Articles tagged with Cardiology
Researchers compared two cardiac resynchronization therapies in a pilot study, finding comparable rates of response between His bundle pacing and biventricular pacing. The study suggests that His bundle pacing may be a viable alternative for treating heart failure patients with electrical disturbances.
The article discusses the importance of multimodality imaging training for general and advanced cardiology fellowships. The ideal training models remain undetermined, leaving uncertainties about manpower needs and cardiologist expertise.
A recent survey reveals that nearly half of the public incorrectly believes heart failure is a normal part of aging, highlighting low awareness among both patients and the general public. Exercise has been found to be beneficial for patients with heart failure, with over half recognizing its potential as a treatment option.
A study presented at EuroHeartCare 2019 found that fitter heart failure patients have healthier brain function and are less likely to have cognitive impairment. Exercise has been shown to improve cognition in older adults and may also benefit heart failure patients.
A 14-week exercise programme has improved the structure and function of hearts damaged by premature birth. Young adults born preterm have shown normalized cardiac pumping functions after exercise, which should reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
A large study of 131,739 never-smokers found that passive smoking is associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure. The study suggests that avoiding secondhand smoke completely is necessary to protect against hypertension. Researchers recommend stricter smoking bans and help for smokers to quit.
Research presented at EuroCMR 2019 found that training for and completing a first-time marathon reduces arterial age by four years and systolic blood pressure by 4 mmHg, comparable to medication effects. The study included 139 healthy first-time marathon runners who experienced significant improvements in cardiovascular health.
The number of cardiologists trained in cardio-oncology is not meeting the growing needs of cancer survivors, who are aging and developing co-morbid cardiovascular disease. Limited training programs and resources are emerging to address this need, highlighting the importance of collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists.
Research found that one-third of workers have hypertension, and combined work stress and poor sleep increase cardiovascular death risk by three times. Employers should provide stress management and sleep treatment in the workplace, especially for staff with chronic conditions.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that skipping breakfast significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular death. Eating breakfast regularly is associated with lower mortality rates from heart disease and stroke.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that a preschool health program significantly increased healthy habit awareness among children from an underserved community. The program resulted in a 2.2-fold higher score on overall knowledge, attitudes and habits towards a healthy lifestyle.
A new study found that plant-based diets can lower the risk of heart failure in adults without known heart disease, while Southern diets are linked to higher risk. The study examined five dietary patterns and their association with incident heart failure hospitalizations.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that people who skip breakfast and eat dinner near bedtime have a four to five times higher likelihood of death, another heart attack, or angina within 30 days after hospital discharge for heart attack. Late-night dinner eating was also associated with poorer outc...
Researchers at MUSC found that procedure time is vital in thrombectomy success, with diminishing returns after the 60-minute mark. The study suggests that surgeons should pause and reassess if a procedure is worth continuing beyond this point.
A recent study found that couples who attempt to quit smoking together have a significantly higher success rate compared to those who try to quit alone. The odds of quitting smoking at 16 weeks were sixfold higher in couples who tried to quit together.
A large study found that moving more is linked to living longer, with a 2.8% reduction in all-cause mortality for each milliliter increase in maximal oxygen uptake. The benefits of fitness were seen in men and women across all age groups and fitness levels.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that individuals with higher muscle power tend to live longer. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,800 non-athletes aged 41-85, showed that those with above-median muscle power had the best survival rates.
Patients with acute coronary syndromes can return to work in two to three months, but one in four quit after a year. Psychological factors like lack of confidence, depression, and anxiety are significant predictors of failure. Attending cardiac rehabilitation and gradual reintegration into the workplace can help patients succeed.
Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that victims of heart attack and stroke who return to work are 25% less productive in their first year back. The study estimated direct medical costs of acute coronary syndrome as €1,547-€18,642 and stroke costs as €5,575-€31,274.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that hospitals performing the highest volume of TAVR procedures have significantly lower mortality rates compared to those performing fewer procedures. This relationship held true even after accounting for the learning curve and individual proceduralist performance.
The European Society of Cardiology calls for reimbursement of digital health technologies to manage chronic diseases. Home-based care models, such as smartphone apps connected to medical devices, are more effective than traditional hospital visits in reducing blood pressure and improving patient outcomes.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has found that paternal smoking and maternal passive smoking can significantly increase the risk of congenital heart defects in offspring. The analysis of 125 studies involving over 137,000 babies with congenital heart defects revealed a 74% increased risk for me...
A recent study found that remote monitoring of implanted defibrillators in heart failure patients significantly reduces the rate of hospitalization and death. The trial showed a lower rate of primary endpoint (39.5%) compared to standard care (48.5%), with reduced cardiovascular deaths and hospitalizations.
Dapagliflozin significantly decreases rates of death from cardiovascular causes and death from all causes among patients with reduced ejection fraction. It also reduces heart failure hospitalizations across all patients, regardless of ejection fraction or heart failure status.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have created a smarter automatic defibrillator that accurately tracks stroke volume in addition to ECG readings. This update aims to deliver shocks only when needed, potentially preventing traumatic shocks and improving patient outcomes.
A new study by the European Society of Cardiology found that tilt training can significantly reduce the frequency of fainting episodes in patients with recurrent syncope. The program improved cardiovascular function and reduced worry, fear and frustration related to fainting.
Patients with heart failure and a leaking heart valve who underwent transcatheter mitral valve repair reported significant improvements in quality of life after two years. The study found that patients treated with the procedure had better rates of survival and fewer symptoms, leading to improved daily activities.
A new study suggests that minimally invasive transcatheter valve replacement is a safe and effective therapy for healthier patients at low surgical risk. Patients treated with TAVR had lower incidence of disabling stroke, bleeding complications, and atrial fibrillation, but slightly higher moderate aortic regurgitation.
A new study found that the Apple Watch can detect atrial fibrillation (AFib) in people who have an irregular heartbeat. The study showed that the watch's algorithm was accurate 84% of the time, and nearly half of those notified went on to seek medical care.
Results from the PARTNER 3 trial demonstrate that low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis can significantly benefit from minimally invasive TAVR, leading to shorter recovery times and lower complication rates. This groundbreaking procedure has the potential to transform treatment options for patients with heart disease.
A novel electrocardiogram method uses signals from the ear and hand to detect atrial fibrillation and prevent strokes. The new technique paves the way for a single-lead ECG wearable device that could be used by drivers, athletes, and the military.
A commonly used heart drug, nifedipine, is associated with an increased risk of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest, particularly at high doses. The study analyzed data from large registries and found no risk association with amlodipine.
A new study suggests that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe and effective option for patients with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis, particularly those at intermediate or high risk for open heart surgery. While patients with a bicuspid valve had a higher risk of stroke after TAVR, the overall mortality rate was simi...
Research from the Cardiovascular Research Foundation will present latest data on PCI, imaging technologies, and TAVR at ACC.19. The study found that treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or receptor blockers affects revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention.
A new quality improvement plan at Olathe Medical Center increased patient satisfaction scores with medication understanding, while decreasing readmission rates. The interdisciplinary team's approach included bedside nurse reviews, visual aid forms, pharmacist education, and post-discharge phone calls to reinforce medication knowledge.
A large study of nearly 14,000 people found that low-carb diets are significantly more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia that can lead to stroke and heart failure. Researchers suggest using caution when restricting carbohydrates for weight loss due to potential inflammation and oxidative stress.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that people who spent less time watching TV and regularly ate an energy-rich breakfast showed significantly less plaque and stiffness in their arteries. Eating a high-energy breakfast was also associated with healthier arteries, while skipping breakfast increased the risk of...
HIV patients face a range of cardiovascular risks due to chronic inflammation, immune activation, and antiretroviral therapy side effects. Experts provide guidance on managing CVD in this growing patient population.
A study found that brain regions involved in emotional processing and controlling the body's unconscious workings do not communicate as well in patients with Takotsubo syndrome, a condition known as 'broken heart' syndrome. This decrease in communication may contribute to the development of TTS, which is triggered by emotional stressors.
A study found that women are less likely to be treated promptly for heart attack symptoms compared to men. Women's delays in seeking medical attention contribute to worse outcomes and increased mortality rates.
A large observational study found that patients with STEMI who were directly admitted to primary PCI centres had significantly better long-term survival than those transferred from other hospitals. The time gap between diagnosis and treatment was also shorter, contributing to the improved outcomes.
A study of 2,564 patients who had a heart attack found that those traveling had a lower risk of long-term all-cause death if treated promptly. Patients traveling were younger and had a higher prevalence of STEMI, a serious type of heart attack.
Researchers found that adults born with mild congenital heart defects are 13 times more likely to develop heart failure or atrial fibrillation and five times more likely to have a stroke. A heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce this risk, but the exact reasons behind these increased risks remain unclear.
The new document defines the training requirements for performing advanced echocardiographic procedures, outlining knowledge, experience, and skill requirements for Level III competency. It emphasizes the importance of proper training to ensure positive clinical outcomes and patient safety.
New research from the European Society of Cardiology shows that physiological health, as measured by exercise stress testing performance, is a better predictor of survival than chronological age. This finding suggests that individuals who are physically fit may live longer than those who are not.
A pilot program using clinical decision support tools improved angina symptoms and quality of life in patients with stable ischemic heart disease. The use of apps such as ACC FOCUS, Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and CardioSmart Heart Explorer App led to significant improvements in patient outcomes.
A Yale research team found that nearly half of non-elderly adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease report financial hardship due to medical bills. The study reveals significant financial distress among these individuals, including cutting back on essential medications.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that 45.1% of adult atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) patients experience financial hardship due to medical bills. Insured and uninsured individuals, particularly those with lower incomes, are disproportionately affected.
A case report describes a patient who developed cardiac events after consuming potent marijuana edibles, emphasizing the importance of understanding THC's effects on the cardiovascular system. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to educate patients with cardiovascular disease about cannabis use and its complications.
Dr. Feldman was awarded the Distinguished Scientist Award-Basic Domain by the American College of Cardiology in recognition of his major scientific contributions to cardiovascular disease research. He has made significant advancements in molecular biology of dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
The European Society of Cardiology's Acute Cardiovascular Care Congress explores the best ways to save lives from heart attacks and cardiac arrests. Gender differences and stress management are also key topics discussed by leading specialists.
A new study published in EuroIntervention found that minimally invasive Mitraclip implantation has a consistently low complication rate, even as the number of procedures increased. The study included over 13,575 patients and showed that mortality rates remained stable during the five-year period.
A study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that middle-aged athletes who engaged in high-volume exercise (at least 5-6 hours per week) did not have an increased risk of heart disease or mortality. The researchers also found that women were excluded from the study due to lower mortality rates compared to men.
A new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology confirms that diets rich in palmitic and stearic acid, found in meats, increase cardiovascular risk. In contrast, eating fewer long-chain saturated fats and consuming plant-based proteins lowers the risk of myocardial infarction.
Researchers analyzed data from 622 cancer patients and found that those with tachycardia had a higher mortality rate compared to those without it. Tachycardia was a significant predictor of overall mortality regardless of cancer type, highlighting the need for co-management of heart and cancer conditions.
A study by the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that new appointment wait times have decreased at VA medical centers, making it easier for veterans to access healthcare services. The research compared primary care, dermatology, cardiology, and orthopedics appointments in 15 major metropolitan areas.
Patients with type 2 diabetes should be prescribed physical activity to control blood sugar and improve heart health. Exercise programs are a cost-effective treatment and should be reimbursed. Long-term adherence can be improved by setting early achievable goals and adapting exercise plans to patients' preferences.
A large-scale study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology found that the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program may be associated with an increase in patient-level mortality. The researchers evaluated trends in mortality among Medicare patients hospitalized for heart failure, a hear...
A new study by the European Society of Cardiology found that giving birth is associated with a 14% higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Pregnant women are advised to keep weight gain under control and adopt healthy lifestyle habits after pregnancy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The European Society of Cardiology survey found that nearly two-thirds of individuals at high risk of cardiovascular disease are centrally obese. The study highlights the need for health care systems to invest in prevention and public health initiatives to prevent heart disease and stroke.