Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
Researchers found that quitting smoking within a year after a heart attack can lead to similar levels of chest pain and mental health as non-smokers. Smokers who continued to smoke after a heart attack had the worst health status of the four groups, with increased odds of having chest pain.
Patients without obstructive CAD are just as likely to experience angina after a heart attack as those with obstructive CAD. Non-invasive strategies to reduce angina burden could significantly impact patients' health and quality of life.
Researchers found nearly 40% of type 2 diabetes patients with stable heart disease had abnormal troponin levels, indicating ongoing heart injury. Coronary revascularization did not lower troponin levels or reduce risk in these patients.
Johns Hopkins and Mayo experts suggest upgrades to current heart disease prevention guideline, focusing on improved risk prediction and personalized treatment. The new guidelines aim to clarify key points of confusion related to risk prediction and treatment of heart attacks and strokes, promoting more precise and tailored care.
A study of over 83,000 veterans found that restoring normal testosterone levels through gels, patches, or injections reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. Men who achieved normal levels saw significant benefits in cardiovascular health, while those who did not attained normal levels did not experience similar reductions.
Research suggests that normalization of testosterone levels through TRT is associated with lower mortality and fewer cardiovascular events in men without a previous history of myocardial infarction or stroke. The study used a large cohort of male veterans to establish this link, highlighting the potential benefits of adequate TRT dose
A new study published in Neurology suggests that people with low scores on a test of executive function may be at higher risk for heart attacks or strokes. The research found that those with lower scores were 85% more likely to experience a heart attack, and had a 51% higher risk of stroke.
A new Medicaid health care program in Texas has improved care for disabled adults with chronic conditions like heart attacks and COPD. The program's managed care component led to better adherence to recommended standards of care during acute events, such as heart attacks and worsening of COPD.
According to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, women and black patients who experience a heart attack lose significantly more years of their expected life compared to white men. The researchers found that these disparities are not due to differences in comorbidities or treatment utilization.
A new study published in Circulation reveals African-Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest at a higher rate than Caucasians, with significant differences in age, diabetes prevalence, and hypertension rates. The study suggests that prevention strategies may need to be tailored to different racial and ethnic groups.
A new UCLA study found that sepsis accounts for a significant percentage of hospital readmissions in California, with an estimated annual cost of $500 million. The study also revealed disparities in readmission rates among different demographics, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address this critical issue.
A study analyzing nearly 1.2 million participants found that mortality rates are similar for each condition, but risk increases substantially with additional conditions. Patients with multiple cardiometabolic conditions can experience significant reductions in life expectancy, up to 15 years lower at age 60.
Johns Hopkins scientists discovered that blocking calcium from entering mitochondria in heart cells didn't prevent cell death after heart attacks, but rather activated alternative pathways. The study's findings challenge the long-standing theory of using calcium channel blockage to prevent heart attack damage.
Researchers found that white women with surgical-induced menopause had a 35% reduced risk of non-fatal heart attacks compared to white men, while black women showed less significant differences. The study suggests that healthy preventive behaviors are crucial for all women, regardless of menopausal status.
A large study found that women with PTSD have a 60% higher rate of heart attacks and strokes compared to those without trauma. Trauma exposure alone also increases cardiovascular risk by nearly 50%. The authors suggest that integrating mental and physical health care may help reduce this risk.
Fewer than 1 in 10 eligible patients with low ejection fraction received an ICD within 1 year after a heart attack. ICD implantation was associated with a 36% lower risk of death at two years. Additional research is needed to increase ICD implantation among eligible patients.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that older heart patients with reduced function may benefit from defibrillators, which can lower the risk of death by one-third. However, the devices are underutilized due to factors such as advanced age, transitions in care, and mandatory waiting periods.
A large cohort study found that men with poor sleep had a significantly higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The study also showed that sleeping disorders were associated with the social gradient, with higher rates in widowed or divorced individuals.
A large data-mining study by Stanford University School of Medicine has linked proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) to an elevated risk of heart attack. The study found a 20% increase in the rate of subsequent heart-attack risk among all adult PPI users, even when excluding those also taking clopidogrel.
A massive new study by Houston Methodist and Stanford University scientists found that adults using proton pump inhibitors are at a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack. The study examined 16 million clinical documents representing 2.9 million patients and showed no increased heart attack risk for those taking H2 blockers.
Researchers have discovered the 'bicycle spoke' structure of healthy heart cells, which carries an electrical signal through the cell. After a heart attack, this structure is lost and leads to damaged heart muscle and potential heart failure. The study aims to find out why this process happens and develop strategies to intervene.
A new study found that keeping blood sugar levels under good control for many years can reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or amputation. The researchers conclude that a long-term average A1C level of around 8 is enough to achieve most cardiovascular benefits.
The European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care concludes that there is no clinically relevant evidence to withdraw nitrous oxide from clinical practice or procedural sedation. The debate focuses on the decline of its use over the last 15 years due to new, well-tolerated anaesthetic drugs and modern machines.
A Loyola Medicine study found that post-operative atrial fibrillation significantly increases the risk of heart attack or stroke during the first 12 months after surgery. Among bladder cancer patients, 24.8% experienced a heart attack or stroke with POAF, compared to 10.9% without POAF.
A large international study found that weak grip strength is linked with shorter survival and a greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Grip strength was also found to be a stronger predictor of death than systolic blood pressure.
Researchers analyzed 2,765 adults who underwent angioplasty and found that quitting smoking significantly improved quality of life and reduced chest pain. Smoking cessation was associated with a lower risk of chest pain at one year after the procedure.
Scientists have developed a simple thermometer-like device to detect troponin levels in blood, which can help diagnose heart attacks. The device uses nanoparticles, ink, and a glass vial to measure the protein's concentration, making it accessible for point-of-care use in low-income areas.
Research found that traumatic life events, such as losing a loved one or experiencing a life-threatening illness, increased the risk of heart attack in middle-aged and older women. Additionally, a history of financial struggle was independently associated with a two-fold higher risk for heart attack.
Research finds patients who arrived by ambulance took an average of 26 minutes compared to 38 minutes for those driving themselves. Paramedics can activate care more quickly than patients seeking care on their own, highlighting the importance of trusting EMS providers.
Researchers found that atrial fibrillation, the most prevalent heart rhythm disorder, is associated only with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) type of heart attack, increasing risk by 63 percent overall and higher rates in women. Atrial fibrillation has long been known to be a risk factor for stroke.
A major international study from Lund University found that half of cardiac arrest patients experience cognitive problems like memory and attention issues. The researchers believe that these issues can be attributed to common risk factors among heart disease patients, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
A national survey found that over half of US older adults are now taking a daily dose of aspirin for primary prevention, with 81% having no prior heart attack or stroke. The reasons cited for its use include heart attack and stroke prevention, as well as cancer prevention.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center reveals that divorced women are nearly twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to stably-married peers. The study also found that the cumulative effect of divorce can have a lasting imprint on people's health, with women facing worse outcomes than men after divorce.
A new study published in Circulation found that middle-aged athletes are at low risk of having a sudden cardiac arrest while playing sports, with a survival rate of 23% compared to 13%. The study also shows that men are seven times more likely than women to have a sports-related sudden cardiac arrest.
An observational study of San Antonio men and women aged 65+ found that frequent diet soda consumption was associated with significant increases in waist circumference over 9 years. The risk of metabolic disease, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, cancer, and mortality also rose proportionally.
A study led by researchers from Mount Sinai Hospital shows that a nanotherapeutic medicine can halt the growth of artery plaque cells and suppress inflammation, leading to reduced heart attack risk. The therapy uses high-density lipoprotein (HDL) to target inflamed immune cells in arterial plaques.
A Johns Hopkins report provides clinicians with concrete tips to help patients decide whether to take statins, balancing benefits and risks. The report emphasizes the importance of individualized advice, clear explanation of benefits and risks, and shared decision-making.
Researchers identified five familial cases of spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), a condition where a tear occurs inside an artery leading to a heart attack. The study suggests that SCAD may be inherited, with implications for at-risk family members and a better understanding of the condition.
A large study has found that routine blood clot removal during heart attack treatment does not benefit patients and may increase the risk of stroke. The TOTAL trial involved over 10,700 patients and showed no differences in cardiovascular outcomes between those who received clot removal and those who did not.
A study found that complete revascularization after emergency angioplasty for STEMI reduced unplanned angioplasty or bypass surgery by 12%. Rates of death and repeat heart attacks were comparable between groups. The approach may help patients avoid future cardiac events.
A study of over 18,000 patients found that newer drug-coated stents have similar long-term rates of death as traditional bypass surgery. However, the stent group had slightly more heart attacks in the long term.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that routine heart scans for patients referred to cardiac clinics with chest pain could reduce heart attack rates. The SCOT-HEART trial found that around a quarter of patients had their diagnoses reclassified after receiving the scan, prompting new treatments in many cases.
The study found that Bendavia did not prevent irreversible injury to the heart but showed a trend towards improved heart pumping function. The drug is well-tolerated but lacks significant benefits in reducing scarring from angioplasty after a heart attack.
The study found that adding ticagrelor to aspirin therapy after a heart attack significantly reduced the rate of subsequent death from cardiovascular causes, with benefits appearing for nearly three years. The trial recruited 21,162 patients and showed a 15% reduction in cardiovascular death with both ticagrelor doses.
Studies link energy drink consumption to increased resting blood pressure, while smoking is associated with a higher risk of fractured stents in limb arteries. Social habits also play a role in recovery from early-onset heart attacks in low-income urban communities.
Research found that nearly 5,000 coronary heart disease patients experienced a significant increased risk of death or heart attack when experiencing high stress and heavy depressive symptoms. The 'psychosocial perfect storm' was validated by the study's findings, which suggest behavioral interventions could help manage both conditions.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that physicians and patients significantly overestimated the risk of heart attack and death from acute coronary syndrome. Despite discussions about risk, patients' assessment of their risk remained unchanged or increased, highlighting ineffective patient-physician communication.
A study found that pre-hospital delays for women with heart attacks were associated with a higher risk of dying. Women waited an average of one hour to call emergency services and over 70% took longer than an hour to get to a hospital equipped to treat them.
Research suggests statin therapy provides greatest benefit to patients with highest genetic risk of heart attack. Genetic analysis assesses heart attack risk independently of traditional factors, identifying those at higher baseline risk who reap greater benefits from therapy. The study's findings have implications for precision medici...
Researchers identified a genetic risk score that predicts cardiovascular death and heart attack risk, with individuals in the highest genetic risk group experiencing a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk with statin therapy. The study found a three-fold increase in absolute risk reduction in those with high genetic risk.
A recent meta-analysis of 36 studies found that moderate coffee consumption is associated with a decreased risk of heart disease. Participants who consumed 3-5 cups of coffee per day had the lowest risk of clogged arteries and heart attacks.
A new study in JAMA found that patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) along with anticoagulant medications after a heart attack are at higher risk for bleeding and cardiovascular events. The research suggests that there is no safe window for concomitant NSAID use, even short-term treatment.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal: Acute Cardiovascular Care found that intense anger is associated with a significantly higher risk of heart attack. The study discovered that acute coronary blockage was more likely to occur within two hours of an angry episode, with the risk being eight times higher than usual.
USF scientists found that statins produce a significant reduction in cholesterol levels but have failed to substantially improve cardiovascular outcomes. The researchers argue that advocates for statins have used statistical deception to inflate their effectiveness and downplay adverse effects.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center developed nanoparticles that deliver a special type of healing molecule to fat deposits in arteries, slowly releasing the drug and repairing damage. The approach avoids common side effects and may prevent heart attacks by targeting inflammation hotspots.
A study found that older adults with physical limitations who engage in low-intensity activities for a short duration can lower their risk of heart attack and coronary death. Participants who spent more time being sedentary had higher predicted risks, highlighting the importance of regular intervals of movement.
Patients receiving fondaparinux had a lower risk of major bleeding events and death following a heart attack compared to those receiving low-molecular-weight heparin. This association was observed in both hospital settings and six months post-incident.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that four out of five widely used clinical calculators significantly overestimate the likelihood of a heart attack. The researchers found that these algorithms calculate heart attack probability using factors such as gender, age, smoking history, and cholesterol levels, but may not accurate...
Research presented at the Saudi Heart Association conference reveals that 26% of participants are at high risk of having a heart attack or dying from a heart attack in 10 years. The study found that diabetes, obesity, and smoking were major contributors to this risk.
A new study found that young and middle-aged women experience higher levels of mental stress after a heart attack, leading to worse recovery outcomes. The study analyzed data from over 2,400 female and male heart attack survivors between 18-55 years old.