Articles tagged with Cardiology
Researchers found that troponin levels can accurately predict future heart attack risk, even when traditional measures are negative. The study suggests using troponin as a reliable indicator of cardiac cell damage, rather than creatine kinase-MB, to detect high-risk patients.
A pilot study demonstrates a new self-expanding cylindrical filter is effective in preventing plaque dislodgement and blockage in older vein grafts. The procedure collected plaque material from 77% of patients without complications, paving the way for further clinical trials.
A new handheld echocardiography device has been shown to detect heart abnormalities with minimal training, offering a major step forward in heart health screening. The device can reasonably detect left ventricular dysfunction and pericardial effusion, but may require additional training for other conditions.
A Phase Ib clinical trial led by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists has cleared its first hurdle for a potential new treatment that prevents the formation of blood clots earlier than other agents. The drug inhibits Factor Xa, a pivotal clotting factor involved in blood clot formation.
The International Lipid Information Bureau (ILIB) emphasizes the importance of statins in lowering cholesterol and preventing coronary heart disease. Landmark clinical trials have shown that statins prevent CHD, heart attacks, revascularization, and strokes.
A new study has found that the rate of clots forming inside stents is three times higher than generally appreciated, with a 3.5% risk for patients with acute coronary syndromes. This finding may prompt cardiologists to rethink their approach to stent placement and consider alternative treatments to lower this risk.
Researchers at Northwestern University report a rare but potentially fatal blood disease known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) associated with clopidogrel use. The disorder causes mass destruction of blood platelets, anemia, and other severe symptoms.
Researchers at Yale and Alexion discovered harmful complement activation in patients with acute coronary syndrome, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The study found that activated complement levels increased by up to 70% in ACS patients' hearts, compared to 16% in stable angina patients.
A new cost analysis by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists suggests that selectively implanting stents in a more select group of patients could save the healthcare system up to $162 million annually. The study found that about 8% of patients wouldn't need a stent, achieving similar clinical success rates as stent insertion.
A new scoring system used in treadmill testing has been found to improve the accuracy of diagnosing heart disease, with 77% accuracy overall compared to 69% for expert cardiologists. This method is more accurate than expensive diagnostic equipment and can provide a second opinion for physicians.
New guidelines published by three major national medical organizations emphasize a simple treatment mnemonic -- ABCDE -- that outlines the ten most important treatment elements of stable angina management. Lipid-lowering therapies clearly improve patient outcomes, while Vitamin E and Vitamin C therapy have not yet been proven.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found a new drug reduces the size of myocardial infarctions without necessarily reducing incidence. This challenges traditional trial methods that focus on reducing death and heart attacks.
A new study finds that routine use of coronary stents yields better outcomes and is more cost-effective than traditional balloon angioplasty. The Optimal PTCA versus Primary Stent Strategy (OPUS) Trial showed a significant reduction in death, heart attack rates, and the need for second procedures after six months.
New research suggests that US high school athletes' cardiovascular screenings are insufficient, leaving them vulnerable to potentially fatal heart problems. The American Heart Association's guidelines for screening young athletes were issued in 1996 and have not been updated since.
A new study surveyed 26 men and 26 women with congestive heart failure, using standardized measurements to assess their quality of life. Women scored higher than men in physical functioning, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, mental health scores, depression, and feelings of peacefulness.
The FDA has cleared Cook's low-profile GR II Coronary Stent, allowing cardiologists to treat blockages in hard-to-reach blood vessels without bypass surgery. This new stent could benefit thousands of U.S. heart disease patients who previously required heart bypass surgery.
The Cook GR II Coronary Stent has received FDA clearance for treatment of acute or threatened vessel closure in patients with failed interventional therapy. The stent features a flat metal design and low profile for improved radial strength and trackability.
A Duke University study found that elderly patients treated for a heart attack by a cardiologist had a 12% lower chance of dying compared to those treated by a primary care physician. The researchers suggest that this difference in outcomes is due to the specialized training and focus on heart disease of cardiologists.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that exercise treadmill tests and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) are equally effective in detecting heart disease and predicting outcomes in women. This discovery will enable physicians to screen and treat their female patients more accurately.
A study published in the American Heart Association scientific meeting found that cardiologist care significantly reduces heart attack mortality. The research, led by Dr. James Jollis, analyzed Medicare claims data from 220,535 patients diagnosed with a heart attack in 1992 and discovered that patients cared for by cardiologists had a ...
A new outcomes scorecard system developed by cardiologists at Duke University aims to improve the accuracy of comparing hospitals' performance in common cardiology procedures. The system analyzed data from almost 8,000 coronary disease patients and showed a wide variation in death rates among hospitals.