Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that predicts strokes more accurately than current systems, using data available at hospital arrival. The model achieved high precision and sensitivity, outperforming existing scales.
Researchers at the University of Washington School Medicine have engineered stem cells that do not generate dangerous arrhythmias. These 'MEDUSA' cardiomyocytes can engraft in the heart, mature into adult cells and beat in sync with natural pacemaking without generating dangerous heart rates.
Researchers at Temple University and Johns Hopkins University found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) loss underlies post-myocardial infarction heart failure. BDNF levels can be replenished therapeutically, abolishing damage to heart tissue and enabling recovery.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified a group of proteins called AJSZ that help solve a known problem in cellular reprogramming. By blocking the activity of these proteins, they were able to reduce scarring on the heart and induce a 50% improvement in overall heart function in mice that have undergone a heart attack.
Three pre-clinical studies published in Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis explore the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular and neurological diseases, providing new avenues for therapeutic strategies.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that the single mechanosensitive protein VGLL3 induces fibrosis, thickening and scarring tissue. The study suggests targeting this protein could lead to new treatments against fibrosis.
The VALOR-QI program will provide a blueprint for quality care improvement, focusing on high-risk patients and addressing health equity gaps. It will offer education, staff training, monitoring, and other steps to achieve better compliance with cholesterol management.
Researchers at University of Technology Sydney have successfully created personalized 'bio-inks' from patients' own stem cells, which are then used to 3D-print cardiac tissues to repair areas of dead tissue. This technology shows promise in treating heart failure and may reduce the need for expensive and traumatic heart transplants.
Adolescents with blood pressure above 130/85 mmHg are at risk of premature heart damage, which doubles in prevalence over a 7-year period. The study found significant differences in heart damage risks between males and females.
Researchers discovered a mechanism involving ribosomes that enables the heart to toggle between a regular maintenance mode and an energy-boost mode. This finding provides clues for developing medicines targeting specific ribosomes to treat cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that patients with greater buildup of fatty plaque deposits in the heart's three largest blood vessels had higher chances of developing serious health issues following surgery. This study suggests using existing chest scans to estimate patients' risk of heart attack or death during major surgeries.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that participating in home-based cardiac rehabilitation was associated with a 36% lower likelihood of death from heart-related complications among US military veterans within four years. The study analyzed data from 1,120 veterans who enrolled in a 12-week hom...
Researchers found that self-perceived interpersonal racism in employment, housing, and police interactions was associated with a 26% higher risk of coronary heart disease among Black women. The study analyzed data from the largest follow-up study on the health of Black women in the US.
A new cell therapy has demonstrated significant benefits in improving the heart's pumping ability and reducing the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke in patients with chronic heart failure. The therapy, using mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs), also showed a strong signal in reducing inflammation and improving microv...
A new study by the Cleveland Clinic found that high levels of erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener, are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Researchers studied over 4,000 people and found those with higher blood erythritol levels were at elevated risk of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event.
A new study found that Black women of childbearing age are twice as likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure as their white peers, increasing their risk of heart-related complications during pregnancy. Food insecurity was also a significant issue among Black and Hispanic women, with one in four experiencing food insecurity.
A study of 3.7 million adults in California found long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) at moderate concentrations is associated with increased risks of heart attack and cardiovascular disease mortality. The findings suggest the current regulatory standard may not be sufficiently protective.
A Kaiser Permanente study of 3.7 million adults found long-term exposure to fine particle air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease, especially in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status. The research lends support for strengthening air quality standards to protect public health.
Research finds people with insomnia are 69% more likely to have a heart attack compared to those without the sleep disorder. Insomnia is also associated with an increased risk of heart attacks in people with diabetes and those who get less than five hours of sleep per night.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that irregular sleeping habits may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis among adults older than 45. Maintaining regular sleep schedules can help reduce cardiovascular risk for aging adults and improve overall health.
A study published in eLife has linked infection with the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that individuals with high genetic risk scores for coronary heart disease were at elevated risk for cardiovascular events.
A recent study published in Radiology uses radiomics to analyze coronary CT angiography images and identify vulnerable plaques associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiac events. The model enabled the detection of these plaques, providing a more accurate approach than conventional anatomical parameters.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people hospitalized for sepsis are at a higher risk of heart failure and rehospitalization within 12 years. The researchers analyzed data from over 2 million adults who survived non-surgical hospitalizations between 2009 and 2019.
Researchers identified a panel of novel blood biomarkers associated with sudden cardiac arrest, which have the potential to enhance clinical prediction. Additionally, an AI-powered ultrasound technology can accurately identify coronary artery calcium buildup, potentially replacing CT scans as a diagnostic tool.
A new study found that drinking two or more cups of coffee daily may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality among people with severe hypertension. In contrast, moderate green tea consumption did not show a significant association with increased risk, suggesting potential benefits of polyphenols in reducing mortality.
A study published in Circulation found that walking between 6,000 and 9,000 steps per day significantly lowers the risk of a cardiovascular event in older adults. For those who are least active, even small increases in daily step count can have a substantial impact on heart health.
A large VA clinical trial found that chlorthalidone (CTD) was not superior to hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) for preventing cardiovascular disease or non-cancer death. The study enrolled over 13,500 Veterans with high blood pressure and showed no difference between the two drugs in terms of effectiveness.
Scientists at Duke University have made a breakthrough in controlling gene expression in response to injury, using a segment of fish DNA called TREE. The method successfully targeted gene activity to specific regions and time windows, showing promise for regenerating damaged tissues in mammals.
A new study published in Hypertension suggests that lipoprotein(a) cholesterol may affect the relationship between hypertension and cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that people with high levels of lipoprotein(a) and hypertension had a 24% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those without hypertension.
As people age, their health care needs become more complex, making it essential to consider anatomical and functional changes when diagnosing and treating ACS. An individualized and patient-centered approach is best for older adults, considering coexisting conditions and input from multiple specialists.
A new study published in JAMA found that choosing a Medicare Advantage plan does not significantly improve heart attack survival rates compared to traditional Medicare. Despite this, Medicare Advantage participants still had higher rates of certain care procedures and lower hospital readmission rates.
The prevalence of methamphetamine-associated heart failure is rising worldwide, affecting a wide range of socio-economic and racial groups. Meth users are more likely to develop severe disease, with longer hospital stays and readmissions, compared to non-users.
Black patients were more likely to experience cognitive impairments, mobility issues, and vision problems after a heart attack. Functional impairments disproportionately affected Black patients and were associated with higher mortality rates.
Researchers found that individuals with persistent asthma have higher levels of inflammation and artery plaque, which may increase heart attack or stroke risk. The study also highlights the importance of addressing risk factors for cardiovascular disease in people with persistent asthma.
A new study from Mount Sinai Hospital finds a strong association between age-related macular degeneration and severe forms of heart disease, including heart failure, heart attacks, and stroke. The study highlights the importance of increased screening for eye disorders to diagnose undetected heart disease.
A Rutgers study of 86,964 adults with obesity and NAFLD found that bariatric surgery reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events by 49% compared to nonsurgical care. This is significant because heart disease is a leading cause of death in the US, and NAFLD can lead to liver damage and inflammation.
Researchers developed an AI tool that analyzes plaque features on coronary CT scans to predict reduced blood flow, potentially reducing invasive tests. The tool could help doctors determine the next step in treatment plans and risk-stratify patients correctly.
A new study found that a personalized 'precision' testing approach for people with stable chest pain led to more efficient evaluations and improved diagnosis of coronary artery disease. The approach involved assessing cardiovascular risk factors to identify low-risk individuals who may not benefit from further testing.
A new study by Intermountain Healthcare found that following up a cardiac event with a statin prescription and cholesterol measuring blood test prevents 94% of patients from having or dying from a second cardiovascular event. Patients without follow-up care were at a 60% risk, compared to just 6% for those who received treatment.
Researchers at Intermountain Healthcare discovered that patients without standard modifiable heart risk factors who experience a heart attack fare better, with lower rates of revascularization procedures and subsequent major cardiac events. This finding highlights the need to identify patients at risk for an event before it happens.
A new study has shown that bivalirudin is a safer and more effective anticoagulant than heparin for treating heart attack patients. The trial found that bivalirudin significantly reduced death, major bleeding, and thrombosis in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.
Researchers found that two common diuretics, chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, had no difference in cardiovascular outcomes among study participants. However, those taking chlorthalidone showed a reduced risk of heart disease and death by an average of 27% among patients with a history of heart attack or stroke.
Researchers have discovered a new role for VWF in regulating immune responses at sites of blood vessel injury, leading to potential treatment options for inflammatory and blood clotting disorders. The study found that VWF plays a key role in repairing damaged blood vessels, which could help prevent heavy bleeding and blood clots.
A new troponin test has been developed to help diagnose heart attacks more accurately. By detecting only large troponin molecules, the test can distinguish between heart attacks and other conditions such as renal insufficiency.
A recent study published in Nature Communications identified a root cause of chronic heart failure following a heart attack, revealing that iron drives the formation of fatty tissue in the heart. This discovery has the potential to prevent heart failure in nearly half a million people in the US and millions more worldwide.
Researchers found that marital stress among younger adults (ages 18–55 years) is associated with poorer recovery after a heart attack. The study of over 1,593 participants showed that higher levels of marital stress were linked to reduced physical and mental health outcomes.
A study of over 2,600 young heart attack survivors found that those who experienced more perceived discrimination had a higher risk of worse health outcomes. The research suggests that perceived discrimination acts as a chronic stressor that adversely impacts cardiovascular disease.
A study found that living in a food desert increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and early death for people with PAD. People with PAD living in food deserts were 17% more likely to experience a major cardiac event compared to those with better nutrition access.
Researchers tracked participants for almost 30 years and found a link between past exposure to intimate partner violence and future cardiovascular health. The study suggests that intimate partner violence is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure hospitalizations.
A large UK Biobank study found that COVID-19 infection is associated with a heightened risk of poor cardiovascular health and death, particularly among those who require hospital admission. The risk remains elevated for some time after the initial infection.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have identified TBX20 as a vital regulator of direct human cardiac reprogramming. Adding TBX20 to existing cocktails improves contractility and mitochondrial function in reprogrammed heart muscle cells, suggesting a therapeutic potential for TBX20.
A study found that in people with significant kidney disease, psoriasis does not increase the risk of heart attack. After controlling for other risk factors, researchers found no association between psoriasis and heart attacks in patients with end-stage renal disease.
Researchers at CNIC have identified metoprolol as a neuroprotective agent after a stroke, greatly reducing cerebral inflammation and neuronal death. The study's findings suggest that metoprolol may also offer benefits in treating severe Covid-19.
Particle radioactivity from radon in air pollution increases toxicity and risk of death from cardiovascular disease, especially from heart attack and stroke. Researchers used spatiotemporal predictions to estimate exposure and found that higher gross beta-activity levels increased the risk of death from these conditions.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm to assess retinal vasculature, predicting cardiovascular disease and death. The model captured half to two-thirds of circulatory disease deaths in those most at risk, outperforming traditional risk frameworks.
Researchers discover that oxytocin stimulates stem cells to migrate and develop into cardiomyocytes in zebrafish and human cell cultures. This could lead to the regeneration of damaged hearts after a heart attack. The study found that oxytocin also activates EpiPCs, which can replenish lost cardiomyocytes.
The Leducq Foundation has awarded $7.5 million to UVA researchers, led by Mete Civelek, to investigate sex differences in atherosclerosis and $8 million to Coleen McNamara to advance immunotherapy for cardiovascular disease. These projects aim to improve understanding of heart disease and develop new treatments.
A new study found that only around half of older adults with hypertension regularly check their blood pressure at home. Those who received a healthcare provider's recommendation to do so were three and a half times more likely to monitor their blood pressure regularly.
A randomized controlled trial found that virtual reality immersion reduced the need for sedatives during hand surgery, leading to lower doses of propofol and shorter post-operative lengths of stay. Patient satisfaction remained unchanged, but discharge times were significantly shorter.
Research found that people with HIV who also have untreated hepatitis C virus have a higher risk of heart attack as they age. The study analyzed health data from 23,361 people with HIV and found that those co-infected with hepatitis C had a significantly increased risk of heart attack compared to those with HIV alone.