Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology recommends that families ask if their loved one qualifies for body cooling to reduce brain injury. The guideline found strong evidence that therapeutic hypothermia is effective in improving brain function.
A study found that restaurant foods and commercially processed foods contributed to 70% of dietary sodium intake, with an average daily consumption of over 3,500mg. Reducing sodium in these foods is crucial to lowering blood pressure and preventing heart disease.
A new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology has found that energy drinks can trigger serious cardiac events, including arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, in individuals with congenital long QT syndrome. The researchers warn young patients with this genetic condition to exercise caution when consuming energy drinks.
Researchers at UVA Health System discover that a single type of stem cell turns into both blood and heart tissue, shedding light on cause of ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. The S1P1 gene is vital for proper heart formation.
A study by Georgia Institute of Technology and FDA researchers found a new factor contributing to dangerous electrical turbulence in the heart, including varying amplitude of action potential. This discovery could lead to new methods for predicting and preventing life-threatening cardiac fibrillation.
A decade-long surgical outreach program has improved screening and diagnosis, reducing RHD-related deaths by 10% in Rwanda. The program also established a sustainable cardiothoracic care center, training local personnel to improve cardiovascular disease management.
A 40-year study found that individuals with favorable cardiovascular risk factors in middle age lived 3.9 years longer, survived 4.5 years longer without chronic illness, and spent 22% fewer senior years with chronic disease. Maintaining good heart health earlier in life can have a significant impact on later health and longevity.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that energy drinks cause more profound changes in heart activity and blood pressure compared to caffeinated drinks. Energy drink consumption resulted in a corrected QT interval 10 milliseconds higher at 2 hours, indicating potential arrhythmia risks.
Researchers at Temple University Health System reveal that mitochondrial calcium efflux is essential for proper heart function and identifies a promising therapeutic target to limit heart disease. The study shows that augmenting NCLX expression can prevent cell death and protect against the progression of heart failure.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that higher alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias. The research, which monitored participants as they drank, found that even moderate drinking can lead to abnormal heart rhythms.
A new study found that consuming excess choline, an essential nutrient in a Western diet, raises levels of the clot-enhancing compound TMAO and platelet clumping in both vegans/vegetarians and omnivores. Taking a daily baby aspirin may reduce this effect.
Scientists have made significant breakthroughs in cardiovascular research, including the use of neuroprosthetics to restore heart function in patients with spinal cord injuries. Researchers also created patient-specific mitral valve models using 3-D printing to help surgeons personalize their approach and improve patient outcomes.
A large study found no link between azithromycin and ventricular arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat that can be life-threatening. Compared to amoxicillin, azithromycin was associated with a lower risk of this condition.
A Minneapolis Heart Institute study found that over half of patients who suffered major heart attacks had not seen a doctor in two years prior to their attack. The new guidelines are more likely to treat these individuals before their heart attacks occur.
Research found that participants who exercised had a lower risk of dying from a heart attack, with a dose-response relationship between exercise level and mortality rate. Regular physical activity may help develop collateral blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart.
A new study published in CMAJ found that people living in regions with better access to preventive healthcare had lower rates of cardiac events. Regions with high cardiovascular event rates were associated with lower dietary intake and higher obesity rates.
Research published in ENDO 2017 found that patients with more severe heart failure are associated with higher TSH and T4 levels, lower T3 levels, and increased risk of needing mechanical assistance or death. Subclinical hypothyroidism is also linked to worse survival outcomes.
Research found that specialist heart centres improve survival by 45% compared to general hospitals, with procedures like coronary angiography and PCI linked to significant differences in survival. The study supports the establishment of few high-volume invasive heart centres for optimal post-resuscitation care.
A recent European Society of Cardiology study found that cardiac lead extractions are safer in high-volume centers compared to low-volume centers. The study, which included data from over 3,500 patients, found that extraction in a low volume center was associated with a doubled risk of death during the hospital stay.
A new study from MU researchers has identified a protein that can be targeted to decrease post-heart attack injury and prevent heart failure in a mouse model. The research used ultrasound technology to deliver a protein inhibitor directly to the hearts of mice, resulting in a 72% decrease in heart damage compared to control groups.
A large study found that levosimendan did not significantly reduce rates of death, heart attack, kidney dialysis, or mechanical assist device use among patients at high risk for low cardiac output syndrome. However, the drug reduced low cardiac output syndrome and required less use of other inotropes.
A blood test for high-sensitivity troponin T can identify patients with heart damage after non-cardiac surgery, allowing for timely treatment to prevent deaths. The test showed that approximately 18% of patients sustain a heart injury after surgery, which may account for up to 1 in 4 deaths in the first 30 days.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute researchers suggests that calcified plaque is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, contradicting previous assumptions about soft plaque. The study found that patients with more calcified plaque were more likely to experience major adverse coronary events.
A study found that approximately 1 in 4 African American individuals recommended for statin therapy under ACC/AHA guidelines are no longer eligible under USPSTF guidelines. This disparity highlights the need to personalize statin recommendation, leveraging targeted imaging measures.
Researchers combined two independent risk measurements to improve stroke and mortality predictions in atrial fibrillation patients. The new tool provides a more accurate scale of low and high risk, helping physicians determine the need for blood thinners in treatment.
A new study has developed a score called the Intermountain Chronic Disease Risk Score (ICHRON) that uses routine blood tests and age to measure future risk of chronic disease. ICHRON predictions are 77-78% accurate in identifying patients who'll be diagnosed with a chronic disease within three years.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute identified GlycA as a novel marker of inflammation that predicts heart attack risk. High levels of both GlycA and C-reactive protein independently predict future cardiovascular events, with combined levels being the worst scenario.
Dr. Steven M. Bradley, a Minneapolis Heart Institute physician, has been awarded the American College of Cardiology's 2017 Douglas P. Zipes Distinguished Young Scientist Award. He will be recognized for his contributions to cardiovascular medicine and innovative care delivery solutions.
A large community-based study found that antithrombotic therapy does not decrease stroke risk in low-risk atrial fibrillation patients, but rather increases the risk of significant bleeding and death. The study contradicts current standards and highlights the need for more research on optimal therapies for these patients.
The new guidelines provide recommendations for physicians on how to evaluate and manage patients with syncope. They include detailed history and physical examination, ECG tests, and restrictions on exercise for certain patients.
An analysis presented at the American Heart Association's 2017 Scientific Sessions found that nearly half of US cardiovascular disease deaths can be prevented by improving diet. The study, which used data from 1990-2012, linked low intake of healthy foods like nuts and vegetables to an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
A recent study suggests that hormone replacement therapy may help improve heart health and overall survival in women, with lower levels of atherosclerosis and plaque buildup detected. The research found significant age-related benefits from the therapy, with women using it being 30% less likely to die than those not on hormone therapy.
Researchers found wrist-worn fitness trackers less accurate in measuring heart rate during exercise compared to traditional chest strap monitors. The most accurate readings came from the chest strap monitor, particularly for individuals with heart conditions.
Researchers have found that mitochondria aren't producing the same levels of energy as those in a healthy heart, leading to impaired cellular energy production and potential new approaches for treating heart disease. Understanding this abnormality could influence future treatments for millions of people worldwide.
Researchers found that different organs have distinct mitochondrial calcium portal compositions, allowing for tailored energy output. This difference may help explain organ failure and inform disease mechanisms.
A new study by San Diego State University researchers found that a protein called ATF6 promotes the natural ability of heart cells to ward off stress-induced damage during heart attacks. This discovery suggests a novel treatment and prevention strategy for people at risk of heart disease, particularly as they age.