Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
A study of over 11,000 middle-aged male African American veterans found that higher fitness levels reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation by 30-50%. The research suggests engaging in physical activity can be an effective preventive measure for cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2020 found that U.S.-born Black women have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia compared to Black women who immigrated to the country. The study analyzed data from nearly 4,000 Black women in Boston and found that foreign-born Black women had a 26% low...
Researchers found a significant association between ozone levels and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with a 1% increased risk for every 12 parts per billion increase in ozone. The study also showed that the relationship was present even at concentrations below the EPA air quality standard.
A study found that consuming chili pepper was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality, including a 26% relative reduction in cardiovascular mortality. Researchers analyzed data from over 570,000 individuals and found significant reductions in all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality rates.
A study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter found a significantly higher risk of death and ICU mortality. However, meta-analyses examining the effect of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors on COVID-19 outcomes showed no increased risk of contracting COVID-19 or dying from the illness.
A 12-week standing intervention program significantly reduced sitting time and increased standing time among overweight, sedentary Latinas. The program, tailored to cultural and family-oriented aspects of Latino communities, resulted in an average reduction of 71 minutes daily sitting and an increase of nearly 50 minutes per day standing.
Dr. Ann Marie Schmidt has made critical contributions to understanding the connections between heart disease and diabetes through her discovery of the RAGE receptor. Her work aims to develop targeted treatments for obesity and its complications, with the potential to impact hundreds of millions of lives worldwide.
Dr. Michelle A. Albert is recognized for her groundbreaking research on cardiovascular population research, addressing social determinants of health and health disparities in vulnerable populations. Her work aims to improve cardiovascular health and reduce health inequities globally.
Dr. Nanette K. Wenger is being recognized for her long-term record of successful teaching and mentoring of the next generation of faculty researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals. Her work has significantly improved patient outcomes, particularly in women's heart health.
Researchers have developed AI algorithms to decipher waveform bio signals from the heart and brain, identifying individuals at risk for cardiovascular death. By analyzing these signals during sleep, they can detect hidden signatures indicating homeostatic imbalance or early onset of potentially fatal diseases.
A UConn researcher has identified a suite of genes and regulatory elements critical to normal heart development using genome science technology. The study found over 100,000 regulatory sequences active during human heart development, including more than 13,000 that had never been annotated as active before.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that people doing hard physical work have a 55-per cent higher risk of developing dementia. Despite previous findings suggesting physical activity reduces dementia risk, this study highlights the importance of 'good' form of physical activity.
Researchers report a promising emerging treatment that combines medications with temporary use of an artificial heart pump to reverse structural damage in the heart. In a multicenter study, 40 advanced heart failure patients were treated with this protocol, resulting in high rates of LVAD removal and improved cardiovascular health.
A collaborative team developed an organs-on-a-chip system to monitor heart toxicity from breast cancer drugs. The dual-organ system closely mimics bodily tissues and provides evidence that the interplay between the heart and breast cancer tissues influences cell function and disease progression.
A study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging demonstrates the safety of performing MRI exams in patients with non-MR compatible cardiac devices, including those who are pacemaker-dependent or have abandoned leads. The results showed no adverse events and improved diagnosis and treatment plans for patients.
A new imaging technique has been developed that allows scientists to study the tiny details of a whole animal heart in 3D. This technique may lead to new insights into congenital heart disease and improve survival rates for people born with heart defects. The study reveals structural differences between healthy and defective heart cell...
A new research letter found that clinicians gave more patients temporary mechanical pumps under the new policy, moving them up the transplant list. This could lead to a higher likelihood of prioritizing male patients over females.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the complex relationship between the virus and cardiovascular health. Researchers discuss the emergence of a new cardiometabolic syndrome composed of abnormal adiposity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.
Research suggests that individuals born with high birth weights may be at higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation later in life. A study found that participants with a birth weight 482 grams above the average were 30% more likely to develop the heart rhythm disorder. The researchers recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle and payi...
The OPTIMIZE trial found that the new stent did not meet non-inferiority criteria due to high TVMI rates from high-sensitivity troponin biomarkers. However, independent analyses demonstrate non-inferiority with comparable relative non-inferiority margin, suggesting potential for improved clinical outcomes
OnSight Medical's AI-based software provides real-time expert-level scans with high-quality 4D images, enhancing access to cardiac ultrasound in underserved populations. The company won the TCT Connect 2020 Shark Tank Innovation Competition and received a $200,000 award from the Jon DeHaan Foundation.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that more than two-thirds of heart disease deaths worldwide can be prevented through healthier diets. The analysis of global data from 195 countries revealed that unhealthy eating, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are major contributors to ischaemic heart disease.
The REFLECT II trial evaluated the safety and effectiveness of TriGuard 3, a self-stabilizing cerebral embolic deflection filter, in patients undergoing TAVR. The device met the primary safety endpoint, but did not demonstrate superiority for reducing ischemic stroke or larger lesions.
A new self-expanding bioprosthetic valve used in TAVR failed to demonstrate non-inferiority compared to an existing valve. The SCOPE II Trial found increased rates of cardiac death and moderate-severe aortic regurgitation with the new valve.
Researchers studied aortic dissections in pregnant women, finding 19% associated with pregnancy and increased risk of Type A dissections. The study highlights the importance of careful monitoring of cardiac conditions during pregnancy.
A study published in Circulation journal reveals that a specific population of cardiac fibroblasts, called Reparative Cardiac Fibroblasts (RCF), play a crucial role in repairing damaged heart tissue after a myocardial infarction. The RCF cells produce a protein called CTHRC1, which is essential for the healing process.
The American College of Cardiology has announced the Hani Najm Global Scholar Awards, allowing two early career cardiologists to train in the US for four weeks. The awards are part of the ACC's Campaign for the Future, aiming to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease worldwide.
A mathematical model reveals human spaceflight reduces exercise tolerance and ages astronauts' hearts, with features similar to accelerated aging. Understanding 0G configuration is crucial for ensuring astronaut health in future missions to the Moon and Mars.
Scientists have overcome obstacles to cardiac xenotransplantation using genetic engineering and drug development, enabling the successful transplantation of pig hearts into baboons. The technology could help prolong and save countless human lives by solving the chronic shortage of donor organs.
A new approach helps paramedics identify patients at high risk for adverse cardiac events using a modified HEART Pathway, which includes measurement of troponin levels. This allows for faster and more focused care for patients who need specific cardiac treatment.
A study found that psychosocial resilience is positively associated with cardiovascular health among Black adults, independent of neighborhood context. Higher psychosocial resilience scores were linked to a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, even in neighborhoods with high rates of heart disease and stroke.
A team of Penn researchers has received a $3.2 million grant to develop an AI-powered system that can accurately predict the likelihood of cardiac patients accepting or rejecting a new heart. The project aims to reduce rejection rates and improve patient outcomes by analyzing cardiac biopsy tissue images.
Researchers at King's College London have developed a new method for detecting congenital heart disease in babies, using 4D visualizations of the heart to measure blood flow and vessel function. This technology could become a new tool for aiding diagnosis, potentially improving outcomes for babies born with the condition.
A new study published in JAMA Cardiology found that 30,000 out of every 100,000 stress tests performed each year were unnecessary for patients undergoing knee and hip replacement surgeries. Despite a decrease in overall stress testing since 2006, the study highlights the need for educational initiatives to improve the utilization of me...
A new electronic stent design is being developed to continuously monitor coronary artery disease in real-time, providing a unique solution to prevent restenosis. The device will offer long-term monitoring capabilities without the need for frequent follow-up visits.
A recent study published in Circulation: Heart Failure found that women aged 18-55 receiving aggressive care for heart attacks with cardiogenic shock had significantly lower survival rates compared to men. The study revealed disparities in treatment, including reduced use of coronary angiography and mechanical pump therapy.
Scientists have documented all cell types and genes in healthy human hearts, paving the way for targeted treatments. This single-cell atlas will help understand heart disease and develop new therapies by correcting genetic mutations.
A study published by the European Society of Cardiology found that short-term hydroxychloroquine treatment did not cause lethal heart rhythms in COVID-19 patients who were at risk for this complication. The research showed a low rate of arrhythmias, with none associated with hydroxychloroquine use.
A new study suggests that people with surgically repaired ventricular septal defects have worse functional exercise capacity than those without the defect, and this difference worsens with age. The findings highlight the importance of follow-up care and exercise testing for adults with congenital heart disease.
A new study at Yale New Haven Hospital found that a more aggressive selection process for donor hearts and transplant recipients can significantly shorten waiting periods for heart patients, from 242 days to 41 days. Patient survival rates remained nearly unchanged, with improvements in patient outcomes.
The new virtual echocardiography screening tool (VEST) uses initial screening data from echocardiography to accurately diagnose pulmonary hypertension. VEST enables physicians to quickly evaluate patients for the condition by searching for routine key measures in echocardiogram reports, facilitating early recognition and timely treatment.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that people with atrial fibrillation have a 1.2-fold higher risk of stroke when exposed to greater levels of pollution. The study, which included neighborhood-specific pollution data, emphasizes the importance of air pollution alerts in advising the ...
A study of 26,000 heart transplants found that patients receiving hearts from severely obese donors had similar short-term and long-term outcomes as those receiving hearts from non-obese donors. The research has the potential to expand the critically low donor pool by increasing the number of obese donors.
A collaborative study by Masonic Medical Research Institute and leading institutions reveals a comprehensive map of the human heart's cellular diversity. The findings provide valuable knowledge gaps about heart composition and function, shedding light on genetic risk factors for cardiac health.
Common medications can cause arrhythmias, which can lead to symptoms like tachycardia or bradycardia. Healthcare professionals should monitor patients for risk factors and adjust medication dosages accordingly.
A recent study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging Journal found that biologic therapy for psoriasis can significantly reduce high-risk plaque in heart arteries over a one-year period. The treatment was associated with an 8% reduction in coronary plaque, similar to the benefits of statin therapy.
A study published in Cell reveals a previously unknown mechanism for the heart's waste removal, highlighting the critical role of macrophages in maintaining cardiac health. The discovery suggests that cardiac dysfunction may arise from defects in immune cells rather than cardiomyocytes.
A new bioengineering technique called CardioCluster has shown promise in improving heart function after a heart attack by reducing scar tissue. The clusters of mesenchymal stem cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and cardiac interstitial cells persist in the heart walls for up to five months.
A survey of healthcare professionals found that many rely on manual blood pressure measurements and outdated criteria for diagnosis, contradicting current guidelines. Using automated office blood pressure monitors may not be optimal for determining new cases of hypertension.
Researchers used AI to analyze stool samples from over 1,000 individuals, identifying clusters of bacteria that could indicate existing or non-existent cardiovascular disease. The study suggests fecal microbiota composition could serve as a convenient diagnostic screening method for CVD.
A new study reveals that the percentage of US adults with controlled high blood pressure has declined by 11% between 2017-2018 and 2013-2014. The decline is attributed to less effective use of blood pressure medication and management, particularly among older adults.
A new wearable device could accurately assess blood loss due to hemorrhage using seismic vibrations and electrical signals from the heart. The device would provide a numerical score indicating the severity of cardiovascular system performance, helping first responders make life-saving decisions.
The ESC guidelines recommend imaging to identify underlying causes of heart attacks, including blood vessel tears. Treatment involves restoring blood flow with stents and blood thinners, as well as lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and exercise.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends an individualized care plan for patients with atrial fibrillation, incorporating symptom management, cardiovascular optimization, and lifestyle modifications. Patients should be informed about the implications of detecting atrial fibrillation and receive treatment to prevent stroke.
Adults with congenital heart disease require lifelong management, including regular appointments, pregnancy planning, and exercise recommendations. The ESC guidelines provide guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and support to help these individuals lead normal lives.
A small pilot study found that treating gout with probenecid improves heart function and exercise performance in children with a specific type of heart defect. The study suggests that repurposing this medicine to treat heart problems in these patients may be effective without adverse effects.
Researchers found yoga significantly improves symptoms and episodes of atrial fibrillation in heart patients. Yoga also shows benefits in anxiety, depression, and daily activities, with notable reductions in blood pressure.
A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging found that coronary calcium scores are a better predictor of future heart attacks than strokes, with similar findings across sex and racial groups. The amount of calcified plaque in the heart's arteries was twice as risky for heart attacks as it was for strokes.
Researchers at Boston University School of Public Health found a decline in atrial fibrillation-related deaths over the last 45 years. Despite this improvement, the condition remains associated with a significant gap in life expectancy compared to individuals without atrial fibrillation.
A home monitoring program improves infant survival rates and weight gain for babies with single ventricle heart defects. The program helps recognize potential complications early and provides caregiver training to improve outcomes.