Articles tagged with Heart
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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...
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
US heart disease death rates have declined overall since the 1970s, but there are significant differences in rates among US counties, with weaker declines found south of the Mason-Dixon Line. The study's findings emphasize the importance of geography for heart disease prevention and treatment, suggesting that social and economic condit...
A new study found that adding stress management to cardiac rehabilitation programs significantly reduces cardiac events and improves recovery rates for heart patients. After a median follow-up of over three years, researchers found that patients who underwent cardiac rehab plus stress management achieved greater benefits than rehab alone.
Research from Duke Health found that incorporating stress management into cardiac rehabilitation cuts risk of another heart incident in half. Patients who attended weekly stress-management groups had lower rates of cardiovascular events compared to those receiving only traditional cardiac rehabilitation.
A study found that one in five adults with congenital heart disease experience PTSD symptoms, with those who have had recent cardiac surgery being more likely to develop the condition. The researchers highlight the need for clinicians and caregivers to be aware of possible PTSD symptoms in their patients.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a cyborg cardiac patch that combines organic and engineered parts to regulate its own function, monitor vital signs remotely and release medication on demand. The invention has the potential to revolutionize cardiac research and treat heart disease.
A 5-year population health program in New Ulm, Minnesota, has achieved substantial decreases in heart disease risk factors, including high cholesterol and blood pressure. The study found improved cardiovascular health indicators, with positive changes in fasting glucose and triglycerides.
Ultra-processed foods contribute nearly 90% of all dietary added sugar intake, making up over half of the US calorie consumption. Research found a strong linear association between ultra-processed food intake and overall added sugar consumption.
A study found that energy drinks can increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms and rise in blood pressure in healthy young adults. The research suggests that consumers should exercise caution when consuming energy drinks.
Research suggests that moderate drinking poses an immediate higher cardiovascular risk, but this risk lessens and can become protective after 24 hours. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, heightens short- and long-term risks of heart attack and stroke.
The hospital will facilitate collaborations among researchers and make genomic data available to accelerate discovery of the genetic mechanisms of congenital heart defects. The goal is to uncover genetic mutations that affect both heart and brain development in children with severe heart defects.
Researchers found that failing cardiac tissue had increased levels of acetylated mitochondrial proteins, promoting metabolic defects in heart failure. In a mouse model, they detected elevated protein acetylation at the earliest stages of heart failure, supporting the role of hyperacetylation in disease progression.
Research suggests that long-term high-intensity exercise may lead to permanent structural changes in the heart, increasing the risk of arrhythmias. A review by sports cardiologist André La Gerche argues that large prospective studies are needed to fully understand the effects of intense exercise on heart health.
Research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may be beneficial for cardiovascular health, with studies showing a lower risk of heart failure and acute myocardial infarction among frequent drinkers. However, high levels of alcohol consumption were associated with increased risks of other diseases and social problems.
A study of over 600,000 adults found that macrolide antibiotics were associated with a similar 30-day risk of ventricular arrhythmia as nonmacrolide antibiotics, and slightly lower risk of all-cause mortality. The findings are reassuring for healthcare providers who prescribe these antibiotics to patients at low risk of adverse events.
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association support the implementation of core quality measures, which aim to streamline data collection for physicians, payers, and patients. However, they express concerns about two conflicting blood pressure control measures that could confuse patients and providers.
KAMC's Hajj Committee plans year-round to ensure preparedness for the massive patient influx during the Hajj. The hospital treats 700-1000 cardiac patients, with most being Hajj visitors, and has increased echocardiography staff from 7 to 13 during peak seasons.
Participating in women-only cardiac rehab resulted in lower symptoms of anxiety and depression and improvements in diet. Women who attended the supervised programs exhibited increased physical activity and improved quality of life.
A new report identifies several forms of testing to measure the risk of heart disease in patients with type 2 diabetes. These tests include exercise testing and coronary calcium scanning, which can detect silent ischemia and identify the highest-risk patients for more effective treatments. The study suggests that a significant proporti...
Regular caffeine consumption does not lead to extra heartbeats, contrary to clinical belief. A 12-month study of 1,388 participants found no association between frequent coffee, tea, or chocolate consumption and cardiac rhythm disturbances.
A study of 6,733 participants found that a slow heart rate was not associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the researchers noted that bradycardia may be problematic in people taking medications that also slow their heart rate.
A three-year study aims to determine the effectiveness of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. Participants will receive personalized counseling and monitoring, while others will receive standard occupational health care.
Researchers found a significant association between poor sleep quality and severe arteriosclerosis in the brain, as well as increased oxygen-starved tissue, among elderly individuals. Sleep fragmentation was linked to higher odds of stroke and cognitive impairment, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.
A recent study evaluated the evidence linking saturated fats and sugars to coronary heart disease, concluding that sugar consumption is a greater contributor to CHD risk. Consuming high amounts of refined added sugars has been linked to increased risk of CHD, prediabetes, and diabetes.
Historians Ian Calder and Jan Till believe Shackleton may have had an atrial septal defect, a congenital heart condition commonly known as a 'hole in the heart'. Shackleton exhibited symptoms of breathlessness and weakness during expeditions, which experts now attribute to this condition.