Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
A large population survey found that adults getting less than six hours of sleep a night are at significantly greater risk of stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. Those sleeping more than eight hours also have a higher prevalence of heart problems, including chest pain and coronary artery disease.
A recent study found that selected 90-year-old patients who experience acute heart attacks can benefit from coronary stenting, leading to reasonable outcomes and low cardiovascular readmissions. The study suggests that reperfusion therapy should be considered for this age group, which is expected to quadruple by 2050.
A pilot program at OB/GYN clinics screened 2,234 women for cardiovascular risk factors or disease. Cardiovascular assessment in these settings may enhance primary prevention and education to female patients. Many women are unaware of their heart disease risk factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
A new CMS requirement mandates deeper sedation, adding $844 to ICD implant costs; Researchers recommend revising guidelines to minimize unnecessary expenses while preserving patient safety
Researchers recommend including race-specific criteria to reduce false positives and anxiety among healthy black athletes. A study found 43% of black athletes would be identified for further investigation under current guidelines.
A 10-week program combining interactive lessons and healthier food options significantly reduced cardiovascular risk factors in sixth-graders. Students showed improvements in dietary habits, physical activity levels, and physiological markers such as blood pressure and cholesterol.
A new study found that pregnancy increases the risk of heart attack, with more severe attacks and different causes than in non-pregnant women. The standard approach to managing heart attacks during pregnancy may not always be best, and alternative treatments may be needed to prevent complications.
Research suggests that interventions targeting obesity in adolescents should be tailored to gender differences, with exercise and sports benefiting boys and drinking milk predicting healthier weight in girls. Regular physical activity and improved school lunches are also key predictors of obesity.
A new, one-page checklist for heart failure patients significantly reduced hospital readmissions from 20% to 2%, with improved medication adherence and quality of care. The study suggests the checklist could save billions by improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
A Canadian study reveals that non-cardiac co-morbidities such as COPD and chronic kidney disease are the main predictors of late mortality after TAVI, emphasizing the importance of closer patient evaluation and follow-up. The study also shows that valve performance is maintained throughout the follow-up period.
The International multicenter ADVANCE study found significant improvement in valve function and low mortality rates at 30 days after TAVI. The study analyzed data from 1,015 high-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology has published new guidelines for atrial fibrillation, which provide updated guidance on stroke prevention and heart rhythm control. The guidelines are based on recent changes in drugs available to treat the condition and will have a significant impact on how doctors worldwide treat atrial fibrillation.
Two Cedar-Sinai Heart Institute physicians, Prediman K. Shah and C. Noel Bairey Merz, receive American College of Cardiology's highest honors for groundbreaking work in cardiovascular disease research and clinical care. The accolades recognize their pioneering efforts to develop innovative treatments and improve heart health outcomes.
Patients interested in art had better general health, found it easier to walk, and had more energy. They were also happier, less anxious or depressed, and felt calmer.
A landmark clinical trial found that plugging a hole in the heart is no more effective than medication in preventing strokes. The study enrolled 909 patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and suffered previous strokes or transient ischemic attacks, and found that closure device was not superior to drug therapy alone.
A recent study by the European Society of Cardiology has found that depression increases the risk of death in patients who have a coronary stent implanted. After seven years of follow-up, depressed patients were 1.5 times more likely to die than non-depressed patients.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that patients with lower socioeconomic status were 16% more likely to die from a heart attack. Despite equal access to advanced healthcare, socioeconomic factors still had a negative impact on health outcomes.
Researchers discovered that eliminating a specific protein called FoxO1 protects the heart from stress caused by diabetes. This finding could lead to new treatments for patients with diabetes.
The ESC emphasizes the importance of continued funding and support from industry for CME to maintain transparency and minimize bias. The organization suggests a shift towards small group practical sessions based on clinical cases, maximizing the effectiveness of CME.
A benchmarking study found substantial progress in implementing previous guidelines, but many countries struggled with task. The new European Guidelines on CVD Prevention will be shorter and more accessible to engage health professionals.
A combination of guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure treatment significantly improved two-year survival rates. Adding each therapy incrementally increased the overall survival rate, with a maximum 83% reduction in mortality at four-to-five-therapy plateau.
Researchers found that Cardiac MRI identified a new or alternate explanation for arrhythmias in 50% of patients, often revealing inflammation of the heart muscle or small heart attacks that went undetected. CMR outperformed standard cardiac imaging tests in diagnosing cardiac causes, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Patients with low levels of anti-PC in connection with acute coronary syndromes are at a greater risk of complications and premature death. Inhibiting inflammation and cell death may have a protective effect on cardiovascular disease.
Leading medical groups collaborate to ensure consistent and responsible use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients with severe aortic stenosis. The consensus document outlines key recommendations for patient selection, team-based approach, and post-procedural care to optimize clinical outcomes.
The updated appropriate use criteria provide detailed guidance on when to use invasive procedures to improve blood flow to the heart. The new criteria affirm the role of revascularization for patients with acute coronary syndromes and significant symptoms, while emphasizing careful selection of high-risk surgery patients for PCI.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has shown significant improvements in peak post-ischemic blood flow in the arm and leg, suggesting a potential novel approach to heart failure treatment. However, further exploration is needed due to conflicting data on exercise capacity and inflammatory markers.
The Gulf states are experiencing a rise in heart disease prevalence due to rapid urbanization and cultural factors, including high rates of obesity and diabetes. Waterpipe smoking is also becoming increasingly popular, particularly among adolescents and women, with its harmful effects similar to those of cigarettes.
Researchers analyzed data from 8972 patients with heart blockages to understand variations in cardiac procedures, including bypass surgery and stent placement. They found significant differences in procedure rates based on patient factors, physician recommendations, and hospital characteristics.
Nationwide study reveals that fewer than 10% of heart attack patients transferred from initial hospital to one offering angioplasty are done within the recommended 30-minute timeframe. This delay increases the risk of death, particularly for STEMI patients who require immediate artery-opening procedure.
A study published in Clinical Research in Cardiology found that snow shoveling was associated with a significant proportion of heart problems among patients, particularly males with a family history of coronary artery disease. The study identified three key risk factors: gender, family history, and smoking.
Researchers at UTHealth successfully performed carotid artery stenting on 10 high-risk patients without complications or deaths. The procedure showed promising results, particularly in patients with symptoms of stroke related to their carotid artery disease.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology suggests that delaying coronary stenting after a heart attack may improve patient outcomes. The research found that waiting several days to allow the artery to heal before inserting a stent may be more effective than immediate stenting.
Researchers report using simultaneous techniques to reduce radiation exposure during cardiac testing, with results showing a 75-85% decrease in patient risk. The new high-definition CT scan method offers improved safety for patients concerned about radiation exposure.
A new study suggests that MRI scans can precisely measure cholesterol within artery-clogging plaque, allowing for better assessment of cholesterol medication effectiveness. After three years, patients showed significant reductions in cholesterol levels and plaque volume.
The Cleveland Clinic has received a significant grant to establish a new chair in Preventive Cardiology. Dr. Stanley Hazen will be the first holder of the Leonard Krieger Chair, focusing on developing an inhibitor for treating atherosclerosis through research on gut flora pathways.
The ESC Congress 2011 in Paris saw a record-breaking attendance of 32,946 participants, with a focus on the quality of scientific content and new clinical guidelines. The congress highlighted significant findings on apixaban, dual antiplatelet therapy, and the importance of registries for cardiovascular disease prevention.
The ESC pilot registry in heart failure reflects improvement in chronic disease management, with high rates of guideline-recommended treatments. However, outcomes for acute heart failure remain poor, with high mortality and morbidity rates.
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.
The European Society of Cardiology promotes primary PCI as the best reperfusion therapy for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis and triage can significantly reduce mortality rates.
A French registry study found that antianginal medications had no significant association with improved or worsened long-term survival in patients who suffered a heart attack. Molsidomine was associated with an increased risk of death, while nitrates showed a trend towards increased mortality.
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 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...
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.