Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Intensive in-hospital support doubles likelihood of smoking cessation in heart patients

A new study found that intensive in-hospital smoking cessation support significantly increases long-term abstinence rates among heart patients compared to minimal support. Absence of previous heart attack, postsecondary education, and at-home smoking restrictions also contributed to successful cessation.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 22, 2009

Study: Women with hard to diagnose chest pain symptoms at higher risk for cardiovascular events

A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine finds that women with chest pain but no coronary artery disease are at an elevated risk for cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. The study suggests that these patients require a different treatment regimen and highlights the need to reevaluate their risk assessment.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMay 11, 2009

Single gene defect can cause stroke, other artery diseases

Researchers at UT Houston have identified a single gene defect that causes thoracic aortic aneurysms, dissections, coronary artery disease, ischemic stroke, and Moyamoya disease. The study found that mutations in the ACTA2 gene can lead to increased smooth muscle cell multiplication, contributing to blocked or enlarged arteries.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 1, 2009

Researchers identify novel genetic markers linked to increased risk of heart attack

Researchers have identified novel genetic markers associated with an increased risk of heart attack, which are more than twice as great in individuals carrying multiple genetic markers. The study found that genes on chromosomes 3 and 12 play a crucial role in cardiovascular biology.

Genetic variation may lead to early cardiovascular disease

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found a genetic variation in the neuropeptide Y gene that increases susceptibility to early coronary artery disease. The study found six related variations in the gene associated with transmission from generation to generation and association across a population of patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 2, 2009

The good and bad of medical research

The Lancet's Editor Dr. Richard Horton emphasizes the significance of non-experimental research in medicine, citing examples of reliable causal inferences and notable errors. He stresses the need for rigorous scientific practice, communication, and replication to ensure credibility and inform policymaking.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 26, 2007

Progress toward new therapies for coronary artery disease

Researchers at Burnham Institute for Medical Research have discovered that stimulation of the Wnt signaling pathway is essential for coronary vasculature formation. The study provides a new avenue for developing therapies for coronary artery disease, which is a leading cause of mortality in Western countries.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 7, 2007

UK scientists lift lid on genetics of coronary artery disease

Researchers have confirmed six new genetic variants that increase the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease. These variants, found in chromosomes 2, 6, 10 and 15, as well as two on chromosome 1 and one on chromosome 9, are common in white Europeans and explain a significant proportion of heart attacks.

SourceWellcome Trust·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 18, 2007