Articles tagged with Cardiology
A new algorithm using hs-cTnT levels at presentation and one hour after admission accurately differentiates acute myocardial infarction from non-coronary cardiac diseases. This approach reduces avoidable early coronary angiographies and shortens time of uncertainty for patients.
A new study conducted by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that inserting intra-aortic balloon pumps prior to angioplasty in patients with acute myocardial infarction does not reduce the scope of heart muscle damage, also known as infarct size. The study's findings were published online and presented at the European Soci...
Patients receiving optimal medical therapy after a heart attack experience an 18% reduced risk of mortality compared to those not on the full treatment regimen. A broader use of coronary angiography and revascularization could further improve outcomes.
Results from a study presented at ESC Congress 2011 show that TAVI implantation in low-risk patients achieved 100% procedural success and zero deaths within one month, matching conventional surgery outcomes. The study analyzed data from 177 patients with low logistic Euroscore (<20%) who underwent Edwards prosthesis implantation.
A new sub-analysis of the EMPHASIS-HF study showed significant reductions in death and hospitalization for five pre-defined high-risk patient sub-groups with chronic heart failure treated with eplerenone in addition to standard therapy. The benefits were observed across various subgroups, including those with diabetes, kidney impairmen...
Researchers found that cycling at high intensity for short periods significantly reduces all-cause mortality. Men who cycled fast survived 5.3 years longer, while women did so by 3.9 years. The study suggests increasing daily vigorous physical activity may help combat cardiovascular disease.
A Swedish study found that elite cross-country skiers have a higher incidence of arrhythmias, particularly those who have completed more races and trained at an elite level. The study also found that younger athletes were more likely to experience these arrhythmias.
A large-scale trial reveals apixaban's superiority over warfarin in preventing stroke and systemic embolism, while also reducing major bleeding and mortality. Apixaban results in a significant relative reduction in stroke and bleeding events, making it a more effective treatment option.
The ARISTOTLE trial shows apixaban reduces stroke by 21% and major bleeding by 31% compared to warfarin, without significant increases in bleeding risk. The study's benefits are consistent across various patient subgroups and settings, offering a promising alternative for treating patients with atrial fibrillation.
A study of 228 patients found that those with high anger levels had a higher risk of cardiac events and lower infarction-free survival. The researchers suggest a multidimensional therapeutic approach incorporating physical, pharmacological, and psychotherapy treatment to address underlying suffering.
The PERMIT-CARE trial demonstrates that MitraClip treatment improves NYHA functional class and reverse left ventricular remodeling in approximately 70% of patients. The study shows that FMR reduction with MitraClip is feasible, safe, and leads to substantial improvement in heart failure patients who do not respond to CRT.
Researchers found a significant correlation between pericardial fat thickness and coronary arterial remodeling in patients with coronary artery disease. Patients with higher pericardial fat thickness were more likely to have non-calcified plaque and positive remodeling, which are related to acute coronary syndrome.
A study of 663 advanced heart failure patients found that echocardiographic response (left ventricular reverse remodeling) was a better predictor of long-term mortality than clinical response. Echocardiographic response was independently associated with superior survival, with patients showing good response having a lower risk of death.
Critically ill heart failure patients supported with short-term VADs before urgent transplantation had higher incidence of surgical bleeding, longer bypass times and primary graft failure rates compared to those receiving conventional therapy. Routine VAD implantation in stable patients may compromise transplant outcomes.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched an updated version of its HeartScore application, which provides a more accurate estimate of cardiovascular disease risk. The new tool includes features such as a 'fast track' calculator and a 'risk age' function to help clinicians quickly understand patient exposure to CVD risk.
Researchers found that cardiologists' constant exposure to ionising radiation causes cellular changes, including increased antioxidant levels and apoptosis susceptibility. These changes may be the body's protective response to harmful radiation effects.
The Braunwald's Heart Disease Practice Guidelines App offers clinically actionable information on cardiovascular medicine, featuring the latest ACC/AHA guidelines. The app is available for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch, providing anytime access to essential cardiology knowledge.
A new study reveals that pediatric cardiologists have a lower accuracy rate when interpreting ECGs for young athletes, highlighting the need for better training and guidelines. This can lead to unnecessary exclusion of healthy young people from sport participation and potential false reassurances to families.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that the accuracy of pre-sport participation ECGs is fairly low, with an average score of 67% among pediatric cardiologists. This has led researchers to question the validity of mandatory ECG screenings for young athletes.
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that cardiologists in the US are still performing late artery-opening procedures despite guideline changes. The study examined nearly 29,000 patients and showed no decline in monthly rates of late procedures from 2005 to 2008.
A new UCLA study reports favorable long-term outcomes for lower-risk patients with left main coronary artery disease who underwent angioplasty with medication-coated stents. The procedure had an excellent short-term outcome profile and a low risk of complications.
The European Society of Cardiology is urging more research into vulnerable plaques and their stabilization. Studies have shown that therapies like statins and anti-platelet drugs can reduce cardiovascular events, while imaging tools and biomarkers may help identify at-risk patients.
The European Society of Cardiology has established minimum standards for cardiovascular medical expertise, equipment, and emergency planning at major sporting events. These recommendations aim to prevent unnecessary deaths from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) by ensuring rapid access to treatment facilities.
A new analysis of the PLATO study confirms that ticagrelor is more effective than clopidogrel in reducing death and recurrent heart attack, with a potential to prevent up to 20% of heart-attack related deaths.
A new study reveals that women are more likely to be referred for unnecessary nuclear stress tests than men, with a majority of inappropriate studies ordered by primary care physicians. The research suggests that education among primary care providers is needed to improve test ordering for women.
A study published in Clinical Cardiology reveals that CRT significantly improves libido, erectile dysfunction, and sexual performance in men with chronic heart failure. The therapy improves functional capacity and ejection fraction, leading to better sexual health outcomes.
A study of 1,078 doctors found that younger doctors prescribed more cardiovascular drugs but did not significantly improve patients' major CV risk factors. Older doctors were more likely to recommend lifestyle changes and provide accurate clinical data.
A JAMA study of 500,000 heart stent patients found that clinically indicated medical therapy was lost in translation after its publication. Fewer than half of all patients received appropriate treatment with common cardiac drugs before and after their stenting procedure.
Increased peripheral arterial disease (PAD) screening is correlated with substantial growth in PAD revascularization procedures, particularly vascular surgery. Non-invasive physiologic testing in cardiology has demonstrated a nearly twice the compounded annual growth rate of vascular surgery and radiology.
Tel Aviv University's Dr. Sami Viskin has developed a new test to detect 'sudden death syndrome' in young athletes, which can be done at the patient's bedside using an electrocardiogram (ECG). The test detects a measurable difference in heart rate called the QT interval, which can help doctors identify patients at risk for sudden death.
Loyola University Health System's Heart Attack Rapid Response Team has dramatically improved care for heart attack patients by reducing door-to-balloon times to just 47 minutes.
A new study found that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) can effectively prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. The average survival time for ICD patients was seven years, outpacing the typical lifespan of an ICD battery.
The RESOLUTE All Comers trial confirms that the new-generation Resolute zotarolimus-eluting stent is clinically equivalent to the Xience V everolimus-eluting stent after 2 years. The study included patients with complex lesions and acute coronary syndromes, demonstrating improved safety and efficacy of the zotarolimus-eluting stent.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society and Canadian Heart Rhythm Society have published comprehensive guidelines on the use of genetic testing in managing patients with inherited heart rhythm disorders. The guidelines emphasize the importance of ordering physicians having a clear understanding of ethical issues surrounding genetic testing.
A survey of physicians in dermatology, cardiology, and orthopedics found that 75% of dermatologists and 91% of orthopedic specialists use dietary supplements, while 66% and 72% recommend them to patients respectively. The most commonly used supplements were multivitamins and omega-3/fish oil supplements.
A team of researchers has successfully integrated stretchable electronics technology with standard endocardial balloon catheters, enabling both mapping and ablation functions in a single device. The device features an array of sensors to measure cardiac activity, temperature, blood flow, and pressure.
The January/February 2011 issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology marks the beginning of a partnership between Elsevier and the Canadian Cardiovascular Society. The issue focuses on atrial fibrillation, including the long-awaited Canadian Cardiovascular Society Atrial Fibrillation Guidelines.
A new study found that cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) is significantly more beneficial for women than men in preventing heart disease. Women experienced a 70% reduction in heart failure and a 72% reduction in death, compared to 35% and 45%, respectively.
Rhode Island Hospital physician James A. Arrighi examines the challenges of implementing quality improvement efforts among physicians, highlighting the need for multifaceted and interactive approaches to educational initiatives. He recommends techniques such as personalized feedback and sequential longitudinal efforts to maximize their...
A new study found that Super Bowl losses are associated with increased cardiac death rates, particularly among older patients. The research revealed a 15% increase in circulatory deaths in men and a 27% increase in women following the loss.
A national audit of heart failure treatment in England and Wales found that patients admitted to general wards were twice as likely to die as those in cardiology wards. Women and older adults fared worse in terms of appropriate investigations and treatment.
Cardiologists at UConn Health Center have identified a protein fragment that can predict heart attack, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment. The discovery could also lead to the development of new therapies to block cell death and preserve heart muscle function.
The European Society of Cardiology stresses that lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking are major contributors to heart disease. The summit advocates for a harmonized strategy to prevent cardiovascular disease through policies supporting healthy lifestyles.
Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones is being honored by the American Heart Association for his outstanding contribution to improving cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes and research grants.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology will benefit from the partnership, enhancing the dissemination of medical knowledge relevant to cardiovascular disease. The journal under the editorial leadership of Stanley Nattel, MD, FRSC, FRCPC, FACC, FHRS, aims to publish peer-reviewed material pertinent to specialists and general practitioners.
A novel approach to treating cardiovascular disease is being explored through recycling pacemakers, with experts finding the process safe and effective. The study aims to reduce the financial burden of pacemakers on impoverished nations, where access to these devices is limited.
Neil Chi, a UCSD cardiologist, has been awarded a $2.3 million NIH New Innovator Award to investigate the remarkable ability of zebrafish to regenerate their hearts. His goal is to develop regenerative therapy for humans using this process.
The NIH has awarded $14.6M to Georgia Tech and Emory University to develop nanotechnology tools for detecting and treating atherosclerosis. The research aims to translate these technologies into clinical utility, including diagnosing cardiovascular disease from a blood sample and delivering targeted drug delivery.
Researchers followed approximately 150 patients with angiographically significant coronary lesions to investigate FFR-guided revascularization's safety and effectiveness over a decade. The study found no excess risk of adverse events, including mortality, heart attacks, or need for further revascularization.
This special issue examines the ways cancer treatment affects cardiovascular function and overall survival, highlighting key challenges and potential strategies for minimizing collateral damage. Key findings include the need for cardiac outcomes data and evidence-based practice guidelines to mitigate heart-related complications.
Recent studies suggest that supplemental oxygen therapy may not be beneficial for patients with acute MI who have normal oxygen levels, potentially leading to worse outcomes. Guidelines are needed to address this issue and ensure safe treatment practices.
The OSPREY clinical trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of Terumo's MISAGO Stent System for treating peripheral artery disease in the US and Japan. The study aims to streamline the product approval process through unprecedented international regulatory cooperation.
A randomized controlled trial of 301 patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction found no difference in major cardiovascular complications between those with and without planned balloon pump support. However, the study highlighted the importance of having a balloon pump on standby for high-risk cases.
A new performance intervention improved adherence to national guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure patients in an outpatient setting. The program applied clinical decision support tools, structured improvement strategies, and medical chart audits with feedback to help clinicians better provide evidence-based therapies.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a new cookbook featuring heart-friendly recipes created by leading cardiologists. The book aims to demonstrate that a diverse diet can be achieved without compromising on taste, and includes sections discussing heart health topics and alternative ingredients.
A new study found that high concentrations of cocoa flavanols decrease blood pressure and improve the health of blood vessels in patients with heart disease. Flavanols, found in foods like cocoa products, tea, and fruits, have a cardio-protective benefit for heart disease patients.
Research by UC Health cardiologists found that while worsening kidney function is common among heart failure patients, those with transient worsening kidney function have better outcomes than those with persistent kidney failure. The study of 467 patients also showed a significant difference in mortality rates between the two groups.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive Respiratory Stress Response (RSR) test that can accurately measure the presence of significant coronary artery disease, with a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 70%, respectively. The test uses a Pulse Oximeter to measure blood flow in response to paced breathing.
Special issue of Journal of the American College of Cardiology explores controversy surrounding cardiac imaging tests. Experts call for balance between risks and benefits, emphasizing that these tests should only be used when clinical benefit exceeds potential harm.
A study by University of Washington researchers suggests that dangerous plaques in blood vessels can rupture due to an overproduction of protein-digesting enzymes. This process is associated with plaque hemorrhage, artery-blocking clots, and a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.