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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that patients with larger volumes of epicardial fat tend to have more dangerous atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to active buildup in coronary arteries. The study also showed that epicardial fat volume correlates with ischemia during nuclear stress tests.
Patients who received stents and participated in cardiac rehabilitation had a significant reduction in mortality rates compared to those who did not participate. Cardiac rehabilitation programs improve health outcomes and quality of life through rigorous exercise and risk factor control.
Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive measure called Respiratory Modulation Response (RMR) to quickly and accurately detect the presence of significant coronary artery disease. Patients with sCAD had a lower RMR compared to patients without, regardless of their risk factors or clinical history.
A new Tel Aviv University study reveals that quitting smoking can lower mortality rates by up to 37% compared to continued smoking. The research found that cutting back on smoking also has positive effects on cardiac health, with a 18% decrease in risk of dying within the next 13 years.
A review article highlights the risks of herbal supplements interacting with heart medications, posing a significant threat to elderly patients. The authors emphasize the need for greater awareness and scientific scrutiny to ensure safe use and reduce harm among patients with heart disease.
Researchers found patients with significant coronary artery disease had a significantly lower cardiac respiratory stress response compared to those without the condition. The test uses a Pulse Oximeter to measure blood flow in response to paced breathing, with high accuracy and sensitivity.
The COMPARE study found that everolimus-eluting stents significantly reduced serious adverse cardiac events compared to paclitaxel-eluting stents. The study concluded that the use of second-generation everolimus-eluting stents was associated with a significant reduction in major adverse cardiac events at 1 year.
A study published in the December 2009 issue of HeartRhythm found that only half of eligible heart failure patients received implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent sudden cardiac death. The study also revealed wide variations in ICD use, with certain patient groups more likely to receive the devices.
A large-scale study found that less than half of eligible patients with heart failure receive cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. The therapy is particularly beneficial for patients with disorganized heartbeats, but widespread variations in CRT use were observed among practices and patient characteristics.
Healthcare professionals using a team approach saw significant improvements in treating patients having a heart attack, reducing door-to-balloon times by more than half since 2005. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found widespread adoption of strategies to improve care across the nation.
The International Menopause Society consensus statement emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about cardiovascular disease risks in postmenopausal women. The statement also concludes that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally safe and may have cardioprotective effects, particularly for younger women.
The European Society of Cardiology will hold a Joint Scientific Forum on optimal diabetes management in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Experts will explore the link between diabetes and heart disease, and discuss treatment strategies for Asian patients.
A meta-analysis of major clinical trials found that clopidogrel significantly reduces cardiovascular events by 16% in men and 7% in women, with a greater benefit for women in reducing heart attack risk. However, both sexes experience a small but real increased risk of major bleeding.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association release updated guidelines recommending the use of beta blockers in high-risk cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery to minimize cardiac risk. The guidelines emphasize careful patient selection, dose adjustment, and monitoring throughout the perioperative period.
Researchers found that nearly half of patients with normal SPECT scans had moderate to severe coronary artery calcification, indicating high cardiac risk. Integrating CACS testing into functional SPECT scans can identify patients at high long-term risk and improve outcomes.
The European Society of Cardiology is addressing the growing need for improved CVD management in Asia through events that promote an integrated approach. The region faces a significant challenge due to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, which accounts for up to 50% of deaths related to CVD.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that patients who received refurbished pacemakers donated from Detroit area funeral homes survived without complications. The pacemakers functioned normally at six months, with no device complications reported.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that public smoking bans can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, especially among younger individuals and nonsmokers. The study suggests that banning smoking in public places and workplaces can prevent up to 154,000 heart attacks each year.
A recent study by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center found that only half of eligible patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation underwent surgery, despite meeting at least one indication for treatment. The study suggests that cardiologists may overestimate surgical risks and underestimate potential benefits.
Biomarker levels strongly predict bypass surgery outcome and identify patients at risk of complications. Current diagnostic standards may need reconsideration due to low sensitivity.
A new study reviews data from tens of thousands of patients to set forth suggested daily targets for omega-3 consumption. The study finds that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the incidence of cardiac events and mortality in patients with existing heart disease, with a 30% reduction in CV-related death.