Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
A new American Heart Association statement highlights the need for specialized care in people who inject drugs, a population with a complex approach to manage potentially deadly heart infections. The standard treatment includes six weeks of intravenous antibiotics, but alternative regimens and oral antibiotics may help complete treatment.
Scientists have discovered three proteins with therapeutic potential to prevent cardiac damage and preserve cardiac function after a heart attack. The proteins, Chrdl1, Fam3c, and Fam3b, were identified through an innovative technology called FunSel that screens human proteins for protective effects.
Researchers developed a method to identify valve dysfunction using complex network analysis that is accurate, simple to use, and low-cost. The diagnostic tool works by analyzing the sounds produced by the heart, creating a graph of connected points, and identifying correlations between nodes.
A new risk score can help predict mortality for patients with atrial fibrillation who have undergone successful TAVR and been discharged home. The risk score was developed using data from the ENVISAGE-TAVI AF trial, which found that patients with certain clinical risks were more likely to die within a year of discharge.
A study of 22 million patients found that those with autoimmune disorders have a substantially higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The excess risk is similar to that of type 2 diabetes and affects the entire cardiovascular disease spectrum.
A recent study by pediatric cardiologists has found that certain maternal health conditions can partially explain the racial disparities in congenital heart disease outcomes. The research assessed over 8,000 infant and mother records from diverse populations and identified placental and metabolic syndromes as contributing factors.
The SECURE trial found that the polypill, containing aspirin, ramipril, and atorvastatin, achieves clinically relevant reductions in recurrent cardiovascular events among patients recovering from a heart attack. This simplified approach improves treatment adherence, leading to a 33% reduction in cardiovascular mortality.
The study found that the probability of surviving cardiac arrest outside hospital has more than doubled in 30 years, from approximately 5% to 11%. The improvement is attributed to increased CPR training and better healthcare resources. However, ambulance delays and an increase in difficult-to-treat cases are hindering further progress.
Researchers developed a novel blood test that measures cell-free DNA to evaluate PAH severity and predict survivability. The test showed significant improvement over conventional tests and may allow doctors to intervene faster to prevent disease progression.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum is an intensive summit bringing together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and drive innovation in medtech. The agenda features interdisciplinary perspectives on unmet clinical needs, financing, regulatory policy, and evolving healthcare delivery models.
A research study of African Americans with cardiovascular disease found that higher levels of religious practices and spirituality are associated with greater likelihood of intermediate or ideal levels of heart health. Specifically, private prayer was linked to better diet and smoking habits, while nontheistic spirituality was associat...
Researchers from UMass Amherst have created a tiny sensor that can simultaneously measure electrical and mechanical cellular responses in cardiac tissue. This breakthrough device has the potential to lead-edge applications in cardiac-disease experiments and improve health monitoring for cardiac disease studies.
African American adults with higher levels of religiosity and spirituality may be more likely to meet key cardiovascular health metrics. The study found associations between religious behavior, spirituality, and improved health outcomes in terms of diet, physical activity, and smoking.
A study found that 47% of parents meeting criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, compared to 12% of children with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. The trauma triggered by a child's heart problems can affect the entire family.
A team of scientists has developed a novel setup for magnetocardiography using a diamond quantum sensor to measure heart currents at millimeter resolution. The sensor is based on nitrogen vacancies sensitive to weak magnetic fields produced by heart currents and can operate at room temperature.
Researchers at Temple University hospital found that maternal-fetal mortality can be reduced to zero through patient-tailored management of right heart function prior to delivery. Women with pulmonary hypertension who received specialized care had excellent outcomes, with 100% survival for mothers and infants.
Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and heart failure, can profoundly affect quality of life. The American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the importance of tracking symptoms to detect changes and progression.
Researchers found a 20% decrease in coronary artery dilation and reduced myocardial flow reserve in patients with prior COVID-19 infection. This may lead to poor prognosis and higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that smartphone video motion analysis can accurately detect narrowed neck arteries, which are a significant risk factor for stroke. The algorithm achieved an impressive 87% accuracy rate in detecting stenosis in participants with carotid artery disease.
A study by CNIC scientists has identified a key role for the MKK3/6–p38γ/δ signaling pathway in cardiac hypertrophy. Inhibition of p38α promotes an unexpected activation of the other branch of the pathway, consisting of the proteins MKK3, p38γ, and p38δ. This activation induces another key pathway in cardiac hypertrophy, the mTOR pathway.
A RCSI study has found that babies born with Down Syndrome experience impaired changes in heart function and blood pressure in their lungs over the first two years of age. The research suggests that all babies with Down Syndrome should have their heart function monitored during childhood due to these common issues.
A West Virginia University study explores the link between pregnancy, sedentary behavior, and cardiovascular disease risk in women. The research aims to investigate whether physical activity can reduce or eliminate this accelerated risk development in women.
The new educational alliance will strengthen access to medical education and training for physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals. The joint programs will focus on advancing the latest research in cardiovascular disease and interventional therapies.
A national study by UC San Francisco found that basic home blood pressure cuffs and smartphone-connected devices have no significant difference in improving blood pressure control. After six months, patients who used basic cuffs had a lower blood pressure reduction compared to those using Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Scientists aim to improve vein health for patients undergoing heart bypass surgery and dialysis. They discovered that two genes play a crucial role in smooth muscle cell differentiation, enabling veins to mature and function like arteries.
The new guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for managing patients on warfarin, DOACs, and antiplatelet drugs before and after surgeries. It aims to minimize preventable bleeding and thrombotic events by standardizing approaches and protocols.
Researchers developed a new cardiac cell-derived platform that closely mimics the human heart, accelerating maturation of human cardiac cells towards a state suitable for preclinical drug testing. The model achieved structural, mechanical, metabolic, and electrophysiological characteristics close to adult heart muscle within 30 days.
A new study has identified the genes that become active in carotid arteries when plaque rupture causes a stroke. The researchers sequenced the RNAs in plaques from patients who had experienced a stroke within two to five days, revealing increased inflammation and loss of protective cap.
Researchers from the University of Tokyo have identified the Wnt6 morphogen as a crucial regulator of heart development in vertebrates. The study used mathematical modeling and experiments to understand how Wnt6 morphogen distribution is regulated, with potential implications for drug design and tissue repair.
Higher aldosterone concentrations are associated with lower eGFR, lower potassium levels in blood, and higher potassium and protein concentrations in urine. The risk of CKD worsening was independent of diabetes status. Finerenone may help prevent CKD progression by targeting aldosterone's action.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, spongy electrode made from a sugar cube template, offering improved signal detection and reduced noise. The device's micropores provide increased contact area with the skin, enabling it to monitor uterine contractions and other health issues with high quality.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association finds that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a 30% increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Younger adults, including Gen Z, experience increased social isolation and loneliness due to higher social media use and less in-person engagement.
A study published in Stem Cell Reports found that manipulating two signaling pathways, MAPK and PI3K-AKT, enhances the maturation of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. This breakthrough discovery has significant implications for the development of cell therapy for heart disease.
TCT 2022 will feature late-breaking clinical science presenting the safety and effectiveness of minimally invasive techniques, pharmaceuticals, technologies, and devices for treating or preventing cardiovascular disease. The event takes place September 16-19 in Boston at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
Researchers discovered distinct genetic mutations in heart failure patients, identifying potential targets for personalized treatment and improving patient care. The study's findings hold enormous potential for rethinking how to treat heart failure by understanding its root causes and the mutations that lead to changes in heart function.
Researchers found 560 proteins were differentially expressed, with 32 significantly altered, in reductive stress hearts. The proteome signature revealed oxidative stress-related pathways and mitochondrial dysfunction.
A new study reveals racial and gender disparities in access to life-saving heart-assisting implants, with Black patients and women facing lower rates of surgery. Despite similar survival rates, the findings suggest that unconscious bias may be influencing healthcare provider decisions.
Research suggests that chemicals produced by gut microbes after eating red meat may contribute to cardiovascular disease. The study found a 22% higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease associated with increased red meat consumption, which was partly attributed to elevated levels of TMAO and related metabolites in the blood.
A recent study found that people who smoke or vape prior to hospitalization for COVID-19 are more likely to experience severe complications, including death. The study, which analyzed data from the American Heart Association's COVID-19 CVD Registry, also showed that young individuals are particularly at risk.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that making small behavioral changes can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. Participants who received a lifestyle intervention showed improvements in physical activity, diet, and sedentary time, leading to decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A Spanish study combines genetic and imaging data to predict patient prognosis, identifying those at risk of malignant arrhythmias or severe complications. The findings open the way for personalized medicine in treating dilated cardiomyopathy.
A study published in the American Heart Association's Hypertension journal found a significant association between frequent napping and an increased risk of high blood pressure and ischemic stroke. The researchers analyzed data from over 360,000 participants and suggested that naps may not be enough to make up for poor sleep at night.
A recent study published in European Heart Journal suggests that women can reduce the negative effects of salt in their diet by consuming potassium-rich foods such as bananas, avocados, and salmon. The research found that dietary potassium was linked to lower blood pressure, particularly in women with high salt intake.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of stroke, even for people at high genetic risk. The study used data from over 11,500 adults and estimated lifetime stroke risk based on polygenic risk scores.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that people with hypertension are more likely to require hospitalization for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. The study, published in Hypertension, highlights the importance of avoiding infection and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with high genetic risk for stroke can reduce their risk by 30-45% by adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle. The study followed 11,568 adults over 28 years and showed that modifying lifestyle risk factors can offset genetic risk.
A study found ranolazine reduces inflammation and atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels, lowering the risk of heart attack or stroke. The established drug also has an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing chronic vascular inflammation.
Children with complex congenital heart defects are 5 times more likely to receive an anxiety diagnosis, highlighting the need for mental health assessment and treatment. For adults, 50% experience mood or anxiety disorders, underscoring the importance of integrated mental health care in CHD specialty teams.
A new analysis of data from Chicago shows that as violent crime decreases, so does the area's death rate from heart disease. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found a significant decline in cardiovascular disease mortality when violent crime declined by more than 10%.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that Black children who have stroke after heart transplant are more than three times as likely to die compared to their white counterparts. The researchers analyzed data from 8,224 children who received cardiac transplants between 1994 and 2019.
A study found that individuals with a rare genetic variant common in people of East Asian descent are at higher risk of vessel reclog during or shortly after endovascular therapy for ischemic stroke. The researchers analyzed data from 277 East Asian adults who received the treatment between 2011 and 2021.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that adults with abnormal heart metabolism are up to three times more likely to experience life-threatening arrhythmias. The study used MRI techniques to detect abnormal ATP levels and predict future sudden cardiac death.
The study found that patients with severe stress-induced myocardial ischemia are likely to benefit from heart bypass surgery or angioplasty, while those with mild or no ischemia are not. Early revascularization was associated with a more than 30 percent reduction in mortality compared to patients treated with medication.
A new Mount Sinai study reveals that young Black adults are twice as likely to have atherosclerosis as their Hispanic counterparts. Researchers used comprehensive questionnaires and 3D vascular ultrasounds to determine cardiovascular risk scores, finding significant discrepancies between the groups.
The Heart and Lung Research Institute (HLRI) at the University of Cambridge will bring together over 380 researchers and clinicians to tackle cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. The institute aims to deliver high-impact research to drive breakthroughs in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases, which represent...
Bioengineers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences create first biohybrid model of human ventricles with helically aligned beating cardiac cells, increasing blood pumping efficiency by up to 50%. The model was made possible using Focused Rotary Jet Spinning (FRJS), a new method of additive textile manu...
A team of researchers has successfully created complex artificial tissue models, including a full-scale human heart model, using focused rotary jet spinning. This method enables the creation of intricate details and spatially varying alignment, rivaling biological tissues in mechanical behavior.
Researchers investigated radiation exposure among health professionals performing structural heart interventions, revealing higher doses for echocardiographers and cardiologists compared to sonographers. The study highlights the need for safer procedures and protective measures to mitigate radiation risks.
The TCT MedTech Innovation Forum brings together clinicians, entrepreneurs, investors, payors, and regulators to identify clinical challenges and opportunities for innovation in cardiovascular care. The forum aims to shape the future of patient care through informed discussion and real-world insight.
Grieving a close family member can significantly increase stress levels, contributing to poor prognosis in heart failure patients. The study found that bereavement was associated with increased mortality risk, particularly after death of a child or spouse/partner.