Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
A new study found that nearly 10% of patients prescribed opioid medications following heart surgery will continue to use them more than 90 days after the procedure. The study also revealed a direct link between the dosage of opioids first prescribed and the likelihood of persistent opioid use.
A new heart box method has shown clear signs of improvement in preserving and transporting donated hearts, reducing the risk of complications. The method enables longer preservation times, which could lead to more opportunities for transplants, including international flights.
Researchers investigate the link between a genetic variant and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in African Americans during COVID-19. They recommend careful monitoring and research into potential treatments to protect at-risk individuals.
A new international consensus statement outlines the best way to identify people at risk of developing common and devastating heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachyarrhythmia. The guidelines focus on accurate risk assessment to enable earlier diagnosis and intervention with lifestyle changes or medi...
A recent study from Iowa State University has uncovered a link between liver and heart disease, with researchers finding that liver dysfunction can contribute to the deterioration of the heart. The study, published in Nature Communications, focuses on the role of peroxisomes in regulating lipid metabolic processes and detoxification.
Researchers from the University of Nottingham found a rare bone in the hearts of wild chimpanzees, measuring only a few millimeters in size. This discovery could help advance the understanding and management of cardiovascular disease in these endangered animals.
A study of 13 black male heart transplant patients with COVID-19 reveals higher rates of mortality and critical illness compared to non-transplant recipients. The researchers call for further research on racial and gender disparities in COVID-19 and its management in immunosuppressed patients.
A University of Cincinnati cardiologist is conducting an observational study to understand why some patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) have better outcomes than others. The researcher aims to identify biomarkers that predict short- and long-term clinical outcomes and find ways to reduce bleeding risks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant reduction in cardiac surgeries worldwide, with an average of 50-75% decrease in procedures. Hospitals are now working to resume operations while protecting patients and staff from SARS-CoV-2. Experts have developed recommendations for safely resuming cardiac surgery activity.
A team of researchers has developed a comprehensive 3D map of the rat heart's intrinsic cardiac nervous system, allowing for precise study of its structure and function. This breakthrough could lead to better treatments for severe heart disease and advancements in bioelectronic medicine.
A study found that higher spirituality in stroke survivors was associated with better quality of life, even when caregivers reported depression. Spirituality played a protective role in illness, and its importance should be recognized by health professionals.
A fatal case of Lyme carditis in a previously healthy man illustrates the challenges of diagnosing Lyme disease. Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial to prevent complications, especially in patients presenting with heart palpitations or atrioventricular block.
A large-scale study has identified more than 200 genetic factors associated with heart arrhythmias, a common form of heart disease. The research, involving nearly 300,000 individuals, sheds light on the complex interplay between genetics and electrical activity in the heart.
A study at Bar-Ilan University found that group drumming fosters both behavioral and physiological synchronization among participants. This synchronization enhances cohesion, predicts a heightened sense of group bonding, and even improves performance in subsequent group tasks.
A new study found that treatment with antibodies and steroids restored heart function in most children with COVID-19-related multi-system inflammatory syndrome. The majority of patients recovered quickly with intravenous immune globulin and adjunctive steroid therapy, suggesting a promising approach to managing this condition.
Researchers will collect data from over 300 COVID-19 patients and use it to train an algorithm that predicts adverse cardiac events. The goal is to create a predictive risk score that can determine up to 24 hours ahead of time which patients are at risk of developing heart problems.
A WVU study found that extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be life-saving for some critically ill COVID-19 patients, particularly those with lung dysfunction. However, older patients with pre-existing conditions and heart function impairment may not benefit from ECMO treatment.
A federal program that provides financial payments for monitoring and reducing cardiovascular risk in high-risk patients has led to intensified treatment. As part of the Million Hearts Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Model, healthcare providers assessed patient risk and prescribed cholesterol-lowering and blood pressure-lowering ...
Researchers found a significant association between coronary artery calcium and changes in the left ventricular mass index and aortic root diameter. This suggests that higher calcium scores may be linked to potential adverse effects on heart function, emphasizing the need for a healthy lifestyle to prevent calcification of arteries.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are investigating how COVID-19 affects heart cells, with half of ICU patients showing heart damage. The team aims to understand the virus's mechanism and develop diagnostic tests for COVID-19-related heart injury.
A genetic study found a strong association between higher alcohol consumption and increased risk of stroke and peripheral artery disease. The study used Mendelian randomization to identify genetic variants associated with these conditions, suggesting that blood pressure may be the underlying mechanism.
Researchers developed an AI tool to automatically diagnose atrial fibrillation and five common ECG abnormalities, comparable to human diagnosis. The AI was trained on a large database of manually diagnosed ECGs and shows great potential for improved cardiovascular care in low-income countries.
A new study published in Heart Rhythm found that incorporating electrocardiogram (ECG) screenings into college athletes' pre-participation physical exams can detect cardiac conditions six times more effectively than physical exams alone. The study also showed improved cost efficiency per diagnosis, reducing costs by five-fold.
A new statement emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing cardiovascular disease during pregnancy. Cardio-obstetrics teams comprehensively manage cardiovascular conditions, reducing pregnancy-related deaths and improving maternal outcomes.
The American Heart Association has funded 12 institutions to study cardiovascular/cerebrovascular correlations with COVID-19. Researchers will investigate various aspects of the virus's impact on the body, including clotting complications, cardiomyopathy treatment and mortality risk.
Two new AHA statements emphasize the impact of social determinants on heart failure outcomes and caregiver demands. The statements advocate for an interprofessional healthcare team to address non-medical barriers, while also identifying challenges faced by unpaid family caregivers who serve as primary support.
The American Academy of Neurology recommends considering PFO closure for some people under age 60 who have had a stroke without other possible causes identified, to reduce the risk of future strokes better than medication alone. The procedure can safely be performed for those with no other higher risk cause of stroke.
Researchers found that brain activity changes with heartbeat, suppressing certain components associated with consciousness during systole, leading to reduced detection of weak stimuli. Additionally, a large heartbeat-evoked potential indicates focus on internal bodily signals over external environmental cues.
Researchers Vera Tiesler and Guilhem Olivier examine the techniques and devices used in human heart extractions, shedding light on the relationship between ritual violence and cosmological interpretations. Their study reveals three distinct extraction methods and provides a framework for analyzing sacrificial rituals in other ancient s...
Zebrafish can regenerate their hearts after cardiac arrest due to faster and more complete scar tissue healing than other animals. A UTA engineer is using an EKG jacket and super-resolution microscope to study this phenomenon and its potential applications for human heart attack treatment.
A new study from Johns Hopkins University proves the feasibility of using photoacoustic imaging for medical procedures, offering a potential replacement for current radiation-based methods. The technique involves using light and sound to produce images without ionizing radiation.
UC Davis researchers developed a computer model to screen drugs for unintended cardiac side effects, especially arrhythmia risk. The model uses a drug's chemical formula to predict its impact on heart rhythm and has been validated with comparisons to clinical data from electrocardiogram results of patients.
Researchers developed an off-the-shelf artificial cardiac patch that improves cardiac repair after myocardial infarction in rats and pigs, reducing scarring and boosting cardiac function. The patch is cell-free, easy to store, and offers a clinically feasible alternative to traditional cell-based cardiac patches.
A recent study has revealed that cardiac myosin, a prevalent protein in the heart, can cause blood to thicken or clot during a heart attack, worsening damage to heart tissue. Researchers are now working on creating a therapeutic compound to target this protein's procoagulant activity.
Researchers have developed an atomic magnetometer that can map the electrical conductivity of the human heart with high resolution. This technology has the potential to diagnose diseases such as atrial fibrillation without invasive procedures.
A new quantum technology developed by UCL researchers could revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF), a serious heart condition. The technology uses quantum sensors to map the electrical conductivity of the heart in 2D, identifying anomalies where the heart is misfiring.