Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
Researchers found that less than one-third of acute stroke patients treated with clot-busting drug tPA receive it within 60 minutes of hospital arrival. Timely tPA administration is linked to lower in-hospital mortality and fewer complications, with every 15-minute reduction associated with a 5% lower risk of death.
American Stroke Association honors scientist John Hallenbeck with the Thomas Willis Award for his dedication to stroke research spanning four decades. The award also recognizes other researchers making significant contributions to clinical investigation and management of stroke.
Researchers created beating human heart cells from skin cells of patients with a severe genetic heart defect, allowing them to study and characterize the disorder at the cellular level. They also identified a promising drug to reverse the heart malfunction, which has no decent treatments currently available.
Research from University of Warwick reveals prolonged sleep deprivation increases risk of strokes, heart attacks, and cardiovascular disorders, highlighting importance of getting 7 hours of sleep per night.
Researchers have identified the gene DOT1L as critical for heart function, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy. The study found that low levels of DOT1L enzyme can cause heart disease, including congestive heart failure.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy significantly reduces mortality among patients with mildly symptomatic or advanced heart failure, improving long-term outcomes. The addition of CRT to optimal medical therapy or ICDs can be extended to a wider proportion of patients, benefiting the growing population affected by heart failure.
A multicenter study found that recalled Sprint Fidelis implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads failed at a higher rate in younger patients, women, and individuals with hereditary heart disease. However, the failure was not associated with death or serious injuries.
Researchers studied physicians and scientists trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp, finding extensive but reversible changes in heart function after exposure to low oxygen levels. The findings suggest that heart problems experienced by seriously ill patients may be reversible once oxygen levels are returned to normal.
Scientists from the Victor Chang Institute have discovered a key clue to understanding why certain medications cause abnormal heart rhythms. By studying the hERG potassium channel, they found that many common drugs bind to this channel when the outer gate is closed, blocking ions and increasing the risk of arrhythmia.
A comprehensive NIH study found that cardiac arrests in public settings had a higher percentage of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, the types of abnormal heart rhythms treatable by electric shock. More than one-third of public cardiac arrests treated with an AED survived, compared to 12 percent at home.
A sub-population of Listeria monocytogenes displays enhanced cardiac tissue infectability, increasing the risk of serious cardiac disease. Diagnostic tests based on bacterial genetic markers could protect vulnerable groups.
Researchers found that N-acetylcysteine can decrease the size of von Willebrand factor multimers in mice, potentially treating life-threatening blood disorder thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). However, chronic use of drugs targeting Notch1 raises concerns due to its link to vascular tumors and lethal hemorrhage in mice.
Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have received prestigious ERC Grants to develop new therapies against multi-resistant germs, study interactions between cellular components, and improve algorithms for image processing. The grants total €9.8 million.
A new CPR technique has been shown to increase long-term survival after cardiac arrest, with a 53% improvement in survival rates compared to standard CPR. The active compression-decompression cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) method provides nearly three times more blood flow to the heart and brain.
A new CPR technique using compression-decompression and negative intrathoracic pressure increases blood flow to the heart and brain by nearly three times, leading to a 53% improvement in long-term survival. The study involved 46 EMS agencies and showed that this alternative method is more effective than standard CPR.
Researchers have identified PPAR alpha and gamma as key signaling elements in remote ischemic preconditioning (IPC), a powerful form of cardioprotection that can reduce myocardial infarct size by up to 50%. The activation of these nuclear receptors is linked to the production of nitric oxide, a well-established preconditioning-mimetic.
New research suggests beetroot juice can reduce the amount of oxygen needed to perform low-intensity exercise by up to 12%, enabling people to walk for longer periods. The study's findings have potential implications for older adults and individuals with heart or lung conditions.
A recent study found that patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can safely continue taking clopidogrel, but bleeding complications are associated with using a Dacron patch. The study analyzed 260 consecutive patients and found no significant difference in operative blood loss between those on clopidogrel and aspirin alone.
A new blood test can detect cardiac troponin T levels in 25% of seemingly healthy individuals, indicating an increased risk of dying from heart disease. The test's results showed that those with elevated troponin T levels were nearly seven times more likely to die within six years.
A large Scottish study has found tricyclic antidepressants increase CVD risk by 35%, while SSRIs show no association. Lifestyle changes can offset medication risks.
A large study found implanted devices for heart failure patients are successful in 'real world' use, with survival rates comparable to those in clinical trials. Remote monitoring networks improved patient outcomes by providing earlier diagnoses and empowering patients to take charge of their health care.
The University of Colorado is part of a broader FDA initiative to improve AEDs. The Denver pilot project aims to link AEDs to emergency medical dispatch, increasing bystander saves. Currently, AED locations are unknown in many places.
A new study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions found that community education in rural and suburban areas significantly shortens treatment time for heart attack patients. The study, which examined the effect of a regional Level 1 MI program, found that patients who received outreach education came to the ho...
Neurological complications after heart surgery are common, affecting central and peripheral nervous systems, according to a study published in Hospital Practice. Complications can include strokes, seizures, delirium, and medication toxicity, highlighting the need for prompt identification and optimal management.
Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones is being honored by the American Heart Association for his outstanding contribution to improving cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes and research grants.
Despite a high frequency of cardiac risk factors, many patients presenting with acute heart attacks are not on primary prevention medications. The study found that nearly 400,000 patients present annually with ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the US, highlighting the need for improved preventive care.
A study published in JAMA found that using automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in hospital settings does not improve survival rates for patients experiencing cardiac arrest. The analysis, which included over 11,700 hospitalized patients, showed a 15% lower rate of survival among those who received AED treatment.
Researchers identified irregular heartbeat in pacemaker recipients as a potential stroke risk factor. Meanwhile, disparities in cardiovascular care persist despite healthcare reform, with African-Americans and those with lower socioeconomic status receiving fewer invasive procedures. Stress tests using exercise electrocardiography and ...
A recent study by Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute reveals that over half of patients taking warfarin are unaware of potential interactions with herbal and dietary supplements. The most commonly used supplements interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding or stroke.
According to the American Heart Association, only 12% of men and 13% of women had all four health factors at ideal levels. Researchers found that death rates were 55% lower for participants with five to seven health factors at ideal compared to those with no health factors at ideal levels.
A new therapeutic implant has been proven to synchronize and strengthen a fading heart beat, reducing the risk of death by 24% compared to current treatment. The device therapy, called cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), also improves quality of life and reduces hospital admissions for worsening heart failure.
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that light to moderate drinking among male coronary artery bypass patients was associated with 25% fewer subsequent cardiovascular procedures and death compared to non-drinkers. However, heavy drinkers were twice as likely to have subsequent cardiovascular ...
Recently bereaved individuals experience elevated heart rates and potentially harmful heart rhythm changes, increasing the risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death. These effects tend to normalize within six months.
A study of nearly 50,000 people has identified DNA sequence variations associated with cardiac electrical activity, which may lead to novel approaches to prevent or treat serious rhythm disorders. The findings provide new clues about the biologic pathways that influence cardiac conduction and identify genes and genetic pathways involve...
A study suggests that patients who received therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest took longer to wake up and showed improved brain activity compared to those who did not receive the treatment. The results challenge current guidelines for withdrawing care from comatose patients.
Researchers at Northwestern Memorial HealthCare have successfully implanted two small Heartware VADs in a 44-year-old patient with severe myocarditis, marking the first time this biventricular approach has been used in the US. The device provides total heart support without removing the patient's natural heart.
A new study published in the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention found that patients with anxiety disorders are more likely to have undetected heart problems during electrocardiogram tests. The study suggests that administering a brief questionnaire before conducting ECGs can help identify patients at risk.
Researchers have developed a new type of heart pump to improve the survival rate for infants undergoing surgeries to correct univentricular circulation. The innovative 'viscous impeller pump' can be inserted through a catheter and expands to form two cones, spinning at 10,000 rpm to efficiently pump blood.
A new study reveals that the protein T-cadherin is necessary for adiponectin's cardioprotective functions. Adiponectin activates AMPK, which regulates energy usage in the cell. The absence of T-cadherin leads to impaired AMPK activity and increased cardiac damage.
A study of Canadian adolescents found that poor sleep patterns, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy diets are increasing cardiovascular risk factors. Experts recommend implementing healthy habits at schools to reduce the alarming trend in poor sleep among teens.
Research suggests that patients with high anxiety sensitivity, who are frightened by bodily sensations and symptoms associated with anxiety, may experience improved cardiac outcomes when treated with rhythm control strategy. This approach appears to be important for these patients, particularly those with congestive heart failure.
Researchers found that participation in cardiac rehab was associated with decreased risk of emergency room visits and hospitalization, as well as lower mortality rates. A new structured home-based cardiac rehab program may help overcome barriers to attendance, particularly for women and the elderly.
A study found that obese children have stiff blood vessels similar to those of older adults with cardiovascular disease. The aortic stiffness is an early indicator of cardiovascular disease in obese children, suggesting accelerated aging.
A new surgical procedure using Kryptonite superglue has improved the recovery of heart patients after open-chest surgery, accelerating healing and reducing complications. The adhesive allows for new bone growth, enabling patients to breathe deeply without powerful painkillers.
Researchers have discovered a protein called PIM-1 that can serve as an early warning system for pulmonary hypertension, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially more effective treatment. Gene therapy has also been shown to reverse the condition by blocking the inappropriate activation of this protein.
Researchers have discovered a potent toxin in scorpion venom that can prevent neointimal hyperplasia, a leading cause of heart bypass graft failure. The compound, margatoxin, is up to 100 times more effective than other known inhibitors, offering new hope for patients undergoing bypass surgery.
A novel approach to treating cardiovascular disease is being explored through recycling pacemakers, with experts finding the process safe and effective. The study aims to reduce the financial burden of pacemakers on impoverished nations, where access to these devices is limited.
A meta-analysis published in The Lancet found that chest compression-only CPR improved survival rates by 22% compared to standard CPR. The study analyzed data from over 3,700 cardiac arrest patients and found the benefit occurred only when 911 dispatchers coached bystanders to use chest compression-only CPR.
Recent research suggests that measuring fatty tissue around the heart is an even better predictor of major heart problems. Noninvasive CT scanning can provide this important information. The researchers conclude that assessment could add meaningfully to clinical risk assessment and generate CT information regarding plaque buildup.
Cardiovascular Innovation Institute researchers have received a $2.027 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to further develop an implantable pump for patients with single ventricle heart disease. The device has the potential to revolutionize treatment by reducing surgeries and improving survival rates.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a robotic catheter to treat atrial fibrillation, reducing operating times and radiation exposure. The catheter uses smart materials for improved maneuverability, allowing for more effective and efficient treatment.
Research suggests that heart patients with Type D personality are at a higher risk of developing future cardiovascular issues. A three-fold increase in such risks was observed among Type D patients compared to those without this personality profile.
A US clinical trial demonstrated the strong safety profile of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells in patients after a severe heart attack. The study found improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes at six months, suggesting potential benefits for cell therapy trials.
Researchers found that chest compressions first approach may be better in cases of long waits for EMS, with higher one-year survival rates and benefits for cardiac arrests with prolonged response times. The study suggests an emphasis should be placed on high-quality chest compressions.
The VCU Medical Center is leading a national clinical trial of a portable, mechanical driver that can power patients' artificial hearts outside the hospital environment. The device allows stable patients to recuperate in their own homes until a donor heart becomes available for transplant.
A study published by the American Heart Association found that Mexican-American stroke survivors with a heart rhythm disorder have more than twice the risk for another stroke compared to non-Hispanic whites. Additionally, their recurrent strokes are more likely to be severe, although they do not have a higher risk of death after stroke.
Research reveals that oral bacteria can jailbreak from the mouth into the bloodstream and increase risk of heart disease. Poor dental hygiene allows bacteria like Streptococcus to cause tooth plaque and gum disease, leading to blood clots and cardiovascular problems.
A new study in mice shows that social support can minimize physical damages to the brain caused by a heart attack. Socially isolated mice suffered more cell death, depressive symptoms, and inflammation than those living with a partner.
A recent study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that IT-based programs can support clinicians to close gaps in CVD care delivery, including risk assessment and patient self-management. The authors emphasize the need for a supportive social and political environment to fully realize the potential of these programs.
Researchers demonstrate that rationally guided human adult stem cells can effectively heal, repair, and regenerate damaged heart tissue. The study shows improved heart function recovery, reduced scars, and increased survival rate in mouse models with heart failure.