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.
Researchers from the University of South Australia have identified a potential early warning system for Takotsubo syndrome in ICU patients using electrocardiogram patterns and blood markers. Critical care nurses with advanced ECG skills can play a key role in recognising early signs of the condition.
A study found that large community heart health checks can identify people with uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, such as elevated blood pressure and obesity. The screenings were conducted at community pharmacies and sporting events, and identified modifiable risk factors in over half of participants.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered a new biological pathway that may help explain why people with type 2 diabetes are more prone to developing blood clots. A protein called SEC61B was found to disrupt calcium balance inside platelets, making them more likely to form clots.
A study in mice found that high triglyceride levels directly cause abdominal aortic aneurysms, challenging the notion that they are merely biomarkers of vascular disease. Researchers identified specific proteins and lipoproteins as causal drivers of aneurysm development and growth.
A recent study has found that women who experienced stalking or obtained restraining orders are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke than those who did not. Researchers analyzed data from over 66,000 women and found a strong association between stalking and cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that individuals with a mutation in the TTN gene are 21 times more likely to develop dilated cardiomyopathy than those without. Lifestyle factors such as being overweight or having high alcohol consumption contribute to an earlier diagnosis, and men with the mutation are more likely to develop DCM at a younger age.
A multi-center study identified critical risk factors for children with single-ventricle heart defects, including low oxygen levels, which significantly increased the risk of death. The study also found improved survival rates for patients with single ventricle physiology and those who had undergone a Fontan procedure.
A new study published in JACC found that using portable HEPA air filters at home can significantly lower systolic blood pressure in adults with elevated readings. The study found an average 2.8 mmHg reduction in SBP after one month of HEPA filtration.
A new study from University of California San Diego found that frequent standing breaks can lower diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Women who increased daily sit-to-stand movements saw measurable improvements in blood pressure, with an average decrease of 2.24 mmHg within three months.
A personalized approach to recommending CPAP machines for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may decrease adverse cardiovascular events. However, CPAP use can also increase cardiovascular risk for those with low-risk OSA markers.
Research finds CPAP lowers cardiovascular risk by 17% in patients with high-risk OSA, but may increase risk by 22% in those without high-risk OSA. The study suggests a more personalized approach to treating OSA, focusing on patients with high-risk features.
A landmark study found that adopting five healthy lifestyle habits—healthy weight, no smoking, regular physical activity, high-quality diet, and moderate alcohol intake—can reduce cardiovascular disease risk by up to 86% in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Women who followed all these habits had no cardiovascular events ov...
Researchers found that high rates of coronary heart disease were linked to poverty, limited healthcare provider availability, and low broadband access. However, some counties with similar challenges reported lower-than-expected cardiovascular outcomes, suggesting the need for tailored strategies to address health disparities.
Researchers from FAU's Schmidt College of Medicine recommend using high-potency statins as the primary pharmacologic approach in treating and preventing cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity and a healthy diet, are also crucial in reducing cardiovascular risk.
A retrospective study found that older adults hospitalized with RSV experienced significantly longer hospital stays, transfers to intensive care, and 30-day mortality compared to patients with other conditions. Additionally, RSV hospitalization was associated with higher rates of heart failure and atrial fibrillation post-discharge.
Researchers developed a chemical probe that binds to damaged mitochondrial DNA, blocking enzymatic processes that lead to its degradation. This approach lessens mtDNA loss, preserving energy production in vulnerable tissues. The new molecule successfully reduced inflammation and maintained functional DNA despite chemical tagging.
A new study from the University of South Australia confirms that eggs are not high in cholesterol and do not contribute to cardiovascular disease. In contrast, saturated fat intake was found to increase LDL levels, highlighting the importance of dietary balance for heart health.
Researchers identified a protective RNA molecule that regulates autophagic flux and protects against cellular injury, inflammation, and fibrosis in kidney cells. Boosting this tRNA-Asp-GTC-3'tDR increases kidney protection with less scarring, inflammation, and injury.
A new study found that scar tissue in the heart of healthy male endurance athletes aged 50 or older may increase their risk of abnormal heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death. The research used magnetic resonance imaging and ECG recorders to track the participants' heart activity over two years.
Researchers developed an AI-powered screening tool, EchoNext, to identify patients at risk of structural heart disease from ordinary ECG readings. The tool accurately detected over 7,500 individuals with high-risk heart disease, leading to nearly three-quarters being diagnosed with the condition.
Researchers found that low sodium levels can disrupt the heartbeat in patients taking widely used rhythm-control medications like flecainide, increasing conduction risk. Interfering with ephaptic coupling or potassium ion flow reduces heart sensitivity to low sodium when sodium channels are blocked.
Researchers at Sutter Health tested the performance of the American Heart Association's PREVENT equations in diverse Asian and Hispanic subgroups, showing accurate prediction of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerotic CVD, and heart failure events. The study findings aim to improve cardiovascular healthcare for all populations.
A new Leicester study found that women with type 2 diabetes are nearly twice as likely as men to have hidden heart damage, according to researchers. The study used advanced MRI scans and data from four studies conducted at the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre.
Scientists have identified a set of genes in zebrafish that reactivate after damage to the heart and patch it up like new. The researchers hope to use CRISPR tools to reactivate similar genes in humans and jump-start repair of the heart and other tissues after injury.
A recent study reveals that lactate-induced mitochondrial calcium uptake 3 aggravates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury by promoting neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. The study found that MICU3-mediated mitochondrial calcium uptake leads to mitophagy and NET activation.
Scientists are working on a genetic cure for the world's most common inherited heart disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), with a new gene editing tool. The team aims to correct mutations that cause the disease, which affects 14 million people worldwide.
A study of over 2,500 adults aged 50-80 found that nearly 1 in 6 take aspirin for cardiovascular protection without a history of heart disease. Despite revised guidelines reducing aspirin use for primary prevention after age 70, many patients are unaware of the increased risk of bleeding.
A new study finds that women with lower social status show early signs of heart stress and inflammation, while men do not. The researchers hope their work will shift the paradigm in cardiac care by discussing mental wellness and social circumstances in routine practice.
Researchers have discovered an oral drug called MA-5 that can improve both heart and muscle problems in patients with Barth syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The drug boosts cellular energy production by up to 50% and protects cells from oxidative stress-induced death, addressing the underlying cause of the disease.
Research using cardiac MRI found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with early signs of heart damage, including diffuse myocardial fibrosis. The study suggests that fine particulate matter in the air may contribute to changes in the heart structure, potentially setting the stage for future cardiovascular disease.
Researchers identified hundreds of molecular markers in saliva associated with systemic pathological processes beyond the oral cavity. These markers can reflect genetic heritability of diseases such as prostate cancer, coronary disease, and Type 2 diabetes.
Scientists at The University of Texas at Arlington identified a new enzyme, IDO1, that plays a crucial role in inflammation and cholesterol regulation. By blocking this enzyme, macrophages regain their ability to absorb cholesterol, offering a potential new way to prevent heart disease.
A new study involving 121 former elite rowers from Australia found that one in five develops atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to stroke and heart failure. The researchers identified genetic and clinical tools that enable early preventive strategies, highlighting the paradox that AFib is more common among fit athletes.
AIMP3 is essential to avoiding mistakes in protein synthesis, not affecting protein production, according to Brown University researchers. The discovery could lead to new treatments for heart diseases linked to homocysteine buildup and has implications beyond the heart.
Research reveals significant drop in heart attack deaths, while increases observed in deaths from heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertensive heart disease over the past 50 years. Studies suggest advancements in medical treatment, bystander CPR, and public health initiatives have contributed to these findings.
Elevated cortisol levels in preterm fetuses disrupt normal heart development, potentially leading to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Cortisol exposure accelerates heart development in ways that may not be beneficial, ultimately compromising heart health.
Research found that certain heart rate variability patterns can predict future health conditions, including stroke, depression, and cognitive dysfunction. The study suggests that nocturnal HRV provides a unique window into how the body functions during sleep.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that residents in U.S. coastal counties near ocean waters with high concentrations of microplastics are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke. The study analyzed data from 152 counties and found a significant association betwe...
Obesity can lead to coronary microvascular dysfunction, causing impaired blood flow to the heart and increased risk of heart problems. Studying pannexin-1 protein, a key player in this process, could help develop treatments to prevent heart issues before they start.
Research suggests that consuming more phytosterols could lower the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Higher intake was associated with better insulin regulation, reduced inflammation, and differences in the gut microbiome. This supports a healthy plant-based dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains.
A 12-week study found that chickpea consumption improved cholesterol levels, while eating black beans reduced inflammation in adults with prediabetes. The researchers suggest incorporating beans into daily diets as a simple way to reduce chronic disease risk.
A large study followed nearly 200,000 people for several decades to find that choosing healthy, minimally processed foods is key to protecting the heart. Healthy diet patterns, whether low-carb or low-fat, lowered the risk of developing heart disease by about 15%.
A new study published in the American Society for Nutrition found that higher linoleic acid levels were associated with lower risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The research used blood markers to measure linoleic acid levels in nearly 1,900 people, suggesting that this omega-6 fatty acid may support cardiometabolic health.
A new study led by Boston University School of Public Health reveals that US excess deaths have been increasing for decades, with working-age adults disproportionately affected. The study found that over 1.5 million 'missing Americans' would have been averted if the US had mortality rates similar to other high-income countries.
A new study found that living in disadvantaged neighborhoods can cause menopause to start earlier, leading to a higher risk of long-term health issues. The research followed nearly 700 women and found those in highly vulnerable areas experienced menopause approximately two years earlier.
The American Heart Association's Get With The Guidelines - Heart Failure registry reveals lasting benefits for hospitalized heart failure patients and hospitals. Hospitals engaging with the program consistently outperform peers on process measures and patient outcomes.
A study found that prescribing guideline-directed medical treatment to patients 90 years and older following their first heart attack can improve survival rates. The greatest benefit was observed in those who received all four recommended therapies, including beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.
The PREVENT calculator improved estimates of heart attack risk when combined with coronary calcium score. Researchers analyzed nearly 7,000 adults and found that the PREVENT score matched the level of calcium buildup according to the CAC score.
A study published in the Journal of Pharmacological Sciences has discovered that ferulic acid can help prevent coronary artery spasms. The compound works by blocking calcium entry into muscle cells and stopping a specific protein from being activated, leading to reduced artery contractions.
A new molecular process discovered by researchers contributes to the failure of donor hearts after transplant, but a therapy using medication for high blood pressure has been found to reduce damage. The treatment significantly improves the function of donor hearts and increases their distance in cold storage.
A new study suggests that controlling eight key health risk factors can significantly reduce premature death risk in people with high blood pressure. By addressing these risk factors, researchers found a 40% lower risk of early death and up to 53% less risk of death due to cardiovascular disease.
Two out of five heart failure patients do not see a cardiologist annually, significantly increasing mortality risk. Patients who receive regular cardiology care are 24% less likely to die in the following year, with optimal visits ranging from once to four times per year depending on recent hospitalization and diuretic use.
People with critically ill heart disease may benefit from palliative care, which focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. The new American Heart Association statement suggests integrating palliative care principles into the management of patients with critical cardiovascular illness.
A new study found that patients using factor Xa inhibitors experienced significantly fewer cardiovascular problems than those on other anticoagulants. Researchers followed over 1,000 patients aged 80 and above for up to five years, revealing lower rates of heart failure, artery disease, and cardiovascular death.
Researchers found that MRI scans can detect heart inflammation, scarring, and impaired function in carriers of a mutated LMNA gene. This information can help clinicians predict which patients are at higher risk and inform decisions about treatments such as defibrillators or transplants.
This observational study of the MIMIC-IV database identifies Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), red blood cell count (RBC), and red cell distribution width (RDW) as significant predictors of 90-day readmission in heart failure patients. RBC and RDW show linear correlation, while CCI and age display nonlinear correlation.
A multicenter retrospective study compared perioperative renal function in heart transplantation and LVAD implantation patients with pre-existing renal dysfunction, finding improved outcomes for those receiving the new device. The results suggest that LVAD implantation is a better choice for these patients.
Mitral valve repair is a viable option for RHD patients requiring reintervention after PMBC, offering good early outcomes and long-term durability. Careful preoperative evaluation is crucial to prioritize surgical mitral valve repair over replacement for better prognosis.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies involving over 178,000 women found that those with infertility history have a 14% increased risk of heart or blood vessel conditions, as well as higher risks of heart disease and stroke. Younger women and those undergoing fertility treatments are at greater risk.
A systematic review found a strong association between ultra-processed food consumption and adverse health outcomes. The study suggests that limiting intake of such foods may offer measurable health benefits.