Research on the causes and treatment of heart disease. Covers light exposure and heart health, sex differences, heart-in-a-dish models, and cardiac risk.
A recent study by NHCS researchers found that myocardial fibrosis is associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension. The study, which used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), detected heart muscle scarring and quantified fibrosis in over 800 patients with hypertension.
Researchers found that high blood pressure doubles the risk of severe COVID-19 hospitalization even after full vaccination and booster doses. The study analyzed adults hospitalized with Omicron-variant COVID-19 in Los Angeles between December 2021 and April 2022.
A new study found that COVID-19 patients are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in the months following infection. The risk of diabetes returns to baseline levels within 23 weeks, while cardiovascular disease risk decreases after 7 weeks.
Researchers developed a risk algorithm specific to the region, incorporating factors such as age, cholesterol level, and blood pressure. The new score aims to provide greater accuracy in identifying people at high risk of cardiovascular disease in clinical practice.
Researchers used human heart muscle cells and machine learning to predict arrhythmias in patients, achieving over 90% accuracy. The study lays the foundation for safer and more effective medicines by generating patient risk profiles and drug toxicity testing.
A study found that men in Alberta, Canada are not getting tested for diabetes often enough, particularly in their 40s. This could lead to serious complications like heart disease and cancer later in life. The researchers recommend that everyone over 40 get screened for diabetes every three years.
A new analysis of data from Chicago shows that as violent crime decreases, so does the area's death rate from heart disease. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found a significant decline in cardiovascular disease mortality when violent crime declined by more than 10%.
A new study published in Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms found that shift work can lead to long-lasting health effects, including increased severity of strokes. The research, led by Texas A&M University, suggests that disrupted internal body clocks can alter gut and brain interactions, leading to worse stroke outcomes.
A study found that patients with a specific form of age-related macular degeneration are at significant risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Researchers discovered a strong association between the disorder's subretinal drusenoid deposits and high-risk vascular diseases.
A study found that individuals with a rare genetic variant common in people of East Asian descent are at higher risk of vessel reclog during or shortly after endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke. The researchers analyzed data from 277 East Asian adults who received the treatment between 2011 and 2021.
A new Mount Sinai study reveals that young Black adults are twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as their Hispanic counterparts. Researchers used comprehensive questionnaires and 3D vascular ultrasounds to determine cardiovascular risk scores, finding significant discrepancies between the groups.
A study of over 500,000 people found that those who always added salt to their food had a 28% increased risk of dying prematurely. This is equivalent to one more person in every hundred dying prematurely due to excessive salt intake.
Bioengineers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences create first biohybrid model of human ventricles with helically aligned beating cardiac cells, increasing blood pumping efficiency by up to 50%. The model was made possible using Focused Rotary Jet Spinning (FRJS), a new method of additive textile manu...
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that childhood physical abuse is associated with chronic pain, diabetes, cancer, migraines, arthritis, and heart disease in later life. The trauma can influence both physical and mental health many decades after the event.
A long-term study of 3,926 adults with CKD found that higher levels of physical activity reduced the risk of atherosclerotic events, new-onset heart failure, and death. The association was strongest for incident peripheral arterial disease and reinforces current guideline recommendations.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum brings together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, payors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and opportunities for innovation in cardiovascular care. The forum aims to shape the future of patient care through informed discussion and real-world insight.
Eating one avocado a day for six months improved overall diet quality by eight points and slightly decreased LDL cholesterol levels. However, avocados had no effect on belly fat or weight gain in participants with overweight or obesity.
The study found that COVID-19 accounted for 1 in 8 deaths, with heart disease, cancer, accidents, and stroke being the other common causes. The data also revealed a significant increase in mortality rates due to the pandemic.
Researchers identified key predictors of cardiac sarcoidosis outcomes, including tachycardia, BNP levels, LVEF, and RFCA use. The study found a high risk of fatal ventricular arrhythmia events and heart failure hospitalizations, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and treatment strategies.
A new study by University of Missouri found that Black nursing home residents and those under 65 are significantly more likely to experience repeat hospital transfers. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors including 'full-code' status regarding end-of-life care, comorbidities, and inadequate staffing. The study suggests ...
The Brigham and Women's Hospital will implement and evaluate an integrated service delivery model (PEN-Plus) for severe chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatic heart disease, in eight low- and lower-middle-income countries. The initiative aims to enable one million of the world's poorest children and you...
A new study found that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is associated with an increased risk of having a cluster of multiple chronic diseases, particularly cardio-metabolic and respiratory conditions. The analysis revealed four distinct multimorbidity clusters, with lower PM2.5 exposure linked to musculoskeletal conditions.
New research suggests that stalling improvements in cardiovascular diseases since 2010 could lead to significant economic costs. The study finds that reduced cardiovascular disease rates would result in £13 billion NHS healthcare costs, £1.5 billion social care costs, and £32 billion lost QALYs between 2020-2029.
A large study found that adult cancer survivors have a 42% greater risk of cardiovascular disease than those without cancer. The highest risks were seen in breast, lung, colorectal, and hematological/lymphatic cancers, while prostate cancer did not significantly increase the risk.
A study of over three million patients found that post-operative atrial fibrillation increases the risk of hospitalization for heart failure. The risk is present regardless of whether surgery was performed for a heart condition, and can be as high as doubling in non-heart-related conditions.
A recent study published in Open Heart found that heart failure is discussed less frequently in public discourse than conditions like cancer and dementia, with 'heart failure' mentioned just 0.28 times per million words in UK parliamentary debates between 1945 and early 2021.
A new study found that exposure to air pollution and indoor burning without ventilation significantly increases the risk of heart disease mortality. Researchers created maps of eight environmental risk factors across Golestan Province, Iran, and identified associations between death and these factors, controlling for traditional risk f...
A new gene, RAP1GAP2, has been identified as a potential contributor to the disparity in heart disease diagnosis and treatment between men and women. The study aims to analyze how this gene affects cardiac disease risks among women of different racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers found that using advanced image-guided technology didn't lead to better outcomes for patients, but rather put them at higher risk of strokes. The study suggests that a simpler approach may be more effective in treating atrial fibrillation.
Researchers have discovered the process of incorporating selenium into 25 specialized proteins, essential for various cellular and metabolic processes. The study provides critical insights into the workings of these vital mechanisms, which could lead to the development of new medical therapies.
Researchers found significant decrease in national Kawasaki disease cases in 2020, coinciding with school closures and masking mandates. KD cases rebounded after lifting of masks and return of in-person schooling, hinting at respiratory portal of entry as trigger.
Researchers at Ohio State University created a mathematical model that assesses the efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs in treating myocardial infarctions. The study found that certain combinations of these drug inhibitors were more efficient at reducing inflammation, offering new possibilities for improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery in repairing and regenerating heart muscle cells in mice. The technology uses synthetic mRNA to deliver mutated transcription factors, which increases the replication of cardiomyocytes. This finding has the potential to become a powerful clinical strategy for...
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that individuals with at least two cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, double their risk of developing dementia. The study suggests that prevention of these diseases could be a strategy for reducing dementia risk.
A novel study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology demonstrates that Nordic walking provides greater long-term improvements in functional capacity compared to high-intensity interval training and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training. Nordic walking engages core, upper, and lower body muscles, resulting in a sig...
A pilot study found that drinking either alcoholic or non-alcoholic lager daily increased the diversity of gut microbes in healthy men, potentially reducing chronic disease risk. The researchers suggest that non-alcoholic beer may be a healthier choice due to its lower alcohol content.
A study of over 100,000 individuals found that those who sat for six to eight hours a day had a 12-13% increased risk of early death and heart disease, while those who sat for more than eight hours daily increased the risk by 20%. High amounts of sitting time were associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease globally.
Researchers aim to understand how HIV affects cardiovascular health and the impact of substance use on this relationship. They plan to develop a human bone marrow chip model to study HIV pathogenesis and explore potential strategies for caring people with HIV who face cardiovascular disease.
A new study reveals that a high proportion of posts on #mediterraneandiet are confusing and inaccurate, with only 53% of posters listing health credentials. The study emphasizes the need for strategies to communicate about nutrition and counter misinformation online.
Researchers discovered that uncontrolled diabetes increases heart failure risk by 1.5 to 1.8 times in preclinical stages A and B. Early diabetes control can prevent progression to overt heart failure, suggesting a potential lifesaving strategy.
A new SPECT imaging system performs scans 10-100 times faster than current systems, offering better image quality and increased patient throughput. The self-collimation concept improves traditional SPECT imaging by reducing scan time and radiation exposure.
Women with a history of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia have a 2.4-fold increased risk of developing hypertension 10 years post-pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of screening for hypertension in this population and suggests that routine screening can help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
A new study found a strong association between prediabetes and an increased risk of heart attacks, with patients having prediabetes being 25% more likely to experience a heart attack. The researchers also discovered that those with prediabetes were at higher odds for requiring percutaneous intervention and heart bypass surgery.
A comprehensive register study at the University of Gothenburg shows individuals with diabetes have a substantially increased risk of left-sided heart valve disease. Lowering blood pressure and reducing other risk factors may even reduce this risk more than current treatment targets suggest.
Researchers analyzed 140 complete autopsies of COVID-19 patients and found the most frequent profile is men aged 60-77 with acute lung injury, often accompanied by vascular disease, heart disease, and diabetes. This profile was associated with a shorter time to death.
Researchers at the University of Houston have identified blood biomarkers predicting heart disease in lupus patients and urine biomarkers for diagnosing kidney inflammation in children with lupus. These findings hold promise for early preventive measures and improved treatment outcomes.
A recent genetic study found a link between height and lower risk of coronary heart disease, as well as higher risk for peripheral neuropathy and circulatory disorders. Being tall appears to protect against cardiovascular problems, but may increase the risk of non-cardiovascular conditions.
A new study published in PLOS Genetics found that a person's height impacts their risk for multiple diseases, including atrial fibrillation and varicose veins. The study also uncovered associations between greater height and a higher risk of peripheral neuropathy and skin bone infections.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly one-quarter of over 24,000 patients had mitral annulus calcification, a chronic degeneration of tissue at the base of the heart's mitral valve. This condition is associated with higher mortality rates and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A cohort study found that moderate coffee consumption, especially unsweetened coffee, is associated with a lower risk of death. The results suggest that adults who drink 1.5 to 3.5 cups of coffee per day may be less likely to die during a 7-year follow-up period compared to non-coffee drinkers.
A major international study reveals the significant impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular services worldwide, with a substantial decline in hospital admissions and increased mortality rates. The study warns that problems with heart health will continue to accrue unless mitigation strategies are implemented quickly.
A major study found COVID-19's toll on global cardiac services, revealing a 'substantial global decline' in hospital admissions of cardiovascular patients. The pandemic led to increased delays in treatment, resulting in more deaths and complications, with low-income countries facing the worst impact.
A new ECG-based AI model developed by Tempus and Geisinger can predict patients at increased risk of undiagnosed structural heart disease. The rECHOmmend study found that the model achieved excellent performance, exceeding previous models in predicting any single disease.
Researchers developed a method combining low-power lasers with ultrasound to safely and efficiently remove arterial plaque. The technique reduces the risk of complications and improves the efficiency of plaque removal compared to traditional methods.
Researchers discovered a new gene, ZBTB11, that drives heart muscle cell degeneration in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The gene's activity induces damage to neighboring heart cells, a key process in the disease.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that watching less than an hour of TV per day can lower the risk of coronary heart disease by up to 16%. The research suggests that limiting TV viewing could be a useful lifestyle change for individuals with a high genetic predisposition to the condition.
A real-world study found that clopidogrel monotherapy was associated with reduced risk of net adverse clinical events and major cardiac events, compared to aspirin monotherapy. Clopidogrel also showed a lower incidence rate of clinically relevant bleeding events.
The study found that patients treated with paclitaxel drug-coated devices (DCDs) had a similar survival rate as those treated with non-drug coated devices (NDCDs), regardless of the patient's mortality risk and device type. The analysis included over 168,000 patients treated from 2015 to 2018.
A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research reveals that rare T cells targeting apolipoprotein B can contribute to inflammation and atherosclerosis progression. Researchers discovered these cells resemble regulatory T cells but develop a new identity as heart disease develops.
The Disrupt PAD III trial found intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) to be effective in treating severely calcified peripheral artery lesions, with high patency rates compared to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). IVL also showed reduced severe complications and need for additional interventions.