Research on heart attacks and their treatment. Covers care for older patients, cardiac rehabilitation, rapid testing, and updated diagnostic definitions.
A recent study by the American Heart Association highlights that poorly controlled high blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular emergencies in the US. The study analyzed over 20 million emergency department visits and found that 13% were for essential hypertension, which led to hospital admission less than 3% of the time.
A Brazilian study analyzed risk factors for heart attacks and found that high blood sugar had the most significant impact on mortality. Reducing smoking prevented most deaths from cardiovascular disease, while lowering diabetes incidence could have saved up to 5,000 lives over a decade.
The PASCAL transcatheter valve repair system showed non-inferiority compared to MitraClip in treating significant symptomatic DMR. Patients experienced improvements in functional and quality-of-life outcomes.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that individuals with autoimmune diseases are at a higher risk of complications after a heart attack. The research emphasizes the importance of controlling cardiovascular disease risk factors and developing personalized treatment plans for this population.
A prospective study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that dedicated women's heart centers can significantly improve clinical and psychological outcomes for women with myocardial ischemia. The study, which followed 154 patients, showed a significant decrease in chest pain frequency and improved quality of life after attending...
A large French study found a potential direct association between higher artificial sweetener consumption and increased cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers suggest that these food additives should not be considered a healthy alternative to sugar.
A study suggests that adopting the DASH diet may have the greatest impact on reducing cardiovascular disease among people with stage 1 hypertension. The research estimates that this lifestyle change could prevent 15,000 heart disease events among men and 11,000 among women.
A large retrospective study found that visceral fat area from fully automated and normalized abdominal CT analysis predicts subsequent myocardial infarction or stroke in Black and White patients. The study suggests that body composition analysis using machine learning could be widely adopted to add prognostic utility to clinical practice.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that low physical function after age 65 is associated with a greater risk of developing heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. The study used the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test to assess physical function in 5,570 adults over 75 years old.
Scientists have discovered three proteins with therapeutic potential to prevent cardiac damage and preserve cardiac function after a heart attack. The proteins, Chrdl1, Fam3c, and Fam3b, were identified through an innovative technology called FunSel that screens human proteins for protective effects.
Researchers use human tissue models to study myocardial infarction, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. These models allow for early detection of discrepancies between animal and human responses, enabling faster and safer clinical trials.
A clinical trial found that long-term use of evolocumab led to further reductions in cardiovascular events compared to shorter treatment. Participants who received evolocumab for over 5 years had lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization.
A study published in Circulation found that moderate or vigorous physical activity can lower the risk of developing heart failure. The research, which analyzed data from over 94,000 adults, suggests that increasing physical activity duration and intensity may provide greater protection against heart failure.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that AI-based risk profiling can improve treatment outcomes for women with heart attacks. By accounting for sex-related differences, the novel score refines current risk models and reduces mortality rates among female patients.
Researchers developed a polygenic risk score to predict sudden cardiac death in coronary artery disease patients. The study found that patients with high genetic risk scores had a 77% increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
A case-control study found that pregnant women with higher folate levels are at a lower risk of having children with congenital heart disease. The researchers measured red blood cell folate levels and found that those with CHD had significantly lower median levels than those without CHD.
Researchers led by Jianyi Zhang aim to find key pathways for reprogramming adult heart muscle cells to proliferate in response to a heart attack, potentially leading to improved heart attack recovery through growth of new heart muscle cells. The grant will fund three projects at UAB and two other universities.
Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and heart failure, can profoundly affect quality of life. The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of tracking symptoms to detect changes and progression.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association finds that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a 30% increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Younger adults, including Gen Z, experience increased social isolation and loneliness due to higher social media use and less in-person engagement.
A new study found that people taking beta-blockers or antiplatelet medications are more likely to have heart attacks during hot weather. The study, which analyzed data from 2,494 cases in Germany, suggests that these medications may render some individuals more vulnerable to heat-related heart attacks.
A new analysis from the Family Heart Foundation shows that only 31.3% of individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in its database had been diagnosed as of June 2020. This represents a significant increase since 2016, but highlights the ongoing challenge of diagnosing and managing the condition.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that making small behavioral changes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Participants who received a lifestyle intervention showed improvements in physical activity, diet, and sedentary time, leading to decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine found that zebrafish can regenerate heart tissue after injury due to activated fibroblasts. The fibroblasts, which temporarily enter an activated state, read a series of genes responsible for forming proteins, enabling the regeneration process.
Researchers found that short bouts of reduced circulation with a blood pressure cuff can boost vascular and cardiac functions, lower blood pressure, and reduce the heart's workload. This technique, known as remote ischemic preconditioning, may be beneficial for people at high risk of heart attacks and strokes.
A study found ranolazine reduces inflammation and atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels, lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke. The established drug also has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing chronic vascular inflammation.
A new study published in Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms found that shift work can lead to long-lasting health effects, including increased severity of strokes. The research, led by Texas A&M University, suggests that disrupted internal body clocks can alter gut and brain interactions, leading to worse stroke outcomes.
A new Mount Sinai study reveals that young Black adults are twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as their Hispanic counterparts. Researchers used comprehensive questionnaires and 3D vascular ultrasounds to determine cardiovascular risk scores, finding significant discrepancies between the groups.
A long-term study of 3,926 adults with CKD found that higher levels of physical activity reduced the risk of atherosclerotic events, new-onset heart failure, and death. The association was strongest for incident peripheral arterial disease and reinforces current guideline recommendations.
A study found that rates of serious complications associated with shoulder surgery are low, but one in 26 patients need further surgery within a year. The effectiveness of some shoulder procedures is doubtful at best, according to experts.
Researchers identified glucocorticoids as a key factor inhibiting cardiac regenerative capacity after heart attacks. The study showed that deleting or blocking the glucocorticoid receptor increased heart muscle cell replication and regeneration.
Researchers discovered increased cell cycle activity and proliferation in cardiomyocytes after heart surgery, allowing for remuscularization of the left ventricle. The study identified key genes involved in pathways regulating heart development and cell proliferation.
A new gene, RAP1GAP2, has been identified as a potential contributor to the disparity in heart disease diagnosis and treatment between men and women. The study aims to analyze how this gene affects cardiac disease risks among women of different racial and ethnic groups.
Research found significant disparities in cardiac rehabilitation participation by race/ethnicity regardless of income. Cardiac rehabilitation programs combine physical activity with counseling to improve recovery after a major cardiovascular event.
Researchers found that invasive therapy for non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction in patients with CKD is associated with lower mortality and reduced risk of cardiac events. The study challenges the dominant practice of offering medical management instead of invasive therapy for this population.
Researchers at Ohio State University created a mathematical model that assesses the efficacy of immunomodulatory drugs in treating myocardial infarctions. The study found that certain combinations of these drug inhibitors were more efficient at reducing inflammation, offering new possibilities for improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Houston have made a groundbreaking discovery in repairing and regenerating heart muscle cells in mice. The technology uses synthetic mRNA to deliver mutated transcription factors, which increases the replication of cardiomyocytes. This finding has the potential to become a powerful clinical strategy for...
A novel study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology demonstrates that Nordic walking provides greater long-term improvements in functional capacity compared to high-intensity interval training and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training. Nordic walking engages core, upper, and lower body muscles, resulting in a sig...
A new SPECT imaging system performs scans 10-100 times faster than current systems, offering better image quality and increased patient throughput. The self-collimation concept improves traditional SPECT imaging by reducing scan time and radiation exposure.
A new PET imaging agent, <sup>68</sup> Ga-FAPI-46, has been shown to predict the severity of cardiac remodeling after a heart attack by identifying active fibrosis. This biomarker has potential to aid in diagnosis and treatment selection for patients with heart failure.
Patients with primary glomerular diseases have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events, including coronary artery disease and stroke. The study found that inclusion of kidney-specific risk factors improved the prediction of cardiovascular events.
A major study found COVID-19's toll on global cardiac services, revealing a 'substantial global decline' in hospital admissions of cardiovascular patients. The pandemic led to increased delays in treatment, resulting in more deaths and complications, with low-income countries facing the worst impact.
A major international study reveals the significant impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular services worldwide, with a substantial decline in hospital admissions and increased mortality rates. The study warns that problems with heart health will continue to accrue unless mitigation strategies are implemented quickly.
A review of 38 randomized controlled trials found that counseling patients about contraceptive use and providing contraceptives increases use without increasing STI risk or reducing condom use. The interventions also decrease unintended pregnancy in trials designed to evaluate this outcome.
A new analysis from the NACMI registry found that STEMI patients with COVID-19 have a significant increased risk of in-hospital mortality compared to pre-pandemic levels. Clinical characteristics and treatment strategies differ between men and women, highlighting the need for continued research into cardiovascular health impacts of COV...
A study estimates that more than 1 million U.S. adults carry a gene for familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder causing high cholesterol and potentially leading to premature heart attack or death. Genetic testing may help identify those at risk, but its affordability is a concern.
A nationwide study analyzing rates of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) found a nearly 30% decline following the COVID-19 pandemic. STEMI cases have yet to recover to pre-pandemic levels, suggesting continued hesitation among patients to seek hospital care despite having a heart att...
A retrospective analysis reveals significantly higher mortality rates for low-income residents hospitalized with STEMI compared to higher-income residents. The findings highlight the need to examine social factors that impact healthcare outcomes for the most vulnerable.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that culturally tailored lifestyle coaching can help Black adults with hypertension improve their blood pressure control, leading to long-term benefits. The coaching program resulted in better blood pressure control compared to usual care and enhanced medication management programs.
Research links prediabetes to increased heart attack risk in young adults, highlighting the importance of lifestyle changes and routine health check-ups. The study found that individuals with prediabetes are 1.7 times more likely to be hospitalized for a heart attack compared to those without.
A team of researchers has successfully treated damaged pig hearts with cardiac progenitor cells, demonstrating the formation of new cardiac tissue and improved cardiac function. The treatment could potentially be used to treat patients with serious heart failure, particularly older patients with coexisting conditions.
A new study found that a personalized text messaging support program improved lifestyle measures among heart attack survivors, including exercise habits and cholesterol levels. However, the program had no significant impact on medication adherence.
A recent study found that the US has a higher heart attack mortality rate compared to other high-income countries, including Taiwan. The study, published in The BMJ, analyzed data from six countries and found that the US had lower revascularization rates despite having advanced medical technology.
A 25-year study found steady improvement in mortality rates and hospitalizations for another heart attack among older adults who survived a heart attack. However, men and Black patients were more likely to experience adverse outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address disparities.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that women (18-55) and people of color with chest pain were evaluated less thoroughly and took longer to be seen in the ER. The delay could have implications for treatment and outcomes, highlighting the need for future research.
Researchers have discovered that vesicles from human heart cells can repair damaged tissue and prevent lethal heart rhythm disorders. The treatment, using cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) and their secreted exosomes, showed improved heart rhythms and reduced scarring in animal models.
Researchers found that cereal fiber, but not fruit or vegetable fibers, was associated with lower inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk in older adults. The study used data from a large cohort of elderly individuals and confirmed previous associations between dietary fiber and CVD.
A recent clinical trial has shown that sodium thiosulfate does not reduce injury to damaged areas of heart muscle following a heart attack. Despite promising results in animal studies, the trial did not meet its primary endpoint or show significant differences in secondary endpoints.
A randomized clinical trial comparing FFR-guided and IVUS-guided PCI found similar outcomes for patients with intermediate coronary artery stenosis. Patients evaluated by FFR underwent fewer stents but had similar rates of adverse events and improved quality of life.
Researchers found a significant decline in in-hospital mortality and secondary endpoints for STEMI patients with COVID-19 in 2021 compared to 2020. Vaccination status showed zero hospital deaths among vaccinated patients, while unvaccinated patients experienced high death rates.
A study found that implantable heart monitors do not reduce cardiovascular events overall, but patients with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) heart attacks saw strong benefits. Monitoring for abnormal heart rhythms may help guide care for NSTEMI patients.