Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
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.
A study of 3,462 residents in Lausanne, Switzerland found that taking a weekly daytime nap reduced the risk of heart attack or stroke by 48%. The frequency, not just the duration, of naps is what matters, researchers suggest. This new insight may help explain previous conflicting findings on the health benefits of napping.
A study of 211 medical students found over 16% had elevated blood pressure, with nearly 29% having stage 1 high blood pressure. The risk factors include increased waist circumference, stress, lack of exercise, and poor diet.
Researchers developed a 'fat fingerprint' using machine learning to identify inflammation, scarring, and changes to blood vessels. The new biomarker can predict heart attacks with higher accuracy than current tools.
The World Heart Federation's new roadmap outlines a vision for ideal CVD prevention pathways, highlighting gaps in care for people living with diabetes. Developed in partnership with the IDF, it presents an integrated approach to patient care and provides implementation tools for national initiatives.
A study of ICD patients found that nearly one-third resumed driving during banned periods, with men, older adults, and single drivers more likely to do so. Improved education and support are necessary to address nonadherence, as it poses risks for patients and others on the road.
A new study of nearly half a million people found that sleeping between 6 and 9 hours nightly can cut the risk of heart attack by up to 18% for those with genetic predisposition. Sleeping too little or too much also boosts heart attack risk, with optimal sleep duration being critical for overall heart health.
Researchers found that modest decreases in cholesterol and blood pressure can reduce the lifetime risk of developing fatal heart and circulatory diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. A long-term reduction of 1 mmol/L LDL cholesterol and a 10 mmHg decrease in blood pressure led to an 80% lower lifetime risk.
Procizumab shows high therapeutic potential in treating acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock by targeting the DPP3 enzyme. The company is setting up GMP process for Procizumab manufacturing and expects to enter regulatory non-clinical safety studies next year.
The European Society of Cardiology has published new guidelines for the management of fast heartbeat, highlighting the benefits of catheter ablation in treating supraventricular tachycardia. The guidelines recommend invasive methods for eradicating arrhythmias and provide specific recommendations for pregnant women.
Researchers found that all three healthy diets emphasized different macronutrients reduced heart cell damage and inflammation. The findings suggest that flexibility in food selection is key to improving cardiovascular health.
Researchers at University of Warwick have developed a new 3D MRI computing technique that can detect scar muscles in the heart without using gadolinium, which can damage kidneys. This technique reduces stress for patients undergoing MRI scans and provides more precise diagnoses, enabling earlier treatment for heart diseases.
A recent study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that dog owners had lower cardiovascular disease risk factors and healthier cardiovascular profiles compared to non-pet owners. The study discovered that the benefits of dog ownership on heart health were most pronounced for those who owned a dog, regardless of age, sex, or educ...
A study of nearly 8,800 individuals found that quitting heavy smoking lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease within five years, but this benefit diminishes after 10 to 15 years compared to never-smokers. The analysis suggests a long-term risk premium for former smokers, limiting the generalizability of findings
Heavy smokers who quit can lower their CVD risk by 39% in just five years, a finding that contradicts current clinical guidelines. The study's findings suggest that it may take up to 25 years for CVD risk to become as low as that of a non-smoker.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University created personalized digital replicas of the upper chambers of the heart to treat atrial fibrillation. The simulation-driven approach, called OPTIMA, successfully guided the treatment and showed promising results in a proof-of-concept study.
Research reveals insomnia is tied to a higher risk of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and ischemic stroke. Genetic variants for insomnia were found to be associated with significantly higher odds of these conditions, emphasizing the importance of addressing sleep disorders.
Researchers create BodyNet, a wearable technology that detects physiological signals from the skin using RFID technology. The system tracks heart rate, respiration, and muscle movements, providing accurate readings without interfering with daily behavior.
Early coronary angiography can reduce delay to revascularization and improve outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease after cardiac arrest. The selection of patients who will benefit from early angiography is crucial due to uncertain neurologic outcomes.
Resting Pd/Pa showed poor agreement with hyper-emic FFR, but specific thresholds (0.96 or greater for normal FFR and 0.82 or less for abnormal FFR) provided excellent sensitivity and specificity. These findings have implications for real-world practice in assessing coronary artery disease.
Stroke survivors who completed group-based aerobic exercise programs showed significant improvements in aerobic endurance and walking speed. Participants with mild movement impairments benefited the most, with average distances walked during a six-minute test being almost half the size of a football field.
Researchers at Texas Heart Institute and Rice University have developed biocompatible nanotube fibers that can bridge damaged heart tissues and deliver electrical signals to restore heart function. The fibers were shown to be effective in restoring conduction in preclinical models, even without the presence of a pacemaker.
Researchers developed a transdermal optical imaging system that uses facial videos to predict blood pressure with high accuracy. The technology has the potential to become an accessible and convenient method for monitoring blood pressure, particularly for individuals who may not follow traditional cuff-based devices.
Researchers trained AI to identify subtle differences in normal EKGs that indicate changes caused by atrial fibrillation. The AI-enabled EKG correctly identified the condition with 90% accuracy, improving treatment options and efficiency of heart disease screening.
A nationwide French study of 120,173 people aged 75 found that those who stopped taking statins had a 33% increased risk of heart or blood vessel problems. Discontinuing statin treatment was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes.
A study of 174 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand reveals that the rate of cardiac device complications varies significantly, with some hospitals reporting much lower complication rates than others. The study suggests that improving quality of care is crucial to reducing these complications.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that HIV-infected cells release a viral protein called Nef, impairing cholesterol metabolism and triggering inflammation in uninfected bystander cells. This impairment causes the formation of excessive lipid rafts and triggers inflammation, potentially contributing to various co-morbidities ass...
Researchers at the University of Louisville have developed a new method to keep human heart slices alive for up to 6 days, enabling more extensive preclinical testing of heart drugs and therapies. This innovation will facilitate improved testing of efficacy and toxicity, saving time and costs in clinical trials.
A new study found that former NFL players are nearly 6 times more likely to have atrial fibrillation compared to men of similar age. The researchers believe that the prolonged strength training involved in American football may increase heart chamber size and wall thickness, leading to altered heart rhythms.
Researchers at TUM have found a protein in the blood that provides better control of atrial fibrillation treatment, allowing for precise assessment of tissue damage. This breakthrough enables early recognition of problems and targeted therapeutic measures to be taken.
A preclinical study examines the role of plastic exposure on heart rhythm disruptions and arrhythmias. Exposure to mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), a metabolite from Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), slows atrioventricular conduction and increases the atrioventricular node effective refractory period.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that metabolites associated with energy powerhouse mitochondria changed differently in patients who developed heart dysfunction compared to those who did not. Citric acid and aconitic acid levels differentiated the two groups of patients.
Researchers developed electrocardiomatrix technology that outperforms standard cardiac telemetry in detecting atrial fibrillation after a stroke. The technology converts ECG signals into a three-dimensional heatmap for rapid inspection of all collected heartbeats, minimizing false positives and negatives.
Researchers found that African American children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods are less likely to receive bystander CPR, with lower rates also observed in Hispanic and other ethnic groups. Targeted CPR training in these areas may enhance outcomes.
A global audit and survey found that cardiac rehab is available in only 55% of the world's countries, serving only 1.65 million patients, leaving a gap of over 18 million patients in need. The programs that do exist are often under-resourced, with many countries lacking cardiac rehab spots altogether.
A team of CNIC scientists identified SRSF3 as crucial for proper heart function and found that its loss leads to reduced expression of genes involved in contraction. Further research revealed that SRSF3 controls the alternative processing of mTOR, a major regulator of cell metabolism, which is essential for heart health.
Aerobic and resistance exercise were found to reduce epicardial adipose tissue mass, while pericardial adipose tissue mass was reduced only by resistance training. The study's findings suggest that regular physical activity can help mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that experienced runners showed elevated cardiac biomarkers after ultramarathons, but these levels were below clinical risk thresholds. Novice runners paced themselves below their cardiac limit, using self-selected strategies for safe heart health.
A recent study has found a link between cardiac disease in captive gorillas and male obesity, revealing that thickening of the heart due to scarring interferes with normal heart function. Female gorillas also develop heart disease but less frequently than males, despite living longer.
Researchers at Temple University Health System have discovered that a small RNA molecule can reactivate heart cell proliferation and improve heart function in mice with severe heart attacks. The study, published in Circulation Research, shows that miR-294 treatment reawakens an embryonic signaling program in adult heart cells.
A new study using a rat model with high blood pressure found that air pollution-like irritants alter the defensive heart-lung reflex, leading to increased heart rates and abnormal rhythms. The research suggests that chronic hypertension may remodel airway sensory nerves controlling this reflex.
Researchers have developed a new medical therapy that could protect people with cardiovascular disease by boosting the body's natural defences. The treatment, which is based on a peptide called apelin, has shown promising results in mice and humans, reducing mortality rates and improving health outcomes.
A new study from McMaster University found that physical activity in children as young as three years old benefits blood vessel health and cardiovascular fitness, reducing early risk indicators of adult heart disease.
The American Heart Association and the Heart Failure Society of America issue a statement on managing both conditions, highlighting lifestyle modifications and multidisciplinary care teams. The guidelines emphasize the importance of coordinated treatment to improve patient outcomes.
The study estimates that 7.6 million people over 65 in the EU had atrial fibrillation in 2016, with this number expected to increase to 14.4 million by 2060. Atrial fibrillation patients over 80 are at a greater risk of stroke, making prevention and detection crucial.
A new study found that US soldiers have worse cardiovascular health compared to civilians of similar ages, particularly in blood pressure. The researchers, who analyzed data from over 263,000 active duty Army personnel and a representative civilian population, aimed to identify areas for improvement.
A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that a bad night's sleep can lead to a spike in blood pressure, even on the following day. Researchers wore portable blood pressure cuffs and actigraphy monitors on participants to measure the impact of sleep efficiency on cardiovascular health.
Researchers discovered that widowed men are 11% more likely to die from a heart attack compared to widows, while divorced men with atrial fibrillation have a 14% higher risk. Single women actually have a 13% lower risk of death from heart failure than single men.
A new study by Yale researchers found that beta blockers can minimize the impact of negative emotions on heart rhythm in individuals with a history of atrial fibrillation. The medication reduced the risk of AFib episodes triggered by stress and anger, while still having an effect on those taking beta-blockers.
Researchers found that approximately 50 percent of hospitalizations for both TAVI and surgical aortic valve replacement were associated with the development of new atrial fibrillation. Hospitalizations with new atrial fibrillation had higher odds of in-hospital stroke and in-hospital death compared to those without, highlighting the ne...
A study of over 8,000 people in the UK found no association between moderate to heavy coffee consumption and arterial stiffness. The research, led by Queen Mary University of London, suggests that coffee may not be as detrimental to heart health as previously thought.
A new study of 4,803 cardiac arrest patients found that survival rates are unaffected by the day of the week, suggesting that specialist teams working 24/7 deliver consistent care. The research debunks previous claims of a 'weekend effect' in heart conditions, highlighting the importance of CPR and defibrillation.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that consuming energy drinks can increase the risk of electrical disturbances in the heart, which affect heart rhythm. The study also found a statistically significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in participants who consumed energy drinks.
A study by UCSF researchers found that high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar can cause heart block, a common form of arrhythmia. Lifestyle changes and monitoring could eliminate the need for pacemakers.
Researchers have identified DZIP1 gene mutation as a potential cause of MVP, which leads to congenital defects and abnormal heart rhythm. The study's findings may facilitate drug-based interventions for the condition.
A new study has established a nationwide treatment protocol for cardiogenic shock, saving 72% of patients' lives. The protocol, which emphasizes invasive hemodynamic monitoring and mechanical circulatory support, was tested in 35 sites across the US.
A novel therapeutic approach occluding the superior vena cava shows promise in reducing pressure and volume in heart failure patients. The treatment improves cardiac filling pressures and function without affecting systemic blood pressure or output.
A study published in Experimental Physiology found that short-sleepers have lower blood levels of three microRNAs, which influence gene expression and maintain vascular health. This could lead to new tests for sleep-deprived patients concerned about their health.
A new five-stage system defines cardiogenic shock based on narrative patient descriptions, physical findings, and biochemical/hemodynamic markers to facilitate rapid assessment and communication between providers. The consensus aims to standardize vocabulary, recognize risk for adverse outcomes, and inform interventions.
Researchers developed a novel technique called LAMPOON to prevent left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, a common complication of transcatheter mitral valve replacement. The study found that the new method increased treatment options for high-risk patients and achieved better survival rates compared to other methods.