Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
A recent study found that opioid overdose victims who suffer cardiac arrest differ from other cardiac arrest patients, with unique characteristics that may require different treatment. Opioid-related cardiac arrest survivors are more likely to be admitted to a hospital due to improved survival rates in urban and rural areas.
Preliminary research found that men who maintained high levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity both before and after their heart attacks were 39% less likely to die from any cause. Regular physical activity after a heart attack is associated with better survival, even in older adults.
Research suggests that heart health begins to deteriorate in adolescent girls, particularly black girls, with lower cardiovascular health scores. Factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, and depression contribute to the decline, emphasizing the need for early intervention and healthy lifestyle choices.
Children and teens with abnormal heart rhythms are at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A study found that over 20% of kids with arrhythmias had been prescribed medication for these conditions, compared to 5% of children with sickle cell disease.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that racial bias can influence decision-making for advanced heart failure therapies, particularly for black patients. African immigrants who reported more experience of discrimination were also found to have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease risk fact...
A study in a multi-ethnic community found that teaching young adults healthy behaviors and showing them ultrasound images of plaque in their arteries improved their cardiovascular health. The FAMILIA Project showed significant benefits for caregivers who strictly adhered to simple education plans, reducing risk factors for heart disease.
Researchers found that ultra-processed foods account for over half of daily calories and are linked to lower cardiovascular health measures. Adults who consumed 70% of their calories from ultra-processed foods were half as likely to have ideal cardiovascular health.
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.
A new review finds growing evidence that vaping can harm the heart and blood vessels, with particulate matter, metals, and flavorings contributing to cardiovascular problems. The study highlights a need for larger-scale research on e-cigarette use and regulation to ensure transparency about ingredients.
The Texas Heart Institute is developing a novel pacemaker system that is both leadless and wirelessly powered. The new pacemakers allow simultaneous pacing and sensing from multiple sites in the heart to help reduce complications associated with traditional pacemakers.
Research published in Heart journal reveals that cardiac patients who feel lonely are nearly three times as likely to be anxious and depressed, report a significantly lower quality of life, and have poorer physical health after a year. Lonely women are particularly at risk of dying from any cause within this timeframe.
Research finds high-intensity sporting physical activity improves neural baroreflex, while physical activity at work is associated with abnormal neural baroreflex and greater arterial stiffness. Chronic, strenuous activity at work may pose a risk to cardiovascular health.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for treating cardiovascular disease by studying the role of the TRIB1 protein in immune cells. The study found that higher levels of TRIB1 increased cholesterol uptake in foam cells, promoting arterial disease.
A new study by Emory University researchers found that college football players' weight gain leads to adverse changes in cardiac structure and function, including increased blood pressure and arterial stiffening. Early intervention is needed for this young and otherwise healthy athletic population.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that exercise can reduce artery stiffness associated with heart failure. Regardless of intensity level or duration, any type of physical activity was beneficial for heart health compared to no exercise at all.
Researchers found that American Indians experience a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) than other racial and ethnic groups. The study analyzed 300,000 new cases of AFib in California residents between 2005 and 2011, revealing that American Indians had an average of 7.5 AFib cases per year per thousand patients.
A recent twin study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found a strong correlation between good cardiovascular health and improved cognitive function. The research suggests that adopting an ideal lifestyle with low CVH scores may not only reduce heart disease but also lower dementia risk.
Scientists from CSIC-UMH have discovered a molecular mechanism that ensures the right equilibrium needed in left-right signaling cascade during development, leading to correct heart positioning. This mechanism involves a transient wave of small molecules called microRNAs that travel along the left-hand side of the embryo.
Research on mice suggests poor paternal diet, specifically low in protein, negatively impacts offspring's heart health. The study found that a mismatch between sperm and seminal fluid quality can lead to this negative impact.
A three-year study examined the emergence and changes of cardiovascular risk factors among college football players. The researchers found significant increases in weight and blood pressure, as well as changes in heart structure and function over time.
Researchers found that individuals who lost a significant amount of weight and then maintained 75% of their weight loss had improved risk factors, such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure. However, those who regained weight saw deteriorated benefits, highlighting the importance of long-term maintenance.
A Chinese study found that many patients with acute coronary syndrome fail to receive beta-blockers, which can prevent another event and save lives. The study's authors emphasize the importance of individualized dosing and regular follow-up to ensure optimal treatment.
A Johns Hopkins-led study of thousands of children with congenital heart disease found that cardiac surgery within 10 years of birth increases the risk of death and kidney failure. Children who had more complex surgeries were at higher risk for these outcomes.
A noninvasive radiation therapy called ENCORE has been shown to dramatically reduce episodes of rapid, abnormal heartbeats for more than two years. The treatment, which uses stereotactic body radiation therapy, has also led to a reduction in medication side effects and improved quality of life.
A new study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that hearts from donors with acute stress-induced cardiomyopathy can be safely transplanted without affecting recipient outcomes. This breakthrough could lead to a significant increase in the supply of donor hearts, estimated at 20-30%.
Automated machine learning techniques improve efficiency and accuracy in analyzing heart function on cardiac MRI scans. The study, conducted in the UK, found that AI can analyze a scan in approximately four seconds with similar precision to experts.
A new association between secondhand smoke exposure and heart rhythm disorder risk has been highlighted by a study. Children of parents who smoke had a significantly increased chance of developing atrial fibrillation later in life.
A new shock classification scheme has been validated in a retrospective study analyzing over 10,000 cardiac intensive care patients, revealing a stepwise increase in unadjusted CICU and hospital mortality with each successive SCAI shock stage.
A recent study published in Nature Communications found that a circular RNA called circFndc3b plays a critical role in tissue repair after a heart attack. The RNA acts like a 'sponge' to bind harmful molecules, preventing cell death and promoting vascular growth, which aids the repair process.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed an antibody to target cadherin-11, a major contributor to inflammation in cardiac fibrosis. The study shows that the antibody can fine-tune inflammation and reduce scarring, leading to improved cardiac function.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina identified mutations in ciliary genes causing bicuspid aortic valve and aortic valve narrowing. The study revealed that disruption of cilia development leads to BAV disease and calcification on the aortic valve.
A study found that human hearts have evolved to handle sustained endurance activity, while sedentary lifestyles lead to more 'ape-like' hearts and increased hypertension. Researchers compared heart function in apes and four groups of humans with varying activity levels.
A new study by researchers at Uppsala University found that attending Sweden's 'Heart School' program significantly lowers mortality risk for patients with a first heart attack. The program focuses on lifestyle-related risks and teaches patients the importance of healthy habits.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School have identified a network of RNA-binding proteins that play a key role in the formation of disease-causing fibrous tissue in the heart. Inhibiting specific proteins may help prevent or treat cardiac fibrosis, which underlies many heart diseases.
Researchers create biomaterial-based models of heart tissues to understand the impact of aortic valve replacement procedures on cardiac tissue remodeling. The study reveals key proteins associated with myofibroblast deactivation and offers potential for developing innovative therapies for fibrotic diseases of the heart.
A narrative review highlights the crucial role of caregivers in managing patients' cardiovascular health, but also exposes them to poor health outcomes. A couples-based intervention has shown promise in reducing caregiver stress and improving relationships.
Researchers found that fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as Ciprofloxacin, are associated with an increased risk of heart problems, including aortic and mitral regurgitation. Current users face a 2.4 times greater risk compared to patients taking amoxicillin.