Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
Sepsis and septic shock are common complications in general surgery patients, with a death rate of approximately 34% within 30 days. The study identified risk factors for sepsis and septic shock, including age, emergency surgery, and co-occurring illness.
The Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute has received a $1.66 million grant to develop a measurement system predicting patient vulnerability to sudden cardiac arrest. The study aims to identify patients at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest by analyzing electrocardiogram data.
A recent analysis of a large clinical trial found no increased rate of heart attack or death in patients taking rosiglitazone, despite previous concerns. The study compared patients treated with rosiglitazone to those not receiving any thiazolidinedione drug, showing a lower combined rate of death, heart attack, and stroke.
A new meta-analysis of clinical trials finds that rosiglitazone is associated with a significantly increased risk of myocardial infarction, while the risk of cardiovascular death was not elevated. The study suggests an unfavorable benefit-to-risk ratio for the diabetes drug, raising concerns about its safety.
A study of 12,064 survivors of heart attack found that folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation did not lower the risk of heart attack, coronary death, or stroke. The researchers also found that folic acid supplementation did not increase the risk of cancer.
A team of bioengineers from the University of Pennsylvania Institute for Medicine and Engineering developed a simulator to predict how blood platelets respond to various conditions during a heart attack or stroke. The model accurately predicted intracellular calcium signaling responses, even distinguishing between different donors.
The INTERSTROKE study found that high blood pressure, smoking, waist-to-hip ratio, diet, physical activity, lipids, diabetes mellitus, alcohol intake, stress, and depression are significantly associated with stroke. Collectively, these risk factors accounted for 90% of the global risk of stroke.
Researchers found that monocyte-derived cells can induce myocardial protection by reducing cardiac cell apoptosis and enhancing endothelial cell proliferation. The cells also secrete growth factors with anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect heart tissues from programmed cell death.
A study of 46,000 patients found that the age- and sex-adjusted incidence of heart attack increased from 274 per 100,000 in 1999 to 208 per 100,000 in 2008, then declined. The relative incidence of serious heart attacks that do permanent damage also decreased by 62%.
A large national clinical trial has shown that carotid artery surgery and stenting are equally effective in preventing stroke, with personalized treatment options available for individual patients. The study found excellent safety and long-term results for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.
A nationwide smoking ban could save over 18,596 fewer hospitalizations for heart attack after one year of implementation, resulting in more than $92 million in savings. The study found that implementing a comprehensive smoking ban could lead to a 12% drop in heart attack admissions and a 11% reduction in heart attack rates.
A nationwide smoking ban would lead to a significant reduction in heart attack hospitalizations, with 18,596 fewer admissions expected. The ban could also save over $92 million in direct healthcare costs.
Men experiencing impotence should undergo thorough medical assessments due to significant proportion exhibiting early signs of coronary artery disease. The authors suggest that the link between the two conditions could be due to atherosclerosis, leading to restricted blood flow.
A long-running study of over 10,000 civil servants in London found that working overtime was associated with a 60% higher risk of heart-related problems. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, controlled for various risk factors and suggested that chronic stress may be a key mechanism behind this association.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that pneumococcal vaccination has no association with reduced risk of heart attacks or strokes. Researchers used electronic health records to follow 84,170 ethnically diverse California men for an average of five years.
A study by Kaiser Permanente found that pneumococcal vaccination was not associated with a reduced risk of acute heart attack and stroke in men aged 45-69. The study, which included over 84,000 participants, showed no significant difference in myocardial infarction or stroke events between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
A new Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine study found that combining coronary artery calcium score (CACS) with traditional risk factors for heart disease is a better method than using traditional predictors alone to predict future heart attacks. The CACS was key in classifying people in the most extreme categories, iden...
A randomized trial found that high-dose B-vitamin therapy accelerated kidney function decline and increased cardiovascular events in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes. The study suggests that B-vitamin therapy may not be an effective treatment for slowing disease progression, and potentially poses risks for these patients.
A new study reveals that individual fibrin fibers play a crucial role in equitably distributing strain load and strengthening the entire network. The research found that fibers subjected to significant strain stiffen to resist stretch, thereby reducing strain concentrations.
Researchers at OHSU have developed a blood test that can identify individuals at risk of heart attacks, including those with normal cholesterol levels. The test measures gamma-prime fibrinogen and has been shown to be effective in predicting coronary artery disease.
Policies restricting smoking in public have been shown to decrease the number of people who experience heart attacks and improve overall health indicators. The findings are based on a comprehensive review of 50 studies that monitored the impact of legislative bans on secondhand smoke exposure.
New research found that smoking can negate the protective effect of moderate drinking on stroke risk in a UK study of 22,524 people. Moderate drinking was defined as up to 21 units of alcohol per week.
A 10-year population-based study found significant declines in hospital admissions for heart attacks, angina, stroke, asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, and bronchitis after the implementation of smoke-free legislation in Toronto, Canada. The largest decline was observed after the 2001 ban on smoking in restaurants.
Researchers found that eating dark chocolate daily can lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk by 39% compared to those who eat less. Flavanols in cocoa may be responsible for this effect, improving nitric oxide bioavailability and reducing inflammation.
Researchers found that adding chymase inhibitors to ACE inhibitors significantly boosted recovery of heart function in animals after a heart attack. This could lead to improved treatments for people with high blood pressure, heart failure, and other conditions.
The WPI research team aims to develop powerful diagnostic tools that can predict the likelihood of plaque rupture, which is responsible for most heart attacks and strokes. The new NIH award will enable the team to extend their research on arterial plaque development and predict potential rupture.
A smoking ban in New Zealand led to a 9% decrease in heart attack admissions among men aged 55-74 who had never smoked. Heart attacks fell by an average of 5% for people aged 30 and over after the ban, with benefits seen among ex-smokers and those in affluent neighborhoods.
The SORT OUT III study found that sirolimus-eluting stents are superior to zotarolimus-eluting stents for patients with complex lesions, halving the risk of major adverse cardiac events within 9 months. The difference persisted at 18 months, with a lower need for repeat revascularisation and reduced risk of heart attack.
Research finds that erectile dysfunction is a strong predictor of death from all causes and cardiovascular events in men with cardiovascular disease. Men with ED were more likely to suffer death, heart attacks, strokes, and heart failures compared to those without ED.
A recent study by Duke University researchers explored the possible relationship between US stock market fluctuations and heart attack rates. The study found an inverse relationship between heart attacks and stock markets, but with limitations due to sample size and regional bias.
A study of 25,250 patients in Germany found that only half received correct cholesterol targets, with women being more likely to be incorrectly targeted. The researchers estimate that following guidelines could prevent 50-80 fewer heart attacks and deaths per 1000 patients over 10 years
A study of 187 top sports arenas in Europe found that many do not have automated external defibrillators or medical action plans in place. The European Society of Cardiology calls for urgent action to improve safety for spectators and players, citing a lack of attention to safety procedures as the main issue.
A randomized trial found that remote ischemic conditioning with repeated blood pressure cuff inflations reduced heart tissue damage in AMI patients by 30%, with benefits increasing to 50% for those with most threatened heart tissue. Improved heart function and potential applications beyond AMI were reported.
A study found that dialysis patients with high fatigue scores are more than twice as likely to have cardiovascular events, such as a heart attack or stroke. Fatigue was the strongest predictor of cardiovascular risk, even in patients without known risk factors.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have created a new way to measure the activity of a molecule involved in ischemic preconditioning, which strengthens cardiac tissues after a heart attack. The discovery could lead to the development of a new medication or treatment to help patients better resist heart damage.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center identified specific metabolic profiles associated with coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and death. The study analyzed metabolites in nearly 10,000 patients and found two sets of metabolites that differentiated between those with and without cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that 18% of people with an initial stroke had a recurrent stroke within four years, and the risk of recurrence rose steadily after one year. The study highlights the need for better secondary stroke prevention strategies to reduce mortality and morbidity rates.
A population-based study of over 10,000 participants found that women with gout were 39% more likely to have a heart attack and 41% more likely to experience a non-fatal heart attack. This risk was significantly higher than in men with gout.
Researchers evaluated cord blood-derived CD133+ cells for treating myocardial infarction. The cells showed promising results, improving left ventricular ejection fraction and forming tubule-like structures. Further pre-clinical testing is needed to determine their clinical advantages.
Patients with reduced kidney function and high proteinuria at increased risk of death, heart attacks, or progression to kidney failure. The study suggests that future guidelines for chronic kidney disease classification should incorporate information on proteinuria levels.
The PLATO trial shows that ticagrelor, a stronger anticlotting medication, reduces the risk of cardiovascular death and heart attacks without increasing bleeding in heart attack patients. This new analysis finds significant and clinically relevant reductions in cardiovascular and total deaths, myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis.
A team of researchers from Indiana University and Stanford University has determined how a 'chemical chaperone' activates the ALDH2 enzyme, which plays a crucial role in metabolizing toxins after a heart attack. The discovery could lead to new treatments by restoring enzyme function, reducing muscle damage caused by heart attacks.
The COMPARE study found that everolimus-eluting stents significantly reduced serious adverse cardiac events compared to paclitaxel-eluting stents. The study concluded that the use of second-generation everolimus-eluting stents was associated with a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events at 1 year.
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries who attended more cardiac rehabilitation sessions had better outcomes, including a reduced risk of heart attack and death. Researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 patients age 65 and older, finding that those who attended all 36 sessions had the lowest mortality rates.
A new study suggests that combining celebrex with low-dose aspirin may reduce the effectiveness of aspirin in preventing heart attack and stroke. Researchers found that celebrex interferes with aspirin's ability to block blood clots, particularly when taken in low doses.
Researchers found that strict glucose control reduces cardiovascular issues for diabetics with fewer health problems, but not those with long-term serious coexisting conditions. Firm glucose control may benefit patients with multiple health issues.
Researchers have discovered a blood clotting agent that can be targeted without affecting normal wound healing, offering potential improvements over existing anticoagulant drugs. The findings suggest polyphosphate or factor XII could be new targets for drug development to reduce thrombosis risk.
A team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet has discovered a gene module underlying atherosclerosis development by analyzing total gene activity in organs relevant to coronary artery disease. The findings suggest that targeting the migration of white blood cells may help reduce the risk of adverse clinical effects.
A new study suggests that adult stem cells can differentiate into heart cells to repair damage, offering a promising new treatment for heart attack patients. The Phase I trial showed significant improvements in heart function and reduced arrhythmias after administration of the stem cells.
Healthcare professionals using a team approach saw significant improvements in treating patients having a heart attack, reducing door-to-balloon times by more than half since 2005. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found widespread adoption of strategies to improve care across the nation.
A new Saint Louis University research suggests that individuals with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease have a more favorable prognosis when properly managed with medical care. The BARI 2D trial found significant improvements in treatment outcomes for patients receiving intensive medical therapy or bypass surgery.
Researchers at Imperial College London have identified TLR-2 as the trigger that leads to inflammation and damage in atherosclerosis, a condition causing heart attacks and strokes. Blocking this molecule could potentially treat atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of these diseases.
A new study reveals that dentists can identify patients at risk of a fatal cardiovascular disease using software called HeartScore. Six men who thought they were healthy received preventive treatment in time thanks to the dental care team's efforts.
A study of 29,513 patients with STEMI found no significant difference in death rates among hospitals with high, medium, or low primary angioplasty volumes. Despite lower door-to-balloon times and higher adherence to guidelines at high-volume centers, mortality rates remained consistent across the groups.
A new MEMS sensor can detect changes in bulk resistance for plaque characteristics and identify spots where back currents may be promoting plaque formation. This technology has the potential to improve heart attack treatment by distinguishing between stable and unstable plaque.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that women are less likely to exhibit signs of structural heart disease, which is a precursor to fatal cardiac arrest. This means that fewer women may be eligible for current treatments that can prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
A large study found acute heart attack patients received an average of 14.5 millisieverts of ionizing radiation, equivalent to 725 chest X-rays, during their hospital stay. Physicians may be unaware of cumulative dose accumulation from tests and should consider radiation exposure when diagnosing and treating heart attacks.
After a heart attack, patients experience shortness of breath and chest pain due to elevated cardiac biomarkers TnT and NTBNP. These biomarkers signal ongoing problems or past issues, highlighting the need for targeted treatment.
Researchers developed microscopic polymer beads that can deliver an antioxidant enzyme into the heart, reducing dying cells and improving heart function after a simulated heart attack. The enzyme, superoxide dismutase (SOD), soaks up toxic free radicals produced during a heart attack.
A new study funded by NIH will investigate whether Transcendental Meditation can aid in the treatment of coronary heart disease. The 12-week trial at Columbia University Medical Center will examine 56 patients with CHD, measuring changes in coronary artery disease using advanced non-invasive methods.