Articles tagged with Heart
Researchers have identified a critical four-day period in fetal heart development that may help diagnose miscarriages. The study uses advanced imaging techniques to reveal the rapid organization of muscle tissue and cardiac fibres, shedding light on possible mechanisms behind failed heart formation.
Research suggests meditation can have long-term effects on the brain and may help lower blood pressure, reduce stress and anxiety, while improving overall quality of life. However, more studies are needed to determine its definitive role in reducing heart disease risk.
A study led by Duke University Medical Center found that biologic valves used in trans-catheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and open-heart surgery continue to perform well up to five years after implantation. The results provide reassurance for the long-term benefits of minimally invasive valve replacement.
The PCORI Board approved funding for a new study comparing UVB treatment in a doctor's office versus at home for people with psoriasis. The study aims to improve treatment options for patients burdened by frequent in-office visits.
A study by the University of Warwick found that public access defibrillators are often not used because people don't know how to use them or where to find them. The study suggests that investment in more AEDs is crucial, but it's equally important to maximize existing defibrillator use.
Researchers found that stopping long-term low-dose aspirin therapy increases the risk of cardiovascular events by 37%. Stopping aspirin use can lead to a 'rebound effect', with increased clotting levels causing an elevated risk of cardiovascular events that does not diminish over time.
A team of engineers and clinicians at Rochester Institute of Technology are developing a non-contact video recording technology to detect atrial fibrillation. The app will capture heart activity data while patients use tablets or smartphones, providing valuable insights for medical practitioners.
A new UCLA study found that healthy nonsmokers experienced increased adrenaline levels in their heart after one electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) with nicotine. The findings suggest that e-cigarettes with nicotine may not be safe for all users, especially those without known cardiac disease.
Scientists have developed a new treatment option using nanogels to encapsulate stem cells, which can repair damaged heart tissue and trigger an immune response. This method has shown increased cell retention and regeneration compared to traditional treatments.
A new study found that exposure to e-cigarettes with nicotine increases cardiac adrenaline levels, as indicated by abnormal heart rate variability. This increase is associated with a higher risk of death in people with known cardiac disease and those without, suggesting that e-cigarettes may not be safe for nonsmokers.
Scientists have identified a metabolic pathway that governs the loss of the human heart's ability to regenerate tissue. This discovery could potentially lead to the development of drugs to reactivate regeneration in adult hearts, allowing them to repair muscle damage caused by heart attacks and recover full pumping capacity.
A study of 180 teenagers found evidence of organ damage in those with normal blood pressure and those in the mid-risk group. Researchers suggest that imaging of the heart may be useful to determine how aggressive therapy should be for youth in the high-normal range of blood pressure.
The RESPECT trial found that closing a small hole in the heart reduced stroke recurrence by 45% compared to standard therapy. The study suggests this device is a good option for certain patients facing years of ongoing stroke risk, but may not be suitable for everyone.
Researchers have developed a new technique to visualize the human cardiac conduction system in 3D, providing unprecedented details. This technology will aid cardiologists in placing prosthetic valves near the heart's conduction system, reducing risks and improving surgical outcomes for patients with congenital heart diseases.
A new app has been developed that can noninvasively provide detailed information about heart health using a smartphone camera. The app measures pressure waveforms of blood flow through the cardiovascular system and has been shown to be as accurate as echocardiography in estimating left ventricular ejection fraction.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that cardiac arrests in predominantly black neighborhoods are more likely to result in delayed CPR and defibrillation, which can lead to poorer survival rates. The study analyzed over 22,000 cases of cardiac arrest outside the hospital and found a significant disparity in CPR ...
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common heart arrhythmia that can lead to strokes. The REHEARSE-AF trial found that twice-weekly ECG recording by patients increased AF diagnosis in patients with stroke risk factors, suggesting the potential to reduce strokes through earlier treatment.
The new guidelines expand indications for transcatheter valves in intermediate risk populations, recommend a heart team approach for symptomatic aortic stenosis, and suggest non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists in atrial fibrillation patients with aortic valve disease.
Researchers at Kyoto University developed a tiny 'body-on-a-chip' device to test the side effects of anti-cancer drugs on human cells. The device revealed that a metabolite of the drug caused toxicity in heart cells, leading to improved pre-clinical testing for these medications.
Scientists identify a novel RNA molecule, Singheart, which regulates genes controlling heart cell repair. This discovery may lead to new treatments for heart failure and could potentially heal the heart like skin wounds.
The Minnesota Heart Safe Communities program has shown significant improvements in CPR and AED use among individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. In communities that met guidelines, 95% received CPR and 77% had an AED applied prior to EMS arrival.
A study by the University of São Paulo found that aerobic exercise facilitates the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria from heart cells, increasing energy supply and reducing toxic molecules. Regular exercise can help prevent heart failure and improve cardiac function.
A study found that more than half of heart patients are admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) for noncardiac conditions such as sepsis or renal failure. This shift in patient composition requires providers to reassess training and staffing models, with implications for care and outcomes.
Researchers at University of Toronto have developed an injectable tissue patch that can be delivered through minimally invasive surgery to repair damaged organs. The patch uses lab-grown heart cells and has been shown to improve cardiac function after a heart attack in rat models.
Two researchers, Suneel Apte and Jeffrey Holmes, have been awarded grants to study the extracellular matrix, a key component in heart health and disease. Their research aims to uncover novel disease markers and targets for developing drugs to treat cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that less than half of stroke patients in the US receive prescribed statin therapy to reduce recurrent stroke risk. Blacks were more likely than whites to receive statins outside of the Stroke Belt region.
A new study finds that depression in heart patients significantly increases the risk of death, with depressed heart patients having twice the risk as non-depressed heart patients. The study emphasizes the importance of continued screening for depression in all heart disease patients.
Researchers found that people with better heart health scores had a higher average brain volume as a percentage of their total head size in middle age. A stronger association was also seen between current smoking and smaller brain volume.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins developed a mathematical method to predict the effectiveness of catheter ablation for treating Afib. The study found that improving electrical communication in the heart immediately after the procedure can predict longer-term success rates.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that people who work long hours (55+ hours/week) are approximately 40% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation over a ten-year period. The risk is higher among those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease and other risk factors.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are investigating a new biological agent that mimics the effects of cooling when given during and after CPR. The agent, TAT-PTEN9c, has shown promising results in reducing cellular stress and improving survival rates for heart attack patients.
Researchers from Imperial College London have used a new technique called 'optical clearing' to image adult heart tissue in 3D, revealing intricate networks of tiny blood vessels and collagen scaffold. This breakthrough could help doctors monitor the spread of stiff scar tissue and track patient responses to treatments.
Researchers have developed a new technique to create miniature human hearts by introducing human cells into the matrix of a whole rat heart, preserving the lining and circulation. This method allows for the confirmation of basic science findings and testing of potential new heart drugs with improved accuracy.
Researchers developed a metric to identify dangerous blood vessel plaques from CT scans, correlating with markers of inflammation. This new measure may help doctors deploy preventative interventions for at-risk patients, offering a more effective diagnostic tool than current methods.
Research reveals black adults are twice as likely to experience fatal first cardiac events compared to whites. The study suggests social determinants of health and cardiovascular risk factors contribute to this disparity.
A University of Alberta study found that patients receiving 24/7 intensivist physician care had a lower risk of major complications and readmission compared to those cared for by resident physicians. Patients also experienced less time on mechanical ventilation and fewer surgical postponements.
A nationwide registry study of 156,000 people found that daily incidence rates of myocardial infarction were higher during winter holidays and on Mondays, but lower during weekends and summer vacation. The study suggests that perceived psychosocial stress may be a trigger for MI rates.
The University of Utah Health has been awarded a $4 million grant to conduct comprehensive research on congenital heart defects. The project, led by Martin Tristani-Firouzi, will focus on discovering causes and developing strategies for prevention and treatment.
Research found that middle-aged adults with ACA health insurance had a 17% lower incidence of cardiac arrest compared to those without coverage. Regular medical care facilitated by health insurance enabled prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular conditions that cause cardiac arrest.
Researchers developed a scoring system using electronic medical records to predict patients at high risk for atrial fibrillation after stroke. The system identifies seven risk factors and assigns patients to one of three risk groups, enabling personalized treatment.
The number of US hospitalizations for heart failure decreased by 30% from 2002 to 2013, but significant racial and gender disparities remained. Hospitalization rates were higher among men and blacks compared to women and whites.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine used long-read genome sequencing to secure a diagnosis for patient Ricky Ramon, who had undiagnosed Carney complex. The technique identified a deletion of about 2,200 base-pairs and confirmed the diagnosis.
A new study reveals that nearly half of US women are not aware of the leading cause of death among females, with only 40% reporting a heart health assessment by their healthcare provider. Women's Heart Alliance reports alarming data on delayed medical care due to weight concerns and lack of education.
Research suggests that breast implants can impede electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and result in false heart attack diagnoses. The study found that women with breast implants were more likely to have abnormal ECG readings due to the implant interfering with the electrical activity of the heart.
A study examining TAVR procedures for off-label indications found similar 1-year mortality rates compared to on-label use. The procedure was used in 9.5% of cases, with adjusted 30-day mortality higher in the off-label group.
A study by the University of Birmingham reveals a significant treatment gap for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, where fewer are prescribed anticoagulants for stroke prevention. This results in preventable strokes, increased risk of death and disability.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a monoclonal antibody known as SYN0012 that blocks the production of cadherin-11, a protein responsible for calcifying heart valves. The drug shows promise in keeping heart valve leaflets supple and preventing the progression of aortic valve stenosis.
Researchers found a 30% drop in postoperative complications among Michigan Medicaid patients following Medicaid expansion, with lower predicted risks of major complications and mortality. Increased access to primary care may have contributed to these improvements.
A Danish nationwide population-based cohort study found mortality increases by 60-80% after 8-10 years post-heart bypass surgery. The study showed that the prognosis for patients who undergo successful surgery is similar to that of the general population until this point.
Researchers develop new protocol using PaCO2 to amplify myocardial blood flow, offering an alternative to injectable pharmacological agents. The study shows a safe and effective method for widening heart blood vessels during stress tests, benefiting patients with severe side effects from traditional methods.
Researchers from NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine call for increased adoption of fluoroless catheter ablation to reduce radiation exposure. The procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to create a precise image of the heart, guiding treatment with computerized three-dimensional mapping systems.
Research has found a strong association between particulate matter (PM2.5) and increased risk of heart attack, heart failure, and death. Higher education was found to be protective against the negative effects of PM2.5 on heart structure and function.
Research published in the journal Heart found that regular chocolate consumption is associated with a lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation. For women, one weekly serving was linked to a 21% lower risk, while for men, two to six weekly servings were associated with a 23% lower risk.
Researchers found that young individuals with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems. The study, which examined 2,001 participants in the Dallas Heart Study, suggests treating ISH patients sooner rather than later to prevent future damage.
A Harvard-Wyss Institute and University of Zurich team developed a nanofiber fabrication technique to create regenerative heart valves with growth potential. The technology enables rapid manufacturing of customizable, scalable, and cost-effective prostheses that can be implanted minimally invasively.
A new study found that early-onset hypertension (before age 55) is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular death and may be linked to an inherited predisposition. This knowledge can help clinicians assess an individual's cardiovascular risk more effectively.
A new study has found that delayed treatment with anticoagulation therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation increases the risk of dementia. The study, conducted by researchers at Intermountain Medical Center, included over 76,000 patients and found a significant increase in dementia rates among those who received delayed treatment.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania found that CHD patients can safely undergo AF ablation, with similar success rates as those with normal hearts. The multicenter study showed 53% complete success and improved outcomes compared to non-CHD patients.
Researchers found combining Intermountain Mortality Risk Score (IMRS) with traditional CHA2DS2-VASc score improves identification of atrial fibrillation patients at higher risk of dementia. This study used data from nearly 75,000 AFib patients with no history of dementia.
A new study combines traditional CHA2DS2-VASc risk score with the Intermountain Mortality Risk Score to provide more accurate evaluations of atrial fibrillation patients' individual risks. This allows for better decision-making regarding blood thinners use, taking into account both clinical and biological factors.