Articles tagged with Heart
A 12-month follow-up study found significant improvements in blood pressure among African-American men participating in a barbershop-based health program. The intervention reduced systolic blood pressure by 28.6 mm Hg, with an average reduction of 20.8 mm Hg greater than the control group.
A Temple-led research team finds blocking GRK2 localization to mitochondria protects heart cells from ischemic injury and death. The study also reveals that mitochondrial GRK2 pooling is associated with impaired cardiac metabolism and increased heart cell death.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed an integrated 3D printing and valve sizing system to predict leaky heart valves during aortic valve replacement procedures. The system uses CT scan data to create physical models of individual patients' aortic valves, allowing cardiologists to determine the perfect replacement valve size.
Researchers developed a new treatment for dogs with rare, life-threatening arrhythmia caused by atrioventricular accessory pathways. The minimally invasive technique, radiofrequency catheter ablation, has a 95% success rate and allows dogs to live normal lives without medication.
A study found that obese patients with 'metabolically healthy obesity' had less deterioration in heart structure and function, leading to better survival rates. Metabolically healthy obese patients also had the best chance of survival compared to those with metabolic risk factors.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that mice exposed to polluted air before conception had heart problems and impaired function in their offspring. The study suggests that pollution-related cardiovascular disease may start even before conception.
A high salt diet may increase the risk of developing heart arrhythmia, according to a new study published in Annals of Medicine. Researchers followed 716 middle-aged men and women for 19 years, finding that those who consumed the highest levels of salt had a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation.
Researchers at the University of Otago have discovered blocking oxytocin cells in the brain after a heart attack can improve survival outcomes. The breakthrough could lead to a new pharmacological drug targeting these cells, potentially improving cardiovascular patient outcomes.
A new study presents findings on the impact of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on cardiac function in women, suggesting that OSA may be underdiagnosed. Researchers analyzed data from over 4,000 participants to find increased left ventricular mass in both genders with OSA or snoring, highlighting earlier impairment in women.
Engineered patches integrate therapeutic cardiac cells with injured heart tissue, boosting development of new heart tissue and increasing cardiac functions. The treatment shows promise as a form of cardiac therapy in humans, offering hope for survivors of heart attacks.
Russian scientists developed a new surgical technique using drug-eluting balloon catheters to treat bifurcation lesions in coronary arteries. The method showed lower rates of repeated luminal occlusion and fewer long-term complications compared to traditional single-stent methods.
Researchers discovered how filamin A and Drp1 interact to facilitate mitochondrial fission under hypoxic conditions, leading to heart failure. The study found that cilnidipine prevents this damaging process, preserving heart function after a heart attack or in cardiovascular disease.
A new pharmacological agent, SS-68, demonstrates significant activity in preventing heart rhythm disorders and conditions of reduced blood flow to the heart caused by obstructed arteries. The compound has also been found to reduce episodes of epilepsy in brain injury-induced arrhythmias.
A new study has found that footballers' health screens, including echocardiography and electrocardiography, do not always detect potentially critical heart problems. In fact, six players out of 595 tested negative for serious cardiovascular issues, highlighting the need for further screening and timely symptom reporting.
Researchers found that people with migraines who experience visual disturbances are at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The condition increases the risk of stroke and blood clots, highlighting the need for further research on screening and management strategies.
A study published in Human Gene Therapy found that urocortin 3 gene therapy significantly improved left ventricular function and ejection fractions in mice with induced heart failure. The therapy resulted in a 1.9-fold increase in left ventricular function and a 32% relative increase in ejection fractions.
A team of researchers, led by UH professor Kirill Larin, is investigating the relationship between mechanical factors and genetic pathways in embryonic heart development. Understanding this connection can help prevent congenital heart defects, which claim one out of every 100 baby lives in the US.
Patients with common heart failure are more likely to experience lethal heart rhythms, according to research from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The study found that those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are twice as likely to suffer from pulseless electrical activity or asystole, which can be fatal.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that black patients remain at significantly higher risk for sudden cardiac death even after adjusting for income, education, smoking, and other risk factors. The researchers suggest that unknown genetic factors may be contributing to these disparities.
A new study found that patients with atrial fibrillation show signs of asymptomatic brain injury. Three biomarkers were significantly higher in AF patients, suggesting chronic cerebral injuries may contribute to neurodegenerative problems.
A new study of over 174,000 patients found that being treated with too much medication for hypothyroidism can lead to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke. The research suggests that the optimal healthy range of free thyroxine (fT4) levels may need to be reconsidered.
The American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Heart Rhythm Society have published a guideline for evaluating and treating patients with bradycardia. The guidelines recommend diagnostic testing tools, lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, and pacing devices to manage the condition.
A study found a concerning decrease in antibiotic prescribing for high-risk dental patients, despite an increase in infective endocarditis cases. The research supports the American Heart Association's recommendation to continue prophylaxis for those at high-risk of IE.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies found that people with the highest anthocyanin intake were 9% less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease. Anthocyanins have also been linked to improved risk factors for heart disease, such as cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Researchers found a significant increase in AFib hospital admissions following the springtime transition, suggesting that daylight saving time transitions have negative health consequences. The study analyzed nearly 6,300 records of patients admitted to Montefiore Medical Center for AFib between 2009 and 2016.
Preliminary research suggests opioid use increases risk of developing atrial fibrillation by 34 percent. Atrial fibrillation is a chaotic quivering of the heart's upper chambers, one of the leading causes of strokes.
Researchers found that former smokers who quit within the last five years reduced their cardiovascular disease risk by 38 percent compared to those who continued to smoke. It took 16 years since quitting for former smokers' risk of cardiovascular disease to return to the level of never smokers.
A new study found that people from large Latino populations are less likely to receive CPR and survive cardiac arrests when they collapse. Bystander CPR rates were lower in these communities, with only 27% of cases receiving CPR in heavily Latino-populated neighborhoods.
A study of 12,708 participants found that consuming more than 30% of daily calories after 6pm was associated with a 23% higher risk of developing high blood pressure and a 19% higher risk of becoming pre-diabetic. Eating earlier in the day may be an important strategy to help lower heart disease risk.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen create technique to observe and measure fetal heart rhythms without direct electrode placement. The method uses a cloud of caesium atoms to detect small magnetic fields, mimicking the effect of placing an instrument on a pregnant woman's belly.
The study aims to determine the accuracy of irregular-pulse detection by the watch and compare it with simultaneous ECG patch recordings. Researchers hope this study will help better understand how wearable technologies can inform precision health.
Researchers are exploring a new treatment using two existing drugs to reduce heart damage during cardiac surgery. The team will test the treatment in pigs and assess its safety and feasibility before moving to human trials.
A new study found that exposing people with phobias to their fear at the exact time of their heartbeats significantly reduces phobia severity. Researchers combined computerized therapy with online heart rhythm measurements to treat patients with spider phobia, showing improved anxiety levels and reduced physiological responses.
Researchers found that accepting an organ from a donor at higher risk of disease transmission offers a higher one-year survival rate for candidates on the heart transplant list. Patients who decline such offers may wait longer or become too ill to undergo the procedure, resulting in higher mortality rates.
A study demonstrates that pulse wave velocity shows promise as a measurement to monitor blood pressure levels. Continuous, cuffless and non-invasive monitoring using wearable patches could provide an inexpensive option for patients with high blood pressure.
A study suggests that heart patients should interrupt sedentary time every 20 minutes with a 7 minute bout of light physical activity to expend 770 kcal, associated with a lower risk of premature death. Regular physical activity is key to achieving a healthy life.
Researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara developed new algorithms to localize atrial fibrillation using non-invasive electrocardiographic imaging. This technology has the potential to aid in diagnosis and prognosis of cardiac disorders without requiring invasive surgeries.
A genetic tool can identify people at high risk of heart attacks early in life, potentially preventing devastating outcomes. The technology uses genomic data to calculate an individual's underlying genetic risk for coronary heart disease.
A unique source of stem cells in blood helps build blood vessels in embryos, contradicting previous theories. This finding brings scientists closer to using stem cells to repair damaged blood vessels and treat heart and circulatory diseases.
Researchers at RIKEN developed a self-powered heart monitor that can be taped to the skin, utilizing sunlight as a power source. The device achieves high photo-conversion efficiency and demonstrates accurate heartbeat detection in both rats and humans under various lighting conditions.
Researchers aim to develop and evaluate non-contrast based imaging methods to diagnose peripheral arterial disease without relying on gadolinium-based contrast agents. The proposed techniques have high applicability to other medical procedures, including venography and vessel wall imaging.
Researchers at Penn State are developing a new generation of blood pumps that use computational methods to predict clot formation and design safer devices. This could enable earlier intervention for patients with congestive heart failure, reducing recovery time and improving outcomes.
A new $3 million grant will test a unique program educating people with uncontrolled hypertension about getting their blood pressure under control. Participants will receive either usual care or view a video and ultrasound images to empower themselves.
Researchers developed 3D personalized computational models of patients' hearts to accurately identify arrhythmia locations. The models correctly predicted treatment targets and reduced ablated tissue areas in some cases. Clinical trials demonstrated the feasibility of integrating simulation predictions into routine procedures.
A researcher is studying a heart mutation that can lead to sudden cardiac death and other heart conditions. The scientist found a parallel process of conduction called ephaptic coupling that helps maintain heart rhythm even when gap junctions are lost.
A UHN study found that CIHI's model significantly underestimates mortality in patients undergoing high-risk heart surgery. The study compared outcomes with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' clinical data model, which accounted for seven medical conditions that predict worse outcomes.
A study by researchers at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has identified novel lipids in the heart and plasma of exercise-trained mice compared to those with a failing heart. These findings may represent new biomarkers and/or drug targets for Atrial Fibrillation and heart failure.
A new study found that a change in breathing tube use can significantly improve survival rates for patients with sudden cardiac arrest. The new technique, which uses laryngeal tubes, resulted in higher survival rates compared to traditional endotracheal intubation.
A recent study found that full-body millimeter wave scanners pose no threat to patients with pacemakers, ICDs, or CRT devices. The research included 300 patients with cardiac devices and found no evidence of electromagnetic interference or device malfunction during the scan.
The new guidelines recommend open heart surgery for patients with complex coronary artery disease, as it provides better long-term survival and outcomes compared to stent placement. In contrast, patients with simpler disease can benefit from both surgical bypass and PCI, with complete revascularization being the preferred option.
Guidelines recommend inducing labour or caesarean section at 40 weeks to minimize pregnancy risks, particularly for women with congenital heart disease. Women with heart disease face higher mortality risk during pregnancy compared to healthy counterparts.
A smartphone application has been shown to effectively screen for atrial fibrillation, with a verification process that can be downsized or omitted. The study found that approximately 225 people would need to be screened to detect one new case, making this technology an attractive option for widespread screening.
The British Heart Foundation is launching a £30 million global cardiovascular challenge to identify and solve the biggest problems in heart and circulatory disease. The Big Beat Challenge will bring together world-leading researchers and innovators to accelerate breakthroughs that could transform lives across the globe.
A new mobile heart monitor paired with an automated algorithm and physician review can accurately detect atrial fibrillation, showing 96.6% sensitivity and 94.1% specificity compared to traditional ECGs. However, the device failed to classify some results as normal or possible AF, highlighting its limitations.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released an updated guideline for managing adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients, incorporating new data and growing expertise. The guideline presents a new classification system that captures complexity in both anatomy and physiology.
Researchers developed a wearable and implantable device that measures electrophysiological signals and applies electrical and thermal stimulations. It was successfully used on a human wrist to monitor the electrical activity of heart and muscles.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have found a genetic marker that indicates when a person with a fast heartbeat is at high risk of developing tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) and eventual heart failure. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of the condition, reducing the risk of cardiac damage or death.
A diverse diet may actually lead to consuming more calories and increasing the risk of weight gain. Instead, experts recommend prioritizing a balanced eating pattern that emphasizes whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
The USPSTF concludes that routine screening for atrial fibrillation with electrocardiography is not recommended due to the lack of evidence. Atrial fibrillation increases with age and is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke, but current screening methods have not been proven effective in preventing adverse outcomes.
A graduate student at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute is investigating how adenovirus affects gap junctions in the heart, which can lead to arrhythmia. The research aims to understand the pathways used by the virus in sudden cardiac death and potentially develop therapies for other forms of cardiac disease.