Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
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.
A study by Scripps Research Institute found that resting heart rates vary widely between individuals, with norms differing by up to 70 beats per minute. Despite this variability, rest heart rate remains relatively consistent over time, holding potential for early detection of health changes.
A new analysis from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) finds that heart disease risk increases significantly as women enter menopause, with arterial stiffness rising by up to 7.5% within a year before and after the last menstrual period.
A clinical trial found that IV drugs can rapidly restore normal heart rhythm in patients with acute atrial fibrillation without sedation or shocks. The study showed that both drug-shock strategies were equally good at restoring normal heart rhythm and getting patients home the same day.
A new study published in NEJM compares minimally invasive TAVR to traditional open-heart surgery and finds no statistically significant difference in mortality or disabling stroke rates. The study, involving over 2,000 patients, also shows improvements in disease-specific quality-of-life measures.
The American Heart Association's 2030 Impact Goals aim to increase healthy life expectancy globally, with targets of 67 years by 2030. Despite positive trends in cardiovascular health, the US faces challenges such as obesity and inadequate physical activity among youth.
Sir Magdi Habib Yacoub has been honored with the 2020 Earl Bakken Scientific Achievement Award for his pioneering work in heart-lung transplantation and cardiothoracic surgery. He has performed over 2,500 heart transplants and 20,000 heart operations, transforming small hospitals into major transplant programs.
A ClinGen panel validated three genes associated with long QT syndrome, disputing nine other genes linked to the condition. The study highlights the need for critical evaluation of gene-disease associations to prevent patient harm.
A University of Tsukuba study reveals that histamine, a key factor in inflammation, can control the severity of cardiorenal syndrome in mice. Histamine agonist drug prevents further damage in a mouse model of cardiorenal dysfunction, showing protective changes in gene expression.
Patients who undergo open heart surgery can be discharged in 3 days without increased risk of complications, according to a recent study. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs aim to improve patient-centered care and reduce hospital stays by up to 30%.
A recent study suggests that young and middle-aged adults with aortic valve disease may be better off with open heart surgery than TAVR. The research found lower stroke rates and better patient survival with surgical aortic valve replacement compared to TAVR.
Researchers propose using prolonged breath-holding to target radiotherapy in patients with cardiac arrhythmias. The technique involves mechanical hyperventilation and is well-tolerated by patients with angina.
A new study from the Smidt Heart Institute found that women's blood vessels age faster and are more susceptible to high blood pressure earlier in life. The research highlights sex differences in cardiovascular physiology and disease, emphasizing the need for tailored treatment approaches.
A study of over 23,000 adult childhood cancer survivors found a significant decline in serious heart conditions and coronary artery disease risk since the 1970s. The decline is largely attributed to efforts to reduce toxic effects of treatment, including radiotherapy.
Researchers found that relaxin upregulates sodium channels, improving electrical signaling in the heart, and reverses age-related reductions in cell adhesion molecules. This discovery may lead to new therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disease treatment.
Scientists at Iowa State University restored much of the cardiac function in middle-aged flies, which experience many of the same heart maladies as middle-aged humans. By boosting a key genetic pathway called mTORC2, researchers almost fully restored heart function, showing promise for treating human heart disease.
A new study published in Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that many 'high-risk' donor hearts can be transplanted with similar survival rates as 'low-risk' donor hearts. The researchers, led by Dr. David Morales, used a risk-based matching system to match donors with recipients and found that the results were promising.
Fulminant myocarditis, a rare condition causing severe inflammation of the heart, is increasingly being recognized due to advancements in technology. Early recognition, circulatory support, and maintenance of end-organ function can lead to favorable outcomes for patients with fulminant myocarditis.
A cohort study found that preoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations were independently associated with vascular death or myocardial injury at 30 days after surgery. Preoperative NT-proBNP thresholds improved discrimination and risk stratification for patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.
Patients transplanted with hepatitis C-positive donor hearts had comparable outcomes after one year compared to those receiving hearts from disease-free donors. The study suggests using such hearts can expand the donor pool, reduce wait times and improve patient survival rates.
Scientists reveal key details about how sodium channels power heartbeats and respond to heart rhythm drugs. The study provides a blueprint for understanding cardiac sodium channels, revealing characteristics that distinguish them from other ion channels.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association finds that heavy drinking can cause subclinical heart damage, increasing levels of blood biomarkers associated with inflammation and cardiac wall stretch. Heavy drinkers are more likely to experience cardiovascular disease than non-problem drinkers.
A team of researchers has identified the ADAMTS19 gene as a key player in aortic valve disease, a common congenital condition affecting two percent of the population. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind the disease and could lead to more effective treatments.
The American Heart Association suggests focusing on an overall heart-healthy dietary pattern that replaces saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats to maintain healthy LDL cholesterol levels. A nutrient-rich diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Researchers have developed biologic pacemaker-like cells using stem cells from fat, offering an alternative treatment for conduction system disorders and cardiac repair after a heart attack. The new cell type can adapt to the body and respond to physiological changes, eliminating the need for regular maintenance by a physician.
Research shows air pollution harms hearts in humans and marine species through similar mechanisms, with PM2.5 being a major contributor to increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. The study highlights the importance of reducing air pollution to protect human health.
The European Society of Cardiology reports that middle-income countries in Europe are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease, with higher mortality rates and more years lost due to CVD. The statistics highlight the need for targeted prevention policies and improved access to modern healthcare facilities.
A study of over 4,700 participants found a strong link between elevated sCD14 levels and increased risk of dementia, as well as brain atrophy and decline in executive functions. The researchers hope that sCD14 could serve as a useful biomarker for assessing cognitive decline and dementia risk.
A $1 million international study aims to develop a new therapeutic treatment for people who have suffered heart attacks with extensive cardiac damage. The project, led by UniSA Professor Janna Morrison, explores whether changing the expression of a specific molecule can repair cardiac damage.
Geriatric conditions like frailty and cognitive impairments can worsen in cardiac intensive care units, even with excellent heart care. Early mobilization and addressing polypharmacy may improve patient outcomes.
A study presented at EuroEcho 2019 found that bariatric surgery significantly improved subclinical heart function, reversing abnormal heart structure and function in obese individuals. The surgery also led to improvements in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, resulting in a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Research presented at EuroEcho 2019 found that common heart drugs may reduce cardiotoxicity in cancer patients, particularly those with breast or haematological cancer. The study suggests these medications should be considered as part of routine care for this patient group.
Changes in heart rate due to low oxygen conditions during pregnancy may predict future heart health, according to research published in the Journal of Physiology. The study used sheep models to examine the impact of chronic hypoxia on fetal heart development and identified potential markers for long-term heart disease risk.
A recent study published in Pediatric Research suggests that early use of breast milk could play a vital role in preventing heart disease in prematurely born infants. The study found that exclusively human milk-fed preterm-born adults had smaller heart chambers and relatively lower blood pressure compared to those who were formula fed.
A recent study in Nature sheds new light on heart treatment controversy by showing that stem cell therapy triggers an acute inflammatory response to enhance mechanical properties of injured areas. Injecting living or dead stem cells into the heart's infarct region provides a modest benefit to heart function after a heart attack.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham are exploring how mast cells play a role in DVT, a condition that affects tens of thousands of people in the UK each year. By studying mast cells in mice and humans, they hope to develop new medicines that can reduce the risk of bleeding while preventing the condition.
Studies on mice suggest that a neuropeptide αCGRP has beneficial effects on the heart in patients with high blood pressure. Physical activity increases αCGRP levels, which help prevent pathological heart remodeling and cardiac dysfunction. However, long-term use of αCGRP blockers may be hazardous for these patients.