Articles tagged with Cardiology
A study by the American College of Cardiology found a strong correlation between geographic and seasonal trends in coronary heart disease hospitalizations and internet search queries. The research suggests that search data can be a useful resource for tracking heart disease over time and in different regions.
Cybersecurity risks exist in cardiac devices due to software integration and wireless communications, according to the American College of Cardiology's Electrophysiology Council. The potential consequences include device malfunction, battery depletion, and interruptions in life-saving therapies.
A quality improvement toolkit improved the quality of care but not outcomes in hospitals in Kerala, India. The study found favorable trends in outcomes among heart attack patients, with lower rates of major cardiovascular events at discharge compared to usual care.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology have issued joint guidelines for the clinical quantification of myocardial blood flow using Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for the measurement and interpretation of myocardial blood ...
New research emphasizes the significance of hospitals adhering to treatment guidelines for heart failure patients over comparing patient volumes. Lower-volume hospitals have been found to have worse adherence to essential processes, such as prescribing beta-blockers and running tests to check heart function.
A new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that standing burns more calories than sitting. By substituting standing for sitting for six hours a day, adults can expend an extra 54 calories, equivalent to 5.5 pounds in one year.
A new study found that standing burns more calories than sitting, with a 65 kg person losing 10 kg in 4 years by substituting standing for sitting for 6 hours a day. Standing is linked to lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes.
A European Society of Cardiology study found that nearly a quarter of patients with chronic ischaemic cardiovascular disease are dead or hospitalised within six months. The study identified factors such as older age, history of peripheral revascularisation and chronic kidney disease as strongly associated with high risk.
A new high-sensitivity troponin (hsTn) assay can measure lower concentrations of troponin, allowing for earlier diagnosis of heart attacks. The test has shown a significant reduction in wait times for emergency department patients, as well as improved patient satisfaction and safety.
A new study found that exercising four to five times a week can improve maximum oxygen intake during exercise by 18% and elasticity of the left ventricular muscle of the heart by over 25%. The research suggests that beginning exercise in late middle age can help reverse damage to sedentary hearts.
Researchers found that patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who receive comprehensive cardiovascular care from a cardiologist are more likely to survive the first year after diagnosis. This is associated with a 32% lower death rate compared to those who do not receive specialized care.
A new diagnostic test found that disappearing of heart murmur while standing reliably rules out pathologic heart murmurs in children. The test showed a high predictive positive value and specificity, but poor sensitivity, making it a valuable tool for primary care docs to exclude costly cardiologist referrals.
Research suggests anabolic androgenic steroid use may be associated with early coronary artery disease in healthy young individuals. The study found that steroid users had atherosclerosis, reduced HDL levels, and impaired HDL function.
A study presented at the Mexican Congress of Cardiology found that pacemakers can be safely reused after sterilisation, potentially increasing access to life-saving treatment for those who cannot afford it. The procedure involves washing and sterilizing donated devices, which were used in patients with a minimum battery life of six years.
The study found that exercise time improved by 28.4 seconds in PCI-treated patients, but not significantly in sham-PCI treated patients. SCAI questions the reliability of the findings due to the small number of patients and subjective endpoint used.
The new guidelines aim to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. The guideline recommends the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and provides guidance on genetic counseling and testing.
A study found that using WhatsApp to send ECGs directly to hospital cath labs reduced treatment times and improved patient outcomes for patients with STEMI in Argentina. The results showed a significant decrease in mortality rate, hospital stay, and improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction.
Dr. Alec Vahanian, MD, is recognized for advancing the field of interventional cardiovascular medicine through technical expertise and innovation. He has performed pioneering procedures, including percutaneous mitral commissurotomy and transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Researchers found skipping breakfast associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis and poorer cardiometabolic health. Participants who skipped breakfast had higher waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting glucose levels.
Studies have shown that patients with asymptomatic severe aortic stenosis will develop symptoms or cardiac events within four years. Following recommended exams every six to 12 months can improve clinical outcomes, according to a study of 300 patients.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treatment and survival rates differ by racial neighborhood composition. Neighborhoods with higher percentages of black residents had lower bystander CPR and defibrillator use, as well as lower survival rates compared to predominantly white neighborhoods.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital are set to present groundbreaking findings on cardiovascular treatment at the ESC Congress 2017. These studies, including CANTOS and RE-DUAL PCI, will provide new insights into the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory therapy and dual antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that implanted cardiac monitors detected a substantial incidence of previously undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AFib) in high-risk patients. The detection rate was nearly 30% at 18 months, with even higher rates at longer follow-up periods.
The new guidelines expand indications for transcatheter valves in intermediate risk populations, recommend a heart team approach for symptomatic aortic stenosis, and suggest non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists in atrial fibrillation patients with aortic valve disease.
A recent study found that women at high risk of cardiovascular events are more likely to receive lower doses and less potent statin treatments, which can increase the risk of preventable events. According to the DYSIS study, women were 32% less likely to reach the recommended LDL cholesterol target compared to men.
A study found that more than half of heart patients are admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) for noncardiac conditions such as sepsis or renal failure. This shift in patient composition requires providers to reassess training and staffing models, with implications for care and outcomes.
Patients without coronary artery calcium had significantly lower risk of future heart attacks or strokes, even with diabetes, high blood pressure, or bad cholesterol levels. A CT scan may be worthwhile to discuss treatment options and add more information about the patient's 10-year risk.
Researchers emphasize the importance of primary prevention for Type 2 Diabetes patients to reduce heart disease risk, highlighting the need for evidence-based guidelines and lifestyle management strategies. Proven medical therapies and lifestyle interventions can significantly reduce cardiovascular burden among these patients.
The American College of Cardiology has launched a series of educational forums in central and eastern China to address the growing burden of valvular heart disease. The program aims to provide high-quality, accessible care for patients from underserved communities.
A new review paper emphasizes the need for tailored approaches to address unique health needs of women, particularly minority populations. The paper highlights the importance of sex and gender science, personalized care, and public reporting of data to improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
The CVIA China Focus Issue brings together contributions from leading cardiologists in the US and China, highlighting epidemiology, prevention, rehabilitation, and clinical management of CVD in China. The issue also highlights future perspectives in cardiovascular disease of China.
A new study found that patients newly diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who received early cardiology care had a 9% lower risk of stroke and an 11% lower risk of death. Early prescription of anticoagulants also appeared to lower the risk of stroke.
Research finds that women are often unaware of their risk, and physicians don't prioritize prevention due to perceived barriers. The study aims to destigmatize cardiovascular disease for women and promote evidence-based guidelines for better treatment.
A new study reveals that nearly half of US women are not aware of the leading cause of death among females, with only 40% reporting a heart health assessment by their healthcare provider. Women's Heart Alliance reports alarming data on delayed medical care due to weight concerns and lack of education.
A study examining TAVR procedures for off-label indications found similar 1-year mortality rates compared to on-label use. The procedure was used in 9.5% of cases, with adjusted 30-day mortality higher in the off-label group.
A study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure to below the current recommended targets can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death. The researchers analyzed data from 42 clinical trials involving over 144,000 patients with hypertension.
A large-scale registry study found that high-sensitivity troponin T assay is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with unspecified chest pain. The percentage of serious events dropped from 0.9% to 0.6% after introducing the new method.
A retrospective observational study found that men have a more severe form of chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy, with lower left and right ventricular ejection fractions and larger cardiac volumes compared to women. The study's results suggest that female sex hormones may be protective against this condition.
The 11,800 participants shared the latest developments and best practices in treating cardiovascular conditions, including coronary and valvular heart disease and stroke. EuroPCR 2017 also celebrated the 40th anniversary of angioplasty with an exhibition tracing its pioneering history.
A Canadian cardiologist has successfully used a new MitraClip device to treat severe mitral regurgitation through the jugular vein for the first time in the world. The procedure was performed on an 86-year-old patient with no complications, allowing her to improve and be discharged home.
A large dataset reports that deferring revascularization in patients with intermediate stenosis leads to fewer interventions. The rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was low, especially in those without acute coronary syndromes.
A study found that 4 in 10 patients with elevated stroke risk are not prescribed necessary stroke-prevention medication, resulting in potentially hundreds of thousands of preventable strokes each year. The lack of prescribed medication is attributed to disparities in prescribing practices and patient socioeconomic factors.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has recognized outstanding SCAI members for their contributions to the field of interventional cardiology, education, and patient care. This year's award recipients include George Vetrovec, MD, MSCAI, and nine Master Interventionalists, who have demonstrated a commitme...
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has selected 12 emerging interventional cardiologists for the Emerging Leader Mentorship (ELM) program. The two-year mentorship program aims to refine their skills as leaders in medicine, ambassadors for their specialty, and advocates for their patients.
A new position paper provides consensus recommendations for ionizing radiation dose optimization in pediatric patients with congenital and acquired heart disease. The guidelines focus on strategies to minimize radiation exposure while maintaining effective imaging procedures.
A global study reveals low adherence to International Atomic Energy Agency recommendations for reducing nuclear cardiology radiation exposure. The research found that stress or rest only imaging, avoiding thallium, and camera technologies to reduce dose were key practices associated with achieving a 9 mSv scan.
A large nuclear cardiology laboratory has achieved a significant reduction in radiation doses, from 17.9 mSv in 2009 to 7.2 mSv in 2016, with the median dose dropping by 75%. The study used new technologies and protocols, including stress-only tests and more sensitive cameras, to achieve these reductions.
A study found substantial differences in accuracy between commercially available heart rate apps, with some apps performing up to 20 beats per minute off from the clinical gold standard. Non-contact apps performed less well than contact apps, particularly at higher heart rates and lower body temperatures.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that women with atrial fibrillation/flutter experienced higher death rates than men 30 and 90 days after discharge from emergency departments. The study analyzed data from 21,062 patients and identified differences in outcomes between male and female patients.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center study found no correlation between high early readmission rates and one-year mortality or long-term readmission rates for heart attack patients. However, hospitals with high penalties tend to serve more ethnic minorities and patients with severe disease.
A substantial proportion of patients prescribed high-intensity statins following a heart attack do not continue taking the medication. High-intensity statin adherence decreases over time, especially among African American and Hispanic patients and those without Medicare/Medicaid coverage or cardiologist visits.
A Danish study found that working-age people with fainting spells have a 1.4-fold increased risk of occupational accidents and a 2-fold higher risk of job loss compared to those without the condition. Younger individuals with poor socioeconomic status or additional health conditions are particularly at high risk.
Researchers analyzed 11 trials involving 6,560 PVD patients and found no significant effect on death rates or major cardiac events. The study suggests that aspirin therapy may not be beneficial for certain patients with peripheral vascular disease.
A new study found a substantial increase in CVI procedures in the Medicare population between 2005 and 2014. Cardiology saw the most rapid growth in market share, while vascular surgeons and other specialists also increased their services.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that New York counties with trans-fatty acid (TFA) restrictions on eateries experienced a significant decrease in hospitalization rates for heart attacks and strokes compared to counties without restrictions. The study, which included data from 2002 to 2013, suggests that TFA restrictions may ...
Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee advises against bioresorbable stents due to their high cost, longer insertion time, and lack of improved results compared to conventional drug-eluting stents. The recent clinical trial results show a higher risk of device thrombosis with Absorb stents.
US physicians saw a 55.7% drop in paid malpractice claims over the 22-year period, with pediatricians experiencing the largest decline of 75.8%. The rate of payments also increased by 23.3%, while the amount of payment varied significantly among specialties.
The first issue of Volume 2 of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) has been published with a Special Issue on Imaging. The issue brings together contributions from leading cardiologists and features recent advances in noninvasive cardiac imaging, as well as clinical applications and future directions.
Researchers developed a smartphone app using geofencing to track participants' hospital visits, achieving 65% accuracy. The study highlights the potential of smartphones in tracking medical visits and reducing retrospective reporting errors.
A simple fix to avoid unnecessary coronary stents has been discovered, involving the administration of intracoronary nitroglycerin during procedures. By doing so, cardiologists can identify and treat coronary artery spasm, reducing the need for stenting procedures.