Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
The American College of Cardiology's Patient Navigator Program has shown significant improvement in transitioning heart attack and heart failure patients from hospital to home, reducing readmissions and in-hospital mortality. Hospitals participating in the program have increased prescriptions of life-saving medications, scheduled follo...
A new scientific statement by a Mayo Clinic led team suggests that conservative treatment may be more effective for women with SCAD. The average age of women with SCAD ranges from 45 to 53 years, and it is the No. 1 cause of heart attack during pregnancy and in the period right after giving birth.
A new smartphone app called 'Corrie' has been designed to help patients navigate the hospital discharge process and transition to home after a heart attack. The app allows patients to track medications, follow-up appointments, and lifestyle changes, resulting in a lower readmission rate compared to standard care.
A new study published in Circulation found that 8% of women with chest pain have myocardial scar, indicating previous heart muscle damage. The study suggests that women be taken seriously when complaining of chest pain and receive appropriate medical care.
Research found that resolvin D-1 limits heart attack-induced kidney inflammation and promotes reparative macrophage change. This suggests potential application to clinical settings for treating cardiorenal syndrome.
Researchers found a significant association between rapid increases in air pollution and cardiovascular risk, even in clean air cities. Nitric oxide increases of over 20 μg/m3 within 24 hours doubled the risk of heart attack.
A quality improvement toolkit improved the quality of care but not outcomes in hospitals in Kerala, India. The study found favorable trends in outcomes among heart attack patients, with lower rates of major cardiovascular events at discharge compared to usual care.
A new study from the University of Sheffield has found that patients with a longer clot lysis time are at higher risk of recurrent myocardial infarction or death due to cardiovascular disease. The research may lead to new treatments targeting fibrin clot lysis time, aiming to reduce this risk.
A new interaction between proteins could provide a breakthrough in the prevention of healthy blood vessel damage. The study found that stabilizing caveolae regions prevents damage by binding protein SOCS3 with Cavin-1, maintaining healthy vascular function.
Research suggests that migraine is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in both men and women. The study found a positive association between migraine and heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and irregular heart rate, particularly among women.
Researchers at Ohio University found that Vitamin D3 can restore damaged cardiovascular systems and reduce the risk of heart attack. The study used nanosensors to track the impacts of Vitamin D3 on single endothelial cells, revealing its powerful stimulatory effects on nitric oxide and reduction in oxidative stress.
A new high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) assay can measure lower concentrations of troponin, allowing for earlier diagnosis of heart attacks. The test has shown a significant reduction in wait times for emergency department patients, as well as improved patient satisfaction and safety.
Researchers created human cardiac-muscle patches that significantly improved recovery from heart attack injury in large animals. The patches also reduced infarct size, wall stress, and apoptosis, while preventing arrhythmia.
Researchers have identified lymphocyte clusters in the pericardial adipose tissue as key regulators of the post-infarction immune response. These clusters stimulate an immune reaction that degrades damaged tissues, but also promote tissue repair. The findings suggest a critical role for this process in heart healing.
Researchers developed a predictive tool to accurately estimate cardiac risks for older patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The 'Geriatric-Sensitive Perioperative Cardiac Risk Index' considers age-specific risk factors and significantly outperforms traditional tools.
A comprehensive study of heart-spleen and heart-kidney networks reveals the interconnectedness of organ damage after a heart attack. Researchers found histological and cellular changes in the spleen and kidney, as well as bimodal inflammatory responses and irreversible dysregulation in the cardiosplenic and cardiorenal networks.
Researchers found that CT scans and cardiac stress tests provide no information to determine whether a patient is having a heart attack, leading to unnecessary costs and extended hospital stays. The study suggests over-testing and over-treating patients with chest pain in the ER.
Researchers found that individuals with A, B, and AB blood types have an elevated risk of heart attacks during times of significant air pollution compared to those with O blood type. The study links increased risk of heart attack associated with small particulate pollution to increased risk for people with coronary artery disease.
A Canadian-led study found that perioperative aspirin can prevent heart-related complications after major noncardiac surgery in patients with previous percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). For every 1,000 patients with PCI, giving them aspirin at the time of noncardiac surgery would prevent 59 heart attacks and cause eight major bl...
Research found that 15% of heart attack and stroke patients, and 9% of CABG patients, were uninsured during 2008-2012. Hospital bills exceeded 40% of annual income for 85% of heart attack patients, 75% of stroke patients, and 83% of CABG patients.
A low-cost rapid blood test can accurately rule out heart attack risk in nearly half of all patients with chest pain, saving millions from further tests and reducing healthcare costs. The test, which measures troponin levels in the blood, can identify a threshold level below which patients are unlikely to have had a heart attack.
A registry-based study from Aarhus University found that heart attack survivors are at a higher risk of developing vascular dementia, which is caused by vascular damage in the brain. The risk remains elevated for up to 35 years after the heart attack, with patients who underwent bypass surgery showing a fourfold increased risk.
Evolocumab reduced risk of major cardiovascular events and major adverse limb events among patients with peripheral artery disease. The PCSK9 inhibitor also lowered the number needed to treat to prevent adverse events, making it a promising treatment option for this high-risk population.
A study of over 60,000 patients with known heart disease found that follow-up LDL cholesterol tests significantly reduce the risk of reoccurring heart attacks and strokes. Patients who didn't receive these tests were more likely to experience major adverse outcomes.
Researchers found that statins prescribed at the time of discharge significantly reduce the risk of future heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular events. High-intensity statin doses showed greater benefits, particularly for younger patients, with a 21% reduction in risk.
A study of over 100,000 patients found that low blood phosphate levels were associated with a similar risk of coronary problems as elevated levels. This contradicts previous research suggesting low volumes of the mineral were beneficial to cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that dying cell DNA stimulates an ancient antiviral program in immune cells, leading to inflammation and heart dysfunction. Blocking this response improves survival rates in mice, suggesting a new potential therapeutic opportunity for preventing heart failure.
The DAPT STEMI trial found that six months of dual antiplatelet therapy was non-inferior to twelve months in STEMI patients receiving drug-eluting stents, questioning the need for extended duration DAPT. The study's results suggest that STEMI patients may not benefit from prolonged DAPT therapy beyond six months.
The SENIOR trial found that a Synergy bioabsorbable polymer DES with shorter dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is more effective than a bare-metal stent in elderly patients. This new strategy reduces adverse events without increasing bleeding risk, suggesting a change in recommended PCI strategies for this age group.
A study of 2500 elderly patients found that delays in getting to the hospital are common among non-white individuals and those experiencing atypical symptoms. These delays can have life-threatening consequences, emphasizing the need for improved clinical and public health strategies to ensure timely presentation.
Researchers at UAB discovered that overexpressing a cell-cycle activator gene CCND2 increases the proliferation of grafted cardiomyocytes, leading to improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size. This breakthrough may pave the way for future clinical treatment of human heart attack patients.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women with a history of gestational diabetes were at a modestly higher risk of cardiovascular disease. However, adhering to a healthy lifestyle appeared to help mitigate this risk in younger women, particularly those who were predominantly white and followed healthy habits over time.
A Danish study found that one in four people leave their job within a year of returning to work after having a heart attack. The study analyzed long-term employment patterns and found that younger people, those with heart failure or depression, were more likely to drop out of the workforce.
A new cardiac catheter combines fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIm) with intravascular ultrasound to measure plaque composition, providing a more accurate prediction of heart attacks. The device has been tested in living swine hearts and human coronary artery samples, showing promising results.
A study led by Yale researchers reveals that hospital mortality rates for older patients with a heart attack are not representative of younger adults. The findings highlight the need to include younger patients in assessments of hospital quality and further investigate age-related differences.
Researchers found that stopping long-term low-dose aspirin therapy increases the risk of cardiovascular events by 37%. Stopping aspirin use can lead to a 'rebound effect', with increased clotting levels causing an elevated risk of cardiovascular events that does not diminish over time.
The LSU Health New Orleans Cardiovascular Center of Excellence will receive funding to study the effectiveness of MSI-1436, a novel drug that stimulates heart muscle regeneration. The drug has shown promising results in small animal models and Phase 1 clinical trials for obesity and type-2 diabetes.
Researchers found that a simple index based on systolic blood pressure and left-ventricular end-diastolic blood pressure ratio can predict in-hospital mortality for patients with STEMI. The study included 219 patients and showed that the SBP/LVEDP ratio was more predictive than other indices.
Research shows people of South Asian descent with a family history of coronary heart disease are more likely to have high levels of calcium buildup in their arteries. A CT scan may be an important test for those at risk, according to UT Southwestern cardiologists.
MSI-1436 has shown promise in adult zebrafish and mice by regenerating damaged heart muscle and improving heart function; a two-year grant will test its effectiveness in pigs to move the drug into clinical trials.
Researchers found that a fatty acid-derived bioactive molecule called lipoxin improved heart function after a heart attack by inducing the resolving immune response. Lipoxin treatment also reduced left ventricle and lung mass-to-body-weight ratios, improving ejection fraction, and decreased kidney inflammation.
Studies have shown that patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis will develop symptoms or cardiac events within four years. Following recommended exams every six to 12 months can improve clinical outcomes, according to a study of 300 patients.
A new study analyzing data from the Swedish Coronary Angiography and Angioplasty Registry found no significant benefits of pre-hospital antiplatelet therapy in STEMI patients. The study suggests that pre-treatment may even pose a risk, particularly for patients with contraindications to antithrombotic therapy.
A large clinical trial found that oxygen therapy did not reduce mortality rates in patients with suspected myocardial infarction. The study enrolled over 6,200 patients and showed no significant difference in mortality rates between those who received oxygen and those who did not.
Researchers found that married patients who have had a heart attack are 14% more likely to survive compared to single patients. Marriage also provides protection for patients with high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure, increasing their chances of survival by 16%, 14%, and 10%, respectively.
A 16-year study of over 280,000 patients found that colder air temperatures are associated with a higher risk of heart attacks. The study, led by Prof David Erlinge from Lund University, used meteorological data to analyze the relationship between weather conditions and heart attack incidence.
A landmark trial found that a drug targeting inflammation reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. Participants who received the anti-inflammatory drug had a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular events compared to those on standard care.
Researchers found that losartan reduced mitral valve scarring and stiffening in an animal model of heart attack. The study supports a new approach to treating heart valve disease, aiming to prevent disease progression at an early stage.
The COMPASS trial found that combining rivaroxaban and aspirin improved survival by 18% and reduced cardiovascular death, stroke, or heart attack by 24%. The treatment also increased bleeding risk but showed significant net benefits for patients.
A major international study found that combining two drugs, rivaroxaban and aspirin, is superior to aspirin alone in preventing further heart complications in people with vascular disease. The combination reduced strokes, heart attacks, and cardiovascular death by practically 25% compared to either drug alone.
The COMPASS trial found that the combination of rivaroxaban and aspirin reduces major adverse cardiovascular and limb events by 31%, lowering cardiovascular death, stroke or heart attack by 28% and limb-threatening ischaemia by 46%. Rivaroxaban alone does not reduce major adverse cardiovascular events but lowers major adverse limb events.
A new diagnostic tool uses near-infrared light to identify high-risk arterial plaques, which can lead to blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes. By selectively identifying rupture-prone deposits, doctors may be able to detect the threat of an imminent heart attack earlier.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing a patch using biopolymer microthreads seeded with genetically engineered cardiac cells to improve heart function after a heart attack. The goal is to create a composite patch that can restore contractile function and provide additional strength and contractile force.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have made a groundbreaking discovery that could lead to a new treatment for heart attacks. Pericytes, cells surrounding blood vessels, stimulate new blood vessel growth with the help of hormone leptin, which may help restore blood supply to damaged heart muscle after a heart attack.
A genetic predisposition to higher blood calcium levels is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. The study used mendelian randomization to examine the association between serum calcium levels and CAD, finding a link between the two.
A new study published in CMAJ found that people who survive a stroke or mini-stroke without early complications have an increased risk of death and stroke for at least 5 years following the initial event. Researchers recommend long-term management of modifiable risks, such as high blood pressure and physical activity, to reduce this risk.
A study found that only about 7% of older adults who smoked used prescription smoking cessation medications within 90 days after a heart attack. Factors associated with early use included being younger and living in areas with higher high school graduate rates.
A new optical clearing technique allows researchers to study the 3D structure of blood clots, which could lead to a better understanding of heart attacks and stroke. The technique enables microscopic imaging up to 1 millimeter into a clot, providing insights into clot contraction and formation.
Research reveals black adults are twice as likely to experience fatal first cardiac events compared to whites. The study suggests social determinants of health and cardiovascular risk factors contribute to this disparity.
A nationwide registry study of 156,000 people found that daily incidence rates of myocardial infarction were higher during winter holidays and on Mondays, but lower during weekends and summer vacation. The study suggests that perceived psychosocial stress may be a trigger for MI rates.