Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
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.
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of genetic counseling and comprehensive clinical evaluation in treatment decisions. The guidelines also recommend specialized centers for genetic testing and interpretation, covering 13 inherited cardiac conditions.
Research suggests that a balanced diet with mono- and polyunsaturated fats can improve cardiac function in patients with heart failure. By providing sufficient energy to the heart, a damaged heart can maintain its normal metabolic profile and utilize its preferred energy source.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a cost-effective tool to detect cardiotoxicity, a common side effect of drugs. The webcam-based biosensor enables real-time monitoring of cardiac cells' beating rates and could accelerate the drug discovery process by identifying toxic effects early on.
The study found that participants lost an average of 5.5% of their body mass, reduced waist circumference by 5.15%, and increased effort capacity by 15%. The program also showed a decrease in bad cholesterol and increase in good cholesterol.
Researchers found that heart attacks between 6am and noon cause a 20% larger area of dead tissue, leading to more severe consequences for patients. This study suggests that time of day can significantly impact the severity of heart attacks.
Rice University bioengineering students collaborate with the Texas Heart Institute to create unique AED pads that allow rescuers to try again without losing valuable time. The pads have been tested with 100% success rate and are being patented, with hopes of being picked up by an AED manufacturer for FDA approval.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania have discovered a new understanding of how the heart forms in frog embryos. They found that the blood separation comes from an entirely different part of the embryo, known as the 'second heart field'. This finding has implications for human health, particularly for patients with DiGeorge Syndrome.
Non-Hispanic black infants born with heart defects are more likely to die within the first five years of life compared to non-Hispanic white and Hispanic peers. The study found that minority children, particularly non-Hispanic blacks, face higher risks for certain types of congenital heart abnormalities.
Cardiac specialists will use new guidelines to determine who should receive a mechanical heart-pumping device. The guidelines have the potential to change clinical practice patterns for patients with severe heart failure. Dr. Morgan's presentation at the ISHLT annual meeting in San Diego highlights the importance of these changes.
A study at Henry Ford Hospital found that non-cardiac surgery can be performed safely in patients with a heart device. The study looked at the management of blood-thinning medication and found no complications due to bleeding or device malfunctions.
A recent study published in European Heart Journal found that high plasma renin activity (PRA) levels may predict cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. By measuring PRA levels, doctors can assess a patient's risk and introduce therapies to lower their PRA levels, potentially preventing heart attacks or strokes.
A study found that exercising during pregnancy can help infants develop healthier hearts, with improved cardiovascular function maintained even after birth. The research suggests that interventions should focus on pregnant women to promote better health outcomes for children.
A recent Penn study found that heart patients support discussions about ICD deactivation at the end of life and post-mortem donation for product improvement or reuse. Most patients want their ICDs deactivated in an end-of-life illness, and many support donating their devices to improve global health disparities.
A recent survey by the ACC/AHA/HFSA found that heart failure programs in the US are struggling to find the right mix of clinicians to manage this growing patient population. The study concludes that staff ratios remain the same despite program growth, indicating under-staffing with reduced financial resources.
Since 2003, Minnesota hospitals without cardiac catheterization labs have dramatically improved their acute heart attack or STEMI guidelines and protocols. As a result, the state has seen a significant decline in cardiovascular mortality rates, with a 50% decrease from 2002 to 2009.
A UCLA-led study found that adherence to national guideline-recommended therapies for heart failure significantly lowered mortality rates. Six out of seven individual measures were associated with improved patient survival over 24 months.
A study found that young African-American competitive athletes with sickle cell trait are at risk of sudden death, particularly during football training. The study suggests that pre-participation screening is crucial to identify and prevent such deaths.
A study found that young adult patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy survived cardiac arrest after receiving therapeutic hypothermia. The treatment was successful despite marked left ventricular wall thickness and other risk factors.
A recent study published in the American College of Cardiology's annual scientific sessions reveals that routine periodic fasting can lower one's risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes. Fasting was also found to reduce other cardiac risk factors, such as triglycerides, weight, and blood sugar levels.
A regional prevention project involving 10,000 adults has shown a 24% reduction in acute heart attacks in a five-quarter period compared to the previous period of evaluation. The Heart of New Ulm Project combines environmental, peer leadership and individual interventions to prevent coronary heart disease.
Research studies presented at the ACC Meeting found associations between higher body mass index and increased cardiac risk factors, as well as a 47-percent reduction in radiation dose with lower kVp imaging. Additionally, persistence of left ventricular hypertrophy was linked to worse outcomes in patients with lower achieved systolic p...
Researchers found a connection between migraines with aura and patent foramen ovale in children, a common heart defect affecting 25% of the US population. The study suggests closure of PFO may help treat certain types of migraines, offering new hope for treatment.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society and Canadian Heart Rhythm Society have published comprehensive guidelines on the use of genetic testing in managing patients with inherited heart rhythm disorders. The guidelines emphasize the importance of ordering physicians having a clear understanding of ethical issues surrounding genetic testing.
Researchers have shown that an increase in the amount of donor DNA in recipient's blood is an early detectable sign of organ rejection. This finding may allow doctors to avoid high doses of medication required to combat more advanced cases of rejection.
A pilot study found that adding ECG to history and physical examination identified unsuspected cases of potentially serious heart conditions in healthy children. The study suggests that a low-cost screening might help identify children at risk for sudden cardiac arrest.
Researchers have shown that stem cell injections can reduce heart size, scar tissue, and improve function to injured heart areas. The therapy has been found to be beneficial for patients with chronically enlarged hearts due to damage from heart attacks.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet have discovered that specific inflammatory substances called leukotrienes play a crucial role in the development of aortic stenosis. The study found that anti-inflammatory medication may be a promising new treatment for the disease, which affects millions of people worldwide.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that women are underutilized of guideline-recommended treatments for heart disease compared to men. The disparity is attributed to various factors including age, congestive heart failure, and physician decision-making.
Research analyzed 15 studies and found that stroke survivors with atrial fibrillation were 2.4 times more likely to develop dementia than those without the heart condition. Approximately 25% of patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation developed dementia during follow-up.
A massive study has identified 13 new genes linked to coronary artery disease, with most operating through unknown mechanisms. The discovery opens up new avenues for therapies and highlights the complexities of heart disease.
Researchers developed a new CPR method that increases long-term survival rates with good brain function by 50 percent. The technique uses two devices to increase blood flow, nearly tripling the amount compared to standard CPR.
A study by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center found that being a woman does not necessarily increase the risk of dying from treatment for a severe heart attack. However, women tend to be older and sicker at the time of treatment, leading to higher mortality rates.
A new study by Dr. Todd Anderson at the University of Calgary's Libin Cardiovascular Institute has identified endothelial dysfunction as a predictive marker for coronary heart disease. By detecting this marker in patients, doctors may be able to intervene early to prevent the progression of heart disease.
According to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, only one out of 1,900 people met the American Heart Association's definition of ideal cardiovascular health. The study evaluated 1,933 participants and found that less than 10% met five or more criteria for heart-healthy behaviors.
Texas Children's Hospital researcher Dr. Jeffrey Jacot receives a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and $450,000 grant to develop tissue engineering therapies using stem cells derived from human amniotic fluid. The goal is to create living heart tissue that can 'patch' or reconstruct hearts with congenital defects.
A study by researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre found that cardiac rehabilitation programs can increase patient referrals by 40% and reduce mortality rates by approximately 25%. The program offers a comprehensive approach to health, combining medical treatments and lifestyle modification.