Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
Research spanning over three decades found that participants with low risk for heart disease as young adults were 60% less likely to report disability as older adults. A healthy lifestyle has been shown to be associated with favorable levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors, according to the study lead author.
The Heart of New Ulm Project demonstrated population-level improvements in blood pressure and lipids, with increases in residents meeting blood pressure and LDL cholesterol goals. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and increased physical activity, also showed significant effects on HDL levels and total cholestero...
Research suggests that long-term use of anti-clotting drugs like warfarin and aspirin or clopidigrel can increase the risk of dementia in people with atrial fibrillation. Patients with abnormally slow blood clotting times were found to be more likely to develop dementia.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014 found that implementing pre-arrival telephone CPR guidelines in Arizona increased bystander CPR rates by 41% and survival rates by 42%. The study also showed that women are more likely to survive sudden cardiac arrest compared to men.
The Healthy Heart Score uses data from large-scale studies to estimate an individual's 20-year CVD risk based on nine critical diet and lifestyle factors. The free web-based survey provides practical tips for improving scores by incorporating heart-healthy habits into daily life.
A new study by Dr. Ankur Kalra identifies a significant risk factor for heart failure progression in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy patients using Doppler Tissue Imaging. The finding could lead to more aggressive management and closer monitoring of high-risk patients.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, propose a new surgical intervention that combines the first and second steps of single-ventricle heart surgery. This approach aims to reduce the workload on the patient's heart, increase blood flow to the lungs, and improve oxygen delivery.
A new screening tool, based on nine clinical variables, helps identify high-risk patients before heart procedures, allowing for strategies to avoid bleeding complications. This led to a significant reduction in post-procedure complications, including the need for blood transfusions, across Allina Health hospitals.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have captured images of the complex, revealing the connection between some genetic mutations and electrical abnormalities in the heart. The study provides a starting point for designing therapies to treat conditions such as long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome.
Shared accountability between patients and clinicians can improve patient-centered outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality. The report proposes incorporating patient actions into performance measures, tracking lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and follow-up appointments.
Researchers found that beneficial immune cells originate in the embryonic heart and can promote regeneration, while harmful macrophages come from the bone marrow. Blocking the influx of bone marrow-derived macrophages protects the resident macrophages, allowing them to promote repair and reduce inflammation.
A study found that dialysis patients on easily removable beta blockers have a higher risk of premature death compared to those on harder-to-remove beta blockers. The researchers suggest changing prescriptions to lower this risk.
A new technique enables continuous ECG surveillance during marathon races, potentially saving lives. The system uses Bluetooth and mobile phone networks to transmit data in real-time, with rapid transfer times and high accuracy.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified two genomic regions associated with responses to statins, paving the way for tailored treatment plans. With over 40,000 research subjects involved, this meta-analysis demonstrates a significant impact of gene profiles on statin efficacy.
A recent study highlights the dangers of women delaying medical attention for heart symptoms, citing a higher likelihood of severe or advanced stage treatment options being limited. Women often attribute symptoms to other possibilities and exhibit an optimistic bias, waiting longer to seek care than men.
Patients who received newly donated blood had significantly fewer post-operative complications than those who received older blood, according to a Canadian study. The study found that patients given only new blood fared better in terms of re-operation for bleeding, ventilation duration, infection, renal failure, and death.
A study of over 3,000 patients found that non-Caucasian groups have higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. However, South Asians, East Asians, and Blacks reported lower awareness of these risks compared to Caucasians.
A study of 35,000 participants found that genetic predisposition to elevated LDL-C was associated with aortic valve calcium and narrowing, supporting a causal association. Lowering cholesterol early in the disease process may provide protection from developing aortic valve disease.
A study of individuals with Down syndrome has identified large rare deletions involving cilia genes as common causes of congenital heart defects. The research also suggests that these genetic alterations may impact other organs beyond the heart, leading to personalized healthcare approaches for affected individuals.
A study of 37,000 adults found that frequent doctor visits are the strongest predictor of blood pressure control. Having healthcare insurance and being treated for high cholesterol also increased the likelihood of keeping blood pressure under control.
Researchers found that mental stress can cause reduced blood flow to the heart in women, leading to ischemia, a prevalent component of cardiovascular disease. The study suggests sex distinctions in how the body responds to mental stress, with women experiencing increased negative emotions and decreased positive feelings.
A study of patients with stable heart disease found that women experience more changes in blood flow to the heart and platelet aggregation under mental stress, while men exhibit greater changes in blood pressure and heart rate. This difference highlights the need for tailored treatment approaches for cardiovascular disease
A new implantable device has shown promising results in slowing and reversing heart failure in patients with severe cases. The C-Pulse system, a cuff that wraps around the aorta, improves NYHA functional class and quality of life scores.
Researchers at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and the University of Maryland School of Medicine have identified a new pathway linking the brain to high blood pressure. The study suggests new approaches for treating hypertension and heart failure, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a hybrid cardiac patch using biomaterial from patients and gold nanoparticles. The patch can improve heart function after heart attacks without triggering an immune response.
The World Heart Federation's Global Cardiovascular Disease Taskforce urges the United Nations to support efforts to curb non-communicable diseases like heart disease and stroke. The task force estimates that cardiovascular disease will account for $7 trillion of the economic burden from 2011-2025.
Researchers found modest acute changes in cardiac biomarkers and electrocardiogram findings following thoracic radiation therapy, but no clinically significant cardiac events. The study suggests that longer follow-up and increased dose range may reveal the impact of radiation on late RT-related toxicity.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses control theory to analyze heart rate data from athletes and found that a healthy heart must maintain certain patterns of variability during exercise to keep the body in balance. This variability is essential for maintaining homeostasis and preventing fati...
Scientists at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute have discovered a connection between elevated PCSK9 levels and acute heart attacks in patients. Elevated PCSK9 levels were found in blood samples from patients who had experienced a heart attack, but not in those who had never had one or had recovered from a previous attack.
Women with mechanical heart valves are at high risk of thrombotic complications, haemorrhagic events, and late foetal loss during pregnancy. The study found that 1.4% of pregnant women with a mechanical valve died, while nearly 20% lost their baby.
The BIOPACE trial found a non-significant trend in favour of biventricular pacing over right ventricular pacing, but no significant improvement in outcomes. Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction of 50% or less did not show any benefit from biventricular pacing.
A new study has failed to identify a medical treatment for post-operative pericardial effusion (POPE), a potentially serious condition that can lead to cardiac tamponade. The POPE-2 study showed that colchicine had no effect in reducing the volume of fluid around the heart or preventing the risk of cardiac tamponade.
The European Society of Cardiology has published the first expert consensus on ventricular arrhythmias, providing guidelines for diagnosis and management. The recommendations cover a wide range of ventricular arrhythmias, from benign to life-threatening conditions.
The European Lead Extraction ConTRolled (ELECTRa) registry found that transvenous lead extraction is clinically successful in over 98% of cases, with a failure rate of 1.5%. Non-infective indications for lead extraction are becoming increasingly common, accounting for 47.3% of cases.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive technology that uses video monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation by analyzing subtle changes in skin color. The technology has an error rate of 20%, comparable to automated ECG measurements, and holds promise for diagnosing cardiac disease using contactless video monitoring.
Researchers found that post-menopausal women with higher levels of physical activity had a lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation, regardless of their weight status. The study's lead author notes that more physically active women were less likely to develop the condition.
A new study by researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and York University found that cardiac rehabilitation programs in Canada are generally strong but require improvement in specific areas. The study identified key quality indicators that can be used to address gaps and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found consistent improvements in the use of evidence-based treatments and medications, as well as an increase in quality improvement initiatives. Hospitalization rates dropped for all racial groups, with notable declines in heart attack, unstable angina, and ischemic stroke rates.
Researchers successfully transplanted genetically engineered pig hearts into baboons, achieving prolonged survival of over 200 days. The use of target-specific immunosuppression and human genes in the pigs enabled the hearts to remain viable without complications.
New research reveals that blacks and women have a higher burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors than whites. The study analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study and found that diabetes contributes more to CVD in women, while high blood pressure is a greater risk factor for blacks.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown cardiac molecule that can block a protein causing genetic disruptions in the heart. By restoring levels of this molecule, progression to heart failure was stopped in mice. The molecule, known as Myheart, controls a protein called BRG1 and may lead to a compound for human trials.
The 2014 ESC/ESA Guidelines provide recommendations for cardiovascular assessment and management in non-cardiac surgery, aiming to reduce complications. The guidelines cover risk assessment models, biomarkers, anticoagulants, statins, aspirin, and beta-blockers to mitigate cardiac risk in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
Researchers found that childhood coxsackie virus infection depletes cardiac stem cells, impairing the heart's ability to tolerate stress and increasing the risk of heart disease later in life. The study suggests a potential link between early viral infections and long-term cardiovascular health.
Congenital heart disease specialists have developed a nonsurgical technique to repair patent ductus arteriosus, a common cardiac birth defect. The minimally invasive procedure employs fluoroscopy and echocardiography to guide closure without exposing fragile infants to open-heart surgery.
Researchers found that catheter ablation significantly improves cardiovascular survival among adults with atrial fibrillation, even in older patients and those with comorbidities. The study, published in Heart Rhythm, shows a 60% reduction in mortality rates among participants.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found dementia patients are more likely to receive a pacemaker for atrial fibrillation than those without cognitive impairment, despite being diagnosed with less aggressive interventions. The likelihood was highest among dementia patients, even after accounting for clinical factors.
Researchers discovered that a particular EPA metabolite, 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE), plays a crucial role in protecting against cardiovascular diseases. This metabolite was produced by immune cells and confirmed its heart-protective effects.
Researchers have developed a minimally invasive gene therapy procedure that transforms ordinary heart muscle cells into specialized 'biological pacemaker' cells. This breakthrough could lead to a long-lasting treatment for patients with heart rhythm disorders, potentially eliminating the need for electronic pacemakers.
Preliminary research found that patients with serious heart and lung conditions have a narrower range of facial expressions, particularly the ability to register surprise. This can help doctors prioritize care and avoid unnecessary tests.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that adults who adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors in their 30s and 40s can control and potentially reverse coronary artery disease. The study also showed that losing healthy habits as they age leads to a measurable negative impact on heart health.
Severe childhood malnutrition may increase risk for high blood pressure in adulthood. Adults who endured malnutrition growing up had higher diastolic blood pressure and peripheral resistance.
A four-year trial found that 30% of patients with cryptogenic stroke had atrial fibrillation detected within three years with the device, compared to 3% in those who received standard follow-up care. Patients with atrial fibrillation were switched to blood thinners, which proved more effective in preventing future strokes.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women may derive greater benefits from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) compared to men. The CRT device helps regulate the heartbeat, improving symptoms and quality of life for individuals with heart failure.
A recent study published in Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography found that advanced CT scanning equipment significantly reduces patient radiation exposure. The use of newer generation, dual-source CT scanners resulted in a 61% decrease in radiation exposure compared to older scanners.
African-American barbers will be enlisted in the fight against hypertension through a new grant, which aims to train barbers to conduct blood pressure checks and steer patients to lifesaving medical care. The study aims to test the effectiveness of barbershop hypertension programs and their cost-effectiveness.
The American Heart Association conference highlighted the potential of SODA-LO Salt Microspheres to reduce sodium intake in food products. The ingredient, developed by Tate & Lyle, can lower sodium content by 25-50% in foods such as bread and salty snacks.
A study found that people with poor cardiovascular health are more likely to experience cognitive decline, including learning and memory problems. Researchers analyzed data from 17,761 individuals aged 45 and older, finding that those with the lowest cardiovascular health scores had impaired cognitive function.
A large study finds that high levels of certain air pollutants are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, including irregular heart rhythms and lung blood clots. The research suggests that particulate matter is particularly harmful for elderly people.
A study from Duke University Medical Center found that implantable cardioverter defibrillators improve survival among heart failure patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 30-35%. The device reduces three-year mortality rates by 3.6% in patients without ICDs.
Many breast cancer patients fail to receive treatment for heart problems despite having a higher risk of complications, according to a recent study. Researchers found that only about one-third of older breast cancer patients saw a cardiologist within 90 days of developing heart issues.