Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
A new Michigan Medicine research found that intensive care unit admission was associated with improved 30-day mortality rates for patients who had a STEMI heart attack and weren't clearly indicated for an ICU or non-ICU unit. The study analyzed Medicare data from over 100,000 patients hospitalized with STEMI and showed a clear benefit ...
Researchers discovered that widowed men are 11% more likely to die from a heart attack compared to widows, while divorced men with atrial fibrillation have a 14% higher risk. Single women actually have a 13% lower risk of death from heart failure than single men.
Research shows that heart attack patients with prolonged depression or anxiety are at a higher risk of death. Patients who experienced chronic emotional distress were more likely to die from cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes during follow-up.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed lab-grown heart patches that are safe for human trials after clearing important hurdles. These patches contain up to 50 million human stem cells programmed to turn into working heart muscle, potentially curing debilitating heart failure.
A recent study by Dr. Ganesh Halade and colleagues found that lipoxygenase deficiency delays heart failure progression and improves survival in mice. The researchers discovered that epoxyeicosatrienoic acids facilitate cardiac healing after a heart attack, reducing diabetes risk biomarkers and altering plasma metabolic signaling.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that nonfasting lipid levels were similar to fasting lipid levels in the same individuals, predicting cardiovascular risk just as well. The results suggest it may be unnecessary for most patients to fast before having bloodwork done to measure lipid levels.
A study of over 8,000 participants found that elevated troponin I levels are associated with cardiac outcomes like heart attacks and fatal coronary disease. Adding troponin I to a risk prediction model improves accuracy in predicting heart failure risk, highlighting the potential for improved treatment strategies.
Nearly one in 10 young adults who had a heart attack met the clinical definition for familial hypercholesterolemia. Many patients continued having elevated cholesterol levels a year after their heart attack, highlighting opportunities for more aggressive treatment.
A new minimally invasive treatment option has been shown to dramatically lower rates of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients following a heart attack. The procedure, called LDL-apheresis, decreases LDL levels by 50-80 percent in two to three hours.
The expert consensus paper recommends using intracoronary imaging to guide treatment for acute coronary syndromes, including heart attacks. Imaging provides a more accurate diagnosis and helps tailor therapy, especially for younger patients with complex lesions or plaque erosion.
Researchers found that circadian rhythms impact immune responses, with morning immune cells elevated and nighttime levels suppressed. This discovery may lead to time-tailored therapies for human patients.
A joint statement from the American Heart Association and others suggests home-based cardiac rehabilitation as a viable option for patients who cannot attend traditional programs. Effective home-based care requires scientifically-based, standardized care with remote supervision and coaching.
Imaging techniques like cardiac MRI and intravascular imaging can help diagnose the underlying cause of MI in women without obstructive CAD. These methods provide crucial information for treatment decisions.
Researchers at King's College London have made a groundbreaking discovery that genetic therapy can heal heart damage caused by a heart attack. The study used microRNA-199 to stimulate cardiac regeneration in pigs, resulting in almost complete recovery of cardiac function.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have found that SR-B1 and DOCK4 proteins ferry LDL particles into and across endothelial cells, driving the development of atherosclerosis. Deleting these proteins from endothelial cells reduces LDL entry and atherosclerotic plaque formation.
A Northwestern University and UC San Diego team has created a novel way to deliver a bioactivated, biodegradable substance through a noninvasive catheter without clogging. The approach uses self-assembling peptides that turn the body's inflammatory response into a signal to heal rather than a means of scarring.
A study from Yale University finds that low mobility is a significant predictor of hospital readmission in older heart attack patients. Patients who took more than 25 seconds on the Timed Up and Go test were nearly twice as likely to be readmitted after a heart attack.
A new prediction tool uses functional impairments and traditional factors to identify patients over 75 who may require repeat hospitalization. Impaired mobility, measured by the Timed Up and Go test, is the only functional impairment associated with 30-day readmission.
A new study found that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) significantly reduced overall mortality in older heart attack patients. The procedure saved lives for 49 young-olds, 53 middle-olds, and 54 old-olds, with a 53% reduction in death among those 75-79 years old.
Researchers have identified two microRNA family members that can provide both immediate and long-term protection against heart damage. The therapy targets the miR-19a/b microRNAs, which regulate proliferation of cardiomyocytes and reduce inflammation, leading to improved heart function.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that people who skip breakfast and eat dinner near bedtime have a four to five times higher likelihood of death, another heart attack, or angina within 30 days after hospital discharge for heart attack. Late-night dinner eating was also associated with poorer outc...
Researchers have developed a water-based hydrogel material that can be placed directly on the heart to prevent stretching of the heart muscle, a common problem after a heart attack. The patch outperformed existing patches and showed promising results in reducing post-heart attack damage.
Patients with acute coronary syndromes can return to work in two to three months, but one in four quit after a year. Psychological factors like lack of confidence, depression, and anxiety are significant predictors of failure. Attending cardiac rehabilitation and gradual reintegration into the workplace can help patients succeed.
Researchers found that older heart attack patients were less likely to receive timely percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to open blocked heart arteries, resulting in more complications and poorer outcomes. Despite longer hospital stays, older patients had lower total charges due to reduced use of costly interventions like PCI.
Despite improvements in heart attack and heart disease care for older women, black women continue to face significant racial disparities in treatment. Postmenopausal black women were 50% less likely and Hispanic women 16% less likely to receive treatment when arriving at the hospital with symptoms compared to white women.
A genetic study of over 160,000 adults in China found that moderate drinking has no protective effects against stroke and may even increase the risk. Blood pressure also rises with increased alcohol consumption.
Patients treated at hospitals with low care scores are at greater risk for another heart attack or death due to cardiovascular causes. Teaching hospitals have a lower risk, with patients having 25% lower chance of readmission within one month and 10% lower chance of cardiovascular death at one year.
A recent study found that both radial and femoral approaches for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are equally effective in terms of survival rates at 30 days. The research, which enrolled nearly 2,300 patients, suggests that operators can achieve similar results with either approach if they have efficient systems and teams in p...
A new study shows that a 4 gram dose of icosapent ethyl significantly reduces the occurrence of ischemic events, including heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths. The drug also prevents subsequent cardiovascular events and may be a cost-effective way to prevent CV complications in patients with elevated triglycerides.
Researchers found that ticagrelor has comparable efficacy to clopidogrel in patients treated with clot busters for a heart attack. The trial also showed that ticagrelor is safe for use in this patient population, with low rates of major bleeding.
The REDUCE-IT trial found that high-dose icosapent ethyl significantly reduced the burden of first and subsequent cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from cardiovascular causes. The study showed a 30% relative risk reduction in total cardiovascular events.
Patients treated with apixaban and a P2Y12 inhibitor had lower rates of bleeding and no increase in heart attacks or strokes compared to those receiving warfarin and aspirin. The combination reduced the risk of major bleeding by up to 47% without increasing mortality or hospitalization.
Researchers found that systematic depression screening after a heart attack did not impact patients' quality of life. Depression was identified in about 7% of screened patients, and interventions such as medication, phone-based psychotherapy sessions, or a combination both were shown to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms.
A Yale study of over four million Medicare patients found that hospitalizations for heart attacks have declined by 38% since the 1990s, while the 30-day mortality rate has dropped to an all-time low of 12%. These gains are attributed to national efforts to prevent heart attacks and improve care.
A study of over 27,000 heart attack patients found an increase in heat-induced heart attacks in recent years, particularly among individuals with diabetes or hyperlipidaemia. Climate change is suspected to be a contributing factor, but the exact mechanism behind these deaths remains unclear.
Researchers found that lower blood pressure is associated with increased risk of death in adults over 80, and those who've had a heart attack or stroke. This study's results suggest adjusting antihypertensive treatment based on individual needs, moving away from blanket approaches.
A study presented at the 30th Annual Conference of the Saudi Heart Association found that waterpipe and cigarette smoking are associated with heart attacks at a younger age in Saudi Arabians. Smokers have more complications, bigger heart attacks, and poorer outcomes compared to non-smokers.
A study has revealed that young adults under 40 are experiencing an alarming increase in heart attacks, despite having the same mortality rates as older survivors. Substance abuse and diabetes may be contributing to this trend, emphasizing the need for prevention and early detection of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have discovered a potential new drug that can minimize heart muscle death caused by stress signals after a heart attack. The treatment, targeting protein MAP4K4, reduced damage by 60% in mice and has the potential to be developed into an injection for routine clinical use.
A large study of nearly 30 million hospital records shows that people who got a flu shot while hospitalized had a 10 percent lower risk of having a heart attack compared to those who didn't get vaccinated. The findings suggest that getting a flu vaccine can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular problems.
Adults who vape are significantly more likely to have a heart attack, coronary artery disease, and depression compared to non-users. The study found that e-cigarette users were 56% more likely to have a heart attack and 30% more likely to suffer a stroke.
A study found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was more effective than moderate exercise in losing body fat and trimming waistlines among cardiac rehabilitation patients. After 12 weeks, HIIT participants lost 4 pounds of body fat, gained 1.5 pounds of lean muscle mass, and trimmed an inch off their waists.
A study published in The BMJ found a genetic link between high testosterone levels and increased risk of blood clots, heart failure, and heart attacks in men. Researchers suggest that treatments lowering testosterone levels could help protect against these conditions, particularly in men.
A new study led by Professor Mary Schooling found that testosterone is associated with a higher risk of blood clots and heart failure in men, but not heart attack. The findings suggest targeting testosterone could be a timely new avenue for preventing ischemic cardiovascular disease.
A study of 2,564 patients who had a heart attack found that those traveling had a lower risk of long-term all-cause death if treated promptly. Patients traveling were younger and had a higher prevalence of STEMI, a serious type of heart attack.
A study found that one in four men aged 55-59 is at risk of needing further revision surgery, with serious complications surprisingly common in older people. The lifetime risk of revision surgery was highest during the first five years after surgery.
A new report reveals that over 1.2 million Australians with heart disease are at high risk of future events, emphasizing the need for improved secondary prevention strategies. The 'No Second Chances' report proposes pathways to enhance patient care, including a secondary prevention campaign and increased focus on cardiac rehabilitation.
A new study suggests that a program providing bridge care between hospital and home can reduce readmissions and deaths after a heart attack. The Heart Care Navigation Team's program assigns a health advocate and nurse navigator to help patients with timely access to follow-up care.
The European Society of Cardiology's Acute Cardiovascular Care Congress explores the best ways to save lives from heart attacks and cardiac arrests. Gender differences and stress management are also key topics discussed by leading specialists.
Researchers found that NSAID carprofen triggered low-grade inflammation in the heart and kidneys, amplifying cardiorenal syndrome. Biomarkers of kidney injury increased, indicating compromised glomerular structure integrity.
Scientists successfully created functional blood vessels in vitro for rat hearts after a heart attack, resulting in increased blood flow to the engineered tissue. This innovation offers hope for treatments that could help patients regrow heart muscle tissue and achieve more complete recovery.
Treating psoriasis with biologic drugs has been shown to reduce early plaque buildup in arteries, restricting blood flow and leading to heart attacks and stroke. The study highlights the potential of immunotherapies in reducing cardiovascular disease risks.
A new Harvard University study reveals that reducing spending on cardiovascular disease has slowed healthcare cost growth among the elderly population. The research found that investments in preventative care can produce significant savings, with nearly half of the reduction attributed to cardiovascular health.
A Lancet study found that statin therapy reduced the risk of a major vascular event by about a quarter for each millimole per litre reduction in LDL cholesterol, even in older people. Statins also did not increase the risk of deaths from non-cardiovascular disease or cancer at any age.
A new study found that e-cigarette users have a 71% higher risk of stroke, 59% higher risk of heart attack or angina, and 40% higher risk of coronary heart disease. The American Heart Association cautions against e-cigarette use due to nicotine content.
Researchers found that all Brexit scenarios would reduce fruit and veg intake, with a no-deal Brexit being the most damaging. This led to an estimated 12,400 additional CVD deaths in England between 2021 and 2030.
A new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology confirms that diets rich in palmitic and stearic acid, found in meats, increase cardiovascular risk. In contrast, eating fewer long-chain saturated fats and consuming plant-based proteins lowers the risk of myocardial infarction.
A team of researchers has identified a genetic pathway that causes some individuals to develop an abnormal heart rhythm after experiencing a heart attack. They have also discovered a drug candidate that can block this pathway.
A new study published in JAMA found that frequent aspirin use can lead to a 50% increase in major bleeding episodes. While aspirin reduces cardiovascular event risks, it increases the risk of major bleeding, making its use for initial prevention uncertain.
A study of 325,000 hospitalized heart attack patients found that Medicaid expansion reduced uninsurance rates but did not improve quality of care or outcomes for low-income adults. The lack of insurance was still associated with worse care and outcomes in both expansion and non-expansion states.