Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
A team of researchers has created the first atlas of the healthy human heart's protein composition, which will aid in identifying differences between healthy and diseased hearts. The study found that despite functional differences between the right and left halves of the heart, they share similar protein compositions.
A new study from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that the risk of sudden cardiac arrest during or after sex is exceedingly small. The study analyzed over 4,500 cases and found that only 34 cases occurred during or within an hour of engaging in sex, with nearly 20% of these patients surviving.
Researchers found that prolonged TV viewing increases the risk of developing venous thromboembolism, even in those who meet physical activity guidelines. The study suggests that incorporating physical activity into daily routines, such as walking or using a treadmill while watching TV, can help mitigate this risk.
Researchers analyzed PCI outcomes at over 650 hospitals, finding similar rates of in-hospital deaths, acute kidney injury, and bleeding between ranked and unranked hospitals. The study suggests that safe and high-quality stent procedures are performed nationwide, regardless of hospital ranking.
Research found only 34 cases of SCA linked to sexual activity out of 4,557 total SCAs in Portland, Oregon. Patients who experienced SCA related to sex had a higher rate of ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia and lower bystander CPR rates
Researchers found that statins prescribed at the time of discharge significantly reduce the risk of future heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular events. High-intensity statin doses showed greater benefits, particularly for younger patients, with a 21% reduction in risk.
E-cigarette aerosols slow the heart rate and prolong the electrical cycle in mice. Heating propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin generates toxic compounds that trigger cardiovascular effects, including bradycardia and increased blood pressure.
Researchers found that only 34 cases of cardiac arrest occurred during or within an hour of sexual intercourse out of 4,557 cases. Men were more likely to experience cardiac arrest during sex, and bystander CPR was performed in only one-third of the cases.
According to preliminary research, men are more likely to receive bystander CPR in public locations and have a higher chance of survival. In contrast, women are less likely to receive CPR in public settings, highlighting a gap in bystander CPR delivery that can inform future messaging and training.
Researchers found that sixth-graders who learned Hands-Only CPR through music and video games performed better than those who only watched a video. Most students recalled calling 911 and providing high-quality compressions, suggesting that tempo-reinforcing tools can help children learn effective CPR.
A study found that Latinos are less likely to know what an automated external defibrillator (AED) is and who can use it. The lack of awareness may affect survival rates from sudden cardiac arrests in Latino neighborhoods.
A new study found that more moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity significantly reduces the risk of death among older women, but light intensity activity or sedentary behavior had no independent association. The research suggests that even low-level activities can have health benefits for other outcomes.
The new guidelines aim to prevent sudden cardiac death in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. The guideline recommends the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and provides guidance on genetic counseling and testing.
A recent study published in HeartRhythm found that blacks have a lower risk of atrial fibrillation compared to whites, despite having similar risk factors. The research suggests that the frequency of early beats in the atria, known as premature atrial contractions, may be heritable and explain the racial differences in AF rates.
A study published in The Lancet found that moving heart surgery to the afternoon can reduce the risk of heart damage and major cardiac events. Afternoon surgery was associated with a 50% lower risk of major cardiac events compared to morning surgery, suggesting that synchronization with the body's circadian clock may improve outcomes.
A study published in The Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy can affect kidney function, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease. Researchers identified interventions to improve outcomes, including nephrologist involvement and enhanced dialysis tra...
Research finds individuals with higher thyroid hormone levels, even within normal range, are more likely to develop irregular heartbeat. The study analyzed data from 30,085 individuals and found a significant increase in risk associated with moderate increases in FT4 levels.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University identified two variants of single-nucleotide polymorphism associated with SVC arrhythmogenicity. These genetic factors, age, body mass index, and left ventricular ejection fraction, play a role in atrial fibrillation development.
A team of researchers is working on a computer software that can deliver better therapies for patients with life-threatening heart failure. The computer model will take MRI or genetic data of a patient and build a multiscale simulation of their heart, leading to more personalized treatment plans.
A new study found that men develop atrial fibrillation about a decade earlier than women and that being overweight is a significant risk factor. Researchers analyzed data from 79,793 people in Europe and found that men had higher diagnosis rates, especially after age 50, while women's rates increased after age 60.
A UK survey found that 1 in 5 adults witness someone collapsing due to cardiac arrest, yet the majority do not intervene. The British Heart Foundation is urging all young people to learn life-saving CPR skills to improve survival rates.
Researchers found that mitochondrial DNA copy number is a novel biomarker predicting cardiovascular disease risk, especially for sudden cardiac death. This could help physicians accurately predict life-threatening events and inform treatment decisions with statins.
A new study found that watching hockey games live or on TV can cause a substantial effect on the cardiovascular system, with average heart rate increases of 75% and 110%, respectively. The emotional stress response triggered by high-stakes moments in the game can trigger adverse cardiovascular events.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers found that female ovarian hormones and a circadian 'clock' molecule protect women's heart health as they age. This discovery may help prevent heart disease in older adults, with implications for both men and women.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.