Articles tagged with Heart
A large Kaiser Permanente study found that moderate aortic stenosis patients have similar outcomes to those with mild stenosis. Fine-tuning physician assessment could help identify patients who may benefit from surgery, improving treatment strategies.
Researchers at West Virginia University are tracing the cause of diabetic heart disease using diabetic animal models to examine mitochondrial function. They hope to understand how faulty protein import affects the mitochondria and explore potential treatments to improve energy production and reduce cardiovascular risk.
In a groundbreaking procedure, Adriana Rodriguez received a dual-organ transplant, with her healthy liver transplanted into another patient to mitigate rejection risk. This innovative approach, known as HALT-D, demonstrates the potential for immunoprotection and has implications for highly sensitized patients requiring multiple organs.
A new study found that elevated Lipoprotein(a) levels are a significant predictor of recurrent coronary heart disease (CHD) in people over 60. The study suggests current cholesterol-lowering medications may not be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent CHD, highlighting the need for novel therapeutics to target elevated Lp(a).
Researchers found that a mutation in RPL3L, expressed only in heart and skeletal muscle, leads to impaired cardiac contractility by causing ribosomal collisions and protein folding abnormalities. The study aims to develop new treatments for cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation.
A study of 1,300 participants found that increased physical activity 6 months after stroke was associated with better functional outcomes. Interventions targeting individuals with decreasing physical activity in the subacute phase may play a role in improved functional recovery.
A Boston University-led study found that Black women who reported experiencing interpersonal racism in employment, housing, and police interactions had a 26% higher risk of coronary heart disease. Racism has a real impact on the heart health of Black women, increasing blood pressure and inflammation.
Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children have discovered that dysregulation of energy production is an early sign of heart failure. They found that lysine demethylase 8 (Kdm8) helps maintain balanced energy use, but its suppression leads to changes in metabolism.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have designed a soft and breathable material that can be worn on the skin without causing discomfort. The material, made from liquid-metal elastomer composite, has integrated antibacterial and antiviral properties to prevent the formation of harmful pathogens.
Excessive trabeculation of the left ventricle does not coalesce into a compact myocardial wall, making 'LV non-compaction' an inaccurate term that should be discouraged. The review recommends using 'excessive trabeculation', which can be observed across various health and disease states.
Researchers at RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences discover genes and individual variations associated with atrial fibrillation, predicting stroke and mortality risk. They also uncover a potential treatment target, ERRg, involved in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation.
Cardiac reprogramming converts scar tissue into healthy heart muscle, reducing fibrosis and improving heart function in mice with chronic myocardial infarction. This approach could lead to a new treatment for patients with heart attack and heart failure.
A new study found that the incidence rate of endocarditis among patients with cocaine use disorder or opioid use disorder increased significantly between 2011 and 2022. The risk was higher in patients with COVID-19, with a mortality rate of 9% within 180 days of diagnosis.
The use of smartwatches to screen for faulty heart rhythms needs more evaluation, according to a cardiologist. Smartwatch detection of AF can often point to cases of the disorder, but substantial work is needed to integrate this consumer-received information into optimized care. Recent studies have reported low rates of irregular heart...
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing a wearable heart monitor using a breathable material with antibacterial and antiviral properties. The device will track heart health via dual signals, providing continuous monitoring for early detection of heart disease.
Inducing a hibernation-like state in mice using Q neuron activation has been shown to protect kidneys from oxygen deprivation and avoid harmful side effects. This technique could lead to new methods of performing heart surgery with reduced organ damage.
Researchers found that exposure to e-cigarettes, marijuana, and tobacco led to increased scarring, decreased blood vessels, and changes in heart nerves, all contributing to an increased risk of arrhythmias. These substances can cause similar harm to the heart as traditional cigarettes.
A fetus with infantile-onset Pompe disease has been successfully treated in utero using enzyme replacement therapy, resulting in normal cardiac and motor function. The child is now thriving as a toddler, meeting developmental milestones after receiving postnatal enzyme therapy at a pediatric hospital.
A national study published in The New England Journal of Medicine finds that early intervention with catheter cryoablation can halt disease progression and reduce serious health risks. Cryoablation is more effective than antiarrhythmic drugs in reducing the risk of persistent AF, hospitalization, and adverse events.
A UCSF-led study sheds light on the mechanisms behind sex differences in ICI-induced myocarditis, a potentially fatal side effect of cancer immunotherapy. The research suggests that immune checkpoint inhibitors may interact with sex hormones to cause cardiac toxicity in female patients.
Researchers found that participants with long COVID had a lower peak oxygen rate and irregular breathing patterns during exercise tests, indicating reduced exercise capacity. This decline was equivalent to a 40-year-old woman's expected exercise capacity dropping to that of a 50-year-old woman.
The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased waiting list times for pediatric heart transplants, but did not affect graft and recipient survival rates. Waiting list mortality remained unchanged during this period.
Research found that people with HIV who also have untreated hepatitis C virus have a higher risk of heart attack as they age. The study analyzed health data from 23,361 people with HIV and found that those co-infected with hepatitis C had a significantly increased risk of heart attack compared to those with HIV alone.
A recent study by the American Heart Association highlights that poorly controlled high blood pressure is a leading cause of cardiovascular emergencies in the US. The study analyzed over 20 million emergency department visits and found that 13% were for essential hypertension, which led to hospital admission less than 3% of the time.
Researchers analyzed over 6,700 patients treated for blood clots and irregular heart rhythms. Stopping aspirin significantly reduced bleeding complications by 32.3% and prevented one major bleeding event per every 1,000 patients who stopped taking aspirin.
Researchers from Temple University Health System developed a device that significantly reduces blood clot size in pulmonary arteries, leading to improved heart function and shorter treatment duration. The breakthrough is based on data collected in the NIH-sponsored RESCUE trial.
A study using STS/ACC TVT Registry data found that most patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and cardiogenic shock who underwent TEER achieved successful MR reduction, with associated lower mortality and heart failure hospitalizations at one year. Device success was linked to improved survival rates in a high-risk population.
The PASCAL transcatheter valve repair system showed non-inferiority compared to MitraClip in treating significant symptomatic DMR. Patients experienced improvements in functional and quality-of-life outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have developed a new immunotherapy strategy to eliminate fibroblasts in targeted manner, reducing lung and liver fibrosis in mice. The treatment triggers an immune response via cytotoxic T-cells, eliminating activated connective tissue cells while leaving resting cells undamaged.
Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, is honored with the TCT Career Achievement Award for his transformative work in interventional cardiology and patient care. He has made significant global contributions to cardiovascular medicine.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that air pollution may trigger irregular heart rhythms in healthy teenagers, with exposure causing arrhythmias to occur within two hours. The research analyzed data from over 300 adolescents and found a significant impact of fine particulate matter on cardiac ...
The University of Ottawa-led team aims to bridge the gap between heart and brain health by developing new diagnostic tools and treatments. They will focus on improving patient outcomes for disorders linked to both organs.
A new software application predicts the likelihood that a case of dilated cardiomyopathy has a genetic mutation. The Madrid Genotype Score identifies patients most likely to have inherited the disease, facilitating genetic screening and tailored treatment adjustments.
A prospective study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that dedicated women's heart centers can significantly improve clinical and psychological outcomes for women with myocardial ischemia. The study, which followed 154 patients, showed a significant decrease in chest pain frequency and improved quality of life after attending...
Researchers found that high blood pressure induced in young mice led to significant bone loss and osteoporosis-related damage comparable to older mice. The study suggests a possible link between inflammation, high blood pressure, and accelerated bone aging in humans.
A small qualitative study found that emergency departments often fail to provide dignified and respectful care to frail older patients, leading to long waits and poor communication. The researchers recommend making healthcare settings more 'frailty friendly' by prioritizing patient comfort and involvement.
A new study found that strict lockdowns in France resulted in a measurable improvement in cardiovascular health, with reduced vascular stiffness and body weight. In contrast, partial lockdowns in Germany had little to no impact on cardiovascular health.
Scientists have discovered three proteins with therapeutic potential to prevent cardiac damage and preserve cardiac function after a heart attack. The proteins, Chrdl1, Fam3c, and Fam3b, were identified through an innovative technology called FunSel that screens human proteins for protective effects.
A new study from the Smidt Heart Institute shows that when height is accounted for, women are 50% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AFib) than men. The study's findings suggest that medical practitioners must remain vigilant in promoting AFib prevention and early interventions among both female and male patients.
A new American Heart Association statement highlights the need for specialized care in people who inject drugs, a population with a complex approach to manage potentially deadly heart infections. The standard treatment includes six weeks of intravenous antibiotics, but alternative regimens and oral antibiotics may help complete treatment.
Researchers developed a method to identify valve dysfunction using complex network analysis that is accurate, simple to use, and low-cost. The diagnostic tool works by analyzing the sounds produced by the heart, creating a graph of connected points, and identifying correlations between nodes.
A new risk score can help predict mortality for patients with atrial fibrillation who have undergone successful TAVR and been discharged home. The risk score was developed using data from the ENVISAGE-TAVI AF trial, which found that patients with certain clinical risks were more likely to die within a year of discharge.
A study of 22 million patients found that those with autoimmune disorders have a substantially higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The excess risk is similar to that of type 2 diabetes and affects the entire cardiovascular disease spectrum.
The study found that the probability of surviving cardiac arrest outside hospital has more than doubled in 30 years, from approximately 5% to 11%. The improvement is attributed to increased CPR training and better healthcare resources. However, ambulance delays and an increase in difficult-to-treat cases are hindering further progress.
A recent study by pediatric cardiologists has found that certain maternal health conditions can partially explain the racial disparities in congenital heart disease outcomes. The research assessed over 8,000 infant and mother records from diverse populations and identified placental and metabolic syndromes as contributing factors.
The SECURE trial found that the polypill, containing aspirin, ramipril, and atorvastatin, achieves clinically relevant reductions in recurrent cardiovascular events among patients recovering from a heart attack. This simplified approach improves treatment adherence, leading to a 33% reduction in cardiovascular mortality.
Researchers developed a novel blood test that measures cell-free DNA to evaluate PAH severity and predict survivability. The test showed significant improvement over conventional tests and may allow doctors to intervene faster to prevent disease progression.
Researchers from UMass Amherst have created a tiny sensor that can simultaneously measure electrical and mechanical cellular responses in cardiac tissue. This breakthrough device has the potential to lead-edge applications in cardiac-disease experiments and improve health monitoring for cardiac disease studies.
African American adults with higher levels of religiosity and spirituality may be more likely to meet key cardiovascular health metrics. The study found associations between religious behavior, spirituality, and improved health outcomes in terms of diet, physical activity, and smoking.
A study found that 47% of parents meeting criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, compared to 12% of children with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The trauma triggered by a child's heart problems can affect the entire family.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum is an intensive summit bringing together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and drive innovation in medtech. The agenda features interdisciplinary perspectives on unmet clinical needs, financing, regulatory policy, and evolving healthcare delivery models.
A research study of African Americans with cardiovascular disease found that higher levels of religious practices and spirituality are associated with greater likelihood of intermediate or ideal levels of heart health. Specifically, private prayer was linked to better diet and smoking habits, while nontheistic spirituality was associat...
Researchers at Temple University hospital found that maternal-fetal mortality can be reduced to zero through patient-tailored management of right heart function prior to delivery. Women with pulmonary hypertension who received specialized care had excellent outcomes, with 100% survival for mothers and infants.
A team of scientists has developed a novel setup for magnetocardiography using a diamond quantum sensor to measure heart currents at millimeter resolution. The sensor is based on nitrogen vacancies sensitive to weak magnetic fields produced by heart currents and can operate at room temperature.
Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and heart failure, can profoundly affect quality of life. The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of tracking symptoms to detect changes and progression.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that smartphone video motion analysis can accurately detect narrowed neck arteries, which are a significant risk factor for stroke. The algorithm achieved an impressive 87% accuracy rate in detecting stenosis in participants with carotid artery disease.
Researchers found a 20% decrease in coronary artery dilation and reduced myocardial flow reserve in patients with prior COVID-19 infection. This may lead to poor prognosis and higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
A West Virginia University study explores the link between pregnancy, sedentary behavior, and cardiovascular disease risk in women. The research aims to investigate whether physical activity can reduce or eliminate this accelerated risk development in women.
A study by CNIC scientists has identified a key role for the MKK3/6–p38γ/δ signaling pathway in cardiac hypertrophy. Inhibition of p38α promotes an unexpected activation of the other branch of the pathway, consisting of the proteins MKK3, p38γ, and p38δ. This activation induces another key pathway in cardiac hypertrophy, the mTOR pathway.
A RCSI study has found that babies born with Down Syndrome experience impaired changes in heart function and blood pressure in their lungs over the first two years of age. The research suggests that all babies with Down Syndrome should have their heart function monitored during childhood due to these common issues.