Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
Researchers found that CT scans are more accurate than MRI in ruling out coronary artery disease. Extended-duration transdermal nicotine therapy was also shown to increase smokers' chances of quitting successfully.
A new software technology allows doctors to visualize 3D images of heart arteries in the catheterization lab, improving assessment and treatment of coronary artery disease. This can reduce radiation exposure and decrease analysis time for cardiologists.
A landmark study published in JAMA found that catheter ablation significantly improves quality of life and reduces symptoms of atrial fibrillation compared to drug therapy. The treatment, which destroys abnormal heart tissue, resulted in a 66% success rate for patients with no recurrent irregular heartbeats or symptoms.
A study published by Dr. Stephanie Fuller at the Society of Thoracic Surgeons found that deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) does not impair language skills, attention, and other neurocognitive abilities in school-age children. The use of DHCA was not predictive of worse performance for any neurodevelopmental outcome.
Researchers at University of Leicester are developing innovative method to map and target abnormal electrical signals in the heart, benefiting millions with atrial fibrillation. This approach enables cardiologists to treat AF more accurately, potentially reducing need for second procedures.
The Pediatric Cardiac Genomics Consortium aims to identify genetic and epigenetic causes of congenital heart disease. The collaboration seeks to discover preventive strategies, targets for treatment, and better diagnostic information for families.
A study found that Medicare beneficiaries who attended more cardiac rehabilitation sessions had better outcomes, including a reduced risk of heart attack and death. Researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 patients age 65 and older, finding that those who attended all 36 sessions had the lowest mortality rates.
A study published in the December 2009 issue of HeartRhythm found that only half of eligible heart failure patients received implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) to prevent sudden cardiac death. The study also revealed wide variations in ICD use, with certain patient groups more likely to receive the devices.
Certain cardiac pacemakers may inadequately stimulate a patient's heart while undergoing an MRI scan due to the magnetic pulses mixing with electronic pulses from the pacemaker. This can lead to incorrect or absent stimulation and is potentially dangerous for the patient undergoing the scan.
A large-scale study found that less than half of eligible patients with heart failure receive cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices. The therapy is particularly beneficial for patients with disorganized heartbeats, but widespread variations in CRT use were observed among practices and patient characteristics.
Researchers have identified cardiac myosin-binding protein C as a potential new diagnostic biomarker for heart attacks, particularly useful for mild attacks. cMyBP-C becomes nearly 20 fold more abundant than before within 5 minutes following a heart attack, suggesting its value in early diagnosis.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model of heart cells to understand the effects of oxidized CaM kinase on cardiac electrical activity. Oxidation activates the enzyme, leading to a vicious cycle that advances heart disease.
A new study suggests that adult stem cells can differentiate into heart cells to repair damage, offering a promising new treatment for heart attack patients. The Phase I trial showed significant improvements in heart function and reduced arrhythmias after administration of the stem cells.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine found that only 7.6% of cardiac arrest victims survive, with factors such as restored pulse and bystander CPR significantly improving survival rates. Experts emphasize the need for increased awareness and use of devices to shock the heart to change these dismal survival rates.
Exposure to tobacco smoke in either the donor or recipient before heart transplantation leads to accelerated immune system rejection of the transplanted heart. The study found a significant reduction in the transplanted organ's chance of survival by 33-57 percent.
Researchers at UCSD and Stanford University developed a computational tool to simulate blood flow on computers, optimizing surgical designs for the Fontan surgery. This tool allows doctors to test plans and evaluate blood flow patterns before operating, potentially reducing risks associated with the procedure.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are using a mouse model to identify genes that cause congenital heart defects, which affect up to 1% of live births. The goal is to develop a diagnostic chip that can rapidly identify genetic root causes of specific heart defects.
A study of 500 patients found that EKG readings can yield false positive diagnoses for left ventricular hypertrophy with a rate of 77-82%, while false negatives occur at a rate of 6-7%. This can lead to unnecessary additional screenings.
The VCU Medical Center and Richmond Ambulance Authority partnership has improved resuscitation and survival rates for cardiac arrest patients by training paramedics to lower body temperature in the field and using high-tech strategies. The strategy resulted in a two-fold improvement in return of spontaneous circulation and an increase ...
Continuous chest compression-CPR has been shown to improve cardiac arrest survival in Arizona, with a 32% survival rate compared to 6% for standard CPR. This study found that bystanders can save more lives by performing chest compressions only instead of mouth-to-mouth CPR.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that young athletes should undergo both EKG and echocardiogram screenings to detect early signs of life-threatening heart defects. Abnormal findings were discovered in 36 athletes, highlighting the importance of comprehensive screening programs.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine discovered a link between fat accumulation around the heart and aorta, as well as within the liver, and decreased cardiac pumping function. Measuring body mass index (BMI) does not accurately predict the amount of unwanted fat in these areas.
A large clinical trial testing two resuscitation strategies found both equally successful; no additional benefit from using an impedance threshold device during CPR. The study involved approximately 11,500 participants and stopped enrollment early based on preliminary data suggesting no significant improvement in survival rates.
Penn researchers identify a novel cellular source of atrial fibrillation, the most common type of abnormal heart beat, and suggest a more precise way to treat AF with reduced side effects.
The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association release updated guidelines recommending the use of beta blockers in high-risk cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery to minimize cardiac risk. The guidelines emphasize careful patient selection, dose adjustment, and monitoring throughout the perioperative period.
The 'Red Alert for Women's Hearts' conference aims to address the need for gender-specific research in cardiovascular health. Key findings include low representation of women in clinical trials and a lack of data on their specific cardiovascular pathology, leading to incorrect application of male data.
A new optical system can simultaneously image electrical activity and metabolic properties in the heart, providing a platform for testing new treatments for arrhythmias. The system could lead to a better understanding of the relationship between metabolic disorders and heart rhythm disturbances.
The 4th annual Katz Prizes in Cardiovascular Research recognize outstanding contributions by senior scientist Elizabeth G. Nabel and young investigator John P. Morrow, who are judged by an independent panel of peers.
A study found that smoking one cigarette increases arterial stiffness by 25% in 18-30 year olds, making the heart work harder. Young adults aged 20-24 years have the highest smoking rate, with even light smoking causing damage to their arteries.
A recent study by Dr. Ravi Bajaj found that over half of heart patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) do not receive counselling on their ability to drive after angioplasty, putting lives at risk. The study also revealed inconsistent driving restrictions among doctors, highlighting a need for improved education and patient safety.
A study of over 20,000 Canadian grade 9 students found that most already have at least one major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity in teens were alarmingly high and increasing over time.
A study found that adding ezetimibe to atorvastatin significantly boosts attainment of lipid targets in elderly patients, producing superior results than increasing the dose of atorvastatin alone. The combination improved LDL-cholesterol levels and reduced cholesterol absorption from the gut.
A new Mayo Clinic study has found that video capsule endoscopy is safe for patients with heart devices, contradicting previous FDA contraindication. The study, involving 84 patients, showed no complications or interference between the procedure and implanted cardiac devices.
A study by Canadian cardiologists found that patients with herceptin-related heart complications can be taken off the medication and treated for the condition, allowing them to resume cancer treatment unaffected. The research suggests that heart damage from trastuzumab is largely reversible.
Researchers recommend screening people over 40 for PAD due to its association with heart disease and stroke. The study found 17 cases of PAD among 362 volunteers, highlighting the importance of aggressive treatment and prevention strategies.
A study found South Asian Canadians have less access to physical activity opportunities and develop coronary artery disease earlier than white Caucasians. Simple yet effective ways to incorporate physical activity into daily life can help mitigate this risk.
Dr. Shelagh Coutts, an Alberta neurologist, is developing a new brain scanning technique using CT scans and angiograms to rapidly diagnose mini-strokes. The technology has the potential to predict which patients are at risk of having a second stroke.
A new study has found no significant gender differences in rates of chest discomfort or 'typical' symptoms such as arm discomfort, shortness of breath, and sweating. Female patients were more likely to have both classic symptoms of a heart attack and throat, jaw, and neck discomfort.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that patients who received refurbished pacemakers donated from Detroit area funeral homes survived without complications. The pacemakers functioned normally at six months, with no device complications reported.
The Framingham Heart Study has received a $1M challenge grant to identify risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation. Researchers will use data from five major cohort studies, including the study's own long-term follow-up of over 10,000 participants.
A multicenter clinical study found that maximizing chest compression time during CPR substantially improves survival rates. Interrupting chest compressions has a detrimental effect on patient survival, and researchers recommend relatively simple changes to CPR training and practice.
A new Kaiser Permanente study found that women with diabetes are 26% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation than non-diabetic women. The study involved nearly 35,000 patients over seven years and isolated the effect of diabetes as an independent risk factor for women.
A study found that black patients have lower survival rates after in-hospital cardiac arrests compared to white patients. The racial difference was largely associated with the quality of hospitals where black patients received care.
A study published in Aging Cell found that the conserved protein d4eBP protects heart function against aging, revealing a potential mechanism for cardiac aging. The research also sheds light on the TOR and FoxO signaling pathways, with implications for human heart health.
Researchers have discovered that applying capsaicin to specific skin locations can trigger signals in the nervous system, activating cellular pathways that protect the heart. This technique has shown promise in reducing cardiac cell death by up to 85%.
A recent study published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association found that longer periods of uninterrupted chest compressions during CPR lead to better survival outcomes. The study analyzed data from 506 patients and discovered that a return to spontaneous circulation was achieved in 58% of cases with minimal compres...
A study examined stroke risk among patients undergoing cardiac surgery, finding that post-operative stroke occurred in approximately 2 percent. Patients with combined cardiac and carotid procedures had a significantly higher incidence of postoperative stroke, suggesting that these procedures should be avoided.
A University of Warwick researcher has demonstrated that an Xbox chip can be used as a cheaper alternative for modeling complex processes like cardiac arrhythmias. The study found that the XBox 360 GPU can perform high-end parallel computing on domestic hardware, saving researchers thousands of pounds.
A recent study by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center found that only half of eligible patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation underwent surgery, despite meeting at least one indication for treatment. The study suggests that cardiologists may overestimate surgical risks and underestimate potential benefits.
Research highlights striking differences in national prevention policies and cardiovascular mortality rates across EU countries, with Hungary and Greece showing highest rates. The study also found noticeable disparities in risk factor prevalence and CHD prevention policies among the 16 participating countries.
A study found that 1 in 8 patients thought to have epilepsy or unsure diagnosis actually had a heart rhythm issue causing fainting. Eighty percent of those who underwent pacemaker insertion were symptom-free after 9 months.
A landmark study published in NEJM found that a new therapy combining CRT-D reduces the risk of death or heart failure by 34%, with a significant reduction in heart failure hospitalizations. This trial demonstrates the effectiveness of CRT-D therapy for patients with mild cardiac disease, improving both survival and quality of life.
The KYOTO HEART Study found that valsartan significantly reduced the incidence of cardiovascular events, including angina pectoris and stroke/TIA, in Japanese hypertensive patients. The study showed a lower rate of primary endpoints in the valsartan arm compared to non-ARB conventional therapies.
A nationwide study found that elevated carbon monoxide levels, even below national limits, are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease among seniors. The study suggests an under-recognized health risk to seniors, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of health-based standards.
A collaborative effort is needed to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Europe, focusing on lifestyle changes and risk factor management. The European Heart Health Charter has established a roadmap for countries, while guidelines from the Joint European Societies' Task Forces provide practical guidance.
A new study found nearly 70% of participants received at least one medical imaging procedure between 2005 and 2007, resulting in an average effective dose nearly double natural sources. The study highlights the need for research on the benefits and risks of medical imaging procedures to inform patient care.
A UBC research team has found that too much cholesterol can disrupt the flow of electrical currents in the heart, leading to abnormal heartbeats. By reducing cholesterol levels, they discovered a way to normalize the structures underlying these electrical activities, promoting a regular and healthy heartbeat.
Researchers found that urinary albumin to creatine ratio is a powerful and independent predictor of heart failure prognosis, even in patients without diabetes or kidney disease. A high ratio was associated with increased risk of death from cardiovascular causes and hospital admission for worsening heart failure.
A new study from Arizona suggests passive oxygen flow is more effective than assisted ventilation in treating patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. The modified protocol, called Cardiocerebral Resuscitation, resulted in higher survival rates compared to conventional bag-valve-mask ventilation.
Researchers developed a tool to simulate blood flow in children's hearts before surgery, allowing surgeons to optimize blood flow and energy efficiency. The tool helped plan the surgery of a four-year-old girl with a single ventricle defect, improving her oxygen levels and reducing complications.