Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
Researchers at UTHealth Houston are studying the impact of circadian rhythm on heart attacks and cardiac surgery, with a focus on identifying novel therapies to protect the heart. They will investigate the role of key genes and signaling pathways in modulating daytime variations in cardiac injury.
Two preliminary studies presented at American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2023 found a potential association between regular marijuana use and an increased risk of heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. Daily marijuana use was associated with incident heart failure in a study involving over 150,000 adults in the US.
Dr. Marc A. Pfeffer will receive the 2023 Eugene Braunwald Academic Mentorship Award for his remarkable teaching and mentoring career, which has inspired numerous professionals in cardiovascular medicine. He is credited with directly mentoring 58 individuals throughout their careers.
A new study published in eClinicalMedicine suggests that ECG-AI can flag some risks years sooner than current risk calculator equations by identifying signs of coronary artery disease, such as calcification and blockages. The technology has the potential to save more lives by identifying people who do not know they have coronary disease.
A Michigan Medicine-led study reveals that older adults from distressed communities are less likely to attend cardiac rehabilitation after coronary revascularization. The study found that only 26% of patients from these areas used cardiac rehab, compared to 46% from prosperous areas.
A study led by UC San Francisco found that homeless individuals have a 7 times higher rate of sudden cardiac death compared to the general population. Non-cardiac causes, such as overdoses and unrecognized infections, are more common among homeless people.
Researchers found that Porphyromonas gingivalis inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion, worsening cardiac remodeling and causing cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction. The study suggests that treating this oral infection could help prevent fatal heart attacks.
The Million Hearts Model significantly reduced first-time heart attacks and strokes, supporting guidelines for CVD primary prevention. The study's findings also suggest that the model can have a positive impact on Medicare spending.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that stress and depression are common among women at the time of heart attack and for two months after. However, researchers discovered that women with heart attacks due to blockages had higher stress levels than those with open arteries.
A study by researchers from National Institutes of Health and Glasgow University found that amlodipine does not activate calcium channels, contradicting earlier concerns. The medication remains a recommended first-line treatment for high blood pressure, reducing deaths from hypertension.
A post hoc analysis of 10,678 participants with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease found no significant difference in heart attack, stroke, or death risk between enteric-coated and uncoated aspirin. Enteric-coated aspirin may offer reduced bleeding risk, but more research is needed to confirm its benefits.
A new study has found a significant association between cannabis use disorder and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attacks and strokes. Adults with cannabis use disorder in Canada experienced a 60% higher risk of first-time cardiovascular disease events compared to those without the disorder.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 triggers a dangerous immune response in hardened fatty deposits lining the heart's largest blood vessels. This inflammation can lead to immediate and longer-lasting heart issues, including plaque rupture and blockage of blood flow.
A large study of 74,471 patients found that those who quit smoking after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have comparable rates of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths to non-smokers. However, heavy smokers showed no improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.
A new study found that only one out of four recommended screening tools for sepsis is reliable, with NEWS-2 accurately predicting 72.2% of all sepsis cases. The study also highlights the need for better awareness and more frequent use of effective screening tools to improve early sepsis recognition and survival rates.
A preclinical study suggests that nanowired cardiac organoids could repair hearts instead of just preventing further damage. The treatment, led by Dr. Mei and Ryan Barrs, showed a 69% increase in heart function, promising a new therapy for heart disease.
Research shows a significant decline in death rates after a first heart attack for individuals without diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes. However, this trend is absent in people with type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that improved standard care following a heart attack may contribute to the observed differences.
Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that patients who start taking a combination of statins and ezetimibe after a heart attack are 47% less likely to die within three years. The study suggests that changing treatment guidelines could prevent many thousands of deaths each year.
A new study reveals that red blood cells can protect against myocardial infarction when exposed to oxygen deficiency, and this effect is enhanced by a nitrate-rich diet. The research provides hope for patients at risk of heart disease.
A Medical College of Wisconsin research team has identified a new role for liver protein tPA in influencing blood cholesterol levels. The study found that increased tPA production leads to decreased VLDL assembly in the liver, which may provide a novel target for heart disease treatment.
A global analysis of 2.3 million people reveals women are diagnosed and treated late for cardiac issues, with alarming rise in heart attacks among younger women. Non-traditional symptoms like vomiting, jaw pain, and abdominal pain are more common in women.
Atrial fibrillation patients in the UK are now 50% less likely to die from heart attacks and strokes than at the start of the millennium. The study revealed significant health inequalities, with socioeconomically deprived patients facing a higher risk of mortality.
A genetic study of 44,396 British people of Bangladeshi and Pakistani ancestry found that 57% have a genetic variant that renders clopidogrel ineffective in preventing recurrent heart attacks. People with two loss of function variants were more than three times more likely to experience recurrent heart attacks due to treatment failure.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people who experience pain after a heart attack are more likely to die within the next 8.5 years. The study analyzed data from over 18,300 adults who had a heart attack and found that moderate or extreme pain was linked to a higher mortality risk.
A high level of cardiac troponin is associated with a 76% increased risk of death, including non-cardiovascular causes, over medium-term survival. Researchers suggest that troponin may serve as a general indicator of health issues, including undiagnosed conditions.
A new study published in Circulation found that heat waves and high levels of fine particulate pollution can double the risk of fatal heart attacks. The combination of extreme temperatures and fine particulate pollution was associated with an increased risk of heart attack deaths, especially among women and older adults.
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle to prevent worsening health in people with chronic coronary disease. Clinicians should coordinate care between cardiovascular and primary care professionals, emphasizing team-based approach and social determinants of health.
A study analyzing 89,000 individuals found that engaging in intense physical activity over a short period (weekend warrior pattern) lowers the risk of atrial fibrillation, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. This type of activity was associated with similar lower risks compared to evenly distributed physical activity.
The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for lipid disorders in children and adolescents under 20 years old, citing insufficient evidence. This recommendation is consistent with its 2016 guidelines for preventive care services.
Researchers found a strong association between certain gut bacteria and coronary atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to heart attacks. The study analyzed gut bacteria and cardiac imaging data from over 8,900 participants and identified Streptococcus species as key players.
A new machine learning model developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers uses electrocardiogram (ECG) readings to diagnose and classify heart attacks faster and more accurately than current approaches. The model improves risk assessment, helping patients receive appropriate care without delay.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has released a new clinical guideline for managing antithrombotic therapy in patients with COVID-19-related arterial thrombosis and thromboembolism. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to improve risk-evaluation and treatment course.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients face substantial burden of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, leading to increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Modifiable CV risk factor control is crucial in reducing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and death among these patients.
A study of 200 people aged 50-70 found that higher carotene levels in the blood were associated with lower atherosclerosis and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in carotenes, may help lower the risk of heart disease.
A new study by CNIC researchers reveals that low-grade systemic inflammation triggered by subclinical atherosclerosis accelerates epigenetic aging in otherwise healthy young individuals. The study found a strong association between atherosclerosis progression and accelerated biological age, with potential reversibility through lifestyl...
A nationwide Danish study found that both men and women with migraine have a similarly increased risk of ischemic stroke. Women with migraine may also have a slightly higher risk of heart attack and hemorrhagic stroke compared to men and the general population.
A new study shows that saracatinib reduces inflammation in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by more than 90% and boosts genes that help clean up plaque deposits. The experimental cancer drug may offer an effective therapy for cases where standard treatment fails to help.
A study found that COVID-19 lockdowns resulted in heart attack patients losing an average of 1.5-2 years of life, with additional costs estimated at £36.6m in the UK and €88.6m in Spain due to work absenteeism.
Researchers at Lund University have mapped the location where atherosclerotic plaques rupture, identifying an enzyme marker that could predict patients at risk of myocardial infarction or stroke. The study's findings may lead to preventive treatments and new therapies.
A study from the National University of Singapore predicts that obesity will be the main metabolic risk factor underlying acute myocardial infarction (AMI) onset and AMI-related deaths by 2050. By then, overweight/obesity related AMI-mortality is expected to increase four-fold, with Malays facing a five-fold rise.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that heart attacks are associated with a faster decline in cognitive function over time. The research analyzed data from six large studies and showed that individuals who had a heart attack experienced a decline in global cognition equivalent to about six to 13 years of aging.
A recent study of 30,465 adults without a history of heart attack or dementia found that those who experienced an MI had a faster rate of decline in global cognition, memory, and executive function compared to those without an MI. The study suggests that preventing heart attacks may be crucial for maintaining long-term brain health.
Two researchers will receive $1 million each for their five-year studies on new medication-based approaches to repair damaged aortas, as well as the effects of exercise on healing heart muscle and brain tissue after a heart attack or stroke. The American Heart Association's Merit Award supports innovative research with high impact.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that plant-based diets can play a significant role in reducing blocked arteries and lowering the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases. The analysis of 30 randomised trials with over 2,300 participants showed a 14% reduction in artery-clogging lipoproteins.
Women with short or long menstrual cycles are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease events such as heart attack or AFib. The study analyzed data from over 58,000 women and found that irregular menstrual cycle length was associated with higher risks of CVD, independent of other factors.
A new Northwestern University study finds that CT scans are more effective than genetics in predicting the risk of heart disease in middle-aged individuals. The study used data from over 3,200 adults and found that adding CT scan data to conventional risk factors improved the accuracy of risk prediction.
A study analyzing European guidelines found that patients with specific characteristics may benefit from longer-term treatment with multiple blood thinners. High-risk patients experienced higher rates of complications due to blood clotting, emphasizing the need for personalized care.
A new analysis of COVID-19 patients with heart attacks reveals increased clotting in coronary arteries before and after treatment. High TGB was observed in 74% of patients pre-intervention and 29% post intervention.
Researchers have discovered a key mechanism behind zebrafish heart regeneration, which has been found to be evolutionary conserved in human and mouse heart muscle cells. The study suggests that manipulating this mechanism could lead to the development of new therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
A global clinical trial found that bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are nearly as safe and effective as conventional metal stents in treating coronary artery disease. The study, led by a researcher from the Mount Sinai Hospital, showed improved outcomes for patients when properly implanted.
A new AI algorithm named CoDE-ACS can quickly and accurately rule out heart attacks in patients, improving diagnosis and reducing hospital admissions. The tool has the potential to reduce misdiagnosis and inequalities in diagnosis across different populations.
A retrospective cohort study of U.S. veterans found that adding a GLP1 receptor agonist to diabetes treatment reduced the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and heart failure hospitalization by about 20% compared to DPP4 inhibitors. The study's findings will aid clinicians in choosing a diabetes drug regimen for older patients.
A study of over 6.5 million individuals found that those in their 20s and 30s with mental disorders have up to three-fold increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Regular health checks and medication may help prevent these conditions.
The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin receive a four-year, $2.37 million NIH grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for preventing and managing ventricular arrhythmias. Researchers have already demonstrated the feasibility of pacing the heart using the hydrogel in a porcine model.
A study analyzing 34,000 people found that lowering sclerostin levels may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that strategies to minimize potential impact on heart attack risk are needed.
A large study found no difference in cardiovascular outcomes between patients taking beta blockers and those who didn't, after a year of hospital discharge. The researchers suggest reevaluating the value of long-term beta blocker therapy in low-risk heart attack patients with normal functioning hearts.
A new study reveals delayed diagnosis of HoFH leads to premature cardiovascular disease, highlighting the need for increased lipid screening and aggressive treatment. Despite available therapies, most patients require further lipid-lowering treatments.
A study found that young women are more likely to experience adverse outcomes and rehospitalization after a heart attack, with non-cardiac hospitalizations showing the most significant disparity. Researchers highlight the need for public awareness and sex-specific post-heart attack care.
Researchers have developed a 'vein-on-a-chip' device that mimics the human vein, eliminating the need for animal models in some studies. The device, which includes structures called valves and endothelial cells, allows scientists to study mechanisms of blood clot formation in a realistic manner.
Using mice, researchers successfully converted scar tissue back into functioning cardiac muscle using RNAs and exosomes, offering new hope for reversing heart attack damage. The study also sheds light on the aging process's impact on cellular reprogramming.