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 national survey of 1,008 Americans found that nearly two-thirds use a device to monitor their heart health, but only one in four shares the data with their doctor. This lack of sharing can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication between patients and healthcare providers.
Research published in the European Heart Journal found that people with high amounts of intermuscular fat are more likely to develop coronary microvascular dysfunction and future serious heart disease. The study's lead author suggests that existing measures of obesity may not be accurate for all individuals, particularly women.
A Michigan Medicine study suggests that higher out-of-pocket costs for initial cardiac rehabilitation sessions are a major barrier to participation. Patients who shared the cost of their first session attended more sessions than those who paid nothing, but still had lower odds of completing over 24 sessions.
Exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy is associated with higher childhood obesity risk up to two years after birth. The study found that women with higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 had children with a higher BMI and related obesity risk factors.
University of Birmingham researchers have been awarded a grant to study the mechanisms driving early cardiac dysfunction in CKD. The study aims to identify interventions that can reverse or prevent heart disease in its earliest stages.
Corey Bentley, a Bay Area community leader, was named the American Heart Association's 2024 National Leader of Impact winner. He raised over $300,000 and educated colleagues on Hands-Only CPR, benefiting 80+ people.
A new UC San Francisco study found that most 11- and 12-year-olds use TikTok and other social media platforms against the rules, showing signs of addiction. The study also revealed a quarter of children reported elements of addiction while using social media, linked to depression, eating disorders, ADHD, and disruptive behaviors.
A recent study published by Dr. Matthew Nystoriak of Masonic Medical Research Institute has uncovered groundbreaking insights into heart health. Elevated levels of β-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body produced by the liver, have been shown to improve cardiac blood flow and reduce ischemic heart disease.
A new study from Tufts University estimates that sugary drinks contribute to 2.2 million new type 2 diabetes cases and 1.2 million new cardiovascular disease cases annually worldwide. Regular consumption leads to weight gain, insulin resistance, and metabolic issues tied to these diseases.
A new study reveals the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in hospital visits for acute coronary syndrome, particularly among older adults and women. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to ensure access to critical care during future emergencies.
A study led by Henry J. Pownall and Khurram Nasir found a strong link between the amount of free cholesterol in HDL and its accumulation in macrophages, which can contribute to heart disease. The researchers aim to develop new diagnostics and treatments for managing heart disease using HDL-free cholesterol as a biomarker.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that incorporating social and genetic factors into clinical risk calculators for coronary heart disease (CHD) improves prediction accuracy. The researchers developed a polygenic risk score (PRS) and polysocial score (PSS), which included social determinants of health and lifestyle-...
Researchers identified the critical role of TIMM50 protein in mitochondrial energy production and its link to a severe and rare neurological disease. The study's findings suggest potential targets for future drug treatments and advance research on protein import into mitochondria in brain cells.
A new study suggests that using AI-ECG tools to screen patients for low ejection fraction is cost-effective in the long term, especially in outpatient settings. The study found a cost-effectiveness ratio of $1,651 per quality-adjusted life year, indicating that the program can reduce costs over time.
A recent study found that excessive sitting significantly harms young adults, increasing the risk of heart disease and obesity. Reducing sitting time improves health outcomes, while doubling recommended exercise hours is more effective at lowering health risks.
The American Heart Association has launched a new three-year initiative to standardize HCM systems of care and support better management of the disease. The initiative aims to overcome gaps in care for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, leading to delayed treatment, increased risk of complications, and preventable death.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University identified a mini-brain within the heart with its own nervous system that controls the heartbeat. This discovery challenges current views on how the heartbeat is controlled and may lead to new insights into heart diseases and treatments.
A new study found that gene therapy delandistrogene moxeparvovec significantly extended the median survival of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) rats to >25 months. Additionally, the treatment elicited statistically significant improvements in cardiac parameters and mobility.
The study analyzed DNA from over 100,000 participants and found that nearly 2,000 carried at least one genetic variant linked to these diseases. The findings have led to life-changing discoveries and new insights into personalized medicine.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital has identified a serum protein panel test that accurately predicts cardiomyopathy risk in childhood cancer survivors. The test, using a panel of 27 proteins, was tested on 46 survivors and correctly predicted risk in 38 cases.
Researchers found that certain cancer treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, can trigger damaging levels of inflammation in the heart and increase risk of heart disease. This is because these treatments interfere with immune regulation in the heart's largest blood vessels.
A higher ratio of plant-based protein to animal-based protein may significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. Consuming more plant protein overall, combined with a higher plant-to-animal protein ratio, provides the most heart health benefits.
A new review reveals how sleep disturbances exacerbate dementia symptoms, impacting overall health and caregiver well-being. The study emphasizes the need for holistic approaches to address coexisting conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Ken Perry, a UTA senior, has been recognized for his research on the connection between high-fat meals and cardiovascular health. He won two awards from the American Physiological Society for his work analyzing data collected from previous studies, which showed a correlation between high-fat consumption and changes in brain blood flow.
A study of 49 million patients in England found that routine screening for cardiometabolic conditions like obesity and high blood pressure dropped sharply during the pandemic. Blood pressure measurements remained lower than pre-pandemic levels as of March 2024, particularly among lower socioeconomic groups.
A new study led by Weill Cornell Medicine found that tirzepatide reduced the risk of diabetes in obese and prediabetic patients by more than 90% after 176 weeks. The treatment also showed significant weight loss and improved blood sugar control.
Researchers found lower pulmonary gas exchange may be associated with impaired cognitive function in patients with long COVID. The study also showed a potential treatment strategy using methods that target improved gas exchange, suggesting a causative relationship between cognitive dysfunction and lung dysfunction.
Knowing family health history is crucial for reducing heart attack and stroke risk. Experts recommend following Life's Essential 8 - five health behaviors and three health factors to lower genetic risks.
The Heart Institute is celebrated for delivering unparalleled treatment and support to children with heart conditions. It has consistently provided high-quality cardiac care and specialized disease management for all forms of cardiomyopathy.
A new study by Intermountain Health found that coronary artery calcium scores are highly effective in identifying those at risk for future heart attacks and death, with similar predictive power in women as in men. The study revealed that individuals with a CAC score of zero were three times less likely to die from any cause.
Proactive screening of diabetic patients with coronary heart disease does not improve long-term survival rates or lower future cardiac events, according to a new study. The study found that focusing on proven interventions like medication management and lifestyle changes can help patients with diabetes lead healthier lives.
Research reviews suggest that exercise benefits outlast cardiovascular risks, even in those with heart conditions. Benefits outweigh risks due to medical screening, AEDs, CPR, and legislation. Studies found death rates increased starting from age 35, peaking in males over 45.
Researchers used Intermountain Risk Score to predict major cardiac events in patients being evaluated for kidney transplant, with a five-year follow-up period showing 171 patients experiencing cardiac events. The study's findings suggest the potential use of calculating such a score in people undergoing kidney transplant evaluation.
The Center for Translational Exposomics Research (CTER) at USC aims to accelerate environmental health research and find practical solutions. CTER investigates how different exposures impact health across populations using population studies, lab experiments, and community engagement.
Researchers evaluated coronary heart disease polygenic risk scores to determine their performance and agreement at the population level. They found that while scores performed similarly, they generated highly variable individual-level risk estimates, highlighting the need for refined statistical methods.
A new study by Intermountain Health found that air pollution primarily increases inflammation in patients with heart disease, particularly those with heart failure. Elevated inflammatory markers were observed in these patients during periods of poor air quality, suggesting they are more susceptible to the impacts of air pollution.
A diet rich in soybean protein β-conglycinin has been shown to increase short-chain fatty acid production, which plays a role in protecting the heart. Analysis of gut bacteria identified an increase in specific SCFA-producing bacteria, further supporting the potential benefits of soy on heart health.
According to the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, primary care clinicians can help patients reduce their risk of heart disease by addressing modifiable risk factors through lifestyle changes and treatment. Despite challenges, research shows that primary care professionals with a higher ratio have lower total costs of ca...
Singer Amy Grant's personal testimonial highlights the urgent need for support to save women's lives by funding research into better diagnosing, treating, and preventing cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association aims to address awareness gaps and bridge clinical care gaps in women's heart health.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze data from 50 CF-LVAD patients and identified six prognostic factors that predicted post-implantation stroke. Lower levels of OxPhos proteins were associated with an increased risk of new strokes after implantation.
A survey of older adults with heart conditions found that their sexual health impacts mood and well-being, but most healthcare professionals do not offer this information. Patients favor conversations with healthcare professionals about sexual health, including topics like medication side effects and anxiety before sex.
A preliminary study found that neighborhoods previously subjected to redlining had higher rates of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular risk factors due to reduced access to healthy foods. Researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 U.S. Census tracts across 38 states, controlling for population size.
A new study found that obesity-related heart disease deaths increased by 180% in the US over two decades, with significant disparities among middle-aged men, Black adults, and residents of Midwestern states. The analysis also revealed unexpected patterns, such as Vermont having the highest death rate for obesity-related CVD deaths.
A new version of the MESA heart disease risk score that doesn't include race predicts heart disease risk just as well as the original score. The study aims to assess the implications of including race in clinical risk prediction models and broaden their potential use.
Dr. Jeffrey Popma joins CRF as Chief Scientific and Strategic Officer, bringing decades of clinical and research experience to drive forward pivotal programs and initiatives. His leadership will shape CRF's future and fuel innovation at the Clinical Trials Center.
Clinicians should avoid using 'never words' that can scare, offend, or diminish agency in patients and families dealing with serious illness. Researchers recommend alternative language and methods for clinicians to identify their own never words.
Symbiosis has developed an adjustable TMVR system, ValSync, which can adapt to complex anatomies. The company aims to overcome current limitations and improve patient eligibility, safety, and procedure time with its three-step process.
Researchers found using a fan with skin wetting reduces heat-induced cardiac strain in older people in hot and humid conditions. However, in very hot and dry conditions, fan use had an adverse effect, while skin wetting alone was effective in reducing heart work.
A new Australian study found that night shift workers who eat meals or snacks during their shift have significantly worse glucose tolerance compared to those who fast. Insulin sensitivity is also disrupted among all participants, regardless of their eating habits.
A randomized trial found that large-bore mechanical thrombectomy was superior to catheter-directed thrombolysis in reducing clinical deterioration, ICU admissions, and readmissions. LBMT also showed faster symptom improvement and shorter hospital stays compared to CDT.
A research team at SickKids and U of T has developed a robotic system that allows scientists to test numerous potential therapeutics in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of sudden cardiac death among young adults. The technology enables the identification of five potential therapies for the condition.
The CLEAR SYNERGY (OASIS 9) trial found that routine colchicine use did not reduce cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or ischemia-driven revascularization after acute myocardial infarction. Colchicine therapy was associated with a significant reduction in C-reactive protein levels.
The ECLIPSE trial found that routine orbital atherectomy had similar outcomes as conventional balloon angioplasty before stent implantation. Procedural complications were largely similar between groups, with no reduction in target vessel failure.
A new study found that early aortic valve intervention in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis and myocardial fibrosis did not reduce the incidence of all-cause death or unplanned aortic stenosis hospitalization. However, it did show benefits in reducing emergency hospitalizations and preventing symptom development.
Researchers investigated the molecular mechanism of Fuzi's cardioprotective effects on heart failure. Fuzi water decoction and alkaloids were found to regulate apoptosis, proliferation, and anti-fibrosis in heart failure models, with ABC transporters potentially being a key pathway for their action.
A randomized trial found early TAVR to be safe and effective for patients with asymptomatic severe AS, reducing the risk of composite endpoints and favorable health status outcomes. Patients who received early TAVR had better left-ventricular and left-atrial health compared to those on clinical surveillance.
A new study provides deeper understanding of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) by revealing an unexpected link between the cardiac condition and SCN5A protein. The research found that reducing fetal SCN5A expression did not correct heart defects, suggesting alternative approaches may be needed to address the condition.
Researchers used ex vivo lentiviral gene therapy to treat MPS IVA in mice, achieving partial correction of bone pathology and complete correction of heart pathology. The study suggests potential for novel therapies to treat patients with MPS IVA.
Researchers developed an algorithm that splits obesity into 5 separate diagnostic profiles with contrasting risk of developing obesity complications. This can help clinicians identify individuals who need early interventions, improving disease prediction and treatment.
A new study finds that prolonged exposure to arsenic in water contributes to the development of ischemic heart disease. Decade-long arsenic exposure up to the time of a cardiovascular disease event was associated with the greatest risk. The study suggests stronger regulations would provide significant benefits to the population.