Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that renal infarction is associated with acute kidney injury in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. The study revealed a relatively high prevalence of renal infarction among these patients, suggesting it as a potential cause of acute kidney injury in this context.
Patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea have a significantly higher risk of heart complications in the first 30 days after surgery. The risk is 50% higher than those without sleep apnea, and can lead to cardiac death, heart injury, and heart failure.
A joint statement from the American Heart Association and others suggests home-based cardiac rehabilitation as a viable option for patients who cannot attend traditional programs. Effective home-based care requires scientifically-based, standardized care with remote supervision and coaching.
Researchers compared two cardiac resynchronization therapies in a pilot study, finding comparable rates of response between His bundle pacing and biventricular pacing. The study suggests that His bundle pacing may be a viable alternative for treating heart failure patients with electrical disturbances.
Researchers at Temple University Health System found that the heart communicates with fat cells through a signaling enzyme, GRK2, regulating weight gain in patients with heart failure. The study's findings could lead to new ways to modulate weight gain.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an approach called Unremarkable AI that aims to make transformational AI seem unobtrusive in clinical decision making. This approach is designed to enable seamless human-AI collaboration by embedding AI-generated predictions and evaluations into existing clinical routines.
A clinical trial found that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is equivalent or potentially preferable to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) for low-risk surgical patients. TAVR showed strong post-procedure benefits, including reduced re-hospitalizations and improved quality of life metrics at 30 days.
A new study highlights the growing need for cardio-oncology services to monitor and prevent heart disease in cancer patients. The research found that many cancer survivors are not fully aware of the risks of cardiotoxicity and lack understanding of a balanced diet, making them more susceptible to heart failure.
A 14-week exercise programme has improved the structure and function of hearts damaged by premature birth. Young adults born preterm have shown normalized cardiac pumping functions after exercise, which should reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery found that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery is associated with lower mortality rates and reduced hospital readmission compared to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The research analyzed data from two major clinical outcomes registries and identified patien...
Researchers have found that the drug Tadalafil, used to treat erectile dysfunction, slows or even reverses the progression of heart failure in sheep. The study suggests that the drug may also be effective in humans, offering new hope for treatment of this devastating condition.
Research on brain-heart interactions may lead to life-saving therapies for heart failure and arrhythmia by manipulating specific nerves to emit electrical signals. Dr. Cheng's lab is developing a comprehensive map of neurons and their connections to the heart.
A Northwestern University and UC San Diego team has created a novel way to deliver a bioactivated, biodegradable substance through a noninvasive catheter without clogging. The approach uses self-assembling peptides that turn the body's inflammatory response into a signal to heal rather than a means of scarring.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to standardize the results of a ballistocardiogram, allowing for tracking of health changes and potential early detection of cardiovascular diseases. The model can capture information on elasticity of arteries, contractility of heart ventricles, and viscoelasticity of blood vessels.
The Framingham Heart Study, the nation's longest-running cohort study, has been renewed for an additional six years and $38 million from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Researchers will examine the elderly groups and younger cohorts to better understand aging and determinants of health and disease in older people.
Researchers successfully engineered and printed a 3D vascularised engineered heart with cells, blood vessels, ventricles, and chambers that matches the immunological, cellular, biochemical, and anatomical properties of the patient. The use of native patient-specific materials is crucial to eliminating implant rejection risks.
New research reveals that melatonin's antiarrhythmic benefits are distinct from its antioxidant properties. In a rat model of heart attacks, melatonin treatment reduced incidence of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, but this effect was not associated with oxidative stress.
A new study found that socioeconomic status is a significant factor in the likelihood of receiving a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a life-saving treatment for heart failure. Patients from lower-income backgrounds, including African Americans and Hispanics, are less likely to receive LVADs compared to those with private insurance.
A University of Guelph study found that the circadian mechanism affects cognition and mood in heart failure patients, suggesting ways to prevent and treat both conditions. The research may lead to new strategies to improve patients' quality of life.
Researchers have successfully tested a new ultrasound technology on human patients, enabling detailed images of internal structure and blood flow. The vector flow imaging method provides advanced detail of blood flow patterns within cardiac chambers, across valves, and in the great arteries.
A Swedish review of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest data shows compression-only CPR increased six-fold and doubled the chance of survival, compared to no CPR. Bystander CPR rates nearly doubled over an 18-year period, with patients receiving standard or hands-only CPR being two times more likely to survive 30 days.
Researchers from Rochester Institute of Technology and Georgia Tech developed a new approach to simulate the heart's electrophysiology in real-time, allowing doctors to better discuss life-threatening heart conditions with patients. This method uses WebGL code to repurpose graphics cards for faster scientific computing applications.
A novel study in rabbits found that fetal exposure to nicotine can alter heart development and lead to impaired adaptation to adrenalin, potentially contributing to SIDS. This may explain why some babies do not wake up during sleep apnea.
Despite national guidelines, many patients who benefit from statins do not take them due to a lack of physician guidance and fear of side effects. Research found that 59.2% of eligible patients never received an offer of statins, with women, black patients, and those without insurance being more likely to report this.
Artificial intelligence can accurately identify cardiac devices, including pacemakers and defibrillators, from X-ray images within seconds. The software surpasses current methods with a 99% accuracy rate, speeding up diagnosis and treatment for patients with faulty devices.
Researchers at Ohio State University College of Medicine have identified a metabolic process in the heart that, if treated, could prevent or slow the progression of heart failure. By normalizing a reactive fat compound called acyl-CoA, the hearts retained their ability to burn fat and generate energy.
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology have developed a smart wrist-worn device for monitoring atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting approximately 9% of people aged 65 and older. The device vibrates mildly when detecting abnormal heart activity, prompting the wearer to register a short ECG signal for further diagnosis.
Researchers at UBC have created a durable nanocomposite biomaterial heart-valve that enables the heart to adapt faster and more seamlessly. The new design is made from naturally derived materials, such as gels, vinyl, and cellulose, and can be inserted into patients through small incisions, reducing implantation risks.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology has found that paternal smoking and maternal passive smoking can significantly increase the risk of congenital heart defects in offspring. The analysis of 125 studies involving over 137,000 babies with congenital heart defects revealed a 74% increased risk for me...
Researchers develop small capsules from brown algae that hold macrophages, increasing blood flow to damaged limbs. The treatment aims to reduce the need for amputations in people with CLI, a condition affecting up to 60,000 new cases per year in the UK.
A study of 400 patients found that switching from intravenous to oral antibiotic therapy resulted in fewer deaths and complications over a median of 3.5 years. Patients who switched to oral treatment had better survival rates than those who remained on conventional intravenous therapy.
A novel minimally invasive method using catheter-based ultrasound measures cardiac output with similar precision as a traditional device. This technology is less invasive and can be used while patients are awake, making it more clinically practical for young children.
The CardioMEMS sensor reduced heart failure hospitalizations by 58% across all patient groups, including women and minorities. The device also lowered rates of all-cause hospitalizations for conditions like pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio have created a smarter automatic defibrillator that accurately tracks stroke volume in addition to ECG readings. This update aims to deliver shocks only when needed, potentially preventing traumatic shocks and improving patient outcomes.
A new study by the European Society of Cardiology found that tilt training can significantly reduce the frequency of fainting episodes in patients with recurrent syncope. The program improved cardiovascular function and reduced worry, fear and frustration related to fainting.
Researchers found that echocardiography is valuable for assessing patients with secondary mitral regurgitation and determining their eligibility for TMVR. The study also identified characteristics of the heart that predict response to TMVR, concluding all patients with similar characteristics should be considered for this intervention.
A new study by the European Society of Cardiology found that a more precise placement of the left ventricular lead improves cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) outcomes. The trial compared two methods for positioning the lead and found an absolute increase in left ventricular ejection fraction of 4% with electrical guidance.
The new guideline provides comprehensive recommendations for preventing cardiovascular disease through lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. It also emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing personal or social barriers to adopting these habits.
Results from the PARTNER 3 trial demonstrate that low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis can significantly benefit from minimally invasive TAVR, leading to shorter recovery times and lower complication rates. This groundbreaking procedure has the potential to transform treatment options for patients with heart disease.
A novel electrocardiogram method uses signals from the ear and hand to detect atrial fibrillation and prevent strokes. The new technique paves the way for a single-lead ECG wearable device that could be used by drivers, athletes, and the military.
A new study suggests that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe and effective option for patients with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis, particularly those at intermediate or high risk for open heart surgery. While patients with a bicuspid valve had a higher risk of stroke after TAVR, the overall mortality rate was simi...
A new study found that the Apple Watch can detect atrial fibrillation (AFib) in people who have an irregular heartbeat. The study showed that the watch's algorithm was accurate 84% of the time, and nearly half of those notified went on to seek medical care.
A new study shows that identifying coronary artery calcium in patients' arteries can help determine their future risk of a heart attack. Patients with CAC are more likely to have a cardiac event within 90 days and over the following years compared to those without CAC.
A large-scale study using a smartwatch app to detect atrial fibrillation found the detection rate was about 0.2% among over 400,000 participants. European experts discuss the implications of this technology, citing concerns about anxiety, legal issues, and readiness for implementation.
The discovery of subtypes of atrial fibrillation enables individualized treatment, improving patient care. Novel results shed light on mechanisms and define clinical types based on the main cause.
A new study found that light physical activity can significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease among women 63 and older. The study, which involved over 5,800 women, showed a 42% reduction in heart attack or coronary death rates.
The Detroit Cardiovascular Training Program at Wayne State University has received a significant boost from the NIH, with $1.29 million in additional funding. The program, which began in 2014, will now offer training to six trainees instead of four, strengthening its ability to attract top talent.
Vasan Ramachandran, a renowned BU researcher, discussed the fundamental concepts of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and its sociological factors. He highlighted how structural, macrosocial, economic, cultural, and societal factors influence human behavior and lifestyle choices, leading to CVD risk factor development and progression o...
A study of university rugby players found that 43% experienced sleep disordered breathing, linked to higher heart rates and lower oxygen levels. This raises concerns about the potential role of SDB in cardiovascular complications among young athletes.
Hookah smoking exposes users to high levels of particulate matter and other harmful chemicals, including carbon monoxide, nicotine, and lead. The American Heart Association recommends avoiding tobacco use in any form due to the risks associated with hookah smoking.
A study found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was more effective than moderate exercise in losing body fat and trimming waistlines among cardiac rehabilitation patients. After 12 weeks, HIIT participants lost 4 pounds of body fat, gained 1.5 pounds of lean muscle mass, and trimmed an inch off their waists.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that people who spent less time watching TV and regularly ate an energy-rich breakfast showed significantly less plaque and stiffness in their arteries. Eating a high-energy breakfast was also associated with healthier arteries, while skipping breakfast increased the risk of...
A large study of nearly 14,000 people found that low-carb diets are significantly more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, a type of arrhythmia that can lead to stroke and heart failure. Researchers suggest using caution when restricting carbohydrates for weight loss due to potential inflammation and oxidative stress.
Hospital admissions for drug-related infective endocarditis increased by 436% at a medical center in the US, with heroin implicated in most cases. Patients who inject drugs are at risk of developing this condition due to contaminated needles introducing bacteria into their bloodstream.
Researchers created a bioreactor to study heart tissue's mechanics in sync with the body's beats, revealing changes in force similar to those observed in living hearts. The device allows for adjustment of contraction parameters to mimic normal or disease conditions, enabling studies on high blood pressure's effects on heart cells.
Researchers found that adults born with mild congenital heart defects are 13 times more likely to develop heart failure or atrial fibrillation and five times more likely to have a stroke. A heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce this risk, but the exact reasons behind these increased risks remain unclear.
Researchers implemented a new assessment tool, HEART, to evaluate the level of risk for cardiac events in patients with chest pain. The study found a 4.4% decrease in hospital admissions and cardiac stress testing without increasing the risk of heart damage or death.
This CVIA special issue addresses the #1 threat to women's health, cardiovascular disease, with a focus on overlooked topics and fresh perspectives. Key findings include novel imaging modalities for diagnosing stable ischemic heart disease in women and psychosocial stressors uniquely affecting female cardiovascular risk.
The 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Heart Rhythm Society Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation provide updated management strategies for patients with AFib. The guidelines emphasize the use of new blood thinners and lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss and physical act...
Researchers identified a new type of immune cell called macrophages that play a critical role in heart valve formation and maintenance. These heart-derived macrophages are particularly adept at consuming excess tissue, making them indispensable to the formation and maintenance of healthy valves.