Articles tagged with Heart
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 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study by the American Heart Association found that women's awareness of heart disease as the leading cause of death has nearly doubled in the last 15 years. However, disparities persist among minority groups and younger women, who are less likely to discuss their heart health with doctors or take preventive action.
A new University of Iowa study suggests that diabetes may be linked to an increased risk of death from heart attacks due to the over-activation of a key enzyme. In diabetic mice, this enzyme's activation led to abnormal heart rhythms and an elevated risk of sudden death.
New research in American Heart Association journal Circulation reveals that high blood pressure during pregnancy may signal a higher risk of heart and kidney disease, as well as diabetes. Women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy were found to have a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life.
Researchers identified two new genes associated with severe early-onset heart rhythm disorders, expanding the list of culprits that can cause sudden cardiac death. Exome sequencing revealed de novo mutations in calmodulin genes, which impaired calcium binding and led to abnormal electrical activity in the heart.
Researchers used fruit flies to model diet-induced type 2 diabetes, revealing a specific biochemical system linked to the condition. Blocking this pathway prevents some of the disease's negative effects on the heart, providing new avenues for therapy.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) has published new guidelines for the care of patients with mechanical circulatory support devices. The guidelines, developed by a team of experts, provide recommendations for patient selection, risk management, and long-term care.
A new study found that patients receiving implantable heart defibrillators in everyday practice have similar survival benefits to those who received the same devices in clinical trials. The study used data from a large national Medicare registry and compared over 5,300 real-world patients against more than 1,500 trial participants.
Scientists have identified a new type of nerve cell in the brain that regulates heart rhythm and blood pressure. The discovery may lead to new ways of treating cardiovascular diseases.
A research team led by Professor Zamaneh Kassiri has discovered that boosting TIMP3 levels can prevent the development of abdominal aneurysms. The study found that a protein called MMP2, despite being a contributor to heart and vascular disease, did not cause aneurysms when combined with TIMP3 deficiency.
A new computer model of the heart wall predicted risk of irregular heart rhythms and sudden cardiac death in patients with Long QT syndrome type 1. The model used 34 different mutations to calculate the consequences of genetic changes on the heart, revealing that delayed repolarization increases the risk of life-threatening events.
Researchers have developed a biocompatible patch that can support the growth of healthy new tissue and potentially replace current patches used to repair congenital heart defects. The patch, seeded with living cardiac cells, is designed to degrade over time, leaving a repaired heart.
Women who smoke even light-to-moderate cigarettes are at higher risk of sudden cardiac death, with the risk climbing by 8% for every five years of continued smoking. Quitting can significantly reduce and eliminate this risk over time.
Researchers have identified a link between inflammation and heart disease through the largest genetic study of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) to date. The study found that lipid metabolism and inflammation play a significant role in CAD, providing evidence for a novel pathway for prevention and treatment.
Researchers advise limiting daily vigorous exercise to 30-50 minutes due to potential harm from excessive intensity. A balanced routine of moderate physical activity can add years to life, while marathon-like activities may speed progress towards the finish line.
Loyola University Chicago has received more than $10 million in funding from the American Heart Association for cardiac research. The latest award of $60,666 will support vital research studies to build lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Researchers found that African-American patients with coronary artery disease have significantly less fat around their hearts compared to Caucasian patients. The study suggests that epicardial adipose tissue may act as a protective buffer, contributing to lower risk of acute coronary events.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that digoxin is associated with a significant increase in deaths in patients with atrial fibrillation. High levels of digoxin in the blood have been correlated with an increased death rate in these patients.
A University of Kentucky study found that digoxin, a widely used heart medication, increases the possibility of death in patients with atrial fibrillation. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed data from 4,060 AF patients and found a 41% increase in deaths from any cause.
Scientists at the University of Toronto have discovered a method to transform aged stem cells into functioning-like younger ones, paving the way for growing cardiac patches from patient's own cells. This breakthrough could potentially avoid rejection and treat damaged or diseased hearts.
A multipurpose medical catheter using stretchable electronics replaces three devices in cardiac ablation therapy, making the procedure faster, simpler, and safer. The device provides real-time information on temperature, mechanical force, and blood flow to surgeons during surgery.
A new study by a University of British Columbia medical resident found that hypothermic patients in cardiac arrest have a 50% chance of surviving if transported to a hospital with advanced heart and lung support equipment. Non-invasive rewarming techniques, such as hot air blankets, are recommended for mild cases.
African Americans who practiced Transcendental Meditation regularly had a 48% lower risk of heart attack, stroke or death compared to those in a health education class. Regular meditation also lowered blood pressure and reduced stress and anger.
A Japanese study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2012 found that family members were least likely to administer CPR after a cardiac arrest, but most likely to receive telephone instructions. Researchers attributed this to cultural and demographic issues in Japan, including a large gender gap.
Scientists visualize stresses induced by flowing blood in an embryonic heart for the first time, revealing how and why heart defects develop. The technique promises new insight into congenital heart defects such as abnormal valve formation.