Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation found that consuming just one high-fat breakfast sandwich can decrease blood vessel function by 15-20% in healthy university students. This temporary effect highlights the potential for a single high-fat meal to have long-term consequences on heart health.
A study by Dr. Paul Dorian found that the risk of cardiac arrest depends on where you live, with neighborhoods having higher rates experiencing three to five times more cases than those with lower rates. Wealth, education, and social inclusion are important factors in determining cardiac arrest risk, but only explain part of the puzzle.
A new study published in the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress found that exercising in water has the same aerobic benefits as exercising on land, but with less strain on joints. This promising alternative can be especially beneficial for people who struggle to exercise on land due to weight or mobility issues.
Scientists have developed a technology to visualize how circulating blood affects the developing heart, potentially uncovering triggers for heart defects. The study maps shear stress on the endothelial cells lining the growing heart, which has been linked to gene expression changes and defect formation.
A four-month high-intensity interval training program improved cognitive functions in previously sedentary adults. The exercise increased blood flow to the brain, leading to sharper thinking, recall, and decision-making abilities.
Comprehensive smoke-free laws resulted in rapid decreases in heart attack hospitalizations (15% reduction), stroke hospitalizations (16% decrease), and respiratory disease hospitalizations (24% drop). The most effective laws covered workplaces, restaurants, and bars, demonstrating the importance of inclusive legislation.
Researchers from Nova Scotia found that peer mentoring programs significantly increase school day physical activity levels among elementary students. The Heart Healthy Kids Lunch program, which included games led by trained peer mentors, resulted in an average increase of over 1,000 steps per day.
A study found 174 cases of sudden cardiac death in Ontario between ages 2-40, with heart disease present in 72% of cases. The majority of events occurred at home, not during sports or exercise. Researchers advocate for screening and education to detect warning signs like fainting.
Researchers found that prolonged QRS duration and PR/QT intervals are strong indicators of risk. These electrical wave measures can help doctors identify patients at higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including death.
Cardiac arrhythmias affect over one million people in the UK, with a growing gap between technology advancements and biological understanding. The Lancet series explores new treatments and future directions for arrhythmia management.
Patients with prior open heart surgery who experience a severe heart attack and receive a coronary stent have similar outcomes to those without previous CABG. The study found that reperfusion rates were higher in the prior-CABG group compared to previous studies.
A simple-to-use risk score identifies low-risk STEMI patients, allowing early discharge and reducing hospital length of stay by a day. This strategy results in estimated savings of nearly $7,000 in total hospital costs.
UCLA's heart transplant program has been ranked among the nation's best by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), with a silver-level ranking for its high transplant rates and patient survival. The program is one of only seven nationwide to achieve this level, and it has earned a silver ranking twice, including in 2010.
Bariatric surgery radically reduces risk factors for heart disease and stroke, with an average reduction of excess weight by 54%. Cardiovascular risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and unfavourable blood fats improve or resolve completely after the procedure.
A survey of 677 supplement users found that nearly half are concerned about heart health and 75% prefer natural ways to lower cholesterol. The new probiotic supplement Cardioviva aims to fill this gap with a safe and natural addition to a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle.
Researchers develop a non-invasive method to track Huntington's disease progression by detecting mutant huntingtin protein in immune cells. Additionally, CXCR1/2 inhibition improves pancreatic islet survival after transplantation, and the loss of thyroid stimulating hormone contributes to osteoporosis.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have mapped the precise order and timing of hundreds of genetic switches required for heart development, offering new clues into the genetic basis for congenital heart disease. The study identifies groups of genes that work together in a coordinated fashion to control heart formation.
Researchers found that patients at hospitals with longer resuscitation attempts have a higher likelihood of immediate survival and survival to discharge. However, the study does not recommend an optimal duration for resuscitation, emphasizing the need for careful clinical judgment.
A study found that even in the normal range, urinary protein excretion increases diabetics' heart risks. Patients may benefit from cardioprotective medications to mitigate this risk.
A new study published in JAMA found that noninvasive CT scanning technology combined with fractional flow reserve can improve diagnostic accuracy for heart disease. The DeFACTO study involved 252 patients from 17 centers worldwide, showing improved detection of coronary artery disease using this approach.
The European Society of Cardiology is tackling the issue of underused implantable cardiac devices, particularly ICDs, due to financial constraints. The initiative aims to raise awareness about their importance and reduce sudden cardiac death rates in countries like Ukraine and Germany.
New guidelines set minimum acceptable success rates for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, with 50% success rate expected at 12 months. Long-term outcome data shows only 40-50% of patients remain free of recurrent AF after 5 years.
A new study using ultra-fast CT scanners accurately assesses coronary blockages and determines which patients need revascularization. The results showed an excellent correlation with traditional means of assessment, allowing for more certainty in diagnosing patients with chest pain without evidence of a heart attack.
Research from the SPICI study found that adhering to a heart-healthy lifestyle in combination with drug treatment after an acute myocardial infarction treated with coronary artery balloon intervention (PCI) can lead to significant reductions in new cardiac events. The study estimated that preventing 300 to 400 cardiac events annually c...
Researchers at the University of Leicester are undertaking a revolutionary treatment for heart failure using a novel nerve-stimulating device. The INOVATE-HF study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the CardioFit system, which stimulates the vagus nerve to reduce stress on the heart.
A new study by the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation found that Optim lead insulation paper may not prevent insulation abrasions in St. Jude Medical defibrillator leads, raising concerns about patient safety. The study suggests that patients with these leads should be regularly evaluated for potential failures.
A recent study published in JAMA found that coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans are superior to other assessment tools in identifying individuals at intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease. The CAC scan uses a CT scan to detect calcium build-up in the arteries, allowing for more precise prediction of heart disease risk.
A multicenter observational study found that Black patients with the V122I mutation have a median survival time of 26 months after diagnosis, with declining heart function and quality of life. The study establishes an increased risk of death from cardiac amyloidosis among carriers of this mutation, particularly after age 60.
The University of Leicester is set to receive a significant boost in cardiovascular research thanks to a record-breaking £7 million donation. This major gift will support the creation of a unique UK facility for cardiovascular science and enable researchers to develop novel tools for clinical use, ultimately benefiting patients.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have found that ranolazine can significantly reduce arrhythmias triggered by carbon monoxide exposure. The anti-angina drug works by targeting a sodium channel in the heart, potentially protecting against cardiac events caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Researchers found that around 26% of people aged 87-89 had previously undiagnosed heart problems. These conditions can lead to breathlessness and heart failure, but are treatable with established drugs like beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors.
A new targeting technology has been found to improve outcomes for patients with atrial fibrillation, with an 86% success rate after a single procedure. The technology, known as focal impulse and rotor modulation (FIRM), allows doctors to detect and shut down the electrical sources of the arrhythmia in minutes.
Researchers have developed a new technique to detect and target tiny electrical disturbances in the heart, resulting in an 86% success rate in treating atrial fibrillation. The CONFIRM trial found that this approach significantly improved outcomes compared to conventional catheter procedures.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have defined the structure of mitoKATP, a potassium channel protecting against tissue damage due to heart attacks and strokes. The discovery improves heart cell survival and demonstrates an essential life-saving role.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have received $2 million to develop artificial tissue models for testing new drugs that target myofibroblasts, which contribute to heart disease. The study aims to understand how these cells alter the electrical and mechanical properties of heart tissue.
A large prospective study found that cardiac surgery has become significantly safer, even for high-risk patients, with complication rates at 5%, compared to previously reported 10%. The study also failed to show acadesine, a protective drug, reduced complications.