Articles tagged with Heart
A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that an olive oil emulsion improved stent delivery in patients with abnormal heart arteries. The emulsion was successfully used to place lubricated stents in 85% of patients with no negative effects months after the procedure.
A nationwide study reveals that over 500 sudden unexplained cardiac deaths occur annually in England, mostly among young men. The researchers found that only a third of cases were correctly identified as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), with most victims having no prior heart history or symptoms.
Researchers found that strong neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets can cause interference with cardiac devices like pacemakers and ICDs, potentially leading to fatal consequences for patients. The study recommends caution and warning labels on products containing these magnets.
Researchers develop a 3D model of a child's heart using MRI scans to simulate blood flow and optimize surgical procedures for complex congenital heart defects. The system aims to improve quality of life for children with single-ventricle hearts by reducing the need for multiple surgeries.
A UK review concludes that an implantable pump can help patients with rapidly deteriorating heart failure live and recover strength while waiting for a transplant. However, the device's use is limited due to high costs and quality-of-life restrictions.
A study published in Nature demonstrated TB4's ability to regenerate coronary vessels in mice, a finding that could lead to new treatments for human heart disease. TB4 may prevent loss of heart muscle cells and restore blood flow, providing a much-needed treatment modality.
A new resuscitation approach called Cardiocerebral Resuscitation has been shown to improve survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims. The technique, which eliminates mouth-to-mouth breathing, enhances the willingness of lay individuals to engage in resuscitation.
Researchers found a 36% survival rate for blacks and 46% for whites, despite similar levels of coronary disease. The disparity is attributed to various factors, including bias in treatment, mistrust of the medical system, and socio-economic barriers.
A study found that heart failure is associated with more common factors than previously believed, including preserved ejection fraction and diastolic dysfunction. Patients with preserved ejection fraction were older and less likely to be smokers, while those with reduced ejection fraction had higher mortality rates.
Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) undergoing interventional heart procedures are at higher risk for dying within a week and experiencing complications such as blood clots and bleeding. The study analyzed nearly 20,000 patients and found PAD to be a strong predictor of life or death in these cases.
Adult heart transplant recipients who received HCV-positive donor hearts had higher mortality rates and lower survival rates at 1, 5, and 10 years. The study suggests that transplanting hearts from donors with hepatitis C should be avoided if possible.
Researchers at UTMB discovered that blocking aldose reductase can short-circuit sepsis, protecting heart function and reducing deaths. The compound is similar to an existing diabetes drug in stage three clinical trials.
A study by researchers from the University of Turin found that hospital admissions for acute heart attacks among people under 60 fell by 11% after Italy's public smoking ban was introduced. The decline was largely attributed to reduced exposure to passive smoking, with only a small fraction due to active smoking.
The Heart Rhythm Society has published final recommendations for pacemaker and ICD performance, emphasizing greater transparency and patient safety. The guidelines include specific guidance for physicians, manufacturers, FDA officials, and Congress to prevent adverse events due to device malfunctions.
A systematic review of 13 clinical trials found that early, intensive statin therapy reduced cardiovascular death, unstable angina, and revascularization. The benefits were sustained for two years, with slightly less than a 20% reduction in adverse coronary events.
Researchers have identified calcineurin as essential for complete lung development, and its absence led to respiratory problems in mice. A new model of human placental development also sheds light on the complex process of placentation, while a study on thyroid structures reveals that mature T cells trigger their formation.
Researchers at University of Bristol have made a major breakthrough in measuring energy levels inside living heart cells, real-time. This could lead to better understanding of heart disease and improved recovery of the heart during cardiac surgery or after a heart attack.
Patients with end-stage renal disease have a significantly shorter life expectancy after ICD implantation, highlighting the need for continued research on prevention and treatment strategies. The study calls into question the survival benefit of ICDs in patients with kidney disease who meet current implant indications.
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation releases comprehensive global guidelines for managing heart failure patients prior to transplantation. The guidelines aim to enhance patient care, optimize outcomes, and improve resource allocation.
A new study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that genetic defects, particularly those related to Long QT Syndrome (LQTS), are significant risk factors for sudden cardiac death in teenagers. The study also identified changes in puberty among teens with LQTS as a predictor of life-threatening events.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that GRK2 protein levels are elevated in patients with failing hearts compared to those with normal heart function. The study suggests that GRK2 could be a biomarker for heart failure and potentially predict patient response to treatment.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine reveals that diabetes mellitus significantly slows nerve recovery after a heart transplant. This finding highlights the importance of understanding nervous system abnormalities to guide therapeutic efforts aimed at reducing cardiac risk for patients with diabetes.
The US FDA has approved a new totally implanted artificial heart, providing hope for patients with severe heart failure. The device is designed for those who are not eligible for a heart transplant and have a short life expectancy without the device.
A lack of cardiac calsequestrin protein can cause irregular heartbeats during exercise, but not at rest. Researchers found that the protein's absence triggers premature calcium release, leading to life-threatening conditions like CPVT.
Studies found that trastuzumab treatment can cause impaired heart function in 28% of women with advanced breast cancer, which may be reversible. Additionally, radiation therapy to the left side of the chest increases the risk of heart disease and coronary artery disease.
A study analyzed FDA recalls and safety alerts involving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and accessories between 1996 and 2005. The findings show that AEDs were recalled in 9 of 10 years, with electrical or software problems being the most common cause.
As heart procedures increase, it's essential to monitor success of new treatments and technology to keep costs down and quality high. Financial incentives from insurance companies and peer review teams can help improve care while reducing expenses.
The revised guidelines recommend using risk factors for stroke to determine whether anti-clotting therapy is given to people with atrial fibrillation. Aspirin or warfarin is recommended for patients with certain risk factors, and daily aspirin therapy is suggested for those without stroke risk factors.
A Johns Hopkins study shows that moderate exercise has no negative impact on the heart's ability to pump blood or increase in size. Exercise improves heart function and reduces abdominal fat, benefiting those who make gains in physical fitness.
Researchers found that transvenous pacing, a procedure inserting a lead into the heart, is a better first alternative for patients with ongoing difficulty maintaining their heart rate. The study suggests this approach can help prevent cardiovascular problems and death in these patients.
Diastolic heart failure is increasingly common, now accounting for over half of heart failure cases. Women, particularly elderly women, are disproportionately affected. Therapies for diastolic heart failure may need to be distinct from those for systolic heart failure.
A study of children and young adults treated with doxorubicin for bone tumors found progressive worsening of heart damage, with nearly half showing diastolic dysfunction. Regular echocardiography is recommended to monitor heart function and prevent further deterioration.
Study reveals rats' hearts can withstand severe hypothermia with minimal oxygen loss, highlighting the importance of continued CPR efforts. However, prolonged exposure leads to fatal heart failure upon rewarming, suggesting improved cardiac output as a key factor in survival.
Researchers identified a common genetic variation that determines response to beta-blockers in patients with heart failure. The Arg-389 variant showed a 38% reduction in death rate among those with two copies of the gene. This discovery may lead to personalized medicine for heart failure treatment.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine successfully manipulate cells to regenerate damaged heart tissue using cyclin A2. The findings hold promise for future therapy and treatment of heart disease, potentially leading to less surgery and medicine.
The ESC recommends developing joint clinical services with common diagnostic pathways, trained specialists in multiple imaging modalities, and evaluation of tests based on clinical outcomes. This collaboration aims to improve the quality of life of European populations by reducing cardiovascular disease's impact.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified two cases of 'broken heart syndrome,' a rare condition that mimics a heart attack, resulting from opioid withdrawal and cocaine use. The findings highlight the importance of cautious medication management and patient education to prevent serious complications.
A study published by The Reis Group found that the survival rates of young competitive athletes experiencing sudden cardiac arrest are significantly lower than expected, even with proper CPR and defibrillation. The authors suggest that underlying heart conditions may be a major factor contributing to these poor outcomes.
The study found that activating hedgehog signals in adult mouse hearts increased blood vessel density, offering an alternative to invasive procedures. The researchers believe a drug treatment targeting hedgehog signaling could provide substantial benefit to patients with ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarctions.
A new device developed by Dr. Babs Soller detects circulatory shock earlier than current methods, which rely on blood pressure and heart rate. The sensor analyzes muscle oxygen and acid levels to predict impending problems.
A recent clinical trial has shown that heart attack patients with cardiogenic shock who undergo emergency angioplasty or bypass surgery within six hours experience improved long-term survival rates compared to those receiving intensive medical therapy. The study enrolled 302 patients and found significant benefits from early revascular...
A study found that obese teenagers have larger and heavier hearts, with impaired function, which cannot be explained by high blood pressure alone. The research suggests that childhood obesity can lead to long-term consequences on heart disease risk.
A new study found that a clot-busting drug can revive cardiac arrest patients with a 26% success rate, compared to 12% for standard therapy. The treatment, tenecteplase, was administered to 50 patients who didn't respond to standard therapy and showed improved overall survival.
Researchers investigate the effects of hypoglycemia on insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes and discover a potential solution using urocortin I. Urocortin I suppresses the counterregulatory response to low blood sugar, impairing glucose-sensing neurons in the brain.
Abnormal rhythms were found to occur 27% of the time during cardiac arrests in children, with initial shockable rhythms having better outcomes than those developing later. Prompt defibrillator shocks improved survival rates, but subsequent VF had poor outcomes due to underlying heart disease or late diagnosis.
Researchers identified risk factors for PAD progression in large blood vessels, with smoking being a powerful predictor, while diabetes was linked to small vessel PAD. Effective preventive measures include smoking cessation, altering cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication.
The European Society of Cardiology has released updated guidelines for managing stable angina pectoris, providing recommendations on treatment methods and risk stratification. The guidelines aim to improve the quality of life for European populations affected by cardiovascular disease.
Azim Karim and Hassan Khalil, two University of Houston graduates, received prestigious national fellowships. Azim's $20,000 Merage fellowship will support his goal to become a medical doctor specializing in cardiovascular sciences.
Late-breaking clinical trials presented at HEART RHYTHM 2006 reveal ablation to be more effective than anti-arrhythmic drugs for treating atrial fibrillation. Additionally, catheter ablation significantly reduces ICD therapies in post-heart attack patients.
Researchers identified two genes, CAV3 and RyR2, linked to SIDS. The study found molecular and functional evidence in these genes suggesting a possible explanation for the condition. The findings point to the heart as a critical area of investigation for SIDS.
Regular exercise helps patients with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) maintain a regular heartbeat. Moderate physical activity decreased the patients' ventricular rate by 12 percent in those with chronic AF. Researchers also explored new pacemaker technology using acoustic energy, found to be safe and effective.
Multiple studies investigated ICD replacement complications, with one study finding a 1.24% complication rate and another reporting 8.1% complications. A decision analysis model was developed to guide management of device recalls, concluding that risks are not insignificant but should only be considered for high-risk patients.
Between 1996 and 2005, the FDA issued 52 advisories involving AEDs or accessories, affecting over 385,000 devices. More than one in five AEDs were recalled due to potential malfunctions, with electrical and software problems being the most common causes.
Researchers found less improvement in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among women and the elderly, with a shift towards other forms of CVD. Out-of-hospital deaths have not dropped as much as in-hospital deaths. The study suggests opportunities for improved prevention and interventions to address these disparities.
A survey by the European Society of Cardiology found that care for adults with congenital heart disease in Europe is suboptimal, with many specialist centres failing to meet basic standards. The report identifies key areas for improvement, including the need for more trained healthcare professionals and specialized equipment.
A study of 2,498 hospital patients with acute myocardial infarction found that 22% were depressed, with women and younger patients at highest risk. The prevalence of depression was 40% in women aged 60 years or younger, highlighting the need for aggressive screening and treatment.
Patients with severe sleep-disordered breathing have a higher prevalence of arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. The study found that individuals with SDB are more vulnerable to nocturnal cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death.
A University of Alberta study found that older donor hearts are just as good as younger ones, with similar survival rates at the end of 10 years. Despite initial risks, such as increased mortality within 30 days and pretransplant diabetes, long-term outcomes were comparable.
A recent study by Northwestern researcher Nalini Rajamannan reveals that bone growth, rather than wear and tear, is the primary cause of heart valve disease. This active process can be treated with medications similar to those used for coronary artery disease, offering new options for prevention and treatment.
Research supports pioneering hypothesis that infants' immature immune systems allow them to accept transplanted organs from mismatched blood groups. This results in improved infant survival and expands the potential donor pool.