Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
A new IUPUI study found that treating depression before cardiovascular disease onset can decrease the risk of future heart attacks and strokes. The study followed 235 older patients with depression, finding a 48% lower risk among those receiving collaborative care.
A large health care database study has found a twofold increase in the risk of heart attacks among men under 65 using testosterone therapy. The research also confirmed earlier findings that men over 65 experience a similar increased risk.
A new nanotherapy breakthrough designed to deliver statin medication directly to inflamed blood vessels could potentially prevent repeat heart attacks and strokes. The technology targets inflammation in blood vessels, reducing the risk of clots and cardiovascular events.
Researchers have developed a microparticle therapy that targets inflammatory cells causing damage after a heart attack, reducing lesion size by 50%. The therapy has potential to transform treatment of cardiovascular disease and could be translated for clinical use within two years.
A study published in JAMA found that coronary artery calcium (CAC) density is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers suggest re-evaluating the CAC scoring system to incorporate density and other variables, as dense plaques may be more stable than previously thought.
A new study finds that heart attack survivors, particularly black and Hispanic women, are less likely to adhere to prescribed medications. The researchers highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve long-term adherence and optimal outcomes.
Researchers developed a test to predict early onset of heart attacks by identifying circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in the blood. The technique has been successful in distinguishing patients undergoing treatment for a recent heart attack with healthy controls.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that physical fitness in teenagers can reduce the risk of heart attack later in life. Fit but overweight or obese men have a significantly higher risk of suffering a heart attack than unfit, lean men.
A new 'fluid biopsy' technique identifies circulating endothelial cells as markers in the bloodstream to predict early onset of heart attacks. The test distinguishes patients undergoing treatment for a recent heart attack from healthy controls, offering a potential solution for clinical use.
Researchers found an association between a person's fitness as a teenager and their risk of heart attack in later life. The more aerobically fit men were in late adolescence, the less likely they were to have a heart attack 30 or 40 years later.
Research published in Neurology suggests that having shingles may increase the risk of having a stroke years later, especially in young adults. People aged 18-40 who had shingles were found to be at a higher risk of stroke, heart attack, or transient ischemic attack compared to those who did not have shingles.
A genetic trait linked to stress sensitivity is responsible for a 38% increased risk of heart attacks and deaths in patients with heart disease. Researchers identified a specific gene variation that causes an overactive stress response, leading to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and death.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found individuals with a family history of premature heart disease continue to have a higher risk of dying despite earlier referral to GPs, lifestyle changes, and drug treatments. Doctors are encouraging people to use Christmas gatherings to discuss their medical histories and reduce the ...
A recent study published in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that acute kidney injury is associated with higher mortality rates compared to heart attacks. Patients who experienced both conditions had a significantly higher risk of death.
Researchers found that women younger than 50 with a recent heart attack experience restricted blood flow to the heart in response to psychological stress. This may explain why younger women who are hospitalized after a heart attack face a greater risk of complications and dying compared to men of the same age.
A new bioabsorbable magnesium stent has shown promising results in reducing the risk of heart attacks for up to three years after implantation. Of 46 patients, only two required vessel-opening procedures and one suffered a heart attack within the first year, with no incidents reported in the second year.
Researchers identified critical role of stem cell factor in cardiac repair and regeneration, showing potential clinical benefits of gene transfer to reverse heart damage. The study demonstrated significant improvement in cardiac function and reduced heart muscle cell death.
A study found that younger Hispanic and black women have a higher risk of in-hospital death after a heart attack compared to white men. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from diabetes and have limited access to treatment options such as percutaneous coronary interventions or coronary artery bypass surgery.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that beta-blocker medication given to patients with heart disease undergoing noncardiac surgery is associated with a lower risk of death and major adverse cardiovascular events. The effect was more pronounced in patients with heart failure or recent myocardial infarction.
A trial testing varespladib to reduce cardiovascular events showed the drug actually increased the risk of heart attacks and other events. Researchers found that patients treated with varespladib were more likely to experience sudden death, heart attacks, strokes, and unstable angina than those on placebo.
The study found that varespladib, an enzyme inhibitor, did not significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Patients treated with varespladib had a higher risk of heart attack compared to those receiving placebo.
Researchers discovered genetic differences between African Americans and European Americans that affect blood clot formation, providing a potential explanation for the racial disparity in heart disease outcomes. The study highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches based on an individual's genetic profile.
Researchers identify 18F-NaF as a promising tool to detect high-risk coronary plaques in patients with stable and unstable heart disease. The study suggests that this non-invasive technique could transform the way doctors identify, manage, and treat patients at risk of heart attacks.
Researchers at Temple University have discovered that inhibiting a specific protein called TNNI3K can limit damage from heart attacks and protect the heart from further injury. The findings have significant potential for translation into human patients and could lead to the development of a new treatment using a TNNI3K inhibitor.
A study found that testosterone therapy was associated with a higher risk of adverse outcomes, including death, heart attack, or ischemic stroke, in men who underwent coronary angiography. The use of testosterone therapy was also linked to an increased risk of these events even among patients without underlying coronary artery disease.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that women and African Americans are at a higher risk of heart attack due to atrial fibrillation. The study found that patients with AF, especially women and African-Americans, have a more than double increased risk of heart attack compared to those without AF.
The TATORT-NSTEMI trial found that aspirating blood clots does not significantly reduce microvascular obstruction or the risk of death in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Standard PCI without thrombectomy was shown to be equally effective.
The CHILL-MI trial found that therapeutic hypothermia using intravenous cold saline and endovascular venous cooling reduced clinical heart failure incidence by 71% in STEMI patients. However, the trial missed its primary endpoint of reducing infarct size.
A recent study by Kaiser Permanente found that individuals with low recorded CD4 cell counts have a higher risk of heart attacks compared to HIV-negative subjects. However, those with high CD4 cell counts had the same risk as the general population.
New research led by Dr. Jacob Udell found that the flu vaccine reduces the risk of heart attack or stroke by over 50% among those who have had a heart attack. The study also suggests that the vaccine's heart-protective effects may be even greater among those who receive a more potent vaccine.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that flu shots reduced the risk of heart attack or stroke by 36-55% among patients with a history of heart disease. The vaccine's protective effects were greater in those who received a more potent vaccine.
A UC San Francisco researcher recommends prioritizing dietary calcium intake over supplements to prevent osteoporosis and fractures. The recommended daily dose is 1,200 mg per day, with foods like dairy products, kale, broccoli, and Bok Choy providing essential calcium.
The Dartmouth Atlas report shows wide variation in prescription drug use among Medicare patients across US regions, with higher spending not related to proven treatment use. Effective therapies are underused in some areas, while potentially harmful medications are overprescribed.
Scientists have discovered that ticagrelor reduces the risk of dying from lung infection after a heart attack, with fewer deaths due to sepsis. The study found subtle differences in blood markers of immune cell activity between ticagrelor and clopidogrel treatment patients.
Research from Athens, Greece found that psychological interventions reduced mortality and cardiovascular events by 55% after 2 years or more in patients with coronary heart disease. The addition of psychological support improved patient outcomes by providing information, reassurance, and stress management techniques.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine compared the cardiovascular safety of conjugated equine estrogens (CEEs) and oral estradiol. The research found a greater risk of venous thrombosis associated with CEEs, but no increased risk of heart attack or ischemic stroke.
A new observational study suggests that bioidentical hormones in transdermal patches may be associated with a lower risk of heart attack, while FDA-approved products may carry a slightly lower risk of stroke compared to synthetic hormones. The findings are inconclusive and require confirmation by randomized trials.
A study by McGill University Health Centre found that one in five young women (under 55) experiencing a heart attack do not exhibit chest pain as a symptom. The absence of this common indicator did not correlate with reduced disease severity, highlighting the need for more nuanced assessments and training for healthcare professionals.
A study by researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with longer-lasting chest pain are more likely to have a heart attack. Patients with chest pain of short duration, less than 5 minutes, are unlikely to have a heart attack and have a good prognosis at 30 days.
A Binghamton University researcher has received funding to develop a more accurate way of determining a patient's risk of heart attack or stroke. The goal is to identify which plaques are stable and which ones are dangerous, allowing doctors to make informed decisions.
A new study published in Radiology found that whole-body MRI can accurately predict the risk of heart attack and stroke in diabetic patients. The study revealed that patients with detectable vascular changes on whole-body MRI faced a cumulative risk rate of 20% at three years, increasing to 35% at six years.
Researchers at The University of Manchester and medical institutes in Italy have identified a gene variant associated with vasospasm, a rare cause of heart attacks. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to treat this condition.
A team of scientists has developed a synthetic mRNA that induces self-repair and regeneration of the infarcted heart in mice. The study shows that this approach can lead to long-term therapeutic effects, including improved survival following myocardial infarction.
A study found that heart attack mortality rates have not declined despite a significant reduction in door-to-balloon time, highlighting the need for further strategies to improve care. The analysis of 100,000 heart attack admissions revealed that faster treatment times did not lead to better patient outcomes.
A study suggests that Abbott's high sensitive troponin test can improve the diagnosis and prognosis of patients presenting with symptoms of a heart attack, particularly in women. Women are often under-diagnosed due to lower levels of cardiac troponin, which can contribute to delayed treatment.
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2013 presented several significant studies on cardiovascular disease treatment, including new anticoagulants, heart attack therapies, and preventive measures. The event also highlighted the need for better healthcare access and policy changes to combat CVD in Europe.
Researchers successfully resynchronized cardiac motion following a heart attack using engineered stem cells, preventing heart failure. The breakthrough introduces 'biological resynchronization' as a novel means to treat cardiac dyssynchrony.
The smart phone app uses data from over 100,000 heart attack patients to calculate the risk of repeat attacks within three years. This enables clinicians to tailor treatments to individual patients, reducing the risk of side effects and improving patient outcomes.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that quitting smoking reduces the risk of heart attacks and death to levels seen in never smokers. However, it does not reduce the presence or severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). The study examined over 13,000 patients from around the world and found that activ...
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that otamixaban, a novel anticoagulant, did not reduce ischemic events but increased bleeding among patients with non–ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The trial compared otamixaban with unfraction...
The TASTE trial found that aspiration of the blood clot causing a heart attack does not improve survival rates compared to balloon dilation and stenting alone. The study enrolled over 7,200 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland.
Research published in the journal Heart suggests that flu jab reduces heart attack risk by 45% in middle-aged individuals with narrowed arteries. The study found that flu was an underlying cause of heart attacks in hospital patients, and that vaccination may be protective.
Researchers used clustering techniques to analyze 300 patient cases and identify specific risk factors associated with heart attack risk. Key findings include the importance of age, gender, and lifestyle habits in determining cardiac risk levels.
A BIDMC research team will assess the use of microRNAs as biomarkers in predicting complications in patients who have suffered heart attacks. The goal is to identify microRNA biomarkers that can predict poor health outcomes after heart attacks.
A new study suggests that a half-dose of prasugrel, an anti-platelet drug used to treat heart attacks, works as well as the typical dosage in older patients over 75. The research found no greater risk of bleeding problems with a lower dose of 5-mg/day prasugrel compared to the standard 75-mg clopidogrel dosage.
The study found that the number of individuals with PAD has increased by over 28% globally since 2000, driven by longer life expectancy and changing lifestyles. The researchers identified key risk factors for PAD, including smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) disproportionately affects women, with unique risk factors including pregnancy and autoimmune diseases. Women are more likely to die from CAD than men in similar circumstances, especially at younger ages.
High platelet reactivity after drug-eluting stent implantation was associated with increased risk of stent thrombosis and heart attack, while also reducing major bleeding. However, the association between high platelet reactivity and mortality was not independent.
A study of 26,902 male health professionals found that skipping breakfast was associated with a 27% increased risk of heart attack or death from coronary heart disease. Men who reported eating late at night also had a higher risk of coronary heart disease, but this may not be a major public health concern due to low prevalence in the s...
Researchers used near-infrared spectroscopy to detect lipid core plaque in narrowed arteries of 20 patients experiencing a STEMI. The study found that the characteristic makeup of arterial plaque blocking an artery and causing a heart attack can be identified in living patients.