Articles tagged with Heart
A new study found that therapeutic hypothermia confers similar neurologic and survival benefits in cardiac arrest patients with preexisting cardiomyopathy as those without the condition. However, cardiogenic shock was more prevalent in patients with cardiomyopathy, leading to lower survival rates with favorable neurologic outcomes.
A study found that elite female marathoners have less plaque buildup than their sedentary counterparts, with similar characteristics when plaque forms. In contrast, male marathon runners tend to develop more plaque volume and stenosis.
A study published at the American Heart Association scientific sessions found that delays in therapeutic hypothermia and return of spontaneous circulation significantly worsen neurologic outcomes. Caregivers with a thorough understanding of post-cardiac arrest neurologic states can better manage patients at discharge.
A study found that hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients can survive to the age of 90, with most deaths unrelated to the disease. The study analyzed data from 1,297 HCM patients and showed a greater proportion of patients reaching 90 years or older than expected in the general population.
A state survey found that fewer than 6% of doctors fully follow national guidelines for assessing sudden cardiac death risk during high school sports physicals. Doctors reported missing critical questions, such as chest pain and family history of heart disease, in over half of the cases.
A wearable defibrillator can prevent sudden death in people with dangerous heart arrhythmias, saving up to 91.6% of those experiencing ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia. The device delivers an electric shock if needed and alerts bystanders for help.
Researchers will present groundbreaking studies on fluid dynamics at the APS conference, covering topics from mosquito flight in rain to wine swirling mechanisms and mechanical heart valve design. The meeting aims to bring together experts from around the world to share their findings.
Research found that people with dementia who have a stroke are three times more likely to have greater disability at discharge and only 24% return to their previous home, compared to 57% of those without dementia. The study highlights the need for established guidelines on managing stroke patients with pre-existing dementia.
A new drug called apixaban has shown to be effective in treating atrial fibrillation, reducing the risk of stroke by 21% and major bleeding by 31%. The study found that apixaban is better than warfarin in preventing strokes and was associated with less bleeding.
Researchers discovered that angiotensin-receptor blockers can slow the progression of calcific aortic stenosis, reducing mortality risk and lowering healthcare costs. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for treatment and may potentially delay or prevent valve replacement surgery.
Researchers developed a kit for trainees to practice microvascular anastomosis, improving surgical skills and results. Extra training at home showed significant impact on performance, suggesting deliberate practice is key to becoming proficient in cardiac surgery.
New research reveals that spinal cord injuries are associated with a higher risk of developing heart disease, particularly in individuals with autonomic dysfunction. The study suggests that screening the autonomic system may be beneficial in evaluating cardiovascular health in spinal cord patients.
A new long-term study reveals that heart transplantation is a safe and effective therapy, with survival rates improving by over 20% since its introduction in 1980. The study found that younger patients have better outcomes, while age negatively impacts survival rates.
A study by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada found that cardiac rehab reduces mortality, especially in those with low fitness levels. Patients who take responsibility for their health and make small fitness improvements can live longer.
Dr. Clyde Yancy predicts that people who follow seven simple lifestyle factors can live an additional 40-50 years after age 50, with a 90% chance of living to 90 or 100 without chronic illnesses. Governments are urged to invest in prevention strategies.
A new study shows that hospital heart attack death rates are improving, but elderly patients (85+) continue to lack access to specialist care, including emergency coronary angioplasty and vital heart medicines. This highlights the need for improved age-sensitive care to address inequalities in heart health.
A recent study suggests that women's hearts are more prone to damage from small blood vessels rather than major arteries, leading to misdiagnosis and adverse events. Researchers are working to develop new diagnostic methods and treatments tailored to female heart disease patterns.
The American Physiological Society's conference highlights the importance of considering sex and gender in cardiovascular health. Research findings show that women accumulate plaque more evenly inside major arteries, making heart disease a significant concern for women.
Researchers at Einstein College of Medicine will study the genetic basis of conotruncal defects, also known as CTDs, which account for more than one-third of all heart defects. The study aims to identify novel therapies and preventive strategies for these defects.
A protocol developed by Johns Hopkins cardiologists has enabled patients with implanted cardiac devices to safely undergo MRI scans. With appropriate precautions and careful patient monitoring, the risk of device malfunction is very low.
The American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have released an updated guideline for diagnosing and managing peripheral artery disease (PAD). The guidelines emphasize expanded criteria for using the ankle-brachial index (ABI) for earlier diagnosis and increased efforts to ensure patients ...
A recent UCI-led study found that diabetics with high levels of coronary calcium are at a strong risk of heart attacks and strokes. The researchers also discovered that individuals with diabetes or metabolic syndrome without evidence of coronary calcium had cardiac-event risks comparable to those without these conditions.
A study by an international consortium has identified five new genes associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). The research, published in PLOS Genetics, found that these genetic variants contribute to the development of CAD and heart attacks, particularly in South Asian populations.
Despite advancements in treating STEMI patients needing emergency artery-opening procedures, delays continue to occur, particularly during transfers between hospitals. Researchers found that 34.2% of patients experienced delays, with the most frequent reasons being referral hospital delays and cardiac arrest.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have identified SUMO1 as a potential therapeutic target for treating and preventing the progression of heart failure. Gene therapy with SUMO1 improved cardiac function in human and pig hearts, suggesting its critical role in pathogenesis.
A new study found that simpler defibrillators with fewer risks of surgical problems and death are equivalent in benefits to complex devices. The study analyzed over 100,000 records and suggests re-evaluation of routine use of dual-chamber defibrillators.
A large study involving over 9,000 cardiac arrest patients found that longer initial CPR has no survival benefit. Bystander CPR may improve outcomes in patients who receive it.
Researchers developed a novel computational framework to predict the effects of medications on cardiac rhythms. The tool helps screen anti-arrhythmia medications early in the drug-development pipeline and guides physicians in prescribing interventions.
Researchers developed a noninvasive technique called Electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGI) to map the source and pattern of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in just one heartbeat. The technology, which combines CT scans with electrocardiograms, can generate movies of VT excitation waves and reveal even more about the nature of the arrhythmia.
A systematic review and meta-analysis finds a potential beneficial link between chocolate consumption and heart health, with five studies reporting a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. However, the authors caution that further research is needed to confirm these findings.
A review of seven studies involving over 100,000 participants found that higher levels of chocolate consumption were associated with a 37% reduction in cardiovascular disease and a 29% reduction in stroke. However, the authors caution that further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A Swedish study found that elite cross-country skiers have a higher incidence of arrhythmias, particularly those who have completed more races and trained at an elite level. The study also found that younger athletes were more likely to experience these arrhythmias.
The study discovered that pericytes can stimulate new blood vessels and aid in the recovery of a heart attack by transferring microRNAs to endothelial cells. This novel mechanism could lead to the development of new treatments for cardiovascular disease.
A study found that diastolic dysfunction prevalence increased by 39.2% in 4 years, with worsening function associated with heart failure risk. Age was a key predictor of developing diastolic dysfunction and heart failure.
A five-year study by Yale researchers found that nearly all heart attack patients were receiving angioplasty within 90 minutes of hospital admission, with a significant improvement from 44% in 2005 to 91% in 2010. This rapid progress was attributed to nationwide efforts to accelerate treatment and improve care for patients.
Researchers found a significant increase in CIED-related infections, with a 210% rise over 16 years. Comorbidities such as renal failure and diabetes may contribute to the higher infection risk. The study highlights the need for better understanding of infection risk factors and mitigation therapies.
A Gladstone scientist has discovered a genetic factor that regulates heartbeat synchronization, potentially advancing medicine and human health. The study found that abnormalities in this regulation lead to heart arrhythmias, which can be fatal, and may offer new avenues for drug therapy to target these pathways.
Scientists have developed a new heart model to investigate the effects of artificial nanoparticles on cardiac function. Exposure to certain types of nanoparticles led to increased heart rates, cardiac arrhythmia, and modified ECG values typical of heart disease.
A study found that newer cardiac CT scanners deliver significantly less radiation than previous technology, allowing for non-invasive imaging of coronary arteries in young patients. The researchers used a combination of medication and new scanner technology to obtain excellent images without sedation or anesthesia.
A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that the accuracy of pre-sport participation ECGs is fairly low, with an average score of 67% among pediatric cardiologists. This has led researchers to question the validity of mandatory ECG screenings for young athletes.
A new study reveals that pediatric cardiologists have a lower accuracy rate when interpreting ECGs for young athletes, highlighting the need for better training and guidelines. This can lead to unnecessary exclusion of healthy young people from sport participation and potential false reassurances to families.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers has discovered a genetic risk factor for sudden cardiac death, specifically a DNA sequence called the BAZ2B locus. Having one copy of this variant increases the risk of SCD by double that of someone without it, while having two copies nearly quadruples the risk.
A regional system for cooling cardiac arrest patients improved survival rates and neurological scores, according to a US-based study. The protocol, which was implemented across a network of hospitals and EMS departments, showed comparable outcomes between patients transferred within the network and those not.
Researchers from Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry discovered a potential therapeutic strategy for managing heart failure by modulating the interaction between hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and nitric oxide. The study found that this 'cross talk' can have positive effects on heart health and may lead to new drug therapies.
Researchers found that a coordinated care system significantly reduced door-in-door-out times for STEMI patients, with median transfer times decreasing from 97 minutes to 58 minutes after implementation. The system improved outcomes and was supported by the American Heart Association's Mission: Lifeline initiative.
A small study found PCI to be safe in patients with significant CAD who were referred for liver transplantation. The procedure was successfully performed in 94% of patients, and all remained clinically stable at one month following the intervention.
A University of Michigan study reveals that black patients with heart attacks face longer waits for life-saving procedures, with elderly patients often receiving care in slow-performing hospitals. The researchers attribute these delays to poor hospital quality and lack of resources.
A new study found that using a defibrillator less than 10 seconds after CPR pause significantly increases survival rates. The study examined 815 patients who suffered cardiac arrest outside hospital and found a 53% drop in survival rate for pauses over 20 seconds.
A new meta-analysis study found that three-lead cardiac pacemakers implanted in those with heart failure fail to help up to 40 percent of patients. Patients with less severe electrical disturbance in their hearts did not receive any benefit from these devices.
A new study by Teresa Pinto and colleagues reveals that teens with Type 2 diabetes exhibit early signs of diastolic dysfunction, a condition where the heart struggles to fill with blood between beats. The study found that these impaired hearts show reduced cardiac output during exercise, which may be reversible with physical activity.
A national study found that optimally implementing key guideline-recommended therapies for all eligible heart failure patients could prevent up to 67,996 deaths annually. The study highlights the potential health benefits of more consistent use of evidence-based treatments.
New research links fear of dying during a heart attack to increased inflammation, which can predict worse outcomes for patients. Fear of dying is associated with larger inflammatory responses and reduced heart rate variability.
A new Johns Hopkins research suggests that nighttime surgery has no effect on patient survival for heart and lung transplants. Despite concerns about surgeon fatigue, the study found no significant difference in outcomes between day and night surgeries.
A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln economist Seth Giertz found that male disability applicants rejected for federal benefits tend to have lower earnings and labor force participation rates. Rejected applicants also work less despite being in better health than accepted applicants.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have found that dietary inorganic nitrate can stabilize mitochondria and protect against free-radical damage in the heart. The study suggests that nitrate supplementation may reduce the risk of heart damage in patients undergoing chemotherapy with doxorubicin.
A new risk score can effectively identify patients with acute aortic dissection, which has a high mortality rate. The tool uses simple bedside screening to detect the condition's symptoms, including sudden, intense pain, and is backed by a large study involving over 2,500 patients.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends a single, co-ordinated European system to oversee the evaluation and approval of medical devices. The current system has been criticized for its lack of rigor in testing standards, unlike the US where trials must show clinical impact.
A large registry study found pneumonia patients are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest outside of ICU, with few warning signs. The study suggests improving risk assessment and interventions to address this issue.
Researchers extracted 148 Medtronic Sprint Fidelis leads without major complications, showing successful extraction rates. The study provides new insights into the procedure's feasibility in large volume centers.
Researchers at Columbia Engineering School have developed a new, non-invasive technique called Electromechanical Wave Imaging (EWI) to map the electrical activation of the heart. This breakthrough method could help doctors treat arrhythmias more efficiently and precisely.