Articles tagged with Cardiology
Researchers propose adding a new metric to examine how many days patients spend at home after hospitalization, balancing current readmission rates with post-discharge care needs. The proposed '30-day risk-adjusted home time' metric could provide a more comprehensive picture of patient outcomes.
A new report from sports cardiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital and Emory University School of Medicine offers guidance for athletes' return to play after COVID-19. For asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic athletes, detailed cardiac screening is not recommended, but those with moderate to severe symptoms should be screened for h...
Cardiovascular healthcare faces a lack of diversity among its professionals, which hampers innovation and excellence. Women and underrepresented groups are disproportionately underrepresented in the field.
The American College of Cardiology has announced the Hani Najm Global Scholar Awards, allowing two early career cardiologists to train in the US for four weeks. The awards are part of the ACC's Campaign for the Future, aiming to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide.
Research examines telehealth, health care disparities and patient-centered care during COVID-19 pandemic. Key findings include high patient satisfaction with telehealth visits and increased morbidity and mortality among cardiovascular patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
A clinical trial found that active choice nudges led to significant increases in optimal statin prescribing for patients with heart disease, while passive nudges had no effect. The study suggests that small design changes can improve the impact of alerts, and future research will focus on clinician and patient nudges.
A recent study found that preventing coronary heart disease could save nearly $15 billion in GDP due to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism. The study also estimated that preventing just 10% of future cases would result in $1.5 billion in monetary gains
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that resuming sexual activity within months after a heart attack is positively associated with long-term survival. Maintaining or increasing sexual frequency was linked to a 35% lower risk of death compared to abstaining.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that cardiac involvement in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is associated with myocardial injury, differing from Kawasaki disease. Long-term effects on cardiac function and sports participation require further study.
A Pesco-Mediterranean diet rich in plants, nuts, and fish reduces cardiovascular health risk. Intermittent fasting is also recommended as part of this diet.
A 14-year-old boy's mysterious symptoms led to a rare diagnosis of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) caused by COVID-19. A new clinical pathway has been developed to quickly identify and treat cases, saving lives with timely information-sharing.
The special journal issue features Nemours pediatric cardiologists' expertise on echocardiography and other imaging techniques used in children with cardiovascular disease. The articles highlight best practices for screening, diagnosing, and managing congenital heart disease to improve patient outcomes.
Research found a significant increase in PCI procedures in Japan and the US between 2013 and 2017. Elective PCIs drove the increase in Japan, while non-elective PCIs were more prominent in the US.
The ATPCI trial found that trimetazidine administered after successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not improve outcomes in patients with chronic or acute coronary syndromes. Trimetazidine protects against myocardial ischaemia by improving the heart's metabolism, but its benefits were limited.
Researchers found that men's hearts have coarser textures and a larger surface area, while women's hearts have finer grained textures. With age, differences in heart shape decreased for both sexes, but texture differences remained.
A new study published at ESC Congress 2020 suggests that body mass index (BMI) is a more powerful risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes than genetic predisposition. Researchers found that individuals with a higher BMI were more likely to develop diabetes, regardless of their genetic risk level.
A new study suggests that young women who experience a heart attack may have more favorable long-term outcomes compared to men. The research found that second heart attacks were less frequent in women and they were more likely to have healthy arteries. However, women were also at higher risk of stroke compared to men.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched new guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend regular exercise, including strength-building and aerobic activities, to prevent heart disease and improve overall health.
A survey of nurses caring for children with heart problems found that more than half were emotionally exhausted. Good working environments were linked with less burnout, with an 81% fall in emotional exhaustion when improving the workplace environment was implemented.
A recent study found that couples who worked on healthy habits together had better chances of losing weight, especially when they participated in lifestyle programs. The study, which analyzed data from over 400 patients, showed that having a partner with similar lifestyles helped maintain motivation and overcome practical challenges.
A large meta-analysis of 20 studies found that long naps (over 60 minutes) are associated with a 30% greater risk of all-cause death and 34% higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease. Napping can also increase the risk of death in women and older participants.
Research published in Open Heart found a significant reduction in cardiology services during the COVID-19 lockdown, including a 40% decrease in heart attack diagnoses at one center in Scotland. This shift was attributed to virtual outpatient clinics, redeployed staff, and rescheduled non-urgent procedures.
A recent trial found that genetic testing can significantly reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events after balloon angioplasty. The study used personalized genetic testing to identify patients with a specific gene variation that affects the activation of antiplatelet medication, resulting in a 34% reduction in adverse events.
According to an analysis of nearly 9,000 veterans, treatment in community facilities for elective PCI is associated with worse outcomes, including a 33% increased hazard of death within the first year after intervention. This trend may be linked to varying levels of expertise among community facilities.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a smartphone-based digital biomarker to detect Type 2 diabetes, providing a potential in-home alternative to blood draws and clinic-based screening tools. The algorithm correctly identified the presence of diabetes in up to 81% of patients, offering a promising solution for widespread disease screening.
A home monitoring program improves infant survival rates and weight gain for babies with single ventricle heart defects. The program helps recognize potential complications early and provides caregiver training to improve outcomes.
A study of over 5,000 ACS patients found that 71.8% were malnourished, with worsening malnutrition status linked to increased risk of poor outcomes. The researchers suggest that nutritional screening may be a useful tool for identifying high-risk patients and improving cardiovascular care.
The American College of Cardiology has issued an expert consensus decision pathway to guide the initiation and monitoring of diabetes medications. The new guidance incorporates emerging study data on novel therapies that have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes patients.
Women in their 30s and 40s with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Despite this, the risk appears to decrease for women over 50. The study highlights the importance of maintaining heart health through lifestyle changes such as exercise and a balanced diet.
A position paper from the European Society of Cardiology highlights the cardiovascular risks of e-cigarette use, particularly among adolescents. The authors call for stricter regulations on marketing and sales, as well as education campaigns to raise awareness about the negative effects of vaping.
Men with higher incomes are at increased risk of developing high blood pressure due to lifestyle factors such as obesity and excessive alcohol consumption. In contrast, women with higher household income tend to have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure.
A combined analysis of six studies found that consuming chocolate more than once a week was associated with an 8% decreased risk of coronary artery disease. The researchers attributed the potential benefit to flavonoids and other heart-healthy nutrients in chocolate.
ESC Congress 2020 presented over 400 topics covering the entire spectrum of cardiology, including late-breaking science studies, clinical trials, and ESC Guidelines. The event featured four new Clinical Practice Guidelines launched live during the congress.
The African Heart Rhythm Association (AFHRA) statement highlights barriers to effective pacing, including skilled implanter shortages and high device costs. Researchers propose solutions, such as improved local training and collaboration with governments to address these challenges.
A large study found that continuing opium use after bypass surgery increases the risk of death, heart attack, and other adverse events. Stopping opium use is safe and may even be beneficial, according to researchers.
Stephen L. Bacharach, PhD, is recognized for his contributions to gated cardiac blood pool imaging, informatics, and data processing. His research has had a significant impact on nuclear medicine and cardiology.
Researchers found that in-person and remote assessments of jugular venous pressure often agreed, correlating with right atrial pressure measurements. The study's results could enable more frequent checks and reduce trips to the doctor's office for heart failure patients.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that excessive sugar consumption is associated with increased fat stores around the heart and abdomen. The researchers analyzed data from a cohort study and found that higher intakes of sugary drinks and added sugar were related to greater fat stores.
A study of 140 WNBA players reveals their hearts are larger and thicker than most women, due to physical conditioning and height. The research provides a normative dataset for female athletes, enabling better identification of cardiac problems.
Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that tai chi was linked to a boost in both mood and quality of life for patients with coronary heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, and stroke. The study also found that tai chi was associated with better mental health quality of life and reduced depression.
A recent study by cardiologists at the University of Alberta found that combining a blood-thinning drug rivaroxaban with aspirin daily reduces major adverse events and mortality rates in patients with chronic coronary disease who have had an angioplasty. The treatment was found to be significantly better than aspirin alone in preventin...
The SCAI has released an expert consensus statement outlining recommendations for the management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The guidelines emphasize a continuum of care from pre-hospital to hospital and post-hospital phases to enhance survival and quality of life.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has issued a position statement on the performance of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). The guidelines recommend diagnostic procedures, procedural standards, and operator standards for ASCs, emphasizing patient suitability ...
A new study found that while heart attack symptoms can vary between men and women, chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath were the most common symptoms in both. Women were more likely to experience pain between the shoulder blades, nausea or vomiting, and shortness of breath compared to men.
The American College of Cardiology has issued a framework for safely reintroducing invasive cardiovascular procedures and diagnostic tests. The document highlights the need to prioritize patients with untreated cardiovascular disease and ensure fair access to care, while also protecting patients and healthcare workers from COVID-19.
Cardiologists successfully treated an 80-year-old patient after evaluating data from her Apple Watch, which showed signs of marked ST segment depression. The digital diagnostic aid may prevent myocardial infarctions and save many lives.
A new study found that Canadian patients can wait significantly longer for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures, with wait times varying greatly across provinces. The study highlights the need for improved access to TAVR care and calls for policy makers to re-evaluate funding mechanisms.
Filtered brew is safest for reducing heart attacks and death, with a 15% reduced risk of death from any cause compared to no coffee. Drinking filtered coffee was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality in men and women, especially those consuming 1-4 cups per day.
The SCAI, ACC, and ACEP released a consensus statement providing recommendations for systematic care of AMI patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The document outlines strategies to minimize exposure to the virus while ensuring healthcare worker safety.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has issued recommendations on adult congenital cardiac interventional training, focusing on eligibility, training environment, and procedural volume. The guidelines suggest a minimum of 150 ACHD catheterization cases for trainees to participate in as primary or first assistant.
New Medicare rules lowered procedural volume requirements for hospitals offering TAVR, increasing access for people with aortic stenosis and low surgical risk. However, concerns exist about whether the increased access will be in areas where it is truly needed, particularly in rural regions.
A recent study published in Cardiovascular Research found that exercise has a profound impact on metabolism, leading to dramatic changes in metabolites related to energy production and waste elimination. The research also identified a specific metabolite called DMGV that may predict who does not benefit from exercise.
A clinical trial found that smokers who received nicotine-containing e-cigarettes had a significantly higher quit rate compared to those who received only counseling. Participants using e-cigarettes reduced their daily cigarette consumption by 13 cigarettes per day, with overall quit rates of 21.9% at 12 weeks.
A new study found vericiguat significantly lowers cardiovascular death and hospitalization rates in patients with worsening heart failure. With a median follow-up period of 10.8 months, the drug showed a 10% lower rate of primary endpoint events compared to placebo.
Researchers found evinacumab, a monoclonal antibody, reduced LDL cholesterol to near-normal levels among patients with HoFH, meeting the primary endpoint. Patients achieved an average relative reduction of 49% and nearly half had LDL cholesterol below 100mg/dL.
Higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid EPA found to explain significant reductions in cardiovascular events and deaths among patients taking prescription fish oil. Achieved EPA levels on the drug strongly correlated with lower rates of cardiovascular events.
In a broad patient population, TAVR showed non-inferiority to open-heart surgery at one year. However, TAVR patients had higher rates of vascular complications and aortic regurgitation.
A phase three clinical trial found alirocumab to substantially reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in adult patients with HoFH, with an average relative reduction of 35.6%. The drug also reduced other harmful lipids typically elevated in people with FH.
A study analyzing data from nearly all TAVR patients in the US found that 34 medical centers reported worse-than-expected survival and quality-of-life outcomes among patients undergoing the procedure. The researchers identified key outcomes, including stroke, bleeding, kidney injury, and valve leakage, to assess patient care.
A randomized trial found that ticagrelor alone reduced major bleeding risk and no increased heart attacks, strokes, or other adverse events compared to dual therapy. The study suggests ticagrelor monotherapy as an optimal strategy for reducing bleeding risk in ACS patients treated with stents.