Articles tagged with Heart
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.
A new study published in Circulation journal found that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages daily increases visceral fat, a type of body fat that affects diabetes and heart disease risk. The study showed a direct correlation between greater sweetened beverage consumption and increased visceral fat among middle-aged adults.
The International Society for Heart Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) has updated its listing criteria for heart transplantation, expanding eligibility to patients with HIV and hepatitis. The new guidelines also relax the BMI threshold for overweight patients with heart failure.
A study found that people scoring well on the Life's Simple 7 checklist for a healthy heart have lower risk of developing heart failure. The measures include managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels, as well as getting physically active, eating better, losing weight, and quitting smoking.
The £10.2m investment will focus on genomic diagnoses, innovative therapeutics, heart failure, and device innovation to tackle cardiovascular healthcare issues globally. The Barts Heart Centre aims to become the go-to academic medical centre for research and treatment of cardiovascular disease in Europe.
Researchers developed simulations of the human heart using computational modeling, aiming to create personalized treatment strategies for patients with reduced cardiac function. The project uses virtual personalized heart models to predict CRT feasibility and optimize pacemaker setup.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that women with heart disease attend less than half of their prescribed cardiac rehab sessions, yet still show significant improvements in exercise capacity. Researchers suggest tailoring programs to individual needs and promoting female-only models may improve participation rates.
A landmark clinical trial shows that beta blockers and ACE inhibitors effectively prevent heart function drop in patients with early-stage breast cancer. The study suggests these medications can improve breast cancer survival rates by limiting interruptions to chemotherapy treatment.
Women with Type 2 diabetes face increased cardiovascular disease risk, including earlier heart attacks, higher mortality rates, and reduced access to treatments. Lifestyle changes like improved diet and exercise may help reduce this risk, but more research is needed to understand these differences and improve health equity.
A study published by CNIC researchers found a diet high in fatty acids can restore normal cell metabolism and prevent dilated cardiomyopathy. The research suggests that this approach may lead to future treatments for patients with heart disease.
A study published in Science found that mutations before birth can disrupt heart and nervous system development, leading to congenital heart disease and developmental delays. Researchers identified damaging mutations in genes crucial for heart and brain formation, which may enable early DNA testing to identify at-risk children.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that sacubitril-valsartan can extend life expectancy by one to two years for heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. The therapy, currently used as standard care, was shown to improve overall survival by 16% and reduce hospitalization rates.
Researchers used MRI and CT scans on human hearts over 400 years old to identify signs of heart disease, such as plaque and atherosclerosis. Three of the five hearts showed evidence of disease, while one appeared healthy.
Recent studies have analyzed trends in blood clot formation in patients with heart-assist devices, revealing a potential decline in thrombosis rates since 2011. However, the exact impact of this trend on patient outcomes remains unclear, and experts emphasize the need for continued vigilance and research.
A new study using MRI reveals that elite free divers experience cardiovascular changes during apnea, including a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure. Despite these changes, the divers' heart function recovers quickly upon breathing again.
Patients with coronary artery disease spend an average of eight hours each day sitting, which is related to higher BMI and lower cardiorespiratory fitness. Limiting sedentary behaviors can improve health alongside regular exercise.
A study published in International Journal of Cardiology found that mildly elevated levels of bilirubin, a bile pigment, can reduce damage and improve heart function during recovery from a heart attack. Higher levels of bilirubin have also been shown to protect the circulation from oxidative damage.
Researchers found that therapeutic hypothermia significantly reduces damage to the brain after cardiac arrest, with patients who received treatment experiencing better neurological outcomes and higher survival rates. The therapy has been shown effective on both shockable and non-shockable heart rhythms.
Research published in Circulation found adults with congenital heart defects to be at substantially higher risk of experiencing a stroke, especially before age 55. Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes were the most prevalent types.
The TATORT-NSTEMI trial found no significant difference in major adverse cardiac events at 12 months between thrombectomy and standard PCI in NSTEMI patients. Thrombus aspiration also did not affect quality of life or functional class.
Researchers found that African Americans with depressive symptoms have twice the increased risk of stroke compared to those without depressive symptoms. The study also discovered a significant association between depression and coronary heart disease in this population.
A recent report highlights the health risks associated with Taser use, particularly against mentally ill patients. The device has been linked to eye injuries, seizures, and even death, prompting a review of police use of force.
Researchers found that therapeutic hypothermia increased survival rates by 2.8 times and neurologic recovery by 3.5 times in comatose cardiac arrest patients. Therapeutic hypothermia may benefit comatose cardiac arrest patients with non-shockable heart rhythms, increasing their chances of survival and better brain function.
The expanded coverage includes patients on optimal medical therapy and those with less than 35% ejection fraction. Newly eligible patients have lower hospital readmissions compared to those previously eligible for cardiac rehabilitation.
A new study found that patients who are older, female, and/or from lower-income neighborhoods are more likely to experience delays in starting cardiac rehabilitation after bypass surgery, ultimately reducing their chances of completing the program. This can lead to a higher mortality risk.
Researchers have successfully mapped the electrical activity of developing hearts in embryos using highly sensitive sensors. This breakthrough could lead to a better understanding of how heart rhythm abnormalities develop and improve diagnosis and treatment options.
A new smartphone-compatible listening device, HeartBuds, has been shown to work as well as widely used FDA-approved traditional and digital stethoscopes in identifying heart murmurs. The study also found that the disposable stethoscope performed poorly on detecting abnormal sounds, making it a less reliable option.
A study found that fewer people achieved ideal cardiovascular health scores, with a decrease in healthy metrics such as body mass index, blood pressure, and glucose levels. People who experienced significant changes in their health scores were at higher risk of diagnosed cardiovascular disease.
A group-therapy intervention program achieves significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, exercise, weight, diet, and tobacco smoking. The program also encourages participants to adopt healthy habits and increase physical activity.
Research at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2015 found that intimate partners of people with heart defibrillators are concerned about resuming sexual activity. After discussing their concerns, partners reported a significant decrease in fears related to cardiac arrest and ICD discharge during sex.
A survey found that only 27% of women can name a woman with heart disease, highlighting the disconnect between widespread cardiovascular disease and personal perceptions. Women are more likely to be concerned about heart health when they know another woman who has experienced it.
A new study found that promptly diagnosing and treating diabetes in heart attack patients significantly improves their cardiac outcomes. Researchers identified 707 patients who met criteria for a diabetes diagnosis but were only clinically diagnosed 30% of the time.
Researchers found that asymptomatic AF doubles the risk of stroke and premature death compared to age and gender matched people without AF. Treating asymptomatic AF with anticoagulants can nearly completely reverse the increased risk of stroke.
A new smartphone application called AED-SOS helps connect rescuers with lifesaving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest outside hospitals. Researchers found that the app can shorten the time from recognizing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests to delivering AEDs by an average of 69 seconds.
A new approach using the KiTOMI model dismisses myths and provides evidence-based practical recommendations for healthcare providers counseling heart patients about sexual activity. The risk of death during sex is very low for most clinically stable heart patients, with even lower risk for women.
Researchers in Pennsylvania have been granted funding from the American Heart Association to support their work on cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The grants will enable them to gather data and develop new treatment strategies for patients with Fontan physiology, a condition that affects thousands of people worldwide.
The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have updated recommendations for athletes with diagnosed heart disease. New research shows that the risk of sudden cardiac arrest is lower than previously thought for some athletes with irregular heartbeat disorders treated by implanted medical devices. However, patients...
Researchers found that eating more fruits and vegetables as young adults was associated with less calcified coronary artery plaque 20 years later. People who ate the most fruit and vegetable at the start had a 26% lower risk of developing calcified plaque compared to those who ate the least.
A new study published in JAMA found that pregnant women with preeclampsia have a higher risk of delivering an infant with a congenital heart defect. The research examined hospital records of over 1.9 million mother and infant pairs, revealing significant association between the diseases.
Researchers found that Botox injections significantly reduced the risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) after bypass surgery. In contrast, saline injections showed no such benefit. The study's results could lead to Botox being used as a preventive measure for AF in patients undergoing heart bypass or valve repair.
A large analysis found that preeclampsia is associated with a higher risk of noncritical heart defects in infants. Infants born to mothers with early-onset preeclampsia before 34 weeks also showed an increased risk of critical heart defects. However, the absolute risk remains low.
A new MRI study found that the main pumping chamber of the heart ages differently in men and women, with men's hearts becoming heavier and holding less blood. The study suggests that optimum treatment for heart failure may not be the same for women and men, highlighting the importance of personalized medicine.
A team of researchers from Oxford and Stony Brook universities has developed a way to precisely control electrical waves in heart cells using light. This allows for fine control over wave speed, direction, and orientation, enabling unprecedented direct control of organ-level function without manipulating individual cells.
A new study found that elevated blood sugar levels in pregnancy are linked to an increased risk of congenital heart defects, including tetralogy of Fallot and dextrotransposition of the great arteries. High glucose levels were correlated with an increased risk of tetralogy of Fallot, but not dextrotransposition of the great arteries.
Scripps Health cardiology experts will share leading-edge techniques for improving heart care during the annual Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) symposium. Matthew Price, M.D., will present on the WATCHMAN left atrial appendage closure device, an alternative to blood thinners for stroke prevention.
A new study from the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute shows that about 15% of patients with bioprosthetic aortic heart valves develop blood clots on the leaflets, which can impair valve motion. However, anti-coagulation medications like Warfarin quickly resolve the issue for all patients, regardless of the type of valve or procedure.
Research finds that higher levels of physical activity lower heart failure risk in the general population. Current U.S. guidelines may not be enough to reduce the risk, suggesting stronger recommendations are necessary.
Researchers have designed a specialized catheter that uses biodegradable adhesive and patch to fix holes in the heart without open heart surgery. The catheter is inserted through a vein and activates a patch with UV light, allowing it to secure itself in place and dissolve over time.
Researchers found that sedentary time was associated with higher risks of heart and diabetes problems, regardless of exercise levels. The study suggests that reducing sedentary time can be beneficial for Hispanic adults' overall health.
Scientists have discovered a method to predict certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, allowing for potential prevention and improved heart health. The researchers used mathematical modeling to analyze the transition from normal to abnormal heartbeat patterns in embryonic chicken cells.
Scientists have identified 500 novel membrane proteins that play a critical role in normal heart function and may help uncover new information about heart failure and arrhythmias. The research focuses on protein Tmem65, which regulates communication between cardiac contractile cells.
Researchers from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and Oxford University found that multiple common genetic variants contribute to heart disease, rather than a few rare variants. They identified 202 genetic variants in 129 gene regions that explain approximately 23% of coronary heart disease's heritability.
A new study found that treatment with life-saving medications has increased significantly in ischemic heart disease, but levels are still suboptimal. The study also revealed that patients with peripheral artery disease receive fewer recommended medications and have more comorbidities than others.
A new trial suggests that pacing may not be effective in preventing cardiac remodeling and improving functional or clinical outcomes in patients with large myocardial infarctions. The study, known as PRomPT, found no significant difference between patients who received pacing and those who did not.
The ESC guidelines now strongly recommend the radial approach over femoral access for coronary angiography and PCI in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The radial approach reduces vascular complications, major bleeding events, and all-cause mortality. Additionally, the guidelines suggest a tailored duration of dual antiplatelet t...
Researchers found that quitting smoking within a year after a heart attack can lead to similar levels of chest pain and mental health as non-smokers. Smokers who continued to smoke after a heart attack had the worst health status of the four groups, with increased odds of having chest pain.
A NIHR-funded study has found that repositioning patients after the Valsalva manoeuvre significantly increases its success rate in treating supraventricular tachycardia. The modified technique improved heart rhythm return rates from 17.5% to 43.5%, offering a cost-free and comfortable option for patients.
A population study reveals that a well-balanced maternal diet before pregnancy reduces the risk of certain heart abnormalities in newborns. The research found that women with higher diet quality had a lower risk of congenital heart defects, including tetralogy of Fallot and atrial septal defects.
Research reveals that young adults, especially women, are not benefiting equally from declining heart disease death rates. Despite improvements in older adults, the annual percentage change in death rates for young men and women showed no improvement between 1990-1999 and has only fallen one percent since 2000.
Researchers found that patients with acute cardiogenic shock who received extracorporeal life support had better cardiac recovery rates compared to those with chronic conditions. The study showed a 59% survival rate for patients in the acute group, while only 14% survived in the chronic group.