Articles tagged with Cardiology
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A study reveals nearly two-thirds of children receiving routine interventional cardiology procedures may be treated with off-label pediatric cardiac devices due to lack of regulatory oversight. The devices were used for approved purposes in 63% of patients, with stent implantations being 99% off-label.
The study found that drug-eluting stents are safer and more effective than bare metal stents in preventing deaths and heart attacks. Over a two-and-a-half-year follow-up period, patients who received drug-eluting stents had a 25% reduction in death and a 24% reduction in heart attacks.
A new study in Clinical Cardiology examines the fitness level of morbidly obese individuals and finds they are sedentary for more than 99% of the day. The results show that even light physical activity, such as walking at a speed of 1-2 miles per hour, may yield significant health benefits and improve aerobic capacity over time.
Researchers found that patients with CAD who achieve very low LDL cholesterol levels (≤ 70 mg/dL) and normal systolic blood pressure (≤ 120 mmHg) experience the slowest progression of coronary disease. This study emphasizes the importance of aggressive control of all risk factors to prevent heart disease.
The study showed an overall 19% loss in luminal diameter at 18 months and an angiographic in-stent late loss of 0.48mm at two years, falling between bare metal and drug eluting stents. Patients did not appear to get any in-stent thrombosis.
A study found that anger and hostility are associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in healthy individuals and poorer outcomes in patients with existing CHD. Management of psychological stressors may be an important strategy for prevention and treatment.
The American Board of Medical Specialties approves a new subspecialty in Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiology, which will provide high-level care for patients with worsening heart failure. The first certified cardiologists will be trained by 2010, offering improved treatment options and outcomes for heart failure patients.
The SYNTAX study found that CABG is associated with lower rates of repeat revascularization and stroke compared to PCI. Patients with high SYNTAX scores had significantly higher rates of major adverse cardiac events when treated with PCI.
Researchers from Heidelberg University Hospital found that CaMKII delta enzyme activates stress response and hypertrophy of the heart. Genetic suppression of this enzyme protects mice from chronic cardiac insufficiency, offering a promising approach for systematic prevention.
Researchers found that one-year survival of elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention was comparable to younger patients. Data suggest age alone should not prevent more aggressive care in these patients.
A new study published in JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions found significant improvement in migraines following catheter-based closure of patent foramen ovale. Patients with severe migraine, large PFO, and silent brain lesions showed greater numbers of patients who had cessation of migraine attacks and over 50% reduction in migraine a...
New research published in JACC found that patients have a better chance of survival when both their hospital and physician have a strong track record in treating heart attacks with angioplasty and stenting. High-volume hospitals and physicians performed significantly better, with lower risks of in-hospital death.
Experts advise against routine cardiac imaging exams for those without heart disease symptoms due to low-dose radiation risks. However, scans are still recommended for patients with symptoms or at high risk of heart disease, as the benefits outweigh the small potential risks.
A woman with a rare condition known as swallow syncope experiences episodes of feeling light-headed after eating sandwiches or fizzy drinks. The condition is caused by alterations in the vagal nervous reflex arc, leading to abnormal feedback that affects heart function.
The number of female cardiologists has nearly doubled over the past decade, yet women still account for less than 20% of all cardiologists. Women face significant challenges, including work-life balance, radiation exposure concerns, and personal roadblocks to career advancement.
A growing body of evidence links low vitamin D levels to common CVD risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Researchers recommend screening and treating vitamin D deficiency in patients with risk factors for heart disease or diabetes.
The new guidelines prioritize reperfusion therapy and timely emergency response, with a focus on reducing hospital waiting times. By adopting these recommendations, Europe can significantly increase STEMI patient survival rates and reduce fatality numbers.
Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina present a new theory that may lead to effective heart failure treatments by identifying the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the disease. The study suggests that MMPs, similar to those found in cancerous tumors, contribute to the progression of heart failure, leading to the...
The guidelines provide clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment information for a range of congenital heart defects. They also highlight key issues to look for during follow-up and make recommendations on genetic testing, pregnancy, contraception, and physical activity.
The University of Maryland School of Medicine has developed a web-based training and examination program for reading electrocardiograms (ECGs), aiming to increase expertise among general practitioners. The program, called ACCIS, includes interactive computer modules that teach and assess ECG interpretation competence.
Research finds urokinase plasminogen activator promotes atherosclerosis growth and dilation, while plasminogen loss protects against disease. The study suggests new ideas for preventing or treating artery disease.
A study by Cedars-Sinai cardiologists suggests that evidence-based reimbursement incentives can lead to significant economic savings in healthcare. By prioritizing medical procedures with proven effectiveness, doctors and hospitals can help reduce costs without compromising patient care.
A study by Henry Ford Health found that 90% of patients who underwent cardiac nuclear stress testing did so appropriately under updated guidelines. However, 21 patients received unnecessary tests, highlighting the potential for savings through adherence to test-appropriateness criteria.
The European Society of Cardiology emphasizes the importance of networks in STEMI treatment, facilitating pre-hospital diagnosis, triage, and treatment with efficient transportation to appropriate hospitals. Clear protocols and cooperation among centers reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.
The 2008 ESC guidelines cover acute and chronic heart failure, prioritizing treatment implementation and palliative care. The document identifies gaps in evidence and aims to focus future clinical research on important issues.
The transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-AVI) technique offers a direct and antegrade approach to the aortic valve, minimizing manipulation in the aortic arch and reducing stroke risk. This method is performed as an off-pump procedure, utilizing high-quality imaging and fluoroscopic visualization.
The CoreValve ReValving System has shown high procedural success and excellent long-term outcomes in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis. Procedural success rates reached 91%, with significant improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and mortality rates.
A new randomised study has found that biolimus-eluting stents are as effective as sirolimus-eluting stents in treating patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndromes. The study also showed similar effectiveness of each stent in reducing in-stent percentage diameter stenosis.
The field of non-invasive cardiac imaging has evolved significantly, with various techniques such as echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance, and computed tomography available. However, clinicians face challenges in choosing the most suitable modality due to a plethora of options.
Recent guidelines reject CABG as initial treatment strategy for most patients with multi-vessel disease, despite evidence suggesting otherwise. A multidisciplinary approach involving a surgeon is recommended to ensure patients receive balanced advice.
Researchers found that patients with incomplete heart attacks are at a higher risk of having another heart attack after discharge. The study suggests that some patients may not receive optimal treatment due to incorrect risk assessment.
A new non-invasive cardiac imaging technology has been found to be highly accurate in detecting coronary artery stenosis, comparable to the traditional and more expensive invasive method. The study, conducted at 16 sites, involved 230 research volunteers with chest pain but no known coronary artery disease.
A randomized controlled trial found that high-dose tirofiban improved ST-segment resolution and clinical outcomes for STEMI patients undergoing primary coronary angioplasty. The study showed lower overall mortality and less urgent repeat PCI in the tirofiban group.
Research shows air pollution damages heart and blood vessels, leading to increased rates of hospitalization for cardiac illness and even death. Exposure to ultrafine pollutants triggers an inflammatory response that can cause arrhythmias and speed the progression of atherosclerosis.
A recent study found that pregnancy increases a woman's risk of heart attack 3-4 fold. The study provides key recommendations for diagnosing and managing this condition in pregnant women, considering both maternal and fetal health.
A new classification system has been developed to help cardiologists determine the best course of treatment for patients with symptomatic myocardial bridging. The system combines clinical symptoms, non-invasive tests, and heart flow studies to reduce subjective decision-making.
A Europe-wide survey revealed significant differences between heart doctors' treatment approaches, with many failing to adhere to recommended guidelines. However, a second study found that pre-operative statin therapy significantly reduces the risk of death and complications after cardiac surgery.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a novel approach to minimize radiation exposure during coronary CTA, while maintaining diagnostic image quality. The 'Low-dose Coronary CT Angiogram' technique exposes patients to full-dose x-rays for only a fraction of the heart cycle, significantly reducing radiation exposure.
A small study of MitraClip procedure shows significant reduction in mitral regurgitation and improvement in heart function, including reduced left ventricular enlargement. Patients experienced mild to modest mitral regurgitation after treatment, and continued to enjoy improved symptoms and daily function.
The Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute will feature presentations on various topics related to cardiovascular health, including emerging technologies for heart valve repair and women's heart issues. Researchers will also discuss the link between prohormones and cardiovascular disease risk among post-menopausal women.
Leading cardiologists at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center are presenting new basic and clinical research findings on drug-eluting stents, wound closure devices, and noninvasive coronary angiography. Dr. Antonio Gotto Jr. will present data showing the ExoSeal device speeds up clotting time and reduces patient i...
The study found that clopidogrel reloading significantly improves clinical outcomes without increasing the risk of bleeding, particularly in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Clopidogrel reloading reduces the combined risk of death, heart attack or repeat coronary procedure by nearly two-thirds in these patients.
The SEISMIC study found that injecting muscle cells into scarred areas of the heart improved patients' symptoms, including increased walking distance, but did not improve heart function or size. Researchers concluded that cell therapy is feasible and may provide symptom relief for heart failure patients.
The ExoSeal vascular closure device significantly reduced bleeding time, enabling patients to get up and walk around far sooner than with manual compression. The study found no access site complications at 30 days, a promising result for the safety and effectiveness of the device.
A study by SLU cardiologist Melda Dolan found that ultrasound contrast agents are safe and beneficial for diagnosing life-threatening heart disease. The researchers examined nearly 24,000 patients who received contrast agents during echocardiograms and compared their results to those of approximately 6,000 patients without the agents.
A large community-based registry of patients treated with drug-eluting stents found that nearly a third of patients stopped taking clopidogrel by one year, but many returned to the medication. Patients who discontinued clopidogrel had a higher risk of death compared to those who continued taking the medication.
The study found that the Excel stent is associated with a low incidence of cardiovascular complications, and six months of dual-antiplatelet therapy appears to be feasible and safe. The results showed an overall rate of major cardiovascular complications of 2.77%, including cardiac death, heart attack, and repeat coronary procedure.
A new study found no significant difference in mortality rates between patients treated with stenting and bypass surgery for unprotected left main coronary artery disease. However, patients treated with stents were more likely to need repeat procedures to keep the artery open.
The XIENCE V everolimus-eluting stent demonstrated better clinical outcomes compared to the Taxus paclitaxel-eluting stent at two years, with a 40% lower overall MACE rate. The study found significant reductions in repeat procedures and heart attacks, but no difference in blood clotting rates.
Researchers found prolonged P wave dispersion in Wilson's disease patients, associated with atrial conductance abnormalities. Age at diagnosis and serum copper levels correlated with PWD values.
A recent study found that patients taking statins were 61% less likely to develop atrial fibrillation. The American College of Cardiology also releases new performance measures for monitoring AF care, which focus on stroke prevention through medication and regular monitoring.
Researchers at MCG are testing a handheld device that can transmit electrocardiograms wirelessly to cardiologists in rural areas, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks. The goal is to bridge the gap between medical expertise and geographical distance.
Researchers identify Asian women as a high-risk group for congenital aneurismal fistulas, which can cause heart attack and sudden death. Hypertension is a common risk factor, and treatment involves surgery or coil insertion to prevent rupture.
A new technique for treating patients with myocardial infarction uses a thrombectomy procedure to remove blockages and improve blood flow. This approach has shown promise in reducing the risk of further obstructions and improving clinical outcomes.
Catheters equipped with balloons, lasers, and miniature drills can treat tears in arteries, improving safety for emergency repairs. The technology has reduced the risk of life-threatening bleeding from vessel punctures during angioplasty procedures.
David R. Holmes Jr., a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, received the James B. Herrick Award for his pioneering contributions to interventional cardiology and advancements in coronary revascularization through balloon angioplasty and stenting. His work has significantly improved patient care and saved countless lives.
Researchers found that heart failure nurses make a positive impact on patients' adherence to nonpharmacologic treatment, particularly in daily weighing and fluid/salt restrictions. The study showed improved compliance with these measures in patients receiving intensive support from a heart failure nurse.
Edmund H. Sonnenblick, a renowned NY cardiologist, received the national Research Achievement Award posthumously from the American Heart Association. His groundbreaking work helped redefine the human heart as a self-renewing organ, significantly advancing understanding of cardiac muscle structure and function.
Researchers present studies evaluating percutaneous procedures to repair and replace defective heart valves, demonstrating clinical improvements for high-risk patients. The devices have been shown to provide sustained symptom improvement for at least 6-12 months in these patients.
Women who overcome breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease due to therapies that damage the heart and blood vessels. Exercise is crucial in maintaining heart health during treatment, and early evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors can help prevent complications.