Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found CAD is common in cirrhotic patients, but cirrhosis itself may not be associated with increased CAD risk. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and hepatitis C virus infection are also linked to CAD presence.
The American Heart Association has released its list of top cardiovascular research for 2024, focusing on prevention, treatment and the benefits of anti-obesity medications. The research highlights improvements in assessing cardiovascular risk, identifying early prevention opportunities and treating heart failure.
The American Heart Association warns hunters about the increased risk of heart attack and stroke due to exertion, cold temperatures, and excitement. Hunters should recognize symptoms, take breaks, and have a plan in case of emergencies. Learning Hands-Only-CPR can also save lives.
Researchers found that certain cancer treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, can trigger damaging levels of inflammation in the heart and increase risk of heart disease. This is because these treatments interfere with immune regulation in the heart's largest blood vessels.
Researchers assess 20 years of clinical trials for cell therapy's safety and efficacy in treating heart failure, highlighting progress despite challenges. The field continues to evolve through lessons learned from past studies, with ongoing trials taking novel directions.
Researchers analyzed the effects of seven hormone treatments on blood clots, stroke, and heart attack in nearly one million women. The study shows that the risks differ depending on the type of treatment, with some linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk and others to no increased risk.
Knowing family health history is crucial for reducing heart attack and stroke risk. Experts recommend following Life's Essential 8 - five health behaviors and three health factors to lower genetic risks.
A new study maps genetic traits to cellular composition of atherosclerotic plaques, predicting future stroke or heart attack risk. The research improves risk assessment and treatment for patients with atherosclerosis.
Research found that spironolactone reduced the likelihood of heart failure after a heart attack, but did not significantly reduce deaths or other severe heart-related events. The study included over 7,000 adults in 14 countries who had experienced a severe heart attack.
A recent study found that electronic letter reminders highlighting the cardiovascular benefits of influenza vaccines increased vaccination rates among over 2 million adults in Denmark. The strategy showed a greater impact on those who have had a heart attack, improving flu shot rates by potentially being cardioprotective. The research ...
Researchers found that ablation reduced ICD shocks for ventricular tachycardia and episodes of VT not detected by the ICD. This minimally invasive procedure destroys abnormal heart tissue causing VT, offering a better alternative to long-term medication side effects.
A recent study found that intensive systolic blood pressure reduction approaches can significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120mmHg led to a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease.
Research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes or weight loss, may lower the risk of heart attack and recurrent stroke in adults who have had an initial stroke. The study analyzed data from over 7,000 adults with ischemic strokes between 2000 and 2022.
A survey of older adults with heart conditions found that their sexual health impacts mood and well-being, but most healthcare professionals do not offer this information. Patients favor conversations with healthcare professionals about sexual health, including topics like medication side effects and anxiety before sex.
A new study found that beta blockers, commonly used to treat heart attack patients with normal pumping function, may lead to increased depression symptoms. Researchers observed more severe depression symptoms in patients who received beta blockers compared to those who did not.
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2024 found that heart attack survivors experience significant fear and anxiety about having another heart attack. The fear can be triggered by various factors, including new health information and lack of follow-up care. The study highlights the need for e...
Aging adults face increased risk of life-threatening complications when undergoing elective noncardiac surgeries too soon after a heart attack. Delaying surgery for three to six months following a heart attack can significantly reduce this risk, according to new research published in JAMA Surgery.
A randomized trial found that large-bore mechanical thrombectomy was superior to catheter-directed thrombolysis in reducing clinical deterioration, ICU admissions, and readmissions. LBMT also showed faster symptom improvement and shorter hospital stays compared to CDT.
A new study found that the heart sends signals to the brain to increase sleep after a heart attack, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. This communication between the heart and brain is mediated through the immune system and can lead to improved recovery and reduced risk of further cardiovascular events.
A new study found that early aortic valve intervention in patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis and myocardial fibrosis did not reduce the incidence of all-cause death or unplanned aortic stenosis hospitalization. However, it did show benefits in reducing emergency hospitalizations and preventing symptom development.
A randomized trial found early TAVR to be safe and effective for patients with asymptomatic severe AS, reducing the risk of composite endpoints and favorable health status outcomes. Patients who received early TAVR had better left-ventricular and left-atrial health compared to those on clinical surveillance.
A study found that using an orbital atherectomy device to remove calcium from blocked coronary arteries before stenting procedures did not improve patient outcomes. The device was used on patients with moderately severe calcification, rather than extreme cases, and did not show significant benefits.
Researchers at UCLA have identified the protein GPNMB as a critical regulator in the heart's healing process after a heart attack. GPNMB promotes heart repair by binding to receptor GPR39, triggering a cascade of signals that limit scarring and improve cardiac function.
Scientists at UCLA have engineered an experimental therapy that shows promise in enhancing heart repair following a heart attack, preventing the onset of heart failure. The new single-dose therapy targets the protein ENPP1, which is responsible for increasing inflammation and scar tissue formation.
A study by Dr. Hernan Bazan at Ochsner Health reveals that higher frailty scores are directly associated with increased rates of stroke, death, and myocardial infarction within 30 days of the carotid procedure. The Hospital Frailty Risk Index provides a systematic tool for assessing frailty risk across large populations.
Researchers have found that women are more likely to die from postoperative complications after high-risk cardiovascular surgery, with a failure to rescue rate of 10.7% compared to 8.6% for men. The quality of hospital where the procedure was performed did not affect this disparity.
Biomedical engineer Jeff Saucerman has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to study low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 and its impact on heart failure and treatment outcomes after a heart attack.
Researchers found that patients who consumed caffeine had better vascular health, as measured through endothelial cells. The study suggests that caffeine may play a role in controlling disease progression and improving cardiovascular health.
A new study found that COVID-19 infection increased the risk of heart attack and stroke for up to three years after infection. The risk was higher among people with A, B or AB blood types compared to type O, according to researchers analyzing data in the UK Biobank.
A history of COVID-19 can double the risk of heart attack, stroke or death for up to three years after diagnosis. Genetic analysis revealed individuals with non-O blood types were twice as likely to experience cardiovascular events.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a new potential risk marker for cardiovascular disease in older women. Low levels of an anti-inflammatory antibody are associated with a higher risk of heart attack and coronary heart disease, independent of other known risk factors.
A new study found that up to 10 million people in the US could qualify for Medicare-covered semaglutide injections, depending on their level of cardiovascular risk. Those with higher risk scores would be eligible for full or partial coverage, potentially expanding access to this life-saving medication.
The new European Society of Cardiology Guidelines recommend regular screenings for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) to prevent complications. The guidelines also emphasize personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle changes, medication, and efficient blockage treatments.
A new study estimates nearly 10.5 million U.S. adults have A-Fib, a three-fold increase from previous estimates. Early detection and treatment can reduce its adverse outcomes.
A nationwide study in Sweden reveals that short-term exposures to lower air temperature and cold spells are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction hospitalization after two-six days. Researchers found that this delay in hospitalizations suggests a delayed onset of cold-related impacts on MI risk.
The NOTION-3 trial demonstrates that PCI plus TAVI is beneficial for patients with CAD, reducing MI and urgent revascularisation. The study suggests that performing PCI should be recommended for patients undergoing TAVI with CAD.
Researchers have elucidated how new arteries form in the heart using single-cell sequencing and 3D mapping. Pre-arterial cells play a major role in growing new arteries, contradicting current thinking about artery development. This discovery opens possibilities for developing treatments that stimulate regenerative pathways.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have identified a novel mechanism of cardiac inflammation that may prevent heart failure after a heart attack. The borderzone, surrounding the infarcted area, is found to be a key region for this inflammation, with heart muscle cells playing a dominant role in initiating it.
High levels of lipoprotein (a) found in 20-34% of Polish patients with heart disease or at risk. Lp(a) measurements may be crucial in preventing cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis progression.
A new study found that semaglutide significantly reduces major adverse cardiac events, including heart attacks and strokes, among overweight individuals with cardiovascular disease. The medication also shows similar benefits for people with pre-existing heart failure, regardless of type or severity.
A new risk prediction scale specifically for American Indian adults found elevated heart failure rates compared to other population groups. The analysis identified Type 2 diabetes status, kidney damage, and high blood pressure as major modifiable determinants of developing heart failure over 5-10 years.
Uncontrolled hypertension is a leading cause of premature death and disability worldwide, with 54% of patients aware but only 21% actively controlled. Effective treatment requires lifestyle changes and medication, as well as regular blood pressure monitoring to adjust doses accordingly.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that over- or under-dosing anticoagulants can result in serious health conditions, most often occurring after the initial prescription. The researchers evaluated five years of prescribing data and found that nearly 70% of alerts to off-label dosing occurred during a follow-up visit.
Community disadvantage status affects hospital stroke care services, with disadvantaged hospitals having lower certification rates. Hospitals in most advantaged communities show higher likelihood of becoming stroke certified.
Researchers found that personalized text messages effectively increased physical activity among patients after significant heart events, with Apple Watch users showing a 10% increase in step count. However, the benefits later tapered off as patients became accustomed to the messages.
A new study has identified CCL27 and TNFRSF14 as genetic markers in inflammation that may contribute to stroke recurrence. These findings could lead to novel drug targets to mitigate disability and mortality after a first stroke.
A new study published in Hypertension journal suggests that both 30-year and 10-year risk predictions should be considered when making high blood pressure treatment decisions. The researchers compared two risk prediction tools and found that long-term, 30-year risk may be more important than short-term, 10-year risk for informing medic...
Researchers found that combining sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease progression by 11% and 33%, respectively. The study suggests using this combination to further improve outcomes in patients with typ...
A Swedish researchers have created a questionnaire test that quickly identifies individuals at high risk of heart attack. The test has been shown to be as accurate as blood tests and blood pressure measurements, detecting 65% of those at the highest risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine will investigate how injured heart cells communicate with other cells throughout the body using microvesicles known as exosomes. The study aims to understand how specific molecules, such as microRNAs, facilitate communication pathways between cells in the heart and vasculature.
A survey of 150 million adults in the US suggests that nearly a third of those aged 60 or older are using aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease without medical advice. The findings highlight the urgent need for physicians to discuss the benefits and risks of aspirin use with their patients.
Researchers created an integrated cellular map of a mouse model heart, pinpointing cells and pathways involved in fibrosis. The study identified myofibroblasts as the major drivers of scarring, but also discovered a 'matrifibrocyte' form that may prevent scar resolution.
A new risk equation could lead to a significant reduction in statin prescriptions, with 28.3 million adults potentially eligible instead of 45.4 million under current guidelines. The PREVENT equations incorporate recent insights into the biology of cardiovascular disease and remove race as a factor.
A new study reveals that zebrafish have a unique ability to remove scar tissue after an injury, allowing their hearts to regenerate and fully regrow. Researchers found that the type of collagen cross-linking in zebrafish is different from mammals, making it potentially reversible. The discovery points to a new target for reversing scar...
A recent Cleveland Clinic-led study found that high levels of the sugar alcohol xylitol are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. The research team identified a link between xylitol consumption and elevated platelet activity, which can lead to blood clots and thrombosis.
A rare case of retrograde dissection of the left main coronary artery is presented, highlighting the feasibility of interventional management. Immediate stent placement at the affected site prevented further dissection and enabled patient discharge in good health.
A study by the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center found that only 23% of heart attack patients received dietary counseling within 90 days of hospitalization. Nutrition counseling, often provided by registered dietitian nutritionists, may reduce cardiovascular risk for patients.
Researchers found that GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, and severe liver complications compared to other diabetes treatments. These medications also showed no significant increase in severe adverse events.
A comprehensive study found that living with obesity for 10 years or more significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The research, published at ENDO 2024, analyzed data from over 109,000 participants and revealed a 25-60% increased risk in younger adults.
Researchers assessed brain imaging for minor, moderate, and major ischemic strokes to evaluate early direct oral anticoagulant initiation. The study found no difference in treatment effects or adverse event rates among infarct sizes.