Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
Researchers studied iPS cell-derived heart muscle cells after transplantation to understand the phenomenon of irregular heartbeats. They found that the activity of working-type cells increases significantly, while nodal-like cells decrease in proportion, leading to a reduction in arrhythmia.
A new analysis of data from the ALLSTAR study published in the European Heart Journal shows that cell infusions, also known as cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs), can benefit patients with heart disease by reducing the volume of blood the heart holds and a blood protein that measures heart failure severity. The findings contradict previ...
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp increase in deaths among patients with lower-risk heart attacks, while those with more severe heart attacks saw a decrease. Hospitals treated significantly fewer cases of both types, with no return to pre-pandemic levels by May 22.
Research finds flu vaccination significantly lowers risk of heart attack, TIA, death, and cardiac arrest in adults over 50 and high-risk groups. Vaccination rates are under-utilized, especially among vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of increasing flu vaccinations.
A nationwide Korean study confirms NSAID use increases cardiovascular and bleeding risks post-heart attack. The study suggests celecoxib and meloxicam may be alternative choices for patients where NSAID prescription is inevitable.
Researchers have discovered a new pathway that could potentially treat heart failure, with the ability to alter SERCA, a key enzyme in the heart's contraction process. A new model has also been developed to predict the impact of heart muscle cells on heart function after injury.
A new study analyzed data on over 15,000 people to better understand the association between HDL cholesterol, heart attacks, and strokes. The researchers found that the number of HDL particles is a more reliable predictor of heart attack and stroke risk than the standard HDL cholesterol metric.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that individuals with cardiovascular disease risk factors who switched to high-deductible health plans did not experience an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. The researchers attributed this finding to the inclusion of low or no out-of-pocket costs for medications and p...
Monash researchers have developed a drug that can prevent blood clots from forming, which are the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. The drug has shown promising results in animal models and human cells, suggesting it could be a game-changer in cardiovascular disease treatment.
A large study found that continuing opium use after bypass surgery increases the risk of death, heart attack, and other adverse events. Stopping opium use is safe and may even be beneficial, according to researchers.
Researchers developed a peptide-derived nanoparticle that prevents blood clots without causing an increased risk of bleeding. The new drug showed promising results in animal models, reducing damage to the heart and improving survival rates.
A new study published in Nature Medicine found that breast cancer patients who experience a heart attack have a higher risk of cancer recurrence, spread, and death. The research suggests that heart attacks can trigger an immune reaction that makes it easier for cancer cells to grow.
A study of young adults who experienced a heart attack found that quitting smoking within a year significantly reduces the risk of death from heart disease. Among those who quit, rates of death were more than 70% lower than among persistent smokers.
A retrospective analysis of US veterans aged 75 and older found statin use associated with a 25% lower risk of death from any cause. The study also showed benefits for cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, particularly in black participants.
A recent study suggests that coronary calcium scoring can guide personalized preventive care for individuals with moderate cardiovascular risk. The test identifies calcium deposits in the arteries, indicating atherosclerosis and high heart attack and stroke risk.
Researchers found that a protein called type 5 collagen plays a critical role in regulating the size of scar tissue in the heart. Without it, scarring can lead to increased strain on the remaining heart muscle and higher risks of heart rhythm problems and sudden cardiac death.
Women experiencing hot flushes and night sweats, also known as vasomotor symptoms, are 70% more likely to have heart attacks, angina, and strokes. The severity of these symptoms, rather than frequency or duration, is a key factor in increased cardiovascular risk.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki have developed a tissue-engineered approach to stimulate myocardial regeneration in ischemic heart disease. The therapy uses autologous atrial appendage micrografts to improve functional recovery and preserve heart pumping function.
Cardiology researchers from San Diego State University found that the protein MANF acts as a regulator, minimizing damage after a heart attack. The discovery could lead to the administration of MANF as a drug in ambulances to reduce damage and improve recovery rates.
Researchers analyzed data from over 15,000 people to find that the number of HDL particles is a more reliable predictor of heart attack and stroke risk than standard HDL cholesterol metric. In black people, neither HDL measurement was significantly associated with heart attack risk.
Cholesterol levels have dropped sharply in high-income nations like those in North-western Europe, North America, and Australasia, but risen in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. High cholesterol is responsible for approximately 3.9 million worldwide deaths annually.
Researchers have developed a 3D model of the human heart to study heart attacks and drug toxicity. The model uses induced pluripotent stem cells to recreate the physiological conditions that occur during a heart attack, providing insights into how cells respond in the short term and long-term damage.
A global survey by the European Society of Cardiology found that heart attack patients are avoiding hospitals due to fear of COVID-19, resulting in a 50% drop in urgent hospital care. Most respondents reported delays in treatment, with 48% arriving late and beyond optimal window for life-saving intervention.
A study of over 160,000 participants in 27 countries found that women have a more favorable risk pattern for cardiovascular disease. Women had lower blood pressure and healthier blood fat levels, and were less likely to smoke, which contributed to their lower risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that genetic risk scores can identify at-risk patients who are not presently identified through standard clinical evaluations. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that individuals with high PRS were more likely to develop coronary artery disease and should be recommended fo...
Researchers aim to develop wearable technologies capable of diagnosing conditions like preeclampsia and epilepsy using solid-state sensing and wearable devices. The goal is to improve healthcare in rural and remote areas with limited access to medical services.
A federal program that provides financial payments for monitoring and reducing cardiovascular risk in high-risk patients has led to intensified treatment. As part of the Million Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model, healthcare providers assessed patient risk and prescribed cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-lowering ...
Research presents evidence that home health care after a heart attack can lower hospital readmission rates, with patients receiving care being older and more likely to have underlying health conditions. The study found that home health care was associated with an 11% lower risk of hospital readmission within 30 days.
A new tool using machine-learning technology distinguishes the cause of different types of blood clots based on subtle differences in their shape. The intelligent platelet aggregate classifier (iPAC) can help physicians diagnose and select treatments for patients with specific clot types.
Preliminary research links amygdala activity to increased inflammation in arteries, indicating a potential connection between stress perception and heart disease. After six months, the study found that participants with recent heart attacks had near-normal brain emotional activity and reduced inflammation.
A new study found that while heart attack symptoms can vary between men and women, chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath were the most common symptoms in both. Women were more likely to experience pain between the shoulder blades, nausea or vomiting, and shortness of breath compared to men.
A new study found that black patients have higher concentrations of activated fatty acids after a heart attack than white patients, indicating potential targets for personalized diagnosis and treatment of heart failure. Researchers discovered distinct lipid biomarkers may offer new approaches to delay or prevent cardiac failure.
A 20-year study by the Endocrine Society found that cardiovascular complications among individuals with diabetes have declined. Meanwhile, mortality rates remain higher than those in the general population, highlighting ongoing concerns about cancer and dementia risks for people with diabetes.
The study suggests that women have a lower threshold for seeking primary healthcare compared to men, with older women living longer with disabling conditions. This difference may be due to various factors such as fear of diagnosis or differences in symptom recognition.
Cardiologists successfully treated an 80-year-old patient after evaluating data from her Apple Watch, which showed signs of marked ST segment depression. The digital diagnostic aid may prevent myocardial infarctions and save many lives.
A new protocol using highly sensitive blood tests can quickly determine whether someone is having a heart attack, allowing for efficient evaluation of patients with possible heart attacks. The study found that the process can 'rule out' heart attacks within one hour in over half of patients.
A University of South Florida-led mouse cardiac healing study reveals faster heart repair and improved survival in female mice compared to males after a heart attack. The research suggests that sex-specific therapies may be more effective in managing heart failure, with potential applications for delayed or prevented cardiac inflammation.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients who used smartphone-compatible devices and received video care visits had better blood pressure control after a heart attack. The study suggests that these interventions can help improve patient adherence to guideline-based therapy following a heart attack.
A subgroup of high-risk patients with complex heart disease who took ticagrelor alone had fewer episodes of bleeding and no increase in heart attacks or stroke. Ticagrelor monotherapy significantly reduced clinically relevant bleeding without increasing the risk of additional heart attacks, strokes or death.
Two NIH-funded studies find that invasive procedures like stenting and surgery provide better symptom relief but not reduced risk for heart attack and death compared to medication and lifestyle changes. The trials followed over 5,000 patients with stable ischemic heart disease for three years.
A study of patients with diabetes found that taking ticagrelor alone reduced clinically relevant bleeding compared to combining it with aspirin, without increasing the risk of additional heart attacks, strokes, or death. The results were consistent across all types of diabetes patients.
A team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking 'cardiac patch with bioink' to repair heart damage. The patch uses genetically engineered stem cells and 3D bioprinting technology to enhance vascular regeneration and improve myocardiocyte survival. The innovative method has shown promising results in treating myocardial infarction.
Using radial artery instead of saphenous vein reduces death, heart attack and repeat revascularization procedures by 23-38%. Women benefit most from this approach. Further confirmation needed through larger randomized trial.
A statistical analysis predicts that a highly purified fish oil therapy could prevent thousands of cardiovascular events each year. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and showed a 25% reduction in cardiovascular events for patients with elevated triglyceride levels.
Research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that mental stress may be a stronger predictor of a repeat heart attack or dying from heart disease. Among over 300 young and middle-aged individuals, those who endured myocardial ischemia with mental stress had a two-fold higher likelihood of ha...
A study found that patients who listened to music for 30 minutes a day had lower levels of anxiety and pain, as well as reduced rates of certain heart conditions. Music therapy was more effective than standard treatment alone in reducing these symptoms.
A nationwide study found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes among obese patients. The surgery was associated with a 60% lower rate of fatal and non-fatal heart attacks and stroke, as well as significant weight loss and improved type 2 diabetes management.
Researchers have uncovered mechanisms of healing after a heart attack using human cardiopoietic cells, which restored cardiac muscle to its pre-attack state. The study found that these cells reversed two-thirds of the changes caused by a heart attack, with 85% of cellular functional categories responding favorably to treatment.
A study of over 500,000 middle-aged adults found that anticholinergic burden is associated with an increased risk of future adverse events such as falls, dementia, heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. The use of multiple medications with anticholinergic properties can have cumulative negative effects on the body.
For most people, moderate to vigorous physical activity is beneficial to overall cardiovascular health. However, intense exercise programs like marathons and triathlons can raise the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, or heart attacks, particularly in inactive individuals with known or undiagnosed heart disease.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that genetic tests for heart disease risk had only modest improvement over conventional testing. The test analyzed thousands of genetic variants linked to heart health but did not significantly enhance predictive power.
A study published in Circulation shows that declines in heart attacks are greatest among men, with a nearly 50% decrease between 2000 and 2014. While women also experienced a decline, their rate slowed in the last five years of the study.
A new study found that exposure to ultrafine particles in air pollution may trigger a nonfatal heart attack within hours. The research, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, analyzed data from over 5,900 patients in Germany and found stronger effects on health with particle length and surface area concentrations.
A team of bioengineers from Trinity College Dublin has developed a prototype patch that mimics the electrical signalling properties and mechanical demands of heart tissue. The patch, manufactured via melt electrowriting, withstood repeated stretching and showed good elasticity, addressing key requirements for cardiac biomaterials.
Researchers analyzed data from over 300,000 people and found that genetics significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart attack in men compared to women. The study suggests that genetic scores could be used to identify healthy middle-aged adults at higher risk and develop preventive measures.
Preliminary research found that regularly golfing can lower the risk of death among older adults. Golfing was associated with a significantly lower rate of death compared to non-golfers, likely due to its benefits such as stress reduction and regular exercise.
Researchers analyzed data from over 49,000 adults and found that while overall smoking rates have decreased among Americans aged 20+, the rate of stroke survivors who smoke remains steady. The study emphasizes the importance of quitting smoking for stroke survivors, citing the highly addictive nature of nicotine.
Researchers at Oxford University have found a protein called Plexin D1 that detects disturbances in blood flow and triggers inflammation and plaque formation, leading to serious health problems. The discovery offers new hope for developing treatments to block plaques before they form.
Researchers at University of Oxford have identified a new target for repairing the heart after a heart attack by modulating the immune response. Macrophages play a key role in forming cardiac scars, and modifying their behavior could lead to more efficient repair and potentially avoid heart failure.
Researchers will analyze a database of anonymized GP consultations and medical records to identify shared characteristics among patients with undiagnosed chest pain who later experience a heart attack or stroke. The study's findings could inform GPs about warning signs, enabling early intervention and potentially preventing many cases.