Articles tagged with Heart
Scientists at the University of Bonn identified Creld1 as a crucial gene for heart valve development in mice, which also functions similarly in humans. This discovery may lead to improved diagnosis of unidentified heart valve diseases and better understanding of cardiac development.
A Minneapolis Heart Institute Fellow is recognized as a finalist for the ACCF Young Investigators Awards, focusing on using non-invasive tools to identify heart attack survivors at risk of sudden cardiac death. The study used contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to assess scar size and predict future outcomes.
A head-to-head study favors balloon-expandable transcatheter heart valves for treating aortic stenosis, with a success rate of 95.9% compared to 77.5% for self-expanding valves. Patients receiving balloon-expandable valves also reported improved symptoms at a rate of 94.3%.
Researchers have identified two new protein markers, GlycA and GlycB, which are associated with inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of these proteins were found in nearly half of the patients who died or suffered an adverse event during follow-up.
A new telemedicine program integrating office visits with supplemental phone coaching improves cardiovascular disease risk factors such as fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, stress reduction, and medication adherence. Adults who engaged in five or more coaching sessions showed significant improvements.
Researchers analyzed electronic health records to identify individuals at risk of familial hypercholesterolaemia. Only 4.3% of those identified were diagnosed, highlighting the need for improved provider recognition and treatment.
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables in early adulthood has been linked to reduced rates of coronary heart disease in middle-aged adults. Young women who ate 8 servings or more per day were 40% less likely to develop calcified plaque in their arteries 20 years later.
The study found the heart becomes more spherical by 9.4% in microgravity, similar to predicted models, and may benefit certain cardiovascular patients on Earth. The temporary shape change appears after spaceflight, but long-term health effects are unknown.
New studies confirm coronary artery calcium scans as a reliable indicator of long-term heart disease risk, outperforming other tests in low-risk patients. The tests have been shown to detect early signs of plaque accumulation and hardening of the arteries.
Research suggests that women with four or more children are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with a two-fold higher risk of abnormal coronary artery calcium scores and aortic wall thickness. This association remains even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors, education, race, and known risk factors.
Physicist Premi Haynes has made a groundbreaking discovery about the cellular structure of the human heart, particularly related to heart failure. She found that different regions of the left ventricular wall have unique cellular patterns of mechanical properties, with the middle being a better
Researchers have developed controllable chemical compounds that can deliver protective effects of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, reducing heart attack injury by up to 70%. The technology aims to unlock the gas's therapeutic potential in treating conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists from the University of Chicago discovered that DNA variants in SCN10A regulate SCN5A expression, suggesting a primary role for SCN5A in cardiac arrhythmia risk. The study highlights the importance of evaluating functional targets of genome-wide association study hits to avoid costly implications.
Researchers found that emotional stressors like anger can cause changes in the nervous system controlling heart rate, triggering microvascular coronary dysfunction more often in women than men. This condition can lead to heart attacks and other cardiac issues despite clear arteries.
A recent study reveals that the genetic disease ARVC is more widespread than initially assumed, with all known affected families sharing a common genetic origin. The mutation was first identified in Canada and has since been found in European countries including Germany, Denmark, and the USA, indicating a shared European heritage.
A new study found that patients with advanced cardiac insufficiency who remain active and have low levels of depression can significantly increase their chances of surviving the waiting period for a donor heart. The researchers recommend psychological counseling to help patients stay physically active and reduce symptoms of depression.
A systematic review of 49 studies found that patients with heart failure and their families often lack basic knowledge about the condition, leading to confusion, delays in seeking help, and uncertainty about long-term care. This lack of understanding can decimate quality of life and is a major reason seniors end up in emergency rooms.
A leading US cardiovascular research scientist argues that low saturated fat diets do not reduce heart disease risk and that current dietary guidelines are based on flawed data from the 1950s. He recommends a diet low in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and processed foods to boost and maintain heart health.
A study of STEMI patients found that patient and family satisfaction with acute care transfers was significant, with most feeling the transfer was necessary and well explained. However, some would have preferred to stay at their local facility.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that outbursts of anger can trigger heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems in the two hours immediately afterwards. The risk is particularly high for those with existing cardiovascular problems or a history of heart attack or stroke.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that patients who had troublesome teeth extracted before heart surgery were at a higher risk of poor outcomes, including death. The study suggested that physicians should evaluate each patient individually to weigh the benefits and risks of tooth extraction before cardiac surgery.
Fibromuscular dysplasia can cause high blood pressure, kidney failure, stroke, and other symptoms in women. A recent Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for this condition.
The American Heart Association has funded 112 studies at Loyola since 1984, with the latest award bringing the total to $10.6 million. Loyola is recognized as one of the top 50 hospitals nationwide for cardiology and heart surgery.
Researchers found a specific genetic flaw in the KCNE2 gene that is connected to sudden cardiac death due to heart arrhythmia. This discovery could lead to improved early detection and prevention strategies for people at higher risk, such as those with diabetes.
A new imaging technique can diagnose aortic disease and predict potential complications in patients with bicuspid aortic valve. Blood flow changes were found to be driven by specific types of abnormal aortic valves, and the study demonstrated a direct association between blood flow patterns and aortic diseases.
A study found that patients undergoing PCI have a higher risk of dying from non-cardiac diseases than heart disease, with only 37% of deaths being cardiac-related. The researchers attribute this to improved cardiac therapies, such as medication and catheterization laboratory technologies.
A new study reveals that couples who perceive their spousal support as ambivalent experience higher levels of coronary artery calcification, a significant predictor of heart disease. Researchers found that this ambivalence can lead to increased stress and undermine supportive interactions in the relationship.
Researchers found that patients who received their CVD risk expressed as 'Heart Age' demonstrated significant decreases in risk scores and were more likely to adopt healthier lifestyles. This study supports the effectiveness of the Heart Age tool in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
A study of over 76,000 women found that advanced maternal age is associated with a 40% decreased risk of major congenital malformations. Women aged 35 and older had lower incidence rates for brain, kidney, and abdominal wall defects, while heart defect rates remained unchanged.
Researchers found elevated levels of translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) in patients with myocarditis and mice, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for heart inflammation. TSPO's role in driving disease progression and prognosis is also being explored.
Studies demonstrate the utility of ultrasound in emergency medicine, yielding rapid and accurate diagnoses. Clinician-performed cardiac ultrasound has been shown to improve prognostic value, with significant correlation between GP and cardiologist measurements.
A UCLA team developed an easy-to-use risk calculator that predicts heart failure patients' chances of survival for up to five years. The calculator uses four key variables: B-type natriuretic peptide level, peak oxygen consumption, New York Heart Association classification, and heart failure medications.
Scientists at University of Calgary's Libin Cardiovascular Institute have discovered a calcium-sensing-gate mechanism responsible for initiating calcium waves and arrhythmias. This breakthrough may lead to new drug interventions for treating calcium-triggered arrhythmias.
A study in mice reveals two major pools of immune cells that promote healing and drive inflammation in the heart. Healthy hearts maintain a population of embryonic macrophages, while adult macrophages are recruited during cardiac stress, leading to inflammation. The findings provide new insights into the complex interplay between these...
Scientists have discovered six proteins essential for cell-to-cell communication in the heart, regulating heartbeat synchronization and limiting heart attacks and strokes. The findings also suggest that mTOR inhibitors can be used to prevent erratic heart rhythms, offering a potential treatment for arrhythmias and heart failure.
A study published in JAMA found that coronary artery calcium (CAC) density is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers suggest re-evaluating the CAC scoring system to incorporate density and other variables, as dense plaques may be more stable than previously thought.
Researchers developed a bio-inspired adhesive that rapidly attaches biodegradable patches in a beating heart, addressing drawbacks of previous systems. The adhesive maintains strong sticking power in the presence of blood and remains attached even at increased heart rates and blood pressure.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing imaging technology to improve treatment and survival rates for ischemic heart disease patients. The new technology uses high-speed computer analysis to help doctors determine if stents are restoring circulation as designed, reducing the risk of failure.
A Scripps Health study suggests that a ZIO Patch, worn on the chest for up to two weeks, detects abnormal heart rhythms more effectively than a traditional Holter monitor. The patch's extended monitoring period led to significantly more arrhythmia events being detected.
The CANHEART health index found that 9.4% of Canadian adults and 16.6% of youth were in ideal cardiovascular health, while 37.3% of adults and 49.7% of youth had poor heart health. The study suggests that addressing behaviours can reduce cardiac risk factors.
A new study has found that heart disease is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older postmenopausal women. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 6,500 U.S. women ages 65-79 and found that those with heart disease or vascular disease were 29% more likely to experience cognitive decline over time.
The World Health Organization study reveals atrial fibrillation affects 33.5 million people worldwide, leading to significant healthcare burden and mortality rates, particularly in developing countries.
Researchers at the Cardiovascular Institute found that unfolded protein response contributes to sudden cardiac death in heart failure. Blocking this response may significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Research reveals that congenital heart defects can have a lasting impact on brain development in children, with smaller brain volumes associated with learning difficulties. Brain changes may already exist before surgery, reducing the risk of neurological complications.
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients with more premature atrial contractions have a substantially higher risk for developing atrial fibrillation. The researchers used a 24-hour Holter monitor to detect PACs and compared the results with an established prediction model from the Framingham Heart Study.
A recent UEF study established reference values for heart rate variability in children, based on a sample of 465 kids aged 6-8. The findings indicate that short ECG recordings can be sufficient for reliable data collection, and show no significant differences between boys and girls.
Researchers found that women younger than 50 with a recent heart attack experience restricted blood flow to the heart in response to psychological stress. This may explain why younger women who are hospitalized after a heart attack face a greater risk of complications and dying compared to men of the same age.
Researchers at U of T's IBBME and McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine identified the optimal human heart cell composition and ratio associated with heart function. The discovery has led to the engineering of the first-ever living, three-dimensional human arrhythmic tissue.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found a possible link between orthostatic hypotension and atrial fibrillation, increasing the risk by 40% over two decades. The condition is often asymptomatic and can lead to stroke, heart failure, and dementia if left untreated.
Kytai Nguyen, associate bioengineering professor at UT Arlington, has been elected as a fellow of the American Heart Association. Her research focuses on cellular engineering, tissue engineering, and stem cell therapies to develop new strategies for combating cardiovascular diseases.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that ultrafast CT scanners can accurately detect heart blockages without the need for invasive procedures. The research involved 381 patients across 16 hospitals and showed that 91% of those with no blockages would not require invasive treatment.
Middle-age men in Portland, Oregon, experienced symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness prior to heart stops. Prompt CPR can increase survival chances for these cardiac arrests.
A study of 1,059 residents found that a decline in optimal lifestyle score was associated with a nearly 3-fold increased risk of incident MS. Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and reducing BMI were strongly linked to lower MS risk.
Hospitalizations for atrial fibrillation in the US nearly doubled from 4.6 million in 1998 to 9.2 million in 2010, with a 46% increase over the decade. Researchers project a similar trend through 2020, with 541,000 hospitalizations expected by 2020. The estimated cost of hospitalizations is also projected to rise by 55% from 2010.
Cardiac antibody-mediated rejection is a major limitation to survival of patients who have undergone heart transplantation. A new working formulation has been developed to guide the diagnosis, grading, and reporting of AMR, which includes histopathologic features and immunopathologic criteria.
Research suggests that damage to small blood vessels in the retina and kidneys increases the risk of developing atrial fibrillation, a common type of abnormal heart rhythm. The study found that those with signs of vessel damage were more likely to develop atrial fibrillation than those without.
A recent study by the Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network found that bone marrow mononuclear stem cells did not improve heart function significantly at one year compared to six months. The treatment also showed a measurable decrease in scar tissue, but its effectiveness was no different from a placebo.
Research suggests that exposure to specific environmental toxins during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital heart defects in children. The study found a strong correlation between certain chemicals and rates of congenital heart defects, particularly septal defects and conotruncal defects.
Research presented at American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2013 found hospitalized children under 18 have lower survival rates during night shifts. Thirty-four percent of children survived after cardiac arrest on day or evening shifts, compared to 11 p.m.-6:59 a.m. where only 34% survived.
A study found that CPR for 38 minutes or longer can improve a patient's chances of surviving cardiac arrest. Sustaining CPR for this extended period also reduces the risk of severe brain damage and preserves normal brain function.