Articles tagged with Cardiomyopathy
A new study found that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can effectively prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. The average survival time for ICD patients was seven years, outpacing the typical lifespan of an ICD battery.
A new study reveals that rapamycin can reverse cardiac muscle damage in a mouse model of LEOPARD syndrome, a rare congenital heart disease. The research demonstrates the importance of targeted therapies in managing congenital diseases and offers a potential new treatment option for patients with LEOPARD syndrome.
Researchers have identified the gene DOT1L as critical for heart function, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy. The study found that low levels of DOT1L enzyme can cause heart disease, including congestive heart failure.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have discovered a genetic mechanism that causes lipotoxic cardiomyopathy independently of a diet high in fat. The study found that an imbalance in cellular fats can lead to heart problems, and targeting the SREBP protein may help prevent these issues.
Scientists have found that garlic oil can protect against heart disease in people with diabetes by reducing inflammation and weakening the heart's muscle tissue. The antioxidant properties of garlic oil were identified as a key factor in this effect.
A new study by Stanford cardiologists suggests that routine electrocardiogram (ECG) testing of young American athletes can save lives while being reasonable in cost. The research challenges conventional wisdom that ECGs are too expensive to be required prior to competitive exercise.
Researchers report that black women are significantly more likely to develop peripartum cardiomyopathy, a potentially deadly weakening of the heart muscle around childbirth. The study found that African-American race was the most important predictor, with 93% of those who developed cardiomyopathy being black.
A novel gene, ANKRD1, has been identified as a cause of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a condition where the heart becomes weakened and enlarged. The study found three disease-associated variants of the gene in four male patients with DCM.
A recent study identified a rare genetic heart disorder, Danon disease, characterized by rapid clinical deterioration and early death in young patients. The study revealed that the natural course of this disease is often fatal, with significant cardiac complications and poor outcomes despite advanced treatment strategies.
A new clinical trial suggests that long-term use of candesartan may significantly reduce symptoms of genetic heart disease, including left ventricular hypertrophy. The study found no adverse effects of candesartan use and highlights the need for customized treatment protocols based on individual patient gene mutations.
Researchers have discovered a unique genetic profile associated with alcohol-induced heart failure, which could enable earlier diagnoses and monitor clinical outcomes. The study's findings offer new hope for addressing this condition, particularly when caught early through aggressive intervention.
High-risk patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy show reduced risk of sudden cardiac death with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. The study analyzed data from 506 patients and found that ICD interventions were effective in preventing life-threatening arrhythmias.
Researchers identify dysferlin as crucial for resealing heart muscle cell membranes, leading to cardiomyopathy in mice. Exercise exacerbates damage in mice with dysferlin deficiency, highlighting potential treatment target.
Researchers developed the largest registry of US patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, aiding physicians in diagnosis and management. Most patients who survived the first 48 hours had a steady recovery, with normal heart function found in 29 out of 30 patients.
A new noninvasive test may identify patients with stage II and III nonischemic cardiomyopathy who are likely to benefit from an ICD. The test, called abnormal T-Wave Alternans (TWA), shows that patients with a normal test have a very good prognosis and are unlikely to benefit from the device.
A new study found that a large number of patients who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) do not benefit from the device, while a simple heart-rhythm test can predict which patients will get life-saving benefit. The study suggests that using this test could spare millions of dollars in costs.
Researchers found that children with dilated cardiomyopathy are at the same risk of sudden cardiac death and need transplants as adults, with around 70% surviving past one year. The study identified myocarditis as a common cause of pediatric DCM, and infants were more likely to develop the condition.
A nationwide systematic screening program in Italy has shown a significant decline in sudden cardiovascular deaths among young athletes, with a 89% reduction in incidence rates. The study analyzed data from 1979 to 2004 and found that most cases of sudden death were due to previously unsuspected structural heart disease.
A new genetic component of heart disease has been identified, with the ILK protein found to play a critical role in regulating cardiac contractility. Loss of ILK in heart cells results in cardiomyopathy and heart failure, highlighting the importance of this molecule in vital physiological processes.
A study in mice identifies genetic origins of cardiomyopathy for the first time, revealing a link to the desmoplakin gene and progressive heart disease. The discovery may lead to better understanding and targeted therapies for patients with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
The study found that adolescents and young adults involved in competitive sports had a two and a half times higher risk of sudden death. ECG screening identified vulnerable young people, reducing sports-related sudden death from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MRI is more comprehensive than SPECT in assessing heart damage in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. MRI was able to detect small areas of heart damage and provide important data on cardiac function, whereas SPECT only became relevant if no abnormaliti...
A new study suggests that ICD therapy can be beneficial for patients with recently diagnosed cardiomyopathy, reducing overall mortality risk. The findings support earlier implantation of ICDs in this patient population.
Researchers identified the EYA4 gene as the cause of dilated cardiomyopathy preceded by sensorineural hearing loss. The mutant protein compromises cardiac function by reducing its presence in the nucleus, leading to dramatic heart failure and pumping velocity reduction.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered 'broken heart' syndrome, a condition where emotional stress triggers severe but reversible heart muscle weakness. The study found that patients experienced rapid improvement in heart function within days and complete recovery within two weeks.
Researchers found that seven percent of patients implanted with VADs were successfully weaned off the devices without needing a heart transplant. The study showed that VAD support can facilitate dramatic recovery in patients with acute inflammatory cardiomyopathy or post-partum cardiomyopathy.
Researchers found that women with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy had a significant reduction in arrhythmic death after ICD placement, but no overall survival benefit. ICDs prevented death from life-threatening heart rhythms in women, suggesting they may be beneficial for this population.
The European Society of Cardiology provides recommendations for athletes with cardiovascular disease, balancing risks and benefits of competitive sport. The panel aims to inform physicians and cardiologists about safe sport activities for candidates with cardiovascular abnormalities.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy affects 1 in 500 adults and is the commonest cause of sudden death in otherwise fit young people. Treatment options include medication, surgery, or implantable defibrillators to relieve symptoms and prevent abnormal heart rhythms.
The DEFINITE study found that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death and improve overall survival in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy patients. The study, which followed 458 participants for two years, showed a statistically significant reduction in arrhythmic deaths and all-cause mortality.
A team of researchers has identified a genetic mutation in phospholamban that disrupts calcium regulation in the heart, leading to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure. The discovery provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying heart failure and holds promise for future treatments.
Researchers have pinpointed a genetic defect in the phospholamban protein as the cause of inherited dilated cardiomyopathy. The discovery may lead to targeted treatment for this disorder, which affects 4.7 million Americans and costs $17.8 billion annually.
A genetic defect in muscle growth and survival is linked to human heart failure, causing the heart muscle to lose its ability to adapt to stress. Researchers identified a specific gene mutation that disrupts normal stretch activity, leading to enlarged hearts with thin ventricular walls.
Researchers found a genetic link between a specific enzyme and increased risk of heart failure in alcoholics, with those having two copies of the D allele facing a 16 times greater risk. This discovery opens up possibilities for uncovering other genetic predispositions for various alcohol-related diseases.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered a common flaw in the dystrophin protein that causes dilated cardiomyopathy, leading to enlarged heart chambers. Using ventricular assist devices can restore the protein's function and improve heart pumping, offering new hope for patients.
A study found that young athletes are more prone to sudden death due to cardiovascular diseases, with a higher risk of 2.5 times compared to non-athletes. Enhanced pre-participation screening methods, including electrocardiograms, are recommended to identify affected athletes.
A new study published by the American Heart Association found that immune globulin injections enabled nine out of ten critically ill patients with damaged hearts to recover without heart transplants. The treatment has shown great promise in treating acute cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting up to 50,000 adults each year.