Research on the heart and how it stays healthy. Covers light exposure, tissue maintenance, trauma-related cardiovascular risk, and circadian effects.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers developed a new method for early detection of heart attacks using metabolite profiling, detecting changes in blood samples 10 minutes after the event. The approach has potential to improve early treatment and survival rates.
The CoreValve ReValving System has shown high procedural success and excellent long-term outcomes in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis. Procedural success rates reached 91%, with significant improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and mortality rates.
The US Medical Licensing Examination board has introduced an audio portion to its medical licensing exam, requiring students to identify heart murmurs and abnormal heart sounds. The skill level required is much higher than traditional curriculum, leading to increased dependence on expensive tests.
Research shows air pollution damages heart and blood vessels, leading to increased rates of hospitalization for cardiac illness and even death. Exposure to ultrafine pollutants triggers an inflammatory response that can cause arrhythmias and speed the progression of atherosclerosis.
A recent study found significant racial, age and geographic disparities in the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), a treatment for heart failure. The research examined nearly 34,000 hospital admissions and discovered that CRT was underutilized in certain populations, such as older patients and those from the Northeast.
Researchers found specific alterations in heart and circulation in children with small birth weight, differing between boys and girls. These changes are associated with higher blood pressure and risk of hypertension and heart disease.
The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine has awarded a planning grant to Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute to support regenerative stem cell-based approaches for treating heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and pacing abnormalities. Researchers will use autologous stem cells derived from patients to replace damaged heart cells.
Researchers have discovered that AHI1 protein instability contributes to Joubert syndrome, while Ahi1-HAP1 complex interactions regulate brain development. In contrast, studies on leprosy and atherosclerosis reveal links between innate immunity and human lipid metabolism, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
A new mini ECG monitoring system allows heart attack rehab patients to undergo six-week walking exercise programs from anywhere, with real-time monitoring of their heart signal, location, and speed. This approach has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital re-admissions.
Researchers at LSU Health Sciences Center discovered that high-dose hyperbaric oxygen therapy can revive laboratory swine within 25 minutes of cardiac arrest, surpassing the previously thought limit of 16 minutes. This breakthrough may lead to improved survival rates and more definitive treatments for human patients.
Researchers have found a gene mutation linked to one family's hereditary form of atrial fibrillation, leading to better understanding and potential new treatments. The discovery provides insight into pathways that may be applicable to people in the general population with atrial fibrillation.
A study of nearly 9,000 patients found that inadequate blood sugar control increases the risk of death and major complications after heart surgery, affecting both diabetic and non-diabetic patients. The research suggests that strict protocols for active blood sugar control are necessary to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers used PET imaging to detect structural and functional alterations in the circulatory system of asymptomatic diabetic patients. The study found that PET revealed coronary vascular dysfunction as a precursor to coronary artery disease, which may precede structural changes in the arterial wall.
Researchers link fever to life-threatening changes in the heart's electrical cycle of LQT-2 patients, a genetic condition characterized by prolonged QT intervals. Fever triggers abnormal electrical currents in heart cells, potentially leading to ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure.
A new class of natural compounds has been identified that can enhance the sensitivity of mouse cancer cells to standard anticancer chemotherapeutic agents. Fever, on the other hand, is associated with prolonged QT intervals in heart cells of patients with LQT-2, a potentially fatal genetic disease. These findings suggest potential ther...
Pediatric cardiac surgeons used stereoscopic glasses to visualize the heart in real-time during surgeries, resulting in improved accuracy and speed. The new technique showed a 44% reduction in time spent on anchor placement compared to traditional 3D ultrasound guidance.
A study of 290 dental patients found bacteria in the blood after tooth brushing and extractions, but with lower incidence than expected. The researchers suggest that good oral hygiene can reduce the risk of heart valve infection by reducing gingival disease and bacterial species associated with IE.
A review of heart bypass patients in Ontario hospitals found that 111 deaths (32%) might have been prevented with better care. Many preventable deaths were related to lapses in established procedures, highlighting the need for quality improvement initiatives.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that heart patients who met regularly with cardiac 'disease managers' for three years had better control of risk factors and lower death rates. The approach demonstrated clear clinical benefits, including improved cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and medication compliance.
Researchers found that intermittent hypoxia treatment reduced myocardial infarction and lethal arrhythmias following coronary artery occlusion and reperfusion in dogs. The treatment also suppressed cardiac activity of nitric oxide synthase, a key enzyme involved in the production of harmful compounds.
A study found that succinobucol reduced cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke in some patients, but also increased LDL cholesterol and atrial fibrillation. However, it improved glycated haemoglobin levels, suggesting potential benefits for long-term diabetes control.
Scientists at Thomas Jefferson University will study molecular mechanisms of cardiac injury leading to heart failure, as well as cellular and molecular mechanisms that promote repair in the adult failing heart. The four-lab project aims to find data that can be translated into novel therapeutic strategies.
Dr. Marrouche's pioneering work with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has improved the curative rates and safety of radiofrequency ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation. His research has led to significant reduction in complications and arrhythmia-free outcomes for patients.
Researchers have discovered that TPO, a naturally occurring protein, can protect the heart against damage during a heart attack. The study found that administering a single dose of TPO to rats decreased permanent muscle damage and increased heart function after a heart attack.
Experimental studies on pigs found that stun gun discharges can stimulate the heart, particularly when barbs are located across the heart. This contradicts theoretical studies suggesting that cardiac stimulation does not occur with stun gun discharges.
Research found that 40% of African-Americans have a genetic variant that protects them from heart failure and prolongs their lives. The variant has an effect similar to beta blockers, which are widely prescribed for heart failure. This study resolves the controversy surrounding beta blocker efficacy in African-American patients.
Experimental work on utilizing donor organs from cardiac arrested donors shows promise in addressing the critical organ shortage for lung and possibly heart transplantation. Strategies for organ preservation during transport, such as Ex-Vivo Lung Perfusion (EVLP) and Organ Care System (OCS), are also being discussed.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded contracts to develop new mechanical circulatory support devices for children with congenital heart defects. These devices are designed to decrease wait list mortality and improve efficiency of organ utilization in pediatric patients.
Dame Anne McLaren was a pioneer in embryonic germ cells and contributed to IVF treatments. Prof Christine Mummery will honor her memory with a keynote lecture on advances in stem cell research, highlighting its potential for treating diseases like heart damage.
A recent study found that maternal exercise during pregnancy has a positive impact on fetal cardiac programming, reducing fetal heart rate variability. The research also revealed lower heart rates among fetuses exposed to maternal exercise compared to non-exercising mothers.
Women with poor kidney filtering ability are at increased risk of sudden cardiac death, according to a new study published by the American Heart Association. The research found that those with advanced kidney dysfunction had a 3.16 times higher risk of SCD than women with normal kidney function.
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is leading the development of external and implantable heart pumps designed specifically for small children with heart failure. The hospital has received a $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to complete the development of an external centrifugal pump, known as PediVAS, which will...
The Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute will feature presentations on various topics related to cardiovascular health, including emerging technologies for heart valve repair and women's heart issues. Researchers will also discuss the link between prohormones and cardiovascular disease risk among post-menopausal women.
A new study from Boston Children's Hospital found that digital music players like iPods do not affect pacemaker function. However, the devices can interfere with telemetry, requiring a minimum distance of six inches to avoid issues.
A Mayo Clinic study found that 82% of retired NFL players under 50 had abnormal artery narrowing and blockages. The researchers emphasize the need for regular cardiovascular screening in football players to prevent serious cardiovascular events.
A new study found that brief, high doses of folate in rats reduced muscle tissue damage and scarred areas after a heart attack. Researchers believe folate acts as an energy reserve for the heart, providing needed energy during a blocked artery.