Articles tagged with Heart
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine finds that women with chest pain but no coronary artery disease are at an elevated risk for cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke. The study suggests that these patients require a different treatment regimen and highlights the need to reevaluate their risk assessment.
A new study by Penn State professor Donna Korzick explores the link between estrogen deficiency and increased risk of heart disease in women. Researchers hope to identify proteins that respond to low-estrogen environments, which could lead to new treatments for heart disease.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center used new imaging technology to discover nearly 200,000 people in the US suffer 'silent' heart attacks each year. These unrecognized myocardial infarctions are linked to a surprisingly high risk of untimely death and may be more common than previously believed.
Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, wood smoke, or cooking oil smoke for as little as 10 minutes affects cardiovascular function in both men and women. Men exhibit a stronger sympathetic response, while women show a healthier parasympathetic response. These findings confirm previous research on the negative effects of tobacco smoke o...
Researchers found a significant increase in serious heart rhythm disturbances associated with bisphosphonate therapy. However, non-serious cases showed no overall increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study urges additional investigations to determine the link between the two conditions.
Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT), a rare inherited heart disorder that causes sudden cardiac deaths. Flecainide, a drug used to treat heart arrhythmias, has been found to reduce calcium release in heart cells, counteracting the cause of CPVT.
A study published in Journal of Intensive Care Medicine found that patients who received coronary angiography after cardiac arrest were twice as likely to survive without significant brain damage. Coronary angiography, an imaging procedure that shows blood flow through the heart, was independently associated with good neurologic outcomes.
A study reveals nearly two-thirds of children receiving routine interventional cardiology procedures may be treated with off-label pediatric cardiac devices due to lack of regulatory oversight. The devices were used for approved purposes in 63% of patients, with stent implantations being 99% off-label.
Researchers compared two groups of patients with coronary artery disease and severe heart failure, finding that surgical ventricular reconstruction made no difference in key clinical outcomes. The study's findings challenge conventional wisdom that making the heart smaller and more normal makes it stronger.
A study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that lower-income families and African-Americans have a lower quality of life after cardiac surgery. The Pediatric Cardiac Quality of Life Inventory (PCQLI) was developed to assess health-related quality of life in children and adolescents.
Researchers identified 14 gene variants associated with prolonged QT interval, a known risk factor for sudden cardiac death. Individuals with the top genotype scores were found to have a higher risk of prolonged QT intervals and increased mortality.
A study published in the Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases found that ischemic stroke patients with abnormal heart electrical cycles are at higher risk of death within 90 days. Prolonged QTc intervals, especially above 440ms for women, are associated with the worst prognosis.
A new risk score identifies patients who are likely to receive a survival benefit from combined heart and kidney transplants, based on factors such as peripheral vascular disease, age, and kidney function. The study found that low-risk patients with combined kidney failure and heart failure may benefit from combined transplantation.
Researchers found a decrease in heart attack diagnoses using ECG, while biomarker-based diagnoses increased, contributing to stable hospitalization rates. Additionally, cardiogenic shock incidence declined over 30 years, likely due to reperfusion therapy and primary angioplasty.
A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that young, healthy individuals who stereotype old people are at risk of heart disease years down the road. Researchers analyzed data from over 400 participants and found a striking link between negative age attitudes early in life and poor cardiovascular health later on.
A new statewide program requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in N.C. high schools to address inadequate emergency planning and increase use of life-saving devices. The study found that most schools lacked concise action plans, needed more AEDs, and struggled with coordinating EMS responses.
A national study conducted at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that women with suspected coronary artery disease who suffer from depression have significantly higher health care costs. Depression was associated with a 15-53% increase in cardiovascular costs over five years, translating to $1,550-$3,300 higher annual costs.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that short elevations in circulating nitrite levels can exert lasting beneficial effects on the heart by modulating its oxidation status and protein machinery. This study provides insight into how nitrite can protect the heart from stress and damage.
A study by UC Irvine researchers found that individuals with high systolic and low diastolic blood pressures are at a greater risk of heart attack and stroke. The combination of these two blood pressure components is a superior predictor of future adverse cardiovascular events.
Costantino Iadecola, a neurology scientist at Cornell University, receives the Thomas Willis Award for his pathophysiology research on cerebral ischemic injury. He will deliver a lecture on recent advances in understanding cerebrovascular injury and developing targeted treatments.
Alison Marsden's Y-Graft computer models can optimize Fontan procedures, predicting patient outcomes and exercise tolerance. The technology enables zero-risk testing of new surgery designs before patients undergo surgery.
Researchers discovered that idiopathic QT interval prolongation significantly increases the risk of sudden death among coronary artery disease patients. The study found a five-fold increase in odds for abnormally prolonged QT intervals of unknown etiology, highlighting its potential as a predictor for sudden cardiac death.
The 'chain of survival' improved out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates in Japan by increasing bystander CPR, early defibrillator use, and advanced life support. The study found a significant decrease in delay times and an increase in neurologically intact survivors.
A new study found that California law enforcement agencies experienced a significant increase in sudden deaths and firearm-related deaths after deploying Tasers, contradicting industry claims. The rates of sudden death increased six-fold, while firearm-related deaths rose by two-fold.
Experts warn that while hormonal contraceptives may be safe for many women, gaps in knowledge remain. The article highlights the need for further research on low-dose oral contraceptives and alternative forms of contraception for high-risk individuals.
A woman with a rare condition known as swallow syncope experiences episodes of feeling light-headed after eating sandwiches or fizzy drinks. The condition is caused by alterations in the vagal nervous reflex arc, leading to abnormal feedback that affects heart function.
A recent study found that women are twice as likely to die from a severe heart attack in the hospital compared to men, despite having similar overall mortality rates. Women were also less likely to receive certain life-saving treatments, such as reperfusion therapy and angioplasty.
Two proteins, CUGBP and MBNL1, play crucial roles in switching alternative splicing patterns during heart development. The study provides insights into normal heart development and has implications for understanding myotonic dystrophy.
A study of 34,715 women found that up to two drinks per day is not associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. However, women who consumed more than two drinks per day had a higher risk of developing the condition.
New research confirms that 64-CT scans can accurately diagnose coronary artery blockages, rivaling invasive cardiac catheterization. The technology also has the potential to reduce cardiac catheterizations and serve as an alternative to cardiac stress testing.
A recent study published in JAMA found that Medicare patients who receive ventricular assist devices (VADs) experience high rates of death, illness, and prolonged hospital stays. The study analyzed data from 2000 to 2006 and found that VAD recipients had a one-year survival rate of 51.6% compared to 30.8% for those without the device.
Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that gasping in cardiac arrest patients increases their chances of survival. In over half of witnessed cases, patients gasped after collapsing, and those who did survived at a higher rate than those who didn't.
Young African-American men have higher central blood pressure and stiffer blood vessels compared to their white counterparts, indicating early signs of hypertension. Central blood pressure is a key factor in detecting the problem, suggesting that it may be developing undetected in young African-American men.
Researchers from Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute will share findings on regenerating heart tissue using stem cells, a mutant gene therapy strategy to protect against heart disease, women's rapid onset of heart disease, and the effectiveness of new medication prasugrel in preventing ischemic complications.
A new study finds that air pollution has a significant impact on heart health, with personal exposure leading to increased blood pressure and systolic blood pressure. Community-level exposure is also associated with impaired blood vessel functioning, potentially contributing to sudden heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure.
A retrospective study found that gender matching in heart transplantation leads to improved short- and long-term survival rates. Male recipients receiving hearts from male donors had a 61% cumulative chance for survival, while female recipients of female donor hearts had a 25% drop in 30-day death rate.
Researchers found that community hospitals with more experience with coronary angioplasty have lower mortality rates. The study suggests that easing restrictions on elective angioplasty could improve patient safety and survival rates.
Cholesterol crystals released during cardiac attacks can cause further damage to artery linings much farther away from the initial attack site. This discovery has important clinical implications, suggesting that patients may need additional testing to prevent further damage during a cardiac event.
Retired NFL players had a lower prevalence of diabetes and hypertension compared to control groups, but higher rates of elevated cholesterol and impaired fasting glucose. Staying physically active may help protect against these health risks in former athletes.
A new stent coated with an antibody that binds endothelial progenitor cells has been found to be as effective as drug-eluting stents in keeping arteries open in patients with coronary heart disease. The study of 1,640 international patients showed low rates of stent blockage and revascularization procedures.
A major international study finds catheter ablation is superior to medication for treating irregular heartbeat. One year after treatment, 75% of patients were symptom-free, compared to 21%, highlighting the effectiveness of this procedure.
Researchers from Emory University School of Medicine have found daily rhythms in blood vessel activity may help explain morning peak in heart attacks. The study revealed that the lining of blood vessels functions better at night, with endothelial function being particularly depressed in early morning hours.
Researchers found no significant difference between pediatric patients who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass and those who did not, in terms of I.Q. scores and neuropsychological tests. The study provides good news for school-aged children with less complex heart defects undergoing surgery.
Researchers found that 14 out of 60 patients experienced detectable interference when MP3 headphones were placed near their implanted devices. Prolonged exposure to high magnetic fields can cause pacemakers to deliver signals without regard to the patient's heart rhythm, while defibrillators may temporarily deactivate.
The guidelines provide clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment information for a range of congenital heart defects. They also highlight key issues to look for during follow-up and make recommendations on genetic testing, pregnancy, contraception, and physical activity.
Patients with PTSD symptoms experience a 2.4-fold increased mortality risk compared to those without, according to a study of 211 patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators. Those with PTSD also reported more cardiac symptoms despite similar clinical characteristics.
Researchers develop new optical technique, anatomical optical coherence tomography (aOCT), to accurately measure airway narrowing and diagnose breathing disorders. The technology also helps understand congenital heart defects in developing embryos.
A recent study by Dr. Kevin Lachapelle found that 60% of patients over 80 who underwent heart surgery were still alive five years later, with 90% leading active lives. The study challenges the notion that age should be a barrier to open-heart surgery.
Researchers have identified a single microRNA, miR-138, critical to the development of heart chambers in zebrafish. This discovery may provide new approaches for treating congenital heart defects. The study showed that miR-138 regulates numerous gene functions and is required during a specific developmental window.
Researchers found that heart failure patients have a fourfold higher risk of fracture and six times the risk of hip fracture compared to other heart patients. Heart failure and osteoporosis share common risk factors such as older age, female sex, smoking, and type-2 diabetes.
A revolutionary heart operation technique using cutting-edge technology will be performed on October 20, demonstrating the University of Leicester's world-class credentials in cardiology. Dr. Andre Ng, a leading expert in catheter ablation procedures, will perform the procedure live at the Heart Rhythm Congress.
Researchers demonstrate that female mice with damaged heart cells can still fully function at birth thanks to the proliferation of healthy cells. However, some mice develop heart problems later in life, highlighting the need for further investigation into the gene's influence on adult hearts.
Researchers found less than half of Medicare patients had pre-elective PCI, and only 44.5% underwent stress testing within 90 days.
A study found that reducing amiodarone treatment frequency did not decrease side effects but increased atrial fibrillation recurrence rates. Patients in the episodic treatment group had higher all-cause deaths and cardiovascular hospitalizations compared to those receiving continuous treatment.
University of Houston professors Matthew Franchek and Ralph Metcalfe receive a $2.8 million NIH grant to create a pulseless total artificial heart (TAH) with advanced control systems. The device aims to improve reliability and adjust to physiological needs, offering hope for those waiting for a heart transplant.
A single dose of EPO immediately after a heart attack reduces apoptosis and limits damage to the heart. The study found a 2.7-fold reduction in tracer accumulation, indicating less damage to heart tissue.
Researchers at the University of Iowa and France have discovered a gene variant that causes sinus node disease, a potentially fatal heart rhythm disorder. The study found that variants in the ANK2 gene result in dysfunction in the protein ankyrin-B, leading to variable heart rates and bradycardia.
Researchers analyzed data from over 5,500 cardiac arrest cases to determine the effectiveness of transporting patients to hospitals. The study found that applying the Basic Life Support Rule or Advanced Life Support Rule would have saved approximately 1,645 and 245 trips to the hospital, respectively.
Researchers have discovered a molecular mechanism underlying cardiac arrhythmia, revealing that a virus receptor plays a crucial role in regulating heart rhythm. The study found that the receptor is essential for normal heart function and its absence or dysfunction leads to arrhythmia.
A study of 642 adults with bicuspid aortic valves found that cardiac events and death were more common in younger age groups. However, overall mortality was not significantly different between the group and the general population.