Articles tagged with Cardiology
The ESC has released new chronic heart failure guidelines featuring practical recommendations for diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of CHF. The guidelines highlight significant developments in CCF management, including the use of natriuretic peptides and device-based therapies.
Researchers found non-heart abnormalities in 61% of patients who underwent CTCA scans, including lung cancer, emphysema, and fluid buildup. The study emphasizes the need for a team-based approach to reading these scans, with both radiologists and technologists requiring specialized training.
A large European study found that only 60% of patients with heart failure were treated according to the ESC guidelines for the five most commonly used cardiac drugs. Adherence to treatment guidelines was independently correlated with patient outcomes, including hospitalization rates and time to readmission.
A review of studies published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that physically fit people have a reduced risk of heart attacks, while inactive cardiac patients who engage in vigorous activity are at higher risk. Strong emotions and stress can also trigger heart attacks in vulnerable individuals.
A recent study found that cardiologists significantly underreported racial and ethnic disparities in care, with only 12% reporting disparities in their own hospitals. The study suggests that increasing awareness through practice data analysis can help address these disparities.
A new study suggests that PET scanning is more accurate than SPECT in detecting heart disease, leading to a significant decrease in the use of invasive procedures like angiograms and bypass surgery. This could result in cost savings of up to 25% for patients managed with PET scanning.
A Phase IIb trial found that VEGF-2 therapy led to significant improvements in exercise tolerance time and reduction in angina symptoms. The study suggests that the therapy may be associated with prolonged clinical benefits for patients with severe angina.
A recent study presented at ACC Scientific Sessions found that even minor decreases in serum sodium levels significantly impact mortality rates among heart failure patients. Improving sodium levels during hospitalization was associated with improved outcomes and reduced mortality rates.
A study by Emory University researchers found that patients with hypersensitivity reactions to drug-eluting stents had a higher risk of cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks. The research suggests that careful monitoring and timely treatment are essential for patients at risk.
A new study using CRT-D devices found a strong correlation between changes in heart rate variability and mortality one year later. Patients with limited heart rate variability are at higher risk of suffering a heart attack, making the device's data an important tool for identifying high-risk patients.
A study by Emory University Health Sciences Center found that drug eluting stents are at least equivalent to vascular brachytherapy in preventing restenosis. SES treatment had a lower incidence of heart attacks and major adverse cardiovascular events compared to conventional VB treatment.
A report by the British Cardiac Society highlights the challenges women face in pursuing careers in cardiology due to long hours, lack of flexible training, and sexism. The specialty is losing talented female applicants, with only 9% of those applying for specialist registrar posts being women.
Researchers developed a simple risk model using three measures from laboratory blood tests and vital signs to gauge mortality risk in heart failure patients. The tool was tested on over 100,000 hospitalizations and found to accurately distinguish between low, intermediate, and high risk patients.
A European Society of Cardiology consensus report recommends regular physical examination, detailed medical history investigation, and a 12-lead ECG for all young athletes involved in organized sport. This could potentially cut sports-related cardiac deaths by 50%-70% if implemented across Europe.
A study found that doctors underestimate women's heart risk, leading to less preventive care. Despite having the same calculated risk as men, women are more likely to be classified as having lower risk and receive less preventive care.
A study published in Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology journal confirms catheter ablation is safe for patients, with no significant damage to cardiac nerves. The procedure is now a standard therapy for various arrhythmias, including SVT, atrial fibrillation, and AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal article evaluates the economic impact of sirolimus-eluting stents, finding they are cost-effective in high-risk patients. However, their use is associated with a similar or higher cost per quality-adjusted life-year compared to other medical treatments.
Dr. Russell, a Yale cardiovascular researcher, is awarded the Bayer Fellowship for his work on heart function and metabolism in disease states. His research focuses on glucose transporter expression, AMP-activated protein kinase, and mitochondrial uncoupling proteins to understand and treat heart failure.
A study confirms that implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are more effective in preventing sudden cardiac death than medical therapies for heart failure patients without coronary artery disease. The ICDs have shown a relative 35 percent decrease in overall mortality among these patients.
A study by Northwestern Memorial HealthCare found that non-cardiologists prescribed fewer medications to heart patients, including ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, than cardiologists. The study suggests that cardiologists are more likely to order diagnostic tests without increasing hospital stays.
New York interventional cardiologists opt out of treating critically ill patients if their death would negatively impact their state mortality report card. The study found that 83% of respondents believed patients who benefit from angioplasty may not receive the procedure due to public reporting of physician-specific mortality rates.
Researchers used reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) to assess coronary endothelial dysfunction in patients. The study found a strong correlation between fingertip test results and coronary endothelial dysfunction, suggesting the fingertip test could be an effective screening tool for early heart disease.
A recent study found that non-radiologist physicians performed 23.5% more diagnostic imaging tests than radiologists between 1997-2002, with increases twice as high for cardiologists and orthopedic surgeons.
A study of over 24,000 patients found that blood transfusions during hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome increase mortality rates. Patients who received transfusions were also more likely to suffer a heart attack within 30 days.
Researchers found that first-degree relatives of infants with severe heart abnormalities, including bicuspid aortic valve, have a fivefold increased risk of having the condition. The study suggests that these relatives should be screened by a cardiologist for progressive heart disease.
Renal artery intervention procedures have seen a significant increase in cardiologist-performed cases, with the southeast region experiencing the largest surge. The study suggests regional disparities in treatment, highlighting potential over- or under-treatment of patients.
The Azithromycin and Coronary Events Study (ACES) found no reduction in cardiovascular events among participants treated with azithromycin. The study suggests that Chlamydia pneumoniae may not play a significant role in the late-stage development of coronary heart disease.
The study group report emphasizes the need for systematic screening by 12-lead ECG to identify hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other lethal cardiovascular diseases. The consensus document advocates for a common European screening protocol based on 12-lead ECG to prevent sports-related sudden death.
The European Society of Cardiology awarded Ireland's Minister for Health and Children the Gold Medal for his efforts to move cardiovascular disease up the political agenda. The Minister has led initiatives in public health and medical arenas, including heart health promotion and data registration standards.
The European Society of Cardiology is calling for consistency across Europe in terms of data collection and analysis in cardiology. The CARDS meeting aims to agree European data standards, enabling local, national and international comparisons of data using set standards.
A study by OHSU researchers has identified genetic defects in five genes as responsible for a minority of unexplained sudden cardiac deaths. The findings provide hope that gene defects may also have caused remaining deaths and bring closer to predicting who is vulnerable to sudden death.
Cardiologists at Duke University Medical Center found that aggressive therapies such as anti-clotting drugs and invasive procedures were not used adequately in patients with conflicting blood chemical results. Patients with positive troponin levels had increased mortality, while those with elevated CK-MB but negative troponin did not h...
A 12-week lifestyle intervention program helped 64% of patients achieve their blood pressure goal and 67% reach their diastolic blood pressure goal. The program also showed significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and fasting glucose levels.
A new analysis found that Atacand(R) improved NYHA functional class in a broad spectrum of CHF patients, with 35.4% showing improvement and 9% worsening. The medication also reduced the development of atrial fibrillation and Type II diabetes mellitus in these patients.
Crestor effectively tackles elevated non-HDL cholesterol levels, a key risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, in patients with metabolic syndrome. The medication demonstrates significant results in reducing the incidence of these cardiovascular diseases.
The STARR program improves patient knowledge of exercise and diet goals by 56.7%, while also increasing exercise and diet compliance to 67%. The program shows positive trends in weight loss, stress, blood pressure, diabetes control, and lipid goals.
A study of 32,372 patients found that coronary artery aneurysms are associated with a high 5-year mortality rate of 29.1%. Experts emphasize the need for aggressive monitoring and modification of coronary risk factors for all patients with angiographic evidence of aneurysms, regardless of size.
A UH-led group of experts has developed new stent designs to minimize complications in the treatment of aortic abdominal aneurysm (AAA) and coronary artery disease (CAD). These innovative stents feature genetically engineered cartilage cell-coated designs and novel mechanical properties that mimic human arteries.
A study found that 25% of patients who require emergency heart surgery after failed angioplasty are at risk of harm or death if delayed. The researchers estimated one to two patients per 1,000 angioplasties could be harmed by additional delays.
Researchers at the Emory Heart Center found that oral tetrahydrobiopterin can significantly lower blood pressure in patients with poorly controlled hypertension. The study showed a significant reduction in blood pressure after just three weeks of therapy, likely due to increased availability of nitric oxide and enhanced vasodilation.
Atrial fibrillation is associated with decreased endocardial nitric oxide in the left atrial appendage, leading to increased superoxide levels and higher risk of blood clots. The study's findings may provide new avenues for therapeutic interventions in humans with AF.
A joint effort by Michigan hospitals led to improved delivery of proven medications, reduced use of potentially toxic dye, and lower risk-adjusted rate of in-hospital death. The project also showed reductions in unnecessary use of a blood thinner after the procedure.
A study by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists found that patients with atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure have similar mortality rates when treated with drugs controlling the heart's rhythm compared to those controlling the heart's rate. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,000 patients, also found no diff...
A new study published in the CREST trial found that cilostazol significantly reduces stent restenosis by 39.5% compared to standard therapy alone. The drug showed promise in patients with diabetes and small blood vessels, a subgroup previously difficult to treat.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center found that diabetics with non-emergency PCI procedures have similar angina-specific quality of life to non-diabetics. However, those who experienced a NQWMI had greater physical limitation, indicating worsening symptoms prior to the acute event.
A study of 27 women aged 35-44 found that 50% of their deaths were due to undetermined causes, a stark contrast to men of the same age group. Researchers are now focusing on novel, unorthodox causes for these unexpected deaths.
A study of 352 patients found that sirolimus-eluting stents significantly improved minimum coronary artery diameter at 8 months, reducing restenosis rates by 42% and major cardiac events by 23%. The technology offers promising results for endoluminal therapy, potentially rivaling bypass surgery.
A new study aims to investigate how physicians treat end-stage heart failure patients, focusing on the use of inotropic drugs. The research hopes to provide a framework for selecting care options, including palliation, for older heart failure patients near the end of life.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have triggered a protective immune response in mice, significantly reducing atherosclerosis by 60% through immunization. The study aims to develop a vaccine to interrupt the inflammatory process and prevent heart attacks and strokes.
A recent study found that heart failure patients cared for by cardiologists had significantly lower one-year death rates compared to those treated by other types of physicians. The study analyzed data from 38,702 Canadian patients and found that cardiologist-managed patients had a mortality rate of 28.5%, compared to 31.7% for general ...
The SPORTIF III study demonstrates Exanta's efficacy in preventing stroke and systemic embolic events, with a 41% reduced risk of major bleeding events compared to warfarin. The fixed-dose oral medication offers a convenient alternative to traditional treatment, eliminating the need for coagulation monitoring and dietary restrictions.
Researchers studied nondiabetic adults with a family history of diabetes and found they were 1.4 times more likely to develop coronary artery disease. Obese individuals were also at higher risk, defined by a body-mass index greater than 30, with a 2.2 times increased risk compared to normal weight individuals.
A new imaging technique combining transesophageal magnetic resonance (TE MRI) with standard cardiac MRI provides better views of plaque buildup in the aorta. The combined approach revealed more detailed images of plaque thickness, area, and volume than individual techniques, showing promise for improved diagnosis.
Dr. Shah will receive the ACC's Gifted Teacher Award for his teaching, and the Vulnerable Plaque Lifetime Achievement Award from AEHA for his pioneering research on preventing and reversing plaque buildup. These awards recognize his contributions to advancing cardiovascular care.
Research from the University of Michigan found that even with prenatal diagnosis, infants with one or more risk factors have a significantly lower chance of survival. However, in utero diagnosis has led to more pregnant women receiving specialty care, resulting in a higher-risk group of patients.
A new Emory University study reveals that depression has a negative impact on CABG outcomes, with depressed patients experiencing less improvement in physical function. The research emphasizes the importance of treating symptoms of clinical depression aggressively in cardiovascular disease patients.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that consuming more saturated fats can lead to higher amounts of visceral fat, which is linked to a stronger risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A diet low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated fat, such as the Mediterranean diet, may help reduce visceral fat.
At the ACC's 52nd Annual Scientific Session, Emory Heart Center physicians will share information on the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Douglas Morris will present on new biological insights and approach to post-bypass patients, highlighting recent achievements in cardiac rehabilitation.
Patients who received outpatient cardiology care had lower two-year mortality rates compared to those without. Concurrent care by cardiologists and primary care physicians may improve outcomes.
A team of biomedical engineers and pediatric cardiologists are developing new technologies to assist surgeons in surgical planning for Fontan treatment. They aim to improve the efficiency and customization of the procedure, leading to better outcomes for young heart patients.