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Even low levels of nighttime light exposure may weaken the heart, increase the risk of cardiovascular disease

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.

SourceTulane University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2026

Scientists uncover protein that could help failing hearts

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.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

Regular exercise reduces atrial fibrillation recurrence by nearly 50% after catheter ablation, study shows

A new study from CU Anschutz researchers found that regular physical activity can significantly lower post-ablation atrial fibrillation recurrence risk. Adults who engaged in moderate exercise for 30 minutes three times a week had markedly lower rates of AF recurrence compared to those who were less active.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalJournal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology·DateFeb 6, 2026

MRI-based method identifies high-risk cardiac sarcoidosis patients who would benefit from defibrillators

Researchers developed a simpler way to identify patients with suspected cardiac sarcoidosis at increased risk of sudden cardiac death. CMR phenotyping can help determine which patients would benefit from an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for primary prevention, improving decision-making in clinical practice.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 5, 2025

The heart remembers: Scientists describe how early-life cardiac injury in parents influences the development and function of the heart in the next generation

Scientists have discovered that early-life cardiac injury in parents can alter heart development and function in offspring, leading to improved cardiac remodeling and increased blood ejection volume. This finding suggests a potential long-term impact on cardiovascular health.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

Effects and consequences of cardiac metabolism in the elderly

Research explores relationship between cardiac metabolism dysfunction and heart failure in the elderly, revealing potential therapeutic targets for improved cardiac outcomes. The study highlights the critical role of Pdk4 and MIF in cardiac metabolism, suggesting innovative treatments to manage interconnected cardiovascular conditions.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 4, 2024

This injectable hydrogel mitigates damage to the right ventricle of the heart

Researchers have developed an injectable hydrogel that mitigates damage to the right ventricle of the heart in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The treatment, made from cardiac extracellular matrix, improves heart function and slows tissue scarring, potentially increasing patient survival time.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2024

City of Hope Children’s Cancer Center, Children’s Oncology Group conduct largest clinical trial seeking to prevent heart failure among childhood cancer survivors

A Phase 2B clinical trial, led by City of Hope, found that carvedilol may improve heart health markers and reduce the risk of heart failure in childhood cancer survivors. The study suggests that carvedilol could benefit long-term survivors and those who are highly adherent to the treatment.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2024

Endovascular catheter opens blocked arteries deep within lungs, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University report

Researchers at Temple University Health System report that the BASHIR Endovascular Catheter reduces blockages in lung arteries and correlates with improved right ventricle function, suggesting better survival outcomes. The catheter also shows significantly lower bleeding rates compared to other devices.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJACC Advances·DateDec 4, 2023

Access remains the most serious barrier to cardiac rehabilitation

Despite its cost-effective prevention for recurrent events, cardiac rehabilitation remains inaccessible to many due to lack of social support, particularly in poorer countries. Home-based rehabilitation and comprehensive lifelong healthy behavioral programs may help address these barriers.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 28, 2023

Increased deep sleep benefits your heart

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that targeting deep sleep with brief tones increases heart contractions, improving cardiovascular function. This leads to increased blood flow and a more efficient pumping mechanism.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

A modified mRNA aids heart attack recovery in mouse and pig models

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham have developed a modified messenger RNA that can temporarily induce cardiomyocyte cell division, leading to reduced infarct size and improved heart function. The treatment has shown promise in mouse and pig models without increasing the risk of deadly arrhythmias.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2023

Fiber-infused ink enables 3D-printed heart muscle to beat

Researchers at Harvard developed a fiber-infused ink that allows 3D-printed heart muscle cells to align and contract like human heart cells, enabling the creation of functional heart ventricles. The innovation can be used to build life-like heart tissues with thicker muscle walls, paving the way for regenerative therapeutics.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary vascular disease and left heart disease are not mutually exclusive

A long-term analysis reveals that approximately one-third of CTEPH patients also have left heart disease, which can worsen breathing symptoms and requires more comprehensive diagnostic approaches. The study suggests that treatment options for both conditions may overlap, necessitating further research to find effective therapies.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 27, 2023

Transcatheter mitral valve repair in heart failure patients significantly reduces hospitalizations and improves survival

A new study shows that transcatheter mitral valve repair significantly reduces hospitalizations by almost 50 percent and death by nearly 30 percent in heart failure patients with severe mitral regurgitation. The procedure, using Abbott's MitraClip system, improves symptoms, reduces hospitalizations, and leads to longer survival.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 5, 2023

New pediatric investigation article reviews the potential of transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement for congenital heart disorders

The procedure requires thorough pre-procedural evaluation and assessment of anatomical and hemodynamic data. Long-term results indicate that TPVR can effectively restore RVOT function, while improving survival rates and reducing the need for reintervention across age groups. Vigilant testing is recommended to avoid rare but serious com...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 3, 2023

Reverse engineering the heart: University of Toronto Engineering team creates bioartificial left ventricle

University of Toronto researchers develop a lab-grown model of the human left heart ventricle made with living heart cells. The bioartificial tissue construct beats strongly enough to pump fluid inside a bioreactor and offers new possibilities for studying heart diseases and testing potential therapies. Future work aims to increase the...

Atrial fibrillation after surgery is linked to an increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure

A study of over three million patients found that post-operative atrial fibrillation increases the risk of hospitalization for heart failure. The risk is present regardless of whether surgery was performed for a heart condition, and can be as high as doubling in non-heart-related conditions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 28, 2022

How MRI could revolutionise heart failure diagnosis

A new study published in the European Heart Journal shows that MRI is superior to echocardiography for diagnosing heart failure and predicting patient outcomes. The research found that MRI can accurately measure left ventricular filling pressure, leading to improved diagnosis and reduced need for invasive assessments.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2022

Heart repair and regeneration after a heart attack — a review

Recent clinical trials showed promising results with cardiosphere-derived cells, improving heart parameters in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Researchers investigate using cell-derived products like exosomes to boost endogenous repair pathways, while aiming to reverse cardiomyocytes' proliferation limitations.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 29, 2021

Scientists show how AI may spot unseen signs of heart failure

A new AI-based computer algorithm created by Mount Sinai researchers can identify subtle changes in electrocardiograms to predict heart failure. The algorithm was 94% accurate at predicting healthy ejection fractions and 87% accurate at detecting weakened hearts, offering a promising alternative to traditional diagnosis methods.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJACC Cardiovascular Imaging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2021

3-D simulations reveal synergistic mechanisms of the human heart

A new study introduces a holistic 3D numerical simulation model of the human heart, taking into account the mutual interaction between blood flow and individual components. The model reveals complex effects of heart strings on the mitral valve, shedding light on potential strategies for preventing cardiac problems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateFeb 28, 2018

Preventing blood clots with a new metric for heart function

Researchers developed a new metric to predict blood clots in the left ventricle, which is more accurate than current methods. The E-wave propagation index can be calculated using standard diagnostic tools and clinical procedures, and has been validated with data from patients who experienced post-heart attack blood clots.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateJan 30, 2017

Study examines heart structure, function of NBA players

A comprehensive analysis of 526 NBA players reveals larger left ventricular cavity sizes, but not necessarily indicative of increased risk. Most athletes have normal left ventricular ejection fractions, with African American athletes showing increased wall thickness and mass compared to white athletes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 24, 2016

Endurance athletes should be tested while exercising for potentially fatal heart condition

Current practice of testing athletes at rest may miss signs of right ventricular dysfunction that can lead to sudden death. A new study shows that exercise echocardiography can detect changes in the right ventricle's functioning during physical activity, providing a potential diagnostic tool for cardiologists managing athletes.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJun 2, 2015