Articles tagged with Heart
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 new gene therapy aims to 'switch off' genes that promote cardiovascular disease by reducing fatty material buildup in arteries. The treatment, developed at the University of Sheffield, has the potential to slow or stop the progression of heart disease.
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.
Researchers from Stanford University successfully recorded a blue whale's heart rate for the first time using an electronic sensor attached to the whale's flipper. The data suggests that the whale's heart is operating at its limit, which may explain why blue whales have never evolved to be bigger.
Researchers have identified a decrease in heart transplant survival rates following the implementation of a new donor allocation system in the US. The study found that patients receiving hearts are sicker than in previous systems, leading to an increase in post-transplant mortality.
Leslie Gonzalez, a Texas Heart Institute perfusion student, has been awarded the prestigious Perfusion Without Borders scholarship. She will travel with The Novick Cardiac Alliance to Medellin, Colombia in February 2020, gaining experience on global perfusion practices and preparing for lifelong involvement in mission work.
Emelia J. Benjamin, a renowned researcher and cardiologist, has received two prestigious awards from the American Heart Association for her significant contributions to clinical cardiology and her dedication to mentoring young investigators. She is recognized for over 600 publications and substantial NIH grant support.
A new Yale study found a clear association between neurohormonal blockade therapy and increased survival and quality of life for patients with left ventricular assist devices. The study, which analyzed over 12,000 patients, showed a 56% survival rate for those taking NHB therapy compared to 43.9% for those not on the medications.
The article covers topics such as basic and translational medicine, clinical research, and cardiovascular prevention & rehabilitation. The 30th Great Wall International Congress of Cardiology (GW-ICC) presented new concepts and technologies in cardiovascular medicine.
Critically ill patients undergoing heart stent procedures with Impella ventricular assist devices are at increased risk of bleeding, kidney problems, stroke, and death compared to those using balloon pumps. The study suggests a need for more research on the use of these devices in clinical practice.
Cardiovascular disease in women often presents differently than in men and may not be diagnosed. Barbra Streisand joins Noel Bairey Merz, director of the Women's Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai, to discuss these key differences.
A large clinical trial found that an oral drug improved exercise capacity in adolescent patients with severe single-ventricle heart defects. The treatment showed benefits in oxygen consumption and circulatory function, which may translate to better long-term outcomes for these patients.
Researchers found that cardiac catheterization patients who practiced regular intermittent fasting lived longer than those who didn't. Long-term routine fasting remained a strong predictor of better survival and lower risk of heart failure, according to the study.
A two-year trial found that chronic smokers who transition to e-cigarettes demonstrated significant improvements in vascular health within four weeks. Women experienced greater gains by switching compared to men.
A pre-clinical study suggests that bisphenol-s (BPS) and bisphenol-f (BPF), structural analogues of bisphenol-a (BPA), have less impact on heart electrical function, making them potentially safer for vulnerable populations. This finding could lead to the development of alternative medical products.
A recent study found that mitochondrial damage-associated molecular patterns (mtDAMPs) are released by DCD hearts following warm ischemia, correlating with subsequent contractile recovery. The research team aims to investigate the role of mtDAMPs in inflammatory responses and recovery of contractile function in cardiac grafts.
Researchers found increased variability in electrical 'resetting' between heartbeats in people with HIV, linked to virus levels and increasing risk of sudden cardiac deaths. The study suggests that this measure could be used to assess risk and identify ways to intervene.
Researchers developed a novel bionic pacemaker that reads breathing signals to speed up and slow down the heart. This approach increases heart efficiency by 20% within two weeks, offering new hope for heart failure treatment.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm based on electronic health records data that accurately predicted life expectancy for heart failure patients, achieving an 88% success rate. The model identified eight readily available variables to determine low- and high-risk of death, providing valuable insight for informed medical decisions.
The new 2019 Clinical Performance and Quality Measures for Adults with High Blood Pressure aim to accelerate translation of scientific evidence into clinical practice. The measures evaluate patient care in accordance with the 2017 Hypertension Clinical Practice Guidelines, including timeliness, safety, effectiveness, efficiency, equity...
Women experiencing menopause before age 40 are at higher risk for several heart conditions, according to a study using the UK Biobank. The research found that premature menopause is associated with an increased likelihood of developing conventional heart disease risk factors.
Research from Northwestern University and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center found that mothers' heart health during pregnancy affects their child's cardiovascular health long-term. Children who had good heart health in utero were more likely to have healthy hearts as tweens and teens.
A study of over 65,000 postmenopausal women found specific jobs, including healthcare providers, are associated with poorer cardiovascular health. Researchers suggest occupation is an important determinant of women's heart health, highlighting the need for workplace health programs to improve heart health.
Researchers found that women who consumed more calories in the evening had poorer heart health, with a higher proportion of daily calories after 6pm linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. The study suggests that intentional eating habits can be a simple and modifiable behavior to help lower heart disease risk.
Researchers implemented the Northeast Health Equity Consortium to address heart disease and stroke disparities in at-risk communities. The initiative helped states achieve major goals for eliminating health disparities, including over one million free blood pressure screenings.
A landmark study suggests that e-cigarette use is associated with coronary vascular dysfunction at rest, even in the absence of physiologic stress. The researchers found that blood flow decreased after both inhalation and handgrip stress in e-cigarette users compared to traditional cigarette smokers.