Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
Scientists have developed a treatment that 'reawakens' heart muscle cells, promoting repair and improving heart function after a heart attack. The treatment, using mRNA therapy, temporarily activates proteins that help regenerate heart tissue, leading to a stronger heartbeat and increased blood pump efficiency.
Scientists have discovered that cardiac aging is not evenly distributed throughout the heart, with hotspots of inflammation and scarring concentrated in the valves and aortic root. These regions may serve as hubs of cardiac aging, influencing surrounding muscle tissue.
The annual number of TAVR procedures among patients younger than 70 rose from 15 in 2014 to 134 in 2024, with surgical aortic valve replacement remaining the predominant approach. TAVR was particularly popular among patients aged 60 to 69, with lower rates of acute kidney injury and bleeding compared to SAVR.
Dr. Petter Bjornstad will lead Pennington Biomedical Research Center in advancing research in metabolic disease, with a focus on improving the health and well-being of Louisiana residents. He brings exceptional expertise in diabetes and kidney disease, with a vision to translate world-class science into better health outcomes.
A new research project aims to identify rising cardiac arrest risk before it happens using artificial intelligence and multiple types of health data. The system will combine symptoms, activity tracker data, medical history, and blood tests to provide real-time risk updates.
The heart uses two carbohydrate energy sources, glucose and lactate, at the same time due to a unique cell-level difference that allows both energy-generating reactions to happen simultaneously.
A new study has found that combining medications dobutamine and norepinephrine during septic shock surgery can significantly lower the risk of acute kidney injury. The trial, which tracked 584 adult patients, showed that the drug combination cut the risk of severe kidney damage in half, reducing moderate to severe kidney injuries.
Hospitalizations for drug use-associated heart infections have declined by 18% from 2020 to 2022, primarily due to a decrease in opioid cases. Stimulants, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, are increasingly involved in these infections, particularly in the Western US, highlighting the need for improved treatment options.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that predicts functional decline after heart failure, identifying patients at risk of losing independence despite surviving hospitalization. The model outperformed traditional prognostic approaches, highlighting the importance of physical function at discharge.
A new treatment using drug-coated balloons performed just as well as conventional stents in preventing heart attacks and cardiovascular deaths. However, patients treated with drug-coated balloons were more likely to need a repeat procedure in larger arteries.
A new study at UT Arlington uses AI to reduce radiation exposure in heart scans without sacrificing diagnostic accuracy. The project, led by Mingwu Jin, aims to substantially lower radiation doses using deep learning-based reconstruction methods.
Researchers found that applying biomechanical tension to heart valves every time they beat helps protect collagen from breaking down, explaining why leaflets remain sturdy for decades. Increasing strain while preserving the natural strain ratio prevents collagen degradation, highlighting a biomechanical defense mechanism.
The study, supported by a $3.82 million grant, aims to capture daily stress experiences and their impact on heart health. Researchers will use a new survey tool, wearable technology, and laboratory testing to better understand how everyday experiences affect the body.
Researchers will study brain activity, cardiovascular function, and accelerated aging in orbit using bioengineered human brain and cardiovascular tissue models. The findings could help identify new ways to protect astronauts' heart health and inform new therapies for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers have developed an affordable, open-source air quality monitoring device for wildlife, tracking particulate matter and providing insights into smoke exposure and behavior. The device can be attached to animal collars, filling gaps in data and delivering health insights for people exposed to smoke.
Researchers have discovered a new cell type that helps stabilize the vascular network supplying oxygen to growing cardiac muscle. This discovery provides novel insights into human heart development and may guide future efforts to promote heart regeneration after injury.
Researchers uncovered a new signaling pathway linking cardiac lymphatics, the heart's outer lining, and key growth genes that regulate cardiac growth. The study found that lymphatic-derived Reelin promotes epicardium maintenance, suggesting that lymphatics may function as organ-wide monitoring systems.
Researchers are working on a four-year project to develop a personalized model that uses detailed blood flow information to detect obstructions in the aorta. The project aims to improve prenatal testing so that doctors can spot problems in the aorta before a baby is born and recommend treatments.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys discovered that blocking an energy transfer enzyme shifts mammalian hearts into a regenerative state, promoting regeneration and improving recovery after a heart attack. By modulating heart cell metabolism, scientists can potentially awaken the heart's dormant regenerative abilities.
A new study aims to find new ways to prevent strokes in people with chronic migraine by understanding the link between cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health. The research also explores the role of immune cells in blood vessels and their impact on migraine attacks.
Even low levels of nighttime light exposure can lead to structural changes in the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from 11,017 participants and found that those exposed to higher levels of light saw a thickening of the heart's walls and reduced flexibility during a heartbeat.
Researchers found that energy-demanding tissues have larger macrophage crews to manage waste, with the number of macrophages tracking mitochondrial activity and waste production. This system is critical for tissue health and function, and may help preserve tissue function as we age.
Research suggests that mental health conditions, including PTSD, substance abuse, and depression, can increase the risk of future cardiovascular risks such as heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular death. Alcohol abuse was found to be the top psychiatric predictor of serious heart and brain conditions for both men and women.
Researchers found that meal timing programs the liver's daily rhythms and can have serious metabolic and health consequences when out of sync. The liver uses food signals to activate metabolic pathways, which can conflict with the body's natural circadian clock, leading to health issues.
A team of researchers has developed a new way to study heart valve disorders by creating miniature, working models of the heart. The models, called assembloids, were grown from pluripotent adult stem cells and can be used to simulate various types of valve disorders, including mitral valve prolapse.
Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute have developed a powerful platform to test and advance new treatments for childhood heart diseases. The breakthrough involves creating lab-grown heart valve tissues that closely resemble human body valves, providing a promising approach for regenerative medicine.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used spatial transcriptomics to characterize acute rejection and response to immunomodulatory therapies following heart transplantation. The study linked cell-specific gene expression patterns to the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy, a form of chronic rejection that limit...
A new study found that hypertension patients are more likely to follow doctors' recommendations for medication than make lifestyle changes. The Health Belief Model suggests that perceptions of personal risk and disease severity influence treatment intentions.
A study led by Dr. Michael Harrison found that regional dips in oxygen levels serve as a signal for the coordinated growth of heart muscle and coronary vessels. The system operates as a self-limiting feedback loop, with epicardial cells detecting hypoxia to activate genes that orchestrate expansion.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä found that sauna steam significantly impacts thermoregulatory responses, including increased heart rates and core temperatures. High relative humidity reduces sweat evaporation, forcing the cardiovascular system to work harder.
A new imaging system links heart structure and electrical activity across the entire organ, revealing how scar tissue interferes with heartbeat. The technology identifies different tissue types based on light interaction and tracks electrical signals in real-time.
Researchers have created an AI model that accurately predicts cardiac index, a metric used to evaluate heart function, using non-invasive sensors on patient skin. The system demonstrates potential for accessible cardiovascular assessment beyond major hospitals and specialized clinics.
The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Multisociety Dyslipidemia Guideline reclassified approximately one-quarter of adults, with two-thirds reassigned to lower-risk categories and one-third to higher-risk categories. This shift was driven by differences in risk factors among males, non-Hispanic Black indivi...
The 2026 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline substantially expands the U.S. population recommended for primary prevention statin therapy, targeting lower-risk individuals. The updated recommendations aim to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk and improve public health outcomes.
A new study published in Nature Communications finds that a protein called saxiphilin can neutralize the potent neurotoxin saxitoxin, preventing and even reversing paralytic shellfish poisoning. The discovery could have important public health implications as saxitoxin accumulates in shellfish and causes poisoning when consumed.
Dr. Tim Allerton's research focuses on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition affecting millions of Americans. His team aims to determine how declining hydrogen sulfide levels contribute to muscle function and exercise capacity in patients with HFpEF.
A system developed by Kaunas University of Technology enables continuous heart rhythm monitoring, allowing for more detailed ECG recordings and remote transmission to doctors. The technology aims to address the diagnostic gap in cardiovascular diseases, particularly for post-stroke patients at risk of ischaemic stroke.
Researchers have identified high rates of overweight/obesity (82%) and hypertension (higher than statewide average) in Franklin Parish, with income levels linked to lower hypertension rates. Older residents are also more likely to have undiagnosed high cholesterol and diabetes.
A new device inspired by fish's lateral line senses the pulse of lab-grown heart tissue, enabling real-time monitoring of hundreds of tests. This breakthrough could revolutionize drug screening and personalized medicine with more accurate human tissue simulations.
Researchers have discovered a new way to detect sudden cardiac death risk using AI, which outperforms existing methods and can identify high-risk patients more accurately. The tool uses EKGs to analyze waveform patterns and has shown promise in predicting patient outcomes with a 7% annual rate of sudden cardiac death.
Researchers at King's College London discovered that chewing sugary gum after consuming beetroot increases nitrite production, leading to lower blood pressure. This finding could have implications for sports people using beetroot to improve athletic performance.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London developed digital models of individual patients' hearts to simulate Atrial Fibrillation behavior. Combining three types of data, including MRI scans and electrical voltage measurements, identified more targets than imaging alone.
A new AI algorithm has been developed to screen for underlying heart failure in GP clinics or at home, aiming to reduce waiting times and save NHS costs. The test uses a routine Electrocardiogram recording to detect changes in the heart's structure and pumping functions.
Research synthesis reveals consistent biomarker increases and minor ventricular function changes after marathon running, varying by age, sex, and training level. However, the clinical relevance of these changes remains unclear, warranting further study to determine physiological responses versus long-term adaptations.
The American Heart Association warns that extreme heat events are increasing, posing significant cardiovascular risks. The statement outlines contributing factors and recommendations to mitigate these risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults and those with low incomes.
A new target for treating sleep apnea has been identified through a study in mice, showing that the farnesoid X receptor plays a central role in driving fatty plaque buildup during sleep apnea-like conditions. The study found that removing this receptor resulted in reduced fatty plaques and minimization of gut microbiome disruptions.
A new study found that a simple angiogram scoring system can identify patients whose heart muscle is still alive even when a major artery has been completely blocked. This breakthrough could change how cardiac patients are treated and help doctors make faster, more informed decisions.
Researchers found biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease that correlated with minor cognitive differences in midlife adults. These biomarkers, measuring tau and amyloid plaque, were associated with a greater chance of cognitive decline, particularly in processing speed and executive function.
A new study by the University of Ottawa suggests that a tiny molecule, methylglyoxal, plays a major role in triggering neurological disorders after a heart attack. The molecule accumulates in the brain following a heart attack and is linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Researchers identified a key protein called PERM1 that is restored in patients whose hearts recover after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support. PERM1 regulates energy production and contractile function in heart cells, and its normalization is associated with improved cardiac function.
A new science advisory calls for coordinated international efforts to reduce disparities in care for children with Kawasaki disease, a rare but serious illness primarily affecting young children. The advisory highlights the importance of sharing data, expertise, and best practices to improve heart health outcomes for children with Kawa...
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev identified how semaglutide and colchicine protect the heart from Atrial Fibrillation by targeting different biological pathways. The study found that these medications can prevent the development of AF even in non-obese patients.
A Concordia-designed simulator models hemodynamics in reduced gravity environments, revealing key differences in blood flow and pressure patterns. The system successfully reproduced effective CPR on Earth and generated consistent blood flow under both normal and hypogravity conditions.
Researchers treated seven patients with advanced heart disease and difficult-to-treat ventricular tachycardia. The therapy resulted in a 79% reduction in VT episodes, with no serious treatment-related side effects during follow-up of up to two years. Proton beam therapy offers a new approach for patients with limited treatment options.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is leading a study investigating cardio-sarcopenia, the combined loss of heart and muscle health in aging adults. The grant aims to uncover how heart dysfunction and muscle loss interact and detect biomarkers for earlier intervention.
The Adams Valve Institute aims to expand the treatment of valvular heart disease, focusing on complex surgeries and underserved populations. The Institute will promote innovation in advanced imaging, reconstructive surgical techniques, and breakthrough research.
A simple ECG test can identify racehorses at risk of cardiac arrhythmias during high-intensity exercise. The test uses short ECG recordings taken at rest or light exercise to distinguish horses likely to develop premature beats.
A new trial found that using a microaxial flow pump before and during cardiac stenting procedures for high-risk heart attack patients with severe heart attacks did not reduce heart damage. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, also showed increased bleeding complications.
A new 4D digital heart model has been shown to improve patient outcomes in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for heart failure. The model, developed at the University of Calgary, enables personalized pacemaker placement, leading to a 10.8% increase in heart function compared to standard care.
A Korea University study reveals that liver metabolic disease is a key risk factor for heart failure in older adults with atrial fibrillation, with MASLD having the lowest risk and ALD carrying the highest risk. The study highlights the importance of liver health in cardiovascular disease management.