Articles tagged with Cardiology
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that carotid artery stenting can be just as effective as surgery in preventing long-term stroke and improving durability. The research recommends expanding insurance coverage for this minimally invasive procedure, which can improve blood flow to the brain.
The Le Bonheur Children's Heart Institute team will discuss the management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants at the 2022 PDA Symposium. The symposium aims to develop guidelines for managing PDA, with a focus on transcatheter closure in extremely low birth weight infants.
A study of 12,000 Medicare beneficiaries with heart failure at risk for requiring a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) found racial and sex disparities in LVAD access. Adjusting for individual poverty and community-level social determinants of health did not alter the inequity in one-year survival among groups.
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 RCSI University have created a new lab-based model to test devices for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The model enables testing of the left atrium and ventricle, two independently controlled chambers that simulate blood flow during the resting phase.
A Spanish study combines genetic and imaging data to predict patient prognosis, identifying those at risk of malignant arrhythmias or severe complications. The findings open the way for personalized medicine in treating dilated cardiomyopathy.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with high genetic risk for stroke can reduce their risk by 30-45% by adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle. The study followed 11,568 adults over 28 years and showed that modifying lifestyle risk factors can offset genetic risk.
A large clinical trial conducted at Ochsner Health found that social determinants of health, including financial stress and lack of health literacy, have a significant impact on blood pressure control rates among patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The study suggests that these barriers can eliminate racial disparities in hyperten...
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that people with hypertension are more likely to require hospitalization for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. The study, published in Hypertension, highlights the importance of avoiding infection and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist.
Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with high blood viscosity have a 60% higher death rate than those with low blood viscosity. The study suggests that checking for blood viscosity early on could help determine the best treatment course and improve outcomes.
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 study found that patients with a specific form of age-related macular degeneration are at significant risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Researchers discovered a strong association between the disorder's subretinal drusenoid deposits and high-risk vascular diseases.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that adults with abnormal heart metabolism are up to three times more likely to experience life-threatening arrhythmias. The study used MRI techniques to detect abnormal ATP levels and predict future sudden cardiac death.
The study found that patients with severe stress-induced myocardial ischemia are likely to benefit from heart bypass surgery or angioplasty, while those with mild or no ischemia are not. Early revascularization was associated with a more than 30 percent reduction in mortality compared to patients treated with medication.
Researchers investigated radiation exposure among health professionals performing structural heart interventions, revealing higher doses for echocardiographers and cardiologists compared to sonographers. The study highlights the need for safer procedures and protective measures to mitigate radiation risks.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum brings together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, payors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and opportunities for innovation in cardiovascular care. The forum aims to shape the future of patient care through informed discussion and real-world insight.
Eating one avocado a day for six months improved overall diet quality by eight points and slightly decreased LDL cholesterol levels. However, avocados had no effect on belly fat or weight gain in participants with overweight or obesity.
A study finds that redlined neighborhoods are associated with increased risk of heart disease, comorbidities, and reduced access to healthcare. Residents of these neighborhoods face lower cholesterol screening rates, higher diabetes and obesity rates, and limited health insurance options.
A new study found that exposure to air pollution and indoor burning without ventilation significantly increases the risk of heart disease mortality. Researchers created maps of eight environmental risk factors across Golestan Province, Iran, and identified associations between death and these factors, controlling for traditional risk f...
A recent study examined changes in Korean adults' diet quality and cardiometabolic risk factors from 2007 to 2018. The research found declining trends in diet quality and increasing risks of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.
New technology measures peak velocity of blood flow in the heart accurately, helping doctors diagnose and monitor patients with heart failure. The 4D heart MRI scan provides precise imaging of the heart valves and flow inside the heart, enabling better treatment planning.
Researchers found significant decrease in national Kawasaki disease cases in 2020, coinciding with school closures and masking mandates. KD cases rebounded after lifting of masks and return of in-person schooling, hinting at respiratory portal of entry as trigger.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends genetic testing for athletes with certain genetic mutations to prevent sudden cardiac death. Athletes with conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and long QT syndrome may need to limit their exercise intensity or take preventive measures such as wearing a defibrillator.
A randomized controlled trial found that spinal anesthesia was associated with worse pain immediately after surgery, but differences diminished over time. Researchers also found higher rates of pain reliever prescriptions at 60 days in the spinal anesthesia group.
Women with a history of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia have a 2.4-fold increased risk of developing hypertension 10 years post-pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of screening for hypertension in this population and suggests that routine screening can help reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
A new study from Mount Sinai Heart found that heart failure patients unvaccinated against COVID-19 are three times more likely to die from it than those who are fully vaccinated and boosted. The research also shows that these unvaccinated patients face higher risks of hospitalization and ICU admission if infected with the virus.
A Mayo Clinic study found that nearly one-quarter of over 24,000 patients had mitral annulus calcification, a chronic degeneration of tissue at the base of the heart's mitral valve. This condition is associated with higher mortality rates and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
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 new virtual biopsy using cardiovascular magnetic resonance has been proven safe and effective in detecting signs of heart rejection in heart transplant patients. The non-invasive procedure reduces complications and hospital admissions compared to traditional invasive biopsies.
A recent study published in JACC: Advances has discovered a significant correlation between the racial demographics of cardiovascular disease fellowship programs and the race of their program directors. The study, led by Indiana University researcher Ankur Kalra, found that fellows from diverse backgrounds are more likely to be accepte...
A study found that states with laws requiring CPR/AED training in high school had higher rates of bystander CPR after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest compared to those without such mandates. The study suggests that this intervention can help reduce health disparities, particularly among low-income and minority communities.
A new analysis of the PROGRESS-CTO registry shows a significant increase in successful CTO PCI procedures, with higher efficiency and lower risk of complications. The findings demonstrate improved operator training and real-world experience leading to better patient outcomes.
The study found that patients treated with paclitaxel drug-coated devices (DCDs) had a similar survival rate as those treated with non-drug coated devices (NDCDs), regardless of the patient's mortality risk and device type. The analysis included over 168,000 patients treated from 2015 to 2018.
A real-world study found that clopidogrel monotherapy was associated with reduced risk of net adverse clinical events and major cardiac events, compared to aspirin monotherapy. Clopidogrel also showed a lower incidence rate of clinically relevant bleeding events.
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 found that colchicine significantly improved survival rates for patients hospitalized with worsening heart failure. Colchicine may also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in patients with a buildup of cholesterol in their arteries.
The Disrupt PAD III trial found intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) to be effective in treating severely calcified peripheral artery lesions, with high patency rates compared to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). IVL also showed reduced severe complications and need for additional interventions.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions has released official guidelines for the management of patent foramen ovale (PFO), addressing five clinical scenarios. The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for PFO closure in various situations, aligning with stroke neurology principles.
The DIPRA study found no significant difference in hand function between distal radial artery access and conventional proximal radial artery access. Radial artery occlusion occurred more frequently with PRA, but the risk was negligible.
A one-year study validated the Harmony transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) system's safety and efficacy in treating congenital heart disease patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation. The study showed favorable clinical and hemodynamic outcomes, including low mortality rates and minimal interventions.
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 nationwide study of 100 million hospitalizations found that percutaneous coronary intervention is safe and increasing among cancer patients. The study suggests that PCI can nearly double from 2016 to 2018 among patients with thrombocytopenia, without significantly increasing mortality.
A nationwide study reveals lower rates of cardiac catheterization and revascularization among non-Hispanic Black patients with a history of cocaine use compared to white patients. The findings suggest implicit bias in treatment, emphasizing the need for health equity.
A recent national survey suggests that few cardiologists and care team members are trained in cardio-obstetrics, a specialty combining cardiology, obstetrics, and primary care. Only 29% of clinicians reported receiving cardio-obstetrics teachings during training.
A new study published in Open Heart found that patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis benefit from early valve replacement surgery to prevent irreversible heart muscle damage. The research showed that timing of surgery is crucial in reducing mortality and hospitalization rates.
The Nurses and Allied Professionals community is being recognized for their dedication and skills in advancing cardiovascular care. The Andreas Grüntzig Ethica Award celebrates their expertise, physical presence, and impact on patient care.
A new study has shown that Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is just as effective as conventional open-heart surgery in treating severe symptomatic aortic stenosis. The procedure offers a safer and faster recovery for patients, with improved symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life at 6 weeks.
A new study reveals that allergic asthma is a significant risk factor for human cardiovascular diseases, with certain medications affecting heart health. Researchers found that inflammatory cells play a crucial role in both conditions and that targeting them may lead to better treatment options.
A new case report highlights the risks of herbal supplements containing CBD and berberine, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias. The study involves a patient who experienced dizziness and fainting after taking high doses of hemp oil and berberine supplements, leading to a life-threatening condition.
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have found that histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) regulates heart stiffness by acting on titin protein. This discovery could lead to novel treatments for heart failure, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
The American Journal of Roentgenology has published best practices for managing an iodinated contrast media (ICM) shortage in radiology practices. To mitigate the shortage, practice leaders should prioritize examination findings and reduce overall ICM usage.
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.
The TVT 2022 program features cutting-edge research on transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and other structural heart therapies. The meeting will focus on patient evaluation, imaging modalities, and therapeutic options.
Researchers at UC San Diego describe the underlying signaling pathway that causes PAH and a novel monoclonal antibody therapy that blocks abnormal blood vessel formation. The study reveals two opposing roles of NOTCH ligands and opens a door to a potentially new treatment for PAH.
A flying intervention team deployment was significantly associated with shorter time to endovascular thrombectomy, supporting consideration for some stroke systems of care. The findings may need further research to confirm long-term clinical outcomes and applicability in other geographic settings.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have developed a novel approach to reprogramming cardiac implantable devices during MRI scans remotely. This technology has shown safe and effective results, saving time and money by eliminating the need for device representatives or on-site personnel.
A new study found positive trends in long-term patient outcomes after a heart attack, but disparities persist among low-income and Black communities. The 10-year recurrent AMI rate was 27%, three times higher than previously reported, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce health inequalities.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can detect weak heart pumps in patients using single-lead Apple Watch ECGs. The study found high participation rates and high-quality data from over 46 states and 11 countries, demonstrating the potential for this tool to be widely used.
A new type of cardiac defibrillator implanted under the skin has been found to significantly reduce patient complications, including lead-related complications and blood clotting. The subcutaneous ICD has shown promising results with an average age of patients included in the study ranging from 18 to 60 years old.