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 Emergency Medicine Journal suggests that combining clinical judgement with electrocardiogram and blood tests can effectively reduce unnecessary hospital admissions for chest pain. The findings could make a huge difference to a large number of patients, particularly in regions with high incidence rates of he...
A new study analyzing hospital data from 2001 to 2010 found that young women with a heart attack have longer hospital stays and are more likely to die in the hospital compared to men. The study suggests that raising awareness of controlling cardiovascular risk factors is crucial for improving outcomes in this population.
A new study suggests that niacin should no longer be prescribed for most patients due to potential increased risk of death and dangerous side effects. The therapy was found to have no benefit in reducing heart attacks and strokes, despite raising HDL cholesterol levels.
Patients with a history of stroke are at higher risk for major adverse cardiovascular events and death after elective non-cardiac surgery. A recent study found that the time elapsed between stroke and surgery is critical in determining this risk, with those experiencing a stroke less than 9 months prior being particularly vulnerable.
A new study published in The Lancet compares two drugs used to prevent blood clot formation during emergency heart attack treatment. The results suggest that systematic use of heparin rather than bivalirudin after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) could save health services substantial sums of money while potentially im...
A new US-based study of over 25,000 older men shows that testosterone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of heart attack. In fact, men with cardiovascular problems who used testosterone had a lower rate of heart attacks compared to those who did not.
Researchers found that quitting snus, a Swedish smokeless powder tobacco, reduced the mortality risk by nearly half compared to those who continued using it. After a heart attack, cessation of snus use was associated with similar health benefits as smoking cessation.
The study found that hospitalizations for STEMI increased from 3.7 to 15.8 per 100,000 population over the decade, despite improvements in treatment intensity.
African-American barbers will be enlisted in the fight against hypertension through a new grant, which aims to train barbers to conduct blood pressure checks and steer patients to lifesaving medical care. The study aims to test the effectiveness of barbershop hypertension programs and their cost-effectiveness.
Women aged 55 and under are twice as likely to suffer a heart attack, die, or require artery-opening procedures if they're moderately or severely depressed. The study found that each 1-point increase in depression symptoms is associated with a 7% increase in the presence of heart disease in women 55 and younger.
A new study found that heart attack patients with kidney problems are less likely to receive recommended treatments, including angiograms and invasive procedures. However, recent studies suggest these risks may be overstated, and clinicians can ensure patient hydration reduces the risk of injury.
The study found no difference in mortality rates between patients who received preoperative beta-blockers and those who did not. However, patients who received preoperative beta-blockers had higher rates of new-onset atrial fibrillation compared to those who did not.
A study found that Sjögren's Syndrome significantly increases the risk of heart attack in patients, particularly within the first year following diagnosis. The research highlights the importance of active management of cardiovascular risk factors to reduce the risk of a future heart attack.
Research published in mBio shows that stress and emotional shock can trigger heart attacks by dispersing bacterial biofilms on arterial walls. Bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa are found in atherosclerotic carotid arteries, and their dispersion can cause plaque deposits to rupture into the bloodstream.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a genome-editing approach that permanently reduces cholesterol levels in mice through a single injection. This approach could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks in humans, translating to a potential 90% reduction in heart attack risk. The technique targets the PCSK9 gene and ...
A new study has found that non-obstructive coronary artery disease is associated with a 28-44% increased risk of major adverse cardiac events such as heart attacks or death. Patients with non-obstructive disease should consider preventive therapies like quitting smoking and taking preventative medications.
A large study finds that high levels of certain air pollutants are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, including irregular heart rhythms and lung blood clots. The research suggests that particulate matter is particularly harmful for elderly people.
A study of nearly 65,000 older patients with pneumonia found that azithromycin reduced mortality by 17.4%, while increasing the risk of heart attacks by 5.1%. The treatment also had a slight increase in cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure
New research reveals that up to 10.1% of people who have a heart attack are newly diagnosed with diabetes due to unrecognized A1C levels. Recognizing diabetes in these patients is crucial as it can guide treatments for coronary artery disease and prevent additional cardiovascular complications.
Women aged 55 or younger are more likely to experience poorer physical functioning, mental functioning, quality of life, chest pain, and physical limitations after a heart attack. This disparity is attributed to various factors, including undetected chest pain, access issues, and increased work-life responsibilities.
A new study found that delaying anti-clotting medication after a coronary artery stent can increase the risk of heart attack and death. Filling prescriptions promptly within days of hospital discharge may help prevent these complications.
Research found that eating more fibre, especially cereal fibre, can improve long-term survival rates after a heart attack. Those who ate the most fibre had a 25% lower chance of dying in nine years compared to those who ate least fibre.
Researchers developed a new ultrasound device that can identify vulnerable arterial plaques, which are more likely to break off and cause heart attacks or strokes. The device uses dual-frequency intravascular ultrasound technology to detect contrast agents, making it easier to highlight vulnerable plaques on ultrasound images.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) test on patients with suspected heart attacks while they are being transported to hospital by ambulance can significantly reduce mortality rates. The study, which analyzed data from nearly half a million adults admitted with a heart attack in Eng...
Research suggests that interrupting diurnal rhythms impairs healing immediately after a heart attack, while normal cycles promote better outcomes. Maintaining circadian rhythms during the first few days after an attack can improve scar formation and healing.
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered how MRP-14 generates dangerous clots that could trigger heart attack or stroke. MRP-14 binds to a platelet receptor called CD36 to activate platelets, promoting pathologic blood clotting.
The sodium pump's hybrid function enables simultaneous import of protons, raising questions about its role in pathologies. This discovery may have important implications for conditions like muscle exercise, heart attacks, and strokes.
Patients given aspirin after non-heart-related surgery had a higher risk of serious bleeding than those who did not receive aspirin. Aspirin did not reduce incidence of post-operative heart attacks and death, according to data from POISE-2.
A recent study published in JAMA found that metformin treatment did not improve ventricular function in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) without diabetes. The study showed no significant difference in left ventricular ejection fraction between the metformin and placebo groups.
A JAMA study finds that biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents (BP-BES) have similar safety outcomes to durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (DP-EES) after two years, with noninferiority found for death and heart attack rates. The rates of target-lesion revascularization were also noninferior between the groups.
Researchers developed a hydrogel that delivers enzyme inhibitors to damaged heart tissue, minimizing long-term damage and improving heart function. The gel's responsive design allows it to release inhibitors in response to the activity level of the enzyme.
A study comparing heparin and bivalirudin found that patients treated with heparin had significantly fewer major cardiovascular events at 28 days compared to those receiving bivalirudin. Heparin was also shown to reduce repeat heart attacks caused by stent thrombosis.
A worldwide study of 7,500 patients found that giving steroids during bypass surgery does not improve health outcomes and may increase the risk of heart attack. The study challenges a decades-long practice in cardiac surgery, suggesting that steroids should not be used prophylactically.
A blood test using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T can accurately predict heart attack risk in patients with chest pain, allowing for targeted admissions and reduced hospital costs. The test's negative predictive value was found to be 99.8 percent for heart attack within 30 days.
The study found that aleglitazar did not decrease the time to cardiovascular death, nonfatal heart attack, or nonfatal stroke among patients with type 2 diabetes. The drug was associated with increased risks of kidney abnormalities, bone fractures, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hypoglycemia.
Researchers identified plasma levels of microRNA 122 and 126 that decline before a person suffers a heart attack, suggesting these markers may help predict imminent risk. The discovery could lead to the development of a blood test to identify people at high risk of having a heart attack.
Researchers used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to identify patients with mild heart disease who were at high risk of developing more serious heart problems. The study found that these patients had nearly three times the likelihood of experiencing a major cardiac event over time compared to those without a mild heart attack.
A comprehensive review of bariatric surgery data shows that death rates are reduced by 40% and heart attacks by half compared to non-surgical obese patients. Obesity is a significant health issue worldwide, associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and shorter life expectancy.
A new study on Michigan's smoke-free indoor air law found a statistically significant reduction in cardiovascular disease and death with related hospitalizations decreasing by 2.03 percent after the ban implementation.
A new study reveals a significant disparity in heart attack mortality rates between regions of the US, with the South experiencing the highest death rates. The research suggests that socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, including lower median household income and unhealthy habits, may contribute to this disparity.
A new microfluidic method simulates blood flowing through narrowed coronary arteries to evaluate anti-clotting drugs like aspirin. The study found that while aspirin can prevent dangerous clots in some patients, it may not be effective for those with narrowed arteries.
Researchers have developed controllable chemical compounds that can deliver protective effects of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, reducing heart attack injury by up to 70%. The technology aims to unlock the gas's therapeutic potential in treating conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that younger adults experiencing heart attacks and angina received faster care if they were male. The study also identified gender-related factors affecting access to care, including anxiety levels and personality traits.
Scientists have identified a previously unrecognized gene variation associated with healthier blood lipid levels and reduced risk of heart attacks. The discovery uses a new approach to scan the genome for variations in genes that change protein function.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a new pathway linking two major biological processes that occur after a heart attack, leading to potential cardioprotection. The study identifies the activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway as key events in this process.
A study found that total joint replacement (TJR) reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other 'cardiovascular events' in patients with moderate-to-severe arthritis. This may be due to increased mobility and physical activity levels, which have a positive impact on cardiovascular health.
Researchers at Monash University developed a new class of drug targeting alternative recognition sites on GPCRs to fine-tune protein behavior, reducing damage and potential side effects. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of a new treatment for heart attacks and heart failure.
A study published in the European Heart Journal reveals a nearly fivefold increased risk for heart attack in the two hours following an angry outburst. The researchers found that patients with cardiovascular events were more likely to have experienced anger immediately prior to the event.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that outbursts of anger can trigger heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems in the two hours immediately afterwards. The risk is particularly high for those with existing cardiovascular problems or a history of heart attack or stroke.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland developed a novel treatment using RNA molecules to target and enhance vascular endothelial growth factor gene (VEGF-A) production. This approach significantly reduced myocardial infarction size in mouse models, offering new hope for heart disease treatments.
A study analyzing over 2 million patients who underwent PCI found a significant association between blood transfusion and an increased risk of in-hospital heart attack, stroke, or death. The analysis also showed considerable variation in red blood cell transfusion practices among hospitals across the US.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that fatal heart attacks and strokes among firefighters frequently follow vigorous physical activity. The researchers analyzed data from 1998 to 2012 and discovered that 148 out of 199 events occurred after vigorous exercise lasting an average of 33 minutes.
The risk of heart attack or stroke increases significantly in the 30 days following a partner's death. Bereavement is associated with cardiovascular events and may be linked to adverse physiological responses during acute grief.
Researchers found that a cancer medication reduces sudden cardiac death risk in mice with abnormal heartbeats and heart failure. This promising treatment option could provide patients and clinicians with a new paradigm for treating life-threatening illness.
A new blood test measures a protein called cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) to detect heart attacks more quickly. cMyBP-C is released to the bloodstream within just 15 minutes of cardiac damage, rising to significant levels in three hours.
Researchers found that patients treated with high-potency statins had a 28% lower risk of death compared to those on simvastatin. Ezetimibe addition showed no improved survival rate, contrary to previous hopes as a potential treatment for heart patients.
A GW researcher has discovered that gene therapy can elicit a regenerative response in pig hearts after a heart attack. The treatment utilizes the Cyclin A2 protein to stimulate cellular division and promote cardiac repair.
A study found that public defibrillators are underutilized in England, with only 1.74% of cardiac arrests being treated with the device. The authors suggest that more education and placement of defibrillators in public areas could improve survival rates.
A simple blood test can identify 85% of post-surgical heart attacks, which often go undetected due to a lack of symptoms. Heart attacks are the leading cause of death within 30 days of surgery, with 10% mortality rate.
Researchers found that hydrogen sulfide regulates the body's production of nitric oxide, which protects the heart muscle against cell death. The study's discovery has far-reaching implications for developing novel treatments for cardiovascular disease.