Articles tagged with Cardiac Arrhythmias
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%.
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.
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.
A new UofL study shows that nicotine salts in pod-based e-cigarettes can increase the risk of irregular heartbeat and cardiac arrhythmias. The research found that these aerosols stimulate the same receptor that is inhibited by beta blockers, leading to increased sympathetic nervous system activity.
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.
A new Stanford Medicine study found that smartwatches can help physicians detect and diagnose irregular heart rhythms in children. Over a four-year period, patients' medical records mentioned Apple Watch 145 times, with 41 patients having abnormal heart rhythms confirmed by traditional diagnostic methods.
A unique case of commotio cordis in a Romanian basketball player highlights the condition's rarity and importance of prompt intervention. The case, validated by ECG and video evidence, underscores the need for awareness and education about this reversible cardiac phenomenon.
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.
A recent NIH grant will support research into the genetic factors contributing to cardiac arrhythmia, a condition affecting millions of Americans. The study aims to identify specific genes linked to arrhythmia risk and develop novel therapeutic approaches.
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.
A new study found that younger atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients who underwent MRI-guided ablation treatments had better outcomes. The treatment significantly improved arrhythmia recurrence rates by 50% for patients under 58 years old.
A French study found that recreational drug use was associated with a nearly 9-fold higher rate of death or need for emergency intervention in cardiac intensive care patients. The study detected various substances in 1 in 10 patients, with cannabis being the most frequently detected substance.
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.
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.
Researchers identified five previously unknown CaMKII inhibitors, including ruxolitinib, which was found to be the most effective at inhibiting CaMKII activity in cell and mouse models of arrhythmias. The study provides a promising new approach for treating heart conditions.
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.
Researchers developed a graphene 'tattoo' implant that senses irregular heart rhythms and delivers electrical stimulation without constraining the heart's natural motions. The device is optically transparent, allowing for external light to record and stimulate the heart through the device.
A region-wide study of over 50,000 patients with atrial fibrillation found that statin users had a significantly lower risk of stroke and transient ischemic attack compared to non-users. Long-term statin use was associated with greater protection against stroke than short-term use.
Researchers at TUM have developed a method to create mini-hearts in Petri dishes using stem cells. The resulting organoids mimic the earliest stages of human heart development and can be used to investigate congenital heart defects, potentially leading to new treatment methods.
Researchers found that a plakophilin-2 mutation leads to increased desmosomal protein degradation in ACM hearts, causing structural and functional changes. Studying human heart samples and mice models confirmed the role of protein degradation in ACM development.
Researchers found that certain wearable devices using bioimpedance sensing technology can interfere with CRT devices, causing pacing interruptions or unnecessary shocks to the heart. The study suggests that future clinical studies are needed to evaluate patients with CIEDs and wearables.
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.
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.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences discover genes and individual variations associated with atrial fibrillation, predicting stroke and mortality risk. They also uncover a potential treatment target, ERRg, involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation.
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.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have discovered a mechanism by which lipids regulate pacemaker ion channel proteins in the heart. By disrupting a specific molecular connection, certain lipids can enhance pacemaker channel activity, leading to potential treatments for cardiac arrhythmias and other conditions.
A large-scale comparison of direct oral anticoagulants has identified apixaban as the drug with the lowest risk of bleeding. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that apixaban had a 19-28% lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding compared to other DOACs.
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.
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.
A new study found that electronic gaming can precipitate life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in susceptible children with previously unrecognized predispositions. The most common underlying causes were catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and congenital long QT syndrome types 1 and 2.
A study found that 47% of parents meeting criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, compared to 12% of children with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The trauma triggered by a child's heart problems can affect the entire family.
A team of scientists has developed a novel setup for magnetocardiography using a diamond quantum sensor to measure heart currents at millimeter resolution. The sensor is based on nitrogen vacancies sensitive to weak magnetic fields produced by heart currents and can operate at room temperature.
The American Heart Association offers important guidance on sleep-disordered breathing and its association with cardiac arrhythmia, highlighting the potential benefits of SDB treatment on patient outcomes. The statement emphasizes the need for more randomized data to confirm the link between SDB and reduced atrial fibrillation recurrence.
Researchers used human heart muscle cells and machine learning to predict arrhythmias in patients, achieving over 90% accuracy. The study lays the foundation for safer and more effective medicines by generating patient risk profiles and drug toxicity testing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A case report highlights the limitations of remote monitoring in detecting premature battery depletion in recalled pacemakers, leading to urgent device replacement. The cases emphasize the importance of closer monitoring and prophylactic generator changes in patients with high-risk devices.
Researchers developed a predictive model that maps electric activity of mouse, rabbit, and human cardiac cells, allowing translation of findings across species. The model is expected to accelerate drug development and improve understanding of disease mechanisms.
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.
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.
A recent study published at Masonic Medical Research Institute found that electrocution-induced physiological stress can lead to overlapping cardiac conditions in individuals. The research used human induced pluripotent stem cells to investigate the mechanisms behind these conditions, shedding light on potential new treatments.
Researchers at Masonic Medical Research Institute are using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to create scientific models for studying cardiac arrhythmias and testing therapeutics. The integration of mathematical modeling tools enables the prediction of drug efficacy with minimal adverse effects.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique that uses light and sound to detect plaques in arteries, potentially preventing strokes and heart attacks. The technique uses nanoparticles that absorb light and emit sound waves, allowing doctors to visualize the plaques in a non-invasive way.
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.
Researchers have identified a key gene in zebrafish cardiac rhythm, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of cardiac arrhythmia in humans. The gene, Tmem161b, is found to play a central function in controlling heart rhythm, with mutations potentially causing fatal arrhythmias.
A recent study published in JAMA Cardiology found that patients treated with hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 were at increased risk of electrical changes to the heart and cardiac arrhythmias. The combination of hydroxychloroquine with azithromycin was linked to even greater changes compared to hydroxychloroquine alone.
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...
Researchers found a link between mitral valve prolapse and sudden cardiac death, with 14 cases per 1000 per year associated with the condition. The study identified features such as scarring of the heart muscle and heavy mitral valve leakage that put patients at high risk for serious cardiac arrhythmias.
The EHRA White Book provides comprehensive data on cardiac arrhythmia treatment, including device implantations and interventional procedures. The 2017 edition shows significant disparities in treatment across countries, with higher volumes of device implantations in Western and Northern countries.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology are developing multifunctional scales to monitor health and detect potentially life-threatening conditions. The scales can measure arterial stiffness and even recognize the development of hyperkalemia, a condition that requires dialysis.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) and an increased risk for seizures. LQTS patients who experienced seizures were three times more likely to have experienced seizures in the past, and had worse cardiac symptoms.
Scientists have discovered a method to predict certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, allowing for potential prevention and improved heart health. The researchers used mathematical modeling to analyze the transition from normal to abnormal heartbeat patterns in embryonic chicken cells.
A gene associated with sudden cardiac death has been identified using implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) monitoring. The GNAS gene polymorphism predicted ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in patients from the DISCOVERY trial and Oregon-SUDS study.
A new small, wireless self-contained pacemaker has been found safe and effective for patients. The study aims to address the limitations of traditional pacemakers, which pose minimal risk but can lead to short- or long-term complications.
Scientists from the University of Chicago discovered that DNA variants in SCN10A regulate SCN5A expression, suggesting a primary role for SCN5A in cardiac arrhythmia risk. The study highlights the importance of evaluating functional targets of genome-wide association study hits to avoid costly implications.
The European Society of Cardiology and the European Heart Rhythm Association will hold a joint Congress annually from 2014 to 2017, featuring four main topics: electrophysiology, devices, non-invasive EP, and basic science. The agreement aims to improve scientific collaboration and quality among cardiac electrophysiology communities.
A University of Warwick researcher has demonstrated that an Xbox chip can be used as a cheaper alternative for modeling complex processes like cardiac arrhythmias. The study found that the XBox 360 GPU can perform high-end parallel computing on domestic hardware, saving researchers thousands of pounds.
A randomized controlled trial found that fish oil supplementation prevented a reduction in heart rate variability in elderly subjects exposed to indoor air pollutant particles. In contrast, soy oil supplements showed a marginal, nonsignificant protective effect against the negative impact of particulate matter on heart rate variability.