Articles tagged with Heart
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at Tufts University developed a microfluidic chip that mimics hypoxic conditions following a heart attack, allowing for observation of cardiac cell behavior. The device provides information on the electrophysiological effects of ischemia and could be applied to future drug development.
Researchers found a strong association between extreme temperatures and increased cardiovascular deaths in Kuwait. The study suggests that populations in hotter regions may be more vulnerable to heat-related cardiovascular deaths due to the effects of rising temperatures on the body.
A team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking 'cardiac patch with bioink' to repair heart damage. The patch uses genetically engineered stem cells and 3D bioprinting technology to enhance vascular regeneration and improve myocardiocyte survival. The innovative method has shown promising results in treating myocardial infarction.
A randomized trial found no survival difference in patients treated with intravenous sodium nitrite during resuscitation. Despite previous promising animal studies and a first-in-human clinical trial, the study showed no benefit in improving hospital admission or discharge rates.
Researchers at Columbia University have used Electromechanical Wave Imaging (EWI) to localize cardiac arrhythmias more accurately than 12-lead ECGs alone, providing 3D visualization for easier anatomical location. The technique achieved a correct prediction rate of 96% compared to 71% for ECG.
The Mayo Clinic has provided guidance on how to use ECGs to monitor patients at risk of drug-induced sudden cardiac death due to COVID-19. The guidelines aim to minimize the chance of fatal arrhythmias, particularly for patients taking antimalarial drugs like hydroxychloroquine.
Dr. Emelia J. Benjamin, a renowned researcher and educator, has been recognized with the Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine Diversity Award for her tireless efforts to promote ethnic, racial, and gender diversity within Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center.
A study by the American College of Cardiology found that people who took more steps daily, as tracked by their smart watch, had lower blood pressure on average. The research used data from over 638 participants who wore an Apple Watch for about five months.
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine identified a novel way to treat Danon disease using gene therapy, adding a specially designed gene that restores LAMP2 function. The treatment improved cardiac and liver function in mice with the disease, offering a new approach beyond heart transplants.
A case report published in HeartRhythm Case Reports describes a patient whose e-cigarette caused magnetic reversion in their implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, interrupting its ability to detect heart rhythm problems. The incident highlights the importance of keeping electronic devices away from medical-grade implants.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that individuals who maintain intermediate to ideal cardiovascular health for longer periods are 33% less likely to develop hypertension and other diseases. This suggests that promoting healthy behaviors throughout life may be beneficial for reducing the risk of chronic diseases and mortality.
A large-scale analysis of electronic health record data found that 60% of patients had controlled blood pressure, but only 12% received new medication when readings were high. Improving medication intensification rates could lead to significant improvements in blood pressure control.
Researchers at Florida State University have discovered new genetic variants that cause heart disease in infants, revealing novel insights into the role of a protein affecting blood pumping force. Understanding these interactions could lead to new treatments for both the specific disease and general heart disease.
Preliminary research suggests that older adults can benefit from light-intensity physical activities such as household chores or casual walking, which can lower the risk of death from any cause. In contrast, sedentary time is associated with a higher risk of dying.
Researchers found that consuming more than half a tablespoon of olive oil per day was associated with a 15% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 21% lower risk of coronary heart disease. Replacing butter, margarine, or dairy fat with olive oil also showed significant health benefits.
Researchers used PET myocardial perfusion imaging to quantify myocardial blood flow and flow reserve, successfully detecting cardiac allograft vasculopathy and predicting prognosis. The study found MFR had higher accuracy in predicting overall prognosis for cardiac transplant patients.
Researchers from King's College London develop a digital twin of the heart using computer models to improve diagnosis and prediction of future heart health. The Digital Twin can also inform daily lifestyle choices and provide early warnings for potential risks.
Preliminary research suggests that improved sleep patterns can lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases. Regular bedtimes and consistent sleep duration can also lead to healthier body weights.
An international team of researchers has identified genes related to cardiorespiratory function during acute periodic breathing, a condition that occurs in most humans at high altitudes. The study found that genetic variants affecting the response to insufficient oxygen impact the coordination between heart and lung functions.
For most people, moderate to vigorous physical activity is beneficial to overall cardiovascular health. However, intense exercise programs like marathons and triathlons can raise the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, or heart attacks, particularly in inactive individuals with known or undiagnosed heart disease.
Research suggests that conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors are not associated with menopause age, but estrogen loss does compromise heart health. Women should be given hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent this harm, according to specialists in a linked editorial.
Researchers identified a unique collection of gut bacteria associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), predicting its presence with 83% accuracy. This discovery may lead to new therapies targeting the digestive system and improving PAH diagnosis.
Researchers developed a wirelessly powered, leadless pacemaker that can synchronize both sides of the heart, reducing complications associated with traditional pacemakers. The device has shown impressive clinical outcomes measures and is being further miniaturized for implantable use.
A new study led by pediatric cardiologist Brett Anderson aims to uncover the reasons behind health inequities in poor children who undergo heart surgery. The research will analyze data from 11 hospitals across New York state to identify mechanisms driving disparities in outcomes.