Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
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.
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.
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 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...
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Kavitha Chinnaiyan, a Beaumont cardiologist, received the Frank J. McDevitt Award for Excellence in Health Policy Research for Physicians. Her research found that education of referring physicians improved the appropriate use of coronary CT scans in Michigan, resulting in a 60% decline in inappropriate use.
A large-scale sequencing analysis of congenital heart disease has identified a specific biological pathway that is critical to its development. The study found that spontaneous mutations affect genes involved in this pathway, which is essential for human development and can lead to structural heart problems in infants.
A large prospective study of 1000 patients found significantly reduced major CIED infections with TYRX AIGISRx Antibacterial Envelope, down to 95% fewer than control cohorts. The study also showed no unanticipated serious AIGISRx-related adverse events.
A new study found that patients who underwent cardiac device surgery without interrupting warfarin treatment had a 80% lower risk of developing significant hematomas compared to those bridged with heparin. This approach also reduced prolonged hospital stays, re-interruption of anticoagulation, and re-operations.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that physicians' word choices significantly impact families' decisions about end-of-life care, particularly the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The study suggests a change in terminology from 'DNR' to 'allow natural death' can lead to a 10% decrease in CPR choice.
Researchers have discovered that carnitine supplements can normalize blood vessel dysfunction associated with congenital heart defects and even prevent damage after corrective surgery. High daily doses of carnitine for the first four weeks of life may also prevent endothelial dysfunction in children with heart defects.
A new minimally-invasive procedure, Valve-in-Valve, uses a collapsible aortic heart valve to restore function without cardiopulmonary bypass or chest opening. The results showed excellent outcomes for elderly high-risk patients with low procedural complications and improved functional status.
A new study found no increased risk of abnormal heart rhythms or death in patients taking daily doses of citalopram above 40mg, contradicting the FDA's warning. Higher dosages were associated with fewer adverse outcomes than lower dosages.
The ESC guide offers practical advice on using new oral anticoagulants (NOACs) to prevent stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. It highlights the benefits of NOACs, including reduced monitoring requirements and lower bleeding risk compared to vitamin K antagonists.
Dr. Johnathan D. Tune has been recognized with the Henry Pickering Bowditch Lecture Award for his groundbreaking work investigating the mechanisms connecting obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. His research, conducted using obese pigs, has identified key targets to potentially treat or slow down heart disease.
Researchers use CT scans to recreate detailed 3D models of human hearts, enabling the study of cardiac anatomy and function. This digital library can aid in the design of cardiac devices and improve treatment outcomes.
Patients who have STEMI heart attacks while hospitalized are at a significantly higher risk of death compared to those treated outside the hospital. The survival rate for inpatients with STEMI is around 60%, while outpatients have a survival rate of over 96%.
A team of scientists at Temple University School of Medicine has identified a key molecule, GRK2, in mitochondria that contributes to the death of heart cells. The researchers found that blocking this enzyme's activity can prevent its delivery to mitochondria and reduce pro-death signaling.
A first-in-humans study demonstrates that cardiopoietic stem cell therapy can improve heart pumping function and fitness in heart failure patients. Patients in the treatment group experienced a significant improvement in ejection fraction, compared to those in the control group.
New research found that U.S. adolescents with poor health behaviors and unfavorable cardiovascular risk factors are at increased risk of developing heart disease in adulthood. The study analyzed data from over 4,700 adolescents aged 12-19 and found that nearly 80% had a poor diet, while less than 50% met the recommended levels for phys...
A new blood thinner, Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa), may increase the risk and severity of certain viral infections, including flu and myocarditis. Researchers found that blocking thrombin activity can disturb the innate immune response to viral infection.
Studies on zebrafish embryos reveal that the protein Nodal triggers a signaling cascade, allowing cardiac progenitor cells to migrate faster and form an asymmetric heart. The research also shows that another signaling molecule, Bmp, reduces cell migration on the left side of the heart.
Research analyzed seven studies to determine energy drink impact on heart health. Consuming energy drinks was found to prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. Systolic blood pressure also increased significantly in participants.
A new Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals that peripheral intravenous catheters are nearly four times more likely to cause complications compared to centrally placed PICC lines. Clinicians should carefully weigh the ease of placement against the higher complication risk for non-central vein placement.
A multicenter study found no significant difference in combined outcomes of death, stroke, heart attack, repeat revascularization or new renal replacement therapy between on- and off-pump coronary bypass surgery in elderly patients. The results suggest that both techniques are safe and effective for this age group.
A new study suggests that off-pump bypass surgery, which is done without a heart-lung machine, can lead to better post-operative outcomes for high-risk patients. This technique eliminates the need for blood transfusions and reduces the risk of bleeding, resulting in fewer complications.
Women with atrial fibrillation experience more symptoms and a lower quality of life compared to men, according to a study analyzing over 10,000 patients. Despite this, women tend to live longer than their male peers, highlighting the need for further research into gender disparities in cardiovascular disease management.
A study comparing on-pump and off-pump bypass surgery found similar results one year after surgery, with no significant difference in composite outcomes such as death, stroke, or heart attack. The study also found similar neurocognitive function and quality of life for both groups.
A single dose of an investigational anti-inflammatory drug, inclacumab, reduced damage to heart tissue during angioplasty in a study. The drug, which blocks p-selectin, had significant effects on cardiac markers, including troponin I and CK-MB, in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
A large registry study found that aortic stenosis and dissection are uncommon yet critical causes of sudden death in young, competitive athletes, usually during exercise. Many cleared players were allowed to participate despite suspicions of cardiovascular conditions.
The risk of cardiovascular sudden death in young competitive athletes is extremely low, occurring only about 30% of the time and in a small percentage of those due to diseases detectable by ECGs. Current screening initiatives have potential impact on 10-15 million young adults but do not provide evidence for necessity of ECGs
A study at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions found that ECMO, accompanied by mechanical CPR and therapeutic hypothermia, can lead to unexpected survival in patients with massive myocardial infarctions. Four out of five patients survived hospital discharge with improved ejection fractions.
Researchers found that the mortality rate for type A acute aortic dissections is still extremely high, with a near 1% per hour risk during the initial onset. The study suggests that medical management alone may not be sufficient to reduce mortality rates, emphasizing the need for rapid diagnosis and intervention through surgery.
Dr. Eric N. Olson has discovered pivotal genes and regulatory pathways governing the development, disease, and regeneration of the heart and other muscles. His research offers hope for prevention and treatments for some of the most serious birth defects.
Dr. Eric Olson, a UTSW molecular biologist, has won the March of Dimes Prize in Developmental Biology for his research on heart development and regeneration. His work has led to new insights into congenital heart disease and muscle dysfunction, with several drugs under study.
A multicenter study found that even minor weight loss is associated with worse health outcomes among patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator devices. Patients who lost more than 2 kilograms during the 12-month observation period had a significant increase in risk of heart failure or death.
A study found that six years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans residents experienced a three-fold increased risk of heart attack. Psychosocial factors, including chronic stress and anxiety disorders, played a significant role in this increase.
The ACC/HRS released appropriate use criteria for implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The document assesses 369 real-life clinical scenarios to support physician decision-making, with 45% deemed appropriate for ICD implantation. The criteria help inform clinical judgment while ack...
Researchers found that blockages in coronary arteries, as measured by non-invasive CT scans, were significantly higher in patients who experienced a stroke. CAC levels above 400 Hounsfield units increased the risk of stroke three times in those under 65 and at low cardiovascular risk.
Researchers created a high-resolution atlas of the human heart using 3D images from 138 people, demonstrating its feasibility for comparing individual cases and differentiating healthy from pathologies. The study provides a statistical description of the heart's shape and variations, offering an advantage over existing cardiac models.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a simple atrial fibrillation risk prediction model for women, improving accuracy over existing methods. The model considers six easily obtainable factors: age, height, weight, blood pressure, alcohol consumption, and smoking history.