Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that individuals with higher fitness levels have a lower risk of heart attacks and angina pectoris over nine years. Even among seemingly healthy individuals, those with optimal fitness have only half as high a risk as those with poor fitness.
A new study has found a genetic factor on chromosome 6 that increases the risk of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a rare and atypical form of heart attack primarily affecting young to middle-aged women. The genetic variant, known as rs9349379, is also associated with a small protective effect from classic heart attacks.
Researchers found a significant association between cancer development and an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke in the months leading up to the diagnosis. The risk was highest for patients with lung and colorectal cancers and those diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 disease, peaking in the month before diagnosis.
An observational study found that HRRP implementation was associated with increased 30-day postdischarge mortality for heart failure and pneumonia patients. However, no association was seen for patients hospitalized for heart attack.
A Swedish study found that the risk of heart attack peaks at around 10 pm on Christmas Eve, especially for older and sicker individuals due to heightened emotional stress. This risk is also higher during New Year's and Midsummer holidays, as well as Monday mornings.
Scientists at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre have discovered that macrophage cells play a crucial role in helping the heart repair and regenerate following a heart attack. The study found that these cells can act in a neo-natal-like state, aiding in tissue growth and development.
A comprehensive statistical modeling study found that statins are recommended far too often, with the benefits outweighing the harms only in people with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers recommend discussing individual risk and side effects with doctors before taking statins as a preventive measure.
Researchers at the University of Otago have discovered blocking oxytocin cells in the brain after a heart attack can improve survival outcomes. The breakthrough could lead to a new pharmacological drug targeting these cells, potentially improving cardiovascular patient outcomes.
Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute found that adult hearts do not have stem cells that can regenerate lost heart muscle after a heart attack. Instead, connective tissue cells produce scar tissue to replace the lost cardiac muscle, which helps maintain heart integrity.
Researchers found that younger patients with repeat heart attacks had a higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors, including smoking and high blood pressure. Secondary preventive programs targeting these risk factors can help prevent future heart attacks in this age group.
Engineered patches integrate therapeutic cardiac cells with injured heart tissue, boosting development of new heart tissue and increasing cardiac functions. The treatment shows promise as a form of cardiac therapy in humans, offering hope for survivors of heart attacks.
A study found top-ranked hospitals for cardiovascular care had lower 30-day mortality rates for heart attack, heart failure, and CABG compared to non-ranked hospitals. However, readmission rates were either similar or higher at the top-ranked hospitals, raising concerns about the accuracy of this metric.
A study of 7,026 patients found that persistent high residual inflammatory risk after percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with a higher risk of death from any cause or myocardial infarction within one year. High sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were used to assess the level of risk.
Researchers discovered how filamin A and Drp1 interact to facilitate mitochondrial fission under hypoxic conditions, leading to heart failure. The study found that cilnidipine prevents this damaging process, preserving heart function after a heart attack or in cardiovascular disease.
Research studies by Cedars-Sinai's Sumeet Chugh's team identify associations between sudden cardiac arrest and multiple sclerosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, and obesity. Patients with MS have a five-fold higher incidence of sudden cardiac arrest, while those with LVH are at higher risk due to electrocardiography risk scores.
A new study found that patients with bacterial pneumonia are at a 60% greater risk of a heart attack, stroke, or death compared to those with viral pneumonia. Researchers recommend aggressive treatment and close monitoring for patients with bacterial pneumonia, particularly those with pre-existing heart conditions.
A new study found that a smartphone app can identify potentially fatal heart attacks with high accuracy, similar to a standard 12-lead ECG. The app's speed and accessibility could significantly improve treatment times and save lives.
The VITAL study found that omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of heart attacks, particularly among African American participants. Vitamin D supplements may also lower cancer deaths over time, with a significant 25% reduction in mortality rates observed after two years of treatment.
A UK Biobank study found that certain risk factors have a greater impact on women's heart attack risk than men's. High blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes increased the risk of heart attack more in women than in men.
A study of 472,000 participants found that women with these conditions experience a higher relative risk of heart attack compared to men. The excess risk persists even in older age and could lead to an additional burden on society.
A large international clinical trial found that alirocumab, a PCSK9 antibody, reduced the chance of additional heart problems or stroke in heart attack survivors. LDL cholesterol levels decreased by 50% with alirocumab treatment, leading to a 15% reduction in risk of death from coronary heart disease, another heart attack, or stroke.
Researchers found that people with high levels of chronic noise exposure had a greater than three-fold risk of cardiovascular events. Chronic noise exposure fuels blood vessel inflammation, promoting cardiac risk.
Researchers analyzed data from 6,400 patients with heart attacks to compare characteristics and survival rates by race. The study found no differences in survival rates between black and white patients with similar characteristics.
A comprehensive study by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute found that air pollution and transportation noise significantly increase the risk of heart attacks. The study reveals that considering both factors together reduces the estimated effect of air pollution on cardiovascular health.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered high levels of antiphospholipid antibodies in patients who suffered a heart attack without any autoimmune conditions. The study involved 800 patients and found that 11% had elevated IgG antibody levels, which is associated with blood clots.
A new blood test at emergency departments could quickly and accurately rule out heart attacks. A preliminary study of 350 patients found the test to be as effective as longer laboratory tests in ruling out heart attacks.
A large-scale study found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths in individuals with type 2 diabetes and severe obesity. The study involved over 5,000 patients who underwent bariatric surgery compared to nearly 15,000 patients receiving usual medical care.
Bariatric surgery was associated with a lower risk of macrovascular disease events at five years of follow-up compared to usual medical care. The findings suggest that bariatric surgery may help reduce patient risk, but more confirmation is needed in randomized clinical trials.
Only one in three Chinese acute coronary syndrome patients receive cardiac rehabilitation guidance before discharge from hospital. Men are more likely to receive advice than women, but all heart attack patients need cardiac rehabilitation, and targeted efforts are needed to improve provision.
A genetic tool can identify people at high risk of heart attacks early in life, potentially preventing devastating outcomes. The technology uses genomic data to calculate an individual's underlying genetic risk for coronary heart disease.
Researchers found that mice recovering from heart attacks are more likely to die if treated with antibiotics, which can eliminate both bad and good microbes. Restoring the gut microbiome through fecal transplants or probiotics boosted survival rates.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai finds that stress is a major contributor to sudden cardiac arrests, which are now more likely to happen outside of previously identified peak times. The research analyzed data from the Oregon Sudden Unexpected Death Study and found no evidence of increased cardiac arrests on Mondays
A new study found that abdominal aortic calcification measured by CT scans is a strong predictor of future cardiovascular events, outperforming the widely used Framingham risk score. The research suggests that detecting calcification via routine CT scans could help identify patients at high risk and enable early interventions.
Research suggests that high variability in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar readings is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death. Fluctuations in these measures are linked to an increased risk of 127% mortality, 43% heart attack, and 41% stroke.
A UCSF-led study found that wearable cardioverter defibrillators lower mortality among patients who wear them consistently, but do not significantly reduce sudden cardiac death. The devices were more effective in reducing overall mortality, with a 35.5% lower risk of death compared to those who did not wear the device.
Researchers found that carprofen pretreatment before experimental heart attack in mice impairs the resolution of acute inflammation after cardiac injury. This leads to a non-resolving inflammation characterized by an amplified CD47 marker on neutrophils, which resists clearance and triggers more inflammatory responses.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have made a breakthrough in treating myocardial infarction, with stem cells found to exist in vascular walls and intracardiac blood vessels. These cells may be able to regenerate damaged cardiac muscle tissue in response to heart attacks.
A large Taiwanese study found that patients with sepsis are at increased risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke and heart attack, within the first 4 weeks after hospital discharge. Younger patients with sepsis aged 20 to 45 years were particularly at higher risk.
Scientists at Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute have identified plasma lipid biomarkers that improve upon traditional risk factors in predicting heart disease and stroke. The new blood test will use up to ten lipid markers to better diagnose heart disease, reclassifying patient risk and guiding treatment.
A study found that firefighters who died from cardiac arrest were more likely to have narrowed arteries, an enlarged heart, and increased wall thickness of the left ventricle. These conditions increase the risk of death from cardiac arrest, highlighting the importance of medical screening for firefighters.
A new study found that walking more can significantly lower the risk of heart failure in older women, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction. Increased physical activity was associated with a 9-10% risk reduction for heart failure and its subtypes.
A large-scale study found that diclofenac, a common painkiller, is associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke. The study suggests that diclofenac should not be available over the counter and when prescribed, should come with a warning about its potential risks.
Researchers found that an antioxidant called apocynin can cut plaque buildup in half and lower inflammation to pre-attack levels. This treatment could help reduce the risk of a second heart attack or stroke, particularly in mice that have experienced a first attack or stroke.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a fluorescent protein sensor that can provide real-time information on dynamic changes in oxygen levels. The ANA sensor shows very high sensitivity in tracking changes in oxygen content.
The VERDICT trial found that postponing invasive examination and treatment for up to 72 hours is as good as a very early approach in patients with NSTE-ACS, particularly those with high risk. This contradicts ESC guidelines on immediate versus early invasive strategies.
A new randomized trial tested a revised set of criteria for diagnosing heart attacks, but found that using these criteria did not reduce the rate of recurrent heart attacks or cardiovascular deaths. The study suggested that the revised criteria could lead to more diagnoses and treatment, but with no adverse effects on patient outcomes.
A large study of Australian adults found that psychological distress was linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The researchers estimated that among women, high/very high psychological distress was associated with a 44 percent increased risk of stroke.
A new study suggests that a heart-healthy diet may consist of foods previously thought to be detrimental, such as dairy products and meat. The research, which analyzed data from over 218,000 people across five continents, found that consuming these foods was associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and death.
The ARRIVE study found that daily aspirin use did not reduce cardiovascular events, but participants who took aspirin had fewer heart attacks. Aspirin reduced the risk of total and nonfatal myocardial infarction in certain age groups, but increased gastrointestinal bleeding rates.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lorcaserin, a weight loss drug, helped patients lose weight without increasing the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease. The trial involved 12,000 overweight or obese patients at risk for cardiovascular events.
The trial found that using two arterial grafts, including internal thoracic and radial arteries, may provide better outcomes than a single graft. However, the results are not conclusive due to high rates of deviations from randomization.
Research presented at ESC Congress 2018 found that impaired mental status is associated with a doubled risk of death one year after a heart attack in elderly patients. Cognitive impairment was detected in 29% of patients and was linked to higher risks of bleeding complications, rehospitalisation, and death.
A new study published by the European Society of Cardiology has investigated the major cause of heart attacks in women, finding that spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a leading factor. The study also identified emotional stress as a key trigger for SCAD, which can lead to narrowing, aneurysms, or tears in the arteries.
Research suggests that very high HDL cholesterol levels may increase the risk of heart attack and death, contrary to traditional views. The study found a U-shaped curve in the relationship between HDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk, with both low and extremely high levels increasing the risk.
The 2018 Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction provides clarity on diagnosing a heart attack, distinguishing between myocardial infarction and myocardial injury. Elevated troponin levels are not sufficient for diagnosis, and oxygen shortage detection via electrocardiogram is crucial.
A new study suggests that incorporating heart scans into routine care could save thousands of lives in the UK. The SCOT-HEART study found that patients who received a computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scan had a 40% lower risk of heart attack within five years.
The study found that state Medicaid expansions under the Affordable Care Act led to a decline in uninsured hospitalizations for major cardiovascular events. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the US, and this study examined the association between Medicaid expansion and changes in uninsured hospitalizations.
Researchers are developing a biodegradable and bioactive hydrogel material that can be injected into the heart to promote cardiac repair after a heart attack. The goal is to significantly increase stem cell recruitment, accelerate cardiac repair and improve cardiac function.
A new analysis found that daily e-cigarette use nearly doubles the odds of a heart attack, with dual use of e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes increasing the risk five-fold. Quitting either product can reduce this risk.
A simple laboratory score has been developed to diagnose patients with heart attack symptoms, reducing the number of blood tests and time spent in emergency departments. The score can identify patients at risk of subsequent heart issues after discharge.