Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
A recent study published in Circulation shows that combining genetic risk with LDL cholesterol levels can accurately predict heart attack risk. The study reveals that individuals with a high polygenic predisposition for heart attack, regardless of their LDL level, are at increased risk.
Researchers have developed an injectable hydrogel that could help repair and prevent further damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack. The study found that timely injection of the hydrogel resulted in less fibrosis and an increase in new blood vessels, preserving cardiomyocytes and supporting functional recovery.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that individuals who do not exercise have a higher risk of dying immediately from a heart attack. Regular physical activity was associated with a lower risk of instant and 28-day fatal heart attacks, with moderate to high levels of activity showing significant benefits.
NYU College of Dentistry has been awarded a $1.9 million NIH grant to study the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial permeability transition, a phenomenon that causes tissue damage during strokes and heart attacks. The research aims to develop new drugs that can protect against cell death and tissue damage.
Researchers from the Hubrecht Institute mapped the recovery of the heart after a heart attack, highlighting the importance of cardiomyocyte communication in forming scar tissue. The study provides new insights into the complex process of heart recovery, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets to improve outcomes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that age influences sex-related outcomes after a heart attack, with younger women being more likely to experience vascular complications and major bleeds. The study analyzed over 6.7 million hospitalization records and showed distinct differences in risk profiles for heart disease between men and women.
Researchers found a sharp drop in hospital admissions for heart failure and heart attacks, approaching pre-pandemic levels. The decline may be linked to fear of contracting COVID-19, warning that delays can lead to life-limiting complications or death.
A new study found that implementing an 'opt-out' pathway for cardiac rehabilitation referrals significantly increased rates, from 15% to 85%, among patients eligible for the therapy. The opt-out system leveraged technology to automate the process, making it easier for clinicians and patients.
A new study found that people with abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) have a two to four times higher risk of future cardiovascular events. The more extensive the calcium buildup, the greater the risk.
A global study found that a difference in blood pressure readings between arms is linked to increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. The research suggests that measuring both arms could save lives by identifying patients at significantly increased risk.
A new study from University of Alberta researchers found that women are at a 20% higher risk of dying or experiencing heart failure after a heart attack compared to men. The study examined data on over 45,000 Canadians who were hospitalized for their first heart attack between 2002 and 2016.
A team of researchers at the University of South Florida has discovered that Sesn2 protein, which protects the heart from stress, diminishes in levels over time, weakening the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack. This finding holds promise for developing new therapeutic treatments to maintain healthy cardiac function.
A study suggests that COVID-19 guidance in Sweden led to reduced exposure to heart attack triggers such as stress and intense physical activity. The proportion of patients attending emergency cardiac angiography units dropped by 38% on days when people stayed close to home, indicating a potential reduction in heart attack risks.
A study using AI to analyze abdominal CT images found that visceral fat area is independently associated with future heart attacks and strokes. The analysis, which outperformed traditional BMI measures, may lead to more accurate cardiovascular risk assessments.
A study found that lab results for adults with obesity are similar to those of their leaner counterparts, contradicting one theory behind the 'obesity paradox'. Instead, researchers suggest that unconscious bias in healthcare providers may lead to better outcomes for obese patients in critical care
Researchers analyzed data on over 45,000 patients hospitalized for their first heart attack between 2002-2016. The study found that women were older and faced more risk factors than men, which put them at a higher risk of developing heart failure after a heart attack. Women also had lower rates of prescribed medications and revasculari...
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a potential treatment for heart failure after a significant heart attack. MCB-613, a small molecule stimulator, has been shown to decrease damaging remodeling and inhibit the development of heart failure in mice.
A new study by UC San Francisco researchers found that California's Black and Hispanic communities received less benefit from regionalized heart attack care protocols. Despite improved access to PCI-capable hospitals, survival rates remained unchanged for minority groups, whereas whites in non-minority communities showed better outcomes.
A daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids failed to reduce cardiac events, including secondary heart attacks and strokes, among elderly people who survived a recent heart attack. The OMEMI Trial found no significant difference in the rate of cardiac events between the two groups after 2 years of follow-up.
The ALPHEUS trial found no significant difference in periprocedural heart attack and complications between ticagrelor and clopidogrel in patients undergoing elective PCI. The study suggests that ticagrelor should be reserved for acute coronary syndrome cases, not those with stable heart conditions.
Researchers found that additional imaging tests revealed hidden causes of heart damage and inflammation in 84% of women with MINOCA, a type of non-obstructive coronary artery disease. The study suggests that women are more likely to have this condition than men, and it has the potential to guide medical therapy for secondary prevention.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that nearly half of type 2 diabetes patients are at very high risk of fatal events within a decade. Lifestyle advice, including quitting smoking, healthy diet and regular exercise, is recommended to prevent cardiovascular disease.
A new screening questionnaire can predict individuals at high risk of coronary artery disease, according to a Swedish study. The questionnaire uses data easily measured at home and is successfully imaged using CCTA images to examine patients' arteries for the presence of plaque.
A study published by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that patients with type 2 myocardial infarction often receive inconsistent care. The research indicates that patients evaluated by cardiologists are more likely to undergo stress tests and heart imaging exams, and have higher rates of follow-up cardiology visits.
Studying arterial deposits, researchers found that activated immune cells accumulated on the interior arterial wall, causing damage to the arterial lining. This discovery suggests a misguided adaptive immune response is involved in heart attacks, holding promise for personalized treatments and prevention of clinical complications.
Two studies suggest that older adults aged 70 and over with elevated LDL cholesterol levels have the highest incidence of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol-lowering therapies, including statins, are as effective at reducing cardiovascular events in this age group as they are in younger people.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2020 found that women veterans with PTSD have a 44% higher risk of developing ischemic heart disease compared to those without PTSD. The increased risk was most prominent in younger women, especially those under 40 years old.
Two studies presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2020 found that marijuana use is associated with a higher risk of stroke and post-procedure bleeding after PCI. However, marijuana smokers also experienced a decreased risk of acute kidney injury compared to non-users.
A new study suggests that aspirin use is most beneficial for individuals with high coronary calcium scores and a low risk of bleeding. The research found that for patients with CAC scores above 100, aspirin's benefits outweigh its risks, but this effect only applies to those with inherent low bleeding risks.
Researchers developed a cardiac patch with engineered blood vessels that improved recovery from myocardial infarction in rats and pigs. The patch promoted cardiac muscle and blood vessel growth, reducing scar tissue and inflammation.
A nationwide cohort study found that severely obese individuals who underwent gastric bypass or sleeve procedure had a lower risk of additional myocardial infarctions and improved survival rates. The study suggests that metabolic surgery may have a positive impact on cardiometabolic risk factors beyond weight loss.
Researchers found that weight-reduction surgery significantly reduces the risk of a second heart attack, cardiovascular event, and death among severely obese patients with a prior heart attack. Patients who underwent surgery also experienced improvements in sleep apnea, hypertension, cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from endothelial cells have been shown to revive heart cells after a heart attack and keep them functioning while deprived of oxygen. The researchers demonstrated this functionality in human tissue using a heart-on-a-chip model.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal - Acute Cardiovascular Care reveals that one in five high-risk patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery will develop one or more heart complications within a year. The study found that patients are at risk for a longer period than previously thought and that measuring troponin...
A new study published in JAMA Cardiology found that 30,000 out of every 100,000 stress tests performed each year were unnecessary for patients undergoing knee and hip replacement surgeries. Despite a decrease in overall stress testing since 2006, the study highlights the need for educational initiatives to improve the utilization of me...
A new electronic stent design is being developed to continuously monitor coronary artery disease in real-time, providing a unique solution to prevent restenosis. The device will offer long-term monitoring capabilities without the need for frequent follow-up visits.
A new study found 2085 excess deaths due to heart disease and stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic. The excess deaths were largely caused by people not seeking emergency hospital treatment, either due to fear of infection or concern about overwhelming the NHS.
A Canadian study found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, among patients with type 2 diabetes. The study's findings suggest that these drugs offer cardioprotective benefits in a real-world setting.
Researchers found that having elevated cholesterol during teens or early twenties increases risk of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular event in middle age. Regular cholesterol screenings starting in early adulthood may help reduce this risk.
After surviving a heart attack, women are experiencing greater declines in recurrent events than men. Despite improvements, the rate of recurrent heart attacks and death remains high among survivors.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings finds that EPA and DHA supplementation reduces multiple types of cardiovascular risk, including coronary heart disease events and fatal heart attacks. The research concludes that increasing omega-3 intake through supplements or diet can contribute to cardioprotection.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing found that heart attack patients who exhibit hostile behavior are at a higher risk of dying from a second heart attack. The study, which included over 2,300 heart attack survivors, suggests that improving hostile behaviors could be a positive move for patients.
A genome-wide association study identified specific genetic regions associated with SCAD, which also predict the risk of SCAD among individuals with fibromuscular dysplasia. The findings suggest a shared genetic basis for migraine headache and SCAD, highlighting the need for further research into its clinical implications.
A new study found that even in people with normal blood pressure, lowering blood pressure can prevent heart attacks and strokes. The study, which included over 348,000 participants, showed a significant reduction in cardiovascular events with every 5mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure.
A large Australian-Dutch trial confirmed low-dose colchicine significantly reduced cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in patients with chronic coronary disease. Colchicine was safe and well-tolerated over the long-term, making it a potential cornerstone treatment alongside aspirin and statins.
A pharmacist-led telemonitoring program has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. The study found a significant reduction in serious cardiovascular events among patients enrolled in the telemonitoring group compared to those receiving routine primary care.
A new study suggests that young women who experience a heart attack may have more favorable long-term outcomes compared to men. The research found that second heart attacks were less frequent in women and they were more likely to have healthy arteries. However, women were also at higher risk of stroke compared to men.
The ESC guidelines recommend imaging to identify underlying causes of heart attacks, including blood vessel tears. Treatment involves restoring blood flow with stents and blood thinners, as well as lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and exercise.
Patients with type 2 diabetes experience significant reductions in heart attack risk and mortality when starting medications to prevent cardiovascular disease. The study found that the risk was reduced by 61% for heart attacks and 41% for death over a 15-year period.
A recent study found that couples who worked on healthy habits together had better chances of losing weight, especially when they participated in lifestyle programs. The study, which analyzed data from over 400 patients, showed that having a partner with similar lifestyles helped maintain motivation and overcome practical challenges.
Elderly patients diagnosed with NSTEMI heart attacks who receive invasive treatment have higher survival rates than those treated with medication alone. Invasive treatment also reduces the risk of re-admission for heart failure or another heart attack.
Researchers developed a saliva test to diagnose heart attacks, showing strong agreement with blood tests. The test provides results in 10 minutes, compared to at least one hour for standard blood tests, and has the potential to save lives.
Research released at ESC Congress 2020 links depression or anxiety in adolescence to a 20% increased risk of heart attacks by middle age. A mental disorder in adolescence is associated with poorer stress resilience and lower physical fitness, contributing to the risk.
Research published in Open Heart found a significant reduction in cardiology services during the COVID-19 lockdown, including a 40% decrease in heart attack diagnoses at one center in Scotland. This shift was attributed to virtual outpatient clinics, redeployed staff, and rescheduled non-urgent procedures.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that online searches for 'chest pain' increased by at least 34% during the COVID-19 pandemic, while emergency visits for heart attacks dropped. This suggests that people may be misconstruing chest pain as an infectious symptom or avoiding medical care due to pandemic concerns.
A new study found that more than 30% of hospital patients who have a heart attack complicated by low blood pressure undergo an aggressive treatment, despite the existence of a less aggressive approach called a 'culprit-only' strategy. This strategy places stents only in the blocked blood vessels that caused the heart attack.
A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging found that coronary calcium scores are a better predictor of future heart attacks than strokes, with similar findings across sex and racial groups. The amount of calcified plaque in the heart's arteries was twice as risky for heart attacks as it was for strokes.
Researchers from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have shown that shielding stem cells with a novel biomaterial can significantly enhance the healing process in rodents after heart attacks. The study demonstrated that shielded stem cells resulted in 2.5 times greater heart function recovery compared to non-shielded cells ...
Elevated NT-proBNP levels are associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially in women. However, those who develop diabetes with elevated NT-proBNP have a higher risk of macro- and microvascular complications such as heart attack, stroke, or severe damage to eyes, kidneys, or nerves.
This observational study examines changes in patient volume and treatment for acute heart attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that there were significant increases and decreases in case rates, treatment approaches, and patient outcomes before and after the pandemic onset.