Articles tagged with Heart
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 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.
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,...
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Hospitalizations for endocarditis have declined in recent years, but a disparity in outcomes persists among black patients. The study suggests that a reduction in antibiotic use may be contributing to the decline, and clinicians should consider individual risks and benefits on a case-by-case basis.
Researchers found that heart disease patients with positive attitudes exercised more and had a lower risk of dying during the follow-up period. Positive mood and exercise also cut the risk of heart-related hospitalizations.
Researchers have discovered a protein called KLF15 that regulates the heart's electrical activity and is linked to circadian rhythms. Lower levels of KLF15 are associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death in the morning hours.
A new technique developed by University of Iowa physiologist Gary Pierce uses the finger's pulse to measure aortic stiffness, a common risk factor for heart disease. The method, which is non-invasive and easily obtainable during routine exams, can provide useful diagnostic information for middle-aged and older patients.
Researchers successfully resynchronized cardiac motion following a heart attack using engineered stem cells, preventing heart failure. The breakthrough introduces 'biological resynchronization' as a novel means to treat cardiac dyssynchrony.
A recent study published in ESC Congress 2013 found that lead extractions are primarily driven by mechanical issues rather than infections. The European Lead Extraction ConTRolled (ELECTRa) Registry, which analyzed over 1,200 patients, showed that 52% of lead extractions were due to non-infectious causes, such as lead malfunctions.
A study comparing TAVI and redo cardiac surgery in high-risk patients found comparable long-term survival rates. The TAVI procedure was shown to be a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, suitable for elderly or high-risk patients with failed bioprostheses.
A nationwide study found that pacemaker patients without cardiovascular disease have a survival rate comparable to the general population. The study's results provide a new reference point for the prognosis of modern pacemaker patients, suggesting that cardiovascular disease is a primary factor in determining life expectancy.
A Johns Hopkins-led research team aims to replace electric shocks with gentle light to heal ailing hearts and treat arrhythmia. The team has successfully tested this technique on a computer model of the heart, using biological data and an intricate computer model.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that physiological arousal can be beneficial for individuals who enjoy negotiation, but detrimental for those who dread it. The researchers suggest that the key is interpreting arousal as excitement rather than nervousness.
Researchers have developed a new subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillator (S-ICD) that detects abnormal heart rhythms and delivers shocks without wires touching the heart. The device has shown promising results in a 33-site study, with 99% of patients remaining complication-free 180 days after implantation.
A study published by the American Society of Nephrology found that a structured exercise and lifestyle program can improve fitness, body composition, and heart function in patients with kidney disease. The program was safe for patients with multiple health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
UPV/EHU researchers have developed an algorithm capable of diagnosing heart rhythm with just 3 seconds' worth of signal and a methodology to quantify how often massage is interrupted when applying interference-cutting systems. This allows for reliable diagnosis without stopping compressions, improving cardiac resuscitation procedures.
Beaumont Health System is part of a multicenter research study on the new AbsorbTM Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold, which helps keep arteries open after angioplasty. The device dissolves naturally in the body, reducing the need for permanent stents.
A study of 17 women who had a heart attack found that most feared resuming sex due to health concerns. Despite these fears, many resumed sex within four weeks, driven by a desire to reconnect with their partners.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Wayne State University a $25,000 planning grant to develop a strategic plan for a field-based water research center. The center, known as HEART, will focus on urban systems and the environment along the Huron-to-Erie corridor, impacting over 4 million people.
A study of 26,902 male health professionals found that skipping breakfast was associated with a 27% increased risk of heart attack or death from coronary heart disease. Men who reported eating late at night also had a higher risk of coronary heart disease, but this may not be a major public health concern due to low prevalence in the s...
Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) has failed to show significant improvements in short-term morbidity and mortality compared to traditional on-pump CABG surgery, according to a recent study published in Circulation. The technique may be abandoned unless surgeons can demonstrate comparable outcomes.
A recent study published in Nature identifies a population of multi-potent cardiopulmonary progenitor cells, named CPPs, that coordinate heart and lung co-development. These cells are essential for adaptation to terrestrial existence and have implications for diseases such as pulmonary hypertension.
Dr. Valentin Fuster received the 2013 SCCT Arthur S. Agatston Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Award for his groundbreaking work on atherosclerosis development and prevention of coronary artery disease. The award honors Dr. Fuster's pioneering efforts in uncovering the molecular and cellular bases of atherosclerosis.
A new study found that DNA particles in the blood can serve as markers of disease and may help identify patients with severely narrowed coronary arteries. Higher levels of these particles were linked to high levels of coronary artery calcium deposits.
Engineers at Queen Mary University created a highly accurate simulation of how damaged and healthy red blood cells interact with each other in the body. This new technology could aid medical professionals in visualizing oxygen flow and identifying areas where patients may be suffering from inadequate oxygen supply after heart surgery.
The new ESC Guidelines on Cardiac Pacing and Resynchronization Therapy offer a practical 'how-to' approach for users, including a logical decision tree and clinical perspectives. The guidelines aim to increase access to the latest evidence-based medicine for patients with cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure.
A study by UCSD researchers reveals that MCL-1 promotes normal heart function, but its absence leads to rapid heart failure and cell death. The protein's role in cancer treatment and potential cardiac toxicity are also explored.
Scientists from Princeton University and Germany's Max Planck Institute report first experimental evidence of chimera states occurring naturally in a broad range of circumstances. The phenomenon can strike any process that relies on self-emergent synchronization, including clock pendulums, lightning bugs, and heart cells.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that elderly patients can benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) just like younger individuals. The study of 5,399 patients revealed that older patients were as likely to experience life-threatening electrical shocks but had higher ra...
A large study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that moderate obstructive sleep apnea can significantly increase a person's risk for sudden cardiac death. The study revealed that patients with low oxygen saturation levels during sleep had an 80% increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
Researchers have identified an unknown potassium channel in the cardiac pacemaker that regulates heartbeat. Developing therapies targeting this channel could bypass artificial pacemakers and provide biological solutions for arrhythmia.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that cross-country skiers who completed more races and had faster finishing times were at a higher risk of developing arrhythmia. The risk was 30% higher for those completing five or more races, with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and bradyarrhythmia.
Researchers found a 13-fold increase in wrist procedures for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2004-07 and 2012. This shift may improve PCI safety, particularly in high-risk patients, by reducing bleeding complications.
Researchers discovered a new gene associated with congenital heart disease, specifically atrial septal defect (ASD), which may help improve genetic counselling and understanding of normal development. The study involved over 2,000 patients and found a strong association between the Msx1 gene and risk of ASD.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that long-term outcomes in patients with advanced coronary artery disease are better than expected. The researchers analyzed data from 1,200 consecutive patients with refractory angina and found a low mortality rate of 3.9% at one year and 28.4% at nine years.
A team of Stanford engineers has created a thin, flexible 'skin' that can monitor heart health, detecting stiff arteries and cardiovascular problems. The device is sensitive enough to track changes in the pulse wave, which could lead to more detailed diagnostics in the future.
A recent study published in JAMA found that dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are associated with more complications than single-chamber devices. The research, led by Pamela Peterson, MD, suggests that the added complexity of dual-chamber ICDs may outweigh any potential benefits.