Articles tagged with Heart
A woman was rushed to hospital after mistakingly using foxglove leaves instead of comfrey for an herbal remedy. She experienced symptoms such as palpitations and lightheadedness due to the high levels of digoxin in foxglove, a heart rhythm medication.
Researchers have created a polymer patch that improves conduction of electrical impulses in damaged heart tissue, showing long-lasting stability and minimal invasiveness. The suture-less patch uses green laser technology to adhere to the heart tissue and has been shown to work in animal models.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between abdominal aortic aneurysm and four genes, which could help doctors understand the condition better. The study found that early detection is key to preventing fatal internal bleeding, and a new research programme will investigate the effect of these genes on AAA growth.
Researchers found that diabetes causes a specific inflammation leading to heart arrhythmias. Two promising drugs inhibit this inflammatory process, reversing cardiac alterations in diabetic mice.
A Rutgers study found that Generation X has a higher incidence of stroke than baby boomers, with obesity and diabetes being likely causes. The rate of stroke more than doubled among Gen X compared to the previous generation.
Interventional radiologists at Rush University Medical Center have developed methods to remove filters that previously couldn't be removed, achieving a 100% retrieval rate. The team uses specialized tools and medical expertise to perform minimally invasive procedures.
A new sensor system can detect worsening heart failure conditions in patients with high accuracy, potentially preventing hospitalizations and death. The system, developed by Boston Scientific, uses a suite of sensors to track heart rate, activity, breathing, and other physiological measures.
Scientists have successfully synchronized two types of nano-oscillators, one driven and the other mutual, achieving robust synchronization over long distances. This breakthrough enables future oscillatory networks for wave-based neuromorphic computing.
Philip A. Wolf, a Boston University School of Medicine professor, has been recognized for his excellence in research and clinical trials by the American Heart Association. He is renowned for his work on stroke epidemiology, dementia, and cognitive decline, with over 350 publications to his name.
Research found that using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) increased the risk of ischemic stroke by 21 percent, with highest risks seen at higher doses of these commonly prescribed heartburn medications.
A study found that women at low cardiovascular risk have a significant prevalence of coronary artery calcification, associated with an increased risk of ASCVD and modest improvement in prognostic accuracy compared to traditional risk factors. The presence of CAC was linked to higher risk for CHD and all-cause mortality.
Researchers have mapped the developmental stages of mouse heart cells, revealing previously unknown cell types and insights into congenital heart defects. The study's findings provide a temporal and spatial atlas of heart cell populations, paving the way for understanding human cardiovascular system development.
Patients with atrial fibrillation who use warfarin are two to three times more likely to develop dementia compared to those without atrial fibrillation. Erratic blood levels of warfarin contribute to the risk, suggesting that managing abnormal heart rhythm may also lower dementia risk.
A high-protein diet from mostly meat may increase the risk of heart failure in postmenopausal women. The study found that total dietary protein intake was significantly higher in women who developed heart failure compared to those who did not, while vegetable protein intake appeared to be protective.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings advocates for increasing Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) participation rates from 20-30% to 70%, which could save 25,000 lives and prevent 180,000 hospitalizations annually. The authors suggest two steps: systematic referral of eligible patients and successful enrollment optimization.
US adults' statin use increased by 80% between 2002 and 2013, but remained low in high-risk groups. Generic statins became the dominant form of treatment, reducing costs.
A smartphone application called Cardiio Rhythm uses facial signals to detect subtle beat-to-beat variations in heart rate, correctly identifying over 92% of cases with atrial fibrillation. The technology's convenience makes it attractive for large-scale community screenings.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center found that cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces the risk of death in heart patients with moderate to severe depression after heart surgery. The study, conducted on 118 patients, showed a nearly 75% decrease in mortality rates among those who attended rehab.
A multicenter trial found that 13 out of 36 advanced heart failure patients treated with LVAD and intensive drug therapy recovered enough heart function to have the device removed. The study suggests that these devices can be used to reverse heart failure, especially when combined with drug therapy.
A new training model improved CPR skills among hospital staff by integrating low-dose-high frequency psychomotor simulation into their daily duties. Quarterly simulations resulted in significant improvements in chest compression fraction and overall clinical outcomes, leading to a 14% increase in effective compressions.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a bystander improved overall and neurologically favorable survival for children with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 cases and showed that conventional CPR provided better outcomes than compr...
A new study found that heart surgery patients' chances of survival depend on the overall level of teamwork among all physicians who cared for them. Tight 'social networks' of physicians are linked to improved patient outcomes, including lower readmission rates and reduced mortality.
Research shows that a moderately reduced maternal food intake can accelerate the rate of aging in offspring's hearts. The study used baboons and found signs of impaired heart function at five years of life, equivalent to twenty human years.
Researchers developed a new, less invasive way to perform TAVR, making it more available to high-risk patients, especially women. The procedure has a high success rate and acceptable bleeding and vascular complications rates.
A review of medical literature found only 92 gold-standard clinical trials on immediate cardiac arrest treatment over the last 20 years, despite 535,000 annual cases in the US. The study highlights a significant lack of research on post-arrest care and long-term survival outcomes.
For the first time, fetal medicine experts have performed prenatal heart surgery to remove a life-threatening tumor, called intrapericardial teratoma. The patient is now a healthy preschooler after undergoing the operation at 24 weeks of gestation.
Researchers found that medication adherence significantly impacts long-term survival rates for heart patients undergoing bypass surgery and stenting. Patients who adhered to prescribed medication therapy had a higher event-free survival rate compared to non-compliant patients.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that financial barriers to healthcare services and medication significantly worsened quality of life, depressive symptoms, and stress among young adults with myocardial infarction. Despite the expansion of insurance coverage, young adults still struggle to access affordable care.
A nationwide CPR training event aims to improve cardiac arrest survival rates. The training has already been delivered to 31,000 children in the past two years and will reach over 100,000 this year. The initiative is part of a collaboration between leading organizations to create a Nation of Lifesavers.
Researchers found that short episodes of atrial fibrillation are associated with a low risk of stroke and other cardiovascular complications. Patients experiencing only brief episodes of the condition were at no greater risk than those without atrial fibrillation, suggesting that anticoagulants may not be necessary in this group.
A team of researchers found that widely accepted atrial fibrillation risk prediction algorithms do not accurately predict incidence when applied to electronic medical records. The study suggests that existing models may be incompatible with EMR data, leading to inconsistent predictions and potential misdiagnosis.
A smartphone app combined with a hand-held ECG monitor can detect atrial fibrillation with a high degree of accuracy. The condition affects nearly one in 10 people and is associated with a heightened risk of stroke and death.
A study of over 2,700 participants found that taking calcium supplements may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis and heart disease. Meanwhile, a diet high in calcium-rich foods appears to be protective.
A novel TAVI device has been developed to replace heart valves in patients with rheumatic heart disease, offering a simplified approach that does not require advanced cardiac surgical facilities or sophisticated cardiovascular imaging. The procedure can be performed without rapid ventricular pacing, making it more tolerable for patients.
Researchers found that genetic alterations causing congenital heart defects involve interactions between heart-forming tissues and the rest of the body. The study suggests that heart defects occur when the heart does not grow quickly enough to meet the demands of the developing body.
Atrial fibrillation, a common irregular heartbeat, is linked to genetic variations in genes controlled by Tbx5 and Pitx2. The study offers insights into the mechanisms underlying heart arrhythmias, potentially leading to targeted treatments for patients with AF.
Researchers created a human heart tissue model using induced pluripotent stem cells to study hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an excessive thickening of the heart associated with rare genetic disorders. The model revealed a previously unknown role for fibroblasts in triggering cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, offering new therapeutic possibilities.
A Canadian study found folic acid fortified food reduced rates of congenital heart defects, with significant declines in conotruncal and coarctation of the aorta defects but no impact on chromosomally associated defects. The findings are applicable to the US population due to similar implementation timelines.
The new standards, developed by the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association (ACCA), assess quality of care provided to patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cover seven domains. Implementing these QIs could lead to a decrease in mortality and improvement in patient outcomes.
The new guidelines aim to improve outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation by integrating input from different specialties. They recommend oral anticoagulation with NOACs as the first line treatment for eligible patients, and catheter ablation as a first line treatment for selected patients.
The European Society of Cardiology has launched a position paper to tackle the cardiac toxicity of anticancer therapies. The document reviews nine categories of cardiovascular complications and provides recommendations for detection, prevention, and treatment.
Researchers found that adding a ketone ester to a rat's diet increased treadmill run times and maze-solving speed, as well as energy production in the heart. The study suggests that ketone esters may hold benefits for people with debilitating metabolic and neurological diseases.
African American participants in the Jackson Heart Study show lower risks for heart attacks and strokes with more heart-healthy metrics, yet only 17% meet these criteria. The study highlights a persistent inequity in heart health among this group, despite known prevention strategies.
A major study found that having longer-lived parents is associated with lower rates of heart conditions and some cancers. The study, involving almost 190,000 participants, showed an increased chance of survival by 17% for each decade a parent lived beyond 70.
A new study by the American Heart Association reveals that limited access to nearby stores selling fresh food may increase residents' risk of developing signs of early heart disease. The research found that healthy food stores within one mile of their home significantly reduced or slowed the progression of coronary artery calcium buildup.
According to new data, cancer has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death in 12 European countries. The study reveals significant regional disparities, with higher mortality rates from cardiovascular disease seen in Eastern Europe and non-EU countries.
A study published by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center reveals the molecular pathways responsible for heart anomalies in sickle cell anemia. The research opens a path to non-invasive diagnosis and development of new targeted therapies, aiming to improve quality of life and reduce mortality among SCA patients.
A global analysis of over 968,000 participants from 90 countries reveals that more than 30% of adults worldwide live with high blood pressure, with 75% living in low- and middle-income countries. The prevalence of hypertension is increasing in these countries, while decreasing or steady in high-income nations.
A new case report suggests that energy drink consumption may lead to cardiac complications, including abnormal heart rhythms. The study highlights the potential risks of high caffeine content in energy drinks and encourages healthcare providers to ask about energy drink intake in patients with unexplained arrhythmias.
Researchers found an association between low physical activity and a higher risk for dementia in older individuals, with regular exercise potentially leading to higher brain volumes and reduced dementia risk. The protective effect was strongest in people aged 75 and older.
A new study found that spending 2.5 hours per week on recreational physical activity can lower the risk of coronary heart disease in women under 50 by 25%. The benefits of physical activity for cardiovascular health have been shown in previous studies, but this research focused on younger women.
The study found that SAPIEN 3 TAVR resulted in an over 85% one-year survival rate for high-risk and inoperable patients, significantly higher than previous studies. Patients also experienced improved quality of life and no significant increase in moderate leaking around the prosthetic valve.
Researchers found an association between atrial fibrillation and smaller frontal lobe brain volumes in a recent study published in Heart Rhythm. The study examined the relationship between AF and brain volume using MRI, revealing that AF was associated with reduced frontal lobe volumes even after adjusting for other factors.
A growing number of US adults are living with congenital heart defects, necessitating improved healthcare services and data collection systems. The condition affects approximately 2.4 million people in the US, with a 40% increase in adults compared to 2000 estimates.
A new video has been found to help patients with advanced heart failure choose comfort care over more aggressive treatments. Patients who watched the video were more likely to opt for comfort care and had a better understanding of their treatment options.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that about one in every nine men will experience sudden cardiac death, most before age 70. The study also revealed that sudden cardiac death claims up to 450,000 American lives each year, with no prior symptoms of cardiovascular disease being a common cause.
The European Medicines Agency has revised its trial design guidelines for acute coronary syndromes, emphasizing the use of troponin to diagnose myocardial infarction. The new guidelines also recommend a more nuanced approach to risk analysis, including subgroup analysis according to risk levels. This updated framework aims to promote t...
The American College of Cardiology has updated clinical performance and quality measures for treating adult patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. The new measures include inpatient setting, patient safety, and other domains to improve continuity of care.
Emelia Benjamin, a renowned cardiologist and researcher, has received the American Heart Association's (AHA) highest award for her leadership and contributions to cardiovascular research. She has propelled the AHA's research mission through her work as associate editor of the AHA journal Circulation and chair of multiple committees.
Scientists have developed a detailed computational model of the electrophysiology of congestive heart failure, allowing them to simulate subtle changes at the cellular and tissue levels. The 'virtual heart' model also helps researchers plan a new strategy against a specific form of fibrillation associated with heart failure.