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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at George Washington University are studying a potential new treatment for heart failure by restoring parasympathetic activity to the heart, which could improve cardiac function. The study uses high-speed optical assessments of heart function to identify heart-specific benefits of oxytocin nerve activation.
Research reveals significant disparities in cardiac arrest care between men and women, resulting in higher mortality rates for women. Women tend to receive fewer life-saving procedures, such as angioplasty and therapeutic hypothermia, due to various factors including age, health status, and underlying conditions.
A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that blacks with atrial fibrillation have nearly double the risk of adverse outcomes compared to whites. The study analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study and found significant racial differences in outcomes related to AFib.
A new study by Yale researchers suggests that a catheter-delivered device called the Watchman may be a more cost-effective treatment option for patients with atrial fibrillation. The device, which is permanently implanted in the opening of the left atrial appendage, prevents blood clots from forming and reducing the risk of stroke.
A Brazilian study found that only 21% of women and 29% of men met international standards for moderate weekly physical activity. Active participants were healthier, with lower blood pressure and heart rates, and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
A study published in Pediatrics found that exclusive breastfeeding improved heart volume and function in premature babies, with those consuming more breastmilk having better outcomes as adults. The research suggests that breastfeeding may be able to mitigate the negative effects of premature birth on cardiac development.
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation journal found that consuming more whole grains is linked to a lower risk of death. The analysis of 12 studies involving over 786,000 participants revealed a significant association between whole grain intake and reduced mortality rates.
A prospective observational study of 19,815 adults found that those with higher fitness levels had a 37% lower risk of stroke after age 65. The study's findings support the independent role of exercise in preventing stroke and reinforce the benefits of being physically fit throughout life.
Research found that smoking increases kidney function decline by 83% in current smokers compared to non-smokers. Smoking also worsens inflammation levels, suggesting a possible mechanism between smoking and kidney function decline.
A panel of international experts has published a Consensus Statement recommending how to deliver cardiac rehab components at low cost in developing countries. The statement recommends leveraging affordable technologies and community health workers to increase access to life-saving programs.
A Florida State University researcher is studying the regulation of calcium in heart cells to correct a calcium imbalance and develop new treatment strategies for cardiomyopathies. The goal is to identify components involved in disease development and open the door for more effective treatments inside the cell.
Researchers create natural polymer-based scaffolds to grow spongiosa tissue, mimicking the middle layer of heart valve leaflets. The study finds that these scaffolds can be tuned to match the stiffness of natural tissue and may offer a promising alternative to existing mesh-based polymers.
Researchers at CNIC have discovered a crucial mechanism underlying the contractile structures in both hearts and skeletal muscles. The study reveals how Chd4/NuRD acts as a molecular key to shut down one muscle program in another, leading to hybrid striated muscles that can cause severe myocardiopathies and polymyositis-type myopathies.
A new virtual heart assessment tool developed by Johns Hopkins University predicts which patients are most likely to experience life-threatening arrhythmias. The tool, VARP, uses magnetic resonance imaging records and computer modeling techniques to gauge the risk of sudden cardiac death.
A new study from Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that atrial fibrillation patients taking warfarin require proper management to prevent kidney failure. The study showed that patients with low anticoagulation levels were at risk of developing kidney dysfunction and failure.
The SCAI 2016 Hildner Lecture explores how surgery and cardiology merged to form the catheterization laboratory, revolutionizing cardiac therapy. Dr. Forrester discusses the key individuals who drove this evolution, including Dwight Harken and F. Mason Sones Jr.
The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging has released new guidelines for the imaging assessment of prosthetic heart valves. The guidelines provide recommendations for a multimodality approach to diagnose and manage complications, including echocardiography as the first-line imaging modality. The study aims to improve assessme...
A new device enables real-time monitoring of central venous and pulmonary artery pressures in patients with single ventricle Fontan anatomy, reducing the risk of heart failure. The first implantable hemodynamic monitor has been successfully placed in two patients, showing early safety and feasibility.
Researchers have identified nine chemical compounds that can transform human fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells, which can then be used to partially heal damaged hearts. This breakthrough could lead to new avenues for cardiac regenerative therapies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that sedentary behavior is associated with increased amounts of calcium deposits in heart arteries, leading to a higher risk of heart attack. Reducing daily sitting time by 1-2 hours can have a significant positive impact on future cardiovascular health.
Researchers found that the early-to-bed, early-to-rise approach is associated with better cardiovascular health behaviors, including reduced smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary choices. Adequate sleep at optimal times is key to promoting heart-healthy habits.
A recent multi-centre study found that breast cancer patients undergoing treatment with trastuzumab-containing regimens are at significant risk of heart damage, regardless of age. The study suggests that younger patients should also be equally monitored for heart damage.
A University of Alberta researcher has been awarded a $2.1 million grant to study the molecular pathways of cancer therapies causing heart complications. The goal is to develop new, novel therapies to prevent cardiotoxicity while maintaining cancer treatment effectiveness.
A team of Russian scientists has identified a gene responsible for the development of coronary atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. The study found that mutations in the T-cadherin protein are associated with an increased risk of cardiac ischemia, highlighting a potential new target for preventing cardiovascular disease.
Two studies published in The BMJ question the effectiveness of delaying second heart shocks in hospital patients with cardiac arrest. Deferred second defibrillation attempts were not associated with improved survival rates.
Administering resuscitation drugs through an IV line can significantly improve survival rates for patients experiencing witnessed cardiac arrests. The study found that these drugs are only effective when given directly into a vein, rather than the commonly used intraosseous method.
Research found that the death of a partner is linked to an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a condition that can lead to stroke and heart failure. The risk is highest among people under 60 and when the loss is least expected.
The study found that amiodarone and lidocaine significantly improved survival rates among patients whose cardiac arrest was witnessed by a bystander, with a 5% greater chance of survival compared to placebo. However, the drugs showed no significant benefit for patients whose arrest was not witnessed.
A new study finds that both rate control and rhythm control strategies are acceptable in stable patients following cardiac surgery. The two approaches performed equally well in preventing abnormal heart rhythms, with similar lengths of stay and AFib-free rates at 60 days.
A new study finds that end-stage heart failure patients who received stem cell therapy experienced a 37 percent reduction in cardiac events, including deaths and hospital admissions. The treatment showed fewer side effects and complications compared to the placebo group.
A new review highlights the importance of family-based approaches to promote heart health, focusing on caregivers, children, and family dynamics. Effective strategies include encouraging communication among family members and addressing environmental conditions that impact heart health.
A non-inferiority trial found TAVR to be at least as safe and effective as surgery in intermediate-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. The study showed similar rates of death and disabling strokes after two years, but TAVR patients had shorter hospital stays and lower major complications.
In a rat model of volume-overload-induced heart failure, LOX inhibition partially restored systolic and diastolic function while reducing cardiac fibrosis and interstitial myocardial collagen. LOX over-activation promotes progressive cardiac fibrosis and heart failure progression.
A study published in JACC found that drinking a high-carbohydrate shake can lower atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels, which help regulate salt retention and blood pressure. Researchers discovered that glucose intake is the main driver behind this effect, mediated by the molecule miR-425.
A study found that increased arterial stiffness in young adults is associated with reduced white matter volume and decreased gray matter integrity. This association suggests that vascular health can impact brain health from an early age.
Studies reveal that up to 31 percent of people with ICDs receive shocks in their last day of life due to lack of deactivation. Researchers stress the importance of informing patients about the benefits of deactivating ICDs when death is near, highlighting communication gaps and cultural challenges around end-of-life planning.