Articles tagged with Blood
A blood test for NT-proBNP accurately predicts the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and death in patients with known cardiovascular disease. Higher levels of NT-proBNP are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular events or death.
A blood test for NT-proBNP could aid in risk stratification of high-risk patients with CHD, helping guide preventive therapies. The study found that higher NT-proBNP levels were associated with increased cardiovascular event rates and mortality.
A study found that brain hemorrhages associated with warfarin increased by over tenfold in people over age 80, while the rate for all other populations quadrupled between 1988 and 1999. The increase was largely due to greater use of the drug, which is prescribed to prevent blood clots.
Patients with low to moderate blood alcohol levels may have a reduced risk of dying after arriving at the hospital with a traumatic brain injury. In contrast, those with high blood alcohol levels are more likely to die in the hospital, highlighting a potential neuroprotective effect of alcohol.
Research reveals that almost 16% of all drivers stopped and tested under suspicion of driving under the influence would test positive for drugs. Drivers who were under the legal limit for alcohol but still tested positive for drugs were more likely to be taking a cocktail of substances.
A Cornell study found that chelation therapy can reduce learning and behavioral problems caused by lead exposure in young rats. However, the treatment also showed lasting adverse effects in rats with no lead exposure, raising concerns about its use in autistic children.
A multicenter study found that measuring fetal oxygen levels does not affect the rate of Caesarean section or the health of newborn babies. Researchers tested whether knowing fetal blood-oxygen levels made a difference in the rate of Caesarean section or condition of the newborn infant.
A study published in Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis reveals Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from pine tree bark, effectively reduces swelling in patients taking antihypertensive medications by 36%. The treatment also improves blood circulation, avoiding blood pooling and reducing edema.
A large international clinical trial found that stable patients who received late angioplasty after a heart attack did not have better outcomes than those on medical therapy alone. The study suggests that routine late opening of the blocked artery is unnecessary and should be reserved for unstable patients.
University of Utah engineers invented a tiny, inexpensive micropump that can move chemicals, blood or other samples through a card-sized medical laboratory. The pump could aid development of lab-on-a-chip technology, which aims to reduce the price and time for lab tests.
A recent study found that individuals with higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in their blood had a significantly lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease. DHA is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish, which appears to affect dementia risk and proper functioning of the central nervous system.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that difficulties in the heart's ability to fill with blood are a frequent cause of heart failure, and can be just as deadly as deficiencies in pumping. The study suggests that filling problems are often undiagnosed and highlights the importance of testing for abnormalities in the heart's filling phase.
A study found that heart failure is associated with more common factors than previously believed, including preserved ejection fraction and diastolic dysfunction. Patients with preserved ejection fraction were older and less likely to be smokers, while those with reduced ejection fraction had higher mortality rates.
Researchers developed a treatment using mechanical Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs) and certain drug therapies to shrink enlarged hearts and enable normal function. The therapy improved quality of life in 88% of patients who received the full combination, with nearly all recovering from heart disease five years later.
Researchers have confirmed that veins stiffen as we age, a change that may contribute to high blood pressure. Regular exercise training may help maintain vein flexibility. The study, led by William Farquhar from the University of Delaware, recruited healthy young and older adults and monitored their blood flow.
A multifaceted intervention increased adherence to clinical guidelines for preventing deep-vein blood clots among elderly patients. The study found that implementing evidence-based guidelines resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of DVT, with 91% fewer cases before and after guideline implementation.
A national survey of Canadian surgeons found marked variability in the use of blood thinner ASA in non-cardiac surgery, with many surgeons uncertain about its benefits and risks. The researchers call for a randomized controlled trial to address the issue.
Researchers discover that iron exposure causes a distinct metallic smell in humans, linked to skin oil and blood decomposition. The key compound responsible for this 'metallic' odor is identified as 1-octen-2-one, produced when oils on skin are oxidized by certain enzymes.
Scientists have developed a technique to predict when and where blood clotting will occur using a simple laboratory model. The model, which uses only three main equations, adequately reproduced many features of blood clotting. Microfluidics technology was crucial in controlling complex reactions at critical times and locations.
Research by S. Kankova and colleagues found that Toxoplasma positive mothers give birth to more boys than negative women, with a probability of up to 72 boys in every 100 children born. The increased survival of male embryos may be attributed to the parasite's modulating effects on the immune system.
A study published in The Lancet found that oral misoprostol significantly reduces maternal hemorrhage and postpartum blood loss in women giving birth in rural, developing communities. This life-saving treatment has the potential to prevent up to half of maternal deaths from pregnancy-related causes.
A study found that misoprostol is an effective way to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in countries with limited hospital services. The drug significantly reduced the risk of acute postpartum hemorrhage and average blood loss, offering a cost-effective solution for resource-poor settings.
Researchers surveyed 212 teenagers from Cincinnati neighborhoods with high lead concentrations and found a significant correlation between elevated childhood blood-lead levels and the risk for multiple, unintentional injuries later in life. The study suggests that early-life exposure to lead can cause lasting health effects impacting f...
The risk of transfusion-transmitted infections has decreased significantly since 1984 due to improved blood-safety measures. However, emerging pathogens such as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and viruses present in high concentrations in blood pose ongoing concerns for patient safety.
Researchers found an association between low blood lead levels and increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Blood lead levels as low as 2 μg/dL were linked to higher risks of death from these causes, affecting all groups studied.
A new diagnostic test for tuberculosis (TB) has been developed using a novel technique called SELDI-ToF, which identifies specific proteins in the blood. The test achieved high accuracy in detecting TB, with up to 78% sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified four mutations in the Desmoglein-2 gene as a significant contributor to arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD), a condition that causes sudden cardiac death in young athletes. The findings should increase the accuracy of tests to identify those at risk for ARVD.
A study led by University of California, Santa Cruz researchers has confirmed that bullet fragments and shotgun pellets are the principal sources of lead poisoning in California condors. The study found that 77% of birds tested had lead levels linked to ammunition, highlighting the need for action to reduce lead exposure.
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.
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.