Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
Adding CRP testing to routine assessments would increase Americans eligible for treatment by 2-25 million, mostly low-risk individuals. The medical community should focus on treating high-risk patients before expanding to low-risk populations.
Researchers found that a core clock gene regulates stress response and blood pressure, providing a novel link to the diurnal variation in heart attack risk. The study suggests modifying the molecular clock using drugs could be a treatment for people with high blood pressure.
A study analyzing Hodgkin disease treatment found that patients are at increased risk of fatal heart attacks for at least 25 years after treatment. Cardiovascular disease is the second leading cause of death in long-term survivors, with myocardial infarction being the most common cause.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions recommends stringent quality standards for PCI in hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery. These standards aim to ensure patient safety and excellent clinical outcomes, including case volume limits and training of support personnel.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital report a case of a seemingly healthy man who suffered from unexplained chest pain after a silent heart attack. The team discovered a subepicardial aneurysm, a rarely diagnosed complication that can be fatal if left untreated.
A long-term study found that men with hypertension who consumed one to two drinks a day had a decreased risk of fatal and non-fatal heart attacks. Rates of stroke and death from heart disease and all causes did not differ for hypertensive men who drank moderately or those who drank no alcohol.
A large-scale study found that immunosuppressive medications in RA patients may increase cardiovascular risk, particularly with cytotoxic agents and glucocorticoids. Biologic therapies, including TNF blockers, showed no protective effect against heart attacks or strokes.
A meta-analysis of seven clinical trials found that statins can reduce the risk of major heart and cerebrovascular events in healthy individuals. However, these medications do not appear to provide significant benefits for those without cardiovascular disease or abnormal cholesterol levels.
Researchers are using computed tomography to study the effects of fat stored around the heart and its potential contribution to atherosclerosis. The study aims to investigate whether fat deposits in the arteries increase the risk of fatty deposits and inflammation, leading to heart attacks.
Research reveals that heart attack-related depression significantly increases the risk of further cardiovascular emergencies. The DepreMI Study found that incident post-heart attack depression is linked to a poor prognosis, warranting more targeted screenings and treatments.
A study published in Nature demonstrated TB4's ability to regenerate coronary vessels in mice, a finding that could lead to new treatments for human heart disease. TB4 may prevent loss of heart muscle cells and restore blood flow, providing a much-needed treatment modality.
A new analysis by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists found that taking low-dose aspirin daily reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death among patients with stable cardiovascular disease. The study also showed an increased risk of bleeding, but the protective benefits of aspirin outweigh this side effect.
A study of over 44,000 patients found that blood transfusions were associated with a benefit in those with low hematocrit levels but harm in others. For patients with moderate hematocrit levels, transfusions showed no benefit or harm, suggesting providers may reconsider their decision-making process.
A large international clinical trial found that stable patients who received late angioplasty after a heart attack did not have better outcomes than those on medical therapy alone. The study suggests that routine late opening of the blocked artery is unnecessary and should be reserved for unstable patients.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients who undergo angioplasty to open their totally blocked coronary arteries days after a heart attack do not reduce their risk of having another heart attack, going into heart failure, or dying. The study, which involved over 2,166 patients on five continents,...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully grown and implanted adult pig stem cells to repair damaged heart tissue after a lab-induced heart attack. The study demonstrates proof of principle for using cardiac stem cell therapy to regenerate infarcted heart muscle and restore heart cell function.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that hospitals using six specific strategies have faster door-to-balloon times, resulting in better patient outcomes. These strategies include activating the catheterization laboratory and having real-time data feedback for staff.
Researchers found that TSA and SAHA decreased cholesterol deposits and prevented macrophages from forming foam cells inside arterial walls. These findings suggest the potential for these anti-inflammatory drugs to stabilize atherosclerotic plaque and reduce acute coronary events.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers has found that people with psoriasis are more likely to develop heart disease, including heart attacks and heart failure. The study, which followed 622 adults with psoriasis and a control group of 622 people, found significant increases in cardiovascular events among those with psoriasis.
A recent study found that moderate drinking may be associated with a reduced risk of heart attack in healthy men. The research, conducted on 8,867 healthy men, suggests that even light drinkers have a lower risk than those who do not drink at all. Moderate drinking was linked to increased levels of HDL or 'good' cholesterol in the blood.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that moderate drinking reduces men's heart attack risk. Among men with healthy lifestyles, those who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol had a 40-60 percent reduced risk of heart attack compared to non-drinkers and very light drinkers.
A study published in JAMA Network found that adults with psoriasis, particularly those with severe forms of the condition, are at a higher risk for heart attacks. The research also revealed that younger patients with severe psoriasis have a significantly increased relative risk compared to other major cardiac risk factors.
A study published in JAMA found that psoriasis patients are at a higher risk of heart attack, particularly those with severe psoriasis. Younger patients with severe psoriasis had the highest relative risk of heart attack, similar to other major cardiac risk factors.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a two-drug treatment that rescues heart function after a heart attack by promoting blood vessel growth and cell division. The study shows improved heart function and reduced scarring in rats treated with the combination of agents.
Researchers discovered a biochemical signaling pathway between blood platelets and monocytes that triggers production of Cox-2, an enzyme involved in heart attack, stroke, and other inflammatory diseases. This finding offers hope for developing new drugs to modify Cox-2 production and prevent or lessen the severity of these conditions.
A team of researchers reviews existing research on LDL cholesterol and heart health, concluding that there is no valid evidence to support ultra-low LDL targets. They suggest focusing on statin therapy for high-risk patients regardless of their cholesterol levels.
Rural India sees a shift from infectious to chronic diseases as the leading cause of death. Cardiovascular disease and injuries now account for over 50% of deaths in rural areas.
A large prospective cohort study found that extremely high levels of lipoprotein(a) in women are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events, particularly those with high LDL-C levels. The study included over 27,000 initially healthy women and followed them for 10 years.
ACTOS demonstrated significant improvements in reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes. The study showed a 23% reduction in heart attacks and an 18% reduction in combined risk of cardiovascular death, nonfatal heart attack, or nonfatal stroke.
A study of over 17,000 heart attack patients found that only 45% regularly took beta blockers during the first year after discharge, highlighting the need for improved adherence strategies. Factors such as age and insurance status may influence medication adherence, suggesting a broader approach to addressing this issue.
A study of over 68,000 patients in 44 countries found that Eastern Europeans and Middle Easterners have the highest rates of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from these conditions. The analysis suggests that cardiovascular disease is no longer exclusive to Western, industrialized world.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that all forms of tobacco exposure, including smoking, chewing, and second-hand smoke, increase the risk of heart attack. The study, which included data from over 27,000 people in 52 countries, showed that even low levels of tobacco exposure can double the risk of a heart attack.
A global study found that all forms of tobacco exposure, including second-hand smoke, increase the risk of heart attack. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce this risk, with light smokers benefiting the most.
Researchers at Wake Forest University discovered that fibrin fibers can be stretched up to four times their length before breaking, making them the most stretchable natural fibers known. This discovery has significant implications for understanding blood clot properties and developing new treatments for heart attacks and strokes.
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study found that gout is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction (heart attack) in men with no previous history of coronary artery disease. Gouty arthritis was associated with modest elevations in blood pressure, age, and body mass index.
Research published in Heart reveals high humidity increases heart attack deaths among the elderly in Athens. Average monthly humidity was the single most important factor influencing average monthly death rates from heart attack in those over 70.
A cohort of over 138,000 adults in Denmark found that those living alone have a twofold increased risk of severe angina and heart attack. Poor education, pension, age, and social isolation are key factors contributing to this increased risk.
Researchers found that pretreatment with rapamycin induces a protective effect against heart attack injury by maintaining ATP levels in heart cells. The study suggests that rapamycin may be beneficial as a potential therapeutic strategy to limit cell death and prevent long-term heart damage.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered bone marrow adult stem cells play a crucial role in repairing damaged hearts. The 'SOS' distress signal mobilizes these cells to stimulate new blood vessel growth and restore heart function.
A Canadian study found that people with diabetes are up to four times more likely to have cardiovascular disease as those without it. Diabetes leads to an earlier high-risk category for CVD, with diabetic men and women being about 15 years younger than non-diabetic counterparts in the same risk group.
A 10-year study found that late career job loss significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Individuals over 50 who lost their jobs were nearly twice as likely to experience cardiovascular events compared to those still employed.
Patients who developed heart failure had almost four times the increase in risk of death during follow-up. Implantable defibrillators increased the risk of first hospitalization for heart failure and recurrent hospitalizations by 39% and 58%, respectively.
The study found that ACTOS reduced the number of patients on insulin and mean daily insulin dose, as well as delaying need for permanent insulin use. In high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes, these results could lead to less dependence on daily insulin use.
A new study by Dr. Judith S. Hochman's group demonstrates that some patients who quickly received invasive treatment with angioplasty or open-heart surgery to bypass clogged coronary arteries survive long-term, and the superiority of this treatment is sustained over time.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed PET/CT imaging to assess carotid plaque inflammation, identifying patients at high risk for heart attacks. This breakthrough may lead to more targeted interventions and improved patient outcomes.
A study by Yale University School of Medicine found that door-to-balloon time matters for all patients, regardless of time to presentation. The results show a significant decrease in mortality rates when patients receive rapid treatment, even if they arrive late.
The WPI team will use computational modeling, MRI scans, and histological studies to develop a detailed picture of plaque formation and rupture. This research aims to create better diagnostic tools for physicians to assess the risk of arterial plaques and choose effective treatments.
A study published in The Lancet found that patients taking aspirin and dipyridamole had fewer circulatory events compared to those on aspirin alone. This combination therapy reduced the relative risk of vascular death, stroke, or heart attack by 18%.
Researchers are testing innovative techniques to detect vulnerable coronary plaques, which cause most heart attacks. Non-invasive methods like multislice computed tomography show promise in generating colorful pictures of the coronary arteries.
Researchers identified VAMP8 and HNRPUL1 gene variants associated with increased risk of early-onset myocardial infarction. The study analyzed over 2,000 patients and found that carriers of these variants had a comparable risk to conventional risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure.
A University of Iowa and VA study found that certificate of need programs limit the growth of high-cost medical services but do not harm patients. Hospitals with higher volume rates for certain procedures tend to perform better, suggesting a potential role for regulatory policies in ensuring quality care.
Researchers found that early myocardial enhancement defects on cardiac multidetector CT scans can predict future heart muscle viability in heart attack patients. The study's main conclusion is that these defects are valuable predictors of future myocardial viability.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found no statistically significant risk reductions from early statin therapy for total death, MI, stroke, cardiovascular death, fatal or nonfatal MI, or revascularization procedures. Serious adverse events associated with early initiation of statins are rare.
A quarter of patients who suffered a heart attack while taking Vioxx did so within the first two weeks of use, new research shows. The study found that cardiovascular risk returns to normal within one month of stopping the drug.
A new compound, bis(phosphocholine)-hexane, has been designed to inhibit the effects of C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein that contributes significantly to heart attack damage. By blocking CRP's tissue-damaging effects, this potential drug may reduce mortality and scar size in patients who have experienced a heart attack.
A new study found that patients who saw visual proof of plaque buildup after an EBT scan were more likely to comply with prescribed statin therapy, exceeding 90% compliance. The study also suggests that this method can improve overall health behaviors beyond just medication adherence.
A study by Eric D. Peterson and colleagues found that hospitals following American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines had significantly lower in-hospital death rates. Hospitals with higher guideline adherence scores showed a 10% decrease in patient mortality for every 10% increase in composite adherence.
Researchers are conducting a trial to use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to repair damaged heart muscle after a heart attack. The MSCs can be grown in large numbers and stored for years, allowing a single donation to treat thousands of patients.
A study of over 39,000 women found that hormone therapy reduced the risk of heart attacks by 32% for those starting treatment in their 50s. However, the risk increased in older women within the first year of treatment before it decreased after two years.
A new study finds that health care spending generates significant health benefits, with a return on investment of $1.55 to $1.94 for every dollar spent. The research demonstrates the value of estimating the impact of health care investments and challenges policymakers to consider cost-effectiveness in their decision-making.