Articles tagged with Cardiology
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.
The new guidelines provide practical recommendations for evaluating patients with heart murmurs, preventing endocarditis, and treating concomitant coronary artery disease. The guidelines include more precise definitions of mild, moderate, and severe valvular disease, which may prompt earlier referrals for surgery.
The European Society of Cardiology has released updated guidelines for managing stable angina pectoris, providing recommendations on treatment methods and risk stratification. The guidelines aim to improve the quality of life for European populations affected by cardiovascular disease.
A retrospective study found that closing PFOs and atrial septal defects with transcatheter devices is a safe treatment option for children and young adults who have had a stroke. Most patients remained symptom-free months after the procedure.
The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) has released a guidance document on Cardiac Rhythm Management product performance. The ESC proposes a novel approach for assessing individual hazard analysis to prioritize patients in need of field safety corrective actions.
EMRs enable better patient care, data analysis, and research studies, but challenges remain in implementation and integration. Despite limitations, EMRs offer advantages such as streamlined reports, medication reminders, and quality tracking.
A recent study suggests that women with acute coronary syndromes should not be denied access to cardiac catheterization laboratories, particularly high-risk patients. The research analyzed data from over 1,000 women and found that outcomes for women were similar to those of men in terms of mortality and heart attack rates.
A new desensitization protocol allows eight patients with clopidogrel hypersensitivity to safely take the medication, reducing risk of blood clots and heart attacks. The study's findings suggest that desensitization can be a viable option for managing allergy symptoms in patients treated with clopidogrel.
The lecture highlights the evolution of interventional cardiology, from longer procedure times and higher risks of heart attacks to advancements in steerable guidewires, perfusion catheters, and drug-eluting stents. Bioabsorbable stents offer a promising solution by dissolving into carbon dioxide and water once healed.
A study found that training on a virtual 'patient' improved carotid angiography skills in cardiologists, with reduced catheter errors and faster procedure times. The use of simulators provides an objective measure of performance, allowing for the tracking of individual trainees' progress and evaluation of their competence.
A recent study by Northwestern researcher Nalini Rajamannan reveals that bone growth, rather than wear and tear, is the primary cause of heart valve disease. This active process can be treated with medications similar to those used for coronary artery disease, offering new options for prevention and treatment.
A study found that experienced physicians can effectively auscultate the third heart sound (S3), a crucial indicator of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The presence of S3 was associated with decreased ventricular compliance and may indicate early signs of heart failure.
A study by Jasminka M. Vukanovic-Criley and colleagues found that cardiac examination skills appear similar among medical students, residents, and faculty physicians, but decline significantly after years in practice. The authors conclude that improvement is needed to ensure accurate diagnosis and patient safety.
The study found that TEE significantly impacted the treatment or evaluation of patients with stroke entities in 22 to 32 percent of individuals, demonstrating improved care. This research has led to increased utilization of TEE in diagnosing stroke, transient ischemic attack, and peripheral embolism.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends that patients taking Clopidogrel should continue their treatment as advised by their physicians. Stopping the anti-clotting drug without consulting a doctor may pose serious risks, according to the ESC.
Discontinuing Plavix in patients with recently-placed stents can lead to clot formation and serious complications. Patients should discuss benefits and risks of anti-clotting medication with their healthcare provider and avoid stopping the medication on their own.
Researchers found that repeated ECG measurements over time are more effective in identifying children at risk of life-threatening heart rhythm disorders. The study suggests re-evaluating low-risk patients with multiple ECG readings to accurately determine their risk for sudden cardiac death.
Researchers found similar mortality rates between stenting and CABG procedures, with certain stents showing better results. A meta-analysis of drug-eluting stent efficacy also demonstrated the superiority of sirolimus-stents over paclitaxel-stents.
A new study demonstrates significant improvements in exercise capacity and left ventricular ejection fraction for patients with advanced coronary artery disease after receiving bone marrow cell therapy. The treatment also shows promise in reducing chest pain and improving daily activities.
Researchers found that enoxaparin reduced the combined risk of death and MI within 30 days by 17 percent. Enoxaparin also reduced the 30-day risk of nonfatal repeat MI by 33 percent.
Research finds blood type and age may be pivotal in transfusion success. Blood transfusions are associated with a markedly increased risk of mortality in patients suffering from ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
A study at Temple University School of Medicine found that medical residents improved their ability to identify abnormal heart sounds by up to 69% with the use of electronic stethoscopes. Researchers used these devices to play back recorded heart sounds repeatedly, allowing residents to practice and improve their skills.
The OASIS-6 trial evaluated fondaparinux's safety and effectiveness in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Fondaparinux prevents amplification of the coagulation system, potentially reducing death risk from heart attacks.