Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
The European Society of Cardiology's ESC Congress 2013 received a record number of abstract submissions, with nearly 10,500 entries. The congress will feature four Hot Lines press conferences, discussing innovative treatments for conditions such as venous thromboembolism and myocardial infarction.
Beaumont Health System is part of a multicenter research study on the new AbsorbTM Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold, which helps keep arteries open after angioplasty. The device dissolves naturally in the body, reducing the need for permanent stents.
Dr. Valentin Fuster received the 2013 SCCT Arthur S. Agatston Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Award for his groundbreaking work on atherosclerosis development and prevention of coronary artery disease. The award honors Dr. Fuster's pioneering efforts in uncovering the molecular and cellular bases of atherosclerosis.
Dr. Partho Sengupta presented the first-ever hologram presentation at the ASE's 2013 24th Annual Scientific Sessions, utilizing 3D digital images and expert interview recordings to analyze cardiovascular system structure, function, and flow patterns. This innovative presentation format was made possible through collaborative efforts of...
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the need for a resurgence in cardiovascular research and development to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases. The society proposes a forum to discuss ways to rejuvenate R&D, including simplifying regulation and increasing EU funding.
Research by Northwestern Medicine cardiologist Jeffrey Goldberger combines evidence-based guidelines with tailored treatment for patients, reducing over-treatment and under-treatment. By analyzing clinical data and individual characteristics, physicians can make more precise decisions, leading to better patient care.
The American College of Cardiology is developing a patient navigator program to provide personalized services to heart disease patients and reduce readmissions. The program aims to create a culture of patient-centered care and support patients during their hospital stay and post-discharge period.
A multicentre Asian registry reported early experience confirming TAVI efficacy and safety in a physically smaller population. Low stroke and mortality rates were observed, with high procedural success rates, supporting the feasibility of TAVI in Asian patients.
A new investigational device, Helio System (TF-FA), was successfully deployed in four patients with high-risk aortic insufficiency. The device helps stabilize the Sapien XT Transcatheter Heart Valve and improves aortic insufficiency from moderate to trivial.
A study found that routinely measuring fractional flow reserve (FFR) during coronary angiography changes the management of one in four patients with stable angina, according to results from the RIPCORD trial. The use of FFR led to a change in the judgement of whether a coronary artery had a 'significant' lesion in 64 patients.
The SOURCE XT post-approval study reported good clinical outcomes with high rates of device success for all access approaches, valve sizes, and delivery systems. Patients showed sustained improvement in effective orifice area and low rates of aortic regurgitation, with low one-year mortality and stroke rates.
The DESolve bioresorbable scaffold system demonstrates good efficacy and safety with low rates of late lumen loss and major coronary adverse events at six months. Early vessel restoration is indicated by significant increases in vessel, scaffold, and luminal areas.
A Cleveland Clinic study found that only 42% of deaths after angioplasty were caused by the procedure itself, highlighting the need for a more accurate reporting system. The researchers argue that alternative outcome reporting mechanisms should be considered to better reflect quality and performance.
Researchers found that PRRT decreases inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques, as measured by DOTATATE PET/CT, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that this treatment may reduce the occurrence of heart attacks by lowering inflammation levels.
A new stress test protocol investigating reduced perfusion imaging in low-risk patients undergoing SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging has been found to be diagnostically safe. The study predicted that using exercise ECG stress testing alone would have no adverse effects on prognosis at five years.
A common EKG test may predict serious cardiovascular illness in people with left anterior fascicular block (LAFB), a previously thought benign condition. The study found those with LAFB had a higher risk of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and death.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found that both black and white Americans have a similar lifetime risk of heart failure, ranging from 20 to 45 percent. The study explored the long-term risk of heart failure in different race groups and found that higher blood pressure and body mass index increased the risk.
Paul M. Weinberg, a pediatric cardiologist at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, received the 2013 Distinguished Teacher Award for innovative and compassionate teaching. He has made significant contributions to cardiovascular medicine through his extensive research and educational efforts.
The REMINDER trial found that eplerenone significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure in patients after a heart attack. Patients taking eplerenone had a 38% lower risk of poor outcomes compared to those given a placebo.
The PARTNER study found that transaortic valve replacement (TAVR) and open-heart surgery resulted in similar all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates at three years, with no increased risk of stroke after 30 days. However, TAVR patients were more likely to experience leaks around the valve.
A study suggests that non-emergency angioplasty performed at hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery capability is no less safe and effective than the procedure at hospitals with cardiac surgery services. The research found that rates of major adverse cardiac events were similar between the two groups, with outcomes not differing sig...
Researchers found that digoxin was associated with a 34% reduction in 30-day all-cause hospital admission among ambulatory older patients with chronic heart failure. Digoxin also did not increase all-cause mortality during the first 30 days of follow-up.
A study comparing on-pump and off-pump bypass surgery found similar results one year after surgery, with no significant difference in composite outcomes such as death, stroke, or heart attack. The study also found similar neurocognitive function and quality of life for both groups.
A simple blood test screening and targeted care program effectively prevented heart failure in asymptomatic patients over 40 years old with risk factors for the condition. The five-year study showed a significantly lower number of patients experiencing new onset heart failure requiring hospitalization or left ventricular dysfunction.
A new study suggests that off-pump bypass surgery, which is done without a heart-lung machine, can lead to better post-operative outcomes for high-risk patients. This technique eliminates the need for blood transfusions and reduces the risk of bleeding, resulting in fewer complications.
A clinical decision support tool helped identify high-risk patients before coronary interventions, leading to reduced bleeding complications and shorter hospital stays. The use of bivalirudin as a bleeding avoidance strategy improved patient outcomes, including lower complication rates and death.
A large registry study found that aortic stenosis and dissection are uncommon yet critical causes of sudden death in young, competitive athletes, usually during exercise. Many cleared players were allowed to participate despite suspicions of cardiovascular conditions.
The risk of cardiovascular sudden death in young competitive athletes is extremely low, occurring only about 30% of the time and in a small percentage of those due to diseases detectable by ECGs. Current screening initiatives have potential impact on 10-15 million young adults but do not provide evidence for necessity of ECGs
A recent study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that high doses of rosuvastatin significantly reduced the rate of acute kidney injury caused by contrast agents used in imaging tests. The statin group had lower rates of kidney damage and adverse events compared to the control group.
Cangrelor demonstrated significant efficacy advantages over clopidogrel in reducing composite incidence of death, myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven revascularization. It also showed a lower risk of stent thrombosis, with improved safety results across various patient subgroups.
The DKCRUSH-III trial shows that double kissing crush stenting reduces restenosis and improves long-term outcomes for patients with bifurcation lesions, a type of complex coronary lesion. The study found 6.8% in-stent restenosis rates with double kissing crush versus 12.6% with culotte stenting.
The redesigned Sapien XT valve demonstrated low 30-day death and stroke rates, with an all-cause mortality rate of 3.5% for the new device and 5.1% for the original model. Stroke rates were also significantly lower in both groups.
A Mayo Clinic study has found that electric cars do not interfere with implanted cardiac devices like pacemakers and defibrillators. The study tested a hybrid car's electromagnetic interference (EMI) on six positions in the vehicle, including driver and passenger seats, to determine if it posed a risk to patients with implantable devices.
A study at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions found that ECMO, accompanied by mechanical CPR and therapeutic hypothermia, can lead to unexpected survival in patients with massive myocardial infarctions. Four out of five patients survived hospital discharge with improved ejection fractions.
A study of patient records found a significant spike in heart attacks during Greece's financial crisis, particularly among women and those over 45. The crisis led to increased stress, unemployment, and limited access to healthcare, contributing to the rising heart attack rates.
A nationwide Danish study finds that young women with a high body mass index (BMI) are twice as likely to suffer a life-threatening heart attack or stroke within four to five years after childbirth. The study, led by Michelle Schmiegelow, examines the association between obesity and cardiac events in women aged 35-44.
Researchers found that LDL cholesterol increases by an average of 7mg/dL in winter compared to summer, resulting in a 8% overall increase in high cholesterol prevalence. Seasonal variations in metabolism and behavior may contribute to these changes.
A longitudinal study found that people who carry excess weight over their lifetime have increased left ventricular mass and relative wall thickness, strong predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The earlier someone becomes overweight, the greater the increase in heart muscle mass later in life.
Using a telemedicine system to engage people in underserved urban communities resulted in significant reductions in systolic blood pressure. Nearly all study participants lowered their blood pressure, with those using the interactive reporting system achieving an average drop of 19 mmHg compared to 12 mmHg for non-telemedicine users.
A recent study by the American College of Cardiology found that patients not given aspirin before artery-clearing coronary angioplasty and stenting have a significantly higher in-hospital death rate. The study examined registry data from over 65,000 patients and found that nearly 7% did not receive aspirin as recommended.
Research shows that even five years after Hurricane Katrina, heart attacks were still less likely to occur during the morning or on weekdays and instead more frequent at night and on weekends. Prolonged periods of stress are believed to be the most likely cause for these changes.
A 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program reduced mortality in women with coronary artery disease by two-thirds, yet referrals and attendance among women fall short compared to men. Women who receive a referral but don't attend also have better outcomes, suggesting a referral bias towards healthier individuals.
A study found that modest financial incentives significantly increased sustained participation in a weight-loss program and long-term maintenance of weight loss. Participants who received financial rewards lost more weight (9.08 pounds) compared to those without incentives (2.34 pounds).
Researchers found that electronic discharge orders significantly improved patient care by increasing adherence to core measures and lowering hospital readmission rates. The study showed a 23% lower all-cause hospital readmission rate and a 10-fold increase in compliance with quality care measures among heart failure patients.
A study of 26,389 coronary patients found that 17% had a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), associated with increased risk of heart attack and hemorrhagic stroke. Higher doses of anti-platelet or anti-coagulant therapy were linked to a high risk of bleeding complications.
A Saint Louis University study found that cardiologists often focus on the device's technology rather than its psychosocial impact and long-term risks. As a result, patients may be left unaware of potential anxiety, depression, and changes in body image after ICD implantation.
The radial approach for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is associated with reduced bleeding complications and improved survival rates, particularly in STEMI patients. The European Society of Cardiology recommends radial access as the default strategy for PCI in high-risk acute coronary syndromes.
Researchers have identified 35 hearts without significant coronary artery disease that are eligible for transplantation using pharmacological stress echo. The study found successful transplantation in emergency recipients with minimal complications, paving the way for an upward shift in donor age cut-off limit from 55 to 65 years.
Researchers advise limiting daily vigorous exercise to 30-50 minutes due to potential harm from excessive intensity. A balanced routine of moderate physical activity can add years to life, while marathon-like activities may speed progress towards the finish line.
The American College of Cardiology and European Society of Cardiology disagree on mandatory ECG screenings. The ACC suggests $69 billion over 20 years to save 4,813 lives, while experts like Antonio Pelliccia argue cultural and policy obstacles hinder widespread adoption.
Dr. Barry D. Rutherford, MD, was awarded the TCT 2012 Geoffrey O. Hartzler Master Clinical Operator Award for his technical expertise and innovation in interventional cardiovascular medicine.
Philippe Généreux, a practicing Interventional Cardiologist and PhD candidate, has been honored with the TCT Young Investigator Award for his outstanding clinical skills and dedication to patient care. The award aims to encourage promising researchers in interventional cardiovascular medicine.
A study found that women are more likely to die from myocardial infarction due to longer treatment delays and less aggressive treatment. Women STEMI patients had higher intra-hospital mortality rates, more complications, and longer hospital stays compared to men.
China is experiencing a rising epidemic of hypertension and type 2 diabetes, leading to an increasing burden of cardiovascular disease. The country has seen a significant increase in smoking rates, with 54% of men smoking and 92 million people living with type 2 diabetes.
The new online journal bridges the disciplines of cardiology, endocrinology, and metabolism to address diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and related diseases. Original research articles and reviews will provide insights into the interaction between these specialties.
A study published in JAMA found that obese individuals who underwent gastric bypass surgery experienced significant weight loss and reductions in cardiovascular risk factors. The surgery helped improve fitness, quality of life, and even reduced the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
The European Society of Cardiology is tackling the issue of underused implantable cardiac devices, particularly ICDs, due to financial constraints. The initiative aims to raise awareness about their importance and reduce sudden cardiac death rates in countries like Ukraine and Germany.
A European registry study found that TAVI valves were mainly used on patients over 80 years old with comorbidities, resulting in a high risk of complications and mortality. The study also showed significant differences in procedural approaches and post-procedure care across countries.
A new study published in JAMA found that noninvasive CT scanning technology combined with fractional flow reserve can improve diagnostic accuracy for heart disease. The DeFACTO study involved 252 patients from 17 centers worldwide, showing improved detection of coronary artery disease using this approach.
Research from the SPICI study found that adhering to a heart-healthy lifestyle in combination with drug treatment after an acute myocardial infarction treated with coronary artery balloon intervention (PCI) can lead to significant reductions in new cardiac events. The study estimated that preventing 300 to 400 cardiac events annually c...