Articles tagged with Blood
The NHLBI's new guide to lowering cholesterol with TLC emphasizes the importance of a three-part program of diet, physical activity, and weight management. The guide provides tips on reducing saturated fat, trans fat, and dietary cholesterol, as well as strategies for increasing soluble fiber and plant stanols and sterols.
A study led by McMaster University found that subcutaneous injections of unfractionated heparin can work as well as low-molecular weight heparin in treating venous thromboembolism, reducing hospitalization costs. This new treatment approach allows for outpatient care and may save patients up to $675 compared to traditional treatments.
Blood alcohol levels above legal limits increased significantly among emergency care patients, with a 113% rise in lab tests from 1999 to 2004. The number of intoxicated women doubled, while men consistently outnumbered women across all age groups.
The NHLBI guide provides information on the impact of physical activity on your heart, including tips for incorporating physical activity into daily life. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy heart, with benefits including burning extra calories, building stamina, and improving balance.
Current brain cooling devices may not be effective in reducing injury from stroke and head trauma as they can't penetrate deeply into the brain. The new findings suggest that most patients won't benefit from these techniques, and a different approach is needed for certain patients.
Researchers at Wake Forest University discovered that fibrin fibers can be stretched up to four times their length before breaking, making them the most stretchable natural fibers known. This discovery has significant implications for understanding blood clot properties and developing new treatments for heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have developed a blood test to detect lung cancer in early stages, showing 90% accuracy in predicting non-small-cell lung cancer. The test identifies the body's immune response to tumors and could become the first blood test to predict cancer since the PSA test was introduced.
Researchers found a chemical compound in many air fresheners and deodorizing products may cause modest reductions in lung function. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, analyzed blood concentrations of common volatile organic compounds and pulmonary function measures in a representative sample of adults.
A meta-analysis of studies found that men are at a 50% higher risk of recurrent blood clots compared to women. The study enrolled 5416 patients and analyzed rates of recurrence after stopping preventative anticoagulant medication.
A new analysis shows that digitalis is relatively safe for patients with diastolic heart failure, a condition affecting an estimated 5 million US adults. The study, involving 988 patients, found no overall detrimental effect of digitalis on death or hospitalizations.
A new laboratory test can help determine whether patients with a history of venous blood clot are at low risk of developing another blood clot. Patients with low thrombin generation levels, measured by the commercially available test, have a low risk of recurrence, with an estimated 7% likelihood after 4 years.
Researchers found Pycnogenol to be more effective than Daflon in reducing leg swelling, walking pain, and skin alterations. The study showed a significant reduction in ankle swellings and edema scores with Pycnogenol supplementation.
A large study found that measuring C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and other novel risk markers does not improve the assessment of future coronary heart disease risk. The study, which followed over 15,000 adults, suggests that standard risk factors such as age, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure remain the most accurate indicators.
Researchers found infectious misfolded prion protein in heart muscle, decreasing the heart's ability to pump blood. High levels of scrapie infectivity were also identified in the blood of mice used in the study.
Dr. Maria Sjogren's study tracks 90 active-duty servicemembers with hepatitis C, exploring disease progression and treatment effects on quality of life. Participants reported improved well-being after treatment, attributing it to the therapeutic process itself.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have developed a potential test to estimate how many people are infected with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), which can take up to 40 years to manifest. The test could also help prevent transmission through blood transfusions and organ transplants by detecting prions in th...
A new study suggests a link between abdominal obesity and an increased risk of colon cancer, with waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio being key factors. Additionally, incidence rates of ocular non-Hodgkin lymphoma have been rising rapidly, with no signs of slowing down.
Researchers found that people under the influence of alcohol are more prone to 'inattentional blindness', missing important objects like a person in a gorilla suit while performing a task. This phenomenon has strong implications for drivers operating motor vehicles after consuming alcohol.
Regier and colleagues found that patient self-management is a cost-effective strategy for patients receiving long-term oral anticoagulation. The study suggests this approach can provide similar health benefits without the added costs of physician management over a 5-year period.
In a study by Udo Groeger and Lutz Wiegrebe, vampire bats were taught to associate different human breathing patterns with cattle blood dispensers. The bats demonstrated the ability to recognize clips of humans breathing at rest and during physical strain, while human participants struggled to do so.
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.
A new device developed by Dr. Babs Soller detects circulatory shock earlier than current methods, which rely on blood pressure and heart rate. The sensor analyzes muscle oxygen and acid levels to predict impending problems.
A study of over 2000 blood samples found that individuals with unfavourable blood fat levels were more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were higher in those who developed the disease, indicating an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease.
Researchers compared accuracy of three diagnostic methods for pulmonary embolism, finding chest CT with leg CT scan detects clots in 90% of patients. The study suggests that imaging technologies greatly expand our ability to diagnose and treat disease.
Research suggests that artificially sweetened mixers can accelerate gastric emptying and increase alcohol absorption, posing potential risks to digestive health. Moderate alcohol consumption may offer protective effects against colorectal adenomas, a precursor to cancer.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed blood-compatible nanoscale materials using heparin composites or coatings. The composite heparin membrane with nanopores can filter blood and maintain its flow, potentially eliminating the need for systemic administration of heparin during kidney dialysis.
Deferasirox proved equally as effective as deferoxamine in reducing iron overload levels in patients with beta-thalassemia. The new drug was well-tolerated, with common side effects including skin rash and gastrointestinal issues.
Researchers found that blood tests T-SPOT.TB and QuantiFERON-TB Gold show good diagnostic agreement with the skin test, but have higher specificity. This suggests they could increase diagnostic sensitivity in testing for latent TB infection. However, results differ between blood tests, especially in immunosuppressed patients and young ...
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that delaying aortic trauma repair can lead to better survival outcomes for patients with certain injuries. Dr. Amy Reed's study analyzed 51 cases and found that 54% of patients who underwent delayed endovascular repair survived, compared to 38% of those who received immediate open repair.
Researchers identified a liver-derived protein complex as the first essential brain signal governing seasonal adaptation in hibernating animals. This discovery may pave the way toward clinical therapies that protect humans from lethal diseases like hypothermia and ischemia.
Researchers measured pain in premature infants through brain scans during routine care procedures, finding evidence of processed pain in the higher levels of the brain. The study highlights the need for effective pain management in preterm babies, who experience repeated painful procedures daily.
Researchers analyzed 36 M-rated video games and found nearly all contained violence and blood, with 4,268 human deaths observed. The study highlights the need for parents and physicians to recognize that popular M-rated games contain unlabeled content that may negatively influence children's perceptions and behaviors.
A study found that vitamin C depletion is associated with lower body fat, but not with weight loss in a short-term low-fat diet. Participants who took a vitamin C supplement had increased blood levels of vitamin C and improved ability to oxidize fat.
A study by Lee S. Berk found that watching a favorite funny movie increases beta-endorphins by 27% and human growth hormone by 87%. This 'anticipatory mirthful laughter experience' has long-lasting effects on stress reduction and immune response.
Researchers have developed a novel technique using standard surgical stents and synthetic endografts to effectively treat patients with severe blunt thoracic aortic trauma, reducing the risk of death from blood loss. The method provides a reliable way for emergency surgeons to repair difficult injuries using readily accessible materials.
The study found that middle-aged donors (40-59 years old) are the largest group, representing 45% of all donors. E-mail reminders and 'Bring a Friend Day' events will be used to engage young donors in the future.
A national pilot study by Medical College of Wisconsin researchers showed that the use of ResQ-Valve with CPR increases short-term survival in patients with cardiac arrest heart rhythm called 'pulseless electrical activity'. The device facilitates venous blood return to the chest, increasing forward blood flow during CPR.
A new study found that genetic variations lowering LDL cholesterol levels can significantly reduce coronary heart disease risk. People with these variations were eight times less likely to develop heart disease than those without them.
The report highlights the reduction in mortality rates following organ transplantation, with primary graft dysfunction being a significant factor affecting long-term survival. Lung transplant patients also experience chronic rejection and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, leading to reduced pulmonary function and quality of life.
Researchers found that people with diabetes from different ethnic groups have varying levels of muscle mass in the left ventricle, a key indicator of heart health. In white, African-American, and Hispanic individuals, increased muscle mass was linked to subclinical atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a new potential biomarker for multiple sclerosis, a protein fragment called 12.5 kDa cystatin found in cerebrospinal fluid, which may help diagnose the disease and monitor treatment efficacy.
A study of 106 healthy volunteers found that lower omega-3 levels were associated with depression symptoms, a negative outlook, and impulsivity. Higher omega-3 levels were linked to increased agreeableness.
A neoprene suit, called NASG, can save lives of women suffering from obstetrical hemorrhaging due to childbirth by reversing shock and decreasing bleeding. The study found a 69% decrease in death and severe illness among patients treated with the NASG.
A portable cocaine sensor has been developed at UC Santa Barbara, enabling rapid detection of illegal substances in bodily fluids. The sensor is based on a generic, inexpensive method that can detect a range of targets, including prescription drugs and bioterrorism agents.
A new study found that eating one grapefruit daily can lower blood lipid levels in patients with hyperlipidemia, reducing the risk of heart disease. Grapefruit's antioxidant action is believed to be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
A study by UCLA researchers found that men with cardiovascular disease may benefit from lower blood sugar levels, but women's risk of death increases with higher glucose levels. The research analyzed data from over 1,200 patients and suggested that there is no 'normal' blood sugar level for men with heart disease.
A study found that only 2% of stroke patients receiving clot-busting treatment arrived within three hours of symptom onset. Factors such as ambulance transport, gender, and time of arrival significantly increased the chances of receiving treatment. Warning signs of stroke include sudden numbness, confusion, and severe headache.
A study in South Africa found that implementing a blood safety program, including education and targeted outreach, significantly reduced the prevalence of HIV-1 in blood donations. The program resulted in a 50% decrease in HIV-1 positivity rates over two years.
Long-term warfarin therapy increases incidence of osteoporotic fractures by 25% in elderly patients, with men at higher risk. Regular exercise and adequate calcium intake can help maintain bone strength.
A new prediction rule identifies patients with pulmonary embolism who are at low risk of short-term mortality and other adverse medical outcomes, making them eligible for outpatient treatment. The model accurately predicted low-risk patients in two studies, resulting in very low mortality rates within 30 days.
Researchers analyze cost-effectiveness of different screening strategies to prevent cases through contaminated blood products. Screening only during mosquito season is deemed unnecessary in states with low WNV infection rates, while creating a 'supersafe' pool of blood for vulnerable individuals may be an effective solution.
The UK Biobank project and the American National Human Genome Research Institute project will gather information to study the interaction between genes and environment over time. The studies aim to identify new treatments for diseases such as cancer and heart disease, but critics raise concerns about privacy and data reliability.
Research found that calorie-restricted individuals had hearts with improved elasticity and function, similar to those of younger people. Their low levels of inflammation may have played a key role in preventing primary aging.
Researchers found that therapies targeting brain insulin receptors can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce insulin dose requirements. Gene therapy interventions also increased the animals' response to insulin therapy about 2-fold.
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, administering bone marrow stem cells to patients with acute myocardial infarction resulted in a significant reduction of the infarct size and improved regional left ventricle function. The findings suggest potential benefits for targeted clinical and pre-clinical research.
Researchers propose a simple test that identifies more accurately individuals who might have colorectal cancer when used alongside traditional guaiac tests. This new approach could decrease the number of false positives in screening programs and reduce the need for colonoscopy, potentially leading to improved accuracy and reduced costs.
A review and meta-analysis of 127 trials found ACE inhibitors and ARBs no better than other drugs in preventing diabetic kidney disease. Treatment decisions for hypertension in renal disease should be based on blood-pressure-lowering effect, comparative tolerability, and cost.
The RAPID-CHF trial found that ultrafiltration therapy was safe and effective for patients with acute decompensated heart failure, removing more fluid and improving symptoms compared to standard treatment with intravenous diuretics. A larger trial is underway to compare its effectiveness.
Researchers found that higher levels of inflammatory markers Lp-PLA2 and CRP were associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke. The study included 12,762 middle-aged men and women, and found that individuals with high levels of both markers were at the highest risk.
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that men with high blood pressure after undergoing a facelift had a significantly lower incidence of hematoma. To minimize this risk, patients should have their blood pressure controlled before surgery and manage it with their primary care physician.