Articles tagged with Heart
Researchers discovered that strong light can activate a protein called Period 2, which regulates heart metabolism and minimizes damage from heart attacks. This finding suggests that daylight exposure could reduce the risk of having a heart attack or suffering damage from one.
Experts propose a new model of care collaboration for diagnosing, treating, and following patients with emergent cardiovascular conditions. Regionalized systems of care can improve clinical outcomes by providing rapid diagnosis, effective care coordination, and appropriate follow-up care.
Researchers found that women's hearts showed no increase in blood flow during mental stress, unlike men, who experienced an increase. This difference could predispose women to heart problems under stress.
Researchers investigated omega-3 supplements' effects on cardiac diastolic function, finding no improvement in older adults. The study suggests that omega-3's benefits may fall on other aspects of cardiovascular function.
A global study presented at the World Congress of Cardiology reveals that patients with rheumatic heart disease are not receiving necessary surgery or secondary prevention treatments. In Africa and India, only 41% of patients enrolled had received surgery, highlighting a dire lack of surgical services available in most centers.
A 25% increase in high blood pressure screening in 19 developing countries could reduce CVD events and deaths by up to 3%. The study found that only one-third of people with high blood pressure are aware of their condition, and even fewer receive treatment.
A new Harvard report presents preliminary data showing that taxing salt products or implementing industry reductions can lead to significant reductions in cardiovascular disease deaths. The study found that these strategies could save money by reducing healthcare costs associated with hypertension and CVD events.
Two new studies presented at the World Congress of Cardiology show that coordinated screening and control programmes can identify patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) early, reducing treatment costs. In Uganda and Fiji, children were screened using a stethoscope and portable echocardiography machine, detecting 1.5% RHD cases.
Three large studies from India, China, and the Middle East expose a consistent pattern of inadequate treatment for women with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), resulting in poorer outcomes. Women tend to be admitted later, have more comorbid disease, and receive less aggressive treatment than men.
A study of 434,190 individuals in Taiwan found that exercise can help smokers quit and reduce the risk of heart attack. Regular physical activity increased life expectancy by 3.7 years among smokers.
The Indian Heart Watch study reveals alarming levels of lifestyle and biological risk factors driving India's CVD epidemic. The country faces a growing CVD crisis due to high prevalence of obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity.
A new study at the World Congress of Cardiology found that women with diagnosed heart disease are more likely to give birth to female babies. The study, which reviewed 200 pregnant women with cardiac disease, found that 75% of their children were female.
A new study from Hong Kong reveals that smokefree legislation has led to a decrease in total smokers, but hard-to-quit 'hardcore' smokers have increased. The number of hardcore smokers grew from 23.8% to 29.4% among males and 10.6% to 16.3% among females between 2005 and 2008.
A new study presented at the World Congress of Cardiology found that high normal blood pressure becomes less of a risk factor for incident cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease with age. The study showed similar risks for diagnosed high blood pressure across all age groups.
A recent study found that short-term treatment with omega-3 fatty acids improves arterial stiffness and moderates the negative effects of smoking on vascular elastic properties in smokers. The cardioprotective effects of omega-3 fatty acids are attributed to their anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties.
Patients with rheumatic heart disease in the Middle East are being admitted too late for surgery, highlighting the need for early screening and prevention programs. The World Heart Federation calls for coordinated efforts to prevent progression to severe RHD, which can be prevented with penicillin.
A large multicenter trial found that surgical management had no significant impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes at 14 months of age for infants with single-ventricle heart defects. Instead, innate patient characteristics and general medical morbidity during the first year of life played a crucial role in shaping these outcomes.
The Minneapolis Heart Institute will receive $63 million to support innovative stem cell therapy development for heart disease, as part of the National Institutes of Health's Cardiovascular Cell Therapy Research Network. The network aims to drive public health advances in cardiovascular cell therapy.
Research finds improved survival rates among patients with non-shockable cardiac arrests when given CPR based on updated guidelines. The likelihood of survival to discharge increased from 4.6% to 6.8%, and one-year survival doubled from 2.7% to 4.9%
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute's bedside genetic test has successfully protected patients with a specific genetic variant from adverse events. The test uses a simple cheek swab and has been shown to be effective in reducing high on-treatment platelet reactivity, a marker for complications after stenting.
A study found that invasive treatment strategies, including heart testing and pacemaker implantation, can increase survival rates for patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1. The treatment approach resulted in a lower incidence of sudden death and improved overall survival.
Two-year data show comparable death and durability rates between catheter-placed heart valves and open-heart surgery in very old patients. Valve durability appears to be comparable, with no significant difference in mortality between the two groups over time.
Researchers found that chronic right ventricular pacing significantly reduces survival in ICD patients with left ventricular dysfunction, but biventricular defibrillator devices mitigate this effect. The study suggests that CRT-D therapy may be beneficial for these patients despite high right ventricular pacing requirements.
A new study reveals that non-invasive coronary CT angiography (CCTA) scans can quickly and reliably determine which patients with chest pain can be safely discharged from emergency departments. The test was found to have a lower 30-day event rate than traditional care, making it a valuable tool for identifying low-risk patients.
A pre-procedure bleeding risk score can predict greater risk and higher costs for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. The study identified that high-risk patients experience increased rates of complications, longer hospital stays, and higher total costs.
Patients diagnosed with aortic stenosis who are too sick for open-heart surgery have better survival rates and an improved quality of life after undergoing catheter-based heart valve replacement. The minimally invasive procedure adds years to life and life to years, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
A study of over 200,000 people found that adults who sat for 11 hours or more per day had a 40% increased risk of dying in the next three years. Regular physical activity can still reduce this risk, but avoiding prolonged sitting is also crucial.
A large population survey found that adults getting less than six hours of sleep a night are at significantly greater risk of stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. Those sleeping more than eight hours also have a higher prevalence of heart problems, including chest pain and coronary artery disease.
A recent study found that selected 90-year-old patients who experience acute heart attacks can benefit from coronary stenting, leading to reasonable outcomes and low cardiovascular readmissions. The study suggests that reperfusion therapy should be considered for this age group, which is expected to quadruple by 2050.
A study found a significant mismatch between the growth of cardiac catheterization laboratories and the need for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. PCI centers have grown 12.9% over eight years, but STEMI rates have declined, leaving many patients without access to care.
A community-wide preventive initiative involving 10,000 adults significantly reduced cardiovascular risk factors, including smoking, stress levels, and hypertension. The program's success was attributed to its comprehensive approach, which included healthcare initiatives, worksite programs, and broad community engagement.
Two Cedar-Sinai Heart Institute physicians, Prediman K. Shah and C. Noel Bairey Merz, receive American College of Cardiology's highest honors for groundbreaking work in cardiovascular disease research and clinical care. The accolades recognize their pioneering efforts to develop innovative treatments and improve heart health outcomes.
Dr. Eric Olson has won the 2012 Passano Award for his groundbreaking research on the genetic pathways that control heart development and function. His discoveries have profoundly influenced our understanding of congenital and acquired diseases of the heart, leading to advances in new cardiovascular therapeutics.
A new software program can detect ICD problems earlier than traditional monitoring methods, potentially saving thousands of patients from health risks. The automated system analyzed large databases of ICD patients and found issues with recalled leads at least a year before recalls were issued.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine discovered a novel genetic factor linking the body's natural circadian rhythm to heart electrical activity. This discovery provides insights into day-night variation in arrhythmia susceptibility and may lead to innovative approaches for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
A new study published in PLoS ONE reveals how two individual but very similar proteins cooperatively adjust calcium levels inside heart cells, which may degenerate in heart failure. This dual regulation may lead to irregular heart rhythms and increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
A combination of guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure treatment significantly improved two-year survival rates. Adding each therapy incrementally increased the overall survival rate, with a maximum 83% reduction in mortality at four-to-five-therapy plateau.
LA BioMed investigators are making significant strides in cardiovascular medicine, with a focus on early detection of heart disease and treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Drs. Matthew Budoff and Ronald Oudiz are leading efforts to develop new therapies and improve symptoms for patients with these conditions.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham developed a mathematical model of calcium activity in atrial heart cells, improving our understanding of heart disease and stroke. The model provides clinically relevant insights into sub-cellular calcium signals, allowing for new treatments for conditions like atrial fibrillation.
A newly published study found that over a quarter of unexplained cardiac arrests occurred after patients experienced fainting, known as syncope. Patients also exhibited frequent chest pain and palpitations. The research suggests that fainting may be an opportunity to diagnose genetic disorders and prevent future sudden death.
Leading medical groups collaborate to ensure consistent and responsible use of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for patients with severe aortic stenosis. The consensus document outlines key recommendations for patient selection, team-based approach, and post-procedural care to optimize clinical outcomes.
A study published in Heart analyzed almost 800 babies and found that combined maternal smoking and high BMI increased the risk of congenital heart abnormalities by more than 2.5 times. The exact mechanism is unclear, but disturbances in cholesterol levels are thought to play a role.
A lab study found that Gilenya, an MS treatment, reverses ventricular hypertrophy's symptoms and prevents fatal arrhythmias. Researchers discovered Pak1's role in heart disease and developed a potential new therapy.
A large-scale analysis of over 250,000 people found that middle-aged adults with high blood pressure and other CVD risk factors have a substantially greater chance of having a heart attack or stroke during their remaining lifetime. The study also showed that traditional risk factors predict long-term development of CVD more than age.
Researchers at McMaster University found that nearly 1 in 3 patients with pacemakers and no history of atrial fibrillation experience asymptomatic atrial arrhythmias, increasing stroke risk. These episodes were often undetected until they were picked up by the pacemaker, highlighting the importance of monitoring for silent fibrillation.
The University of Louisville has introduced a new transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR) procedure to treat severe aortic stenosis, allowing patients to avoid traditional open-heart surgery. The procedure involves implanting a biological valve through a catheter and expanding it with a balloon.
Researchers used AAV vectors to increase NGF levels in the hearts of diabetic mice, preventing cardiac dysfunction and preserving blood flow. The study suggests NGF gene therapy may have tremendous therapeutic potential for treating diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Researchers found that surgery to snip nerves related to the sympathetic nervous system on both sides of the chest can help control dangerous incessant ventricular arrhythmias. Four out of six study patients completely responded with no more arrhythmias, and one patient had a partial response.
Researchers from the University of Edinburgh developed an imaging technique using positron emission tomography (PET) scans to predict which patients need open heart surgery. The study found that inflammation and calcification processes are key factors in aortic stenosis, offering new hope for treatments.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that inflammasome amplifies inflammatory responses in the heart, leading to further damage. Pharmacologic inhibition of inflammasome prevents heart enlargement and dysfunction.
A low-calorie diet has been shown to improve heart function and eliminate insulin dependence in obese patients with type 2 diabetes. After four months of caloric restriction, pericardial fat decreased and E/A ratio improved, with effects persisting long-term despite weight regain.
A $3.8 million grant will investigate the connection between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation, with the goal of identifying new approaches for prevention and treatment. The study aims to characterize how sleep apnea affects the heart's structure and function, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients with this condition.
A study published in Circulation Research found that the size of a heart attack and subsequent left-ventricular function are significantly different based on the time of day onset of ischemia. The greatest amount of injury to the heart occurs when individuals have a heart attack between 1:00am and 5:00am.
Scientists at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute discovered a protein called Siah2 that regulates mitochondrial fragmentation under low oxygen conditions. Inhibiting Siah2 prevents heart cell death and reduces tissue damage in mice, suggesting a new therapeutic target for heart disease treatment.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have identified a garlic oil component that can deliver the benefits of hydrogen sulfide to the heart. At low concentrations, diallyl trisulfide has been shown to protect the heart from damage by reducing damaged tissue and lowering reactive oxygen species.
A study found that women and young men make up a substantial portion of heart attack patients without known coronary disease. These groups are less likely to receive preventive medications, which could reduce their risk of heart attacks.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center found that patients with excess vitamin D levels had a two and a half times greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation. The study suggests that communication between patients and healthcare providers is critical to determine safe doses of vitamin supplements.
Researchers found pneumonia to be the most common serious infection after heart surgery, occurring in 6% of patients. The study also revealed that most infections occur about two weeks after surgery, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered fetal stem cells in the placenta can migrate to and repair damaged maternal hearts after a heart attack. The study found that these cells reprogram into beating heart cells, providing a potential therapeutic agent for cardiac regeneration.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center researchers found that heart patients taking vitamins with warfarin are less likely to take their medication as prescribed. Patients who use vitamin supplements with warfarin are more likely to experience unexplained bleeding and need non-surgical transfusions.