Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
A team of researchers has identified a potential alternative therapeutic option to COX-2 inhibitors by targeting microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1). Inhibiting mPGES-1 suppresses PGE2 expression while augmenting PGI2 production, without affecting blood clotting or blood pressure.
Researchers found that low-dose aspirin prevents platelet clumping in both sexes, with women's platelets reacting more strongly to aspirin before treatment. The study suggests that further research is needed to determine who benefits from aspirin and under what circumstances it works.
A new study published in JAMA found that women are at a higher risk of developing angina, a symptom of chest pain or discomfort due to insufficient oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Women with angina and diabetes are particularly at risk of experiencing high rates of death from heart disease
Scientists developed research mice with ABCA1 gene mutations to study good cholesterol formation in the liver and intestines. They found that the liver produces 70-80% of HDL, while the intestines produce 20-30%, shedding new light on heart disease prevention.
Researchers found Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) quickly and accurately ruled out coronary artery disease in 67% of cases, reducing hospital stay by 45% and saving $300 per patient. Advanced care paramedics also improved STEMI heart attack management, reducing mortality rates from 9% to less than 2%.
A new generation of CT scanner assesses coronary artery health and cardiac anatomy in a single heartbeat, providing clear images of the heart's damage. Researchers also identified predictors of procedural success, including comorbidity and outcome after percutaneous coronary interventions.
The OASIS-6 trial evaluated fondaparinux's safety and effectiveness in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Fondaparinux prevents amplification of the coagulation system, potentially reducing death risk from heart attacks.
Researchers analyzed data from 30,324 heart attack patients treated at U.S. hospitals and found that the BNP test was primarily used on high-risk patients with congestive heart failure or older age. However, younger and seemingly healthier patients with elevated BNP levels were at a two to four times greater risk of dying in the hospital.
A pilot project by Duke University Medical Center achieved a significant reduction in 'door-to-reperfusion' time for patients with heart attacks, cutting it down to 50 minutes. The project used wireless ECG transmission from ambulance paramedics to directly link patients with cardiologists.
Researchers found that patients over 64, especially women and minorities, were less likely to be transferred to larger hospitals with revascularization capabilities. This disparity affects mortality rates, with transferred patients having a lower risk of death than those remaining at community hospitals.
Researchers conducted a randomized trial to evaluate the effectiveness of paclitaxel-eluting stents in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). After one year, the study found that the drug-eluting stent reduced repeat procedures by 67% compared to bare-metal stents.
A new analysis by Duke Clinical Research Institute researchers reveals that Lumbees have a significantly higher burden of cardiovascular risk factors. The study found that Lumbees who came to the hospital for heart treatment had higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and prior history of coronary artery disease.
A study found that coffee consumption is associated with an increased risk of nonfatal heart attack among individuals with the slow CYP1A2*1F allele, which impairs caffeine metabolism. Those who drank more than 4 cups per day had a significantly higher risk compared to those who consumed less.
A new study suggests that regionalizing heart attack care, similar to trauma care, could be feasible for the US. Nearly 80% of Americans live within a 60-minute ambulance trip of an angioplasty-performing hospital, with most being able to reach one within 30 minutes.
A recent study published in Diabetes reveals that diabetes rates in the US have increased dramatically over the past decade, leading to a sharp rise in hospitalizations and deaths from coronary heart disease. As a result, progress made in reducing illnesses and deaths from this condition may be put at risk.
A Stanford-Kaiser study suggests that statins and beta-blockers can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack in patients with high blood pressure or high cholesterol. The study found that these medications were effective in reducing the risk of heart attack by more than half, even when other treatments for high cholesterol failed.
Researchers found that pre-treatment with vardenafil (Levitra) can open the mitochondrial KATP channel, providing protection against heart attack injury. The findings suggest a new utility for phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in cardiac protection beyond erectile dysfunction management.
A study of 17 trials found that pre-intervention drug treatment in ST-elevation heart attacks increased patient mortality and risk of non-fatal heart attacks, strokes, and bleeding. The practice is now recommended against outside of controlled trials.
A Dutch study published in European Heart Journal reveals that 43% of total heart attacks had been clinically unrecognised. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms and may be less likely for their symptoms to be recognized by doctors.
A large clinical trial found that estrogen therapy did not significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. However, there was a suggestion of lower risk in women aged 50-59 years, and fewer cases of revascularization and combined endpoints were reported among those taking estrogen.
Men are more likely to drive themselves to hospital during a heart attack, taking an average of 2.8 hours compared to 14 hours for women. Women often wait longer for treatment and face higher risks from complications.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that fine particulate matter from pollution causes cardiovascular problems in rats with obesity and insulin resistance. The findings suggest a significant public health risk for vulnerable populations, particularly those living near areas burning coal or diesel exhaust.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new software tool that can detect 'inflamed plaque' in blood vessels, highlighting areas prone to future rupture and blockage. This technology will provide doctors with an early detection method to reduce fatalities due to unpredictable heart attacks.
A new meta-analysis of over 95,000 patients found that aspirin significantly reduces cardiovascular events in both men and women. However, the major reasons for this risk reduction differ between the sexes, with aspirin lowering the risk of heart attacks in men and stroke in women.
A sex-specific meta-analysis of aspirin therapy found that it reduced cardiovascular events by 12% in women and 14% in men. However, it increased the risk of major bleeding events in both sexes. The study suggests that aspirin should be considered for primary prevention in both men and women with preexisting cardiovascular disease.
A study of 76 men found that those taking impotency drugs like Viagra and Cialis were more likely to develop optic nerve damage. Patients with pre-existing heart disease or high blood pressure also showed a higher risk.
Patients receiving emergency angioplasty at highly specialized hospitals have lower risk of death and faster treatment compared to those at less specialized institutions. This study found that hospitals with higher rates of emergency angioplasties perform better, despite the number of procedures not being a key factor in patient survival.
The American College of Cardiology has introduced Clinical Performance Measures to ensure eligible patients receive proven therapies, including aspirin prescription and cholesterol-lowering therapy. By implementing these measures, physicians and hospitals can improve healthcare quality and prepare for the future.
A recent study published in JAMA found that administering L-arginine to patients following a first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) does not reduce vascular stiffness or improve ejection fraction. In fact, the study suggests that older patients taking L-arginine may be at an increased risk of death after a heart attack.
Researchers found that women have a similar risk of overall mortality and sudden cardiac death following a heart attack as men. ICD therapy reduced mortality risk in both genders, with benefits estimated at 43% for women and 34% for men, according to the re-analysis of the MADIT II study.
Researchers discovered that macrophages secreting a specific enzyme trigger the rupture of unstable plaques in arteries, leading to cardiovascular events. The study suggests targeting this enzyme may help stabilize precarious plaques and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
A study of 2,160 people who had heart attacks found a high risk of stroke in the first month after the heart attacks. Hospital care at home was shown to be feasible and cost-effective, with patients receiving similar quality of care as those hospitalized.
Researchers identified a significant increase in stroke risk after heart attack, with risks remaining high for up to three years. The study highlights the importance of monitoring patients and implementing preventative measures such as medication adherence, smoking cessation, and healthy lifestyle habits.
A study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that women with similar levels of heart disease as men reported milder symptoms and perceived their disease as severe less often. Researchers suggest this may contribute to differences in heart care delivery between genders.
A study of 4,975 patients found that short-term NSAID use does not increase the risk of heart attack. Long-term NSAID use, particularly for over a year, may slightly raise this risk. The findings also suggest individual NSAIDs have varying cardiovascular effects.
A major study by the European Society of Cardiology links chronic noise exposure to an increased risk of heart attacks, particularly in men and women under 70. The study found that general environmental noise increased risk by nearly 50% for men and three-fold for women, while workplace noise levels affected men's risk but not women's.
A study found that individuals with the shortest delays had a greater probability of experiencing the largest number of symptoms, including sweating, which may prompt them to seek treatment early. Those with longer delays had moderate probability of experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath
A study analyzing follow-up data from the SYNERGY trial found that enoxaparin and unfractionated heparin had similar death or nonfatal MI rates at six months, but mortality at one year was similar. Patients with high-risk ACS features remain at risk for continued adverse cardiac morbidity and mortality.
A survey found that nearly half of people with diabetes are not using aspirin as prescribed, despite its proven benefits in reducing heart attack and stroke risk. The study highlights the need for better communication between healthcare professionals and patients, particularly those with diabetes who are at higher risk.
A study of 5,700 patients found that carriers of a specific genetic variation had a 43% higher risk of death, heart attack, or stroke. The research aims to tailor drugs to individual patients based on their genetic makeup, potentially leading to safer and more effective treatments.
Darbepoietin showed significant protection to heart tissue and improved cardiac function when administered 1-2 hours or 24 hours after an ischemic event. The findings suggest potential for quick translation into clinical trials.
The PROactive study shows ACTOS significantly reduced the recurrence of heart attacks and acute coronary syndrome in high-risk patients with type 2 diabetes. The medication demonstrated a 28 percent reduction in fatal or non-fatal heart attacks, as well as a 37 percent risk reduction in acute coronary syndrome.
A two-year study involving over 2,500 heart failure patients found that hospitals that cooperated to deliver proven care and educate patients saw lower death rates and rehospitalization rates. The project used a toolkit of standard admission orders, clinical pathways, and discharge checklists to ensure optimal care.
Researchers have discovered that stem cells derived from human heart tissue can develop into cardiospheres that express normal properties of primitive heart tissue. These cardiospheres were then grown in the laboratory and injected into mice with lab-induced heart attacks, where they migrated to damaged tissue and regenerated, improvin...
A study of 14,200 patients with type 2 diabetes found that fenofibrate reduced total CVD events by 11% due to a decrease in non-fatal heart attacks and bypass surgery. The drug was well-tolerated but associated with increased risks of pancreatitis and pulmonary embolism.
High doses of COX-2 inhibitors and other NSAIDs are associated with a higher risk of death, according to the study. Patients taking high doses of celecoxib or rofecoxib were found to be at a strikingly higher risk of death compared to those not taking NSAIDs.
Researchers found significant disparities in health status outcomes between African-Americans and whites, with blacks experiencing more angina, physical limitations, and poorer quality of life one year after an acute coronary syndrome. These disparities remained even after adjusting for hospital treatments and other factors.
A recent study found that obesity measured by waist-to-hip ratio is three times stronger than BMI in predicting the risk of heart attack. The researchers analyzed data from over 27,000 people across 52 countries and discovered a striking correlation between waist size and cardiovascular risk.
A recent study found that waist-to-hip ratio is a stronger predictor of heart attack than BMI in diverse ethnic populations. The researchers discovered that larger waist size was harmful, while larger hip size was protective, leading to substantial reassessment of obesity's importance for cardiovascular disease worldwide.
A new drug, clopidogrel, has been shown to significantly reduce deaths from heart attacks, with a 9% decrease in mortality rates compared to placebo. The treatment also resulted in a 14% reduction in repeat heart attacks during the study period, highlighting its potential to save thousands of lives each year.
A study of 11,481 childhood cancer survivors found that 20% had physical performance limitations compared to 12% of their siblings. Rehabilitation programs improved survival rates after heart attacks by reducing subsequent heart attacks by 17%.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in cardiac regeneration using bone marrow stem cells, improving left ventricular function and reducing infarct size in patients with old myocardial infarction. The therapy is safe, simple, and shows promising results, paving the way for larger trials to confirm its effectiveness.
Patients taking ASA plus dipyridamole had increased rates of myocardial infarction, but the addition of dipyridamole is rarely justified for stroke prevention. ASA remains the gold standard treatment for preventing stroke in high-risk patients.
A study found that drug-eluting stents significantly reduce the risk of restenosis in vein grafts, cutting heart attack rates by fourfold compared to bare metal stents. The treatment also decreases repeat procedures and death rates, suggesting a long-term advantage for patients with worn and diseased vein grafts.
In a randomized study, animals received injections of their own adipose stem and regenerative cells after a simulated heart attack. This approach resulted in a statistically significant reduction in perfusion defects and improved ejection fraction.
A large multicenter randomized study involving 384 patients found the CYPHER Stent to have a superior safety profile compared to intravascular brachytherapy. The study showed lower incidence of target vessel failure and major adverse cardiac events with the CYPHER Stent at nine-month follow-up.
Physicians at Providence Hospital have developed an early triage system using cell phones and ECGs to quickly transmit tracing data from paramedics in the field to emergency rooms, reducing average door-to-balloon time from 88 to 44 minutes.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that moderate drinking is associated with lower levels of stickiness in platelets, which can lead to fewer blood clots. The research, conducted on over 1,000 participants, suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may have a protective effect against cardiovascula...
A study published in The Lancet found that pioglitazone reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. The treatment group experienced fewer adverse events and a lower risk of death from heart failure compared to the placebo group.
An international study found that 21% of coronary patients continued to smoke, with younger patients and those with angina less likely to quit. The survey highlights the need for more effective smoking cessation programs, particularly among younger patients and those with lower education levels.