Articles tagged with Heart
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
Research published in ESC Heart Failure suggests that pupil area can predict prognosis in patients with heart failure. Patients with a small pupil area were found to have a significantly poorer survival rate and higher risk of readmission for heart failure compared to those with a large pupil area.
A new CT scanning method developed by researchers from Aarhus University and University of Leicester has shown how the chest and abdominal region of a deceased person move during simulated heart massage. This detailed information can help clarify important physiological mechanisms and improve resuscitation techniques.
Researchers used computational modeling to visualize heart valve implant behavior for the first time, revealing that thinner biological tissues can induce leaflet flutter, compromising durability and causing blood cell damage. This study builds upon decades of research and showcases the importance of supercomputing power in improving s...
A new study found that while overall US cardiac death rates declined between 1999 and 2017, the pace of decline slowed significantly since 2011. County-level disparities in premature cardiac deaths have grown, with out-of-hospital deaths increasing and socioeconomic factors playing a key role.
Researchers found that pairing bariatric surgery with LVAD heart surgery improved the eligibility of previously ineligible patients for heart transplants. After a year, 66% of patients met listing requirements and 33% received transplants.
Research shows that patients under 54 hospitalized for arrhythmia who also abuse alcohol are 72% more likely to die before discharge. The study highlights the need for integrated care models to address problematic alcohol use and improve patient outcomes.
Research published at the American Heart Association's Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2020 Scientific Sessions found that weight loss is not always the best strategy to enhance aerobic fitness in young women. In fact, a lower body mass index (BMI) may be aerobically counterproductive for many women under 30, who still have high aerobic ...
The number of heart transplants performed nationwide dropped 26% during the height of the pandemic compared to the prior 8 weeks. This decline occurred across regions and was similar to other health concerns like ICU bed availability.
Researchers found that regular physical activity is a safe approach for people living in polluted regions to prevent high blood pressure. High blood pressure risk increased with higher levels of air pollution, but each increase in physical activity level led to a lower risk.
Researchers developed a new use for a common blood test to adjust T3 dosage, suggesting improved cardiac function and reversal of heart failure genes. The study suggests that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels can be used to titrate T3 required, providing a potentially life-saving treatment for heart failure.
Researchers used single-nucleus sequencing to investigate COVID-19's effects on the heart, discovering that the SARS-CoV-2 receptor is upregulated in patients with pre-existing cardiac conditions only in cardiomyocytes. The study also found no significant impact of hypertension medications on ACE2 levels.
Researchers discovered that quercetin in pickled capers regulates proteins controlling bodily processes like heartbeat, thought, and muscular contraction. The study may lead to future therapies for epilepsy and abnormal heart rhythms.
Researchers found that brain activity and perception of sensory stimuli change with the cardiac cycle, suppressing heartbeat perception but affecting other stimuli perception. The study may provide insight into anxiety conditions associated with heart rate changes.
Researchers found that hyperactive immune cells aggravate heart valve disease by activating harmful inflammation due to shear stress. The study identified a potential drug target, Piezo-1, and showed that replacing the aortic valve has an anti-inflammatory effect.
A new mapping approach based on near-infrared spectroscopy distinguishes between fat and muscle tissue in the heart, improving delivery and monitoring of ablation therapy. This could lead to increased efficacy and reduced complications for ventricular tachycardia patients.
Researchers have discovered a crucial connection between calcium, energy production, and cardiolipin in heart muscles affected by Barth syndrome. This understanding may lead to new insights into the disease's symptoms and treatment options.
A new study confirms that toxic metallic air pollution nanoparticles are getting inside the crucial energy-producing structures within the hearts of people living in polluted cities, causing cardiac stress. The researchers found iron-rich nanoparticles inside the damaged heart cells of a 26-year-old and even a three-year-old toddler.
Between 2007 and 2016, standardized hospitalization rates declined for coronary artery and vascular disease, heart rhythm disorders, stroke, and heart failure. However, there were notable increases for acquired valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, and vascular cognitive impairment.
Researchers from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have developed a method to observe excitation waves in heart tissue without the need for fluorescent dyes. This approach allows for more independent results, is cheaper, and can be used for longer observations than conventional methods.
Cardiology researchers from San Diego State University found that the protein MANF acts as a regulator, minimizing damage after a heart attack. The discovery could lead to the administration of MANF as a drug in ambulances to reduce damage and improve recovery rates.
A new study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal found that people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes who develop heart failure have the highest 5-year risk of death, three times higher than those without heart or kidney disease. Researchers also identified patients with cardiovascular or kidney disea...
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that critically ill COVID-19 patients are 10 times more likely to develop cardiac arrhythmias than other hospitalized patients. The researchers suggest that systemic illness, rather than the viral infection itself, is a primary trigger for these cardiac problems.
A 84-year-old woman with breast cancer and controlled hypertension developed a life-threatening arrhythmia after chloroquine treatment, resolving after discontinuation. The case highlights the risks of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes in patients treated with chloroquine for COVID-19.
Dr. Koch's work on G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) has led to breakthrough discoveries about heart function and their role in cardiac injury and heart failure. His ongoing research focuses on developing GRK inhibitors for potential gene therapy treatment.