Research from the field of heart medicine. Covers light exposure and heart health, lifestyle and longevity, and regional cardiology care.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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
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 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.