Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that cancer can cause cardiac dysfunction due to the presence of free radicals, which were reversed by specific antioxidants in fruit flies and mice with tumors. The study suggests a potential new approach to treating heart problems in cancer patients.
A new antioxidant drug, cysteamine, has been found to reverse atherosclerosis by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. This process reduces inflammation, damage, and clot formation, ultimately lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cysteamine was shown to decrease plaque size by up to 56% in mice with atherosclerosis.
Researchers found that frequent cannabis users were 2 times more likely to have had a heart attack compared to non-users. The study also found an association between recent cannabis use and myocardial infarction across different forms of consumption.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia finds that bystander CPR using only chest compression has similar outcomes to not using CPR at all for infants experiencing cardiac arrest. In contrast, children who received CPR with rescue breathing had nearly 1.5 times better neurological outcomes.
A telephone-delivered nursing care strategy combining heart failure care management with depression treatment improved patients' clinical outcomes. Patients receiving 'blended' collaborative care showed better mental health-related quality of life, including improved mood and reduced limitations in social activities.
Researchers developed a model to predict the risk of death and unplanned cardiac hospitalization among patients awaiting cardiac surgery. The tool, based on an ethnically diverse group of 62,375 patients, identifies factors such as gender, urban residency, and cardiac symptoms that increase the risk of adverse events.
The ACST-2 trial found that carotid artery surgery and stenting have comparable long-term effects on fatal or disabling stroke in asymptomatic patients with severe carotid artery stenosis. Both procedures are associated with a 1% risk of disabling stroke or death, with the annual risk decreasing to 0.5% after five years.
Atrial fibrillation screening in 75- and 76-year-olds may significantly reduce the risk of stroke, severe bleeding, and death. The study, published in The Lancet, found that at least 2,300 cases of stroke or death could be avoided per year with national screening.
The ESC guidelines on cardiac pacing and CRT introduce novel approaches to pacing the conduction system, including physiological pacing and His bundle left bundle pacing. The guidelines also provide recommendations for reducing complications and improving patient outcomes, such as remote monitoring and patient-centred care.
The VANISH trial found that valsartan improved cardiac structure, function, and remodeling in patients with early-stage sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study suggests that this strategy may help prevent disease progression among those who have received a genetic diagnosis of HCM.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet successfully deployed drones to deliver defibrillators to patients with suspected cardiac arrests, with the drones arriving on target ahead of ambulances in most cases. The pilot study showed a median response time benefit of 1 minute and 52 seconds, improving survival rates.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified eight primary factors that increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding after heart attack. The study, published in European Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy, found that smoking, blood pressure, and blood glucose are among the new predictors.
Obstructive sleep apnea is common in kids and adolescents, affecting 1-6% of all children and 30-60% of obese adolescents. It can raise blood pressure and link to insulin resistance, abnormal lipids, and cardiovascular health issues. The American Heart Association calls for further studies on the topic.
Researchers investigated myocarditis cases in adolescents after Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination and found a significant association. The study used comprehensive cardiac imaging and reviewed the results, highlighting the potential risk of myocarditis in this population.
A pilot study at Baylor College of Medicine found that genetic testing led to clinically significant findings in approximately one-third of patients. The results showed a high rate of genetically actionable issues, with implications on patient care and clinical management.
Researchers analyzed data from five large heart cohort studies to identify epigenetic changes associated with cardiovascular disease. The study found 33 common methylation sites linked to heart disease across diverse populations, providing a potential target for prevention and intervention.
The American College of Cardiology has issued clinical guidance on reducing ASCVD risk in patients with persistent hypertriglyceridemia, recommending lifestyle intervention and non-statin therapies. The guidance emphasizes the importance of individualized nutrition guidance for these patients.
A large study of over 18 million pregnancies has found a strong relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and poor pregnancy outcomes. Women with multiple pre-pregnancy risk factors, such as obesity and hypertension, were more likely to experience complications like ICU admission, preterm birth, and fetal death.
Leading cardiovascular organizations call for global action to improve clinician well-being, citing drivers such as lack of control over workload and misalignment of values. The organizations suggest strategies to prevent burnout, including supporting psychosocial health and creating healthy work environments.
Plant-based diets are recommended for healthy adults, with low consumption of salt and animal products, and increased intake of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese can also have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.
A recent study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that older patients with heart failure are less likely to receive recommended therapies and dosages compared to their younger counterparts. The study analyzed data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry and found that age was independently associated with undertreatm...
A new study found that middle-aged adults who experienced upward wealth mobility had lower cardiovascular risk after age 65, compared to those with downward mobility. The researchers estimate a 1% swing in cardiovascular risk for every $100,000 gained or lost by individuals.
Researchers from Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center found no evidence of myocardial injury or myocarditis in athletes after COVID-19 infection. Most athletes had mild symptoms and normal cardiac test results.
The Heart Failure 2021 congress showcases the latest evidence on preventing and managing heart failure, including the impact of COVID-19 and digital health. Researchers will present data on improving quality of life for patients with heart failure through medication, physical activity, diet, and implantable devices.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found long-term exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of losing one's smell by nearly twice, potentially due to airborne pollutants reaching the olfactory nerve. The study also highlights the need for better air pollution management, especially in vulnerable populations.
Four leading cardiovascular organizations urge governments to implement the World Health Organization's MPOWER framework to reduce tobacco use. The joint opinion outlines comprehensive strategies, including lowering nicotine concentrations in combustible tobacco products and enforcing strong systems and premarket assessments of all tob...
A study of nearly 100,000 individuals found that wearing accelerometers showed a significant association between moderate physical activity and reduced risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke. The researchers suggest that wearable devices could be used to promote public health by tracking and encouraging physical activity.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that female interventional cardiologists have comparable outcomes to their male counterparts in coronary angioplasties. Despite being significantly under-represented, they demonstrate excellent practitioner skills. The findings suggest benefits for female trainees considering the field.
A randomized study found that guided yoga therapy was more effective in preventing fainting and improving quality of life compared to standard treatment. The study enrolled 100 patients with vasovagal syncope and found that the yoga group had fewer blackouts and better quality of life scores at 3, 6, and 12 months.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal highlights the importance of urban design in promoting heart health. The authors argue that cities play a significant role in causing environmental stressors such as air pollution, noise, and heat island effects, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have developed a new approach to analysing the forces at play behind diseased heart vessels, which could help cardiologists predict heart attacks in patients. The study used optical coherence tomography images to generate patient-specific reconstructions of coronary plaques and analyse stress concentrations.
Brigham cardiologists presented findings on IL-6 inhibitors, SGLT1/2 inhibitors and statin drugs in COVID-19 patients, highlighting potential benefits and limitations. The studies suggest new therapeutic options for preventing future cardiovascular events and improving outcomes for patients with heart failure and kidney disease.
Research suggests that the type of heart failure a patient has may influence which approach is optimal for treating atrial fibrillation (AFib). A study found that rhythm control may be especially beneficial for patients with reduced ejection fraction, but more research is needed to confirm this trend.
A large study of over 160,000 Medicare patients found no statistically significant difference in mortality between those treated with drug-coated and non-drug-coated peripheral devices. The research aimed to address concerns raised by a previous analysis and provides new insights into the safety of these devices.
A new study found that consuming even one glass of wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverage increases the chance of an episode of atrial fibrillation occurring within four hours. The study tracked objective, real-time alcohol consumption and heart rhythm disturbance using wearable sensors and blood tests.
The experimental drug omecamtiv mecarbil significantly reduces hospitalizations for patients with severe heart failure and low ejection fractions. It offers improved benefits over current medications, especially in those with more severely impaired hearts.
The American College of Cardiology's Global Heart Attack Treatment Initiative has shown measurable positive impacts on care delivery for heart attacks in low- and middle-income countries. The program tracked STEMI treatment metrics and outcomes for over 2,000 patients across 18 medical centers in 13 countries.
Dr. Morice's career spans over four decades, with a focus on pioneering the use of antiplatelet drugs in PCI and promoting education and training among young professionals. She has also been a key advocate for gender equality in medicine, co-founding Women as One to promote talent in cardiology.
A recent survey found that burnout rates doubled among cardiovascular clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, with half providing direct care to patients and reporting inadequate PPE. The study highlights the need for improved health system support and wellness initiatives to address burnout and its consequences.
Switching from high-potency DAPT (ticagrelor) to less potent clopidogrel after 30 days reduced major cardiac events, including heart attacks and strokes. In a study of over 2,700 patients, de-escalation was shown to be safe and more effective than continuing on ticagrelor.
Women in their early 40s with mildly elevated blood pressure face a doubled risk of acute coronary syndromes in their 50s. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes can help mitigate this risk.
The conference presents novel findings on associations between physical activity and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease, as well as the effect of loneliness on lifestyle modification in heart patients. Experts share top tips on supporting behavior change and motivating patients to maintain self-care.
A Canadian survey found that a significant proportion of cardiology trainees are uncomfortable with using telemedicine, highlighting the need for better preparation and supervision. Experts propose developing a telemedicine curriculum to address this educational gap and ensure trainees can provide high-quality virtual outpatient care.
A new study found that moderate alcohol intake is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly due to reduced stress-related brain activity. The findings suggest that low or moderate drinking may be beneficial for heart health without the drawbacks of excessive drinking.
A study found that psychological distress after a heart attack doubles the risk of subsequent cardiac events in younger adults. Researchers also discovered an association between inflammation and cardiovascular risk among patients experiencing high distress.
A new study found that women with possible heart attacks are triaged less urgently, wait longer to be seen, and undergo fewer tests than men. Women were also less likely to receive cardiac monitoring or be seen by a consultant.
A new phone-based app facilitated more efficient hospital intakes for patients with STEMI, leading to faster treatment times and reduced damage. The average time between EMS arrival and PCI was about 11 minutes shorter among cases where the app was used.
A recent study published in the American College of Cardiology's annual scientific session found that black patients from disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to die after a heart attack. The study analyzed data from nearly 32,000 patients with health insurance treated for a heart attack between 2006-2016.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) recognized four outstanding interventionalists with the Master Interventionalists of SCAI (MSCAI) designation. The recipients, Ian C. Gilchrist, Eberhard Grube, and Carey Kimmelstiel, have demonstrated excellence in invasive/interventional cardiology through their clin...
A new study found that patients with severe mitral regurgitation who undergo transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral repair (TEER) may need surgical intervention if treatment fails. Up to 95% of these patients cannot have their valves repaired and require mitral valve replacement.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions recognized three outstanding interventionalists, Dr. Ian C. Gilchrist, Dr. Eberhard Grube, and Dr. Carey Kimmelstiel, with the Master Interventionalists of SCAI (MSCAI) designation for their excellence in invasive cardiology. The designations acknowledge their commitment to c...
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has released updated consensus guidelines on best practices in cardiac catheterization laboratories. The new recommendations focus on patient-centered approaches, staff qualifications, and quality metrics to optimize outcomes. The document covers topics such as pre-procedure ...
A large study found that increasing physical activity levels is associated with a reduced likelihood of heart events and mortality in people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Participants who showed moderate to large improvements in physical activity were 30% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease or die ...
Research found that shift workers with a deviated body clock had higher cardiovascular risk, even after adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. The study's findings suggest that staff with atypical work schedules may need closer monitoring for heart health.
An observational study of nearly 20,000 individuals found that greater intake of red and processed meat is associated with poorer heart function and stiffer arteries. In contrast, higher consumption of oily fish was linked to improved heart function and healthier arteries.
The International Conference on Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT (ICNC-CT) showcases cutting-edge research and clinical applications in cardiovascular imaging. The conference highlights advancements in machine learning, imaging techniques, and artificial intelligence to improve patient care.
Recent scientific studies reveal electronic cigarette use carries significant cardiovascular risks, particularly for young non-smokers. Cardiovascular specialists advocate for laws restricting ECs to youth and banning flavored products to mitigate these risks.
At EuroCMR 2021, experts presented novel research on using hypnosis to enable claustrophobic patients to undergo CMR, the effect of weight loss on heart function in obese people, and improving detection of cardiotoxicity in lymphoma survivors. CMR is also revealing sex differences in how the heart adapts after a myocardial infarction.
A large study of over 100,000 adults found that leisure time physical activity was associated with a 26-40% reduced risk of death, while work activity had the opposite effect. The researchers suggest that occupational activities often do not sufficiently increase heart rate to improve fitness and may even increase blood pressure.
A large study found that nearly 30% of patients with coronary artery disease have diabetes, significantly higher than the general population. Patients with heart disease and diabetes had worse outcomes, including a 38% higher risk of death during a five-year follow-up.