Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.