Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
Contracting shingles significantly raises the risk of stroke and heart attack, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Patients with shingles are more likely to have common risk factors for cardiovascular events, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that mildly obese patients who survive a major heart attack tend to have better outcomes, including higher survival rates and shorter hospital stays. Patients considered mildly obese had a 30% increased likelihood of survival compared to those of normal weight.
A study of 4,162 emergency department patients with chest pain found that certain symptoms are more predictive of heart attack in different racial and gender groups. Symptoms varied significantly among white males, black females, and others, highlighting the need for tailored diagnosis approaches.
Research suggests that breast implants can impede electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and result in false heart attack diagnoses. The study found that women with breast implants were more likely to have abnormal ECG readings due to the implant interfering with the electrical activity of the heart.
Researchers found that aspirin is marginally beneficial for those who have had a previous heart attack or stroke, but offers no apparent benefit for patients with no prior history of cardiovascular issues. The study suggests that further clinical trials are needed to confirm the findings.
Researchers are developing new imaging tools to identify abnormalities that cause heart attacks, with the potential to save thousands of lives each year. The project aims to create new chemicals to illuminate unstable plaques in patients, enabling doctors to pinpoint people at higher risk of heart attack.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown cell receptor interaction that can safely prevent blood clots. The new mechanism targets the Mac-1-GPIbα receptor duo, which is required for harmful clots, but blocking its interaction with a therapeutic small molecule has no effect on bleeding risk.
A large-scale registry study found that high-sensitivity troponin T assay is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with unspecified chest pain. The percentage of serious events dropped from 0.9% to 0.6% after introducing the new method.
A study by University of Leeds researchers found that heart attack patients without heart failure did not live longer with beta blockers, but were still prescribed the medication at a rate of 95%. The findings raise concerns about unnecessary medication costs and the need for further research.
Researchers found a significant association between respiratory infections and increased heart attack risk, with a 17-fold increase in the seven days following an infection. The study suggests that even mild upper respiratory tract infections can elevate the risk of heart attacks.
A new analysis reveals that early treatment for Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) patients leads to a significant reduction in mortality. The study found an 87% lower mortality rate and a 38% lower mortality rate for high-risk patients when treated within 24 hours of symptom onset.
A meta-analysis of prospective studies reveals that individuals with non-O blood groups (A, B, AB) are at a higher risk of heart attacks and overall cardiovascular mortality. The study found a 9% increased risk of coronary events and cardiovascular mortality in non-O blood group carriers compared to O blood group carriers.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center study found no correlation between high early readmission rates and one-year mortality or long-term readmission rates for heart attack patients. However, hospitals with high penalties tend to serve more ethnic minorities and patients with severe disease.
A new study found that consuming excess choline, an essential nutrient in a Western diet, raises levels of the clot-enhancing compound TMAO and platelet clumping in both vegans/vegetarians and omnivores. Taking a daily baby aspirin may reduce this effect.
Cleveland Clinic researchers found that dietary choline and TMAO levels are associated with increased blood clotting risk. Adding a low dose of aspirin may help mitigate this risk.
A substantial proportion of patients prescribed high-intensity statins following a heart attack do not continue taking the medication. High-intensity statin adherence decreases over time, especially among African American and Hispanic patients and those without Medicare/Medicaid coverage or cardiologist visits.
A new study found that areas with trans fat bans in restaurants had significantly fewer hospitalizations for heart attack and stroke compared to areas without restrictions. The decline was 6.2%, highlighting the power of public policy to impact cardiovascular health.
Researchers have developed a 3D-bioprinted patch that can heal scarred heart tissue after a heart attack. The patch was made from cells and structural proteins native to the heart and showed significant improvement in functional capacity in mice after just four weeks.
A Minneapolis Heart Institute study found that over half of patients who suffered major heart attacks had not seen a doctor in two years prior to their attack. The new guidelines are more likely to treat these individuals before their heart attacks occur.
A Yale University study found that areas restricting trans fats in foods had fewer hospitalizations for heart attack and stroke. The finding suggests limiting trans fats could have a widespread impact as the FDA's ban takes effect nationwide.
Research found that participants who exercised had a lower risk of dying from a heart attack, with a dose-response relationship between exercise level and mortality rate. Regular physical activity may help develop collateral blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that New York counties with trans-fatty acid (TFA) restrictions on eateries experienced a significant decrease in hospitalization rates for heart attacks and strokes compared to counties without restrictions. The study, which included data from 2002 to 2013, suggests that TFA restrictions may ...
A recent study from Harvard Medical School found that individuals experiencing heart attacks or cardiac arrests near major marathons are more likely to die within a month. The delays in transportation to nearby hospitals, often caused by widespread street closures during races, contribute to this increased mortality rate.
Scientists at King's College London have developed a new blood test that detects damaged heart muscle caused by a heart attack more sensitively than current tests. This could lead to faster diagnosis and treatment of patients, while reducing unnecessary hospital admissions.
Research links extreme heat and physical exertion in firefighting to blood clotting and impaired blood vessel function, increasing the risk of heart attacks. The study suggests that exercising in extremely high temperatures should be done with proper hydration and cooling time.
A clinical study published in New England Journal of Medicine shows that a single dose of siRNA can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels by up to 52.6% after two doses, offering long-lasting protection for high-risk patients.
Researchers found a link between partial loss of the ANGPTL3 gene and lower cholesterol levels, as well as a reduced risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack. The study suggests that inhibiting ANGPTL3 could lead to new therapies for preventing heart attacks.
Research at Technical University of Munich found that diabetes causes loss of small blood vessels around the heart, affecting cardiac muscle. Genetic therapy promoting pericyte growth may offer a remedy, providing new perspectives for treating patients.
A recent study found that direct acting oral anticoagulants and aspirin may increase heart attack risk compared to vitamin k antagonists like warfarin. Researchers are urging more research on the topic as use of these medications increases.
Researchers found that treating secondary blockages after a major heart attack using fractional flow reserve technology can improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for subsequent invasive procedures. This approach resulted in a 65% lower risk of all-cause mortality, non-fatal heart attack, stroke, and revascularization at 12 months.
The new iFR tool has been shown to be equivalent to the current preferred tool FFR in terms of major adverse events and patient outcomes. It also resulted in markedly less patient discomfort and reduced procedure-related adverse events compared to FFR.
A Phase 2 study found that replacing aspirin with low-dose rivaroxaban in addition to an antiplatelet medication does not increase bleeding complications in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The study, which involved over 3,000 patients, suggests that this dual therapy approach may be a safe alternative to lifelong aspirin treatment.
A Phase 2 trial found that synthetic high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) injections had no effect on reducing fatty deposits in arteries, despite being well-tolerated. The study's findings suggest that low-dose CER-001 may not be a promising agent for treating patients with acute coronary syndrome.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute researchers suggests that calcified plaque is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, contradicting previous assumptions about soft plaque. The study found that patients with more calcified plaque were more likely to experience major adverse coronary events.
A new study published by the American College of Cardiology found that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not needed in all cases of fully blocked arteries. Treatment with medications alone was shown to be equal to PCI in terms of major adverse events over three years.
Researchers found that inclisiran significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels by up to 51% just one month after treatment. The study also showed sustained lowering of cholesterol levels for at least eight months with no extra side effects.
Researchers found that noninvasive CT angiography and stress tests can predict future adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, with similar accuracy to invasive procedures. The study suggests that the noninvasive approach is a safer and more cost-effective option for patients, and its findings have important implications...
Men taking phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors after a heart attack had reduced mortality rates compared to those not using these drugs. The study also found that filling more prescriptions for PDE5 inhibitors was associated with a greater benefit, although the trend should be interpreted with caution.
Research reveals that only one-third of hospitalized smokers with heart disease received evidence-based smoking-cessation therapies, highlighting a performance gap among hospitals and cardiologists. Smokers who had lung disease or were younger than 58 years old were more likely to receive treatment.
Researchers found that younger heart attack patients are more likely to have low good cholesterol than elevated bad cholesterol. This suggests that traditional risk factors may not be enough to identify heart attack risk in this age group.
A new study by San Diego State University researchers found that a protein called ATF6 promotes the natural ability of heart cells to ward off stress-induced damage during heart attacks. This discovery suggests a novel treatment and prevention strategy for people at risk of heart disease, particularly as they age.
A recent study by researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that only 16 percent of heart attack survivors meet the recommended amount of physical activity in the weeks following hospitalization. Clinician-supervised exercise programs have shown promise in encouraging more physical activity, but participation remains poor.
A study found that up to half of patients who died from a heart attack had not been hospitalised in the prior four weeks, suggesting possible missed symptoms. Doctors may have overlooked subtle signs such as fainting or shortness of breath, leading to fatal outcomes.
A new study has found that men with higher cognitive ability are more likely to take statins prescribed after a heart attack, reducing the risk of another heart attack or premature death. The study used data from over 2,500 patients and found an association between low general cognitive ability and non-compliance with medication.
A new study reveals that high lipoprotein(a), a form of cholesterol, is responsible for 1 in 14 heart attacks and 1 in 7 cases of aortic valve disease. Researchers hope to raise awareness about the risk and stimulate development of new therapies to lower this form of cholesterol.
A new study finds that heavy snowfall and longer duration are associated with a higher risk of hospital admission for heart attack in men. The study suggests shovelling may be the main mechanism linking snowfall to MI, particularly after heavy snowfalls.
A new laser-based camera has been developed to improve the view of the carotid artery, allowing physicians to detect potential problem areas and monitor atherosclerosis. The technology uses high-resolution imaging to identify lesions and biological markers associated with increased stroke risk.
A recent study by Penn researchers has found that signaling proteins in cells lining the heart play a key role in preventing excessive scarring after a heart attack. The proteins, YAP and TAZ, regulate immune responses to prevent inflammation and fibrosis, which can lead to heart failure.
Researchers have discovered a signaling pathway in cardiac tissue that helps control inflammatory responses after a heart attack. Activating the Hippo pathway leads to the recruitment of T regulatory cells, which reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing in mice with heart injury.
A new study suggests that widely used pain relievers may increase the risk of a heart attack when used during a cold or flu-like illness. Researchers found a stronger association with a heart attack when both an acute respiratory infection and NSAID use were present, with a 3.4-fold increased risk for a heart attack.
Researchers have grown engineered heart tissue using a 3-D printer, improving heart function and decreasing dead tissue after a heart attack. The novel technique holds promise for the clinical use of 3-D-printing technology in preventing heart failure after a heart attack.
A new study found that measuring neuron-specific enolase levels soon after cardiac arrest can help guide patient care decisions. The protein biomarker is a strong predictor of brain recovery in patients who are unconscious for three or more days.
Experts develop five-stage system to classify heart disease risk, including earlier stages for previously underrecognized populations. The new system puts focus on those who pass stress tests or have less obvious danger signs.
Scientists have designed a new class of molecular donors that can release therapeutic levels of hydrogen sulfide, a gas with protective effects on cells. This breakthrough could lead to treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, where oxidative stress causes cellular damage.
Researchers found a 4.2% increase in heart-related deaths during the Christmas period, with average age of cardiac death being 76.2 years. The study suggests that patients may hold back seeking medical care due to travel, geographic isolation, and emotional stress associated with holidays.
Researchers at University of Melbourne found a 4.2% increase in out-of-hospital cardiac deaths during Christmas period in New Zealand, with victims typically younger than usual. Stress, dietary changes, and limited hospital access may contribute to the spike in cardiac deaths.
Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine have identified a protein inhibitor drug that prevents blood vessel blockages, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The study found that PAI-039 decreased blockage formation by about 50 percent, producing a powerful effect in preventing vascular diseases.
A new Northwestern University study reveals that HIV patients have a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes, even when the virus is undetectable in their blood. The risk is estimated to be about 50% higher than predicted by current calculators.
A review of the NHS Health Check programme found a significant increase in diagnoses of diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease among attendees. The study suggests that the programme has prevented an estimated 4,600 to 8,400 heart attacks and strokes in England.
A new study published in Diabetes Care shows that IUDs and subdermal implants are the safest hormonal contraceptives for women with diabetes, with low rates of thromboembolic events. The findings expand pregnancy planning options for this population, encouraging physicians to offer these effective and safe birth control methods.