Articles tagged with Heart
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.
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.
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.
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.
Comprehensive hypertension programs that coordinate care using multiple resources may lead to better overall blood pressure control. Lifestyle changes for patients were strongly recommended as well. The advisory provides eight principles for developing an effective high blood pressure treatment algorithm.
The Stanford team's molecular invention enhances the immune system's ability to kill cancer cells, while a Johns Hopkins University team develops a better heart shock system. Other notable inventions include a mechanical leech substitute and an early detection system for ovarian cancers.
The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology joint clinical practice guideline recommends a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy oils, while limiting saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium. The guideline also emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity,...
The new guideline broadens cardiovascular risk assessment to include stroke, providing new gender- and ethnicity-specific formulas. It aims to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from lifestyle changes or drug therapy.
A new technology has been developed to diagnose and possibly treat a deadly heart condition in unborn babies. The magnetic EKG, or magnetocardiogram, was used to diagnose long QT syndrome in fetuses with 89% accuracy, identifying those at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.
Researchers identify 18F-NaF as a promising tool to detect high-risk coronary plaques in patients with stable and unstable heart disease. The study suggests that this non-invasive technique could transform the way doctors identify, manage, and treat patients at risk of heart attacks.
A new study published in Experimental Physiology found that women exhibit greater shortness of breath when exercising compared to men. The study suggests that this disparity is caused by a stronger electrical activation of the respiratory muscles, specifically the diaphragm, needed to compensate for smaller lungs and airways.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered that PKC activation leads to alternative splicing events in the heart, causing developmental shift and preventing correct functioning. This finding could help lead to prevention and treatment of heart failure in diabetics.
San Diego State University has received a $8.5 million grant to study how the heart heals and ways stem cells can help repair it. Researchers aim to clear away limitations that limit cardiac function and restore quality of life for patients suffering from heart failure.
Researchers announced positive trial results for an artificial aortic heart valve that does not require open-heart surgery. The device showed high survival rates, low stroke risk, and significant improvements in patients' quality of life.
Percutaneous repair of paravalvular prosthetic regurgitation can mitigate known risks associated with increases in implanted valves, particularly in patients at high-risk of cardiac surgery. The technique has shown durable symptom relief and reduced mortality rates in selected patients.
A new pocket manual for first aid teams will help improve heart attack survival rates across Europe by providing quick access to treatment protocols. The toolkit, developed by the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association, is small and easy-to-use, with illustrations showing exactly what needs to be done for patients in an emergency.
A comprehensive review from the American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of personalized care for older adults with cardiovascular disease. The statement highlights key factors such as lifestyle changes, medication regimens, and revascularization strategies that can provide benefits and risks.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded funding for three projects developing innovative robots that enhance mobility for visually and physically impaired individuals. These co-robots aim to improve treatment for atrial fibrillation by adapting to changing environments and ensuring accurate contact with the heart during procedures.
A study by Texas Children's Hospital found that infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) who are born near a hospital with high-volume cardiac surgical centers have improved survival rates. Prenatal diagnosis is also crucial in reducing mortality.
A study at a Hamilton subsidized housing complex found that paramedics' regular visits resulted in a 32% reduction in EMS calls. The program, which included healthy lifestyle reviews and risk assessments, was well-attended by residents, with many referrals made to community resources.
A study found that combining high-intensity interval training with Mediterranean diet counselling significantly improves body fat mass, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight loss in obese individuals. The intervention also resulted in improved aerobic fitness, reduced waist circumference, and better control of blood sugar levels.
A study found that mothers with high LDL cholesterol before pregnancy have a 5-fold increase in their children's risk of developing high cholesterol as adults. This risk factor may be influenced by epigenetic changes, highlighting the importance of managing cholesterol levels throughout life.
A study by Western University found that cardiac rehabilitation programs lead to a 31% reduction in hospital readmission rates and a 26% drop in cardiovascular mortality. The program's cost savings exceed $400,000 over two years, making it a financially viable option.
Researchers found that GWTG-Stroke Performance Achievement Award (PAA) recognition hospitals were more likely to provide all recommended guideline-based care for patients, even if they didn't have Primary Stroke Center (PSC) certification. Hospitals with PSC certification also followed higher levels of adherence to stroke care guidelines.
Researchers at CU University of Colorado discovered that maximum heart rate drops with age because the sinoatrial node's natural pacemaker cells beat more slowly in older individuals. This decrease limits athletic performance and is a leading cause for nursing home admissions among otherwise healthy seniors.
A team of UAlberta medical researchers has developed a potential new treatment for atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm problem affecting 1 in 200 people. The new drug, based on the resveratrol compound found in red wine and nuts, regulates electrical activity in the heart and reduces abnormal heart-rhythm episodes.
A University of Michigan study found that following a low-sodium DASH eating plan for 21 days can lower blood pressure similar to taking anti-hypertension medicine. The diet improves left ventricular relaxation and reduces diastolic chamber stiffness, leading to better heart function.
Research led by Robert Gros and Marco Prado found that heart cells release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to regulate heart activity, in addition to nervous systems. The findings suggest that this non-neuronal system may play a crucial role in counterbalancing sympathetic activity and boosting parasympathetic signaling.
Research by Dr Norman Mangner found that obese children exhibit early stages of atherosclerosis and insulin resistance, increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease. Adopting a healthy lifestyle from childhood is essential to prevent these conditions and reduce the risk of heart disease.
A new study found that children with specific heart birth defects are at a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis, a serious bacterial infection. The risk is especially high in those with heart defects associated with cyanosis and cardiac surgery within the past six months.