Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
Researchers at Cleveland Clinic discovered that medicated stents reduce heart attacks and new blockages in vessels beyond the stent. Patients receiving drug-coated stents have a lower likelihood of suffering heart attacks or developing new blockages.
Research finds psoriasis patients are 26% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and 18% more likely to die from all causes after a heart attack. The study emphasizes the need for a more aggressive approach to secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in psoriasis patients.
A US study found that many Americans believe only highly effective drugs without serious side effects are approved. Brief explanations to patients about drug benefits and harms uncertainties can help them make better choices. The FDA does not guarantee a large or important benefit from a drug or that all serious adverse effects are known.
The European Society of Cardiology promotes primary PCI as the best reperfusion therapy for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis and triage can significantly reduce mortality rates.
A randomized multicentre open-label study found that 24-month duration of dual therapy is no better than six months in preventing adverse cardiac events, but significantly increases the risk of bleeding and transfusion. The study challenges current guideline recommendations.
A study analyzing medication trials published in high-impact general medicine journals found that surrogate outcomes, composite outcomes, and disease-specific mortality are used, which can be misleading. These outcome measures may not accurately reflect a medication's impact on important clinical outcomes like heart attacks or strokes.
Studies show that ankle brachial index can help identify individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events, while bifurcated prostheses on aorto-iliac lesions may improve PAD treatment outcomes. Early detection and intervention are crucial to managing PAD and preventing serious consequences.
According to a study, nearly all heart attack patients requiring emergency angioplasty are now treated within the recommended time frame, with a significant improvement from less than half the patients five years prior. The median door-to-balloon time has declined from 96 to 64 minutes during this period.
A five-year study by Yale researchers found that nearly all heart attack patients were receiving angioplasty within 90 minutes of hospital admission, with a significant improvement from 44% in 2005 to 91% in 2010. This rapid progress was attributed to nationwide efforts to accelerate treatment and improve care for patients.
A new study suggests that coronary artery calcium (CAC) is a more accurate predictor of heart attacks and strokes than C-reactive protein (CRP) in healthy adults. High CAC scores are associated with a fourfold increased risk of cardiovascular disease, while low scores indicate an extremely low risk of events. Statin treatment may be mo...
A study of over 2,000 people found that high levels of coronary calcium were a better predictor of heart attack and stroke risk than C-reactive protein. The research suggests that statin medication may be unnecessary for some individuals with normal LDL cholesterol levels and low C-reactive protein levels.
Researchers found that limiting drug-eluting stent use to high-risk patients preserves clinical benefits while reducing costs by an average of $401 per patient. The selective use of these stents has saved the US healthcare system around $400 million annually.
A UCLA preclinical study found that Intralipid, a man-made fat emulsion, can prevent extensive heart damage and preserve heart function when used during blood flow return after a heart attack. This discovery may introduce a new way to significantly decrease damage to the heart muscle due to reperfusion injury.
A study found that a 4-day non-denominational spiritual retreat significantly lowered depression in heart patients, while also raising hope. The retreat included meditation, guided imagery, and outdoor activities, leading to immediate improvements in tests measuring depression and hopefulness.
Researchers found that certain traits, such as hypertension and extreme high or low body mass index, are predictive of increased risk of sudden cardiac death. These findings could lead to the development of a risk stratification score to identify patients at greater risk of dying suddenly if they experience a heart attack.
A team of researchers has identified the MYLIP protein as a potential new target for lowering LDL cholesterol levels. The study found that the N342S polymorphism is associated with high total cholesterol and increased LDL receptor degradation in humans.
Research by University of Edinburgh found that ultrafine particles from diesel exhaust fumes can impair blood vessel function, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The study suggests that environmental health measures to reduce emissions could save lives.
Researchers found that nearly all PCIs (98.6%) for acute indications were classified as appropriate, while only half of those for nonacute indications could be classified as such. The study suggests an opportunity to examine and improve the selection of patients undergoing PCI in the non-acute setting.
A new study found that patients with diabetes who took higher doses of Aspirin (up to 325mg/day) had a 23% lower risk of death from heart attack. Pharmacists can play a significant role in administering this treatment, working proactively with physicians and patients.
A Johns Hopkins-led study suggests that healthy, middle-aged smokers taking varenicline have a 72% increased risk of being hospitalized with a heart attack or serious heart problems compared to those on a placebo. This risk applies even among smokers without pre-existing heart disease.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that patients treated for a heart attack in US territories have a significantly higher risk of dying within 30 days. The researchers used Medicare data to compare outcomes in hospitals across the US territories and mainland, revealing substantial differences in mortality rates.
A multicenter study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that elective unprotected left main coronary artery PCI with drug-eluting stents resulted in favorable outcomes for patients with normal left ventricular function, including low rates of cardiac death and target lesion revascularization. Patients ag...
A study found that only 11% of patients with STEMI receive primary PCI within 30 minutes, leading to delayed treatment and worse outcomes. Patients who received timely transfers were more likely to undergo primary PCI and had better door-to-balloon times.
A new analysis of the PLATO study confirms that ticagrelor is more effective than clopidogrel in reducing death and recurrent heart attack, with a potential to prevent up to 20% of heart-attack related deaths.
A new study found a significant decline in heart attack rates among London civil servants over 20 years, primarily due to improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and reduced smoking. However, the rise in body mass index (BMI) may reverse this trend in the future.
New research links fear of dying during a heart attack to increased inflammation, which can predict worse outcomes for patients. Fear of dying is associated with larger inflammatory responses and reduced heart rate variability.
Research reveals that individuals with significant mental ill health experience higher than expected mortality rates following acute coronary events such as heart attacks. The study found that these patients receive inferior care, including fewer life-saving interventions and lower rates of essential coronary care procedures.
A study of 98,454 patients found that RA patients were approximately 20% less likely to receive standard MI treatments after a heart attack. This trend remained relatively unchanged over time, highlighting potential undertreatment of cardiovascular disease in these patients.
A Johns Hopkins study found that CT angiography in low-risk patients without symptoms leads to more aggressive care, including more drugs and tests, but no difference in heart attack or cardiac death rates. The test's benefits are unclear, and guidelines suggest it should not be used for screening in low-risk patients.
A new study published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases found that high levels of saturated fat in dairy products do not increase the risk of heart attack. Instead, other nutrients in dairy products, such as calcium and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), may have protective effects against heart disease.
A recent meta-analysis suggests that elevated levels of cardiac troponin T or I following elective angioplasty are associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and long-term adverse events such as heart attack. Routine monitoring of these protein levels could improve long-term outcomes for patients.
Researchers found a relationship between discretionary heart failure admissions and higher readmission rates. Hospitalization after heart attack shows no correlation with readmission rates, contrary to expectations.
Researchers analyzed English comprehension among 210 patients at four New York City hospitals who suffered STEMI heart attacks. Patients who reported no English fluency took almost twice as long to reach the hospital compared to those with fair or good English skills.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that most high-risk patients do not adhere to prescribed statin treatment, despite the significant benefits of taking these medications. The study found that only 48% of patients take their statins as prescribed after one year, and this number drops to 27% after 10 years.
A study found that erythropoietin use in heart attack patients after PCI did not reduce infarct size and was associated with higher rates of adverse cardiovascular events. The REVEAL trial evaluated the safety and effect on infarct size of a single intravenous dose of recombinant human erythropoietin.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine identified the role of nitric oxide in protecting the heart from injury. Exercise boosts levels of an enzyme that produces nitric oxide, which is stored in the bloodstream and heart as nitrite and nitrosothiols.
Researchers found that heart attacks between 6am and noon cause a 20% larger area of dead tissue, leading to more severe consequences for patients. This study suggests that time of day can significantly impact the severity of heart attacks.
In a large Chinese city, interventional physicians transferred to patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) improved door-to-balloon time and survival rates. The study found that nearly 85% of patients received specialist care within a year, leading to better long-term outcomes.
A study analyzing Swedish data from 1996-2007 found an increase in evidence-based treatments for STEMI, leading to a decrease in death rates at 30 days and one year after a heart attack. The adoption of new treatments gradually decreased variations between hospitals and was associated with improved survival outcomes.
A new injection has been developed to limit the devastating consequences of heart attacks and strokes, with potential applications in transplant surgery. The injection targets a key enzyme responsible for inflammation, neutralizing its effects and significantly reducing tissue damage.
Researchers found that stable patients who start an exercise program one week after a heart attack experience better heart performance than those who wait. The study suggests that at least six months of exercise is the most beneficial, and early referral to rehabilitation can lead to improved outcomes.
A new trial shows that standard-dose clopidogrel is as effective as double the dose for preventing cardiovascular events in patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity. Researchers argue that a personalized approach to antiplatelet therapy may be more beneficial, warranting further investigation.
Researchers found that short-term high-fat diets reduced cardiac tissue damage and improved function in animal models. A sudden switch to a regular diet after the 'splurge' period offered prolonged cardioprotection.
Researchers found that a short-term high-fat diet reduced tissue damage in the heart after a heart attack by up to 70%. The study suggests that 'splurges' of high fat consumption may preserve cardiac function. Further research is needed to understand why this protection wears off over time.
Researchers discovered that injecting DKK2 improved vascular regeneration in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. This suggests potential for pharmacological manipulation to treat various vascular diseases.
A preclinical study found VitaKine PCT to significantly enhance cardiac function, increasing ejection fraction by 23%, compared to controls. The therapy contains white blood cells in specific ratios and concentrations, offering a precise approach to treating heart attack patients.
The Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (SEBM) awarded its Best Paper Awards for articles published in 2010. These awards recognized excellence in Clinical/Preclinical and Translation Research, Experimental Biology, and Interdisciplinary Research categories. The winners were honored at the 2011 Experimental Biology Meeting.
Loyola University Health System's Heart Attack Rapid Response Team has dramatically improved care for heart attack patients by reducing door-to-balloon times to just 47 minutes.
A large study of over 107,000 people in Denmark found that certain insulin secretagogues (ISs) were associated with a higher risk of death from any cause and heart attacks compared to metformin. Metformin was found to be the most effective treatment for preventing cardiovascular diseases.
A new journal, Therapeutic Hypothermia and Temperature Management, explores the use of therapeutic hypothermia to improve survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The therapy has been shown to reduce brain injury risk in approximately 400,000 people who suffer from cardiac arrest annually.
A large multicentre trial found that radial access for coronary angioplasty in patients with acute coronary syndromes does not reduce death, heart attack, stroke, or major bleeding compared to femoral access. However, it significantly reduces complications at the access site and improves patient comfort.
Since 2003, Minnesota hospitals without cardiac catheterization labs have dramatically improved their acute heart attack or STEMI guidelines and protocols. As a result, the state has seen a significant decline in cardiovascular mortality rates, with a 50% decrease from 2002 to 2009.
A landmark study has found that radial access for angioplasty is a safe and effective alternative to traditional femoral access, resulting in fewer vascular complications and similar success rates. The RIVAL trial involved over 7,000 patients and compared radial and femoral access for coronary angiography and intervention.
A regional prevention project involving 10,000 adults has shown a 24% reduction in acute heart attacks in a five-quarter period compared to the previous period of evaluation. The Heart of New Ulm Project combines environmental, peer leadership and individual interventions to prevent coronary heart disease.
Researchers found substantially lower death rates and fewer subsequent heart attacks among patients who waited eight or more weeks after a heart attack. The study's findings suggest new surgical guidelines could help improve patient outcomes.
Patients who have suffered a mini stroke are at twice the risk of heart attack compared to the general population. The study found that the risk of heart attack among TIA patients was about 1 percent per year, double that of people who had never had a TIA.
A recent study by Tufts researchers found that episodic physical and sexual activity are associated with a short-term increase in the risk of heart attacks. Regular physical activity, however, was not shown to have this effect.
A highly sensitive blood test has been shown to detect heart attacks in a third more patients than previous tests, identifying smaller amounts of heart damage. The test has been found to halve the risk of being readmitted to hospital with another heart attack within a year.
A new study found that a more sensitive test for the cardiac biomarker troponin can increase the diagnosis of heart attacks and identify patients at high risk of another heart attack or death. The test was associated with improved clinical management, fewer deaths, and fewer admissions with recurrent MI.
A retrospective cohort study found that patients with retinal vein occlusion (RVO) had an almost two-fold higher incidence of stroke compared to age- and sex-matched controls. The study suggests that RVO may be associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents but not myocardial infarctions.