Articles tagged with Myocardial Infarction
A new national study shows that nearly 75 percent of patients hospitalized for a heart attack had cholesterol levels within recommended targets, but still at high risk. The study suggests that lowering guideline targets for LDL cholesterol and developing better treatments to raise HDL cholesterol may help reduce the number of patients ...
A study published in CMAJ found that men with type 2 diabetes have a 3-fold risk of cardiovascular mortality compared to those without either condition. In the long term, however, the two groups had similar mortality risks.
A genetic variation affecting the CYP2C19 enzyme makes anti-clotting drug clopidogrel less effective in young heart attack patients, increasing risk of death, another heart attack, or stent thrombosis. Carriers of the gene variation are four times more likely to experience cardiovascular events than non-carriers.
Researchers discovered a protein that accelerates scar tissue formation after a heart attack, leading to impaired heart function. The finding offers potential for the development of new treatments to prevent this damage.
Researchers have identified a key molecule involved in controlling excessive scar tissue formation after a heart attack. Stopping the scarring improved heart function in mice, offering hope for people with poor heart function due to heart attacks.
A recent study found that women are twice as likely to die from a severe heart attack in the hospital compared to men, despite having similar overall mortality rates. Women were also less likely to receive certain life-saving treatments, such as reperfusion therapy and angioplasty.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism by which temporarily cutting off blood flow to arteries before a heart attack reduces damage caused. The study suggests that boosting the effect of this natural response, possibly through administering nitro-linoleic acid (LNO2) beforehand, may reduce heart attack damage in the future.
A Queen's University study has shed new light on the control of a cell enzyme implicated in tissue damage after heart attacks and strokes. The research team discovered a way to block the enzyme's activity, which could lead to new drug treatments for stroke and heart disease.
A new study found that hospital mortality rates for women and men have narrowed significantly over the last decade, particularly among younger patients. Women under 55 years old showed a 53% reduction in mortality, compared to 33% for men of the same age group.
A new stent coated with an antibody that binds endothelial progenitor cells has been found to be as effective as drug-eluting stents in keeping arteries open in patients with coronary heart disease. The study of 1,640 international patients showed low rates of stent blockage and revascularization procedures.
Researchers used ultrasound imaging to view carotid intima media thickness, revealing those in the higher end of low-risk group had intermediate risk for coronary heart disease. The study found that about 4% of individuals with estimated 0-5% risk had a heart attack, while over 13% of those with 5-10% risk suffered from coronary events.
The new clinical performance measures provide up-to-date tools for gauging how closely doctors are sticking to guideline recommendations. Key areas include statin prescription, PCI timeliness, referral to cardiac rehabilitation programs, and elimination of beta blocker treatment within 24 hours.
A long-term secondary prevention program lasting up to three years has been shown to reduce the risk of a second non-fatal heart attack and other cardiovascular events. The program, which includes individualized risk factor and lifestyle management, resulted in a significant decrease in cardiovascular death and non-fatal heart attacks.
Researchers from Emory University School of Medicine have found daily rhythms in blood vessel activity may help explain morning peak in heart attacks. The study revealed that the lining of blood vessels functions better at night, with endothelial function being particularly depressed in early morning hours.
The document provides a comprehensive assessment of care by establishing new performance measures, including the importance of acute reperfusion therapy and the need for accountability in providing timely treatment. It also addresses concerns about exclusion criteria and the determination of when measurement stops.
Researchers found that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels can improve cardiovascular disease risk assessment and guide treatment decisions. Studies showed hsCRP adds 5-14% accuracy over traditional risk factors, especially for individuals at intermediate risk.
A team of Johns Hopkins biochemists identified five key proteins that may form the basis of an accurate early warning test for impending heart attacks. The test could provide advance warning to paramedics and physicians during the critical window before ischemia causes substantial heart tissue damage, allowing for urgent treatment to p...
A study found that patients at risk for sudden cardiac death after a heart attack are those who develop heart failure or recurrent ischemia. The risk declines over time, but remains high during the first month after heart attack.
A Mayo Clinic study of nearly 3,000 heart attack survivors found that the risk of sudden cardiac death is highest in the first month after leaving the hospital. After that initial period, the risk drops significantly but rises again if symptoms of heart failure appear.
A new Swedish study found that adjusting clocks to summer time increases the risk of myocardial infarction in the following week by about five percent. The readjustment back to winter time on the last Sunday in October reduces the risk, albeit to a lesser extent, due to the extra hour's sleep.
Research finds urokinase plasminogen activator promotes atherosclerosis growth and dilation, while plasminogen loss protects against disease. The study suggests new ideas for preventing or treating artery disease.
Research at the American College of Rheumatology 2008 Annual Meeting found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are at a higher risk of dying from heart-related complications after a heart attack. Biomarkers have been identified to determine the most effective treatment for muscle tissue inflammation and age-related bone loss in men and ...
A new study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that depression symptoms are associated with a nine percent increase in heart-related hospitalizations and a 43 percent increase in non-heart related hospitalization visits after a heart attack. Depression caused the greatest increase in health service use in those patient...
A study found that heart attack patients treated by less experienced physicians had lower use of evidence-based drug therapies compared to those treated by more experienced cardiologists. The researchers recommend developing new methods to standardize prescribing practices, particularly for long-practicing physicians.
Patients who received beta-blockers before and during non-cardiac surgery had higher rates of heart attack (2.94%) and death (2.52%) within 30 days compared to those who did not receive them. The study suggests that a low target preoperative heart rate is essential for the protective effect of beta-blockers.
Researchers developed tiny polymer beads that release anti-inflammatory drugs, breaking down into non-toxic components. The particles reduce inflammation and scarring, cutting the area of scar tissue in half and boosting heart function by 10 percent weeks later.
Long-term follow-up data from the APPROVe trial confirm that rofecoxib substantially increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death compared to placebo. The relative risk of reaching cardiovascular events was increased by 79% in the rofecoxib group.
A hospital-based smoking cessation program, along with cardiac rehabilitation referrals, increases quitting rates following a heart attack. Approximately 47% of patients who received these services quit smoking six months later.
Men who never smoke live longer and have better quality of life than heavy smokers, with an average of 10 years longer lifespan. Physical health deteriorates as the number of cigarettes smoked per day increases.
A hospital-based case-control study found that pneumococcal vaccination was associated with a 50% lower risk of heart attacks two years after vaccination. The study suggested that the pneumonia vaccine may protect against heart attacks by preventing pneumonia, which has been linked to triggering heart attacks.
A large Danish observational study found that women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) who used it on a cyclical basis, through skin or vaginal application, had a reduced risk of heart attacks. This contradicts previous research and suggests that certain HRT regimens may be safer than others.
Researchers found that long-term use of inhaled anticholinergics for COPD increases the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attacks, or strokes by 58%. Patients with COPD who use these inhalers are at high risk of excess serious cardiovascular events.
A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that inhaled anticholinergic agents significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death by 58% and 80% respectively. The study suggests clinicians closely monitor patients with COPD taking these medications for potential long-term cardiovascular risks.
Researchers have developed a new class of heart disease medication that reduces the development of high-risk blockages in arteries. The study found that darapladib, which specifically inhibits lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, decreased the size and number of advanced plaques that cause heart attacks and strokes.
A study in mice found that socially isolated heart attack victims showed five to eight times more damage to neurons in one part of the brain than those that lived with others. Inflammation and increased stress hormone levels were also observed in isolated mice, contributing to the increased neuronal damage.
A study published in Journal of Empirical Legal Studies found that Lipitor's advertising omits crucial information relevant to women, raising concerns about its safety. The study questions Pfizer's claims of clinical proof for Lipitor's effectiveness in preventing heart attacks in women with multiple risk factors.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a molecule that could lead to new treatments for heart attacks and protect hearts during open heart surgery. The compound, Alda-1, was found to activate an enzyme that reduces cell death caused by lack of blood flow to the heart.
Researchers identify aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) as a crucial enzyme in reducing cellular damage from free radicals. Activation of ALDH2 increases its activity during heart attacks, leading to a significant drop in associated damage and potential applications for treating various diseases.
A new blood analysis technique identified markers that could improve treatment and save lives for patients having a heart attack. By analyzing hundreds of molecular markers, doctors can confirm the presence of a heart attack within minutes, allowing for rapid treatment.
Researchers developed a novel method using human embryonic stem cell secretions to reduce tissue injury after a heart attack. The approach significantly improved heart function and reduced tissue death by 60%, offering a promising therapeutic option for heart attack patients.
A recent study found that exposure to fine particles and black carbon from traffic sources was associated with ST-segment depression in patients with coronary artery disease. The study suggests that air pollution can affect heart health through inflammation of the heart muscle or reduced blood flow, highlighting the need for vigilance ...
Researchers have found that farnesylated progerin, not just its non-farnesylated form, can cause symptoms of disease in individuals with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). Meanwhile, a new study suggests that neural stem cell transplantation may offer hope for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) by improving the survival a...
The APPRAISE-I trial found a non-statistically significant trend that patients taking apixaban with aspirin or clopidogrel had lower incidence of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death, compared to those taking a placebo. However, bleeding complications were a concern, especially at higher doses.
A Phase II study found trends suggesting apixaban reduces heart attack, stroke risk but increases bleeding among higher doses, warranting further study.
Researchers developed a new method for early detection of heart attacks using metabolite profiling, detecting changes in blood samples 10 minutes after the event. The approach has potential to improve early treatment and survival rates.
Researchers are exploring new biomarkers to detect myocardial infarction, which could lead to faster diagnosis and improved treatment outcomes. Currently, cardiac troponin is the gold standard for diagnosing myocardial necrosis, but its limitations include delayed detection and low sensitivity to ischemia.
The TRANSCEND study enrolled nearly 6,000 people worldwide who are intolerant to ACE inhibitors and found that telmisartan reduced the outcome of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke by a significant 13% compared to placebo. Fewer patients receiving telmisartan were hospitalized for any cardiovascular reason.
The BEAUTIFUL study shows ivabradine significantly reduces hospitalization for fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction by 36% and coronary revascularisation by 30% in high-heart-rate patients. Ivabradine is safe and well-tolerated, even when used with other cardiovascular drugs.
The TRANSCEND study found that telmisartan modestly reduced the outcome of cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure. Additionally, fewer patients receiving telmisartan were hospitalized for any cardiovascular reason compared to placebo.
The study found that ivabradine reduced coronary secondary outcomes, including fatal and non-fatal heart attacks by 36% and coronary revascularisation by 30%, in patients with a heart rate of above 70 bpm. Elevated heart rate was also identified as a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular death and disease.
Diabetic patients face accelerated atherosclerosis, increased risk of restenosis and late mortality when undergoing PCI. DES has been associated with mortality benefit in patients with multivessel disease, but results are mixed for diabetic patients.
Researchers found that patients with incomplete heart attacks are at a higher risk of having another heart attack after discharge. The study suggests that some patients may not receive optimal treatment due to incorrect risk assessment.
A randomized controlled trial found that high-dose tirofiban improved ST-segment resolution and clinical outcomes for STEMI patients undergoing primary coronary angioplasty. The study showed lower overall mortality and less urgent repeat PCI in the tirofiban group.
A recent study published in Obesity found that having excess fat around the heart may increase the risk of heart attacks. Researchers discovered that the volume of pericardial fat was related to the development of calcified coronary plaque, a marker for increased cardiovascular risk.
A new study found that a protein produced by fat cells may increase the risk of heart attack in older adults. Adiponectin levels were associated with a higher risk of heart disease events, particularly among those with high levels.
A new study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal found that emergency room doctors correctly identify patients with heart attack symptoms even when laboratory tests have not yet confirmed it. The study analyzed data from over 4,000 patients and showed that physicians are relying on their clinical impression to diagnose heart att...
Researchers found that the apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB)/apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) ratio was almost twice as powerful a predictor of heart attack risk as traditional cholesterol ratios. This discovery could lead to improved cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment strategies.
A new study published in Annals of Family Medicine found that optimistic perceptions of cardiovascular risk are associated with a three times lower incidence of death from heart attacks and strokes among men. However, the study did not find a similar association among women.
A study found that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were less likely to use recommended medications after a heart attack, but 1-year adherence rates were similar for both groups. Rates of medication use varied significantly among different types of drugs.
A meta-analysis of randomized trials suggests that an invasive treatment strategy is associated with reduced risk of rehospitalization, heart attack, or death in men and high-risk women with certain coronary syndromes. However, low-risk women may have an increased risk of heart attack or death with this treatment.