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New evidence confirms patients with severe psoriasis are at a higher risk for heart disease

A large study published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that patients with severe psoriasis have a high prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction, which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Psoriasis severity and duration, as well as the presence of psoriatic arthritis, are independently linked to redu...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2023

Weight loss? ‘Nuting’ to worry about with almonds

Researchers found that almond-supplemented diets resulted in significant weight loss and improved cardiometabolic outcomes. The study demonstrated the benefits of nuts as part of a balanced weight loss diet, with almonds providing unsaturated fats that can improve blood cholesterol levels and contribute to a healthy heart.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalObesity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 18, 2023

UM School of Medicine researchers identify important new signaling molecule involved in vascular health

Researchers identified a stable NO intermediary called NO-ferroheme, which enables nitric oxide to regulate blood flow and blood pressure. The discovery provides strong evidence for the role of heme in stabilizing NO and offers potential for developing new drugs targeting disease states such as pulmonary hypertension and diabetes.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023

Risk of stroke hospitalization after infertility treatment

A recent study of 31 million pregnant individuals found that infertility treatment is associated with an increased risk of stroke-related hospitalization within 12 months of delivery. The risk was evident as early as 30 days postpartum, highlighting the importance of timely follow-up and long-term monitoring to mitigate stroke risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 30, 2023

Catheter ablation in very old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

A new study found that catheter ablation significantly lowers the incidence of cardiovascular events and death in very old patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The researchers compared 208 patients who underwent AF ablation with those who received medical therapy only, finding a lower risk of both cardiovascular events and de...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023

NIH-funded study explains link to increased cardiovascular risks for people with obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers found that people with obstructive sleep apnea have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, with reduced blood oxygen levels being the leading factor. The study suggests that treating sleep apnea could help prevent future cardiovascular outcomes.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 26, 2023

Octapharma's prothrombin complex concentrate, Balfaxar®, receives FDA approval for warfarin reversal in urgent surgery & invasive procedures

Octapharma's Balfaxar, a prothrombin complex concentrate, has received FDA approval for the urgent reversal of acquired coagulation factor deficiency induced by vitamin K antagonist therapy. The product demonstrated effective hemostasis in 94.6% of patients and was non-inferior to comparator Kcentra.

SourceYankee Public Relations·TypeObservational study·DateJul 26, 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

Mitochondrial ultrastructure regulated by calcium sensor, scientists at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University discover

Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine found that calcium sensor MICU1 regulates mitochondrial ultrastructure, governing inner and outer mitochondrial membrane structure. This discovery provides a framework for understanding cellular energetics and cell death, with implications for diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 10, 2023

The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin awarded a National Institutes of Health grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes to prevent ventricular arrhythmias

The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin receive a four-year, $2.37 million NIH grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for preventing and managing ventricular arrhythmias. Researchers have already demonstrated the feasibility of pacing the heart using the hydrogel in a porcine model.

New Family Heart Foundation study reveals systemic underdiagnosis and undertreatment of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia

A new study reveals delayed diagnosis of HoFH leads to premature cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for increased lipid screening and aggressive treatment. Despite available therapies, most patients require further lipid-lowering treatments.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2023

Reduced access to TAVR to treat aortic stenosis in Canada compared to the US may affect mortality risk, potentially threatening lives

A new study comparing outcomes between Ontario and New York State found patients in Ontario more likely to die within a month of procedure due to inadequate availability and long wait times. The study suggests that improved access to TAVR may lead to better post-procedural outcomes.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 25, 2023

Depressed, and aging fast

Researchers found that older adults with depression exhibit accelerated biological aging, poor physical and brain health, and worse cardiovascular health. This association suggests opportunities for preventive strategies to reduce disability associated with major depression in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2023

Poor sleep linked to years of poor cardiovascular health

A new study found that poor sleep is associated with compromised cardiovascular health in middle and old age, with men losing nearly 7 years of heart disease-free life compared to healthy sleepers. Women also experienced a significant loss of normal heart health, with up to 2 years lost due to general poor sleep.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBMC Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMar 7, 2023

The Texas Heart Institute delivers a new first in heart failure treatment using cell therapy

A new cell therapy has demonstrated significant benefits in improving the heart's pumping ability and reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke in patients with chronic heart failure. The therapy, using mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs), also showed a strong signal in reducing inflammation and improving microv...

SourceTexas Heart Institute·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 27, 2023

COVID-19 vaccination linked to fewer cardiac events

A US study found that COVID-19 vaccination is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events, particularly among those with comorbidities. Even partial vaccination was linked to a reduced risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The research suggests that vaccination may have beneficial effects on post-COVID-19 complications.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 20, 2023

Drinking coffee helps maintain low blood pressure

A study published in the journal Nutrients found that regular coffee consumption is associated with lower blood pressure levels, both peripheral and central. The researchers analyzed data from a sample of Italian adults and discovered that moderate coffee drinkers had significantly lower systolic and pulse pressures.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalNutrients·DateFeb 7, 2023

Columbia researchers find link between serotonin and heart valve disease

A new study led by Columbia researchers discovered a link between serotonin and heart valve disease, specifically degenerative mitral regurgitation. The study found that patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were more likely to develop severe mitral regurgitation and require surgery at a younger age.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

Association of rurality with risk of heart failure

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that rurality is associated with a higher risk of heart failure among predominantly low-income individuals in the southeastern United States. The inequity highlights the need for targeted primary prevention efforts for rural populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJan 25, 2023

New pediatric investigation article reviews the potential of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement for congenital heart disorders

The procedure requires thorough pre-procedural evaluation and assessment of anatomical and hemodynamic data. Long-term results indicate that TPVR can effectively restore RVOT function, while improving survival rates and reducing the need for reintervention across age groups. Vigilant testing is recommended to avoid rare but serious com...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 3, 2023