Articles tagged with Heart
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scientists have designed a pacemaker that harnesses the energy of heartbeats to regulate heart rhythm. The device was successfully tested in pigs and shows promise for creating a self-powered cardiac pacemaker.
The new document defines the training requirements for performing advanced echocardiographic procedures, outlining knowledge, experience, and skill requirements for Level III competency. It emphasizes the importance of proper training to ensure positive clinical outcomes and patient safety.
A study of 81,714 postmenopausal women found that drinking multiple diet drinks daily was associated with a higher risk of stroke, especially small artery strokes. The research highlights the potential health risks of artificially sweetened beverages and recommends limiting their use.
A pilot program using clinical decision support tools improved angina symptoms and quality of life in patients with stable ischemic heart disease. The use of apps such as ACC FOCUS, Seattle Angina Questionnaire, and CardioSmart Heart Explorer App led to significant improvements in patient outcomes.
A new study suggests that a program providing bridge care between hospital and home can reduce readmissions and deaths after a heart attack. The Heart Care Navigation Team's program assigns a health advocate and nurse navigator to help patients with timely access to follow-up care.
A recent study found substantial variability in organ donation from drug-intoxication-related deaths, with major increases reported in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest. The research estimates that 6.24 hearts are recovered from every 1,000 lives lost to drug intoxication.
Researchers at UC Davis developed a novel simulation that provides insights into vital atomic-scale drug-cardiac cell interactions. The study advances the development of new antiarrhythmic drugs targeting voltage-gated sodium channels, which can help predict individual patient responses to drug therapy.
African Americans, especially women, face a significantly higher risk of sudden cardiac death due to factors like low income and education. The study found that these disparities accounted for 65% of the difference in risk between African Americans and whites.
A study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that middle-aged athletes who engaged in high-volume exercise (at least 5-6 hours per week) did not have an increased risk of heart disease or mortality. The researchers also found that women were excluded from the study due to lower mortality rates compared to men.
A new study from the European Society of Cardiology found that loss of muscle mass is a significant risk factor for disability after stroke. Muscle wasting was observed in patients who lost at least 5% of their body weight, and those with cachexia had lower functional capacity and handgrip strength.
Researchers found a dairy-supplemented Mediterranean diet significantly improved blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, mood, and cognitive function. The new MedDairy diet meets additional calcium requirements recommended by Australia's national health bodies.
A team of researchers at Stanford University has discovered a signaling molecule that promotes the growth of small arteries leading into oxygen-starved heart tissues, offering hope for new treatments. The protein, CXCL12, is activated in response to low oxygen levels and helps heal damaged heart tissue.
A new study provides evidence-based recommendations on how to catch life-threatening conditions that cause fainting. Low-risk patients can be safely discharged home within two hours, while medium and high-risk patients can be sent home after six hours with no danger signals detected.
A recent study by researchers at Kumamoto University found that ketone bodies are used at a rate of around 35% in the heart under normal conditions. However, this utilization rate decreases substantially when blood flow to the heart is reduced, highlighting the dynamic nature of energy source switching in the heart.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that sleeping less than six hours a night may increase cardiovascular disease risk. Participants who slept poorly were 34% more likely to have atherosclerosis compared to those with good quality sleep.
A new review shows that plant-based diets improve cardiovascular safety and performance in endurance sports, benefiting athletes' heart health, performance, and recovery. A varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes provides essential nutrients for athletes.
A new study published in HeartRhythm reports that regular moderate alcohol consumption is a modifiable risk factor for atrial fibrillation. Moderate drinkers had more electrical evidence of scarring and impairments in electrical signaling compared to non-drinkers and light drinkers.
Scientists have found two biomarkers that can be used to identify patients at risk of atrial fibrillation, a heart rhythm disturbance affecting 1.6 million people in the UK. The biomarkers include brain natriuretic peptide and fibroblast growth factor-23.
This study investigates the role of miRNAs in cardio-protective effects of halogenated anesthetics, a widely used cardiac surgery agent. The expression profile of miRNAs is modulated by perioperative administration of these anesthetics.
Researchers found that mice exposed to secondhand smoke developed cardiac alternans, a precursor to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The study expands knowledge of tobacco smoke's effects on cardiac function in nonsmokers.
Researchers found that a fatty acid produced by gut bacteria, propionate, helps defend against the effects of high blood pressure, including atherosclerosis and heart tissue remodeling. A diet rich in fiber can increase survival rate and reduce damage to the cardiovascular system.
Research suggests that maternal hyperglycemia is a primary teratogen in all forms of diabetes, causing birth defects through dysregulation of epigenetic processes and oxidative stress. The study highlights the importance of understanding the gene-environment interactions involved in fetal heart development.
A study funded by the American Heart Association aims to investigate whether pyruvate can enhance cardiac output in pediatric patients with low cardiac output syndrome following heart surgery. The researchers hope that this could lead to better recovery times, reduced hospital stays and improved quality of life for these children.
A recent study by the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai shows that a pharmacist-led intervention at barbershops can significantly lower blood pressure in high-risk African-American men. After 12 months, the average systolic blood pressure fell by nearly 29mmHg in the intervention group.