Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
Research presented at ESC Congress 2019 found that genetic high cholesterol is underdiagnosed and undertreated, with a prevalence of 3.6-4.5 million individuals in Europe. Screening for the condition could identify patients and family members affected by heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, allowing for lifestyle changes and tr...
Researchers developed a tiny wearable camera to track heart failure patients' daily activities, providing valuable data for fine-tuning self-management. The study found that the cameras could identify areas for improvement in diet, exercise, and medication adherence, with potential applications for guiding newly diagnosed patients.
A recent study found that eating nuts at least twice a week is associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The researchers analyzed data from 5,432 Iranian adults and found that nut consumption was linked to a 17% reduced risk of fatal heart attack and stroke.
A low-cost text-messaging programme improves blood sugar control in patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease. The programme, which consisted of six messages per week, resulted in a significant reduction in HbA1c levels and an increase in participants achieving the target level of less than 7%.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends reducing air pollution and environmental noise to minimize heart attack and stroke risk. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly, are also emphasized.
A sub-group analysis from the ASPREE trial found that daily low-dose aspirin did not prolong disability-free survival in healthy people over 70, even in those at high cardiovascular disease risk. The study suggests that improved risk prediction methods are needed to identify those who could benefit from aspirin therapy.
The European Society of Cardiology has published new guidelines for the management of fast heartbeat, highlighting the benefits of catheter ablation in treating supraventricular tachycardia. The guidelines recommend invasive methods for eradicating arrhythmias and provide specific recommendations for pregnant women.
The new guidelines clarify the diagnosis and treatment of acute pulmonary embolism, emphasizing the importance of quick and reliable diagnosis to prevent death. The guidance also provides recommendations on the use of anticoagulant drugs and clot busters, as well as distinguishing between fresh thrombi and chronic obstructions.
A study found that bacteria in coronary plaques were pro-inflammatory, whereas gut bacteria were diverse and varied. Patients with acute coronary syndrome had different gut microbiota compared to those with stable angina. The research suggests a possible role for microbes in plaque destabilization and heart attack onset.
A 22-year analysis of physical activity levels found that inactivity was linked to a two-fold increased risk of all-cause death and a 2.7-fold greater risk of cardiovascular disease mortality compared to high activity levels. The study suggests that even small amounts of exercise can provide health benefits.
A health education program that combines information with playful activities and emotional support reduced junk food intake in children, increasing physical activity among teachers. The study suggests that knowledge alone is insufficient to change behavior.
Research finds that patients from areas with cleaner air are more sensitive to changes in pollution, while those from more polluted cities can adapt to fluctuations. A higher incidence of PCI procedures was observed in winter and rose along with increasing pollution.
A new study demonstrates that transradial surgery is safe and effective for various neuroendovascular procedures, providing faster recovery times with less procedural risk. Patients prefer this approach due to reduced complications and quicker discharge.
A new study by Massachusetts General Hospital identifies a biological pathway linking socioeconomic status to cardiovascular risk. The pathway involves brain stress centers, immune cell production, and arterial inflammation, which can be targeted by lifestyle approaches such as exercise, meditation, and statins.
Di Carli is recognized as an outstanding clinician-scientist, teacher, and mentor, known for pioneering work in cardiovascular radionuclide imaging and services. His research has contributed to understanding ischemic cardiac dysfunction and using positron emission tomography (PET) for guiding management of patients with end-stage heart...
Patients with peripheral arterial disease can now opt for pain-free exercise, improving symptoms and mobility. Alternative exercises, such as arm ergometer and resistance training, are equally effective to traditional walking programmes.
A new study found that cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) may improve heart function in certain groups of heart failure patients, particularly those with nonspecific intraventricular conduction delay (NICD) and a QRS duration of more than 150 milliseconds. In these patients, CRT-D was associated with decreased...
Overweight four-year-olds have a doubled risk of high blood pressure by age six, with excess weight being the most common cause. Regular exercise and healthy diet can help prevent childhood obesity and its consequences, including cardiovascular disease.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai Smidt Heart Institute reveals that patients with a bicuspid aortic valve who undergo TAVR have the same survival and complication rates as those without the defect. The analysis of over 2,700 patients found no significant difference in death rates between the two groups.
Research shows that heart attack patients with prolonged depression or anxiety are at a higher risk of death. Patients who experienced chronic emotional distress were more likely to die from cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes during follow-up.
A recent study found that the use of advanced imaging equipment like cardiac MRI is driving a significant increase in the diagnosis of Left Ventricular Non-Compaction (LVNC) in adults, raising questions about its clinical utility and potential for over-diagnosis.
A study of 326 patients with acute myocardial infarction found that a perceived inability to act and inaccurate symptom appraisal were common factors contributing to delayed care-seeking. These patients often reported feelings of paralysis, fear, or anxiety, which can be addressed through education and awareness campaigns.
A large-scale study of nearly half a million births in Canada found that first-trimester fainting episodes are linked to preterm births, low birth weight, and increased heart problems. Researchers urge expectant mothers who faint during pregnancy to report it to their doctors.
A study found that elderly patients with heart failure who visit a pharmacist weekly are more likely to take their medications and be active, resulting in improved quality of life. The intervention increased adherence by 86% compared to usual care.
Patients with stable chronic heart failure can safely discontinue diuretics without increased dyspnoea or reuse of the medication. The ReBIC-1 trial found no significant differences in symptom relief between patients who stopped and those who continued taking furosemide.
Patients with chronic heart failure are more likely to adopt lifestyle advice when accompanied by family members, according to a new study. The study found that nearly 48% of patients did no physical activity and 25% never adhered to fluid restrictions.
A new study reveals that women undergoing fertility treatment are at a higher risk of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a life-threatening condition. PPCM affects about one in 1,000 pregnant women worldwide and is characterized by an enlarged and weak heart, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and swelling.
A study found that biomarkers like midregional proadrenomedullin and bio-adrenomedullin can predict mortality risk in acute heart failure patients. Patients with these biomarker levels above the median had significantly lower survival if not receiving diuretics at discharge.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has awarded its highest designation, Master Interventionalists of SCAI (MSCAI), to seven outstanding interventional cardiologists. These individuals have demonstrated excellence in invasive/interventional cardiology, clinical care, innovation, publication, and teaching.
A new five-stage system defines cardiogenic shock based on narrative patient descriptions, physical findings, and biochemical/hemodynamic markers to facilitate rapid assessment and communication between providers. The consensus aims to standardize vocabulary, recognize risk for adverse outcomes, and inform interventions.
Researchers developed a web-based platform to optimize left atrial appendage occluder device therapies for patients with atrial fibrillation and stroke risk. The VIDAA platform combines biophysical models, interactive interfaces, and computational simulations to identify optimal device configurations and positioning strategies.
A machine learning algorithm using eight variables has been developed to predict sudden cardiac death and heart failure death in heart failure patients. The study found a high accuracy rate of 0.87 for predicting all events, and 0.74 and 0.91 for arrhythmic events and heart failure death respectively.
A study by the European Society of Cardiology found that machine learning algorithms can accurately predict heart attacks and deaths with over 90% accuracy. By analyzing 85 variables from imaging data, the algorithm identified patterns correlating to death and heart attack, surpassing human performance.
A new AI-powered decision support system, ARTICA, was found to advise against unnecessary tests in 67% of patients with stable chest pain, a rate significantly higher than cardiologists. The study showed that avoiding these tests would save staff one hour and patients two hours on average, while also reducing costs.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.