Four leading cardiovascular organizations urge governments to implement the World Health Organization's MPOWER framework to reduce tobacco use. The joint opinion outlines comprehensive strategies, including lowering nicotine concentrations in combustible tobacco products and enforcing strong systems and premarket assessments of all tob...
Researchers have successfully grown sesame-seed-sized heart models using human pluripotent stem cells, which spontaneously self-organize into a hollow chamber without experimental scaffolds. The cardioids' wall-like tissue contracts rhythmically to squeeze liquid around the inside cavity, mimicking natural development.
A study found that exposure to the 2016 US presidential election was associated with an increase in potentially life-threatening cardiac events. The research, conducted in North Carolina, showed a 77% rise in the risk of arrhythmias during the election period compared to control periods.
Preliminary research suggests that taking more daily steps can lead to a longer life, even if it's done in short spurts or as part of regular activities. The study found that women who took 2,000 additional steps per day during bouts had further benefits for longevity.
Researchers developed cardioids, human self-organizing cardiac organoids that recapitulate heart chamber formation and function. The model reveals how signaling and transcription factors control cardioid chamber formation and triggers an in vivo-like accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins after injury.
A new study found that the 2016 US presidential election may have triggered potentially life-threatening heart rhythms and worsened high blood pressure in people with underlying cardiovascular disease. Researchers linked data from cardiac devices to find a significant increase in arrhythmias during the election period.
Women who experience early menopause before age 40 have a 40% increased risk of developing coronary heart disease over their lifetime. The study suggests that clinicians should ask women about their menopause status earlier to optimize cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal highlights the importance of urban design in promoting heart health. The authors argue that cities play a significant role in causing environmental stressors such as air pollution, noise, and heat island effects, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that consuming even one glass of wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverage increases the chance of an episode of atrial fibrillation occurring within four hours. The study tracked objective, real-time alcohol consumption and heart rhythm disturbance using wearable sensors and blood tests.
A new study found that combining EPA and DHA in popular supplements may blunt heart health benefits, while higher EPA levels alone lowered the risk of major cardiac events. Higher DHA levels worsened health outcomes, suggesting that not all Omega-3s are created equal.
Research suggests that the type of heart failure a patient has may influence which approach is optimal for treating atrial fibrillation (AFib). A study found that rhythm control may be especially beneficial for patients with reduced ejection fraction, but more research is needed to confirm this trend.
A new study found significant disparities in congenital heart disease diagnosis based on ethnicity, geography, and socioeconomic status. Mothers from Hispanic or low-income neighborhoods were less likely to have their child's critical heart condition diagnosed before birth.
A team of McMaster University researchers found that stair-climbing routines provide significant cardiovascular and muscular benefits for heart patients. Brief, vigorous stair-climbing and traditional moderate-intensity exercise both changed fitness levels, which is a key predictor of mortality after a cardiac event.
A new hyperinvasive care approach improved six-month survival rates for patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, especially those resuscitated for over 45 minutes. The study showed better neurological function recovery in the hyperinvasive group at 30 days.
A study found that cooling patients to a lower temperature than recommended did not improve outcomes after cardiac arrest. Cooling to 31 degrees Celsius showed no difference in death or poor neurological outcomes at six months compared to guideline-recommended cooling of 34 C.
The LIFE trial found that sacubitril/valsartan combination therapy did not improve health outcomes for patients with severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The study showed that valsartan alone was more effective in reducing hyperkalemia and clinical outcomes.
Research reveals that prenatal detection of heart defects is less likely in rural, low-income areas and among Hispanic women. Diagnosing heart defects before birth reduces infant death rates and improves outcomes.
Researchers found that finerenone reduced the risk of atrial fibrillation by 30% in patients with chronic kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes, regardless of their history with AFib. The study suggests that finerenone can delay the onset of heart rhythm disorder and protect the heart and kidneys from further damage.
The study analyzed over 36,000 LAAO procedures performed with the WATCHMAN device in older, higher-risk patients with atrial fibrillation. At one year, the estimated 1.53% ischemic stroke rate was lower than predicted by stroke risk scores, suggesting effective stroke prevention.
Researchers found that left atrial appendage occlusion significantly reduced stroke risk by 33% in patients with AFib or atrial flutter. The procedure, performed during heart surgery, added less than 10 minutes to the operation and demonstrated long-term safety.
A large international study led by McMaster University found that removing the left atrial appendage significantly cuts the risk of strokes by more than one-third in patients with atrial fibrillation. The procedure is simple, quick, and safe for the majority of heart surgery patients with this condition.
The conference presents novel findings on associations between physical activity and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease, as well as the effect of loneliness on lifestyle modification in heart patients. Experts share top tips on supporting behavior change and motivating patients to maintain self-care.
A small study published in Circulation Journal found that most college athletes with COVID-19 had mild symptoms and no cardiac complications. Despite initial concerns, the study suggests an approach to cardiac screening guided by patient symptoms and severity of COVID illness.
Scientists at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus discovered that intense light can enhance the expression of the ANGPTL4 gene, which regulates fatty lipids in plasma. This could lead to a new tool for safely blocking the gene and reducing cardiovascular risk.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that people with prediabetes are at a significantly higher risk of heart attacks and strokes compared to those with normal blood sugar levels. The researchers suggest that preventing prediabetes from the start may be the best approach, rather than just focusing on preventing diabetes.
A new study has successfully performed heart transplants using donation after cardiac death with normothermic regional perfusion, increasing cardiac allograft availability by 20-30%. The procedure allows for immediate reperfusion and assessment of the heart prior to transplantation, improving outcomes for patients.
A new international registry analysis reveals benefits of using longer covered stents for interventional procedures in congenital heart disease patients. The study found that these longer stents significantly reduce the need for additional stents and minimize procedural risk factors, potentially replacing open-heart surgery.
Researchers describe a rare case of atrial flutter followed by supraventricular tachycardia in a newborn with Turner syndrome. The study highlights the need for early and precise investigation of cardiovascular rhythm disorders in infants and children with Turner syndrome.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati discovered that some BPA-free drinking bottles can contain traces of BPA, a chemical linked to heart health issues. The study found that multiple cycles through the dishwasher effectively removes BPA from these bottles.
A new digital decision-aiding tool, ASSIST, has been developed to help physicians choose between non-invasive diagnostic tests for patients with chest pain. The tool uses machine learning techniques to identify the most appropriate imaging test based on patient characteristics.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data between 2012 and 2018 found that TAVR hospital programs are predominantly located in metropolitan areas serving patients with higher socioeconomic status. As a result, the study reveals inequitable access to TAVR programs for non-metropolitan or lower-income areas across the country.
A new study shows that a potassium ferrate hemostatic patch reduces the time to hemostasis after cardiac catherization, making it safer and faster to remove compression bands. This finding has the potential to change practice and enable same-day discharge protocols for patients.
A new study reveals a significant increase in heart attack survival rates for patients treated with a standardized protocol for cardiogenic shock. The National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative, led by Henry Ford Hospital, demonstrated a 71% survival rate in patients whose hearts were unable to pump enough blood during a heart attack.
A comprehensive meta-analysis found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was associated with a significantly increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disorder. The study included over 50,000 patients and suggested that fish oil supplements should be used cautiously in individuals at elevated cardiovascular risk.
Two new studies provide new insights for treating cardiogenic shock, a rare and life-threatening condition where the heart stops pumping enough blood. The studies confirm the accuracy of the SCAI shock stage classification system and show that early use of mechanical circulatory support improves patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered that annual foot assessments can detect atrial fibrillation in patients with diabetes. The condition is found in approximately 17% of patients with diabetes, increasing stroke risk by five times.
Atrial fibrillation affects over 40 million people globally, increasing risks of stroke, heart failure, and dementia. Quality indicators developed by global experts will help institutions assess adherence to clinical practice guidelines, leading to improved care for patients with atrial fibrillation.
A new smartphone-based ECG screening has accurately detected previously unknown atrial fibrillation in American Indians. The study found that more than half of diagnosed cases were younger than the recommended age of 65, highlighting the need for earlier screening and treatment.
The American Heart Association recommends prioritizing good oral hygiene and regular dental care over antibiotics for preventing heart infections caused by mouth bacteria. Patients with certain conditions, such as prosthetic heart valves or congenital heart disease, are at higher risk of developing these infections.
Researchers created synthetic hearts using statistical shape analysis to identify how heart shape relates to function. The study included 1000 new synthetic hearts made open access for testing and analysis.
Researchers discovered that higher levels of HDL cholesterol with improved anti-inflammatory capacity are associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events. The study suggests that adding this measure to risk scores may improve heart disease prediction and patient protection.
A recent University of Guelph study found that early cannabis use may be linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease. The research, which analyzed data from 35 young subjects aged 19-30, revealed subtle but potentially important changes in heart and artery function among cannabis users.
Research supports health benefits of breastfeeding by linking it to lower visceral and pericardial fat volumes. Lactation duration is associated with a 50% lower relative risk of progression to Type 2 diabetes in women, independent of their metabolic profiles and body size before pregnancy.
A medical records study revealed that infant cardiac surgery may be associated with increased hypertension in adulthood. Despite restored healthy heart function post-surgery within 10 years of birth, the study found a potential link between childhood CHD repair and high blood pressure later in life.
A large study of over 100,000 adults found that leisure time physical activity was associated with a 26-40% reduced risk of death, while work activity had the opposite effect. The researchers suggest that occupational activities often do not sufficiently increase heart rate to improve fitness and may even increase blood pressure.
Researchers found that patients with medical risk factors or from underserved communities opted for telehealth appointments, which led to fewer diagnostic tests and medications. Despite the benefits of increased access to care, researchers note potential pitfalls and plan to examine patient outcomes.
Scientists at Temple University and Case Western Reserve University will explore the role of nitric oxide in controlling the beta-adrenergic receptor system, a key player in heart function. The insights gained could lead to new therapies for congestive heart failure.
A new surgical approach at Mayo Clinic has shown promising results in reducing antibody-mediated rejection in highly sensitized patients. The reverse-order heart-liver transplant procedure involves transplanting the liver first, followed by the heart, and has been successful in all seven patients who underwent the procedure.
Researchers found that middle-aged adults who met both exercise and dietary guidelines had lower odds of metabolic syndrome and developing serious health conditions. Meeting the physical activity recommendations alone also reduced the risk, with participants having 51% lower odds of metabolic syndrome.
The EHRA Congress explores the latest practice-changing research in heart rhythm disorders, with a focus on digital technologies, arrhythmias, and cardiac devices. Season of birth affects health, weight loss after atrial fibrillation treatment can stop arrhythmia, and remote monitoring promotes patient empowerment.
A team of researchers led by Professor Alexander Meyer has created an early warning system for intensive care units (ICUs) using big data and artificial intelligence. The system predicts postoperative bleeding and acute kidney injury with high accuracy, allowing timely interventions to save lives.
Physicians report various symptoms, including chest pain, arrhythmias, and organ damage, in COVID-19 patients experiencing lingering effects. The experts emphasize the need for dedicated 'COVID-19 clinics' to provide longitudinal care.
Research reveals COVID-19 patients are at a higher risk of stroke, particularly those with high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or irregular heartbeat. The analysis of over 20,000 patients found that Black Americans may have a higher risk of ischemic stroke after contracting the virus.
A new study by scientists at Temple University identifies a promising novel therapeutic strategy targeting G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) in the heart. Reducing GRK5 levels improves survival following heart attack in mice, suggesting that GRK5 inhibition may be a viable treatment option for human patients.
Researchers found that impaired microRNAs, particularly miR-30c, are responsible for the ineffective function of stem cells in diabetic hearts. Increasing miR-30c levels in the heart improves stem cell survival and growth, offering a novel therapy for treating type-2 diabetic heart disease
A recent study found that even small differences in blood pressure measurements between arms can lead to incorrect diagnoses in children. The research involved 118 participants aged 7-18 years and showed that one in four healthy children had an inter-arm difference that could lead to misdiagnosis.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new AI system that can track individual heartbeats using smart speakers. The system sends inaudible sounds and uses machine learning to identify signals from both regular and irregular heartbeats, achieving accuracy comparable to standard heartbeat monitors.
Research by Queen Mary University of London found that people with pre-existing unhealthy heart structures and poorer functioning hearts are more likely to test positive for COVID-19. The study, which used the UK Biobank database, suggests that these relationships may be linked to a higher risk of subsequent COVID-19.
A high fat diet has been found to activate a response in the heart that leads to destructive growth and increased risk of heart attacks. The research, published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, found that mice fed a high fat diet had twice the amount of oxidative stress on their heart cells.
Research published in the American Heart Association's Circulation journal reveals that consuming 2 fruit and 3 vegetable servings daily may be the optimal amount for a longer life. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables help reduce risk of chronic health conditions.