Articles tagged with Cardiology
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Researchers at the University of Bristol identified a heart protection mechanism in mice that may be exploited to improve treatments for patients with coronary disease. The study found that hearts with coronary disease became more resistant to damage after mock surgery, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
The SCAI has announced that its leaders are available for comment on numerous studies, trials, and data releases at the upcoming European Society for Cardiology Congress. These studies focus on interventional cardiology, percutaneous intervention, angioplasty, and stents.
Two studies examine triage guidelines for emergency heart patients and find that those who followed the guidelines had similar outcomes to those who did not. However, low-risk patients who were discharged after receiving standard treatment had a small risk of developing acute coronary syndrome in the long term.
A coalition of physicians from various medical specialties urges the expansion of catheter-based treatments for stroke, citing a shortage of trained physicians and limited use of clot-busting drugs. They propose adapting neuro-rescue skills to increase the number of available physicians for 24/7 treatment.
A study published in The Lancet found that celecoxib can reduce the need for revascularisation of the target lesion by 35% after stent implantation, making it a promising adjunctive treatment for preventing restenosis. However, long-term use of celecoxib may expose patients to an increased risk of heart attack.
A new study shows that a moderate bulge at the waist significantly increases the risk of unhealthy plaque build-up in the arteries. Researchers found that adding several inches to the waist measurement markedly increases the risk, even if body weight remains within a normal range.
The revised guidelines introduce changes to the initial diagnostic approach, recommending a non-invasive set of preliminary tests such as stress tests or echocardiograms. The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of more intense lipid and blood pressure control, as well as the use of anti-platelet therapy clopidogrel for at leas...
A new study found high levels of MPO to signal increased risk for heart disease nearly a decade before conventional risk factors set off alarms. Elevated MPO levels also indicate unstable plaque and may be used to detect vulnerable patients.
A study found that older patients with stable cardiovascular disease can benefit from high-dose statins, which lowered LDL cholesterol levels and reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events. The study suggests that aggressive use of high-dose statin therapy can be beneficial for these patients.
A multidisciplinary team approach has successfully treated acute heart attacks by expediting patients to specialized treatment centers within 90 minutes. This program evaluation demonstrates improved outcomes for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients in Canada.
The new guidelines provide up-to-date information on best practices and practical recommendations for diagnosing, assessing, and treating arterial hypertension. The update is based on a thorough review of scientific data from large clinical trials and observational studies.
A study by Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) uses wireless technology to transmit ECGs from paramedics' smartphones to cardiologists, allowing for faster treatment of heart attacks. The system has cut the door-to-balloon time in half, improving patient care.
Alain Cribier will describe the development and evolution of percutaneous aortic valve replacement, a breakthrough procedure for treating aortic stenosis. The Cribier-Edwards heart valve has been tested in clinical trials, with another device, CoreValve, also undergoing testing.
The symposium highlights pioneering percutaneous interventions for aortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair, with promising results. Catheter-based stem cell therapy also shows promise in regenerating scarred heart areas and halting enlargement of the heart.
A new implantable device has shown to effectively maintain heart function in transplant-listed patients, improving survival rates and quality of life. The study also explores the benefits of diuretic therapies in supporting left ventricular function, with promising results.
A randomized trial found that Crataegus Extract WS1442 safely prolongs the lives of congestive heart failure patients, reducing cardiac-related deaths by 20%. The study involved 2,681 patients and confirmed the safety of the compound, which is currently approved for use in some European countries.
According to two studies, disease management programs designed with repetitive education and close monitoring can reduce hospital visits and increase heart failure patients' chances of long-term survival. The REMADHE study found that patients who received a nurse-based program spent an average of nine fewer days in the hospital.
A randomized study of 2,287 patients found that percutaneous coronary intervention plus optimal medical therapy did not improve outcomes compared to medical therapy alone. Lifestyle changes and medication management were effective in managing symptoms.
The COURAGE trial found that PCI reduces neither mortality nor heart attack in patients with chronic stable angina when added to optimal drug therapy. SCAI leaders emphasize the importance of discussing treatment options and goals with patients, as therapy may not be suitable for every patient.
A new five-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that stable heart patients received no significant benefit from undergoing angioplasty compared to those treated with medication alone. The study showed a 19.5% rate of death, heart attack, and stroke among medication-only patients versus 20% for PCI recipients.
Researchers found that reconstituted HDL infusion reduced atheroma volume by 3.4% and 5.3 mm³ compared to placebo, but the differences were not statistically significant. The study suggests potential favorable vascular effects of CSL-111 on coronary atherosclerosis.
Researchers studied the effectiveness of estradiol and rapamycin-eluting stents in reducing in-stent restenosis. However, they found no significant difference between the two groups, indicating that adding estradiol to rapamycin-coated stents may not provide a measurable benefit.
A randomized controlled trial found that peri-procedural hydration treatment with sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride show similar rates of protection against contrast-induced nephropathy. The study evaluated 353 patients undergoing cardiac procedures and found no significant differences in kidney function between the two groups.
The FAST TRACK protocol dramatically reduces the time that elapses before patients undergo a life-saving procedure, saving both heart muscle and patient lives. The new system includes key elements such as single-call instant alerts, electrocardiograms within five minutes of arrival, and rapid loading by air ambulance.
The EXACT study found that community hospital physicians can provide exemplary outcomes for patients in need of carotid stenting with appropriate experience levels and device training. The use of embolic protection devices has been shown to reduce peri-procedural complications by 4.5% compared to the SECuRITY study.
A new study found that drug-eluting stents are less effective in bypassed veins with longer blockages, particularly those with diffuse disease. In patients with focal disease, the success rate was high, but those with diffuse disease had a higher need for additional procedures to treat restenosis.
Researchers present three studies highlighting advances in clinical cardiology, including a new drug-exercise combination that improves image quality and reduces side effects. The studies also explore the best medical and interventional treatment for patients with acute coronary syndromes.
Long-term safety of drug-eluting stents in off-label use shows low mortality rates, with cardiac mortality at 0.8%, but high risk of late stent thrombosis among non-responders to clopidogrel. The MATRIX Registry found that 34% of patients had diabetes and 33% a history of heart attack.
Researchers tested a new cholesterol treatment LY518674 (LY5) in two studies, but found it showed no benefits compared to fenofibrate. Both drugs raised safety concerns, particularly for kidney function.
New implantable device stimulates body's regulatory systems to control high blood pressure; computerized angioplasty protocol reduces risk of renarrowing and complications after coronary stenting.
A community-based study found that intensive dietary therapy and early dosing with a medication blocking harmful hormonal effects in the heart can improve cardiovascular health and survival rates after a heart attack. The Mediterranean diet was equally beneficial as a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
Researchers present new catheter-based approaches to repairing the mitral valve and treating coronary plaque, showing improved safety and feasibility. The MONARC system and sideKick stenting system demonstrate significant benefits in patients with moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation and bifurcation lesions.
A new noninvasive test may identify patients with stage II and III nonischemic cardiomyopathy who are likely to benefit from an ICD. The test, called abnormal T-Wave Alternans (TWA), shows that patients with a normal test have a very good prognosis and are unlikely to benefit from the device.
A study at Temple University found that listening repeatedly to heart sounds on an iPod improved the stethoscope skills of general internists, increasing correct identification rates to 80%. This technique relies on intensive repetition and is essential for recognizing abnormal heart sounds and identifying dangerous conditions.
Studies found that ramipril and rosiglitazone slow atherosclerosis progression, while rosuvastatin treatment reduces arterial plaque buildup in low-risk individuals. Additionally, high-dose atorvastatin improves outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Researchers found that lowering blood pressure with valsartan and other approaches improved diastolic function in patients with hypertension. The study, known as VALIDD, showed significant improvements in diastolic dysfunction, regardless of whether RAAS was inhibited or not.
A new study found that serial outpatient administration of nesiritide did not significantly improve outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure. The trial, FUSION II, tested the safety and efficacy of this treatment approach and showed no evidence of renal harm or excess mortality.
A new study presents the first US controlled clinical trial using muscle stem cells to treat congestive heart failure. The procedure involves injecting autologous skeletal myoblasts into scarred tissue via a minimally invasive catheter, showing improved quality of life and potential cardiac function.
The ABSORB trial demonstrated no stent thrombosis and a low rate of Major Adverse Cardiac Events after six months. The findings suggest that bioabsorbable drug-eluting stents may be a promising future therapy option for treating heart disease.
A study comparing drug-eluting stents (DES) and bare-metal stents (BMS) found similar rates of complications, including stent thrombosis, MI, and mortality. However, DES patients had a slightly increased risk of stent thrombosis and heart attack between 12-15 months after implantation.
Researchers evaluated the safety and performance of a new bioabsorbable stent that eliminates several problems associated with metallic stents. At 30 days, device success was extremely high, and no patients experienced major adverse cardiac events or stent thrombosis.
The SPIRIT-III trial shows that the Xience V Everolimus Eluting Coronary Stent System reduces target vessel failure, ischemic-driven revascularization procedures, and major adverse cardiac events compared to paclitaxel-eluting stents. This suggests a potential enhancement of outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease.
A novel platelet therapy, SCH 530348, has demonstrated safety and efficacy in reducing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) complications. Major adverse events were reduced by 1.6-3.5% in low-dose cohorts compared to placebo. The treatment also showed a lower risk of death or major adverse events and heart attack compared to placebo.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions recommends stringent quality standards for PCI in hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery. These standards aim to ensure patient safety and excellent clinical outcomes, including case volume limits and training of support personnel.
A new study found that a large number of patients who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) do not benefit from the device, while a simple heart-rhythm test can predict which patients will get life-saving benefit. The study suggests that using this test could spare millions of dollars in costs.
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions president urges the FDA to consider the benefits of drug-eluting stents when evaluating risks. The use of these devices has been linked to a slightly higher risk of late blood clot formation, but the benefits of preventing restenosis outweigh the risks.
Two studies by Rhode Island Hospital confirm the safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents in patients with heart disease. The studies found that DES are as safe as bare metal stents, with lower rates of repeat procedures and mortality rates comparable to BMS.
Researchers found a 36% survival rate for blacks and 46% for whites, despite similar levels of coronary disease. The disparity is attributed to various factors, including bias in treatment, mistrust of the medical system, and socio-economic barriers.
Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) undergoing interventional heart procedures are at higher risk for dying within a week and experiencing complications such as blood clots and bleeding. The study analyzed nearly 20,000 patients and found PAD to be a strong predictor of life or death in these cases.
Preliminary research suggests that famotidine, a heartburn medication, can help decrease the effects of chronic heart failure by blocking a chemical reaction that damages diseased hearts. However, more testing is required to verify the results, including dosage and safety issues.
Up to 20% of patients with heart disease meet criteria for major depression, highlighting the need for standardized diagnosis and treatment. The NHLBI Working Group calls for more research on the link between depression and cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that elevated troponin-T and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in the blood indicate high risk of deadly heart attacks. Patients with low levels may not benefit from aggressive treatment and could be harmed by invasive procedures.
Researchers found that patient outcomes improved when treatment was based on the doctor's recommendation, with a significantly lower incidence of problems compared to alternative treatments. The study's results highlight the importance of physician judgment in making therapeutic decisions for patients with severe coronary artery disease.
The new ACC/AHA/ESC Guidelines outline recommendations for the evaluation and treatment of patients with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, addressing inconsistencies in previous guidelines. The guidelines provide individualized management based on symptom burden and severity of underlying heart disease.
The American College of Cardiology has released new appropriateness criteria for cardiac computed tomography (CCT) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). These guidelines aim to help clinicians, patients, and payers determine when these advanced imaging tests are necessary. The criteria assess the risks and benefits of each test...
Eating a single high-fat meal can reduce the body's ability to protect itself against heart disease and stroke by impairing the 'good' cholesterol's protective qualities. In contrast, consuming polyunsaturated fat-rich meals can increase the anti-inflammatory properties of HDL, helping to prevent plaque buildup.
A Stanford cardiologist studied the effects of extreme exercise on the hearts of endurance athletes after a four-day ultra-endurance race. He found that even highly fit athletes experience cardiac fatigue under such conditions, with the heart pumping less blood at the end of the race compared to the beginning.
Researchers found that transvenous pacing, a procedure inserting a lead into the heart, is a better first alternative for patients with ongoing difficulty maintaining their heart rate. The study suggests this approach can help prevent cardiovascular problems and death in these patients.
Researchers found that men with chronic coronary syndrome are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction, with an average time frame of two years between ED symptoms and angina. The study suggests that patients with ED and multiple risk factors should be monitored for heart disease.
The ESC recommends developing joint clinical services with common diagnostic pathways, trained specialists in multiple imaging modalities, and evaluation of tests based on clinical outcomes. This collaboration aims to improve the quality of life of European populations by reducing cardiovascular disease's impact.