Articles tagged with Heart
A UCLA-led study found that only 1 in 10 heart failure patients are referred to a cardiac rehabilitation program after hospitalization, despite strong evidence of its benefits. The study's findings point to the need for improved awareness and strategies to increase referrals.
Researchers analyzed 43 patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) who underwent either an arterial or venous shunt as part of the hybrid palliation procedure. The study found that the arterial shunt group showed better pulmonary arterial growth, shorter surgical times, and higher oxygen saturations at discharge. However, no ...
The American Heart Association's scientific statement found that mobile health technologies can be effective for managing weight, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking. However, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness for other health conditions.
Researchers at the University of Otago discovered that a normal cell process called autophagy is deregulated in diabetic hearts, leading to progressive loss of cardiac cells and cardiac dysfunction. Targeting the Beclin-1 protein presents an promising avenue for new treatments of diabetes-related cardiac disease.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that delaying surgery for severe mitral regurgitation until symptoms appear doubles the risk of postoperative mortality and heart failure. Early surgery, on the other hand, provides the best long-term outcomes, with lower mortality and congestive heart failur...
A new genetic test developed at Stanford University School of Medicine can accurately pinpoint the likely genetic causes of heart conditions in just a couple of days. The test uses a streamlined assay that looks at just 88 genes known to carry mutations that cause heart problems, and costs about $100.
A recent study published in Circulation found that a traditional Southern-style diet is associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 adults and found that those who consumed foods conforming to the Southern dietary pattern had a 56% higher risk of heart disease compared to those who ate it ...
San Diego State University researchers have developed a way to use biotechnology to rejuvenate cardiac progenitor cells, which replicate indefinitely into new heart cells. By overexpressing an enzyme associated with cancer cell growth, they've shown promise in increasing cell proliferation and lifespan in mice, as well as human tissue.
Researchers found that baby rats whose mothers were fed a high-fat diet had smaller bitter taste receptors in their hearts and larger hearts than normal, suggesting an impact on cardiovascular health.
A Johns Hopkins-led study of 1,200 people with implanted defibrillators shows that within a few years, one-quarter experienced substantial improvements in heart function, reducing the risk of arrhythmia and device shocks. Improved heart function was primarily attributed to concurrent use of heart failure medications and pacemakers.
A quality improvement initiative at Texas Children's Hospital has led to a significant reduction in median waitlist times for pediatric heart transplant patients. The hospital revised its protocols to expand donor heart size parameters and improve patient severity status, resulting in faster organ allocation.
A University of Pittsburgh study finds that late- and post-menopausal women have more fat around their hearts than pre-menopausal counterparts, increasing the risk of heart disease. Hormonal changes during menopause may be to blame for this shift in fat deposits.
A systematic evidence review suggests that cognitive decline following invasive heart procedures is unlikely in older adults, with little to no difference found between treatment groups. However, individual study quality was low and more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Research published in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation found that blacks are more likely to experience sudden cardiac arrest, particularly at younger ages. The study also identified a higher prevalence of non-coronary heart problems among black patients, including congestive heart failure and left ventricular hypert...
Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare disorder characterized by weakened heart pumping, affecting otherwise healthy pregnant women. A new study highlights the need for further investigation into prevention and treatment options, as current evidence is scarce and of poor quality.
Researchers found a significant association between wildfire-related air pollution and an increased risk of heart-related incidents, including out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and emergency department visits. The study suggests that fine particulate matter may act as a trigger factor for acute cardiovascular health events.
Researchers at Simon Fraser University have found that changes in body temperature can cause arrhythmia, leading to sudden cardiac death. The study, published in the Journal of Physiology, identifies a protein sensitive to temperature fluctuations that can disrupt heart function.
A group of top doctors and scientists propose a paradigm shift in NCD prevention and treatment, emphasizing the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles. They suggest integrating and collaborating with various stakeholders, including governments, companies, and organizations, to create effective change.
Researchers found that people with a small opening in the heart (PFO) were more susceptible to acute mountain sickness and had impaired lung function at high altitudes. The study suggests PFOs may impair performance at high altitude due to inefficient blood oxygenation.
The American College of Cardiology has released recommendations for the implantation of left atrial appendage occlusion devices, which may lower the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The new guidelines emphasize team-based care and the need for robust clinical data on outcomes for patients treated with these devices.
The hospital has successfully integrated two common imaging techniques to produce a three-dimensional anatomic model of a patient's heart. The technology combines computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with echocardiography, enabling more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that older heart patients with reduced function may benefit from defibrillators, which can lower the risk of death by one-third. However, the devices are underutilized due to factors such as advanced age, transitions in care, and mandatory waiting periods.
A new study published in Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback found a significant link between lower heart rate variability and sexual dysfunction in women. Women with below-average heart rate variability were more likely to report sexual arousal problems and overall sexual difficulties.
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that people are divided on the cardiovascular benefits of moderate alcohol consumption. Those who believe alcohol is 'heart healthy' drink more and have higher education, income, and age compared to those with unfavorable views.
The study found almost double the number of differentially expressed heart and liver genes in translation compared to transcription. This discovery sheds light on the genes and regulatory pathways underlying disease, offering new avenues for research.
A faulty calcium channel in heart cells can cause a rare but potentially fatal heart condition called CPVT. When someone with the faulty gene exercises, adrenaline release can flood into the heart cells, causing a fatal arrhythmia.
A new molecular imaging scan detects dangerous protein deposits in the heart, significantly increasing cardiac risk. The scan uses a widely available agent to assess amyloid buildup and predict future heart attacks.
Research shows that public access defibrillation on people suffering cardiac arrest is associated with a large increase in chances of survival. However, despite the great potential, publicly accessible Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are not being used enough.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles identified a new source of cells that can develop into coronary vessels and found the signaling protein CXCL12 guiding this process. The study may have clinical relevance, helping diagnose abnormal coronary vessels and developing interventional strategies to prevent heart attacks.
A new study shows that personalized music playlists with tempo-pace synchronization can significantly increase exercise adherence in cardiac rehabilitation patients, with an average of 105.4 minutes more exercise per week. This approach has the potential to improve long-term survival and life expectancy for these patients.
Researchers found that patients with higher activity levels after ICD implantation had a 40% lower risk of death at four years compared to those with lower activity. The study analyzed over 98,000 patients and showed that even small increases in activity were associated with a significant reduction in mortality.
Researchers analyzed 2,765 adults who underwent angioplasty and found that quitting smoking significantly improved quality of life and reduced chest pain. Smoking cessation was associated with a lower risk of chest pain at one year after the procedure.
A new chest strap ECG monitor has been developed using wettable electrodes that are kept moist by an artificial sweating process. The device can now be used for long-term heart rate monitoring, addressing previous limitations of gel electrodes.
Behnaz Ghoraani's novel algorithm allows improved and patient-specific localization of electrical disturbance sites, enabling clinicians to better target the problem. The technology helps doctors 'see' what's going on in the atrium by analyzing patterns of electrical signals, guiding them to where they need to sense.
A Danish study found that more than 75% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors returned to work, with a significant increase in return-to-work rates among those who received bystander CPR. The study also revealed that survivors spent an average of three years back at work and earned the same salary after arrest.
A systematic review of over 320,000 patients found digoxin associated with a 21% increased risk of death from any cause. High levels of digoxin in the blood correlate with an increased death rate in patients. The authors call for randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings.
Two studies presented at the American Heart Association's Quality of Care and Outcomes Research 2015 Scientific Sessions found that more than one in four LVAD patients experience notable cognitive decline. Patients with poor overall health, including death, severe stroke, and poor quality of life, are also common outcomes.
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly increases the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Researchers discovered a 34% increased risk overall and an almost doubling of SCD risk after five years of diagnosis.
Researchers aim to understand why diabetic patients lack cardioprotection during surgery, a condition that poses serious health issues. They will assess the role of cellular and environmental factors in protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
A study of 41,568 patients found that allowing family presence during cardiac arrest resuscitation has no impact on patient outcomes. Family members who witness the process experience benefits such as reduced depression and PTSD.
A new laboratory study by the University of Michigan Medical School reveals that near-death brain activity can destabilize heart function and accelerate cardiac demise. The study suggests that blocking brain-heart connections during cardiac arrest may improve survival chances for patients.
Research found that sports-associated cases of sudden cardiac arrest were more likely to be witnessed and involved CPR, with a higher rate of survival. The study suggests targeted education can maximize safety and acceptance of sports activity in middle-aged individuals.
The TRMM satellite provided a remarkable image of Super Typhoon Maysak, revealing an eye wall replacement cycle in progress. The storm's intensity is characterized by near-perfect symmetry around the center, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 140 knots.
A team of investigators has developed the first fully implantable micropacemaker for fetal use, which has received FDA approval as a Humanitarian Use Device. The device is designed to treat fetuses with complete heart block, a condition that significantly slows the heart rate and impairs its ability to pump blood.
A new risk score called Globorisk predicts 10-year heart disease and stroke risk for individuals aged 40+, using data from eight cohort studies with over 50,000 participants. The score can be updated to fit local conditions and risk factor levels in different countries.
The study found that cardiac PET/CT imaging diagnosed heart problems with certainty 88% of the time, while SPECT imaging gave a clear diagnosis only 30% of the time. This technology reduces unnecessary invasive procedures and radiation exposure by a factor of 10.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found that patients undergoing coronary angiogram with radial access had a significantly lower risk of major bleeding and death compared to those with femoral access. The study suggests that the arm should be the preferred approach for most catheter-based heart procedures.
A study found that complete revascularization after emergency angioplasty for STEMI reduced unplanned angioplasty or bypass surgery by 12%. Rates of death and repeat heart attacks were comparable between groups. The approach may help patients avoid future cardiac events.
Patients with multivessel coronary artery disease receive better outcomes with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) than angioplasty and stent implantation, according to a study. This is in line with past studies that have shown CABG leads to better outcomes for patients with multiple narrowed arteries.
A study published in The Lancet suggests that routine heart scans for patients referred to cardiac clinics with chest pain could reduce heart attack rates. The SCOT-HEART trial found that around a quarter of patients had their diagnoses reclassified after receiving the scan, prompting new treatments in many cases.
Researchers found that TAVR improves survival rates and quality of life for elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis. The study compared five-year outcomes of TAVR with standard therapy, showing significant benefits in the TAVR group.
A large trial found that patients with symptoms of heart disease have similar outcomes regardless of whether they undergo a functional stress test or a computed tomographic scan. However, the scan may be better at ruling out the need for subsequent tests and procedures in patients who are free of heart disease.
A study comparing CT angiography and functional stress tests found similar clinical outcomes and minimal cost differences over three years. The tests had the same rate of death, heart attacks, and hospitalizations, despite initial cost savings from CT angiography.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered a chain of events that cause healthy valves to become bone-like. They identified three key genes that are altered in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and found a potential therapeutic target by manipulating their activity, pointing to novel treatments for the condition.
A new study by researchers at San Diego State University found that limiting fruit flies' eating hours can prevent aging- and diet-related heart problems. Flies on a time-restricted feeding schedule slept better, didn't gain as much weight and had healthier hearts than those that ate anytime.
Patients undergoing non-emergency cardiac surgery were given either a low or high haemoglobin threshold for transfusion, with the researchers finding that more patients died in the 'low' group. Health care costs and serious complications were similar in both groups, challenging prevailing guidelines.
Researchers found that patients who received blood transfusions at a higher haemoglobin level had fewer serious complications and deaths after cardiac surgery. The study challenges current guidelines and health policy, suggesting that a more liberal approach to transfusion may be safer and more cost-effective
Researchers found that implantable defibrillators and modern treatments have reduced mortality rates among adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, improving life expectancy. The study also showed a lower rate of deaths directly associated with the disease, especially sudden cardiac death.
Research found that nearly 5,000 coronary heart disease patients experienced a significant increased risk of death or heart attack when experiencing high stress and heavy depressive symptoms. The 'psychosocial perfect storm' was validated by the study's findings, which suggest behavioral interventions could help manage both conditions.
A study has quantified the average number of heart failure-free years a person gains by not developing risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes by age 45. The results show that individuals with all three risk factors are diagnosed with heart failure an average of 11 to 13 years earlier than those without any risk factors.