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The Texas Heart Institute welcomes Dr. Jorge A. Miranda to lead the Limb Preservation Clinic at The Texas Heart Institute Center for Cardiovascular Care

Dr. Jorge A. Miranda joins The Texas Heart Institute as leader of the newly established Limb Preservation Clinic, enhancing cardiovascular care for patients at risk for limb-threatening conditions. The clinic offers a team-based approach addressing immediate and underlying causes of peripheral vascular disease and cardiovascular disease.

Persistent racial disparities in vascular surgery outcomes

A recent study published in the Journal of Vascular Surgery found that non-white patients have twice the risk of dying within 30 days of carotid endarterectomy compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from over half a million patients and highlights persistent racial disparities in medical outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Vascular Surgery·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 13, 2024

Researchers identify reduction in heart failure-related risk factors following metabolic surgery

A recent study suggests that metabolic surgery can reduce the need for oral diuretics in patients with heart failure, resulting in a 65% decrease in diuretic use at 24 months after surgery. Patients who underwent metabolic surgery also experienced significant weight loss and improved quality of life.

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2024

Five minutes of exercise a day could lower blood pressure

A new study suggests that adding physical activity into daily life can help lower blood pressure. Replacing sedentary behaviors with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day was estimated to lead to a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure, while just five minutes of activity a day was also associated with reduced levels.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2024

AI algorithm accurately detects heart disease in dogs

A machine learning algorithm developed by University of Cambridge researchers can detect and grade heart murmurs in dogs with high accuracy, similar to expert cardiologists. The technology has the potential to empower primary care veterinarians to provide early detection and treatment, improving quality of life for dogs.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2024

CRF® announces 2024 SET-10 Rankings

The Cardiovascular Research Foundation recognizes 29 leading institutions for their contributions to groundbreaking research advancing interventional cardiovascular medicine. The 2024 SET-10 rankings celebrate institutions making significant impacts across various categories, including basic science and clinical research.

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults have third highest cardiovascular death rate in the U.S.

A nationwide mortality data study found Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) adults have the third highest cardiovascular death rate in the US, with approximately 40% of deaths attributed to coronary heart disease. The study highlights a need for focused interventions to promote cardiovascular health among NHPI adults.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 14, 2024

Caffeine is a heart-healthy habit

Researchers found that patients who consumed caffeine had better vascular health, as measured through endothelial cells. The study suggests that caffeine may play a role in controlling disease progression and improving cardiovascular health.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalRheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 9, 2024

New therapeutic target for cardiac arrhythmias emerges

A new study identifies phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate as a key regulator of the SK2 channel, which plays a critical role in cardiac ion channels and heart rhythm. The research provides critical translational insights into possible mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias in heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2024

Global study highlights the life-saving impact of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) in heart failure patients

A global study highlights the life-saving impact of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) in heart failure patients, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study estimates that optimal implementation could save over 1 million lives per year, with significant regional disparities to address.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2024

Scientists discover potential cause of an enigmatic vascular disease primarily impacting women

Researchers identified changes in the UBR4 gene as a key driver of fibromuscular dysplasia, a blood vessel disorder affecting up to five percent of adults. The discovery could lead to therapeutic approaches for the condition, particularly beneficial for women who account for 90% of cases.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2024

Study shows long-term effects of immigration on Chinese Americans’ cardiovascular health

A new UCLA-led study found that Chinese American immigrants' cardiovascular health increases with length of residence and varies by US location. Participants who resided in Chicago showed lower mortality levels from heart disease compared to those in Los Angeles.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2024

Cancer screening estimated to cost $43 billion a year in the United States

A modeling study estimates that cancer screening costs over $40 billion annually in the US, with an emphasis on enhancing equitable access to recommended screenings. However, experts argue that this estimate may underestimate the true cost due to lack of consideration for subsequent testing, ineligible patients, and overdiagnosis.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 5, 2024

​​​​​​​Incidence of heart attacks and strokes was lower after COVID-19 vaccination, finds study of 46 million adults

A new study analyzing health records from 46 million adults in England found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduces the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. The incidence was up to 10% lower after the first dose and up to 27% lower after two doses, especially with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

SourceHealth Data Research UK·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 31, 2024

Weight gain in young and middle-aged adults is linked to poor heart health in older age

A major study found that people who gained excess weight from their 20s onwards had less healthy hearts by the time they were in their 60s. The researchers linked weight gain in young and middle-aged adults to enlarged hearts that pump blood less well, over and above the effect of being overweight in later years.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

New Boston Medical Center Study shows a relationship between heart disease and spontaneous loss of Y chromosome

Researchers found that men with a higher proportion of blood cells missing the Y chromosome have a higher risk of dying from heart failure. Elevated Y chromosome loss is associated with decreased treatment response in patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis, a progressive disease causing heart failure and death.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalCirculation Heart Failure·DateJun 27, 2024

With $12 million NIH grant renewal, Lewis Katz School of Medicine researchers to explore novel cell mechanism in heart injury and repair

Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine will investigate how injured heart cells communicate with other cells throughout the body using microvesicles known as exosomes. The study aims to understand how specific molecules, such as microRNAs, facilitate communication pathways between cells in the heart and vasculature.

"A hearty debate" concludes plant-based meat alternatives are healthier for your heart than meat

A Canadian Journal of Cardiology review article finds that plant-based meat alternatives tend to reflect a heart-healthy dietary pattern, improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The authors recommend incorporating PBMAs into a healthy diet as an excellent protein source, with options lower in saturated fat and sodium.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 26, 2024

Chronic loneliness may increase stroke risk among older adults

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that chronic loneliness may significantly raise the risk of stroke among older adults. The research suggests that loneliness, experienced chronically, plays an important role in stroke incidence and is associated with a higher risk of long-term disability and mortality.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 24, 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

Study shows orange peel extract may improve heart health

Researchers at the University of Florida found that orange peel extracts can reduce harmful chemicals in the body. The study identified a compound called feruloylputrescine that inhibits the enzyme responsible for TMA production, paving the way for developing functional foods enriched with bioactive compounds.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 28, 2024

Signatures of heart attack

The study identified specific patterns in blood samples of patients who had different clinical outcomes after a heart attack. These patterns, known as 'immune signatures', are associated with either better or worse recovery of heart function. The findings could lead to the development of new diagnostics and treatments for heart failure.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Medicine·DateMay 22, 2024

The number of people experiencing poor health and early death caused by metabolism-related risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI has increased by 50% since 2000, reveals new global study

The Global Burden of Diseases study reveals a 49.4% increase in global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to metabolism-related risk factors between 2000 and 2021. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI are key contributors to poor health and early death.

Asking adults living with obesity if they were normal weight, plumper, or thinner during childhood could help determine their mortality risk

A UK Biobank study suggests that adults living with obesity who were underweight or average weight in childhood may be at increased risk of all-cause mortality. The study found that adult men and women who reported being thinner as children had higher mortality risks, with a 63% and 60% increase respectively.

Exercise, new drug class recommended for management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have released a new clinical guideline for effectively managing individuals diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The guideline recommends exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle, including low-to-moderate intensity recreational activities, while also introducing a...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 8, 2024

Dietary changes may treat pulmonary hypertension

Scientists at University of Pittsburgh show that limiting glutamine and serine intake can halt disease progression in rodent models. The findings suggest a potential new therapy for patients with pulmonary hypertension, offering hope for improved treatment options beyond medications.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024