Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
A new risk model and risk score have been developed to identify patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) after non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE ACS). The cumulative incidence of SCD was found to occur continuously over time, with a rate of approximately 1 percent per year.
A new study reveals genetically inherited high levels of cholesterol are more prevalent than previously believed, affecting an estimated 834,500 U.S. adults. Researchers found that familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) affects both men and women equally, with varying prevalence rates across racial groups.
Research reveals gut microbes produce compound TMAO, which encourages over-reactive platelet function, increasing thrombosis risk. Higher TMAO levels linked to heart attacks and strokes in humans.
A study found that men who received healthy lifestyle advice for five years had a sustained 29% reduced risk of death from first heart attack, even after 40 years. Participants were advised to reduce saturated fats and increase fish and vegetable consumption.
Researchers discovered a mutated ANGPTL4 gene that lowers triglyceride values in the blood, reducing the risk of coronary disease. This breakthrough may lead to new medications that simulate the effect of this mutation, providing a concrete goal for future research.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that improved lifestyles led to a significant decrease in cholesterol levels, resulting in reduced cardiovascular disease and cardiac death. The study shows that changes in diet and lifestyle had a more pronounced effect on older individuals and those with high risk of cardiovascula...
Research suggests that moderate drinking poses an immediate higher cardiovascular risk, but this risk lessens and can become protective after 24 hours. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, heightens short- and long-term risks of heart attack and stroke.
Researchers found that reducing fruit and vegetable prices could decrease cardiovascular deaths by 1.2% in five years, while increasing sugary drink prices could lead to a 0.25% decrease in heart attacks. Implementing such policies nationwide could potentially prevent 515,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease.
A University of Louisville cardiologist is conducting a study to determine if certain lipids in blood can be used to identify women at risk for a heart attack. The presence of oxidized phospholipids may allow doctors to pinpoint women with increased risk before permanent damage occurs.
Researchers have discovered that a new medication, pioglitazone, can reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by nearly a quarter in patients who have previously suffered a stroke or mini-stroke. This breakthrough finding presents a promising new strategy for preventing cardiovascular disease.
Women who become pregnant at age 40 or older face a greater risk of stroke and heart attack later in life compared to younger women. Established cardiovascular risk factors explained most of the higher risk, but not the link between advanced age pregnancy and hemorrhagic stroke.
A global study suggests that pioglitazone, a diabetes drug, can prevent recurrent stroke and heart attacks in people with insulin resistance but without diabetes. The Insulin Resistance Intervention after Stroke (IRIS) trial found a 24% relative decrease in stroke or heart attack risk among patients taking pioglitazone.
A study found that heart attack patients who experience cardiogenic shock have a higher risk of death or rehospitalization in the first 60 days post-discharge. However, by the end of the first year, the gap between the two groups narrows.
Researchers found that metformin enhances new blood vessel formation and reverses oxygen delay during a heart attack. The study suggests that the medication can aid in heart attack recovery by promoting the growth of new blood vessels.
Men who experienced a family member's incarceration during childhood are approximately twice as likely to have a heart attack in later adulthood compared to those without such exposure. The study also found no association between childhood family member incarceration and heart attacks in women.
Researchers found that individuals with higher MET scores (indicating higher physical fitness) had a 40% lower mortality rate after a first heart attack. The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, suggests that doctors should recommend exercise programs to patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study of nearly 70,000 patients found that those with higher aerobic fitness before a heart attack are more likely to survive their first heart attack. Fitness levels were associated with improved short-term survival rates after the event.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association underscores the need to understand and treat heart disease in women. Women's hearts are different from men's, with unique symptoms such as palpitations, back pain, or jaw pain, which can be misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness.
A new scientific statement highlights differences in heart attacks between women and men, including different underlying causes, symptoms, and risk factors. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms and undertreated with guideline-recommended medications, leading to worse outcomes.
Researchers review studies on PrEP and aspirin, finding similar low rates of serious side effects. PrEP works well to prevent HIV when taken daily, supporting efforts to make it available over-the-counter.
The NHS Health Check programme effectively identifies people at risk of cardiovascular incidents and helps diagnose conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease. The study found that the programme prevented 2,500 cases from treatment following the check over its first five years.
Researchers found that transradial rescue PCI was used in only 15% of cases, and those who were most prone to bleeding were more likely to be treated with transfemoral access. The study highlights the 'risk-treatment paradox,' where patients at high risk for a condition are less likely to receive aggressive treatment.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients with sudden cardiac arrest who received medical attention shortly after exhibiting warning signs had a significantly higher chance of survival compared to those who ignored their symptoms. Researchers collected data from survivors, family members, and medical r...
A new study by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that more than half of patients who experience sudden cardiac arrest ignore key symptoms prior to the event. These symptoms often include chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations, occurring up to a month before the fatal heart rhythm malfunction.
A study led by Dr Gerry McCann found that treating multiple narrowed arteries during a heart attack does not increase the amount of heart muscle damage. The research suggests it is safe for cardiologists to insert stents in all discovered narrowings while treating a heart attack.
Researchers found a strong association between negative news stories about statins and early discontinuation, increasing the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular mortality. The study suggests that exposure to negative news can play a role in patients' decisions to stop taking their medication.
A study published in International Journal of Cardiology found that mildly elevated levels of bilirubin, a bile pigment, can reduce damage and improve heart function during recovery from a heart attack. Higher levels of bilirubin have also been shown to protect the circulation from oxidative damage.
A study found that young women who survived heart attacks or strokes had higher mortality rates from cardiovascular events, with an increased risk of cardiac and cerebral events. The researchers followed up with 226 women who had a heart attack, 160 women who had ischemic stroke, and 782 comparison patients for nearly 19 years.
A study of 1,400 patients compared IVUS-guided and angiography-guided drug-eluting stent implantation methods. The findings suggest better outcomes with IVUS-guiding, particularly for diffuse long lesions, with a significant reduction in ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization.
A recent study has shown that when cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, their DNA becomes compacted into tight clusters. This dramatic change reduces gene activity and leads to cell shutdown. The discovery may help researchers develop new treatments for diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.
A new study of 1,472 healthy men found that testosterone supplementation did not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. Testosterone therapy was shown to reduce these risks compared to non-supplemented individuals.
A study of over 14,000 adults found those born with congenital heart disease have a 3.5 times higher risk of heart attack before age 50 and twice the risk after. Mortality rates are also significantly higher, with some cases showing a mortality rate four times that of the general population.
Disclosing genetic risk information for coronary heart disease results in lower low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol levels. Participants who received genetic risk information showed nearly 10 milligrams per deciliter of blood lower LDL levels six months after risk disclosure.
A major new study found that people with heart disease face an increased risk of a serious heart attack during poor air quality days. Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute identified a strong association between bad air quality days and a higher risk of STEMI, the most dangerous type of heart attack.
A new study found that promptly diagnosing and treating diabetes in heart attack patients significantly improves their cardiac outcomes. Researchers identified 707 patients who met criteria for a diabetes diagnosis but were only clinically diagnosed 30% of the time.
A study published in JAMA Network found that nearly 8% of the population has myocardial scars, indicating a 'silent' heart attack. The majority (78%) of these scars were undetected by electrocardiography or clinical evaluation, highlighting the need for improved detection methods.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that young women under 55 are 11% less likely to report being told they are at-risk for heart disease before a heart attack. The study analyzed data from over 3,500 patients and found that women were also less likely to receive preventative therapy.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that young women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction have higher rates of in-hospital mortality, longer hospital stays, and are less likely to receive life-saving angioplasty and stenting procedures compared to men.
A new study found that only half of younger heart attack patients believed they were at risk before the attack, with women being less likely to be informed by their doctors. The study highlights a need for better education and counseling on heart disease prevention among young individuals, particularly women.
Research published in the American Heart Association journal found that young women are less likely to be prescribed or fill their medication after a heart attack. Despite being eligible for the same treatment as men, only 65% of women under 55 initiated treatment on all appropriate drugs, similar to men.
A new tool has been developed to identify unstable atherosclerotic plaques at greatest risk of rupture, a major contributor to heart attacks and strokes. The tool uses fluorescent probes to detect the severity of plaques and shows high sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing high-risk plaques from stable ones.
A large study found that exercise and stopping smoking had the strongest association with improved depression after a heart attack. Patients who quit smoking had a 2.3 greater chance of improving their depression, while those who were already physically active at the beginning of the study were more likely to improve their symptoms.
Researchers identified a troponin threshold below which patients are at very low risk of heart attack and may be eligible for early, safe discharge. Using this approach could reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and provide substantial cost savings.
Researchers have developed a sticky gel that helps stem cells adhere to and restore their metabolism in rat hearts, improving cardiac function after simulated heart attacks. The gel, which combines serum and hyaluronic acid, has been shown to retain up to 73% of transplanted cells in the heart.
A Swedish study found that women with moderate beer consumption have a 30% lower risk of heart attack compared to those who drink heavily or not at all. The study also reveals an increased risk of cancer among high spirit consumers, while moderate wine consumption had no protective effect.
A long-term follow-up study found that men with comorbidity and a prior heart attack who received androgen deprivation therapy had a higher risk of fatal heart attacks. The study suggests that treatment with radiation therapy alone may be a safer option for these patients.
Research suggests that sexual activity does not increase the risk of heart attack and can be resumed after a heart attack. Most patients are safe to engage in sex again, with less than half of men and one-third of women receiving information on this topic from their doctors.
A team of researchers has identified a protein that helps heart muscle cells regenerate after a heart attack, improving cardiac function and survival rates in mice and pigs. The protein patch, loaded with Follistatin-like 1, showed remarkable results in animal models, regaining nearly normal function within four to eight weeks.
Researchers at York University have discovered that beta-blockers may prevent further cell death following a heart attack, potentially leading to better long-term patient outcomes. The study found that the protein complex MEF2 plays a key role in heart cell survival and gene expression.
A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that black patients and those with low socioeconomic status have shorter life expectancies after a heart attack. Life expectancy gaps are largest among black patients with higher socioeconomic status, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A recent study of over 150,000 smokers found that varenicline does not increase the risk of heart attack or depression. The research suggests that doctors can prescribe varenicline more widely to help people quit smoking, supporting its effectiveness and safety.
Researchers found that coronary spasm at sites of atherosclerotic coronary artery narrowing significantly increases the risk of future heart attacks. Patients with these spasms are more likely to experience acute coronary syndrome, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and preventative therapy.
A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that osteoarthritis patients who underwent total knee or hip joint replacement surgery were at increased risk of heart attack immediately following arthroplasty. However, long-term risk was insignificant, while the risk for venous thromboembolism remained years after the procedure.
A recent study presented at ESC Congress found that young women with diabetes have a six-fold risk of heart attack. The research, which analyzed data from over 7,000 women, also revealed that smoking was the leading risk factor for young women with myocardial infarction.
The CIRCUS trial found that cyclosporine did not reduce all-cause death, hospitalization for heart failure, or adverse left ventricular remodelling in STEMI patients undergoing PCI. The study suggested that targeting reperfusion injury remains a major challenge for PCI cardiologists.
Research suggests that exposure to particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide air pollutants is associated with an increased risk of severe heart attacks. The study found that men aged 75 and above were more susceptible to fine particles, while younger individuals were more affected by NO2.
Researchers found that ezetimibe, when added to a statin, significantly reduced the risk of future ischemic stroke, heart attack, and cardiovascular death in patients with diabetes who had an acute coronary syndrome. Ezetimibe also lowered LDL-cholesterol levels by 43mg/dL after one year.
Research presented at ESC Congress found a strong association between cold weather and severe heart attacks in Winnipeg, Canada. A 6-year study showed that each 10°C drop in temperature increased the risk of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) by 7%.
Researchers found that patients with high risks of MI and bleeding were admitted for NSTE ACS on warmer, sunnier days with higher carbon monoxide and ozone air concentrations. Treatment with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was more successful when the weather was sunnier but colder and with lower concentrations of air pollutants.
A study of over 5,000 people found that subtle elevations in cardiac troponin T levels can predict future hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. The test may help identify those at risk for hypertension and allow for earlier intervention with lifestyle changes or medication.