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Cleveland Clinic study adds to increasing evidence that sugar substitute erythritol raises cardiovascular risk

A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that consuming foods with erythritol increases the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The artificial sweetener makes platelets more active, which can raise blood clot risks. This research adds to evidence that erythritol may not be as safe as previously thought.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·DateAug 8, 2024

Risks of anxiety, suicide attempt may rise significantly after cardiovascular hospitalization

A new analysis found that people hospitalized for heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular diseases are 83% more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric conditions within the first year after hospitalization. Early mental health screening and intervention are crucial for patients and their loved ones.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJul 31, 2024

Physical activity improves early with customized text messages in patients with heart problems

Researchers found that personalized text messages effectively increased physical activity among patients after significant heart events, with Apple Watch users showing a 10% increase in step count. However, the benefits later tapered off as patients became accustomed to the messages.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 24, 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

Off-the-shelf wearable trackers provide clinically-useful information for patients with heart disease

A study published in Nature Medicine found that off-the-shelf wearable trackers can monitor the response to two treatments for atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The devices provided clinically useful information similar to in-person hospital assessments, with a neural network helping to analyze missing data.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 15, 2024

Artificial intelligence speeds up heart scans, saving doctors’ time, and could lead to better treatment for heart conditions

Researchers developed an AI model to analyze heart MRI scans, which can save NHS time and resources. The model provides a complete analysis of the entire heart using a view that shows all four chambers, leading to faster and more accurate diagnosis of heart failure and other cardiac conditions.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Radiology Experimental·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 11, 2024

Active plant substance reduces pulmonary hypertension

Researchers found that a compound from the Ardisia crenat houseplant inhibits Gq proteins, which can help relax pulmonary vessels and alleviate symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. The study showed significant vascular relaxation in mice with pulmonary hypertension, improving their health condition.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 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.

More than a quarter of ‘healthy’ over-60s have heart valve disease, according to new research

A study of over 4,500 healthy adults aged 60 and older found that nearly 28% had some form of heart valve disease, with age being the main risk factor. The majority of cases were mild, but the study highlights the need for more research into screening methods to identify and manage the disease in the elderly population.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

"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

Global consensus for sarcopenia

A new global definition of sarcopenia is proposed, aiming to unify research and clinical practice. The definition may help identify low muscle mass or strength in older people, increasing the risk of poor outcomes such as fragility and disability.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 26, 2024

Slipping a note to a neighbor: The cellular way

Researchers from PSI and ETH Zurich studied connexin-36 gap junction channels and found that antimalarial drug mefloquine binds to the channels, potentially explaining its severe side effects. The study provides new insights into how drugs interact with connexins and may lead to the development of therapies for neurological diseases.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalCell Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

Heart disease model puts cells to work

Researchers develop a model of heart disease by tricking stem cells to behave like mature heart cells with a mutation that causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study reveals the connection between mechanical stress and electrical function in hearts, shedding light on why genetic mutations can cause arrhythmias.

Standardized protocols help hospitals treat strokes faster, WVU research finds

Researchers found that hospitals that implemented standardized protocols from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association saw significant reductions in stroke treatment times. The protocols, which include specific limits on time between symptom onset and hospital arrival, helped medical teams respond more quickly to ...

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Operations Management·DateJun 24, 2024

Regular snoring could be bad for your heart

A new study found that regular snoring is associated with elevated blood pressure and uncontrolled hypertension, particularly in overweight middle-aged men. The research used multiple night home-based monitoring technologies and objective assessments to explore the connection between snoring and hypertension.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 18, 2024

Women who experience depression during pregnancy or after birth have higher risk of cardiovascular disease

Research published in the European Heart Journal found that women diagnosed with perinatal depression are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease. The study included data from around 600,000 women and found a strong link between perinatal depression and risks of high blood pressure, ischemic heart disease, and heart failure.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 18, 2024

Statins for heart disease prevention could be recommended for far fewer Americans if new risk equation is adopted

A new risk equation could lead to a significant reduction in statin prescriptions, with 28.3 million adults potentially eligible instead of 45.4 million under current guidelines. The PREVENT equations incorporate recent insights into the biology of cardiovascular disease and remove race as a factor.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 10, 2024

Novel radiotracer produces high quality images of “Alzheimer’s disease of the heart”

Researchers developed a novel radiotracer that generates high-quality images of cardiac amyloidosis, a condition referred to as the Alzheimer's disease of the heart. The technetium-99m labeled variant of the pan-amyloid reactive peptide p5+14 showed significant uptake in patients with amyloid cardiomyopathy.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 10, 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 reveals how 'forever chemicals' may impact heart health in older women

Research from the University of Illinois has found a link between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. The study reveals how PFAS chemicals interact with pro-inflammatory pathways, providing potential explanations for the increased risk.

Establishing a novel inherited arrhythmia model mouse causing sudden cardiac death at young age

Researchers established a novel mouse model of inherited arrhythmia that spontaneously causes lethal arrhythmias, shedding light on the pathogenesis and potential drug efficacy. The study identifies a critical mutation in ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) as a key regulator of cardiomyocyte contraction.

SourceInternational Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 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

CU Anschutz researchers hope to bridge gap in care and treatment for heart disease in women

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus identified key elements to improve diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) in women, addressing the common misdiagnosis of heart attacks. The new guidelines provide recommendations to help clinicians better address sex-specific symptoms and treatments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Women s Health·DateMay 21, 2024

Brief anger may impair blood vessel function

A new study found that brief anger episodes can negatively impact blood vessel function, leading to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers investigated the effects of anger, sadness, and anxiety on blood vessel function and found that evoking an angered state led to blood vessel dysfunction.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 1, 2024