Articles tagged with Cardiology
A genetic study led by University of Helsinki researchers has uncovered the underlying causes of severe heart muscle diseases in children, revealing a unique genetic profile for each family. The study's findings have significant implications for predicting disease course and treatment decisions, paving the way for personalized medicine.
The American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Heart Rhythm Society have published a guideline for evaluating and treating patients with bradycardia. The guidelines recommend diagnostic testing tools, lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, and pacing devices to manage the condition.
Researchers found that very low troponin levels can rule out stress-inducible ischemia, allowing doctors to avoid routine stress testing. This could reduce healthcare costs and radiation exposure by triaging individuals with stable CAD before performing stress tests.
The use of stroke-preventing anticoagulants in Canada is hindered by barriers including perceived cost, lack of funding approval and physician skepticism. Despite the benefits of these medications, many patients with atrial fibrillation remain undertreated, resulting in preventable strokes.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that higher vitamin D levels are associated with better exercise capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness. Participants with higher vitamin D levels had a 4.3-fold higher fitness level compared to those with lower levels.
Only one in three Chinese acute coronary syndrome patients receive cardiac rehabilitation guidance before discharge from hospital. Men are more likely to receive advice than women, but all heart attack patients need cardiac rehabilitation, and targeted efforts are needed to improve provision.
Patients with AFib and a history of cancer are more likely to experience suboptimal antithrombotic care, leading to increased risk of stroke. Cardiology providers play a crucial role in improving outcomes for these patients, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
A nationwide study in Taiwan found that stroke incidence is rising, contrary to declines in Western countries. The study examined hospital records of patients with a primary diagnosis of stroke between 2001 and 2013, and found that the incidence of ischemic stroke increased by 12% over 13 years.
The SCAI-WIN program aims to increase female participation in interventional cardiology. Megha Prasad has been selected for a $100,000 fellowship to develop complex and high-risk intervention skills.
This CVIA special issue brings together valuable new insights into research in cath lab procedures. Papers cover topics such as intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary intervention, cardiac catheterization after cardiac arrest, and the current state of transradial access.
A new study published in Circulation found that oxygen therapy for patients with suspected heart attacks does not reduce the risk of developing heart failure or dying. The study, conducted at 35 Swedish hospitals, involved over 6,600 patients and showed no significant difference in survival rates or complications.
A new non-invasive test called FFRCT accurately reflects invasively measured fractional flow reserve, showing it can safely guide treatment for patients with moderate stenosis. The study found that patients with normal FFRCT results had a similar prognosis to those with mild or no stenosis.
A study published in European Heart Journal reveals that air pollution is a significant contributor to cardiovascular diseases, with particulate matter playing a key role. The review article highlights the importance of reducing emissions from traffic, industry, and agriculture to mitigate the negative effects on vascular function.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released an updated guideline for managing adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients, incorporating new data and growing expertise. The guideline presents a new classification system that captures complexity in both anatomy and physiology.
A study published in the journal HeartRhythm recommends that pediatric patients with epicardial devices should get regular screening chest x-rays and cine CT scans or catheter angiography to assess their wires and detect coronary artery compression. This can help prevent fatal complications and identify patients at risk.
A new online tool, Astro-CHARM, has been developed to predict who is at the highest risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. The calculator combines coronary artery calcium measurement with traditional risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol.
A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found a strong dose-response relationship between smoking and atrial fibrillation. Smoking five to ten cigarettes per day increased the risk by 9% to 32%, respectively. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce this risk, with former smokers experiencing a lower risk th...
Researchers compared CF-PWV and CAVI to assess vascular ageing, finding CAVI provides additional information on vessel wall state. Metabolic syndrome was found to increase CF-PWV levels but not affect CAVI.
Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center identified an enzyme responsible for vascular damage caused by aircraft noise. The study found that night-time noise has a particularly harmful effect on vessels and brain, and suggest that protecting night-time sleep from noise is crucial.
This special issue of CVIA journal presents major review articles and research findings on Adult Congenital Heart Disease, including pulmonary hypertension management, Ebstein anomaly surgery, and heart transplantation. Key topics include pregnancy in congenital heart disease and depression in adults with congenital heart disease.
The Fontan operation creates nonpulsatile pulmonary flow, leading to unique physiological consequences impacting the cardiovascular system and beyond. Innovative management strategies are needed to maintain quality of life and extend life expectancy in long-term survivors.
A new study lengthens intervals between blood draws for stable warfarin patients, reducing frequency and discomfort. Researchers found that more than two-thirds of patients can wait longer than five weeks without needing a blood draw.
Review papers explore how technology will change cardiovascular care, with artificial intelligence enhancing personalized medicine and digital health accelerating clinical research. Mobile health advances track physical activity and fitness, promoting heart-healthy habits.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that patients diagnosed with high-sensitivity troponin test had a lower risk of future heart attacks, with no difference in mortality one year after the heart attack. The test also led to more coronary angiography and balloon angioplasty procedures.
A University of Alberta study found that nearly six per cent of patients have a heart attack without any blockage in the arteries, with five per cent experiencing another heart attack or death within one year. Patients with MINOCA are twice as likely to be female and require more aggressive preventive treatment.
Research reveals that homeless individuals are at a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to lack of access to healthcare and long-term management. This population faces unique challenges such as untreated hypertension and diabetes, smoking addiction, and chronic mental illness.
A survey of interventional cardiologists found that two-thirds avoided performing potentially lifesaving procedures due to concerns about public reporting. Physicians reported being pressured by colleagues to avoid procedures, even if they were preferred for the patient's condition.
A recent study published in International Journal of Cardiology found that exposure to extreme noise annoyance increases the incidence of atrial fibrillation by up to 23%. Aircraft noise is identified as a major source of noise pollution, with 84% during the day and 69% at night. The study highlights the importance of measuring noise a...
Following the Kumamoto earthquake, investigators found a high risk of venous thromboembolism in people who remained seated in cars overnight. In many cases, this led to pulmonary thromboembolism, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and public awareness campaigns.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions has updated its consensus guidelines to allow for flexibility in length of stay after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), prioritizing patient-centered care. The new guidelines assess readiness for discharge along three lines: procedural, patient, and programmatic factors.
A three-year study of 1,078 hypertensive patients with heart disease found that faster walkers had a significantly lower risk of hospitalization. The study also showed that fast walkers spent shorter lengths of time in the hospital compared to slow walkers.
Researchers found that divorce and low socioeconomic status are associated with a higher risk of recurrent heart events. Patients with higher education levels and household income had lower risks, suggesting marriage may be protective against recurrence.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that Medicaid expansion in Michigan did not negatively impact patient outcomes for coronary artery disease procedures. The research used data from 7,558 CABG procedures and 45,183 PCI procedures performed at various hospitals across the state.
The journal published a special issue on valvular heart disease, featuring case reports and major reviews that will contribute to the field. Key findings include challenges in managing patients with severe aortic stenosis and ischemic mitral regurgitation.
The MedSeq Project analyzed costs six months after genetic information was returned to physicians and their patients. Sequencing did identify health-relevant genetic information, but downstream costs were similar between sequenced and unsequenced patients.
A multi-institutional study validated age-based NT-proBNP diagnostic cutoff levels for diagnosing acute heart failure in patients seen at hospital emergency departments. The study found that a level below 300 strongly excluded a heart failure diagnosis, and the results were consistent across all groups of participants.
A large-scale study found that higher spending on heart attack care was associated with a modest reduction in patient mortality. Researchers analyzed over 640,000 hospitalizations involving patients 65 years or older hospitalized for heart attack between July 2011 and June 2014.
Pediatric cardiovascular disease research highlights modifiable factors predicting mortality after prolonged critical illness following congenital heart surgery. Smaller aortic isthmus size is associated with earlier surgical timing in complete common atrioventricular canal defects, indicating potential for improved outcomes with tailo...
A study found that patients with a high-risk PFO who received a medical device to close the hole in their heart after a stroke fared better than those who received medications alone. The trial suggested that closure can help prevent subsequent strokes and related problems, particularly in those with a high-risk PFO.
Research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 67th Annual Scientific Session found that canakinumab had no effect on rates of newly diagnosed diabetes in people with prediabetes. Despite cardiovascular benefits, the drug did not slow or prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.
A recent study found that six-month dual antiplatelet therapy increases the risk of heart attacks in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The SMART-DATE trial showed that short-term treatment is not safe for ACS patients who have received drug-eluting stents, highlighting the need for prolonged DAPT in these cases.
A new analysis found that canakinumab substantially reduced cardiovascular event rates among patients with diabetes and those with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. The drug also showed benefits in reducing rates of major adverse cardiovascular events among high-risk atherosclerotic patients.
A new study found that using genetic information to inform drug choice reduced adverse events by 42 percent in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Genetic testing led to different prescribing patterns, including more frequent use of prasugrel and ticagrelor.
A study found that women with breast cancer who took the beta blocker carvedilol during chemotherapy had lower levels of a protein indicative of heart injury, but no difference in heart function. The study's lead author notes that further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential benefits for higher-risk patients.
A study of nearly 2,500 heart patients found that the new technology iFR was less expensive than FFR, resulting in lower healthcare costs. The study showed significant cost savings with similar outcomes, making it a more widely adoptable technology for physicians.
Patients who receive treatment during periods when interventional cardiologists are away at academic conferences experience a substantial increase in survival rates compared to those treated on matched days. The improvement is primarily driven by a group of patients with a specific type of heart attack that does not require immediate s...
A technology-based process significantly increased cardiac rehab referrals, reducing cardiovascular deaths and readmissions. The program provides resources for staff and patients, improving quality of life.
A leading cardiologist has criticized the new hypertension guidelines, which he says could lead to more harm than benefit for certain individuals. The guidelines recommend intensive treatment for patients at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, but Dr. Robert Phillips argues that those with lower risk may face unnecessary harm.
The Pascal system uses a spacer to fill the gap between leaflets and clamp them onto the spacer, tailored for patients with complex anatomy. The procedure has shown improved quality of life and reduced hospitalizations for patients with tricuspid regurgitation, affecting about 5% of people over age 75.
A study found that large day-to-day swings in outdoor temperature are associated with a significantly increased risk of heart attacks. The researchers calculated the temperature fluctuation preceding each heart attack and found that a five-degree jump in temperature differential was linked to a 5% increase in heart attack rates.
A positive outlook may help improve outcomes for people with chronic angina, reducing hospital visits and revascularization procedures. Patients who were more optimistic had fewer episodes of heart-related hospital stays, even after accounting for overall health.
Walking for at least 40 minutes, two to three times a week, significantly lowers the risk of heart failure among post-menopausal women. The study found that brisk walks and walking frequency/duration/pace all contribute equally to this benefit, making walking an accessible form of exercise for older women.
A study following women with preeclampsia found a significant increase in cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Women who had follow-up medical care after preeclampsia were less likely to receive proper monitoring for these conditions.
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.
Studies reveal that football players face an elevated risk of heart rhythm disorders later in life due to structural changes in the heart. College and professional players showed significant changes in cardiac structure and function, including enlargement of the aortic root and increased systolic blood pressure.
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.
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 ...
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.
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 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.