Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
Dr. Shah will receive the ACC's Gifted Teacher Award for his teaching, and the Vulnerable Plaque Lifetime Achievement Award from AEHA for his pioneering research on preventing and reversing plaque buildup. These awards recognize his contributions to advancing cardiovascular care.
A new international study found that the life-saving effect of eplerenone began soon after patients started taking the drug following their heart attacks. The study showed a significant reduction in deaths and hospitalizations among heart attack patients with heart failure, especially when combined with other heart medications.
A new study found that calcification in heart valves is independently associated with an increased risk of heart attack and death. After adjusting for known risk factors, the researchers found that individuals with MAC were 50% more likely to develop cardiovascular disease and 60% more likely to die from cardiovascular causes.
Research suggests that employed African-American women have a 33% lower risk of coronary events compared to their homemaking counterparts. The study found no significant difference in heart disease rates among white women who worked outside the home and those who were homemakers.
Researchers analyzed VA records of 4,340 patients who received heart attack care between 1994-1995. Patients with mental illness had a slightly lower rate of diagnostic angiography, but no significant difference in survival rates for 90 days after the heart attack.
Researchers report improved left-ventricular and overall heart function in a 72-year-old man after receiving undifferentiated stem cells. The grafted scar showed the presence of well-developed skeletal myotubes with preserved contractile structure, indicating long-term viability and functional potential.
Researchers found that MRI accurately diagnosed acute coronary syndrome in 84% of patients, outperforming traditional tests like EKG and blood enzyme test. MRI detected all patients' heart attacks, even those with normal EKGs, and identified more patients with unstable angina.
A study found that near-daily intake of alcohol is associated with the lowest risk of heart attacks in men. Regular consumption at least three to four days per week was linked to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that frequent light-to-moderate drinking reduces heart disease risk in men. Men who consumed alcohol three or four days a week had approximately 2/3 the risk of heart attack compared to those who drank less than once a week.
Experimental evidence suggests that stem cell implantation can trigger angiogenesis in damaged heart tissue, leading to improved blood flow and potentially safe treatment outcomes. However, further controlled studies are needed to fully understand the role of cell transplantation in myocardial regeneration.
A new study published in The Lancet found that balloon angioplasty was more effective than thrombolytic therapy in reducing death, nonfatal heart attacks, and strokes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Long-term data showed that angioplasty's benefits were sustained for six to 18 months.
A new study found that moderate beer drinking is associated with lower heart attack risk, as shown by decreased cholesterol levels, increased antioxidants, and reduced fibrinogen levels. The study also discovered structural changes in fibrinogen caused by beer consumption, which may serve as a new diagnostic indicator for heart attack ...
A new study suggests that high levels of inflammatory protein CRP are strongly associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease. The research found that patients taking beta blockers and statins had less inflammation, indicating that treating inflammation may play a crucial role in preventing heart disease.
Researchers found that mercury in fish counteracts the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, increasing the risk of heart attack. Consuming low-mercury fish like salmon can help reduce cardiovascular risk.
A study of ICD patients found a significant increase in dangerous irregular heartbeats after a terrorist attack, highlighting the impact of stress on the heart. The rate of ICD discharges remained elevated for a month following the attack.
Patients who received outpatient cardiology care had lower two-year mortality rates compared to those without. Concurrent care by cardiologists and primary care physicians may improve outcomes.
A sub-analysis of the ASSENT-3 trial data found that anti-coagulation drugs have different effects in patients with diabetes after a heart attack. Enoxaparin was recommended for acute heart attack patients with diabetes due to its lower risk of death and refractory chest pain compared to abciximab.
A Phase II trial found that pexelizumab reduced the death rate in patients who received angioplasty, but not infarct size. The researchers suggest a new mechanism of action and plan further studies to explore its effects on patient outcomes.
A meta-analysis of randomized trials confirms that aspirin significantly reduces first heart attack risk and combined cardiovascular events. The study supports recent guidelines recommending aspirin therapy for individuals with a 10% or greater 10-year coronary event risk.
A recent study at Duke University Medical Center found hospitals that adhere to established treatment guidelines for heart attacks have lower mortality rates. The researchers compared over 250,000 patients and found leading hospitals reported significantly better outcomes.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that death rates are significantly lower in hospitals that follow established guidelines for treating heart attacks. The study examined adherence to clinical practice guidelines at 1,085 US hospitals and found that leading hospitals had a 50% higher rate of beta-blocker use and a 30% ...
A randomized trial of 1000 patients with a history of CAD found that a Mediterranean-style diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid significantly reduced cardiac events and mortality. The study demonstrated improved metabolic profiles without increased non-cardiac deaths.
A new NHLBI study has found improved heart failure survival rates, with deaths decreasing by 12% per decade for both men and women. The study, which analyzed data from 10,317 participants over 50 years, also revealed a significant drop in new cases of heart failure among women during the same period.
Researchers found that beta blockers significantly reduced overall death rates by 16-34% in two years, regardless of inducible tachycardia presence. However, the drugs did not reduce arrhythmic death or cardiac arrest, but showed a trend towards fewer events with combined antiarrhythmic and beta blocker therapy.
A comprehensive periodontal examination can save lives by detecting undiagnosed protein S deficiency, a condition that causes thrombotic disorders and increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment outcomes and improved survival rates for patients with this condition.
A new study published by the American Heart Association found that MRI stress tests can predict fatal and nonfatal heart attacks in patients with certain conditions. The study used MRI stress tests on 279 men and women referred for further testing after initial ultrasound screenings were inconclusive.
Two studies found that patients with kidney disease are at increased risk of death after a heart attack, receiving less-aggressive treatment. Meanwhile, researchers report four cases of muscle damage caused by statins, highlighting the need for closer monitoring.
Researchers found that combining calcium scores and CRP levels can gauge the presence, amount, and stability of artery-clogging plaque. Elevated CRP levels were linked to increased risk of coronary events, while combined tests showed a six-fold difference in heart attack risk between high-risk and low-risk individuals.
A recent study found that stent-assisted angioplasty reduced the need for repeat revascularization by 14% compared to CABG. Additionally, patients who received angioplasty experienced a lower risk of subsequent heart attack (5%) than those given CABG (8%).
A large study found that non-dippers have higher levels of fibrinogen, a clotting factor, which could account for increased risk. Fibrinogen levels vary over the year, peaking in winter months, and a 75 mg/dL increase translates to an 85% increased risk for coronary events.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients taking losartan had a significantly lower combined rate of cardiovascular death, stroke, and heart attack compared to those taking atenolol. The results showed a 40% reduction in stroke risk and a lower overall mortality rate.
Research found that vital exhaustion, a state of excessive fatigue and hopelessness, is associated with higher blood levels of fibrinogen, which can lead to excessive blood clotting. Decreased early morning fibrinolysis was also linked to vital exhaustion, increasing heart attack risk.
Researchers found that low-dose aspirin changes the composition of arterial plaques, reducing cholesterol-rich cells and increasing collagen and smooth muscle cells. This shift in plaque composition is associated with reduced inflammation and lower risk of rupture.
A randomized trial of 1810 patients with unstable coronary syndromes found that early intervention reduced the combined endpoint of death, non-fatal heart attack, or severe angina by half. The main effect was seen in severe angina, and rates of death and heart attack were similar between groups at one year follow-up.
Recent studies consistently demonstrate the increasing safety of third-generation oral contraceptives, particularly in reducing heart attack risks. The aggregated findings of seven studies involving nearly 6,500 women suggest that all current oral contraceptives are safe when used according to their regulatory labels.
Researchers found that tirofiban and abciximab were equally effective in preventing longer-term events such as death, heart attacks, and repeat surgery after coronary-artery angioplasty. The study's conclusion was that while abciximab is more expensive, it provides little long-term advantage compared to tirofiban.
A combination therapy of aspirin and coumarin reduced artery re-closure after heart attacks by 45% in a clinical trial. The therapy also improved problem-free survival rates and reduced the incidence of second heart attacks, according to researchers from the American Heart Association.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults over 50 be screened for colorectal cancer using methods like the fecal occult blood test or flexible sigmoidoscopy. The Task Force also notes that clot-busting drugs and angioplasty are underused in certain patient groups, particularly women and specific types of heart at...
A new study reveals that statins can cut the risks of heart attacks and strokes in people with diabetes, narrowed arteries, or a history of stroke. The findings recommend changing guidelines to consider statin use for anyone at increased risk of heart disease, regardless of cholesterol levels.
New findings from the Heart Protection Study (HPS) reveal substantial benefits of statins among high-risk patients, including those with normal or low blood cholesterol levels. The study found a significant reduction in death rates from heart attack and stroke, with simvastatin also showing well-tolerated benefits.
A new analysis suggests that early statin use after a heart attack is only effective in patients with high cholesterol levels above the recommended guidelines. The study found no difference in mortality rates between those who received early statins and those who did not.
Researchers have discovered the location of the genes that can cause heart attack, a breakthrough that could lead to new means of prevention and treatment. The study used genetics maps to scan chromosomes and found regions on chromosomes two, three, and 20 linked with heart attacks.
A Swedish registry study found that early revascularisation significantly reduces mortality risk by up to 50% within a year after a heart attack. This suggests improved success rates for bypass surgery and balloon angioplasty over time, as well as the inclusion of sicker patients in previous studies.
The CONVINCE trial demonstrated that a controlled-onset extended-release calcium channel blocker, COVERA-HS, can provide equivalent effects to standard care therapy in reducing cardiovascular events. The study found that over 84% of patients achieved blood pressure control after medication titration.
A study found that heavy tea drinkers had a 44% lower death rate than non-tea drinkers after a heart attack, while moderate tea drinkers had a 28% lower risk. Flavonoids in tea may help prevent LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized and improve endothelial function.
A new study found that women hospitalized for a heart attack or unstable angina are less likely to be referred to cardiac rehabilitation programs despite being good candidates. Women with lower family income and less confidence in their ability to improve their heart health face significant barriers to participation.
Men and women who smoked cigarettes had a significantly increased risk of heart attack, with female smokers facing an 80% greater risk than their peers. This contradicts the initial assumption that leanness is cardio-protective, highlighting the need for further research.
A Dutch study found that heavy tea drinking was associated with a significantly lower risk of heart attack, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle. The study suggested that flavonoids in black tea may help prevent excess vascular damage from ischemic heart disease.
A new study found that young adults do not change their health behaviors when a close family member suffers a heart attack or stroke. Despite this, researchers note that these events can signal increased personal risk for cardiovascular disease.
A study found that women with a history of heart attack were 2.7 times more likely to have impaired cochlear function than those without, highlighting a potential link between CVD and age-related hearing loss. The research used a new technology to test cochlear function in over 1,600 participants aged 52-97.
A new study found that tiredness, frustration, and fatigue can increase the risk of heart attacks. Researchers analyzed data from over 12,000 participants, aged 45-64, to determine if psychological factors such as anger, vital exhaustion, and chronic fatigue could predict long-term heart attack risk.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that young men who express or conceal their anger are five times more likely to experience an early heart attack. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 medical students and found that those with the highest level of anger were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that angioplasty reduced the combined incidence of death, repeat heart attacks, or strokes by 40% compared to clot-busting drugs. Patients treated with angioplasty had a shorter hospital stay and lower event rates at follow-up.
Scientists at Michigan Medicine have discovered that leptin is linked to blood clot formation, particularly in obese individuals. Knowing how to block this interaction could help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
A recent study found that glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, proven to prevent death and heart attacks, are being used in only 25% of eligible patients. This suggests a significant room for improvement in treatment protocols.
A Yale study of hospital website ratings found that the system yielded mixed results, with some high-rated hospitals performing similarly to lower-rated ones. The researchers suggested that patients should focus on accepted measures of quality instead of relying on ratings.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals a shift in heart disease burden from men to women and older adults. Heart attack rates decreased among younger men but increased among women over 80, while survival rates remained unchanged for those over 75.
A large-scale study analyzing over 297,000 cases found that smokers are half as likely to die from heart attacks compared to nonsmokers. The main reason for this difference is the significant age gap between smokers and non-smokers, with smokers averaging 14 years younger at the time of their attack.
Researchers at Stanford University are conducting a randomized, multi-site clinical study on using therapeutic cooling to preserve heart muscle in heart-attack patients. The study aims to prevent or minimize damage caused by reduced blood flow during an attack.
Researchers found that sudden changes in body position and negative emotional stress/anger are linked to an increased risk of ischemic strokes. The study suggests that awareness of these potential triggers can help prevent strokes, particularly among older adults.