as energy drinks may trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in patients with genetic heart diseases

A study published in Heart Rhythm examined the potential dangers of energy drink consumption in patients with genetic heart diseases. The research found a temporal relationship between energy drink consumption and sudden cardiac arrest events, but caution is advised due to the small relative risk.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 6, 2024

Establishing a novel inherited arrhythmia model mouse causing sudden cardiac death at young age

Researchers established a novel mouse model of inherited arrhythmia that spontaneously causes lethal arrhythmias, shedding light on the pathogenesis and potential drug efficacy. The study identifies a critical mutation in ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) as a key regulator of cardiomyocyte contraction.

SourceInternational Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2024

New mechanism discovered for the life-threatening arrhythmias in Andersen-Tawil syndrome

Researchers have discovered a direct link between the C122Y mutation in the Kir2.1 potassium channel and life-threatening arrhythmias in Andersen-Tawil syndrome, which affects fewer than 1 in a million people. The study highlights the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024

Chronic exposure to air pollution may increase risk of cardiovascular hospitalization among seniors

A new study found that chronic exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased risk of hospital admission for various cardiovascular conditions, particularly ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. The study suggests that lowering annual average PM2.5 levels could decrease overall cardiovascular hospitalizations by 15%.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalBMJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Nationwide study suggests link between medical cannabis for chronic pain and abnormal heart rhythm

A nationwide Danish study found a slightly increased risk of arrhythmia in patients taking medical cannabis for chronic pain. The risk was more than twice that of those not receiving cannabis, with the largest increases observed in older adults and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2024

Injectable hydrogel electrodes open door to a novel painless treatment regimen for arrhythmia

Researchers develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for treating ventricular arrhythmia, providing a potential solution to painful defibrillation and improving quality of life. The novel pacing modality addresses the pathophysiology of re-entrant arrhythmia and offers a promising alternative to existing therapies.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

Heart vest could help predict sudden cardiac death risk

A new study by UCL researchers suggests that a vest mapping the heart's electrical activity could help identify people at high risk of sudden cardiac death. The electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) vest combines signals with MRI images to generate 3D models, potentially predicting risk factors for life-threatening heart rhythms.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2023

Cleveland Clinic-led trial finds that atrial fibrillation patients undergoing TAVR and Watchman™ procedures together have similar outcomes to using blood thinners after TAVR

Atrial fibrillation patients undergoing TAVR with the Watchman device had similar outcomes to those receiving medical therapy or blood thinners after TAVR, according to a Cleveland Clinic-led trial. The study found no differences in all-cause death, stroke, and major bleeding between the two groups.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalCirculation·DateOct 24, 2023

Cannabis use disorder may be linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease

A new study has found a significant association between cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attacks and strokes. Adults with cannabis use disorder in Canada experienced a 60% higher risk of first-time cardiovascular disease events compared to those without the disorder.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeObservational study·DateSep 28, 2023

Cause of sleep disturbance in cardiac disease identified: Ganglia play previously unrecognized role

A study published in Science reveals that ganglia in the neck region are responsible for disrupting melatonin production and causing sleep disturbances in people with heart conditions. Researchers found that macrophages accumulate in the ganglion, leading to inflammation and scarring, which can be treated with drugs.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Light-activated molecular machines get cells ‘talking’

Rice University scientists use light-activated molecular machines to trigger intercellular calcium signals, revealing a powerful new strategy for controlling cellular activity. The technology could lead to improved treatments for people with heart problems, digestive issues, and more.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

HRS, APHRS, and LAHRS release cardiac physiological pacing guideline

The new guideline provides guidance on the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy and conduction system pacing in patients with indications for pacemakers or heart failure. The authors emphasize the importance of shared decision-making between providers and patients, and highlight areas for future research.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 20, 2023

Validation of the feasibility of in-office mapping of the heart without the need for surgery or CT scans for the diagnosis of cardiac arrhythmia

Researchers validate non-invasive ECGi technique to detect atrial fibrillation, providing detailed information about the electrical activity of the heart. This breakthrough reduces patients' exposure to ionising radiation and costs, making it more universal for clinical practice.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalJournal of Electrocardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 30, 2023

Female and male hearts respond differently to stress hormone in mouse study

Researchers discovered that female and male mouse hearts react uniformly at first to noradrenaline but exhibit differences in recovery time, affecting electrical activity. These findings may contribute to arrhythmia susceptibility between men and women, offering new insights into sex-based responses to stress hormones.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2023

Portable and affordable all-optical system for testing lab-on-a-chip human hearts

Researchers have developed a novel portable and low-cost macroscopic mapping system for all-optical cardiac electrophysiology using optogenetics and machine vision cameras. The system can stimulate and image engineered networks of human heart cells, providing insights into cardiac wave function and stability.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 11, 2023

Mild thyroid disorders can cause severe heart problems

Researchers discovered that mild thyroid dysfunctions can lead to serious heart issues, with elevated free T4 levels increasing cardiovascular mortality. A systematic review of 32 studies found a direct correlation between FT4 concentrations and cardiac death, paving the way for personalized preventive care.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 24, 2022

Cleveland Clinic researchers identify diabetes drug metformin as potential atrial fibrillation treatment in collaborative research

Researchers found that metformin targeted 30 genes associated with atrial fibrillation, showing direct effects on gene expression for eight. The study suggests metformin may be a promising candidate for treating atrial fibrillation due to its potential to reduce the risk of complications such as stroke and heart failure.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 11, 2022

Two different white blood cell types play opposing roles in affecting heartbeat irregularities after heart attack

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered that two white blood cell types, neutrophils and macrophages, play opposing roles in affecting heartbeat irregularities after a heart attack. Neutrophils promote ventricular tachycardia (VT), while macrophages protect against it.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Take herbal supplements with a dose of caution

A new case report highlights the risks of herbal supplements containing CBD and berberine, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias. The study involves a patient who experienced dizziness and fainting after taking high doses of hemp oil and berberine supplements, leading to a life-threatening condition.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeartRhythm Case Reports·TypeCase study·DateMay 16, 2022

Getting to the heart of bedwetting

Researchers recommend expanding diagnostic workup to include cardiac arrhythmias for unexplained enuresis in adults and children. An electrocardiogram is a cost-effective and non-invasive test that can detect potentially fatal diseases.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeSurvey·DateApr 7, 2022

Digital silver lining seen in failed COVID-19 drug trial

A clinical trial found that remote monitoring of medication's potential arrhythmic side effects is feasible and safe for patients with mild COVID-19. The study used handheld devices to transmit digital ECGs, suggesting a potential expansion of clinical research to broader populations and reducing participants' burdens.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 20, 2021

Human history and migration of disease: Study tracks spread of young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents

A new study tracked the spread of a genetic mutation that causes young-onset heart arrhythmia across continents over centuries. The research found that the mutation was passed down from Northern Europe to other parts of the world through migration, and identified a specific gene, KCNQ1, as the cause of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2021

Simultaneous optical and electrical tracking of heart activity

Researchers developed a new system to measure and stimulate the entire ventricular surface of mouse hearts, allowing for simultaneous optical and electrical tracking of heart activity. The POEMS system provides accurate measurements of action potential propagation with minimal differences between modalities.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

Coffee and heart beats

A study by Gregory M. Marcus and colleagues found that daily coffee consumption may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. The researchers analyzed data from a large population, suggesting that moderate coffee drinking may be associated with an increased risk of irregular heartbeats.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 19, 2021

Preventing sudden cardiac death with genome editing

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have successfully used genome editing to correct a genetic mutation causing a rare and deadly heart condition. The study uses CRISPR/Cas9 technology to selectively disrupt the disease-causing gene, reducing arrhythmia symptoms in mice. This breakthrough could lead to a permanent treatment for p...

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalCirculation Research·DateOct 30, 2018